A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

by Wilton, Patrice

  When he turned he had a plate in his hands. The shrimp with the Sambuca sauce sat atop a small serving of angel hair pasta. A single purple flower adorned the plate, and a small vase with more cut flowers sat on the table. His thoughtfulness and care meant so much to her that she blinked back tears.

  “You inspired me this morning,” he said, sliding the plate in front of her. Then he broke a stem from one of the cut flowers and put it behind her ear. “Let me know what you think.”

  She lifted her fork and brought a shrimp to her mouth. It was hot. She blew on it, her eyes on his. Then she bit into the deliciously flavored shrimp, and nearly simpered with pleasure. A man who could cook like this was worth his weight in gold. “This dish tastes like heaven.” She smiled. “No wonder you opened your bistro here. Nowhere else would have been good enough.”

  He was busy for the next half hour as two tables came in and he had to fill their orders. But it was fun to sit in the kitchen with him, sipping her wine, and watching the man work. It was obvious that he loved what he did. Perhaps he was showing off a little, but he certainly had flare. Slicing and dicing with a sharp silver knife—flipping vegetables and beef in a skillet without the use of a spatula. She wondered how he could do that. The oil would have splattered her and the stove, but not so with him.

  He was a man with skills, and she made the decision to learn what else he did well.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  By the time Nick closed up and they drove to his home it was nearly three. He had told Ally he wouldn’t be returning tonight, but that everything was ready and all she needed was to warm the food, put it on a plate, and she’d be good to go.

  Ally had given her a look, surprised and a little wary. It was obvious that she cared about her boss, and didn’t want to see him hurt.

  They left her car at the garage as after two glasses of wine, she had a slight buzz. Walking to his Jeep, she tucked her hand under his arm, feeling as though she were floating on air. The idea of making love to this delicious man was tantalizing. For the past two hours she’d watched him work, seeing the numerous things those hands could do. She wanted to feel them on her so much that even in the chilly air she was burning up.

  The whole set-up at the restaurant—a table for two, flowers, wine, lingering glances and tiny kisses between dishes—had been an act of seduction. Foreplay. And oh God, did it work. They couldn’t get there soon enough.

  She crossed her legs in the Jeep and folded her arms. Snuck glances at his strong profile. His face was set in stone, his hands on the wheel slightly unsteady. She had the feeling that he was feeling the heat of the moment too.

  He shot her a look that burned deep. “You okay?”

  “Uh…yeah. You?”

  “I feel like a teenager ready to explode. I want you so bad, I can hardly drive.”

  She glanced down and saw the tightness in his jeans. She laughed, and touched his thigh. “How much further?”

  “Five more minutes.”

  “Hurry, please hurry.” She licked her lips and slid her hand up and down his leg. “This is crazy. But I’m not afraid. I want to do this. With you.”

  He understood. “I promise you won’t regret it. And if you change your mind, we can stop at anytime.”

  “I won’t change my mind.” She took her hand off his leg and settled back in the car, trying not to think of Daniel or what this moment would mean. It didn’t lesson her love for her husband, and never would. It only meant that she might be ready to love again.

  As soon as they were parked, she flung the door open and ran around for a kiss. She was half afraid that they might lose this connection if she allowed her head to get involved. And she didn’t want that to happen. The next few hours belonged to her. And Nick. The rest of the world could just darn well wait.

  His tongue slid into her mouth and mingled with her own. His breath tasted sweet, like the mocha latte they had drank together after their meal. She stood on tiptoe to get a little more of him, and his hands slipped inside her open jacket. They found her breasts, and even through the tee shirt her nipples tightened, aching for his touch.

  So good. So right. “Let’s get inside,” she said, not recognizing her own voice.

  “Mind the dogs,” he said, opening the door, and ushering her in, while his leg fought the large dog and a smaller one from jumping all over her.

  She laughed, and stooped to pet the two of them, giving them both a hug and kiss.

  He watched her for a minute, then he pulled her up and into his arms.

  “Save those for me.” He slid her jacket off her shoulders and tossed it onto a bench. He removed his own, and kicked off his boots. She stepped out of hers.

  His arms went around her middle drawing her near. Her breath hitched in her throat. His thighs were pressed against hers, and she felt his bulge. Her blood skyrocketed, and she moved her hips to feel him better. Had anything ever been quite this good?

  One hand drifted down to her ass, and pulled her in closer. She shifted her weight and widened her stance, making room for him. He fit himself between her legs, and she hung on to his shoulders, head thrown back, allowing one sensation after another to sweep over her body. He kissed her neck, and nibbled his way to her ear. He swept it with his tongue, and then kissed his way back down again. His hand was massaging her ass, and he was moving ever so slowly against her, building a friction between them that would ignite too quickly, if he didn’t stop soon.

  “Nick?”

  “Uh-huh?” He was pushing at her t-shirt now. Lifting it up, kissing her tummy, until his mouth latched onto her nipple, and he sucked it through the lacy material of her bra.

  She cried out.

  He didn’t release, but sucked harder. She moved her hips against him. Aching. Wanting. Needing.

  His hands slid around her back and unhooked her bra. Then he lifted her arms and tossed her bra and tee onto the bench. She was wearing only her jeans, and she felt a moment’s shame and tried to cover herself. He didn’t let her.

  “Don’t. Let me look at you.” His eyes feasted on her and he groaned. “You are so beautiful. Every part of you.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, then he used his legs to back-step her inside. They passed the kitchen and then he picked her up and carried her into his bedroom and laid her down.

  He flung off his sweater, and laid next to her, taking her back into his arms. They kissed some more, and then he took his mouth away, his lips trailing down to her breasts. He licked both nipples erect, and sucked gently on one, tweaking the other with his fingers. She felt the pressure inside of her building, and held his head and arched her back, offering her breasts for his mouth, his tongue. She ached for him.

  His kisses and caresses weren’t good enough. She had to feel him too. She broke away, wanting to touch and taste him as he had her. She ran her fingers over his chest, feeling his hard muscles contract. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and didn’t look like he ate his own cooking. His chest was solid, with only a light smattering of dark curly hair. She ran her fingers through it. She kissed his nipples, and heard him sigh. Then curiosity got the better of her, and she undid his fly. He was wearing boxer shorts, and she put her hand in, feeling the length of him, enjoying the power it gave her when his cock pulsed in her hand.

  She got to her knees and pulled his jeans off him. Next came the shorts. She ran her hands up his long legs, and cupped him.

  He cursed and tossed her over, unzipping her pants, and sliding them down her legs. He left her panties on and put his mouth on her. Hot breath and greedy fingers touched her where she wanted it the most. She arched toward him and called out his name.

  “Now, Nick. Take me now.”

  Needing no more encouragement, Nick slipped her undies off, grabbed a condom from the bedside dresser, and slipped it over his erect penis. She watched his movements, wet with need. Straddling her, he bent to kiss her softly, and then ever so gently he pushed inside.

  Jennie held on to
his shoulders, taking him deep. She had wondered what this moment would be like—would she be filled with regret or shame? Instead, she widened her legs and welcomed him in, happiness nearly ripping her apart. His mouth demanded more and she answered back. His movements became hurried, then gentled. He touched her breasts and she moaned with pleasure. He withdrew a little, enough so that he could slip in a finger to find her sweet spot. Knowing what she needed, what she wanted, he touched her delicate bud, until she buckled with pleasure. Then he pushed himself in deep.

  The climax came fast and furious, and she dug her nails into his shoulders, eager for every sensation, wanting it to last and last.

  It had been more than a year, and this could be her very own Christmas gift.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  After a few minutes, Nick rolled off of her. Breathing heavily, he cradled her head on his shoulder, and kissed her damp forehead. He hoped she was okay. He had meant to be gentle and take it easy, but in the end he couldn’t.

  She was perhaps the sexiest woman he ever had the pleasure to meet. And God, she was sweet. Passionate, beautiful, and kind and caring, Jennie was a sweetheart, with a lot of love in her still yet to give. He hated the thought of someone else having this woman lying beside him. She was the exact type of person he’d waited his whole life to find. Someone he’d enjoy talking to at the end of each day, someone to kiss hello in the morning.

  If only he could convince her to stay.

  He dropped a kiss on her shoulder, and she put a hand on his cheek. “That was amazing,” she said softly.

  His heart yearned. “So were you. I hope you’re not regretting anything.”

  “No. Not at all.” She flipped over and was face to face with him. “I do have one regret. I wish I could spend the night with you, but the kids are expecting me home. I should probably leave, and let you get back to work.”

  He glanced out the window. “It’s snowing pretty hard.”

  She laughed and twisted her head around. “Really? How hard?”

  He felt his dick pick up interest. “Hard enough. Just as I will be in a minute.” He kissed her nose, and placed her hand on his growing erection. “Just lie here and think about it for awhile.” He traced the outline of her breast, and watched her face grow rosy.

  She was the prettiest, sweetest woman in the world, and he didn’t want to see her go. At least not today. He wasn’t a greedy man, and he knew that she had a life and it wasn’t in Heaven.

  “Stay with me.” He kissed her mouth softly, one hand playing with her long strands of hair. “I’ll cook you dinner and we can eat it in bed.”

  “You just fed me lunch.”

  “Yes, I did, but by the time I get through with you this afternoon, you will be starved, I promise.” He kissed her deeply this time, his hand brushing over her nipples with a light touch, knowing they might still be tender.

  “You’re pretty cock sure of yourself, aren’t you?” she said, stroking him the way he’d hoped.

  “You keep that up, and we will see.” He looked into her eyes, and they were smiling. He had made her happy, and that knowledge settled deep inside of him, making him prouder than he’d ever been.

  “I could grow to like you very much.” He traced her eyebrows, and kissed her cheek. “I already love your kids. It’s you that I’m not so sure about.”

  She jerked away from him, a puzzled expression on her face. “Why? What’s wrong with me?”

  “You live too far away. How am I going to do this to you,” he touched her between her legs, “if you’re all the way in Virginia?”

  She gasped, and opened her thighs a little. “Oh. Oh. I see what you mean.”

  “You do?” He lifted the sheet and dove under. He kissed her softly until she pulled at his hair. He came up for air.

  “I’m hungry now.”

  “Already?” He stroked her, noticing that she was wet, and moving against his hand. “I thought we could stay in bed a little longer.”

  “What I’m hungry for is you.” She pushed out of the bed and ran toward the bathroom. “Just got to clean up a minute. Have you got another one of those condom things?”

  He grinned. “I’ve got a whole box.”

  “Good. Keep them handy.” She closed the door behind her and he laughed. Damn he hadn’t felt this good in years. Or ever. Was she the one? It was too soon to say, but they were off to a great start.

  She walked out of the bathroom, a hand on her hip, a sexy smile on her face. Her long legs strode confidently over the carpet, and she stood next to the bed looking at him, an inch at a time. Damn that was hot.

  She ran her hand threw her tousled hair and when she arched her back he almost cried. This was like a strip tease, without any clothes. “You see anything you like?” she asked in a husky voice.

  “Get over here, you sexy witch.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her down on top of him. She shifted so his erection was between her thighs, and then she bent and took him in her mouth.

  He never said a word after that.

  Time passed and they might have slept a little, but when he looked around for her she was missing. He sat up quickly, then saw her in the bathroom speaking to someone on the phone.

  “Mom. It’s snowing hard. I could try to get home, but it might be best if I wait until morning.”

  He could only hear the one sided conversation, but it was enough to make him pump a fist into the air. “Okay, if you’re sure. Tell the girls I love them, and that I’ll be back first thing in the morning. And since it’s Christmas Eve, we can each open one present from under the tree.” She laughed, and spoke quietly. “Yes, Mom. He is very nice. Now I’ve gotta go. Love you, Bye.” He was sitting up in bed, with two pillows behind him when she returned. The covers came up to his belly button. He opened her side and invited her in.

  She watched him for a minute. “You heard?”

  “I did.” A grin spread across his face. “I’m glad. It was a smart decision.”

  “Oh, yeah? Why is that?”

  “Because I’m going to give you an early Christmas present later. After we open a fine bottle of wine. And caviar. You like caviar?” He sprang out of bed, and grabbed her hand. “Come on with me to the kitchen. We’ll have a picnic. But first I heard the dogs whining. Better let them out, and then we can have a feast.”

  “Are you for real?”

  He winked at her. “Feel me and see.”

  She laughed. “I can’t figure out how you stayed single this long.” Her eyes narrowed. “Unless you have a whole lot of ex-wives stuffed in an attic, or under the bed.”

  “Wow. You’ve got some imagination.” He patted her backside. “Maybe I’m just particular. Waiting for that right woman to walk into my life.”

  “And has she?”

  “I think so.” He kissed the top of her head. “Time will tell.”

  Still naked, they entered the kitchen together. The dogs yipped and ran around in circles. Rasco had left a present for him next to the glass window. He cleaned it up, then opened the door and let them run threw. He shivered. “Damn. That’s cold. You want a robe or a blanket? No point in getting dressed, because I’m just going to end up taking it off.”

  She lifted a brow and put a hand on her hip, making him want to take her right then and there. “Oh. Is that right?”

  “You keep looking at me like that, you’ll see.”

  “You’d have to catch me first.” Laughing, she ran off into the living room and ducked behind a couch. Just as he got near, she ran off again. He grabbed a throw pillow and flung it at her, and she tossed it right back. He was on one side of the couch. She on another. Cat and mouse. Only one way to catch the mouse he decided, and hurled himself over the back of the couch before she could slip away. He rolled her on top of him and they lay like that, laughing, breathing hard, and then they were kissing again. He found a blanket, and wrapped her in it.

  “Stay warm,” he said, and stood up. “Want to watch TV?” He put it on, and then went in
to the bedroom for his flannel robe. He tied it loosely around his waist, then sauntered back into the living room. Jennie had let the dogs back in, and they were sitting on the couch next to her.

  “Gone two minutes,” he muttered, “and you already replaced me.”

  She picked up a pillow, and patted the seat next to her. “I saved room for you.”

  “Later, baby.” He opened the door to the pantry, found a can of dog food and put half in each bowl, adding some kibbles along with it.

  The dogs went after the food, and the girl was all his.

  “Ah. Now, I have you all to myself.”

  “Think you can handle me?”

  “I’m sure going to try.” He kissed her again, thinking that a man could get used to this. No wonder so many men got married—if they had a woman like this.

  “What are you smiling about?” she asked softly.

  “I finally figured it out.”

  “What?”

  “Why so many men have wives.”

  She glanced at him, her eyes wary. “Seriously? That’s what you were thinking?”

  “Uh-huh. I think they’re on to something.” He slipped an arm around her and she dropped her head on his shoulder. “This is nice.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Jennie’s pulse leapt with pleasure and she melted a little more. Like the last winter snow before the rebirth of spring, the ice around her heart began to thaw. She was not a wide-eyed young woman falling in love for the first time. She knew love and loss, and hurt and betrayal. She had lived thirty-one years and knew that some men would say anything to get into a girl’s skirt, but she honestly believed Nick and the beautiful words he spoke to her. He was genuine, the real deal.