by Lynn Carmer
“I’ll teach you all about it.” His big hand tangled in her hair. “Now tell me the real reason you did this. And why for me?”
“Can’t you accept a gift without psycho-analyzing everything?”
“Nope.”
She squeezed her eyes shut. Be brave. “I wanted to show you, I’m open to celebrating Christmas again.” She popped open one eye. “And us.”
His strong arms tightened around her as he pulled her in for a full-body hug. They lay there for a long time, connected. “That’s the best Christmas gift I’ve ever gotten.” He pulled back and bumped noses with her. “You know you’re stuck with me now, right?”
She bit her lip, basking in the feelings she saw shining through those warm blue eyes. She hoped he read the same in hers. “I want to say ‘fine’ but there are rules.”
“Rules?” He grinned. “I am the best at following rules. Hence, my profession.”
“Hence, huh? Today’s your lucky day.” She bit his lip, and he groaned. “There’s only one rule. You have to share your art.”
“That’s the price to pay for staying here?”
“Yeah, that’s why you walked in on the Interpretive Dancers. They were sharing.”
“I see.” He laid flat on his back and studied the ceiling. “I have a problem.”
“What?” She straddled him, biting back a moan when his impressively hard dick pressed between her thighs, right through her pj’s to her core.
“I’m the least creative person. Ever.” He grabbed her hands and pressed them to his chest. “Seriously, love. Art is your world. I know nothing about it, and I suck at it.”
She started to laugh and realized he looked seriously upset. “Hey, I like you the way you are. Don’t you think I knew you lacked creativity when I saw you in those boots?” she giggled.
“You should never make fun of a man’s cowboy boots.” He sighed, still frowning at the ceiling.
Ai watched, fascinated to see his mind work. He went from serious contemplation to wicked delight. A slow, sexy smile slid across his face. It took her breath away.
“I’ve got it.” He sat up, so they were nose-to-nose.
Ai tightened her legs around his waist, enjoying the added pressure of fitting so snug in his lap. His erection dug in deep. “I should have gotten naked before this conversation.”
“Oh, don’t you worry. That’s part of my talent.”
Ai teased him by rocking against him.
“My insatiable woman. Don’t you want to hear about my creative side? The one talent that’s a guarantee I get to stay.”
“I was going to keep you, anyway.” She looked him in the eye, pouring every ounce of feeling into her words.
“Promise?” His deep voice sounded gruff, like sandpaper.
“Promise.” She ran her nails through his hair. “I’m waiting.”
“It’s my talented mouth.” He tugged at her ear with his teeth. “I’m going to talk so dirty to you, you never let me go.”
“Promise?” she asked, her voice shaky, knowing this was more than sexy banter. This was—
“Forever.”
The End
Note from the Author
What did you think? My first Christmas novella. It was so much fun to write. I wanted to write a brand-new story but still go back and visit some of your favorites from the series. Did it work? Aren’t Sebastian and Ai hysterical? I love the way they bicker back and forth.
Hopefully, you picked up some of my hints about the next book. That’s right! Theo aka The Cuban, will be bumping heads with none other than…Ren! The two are already obsessed with each other, but as with most things, there are some obstacles they need to overcome before they hook up.
As you know, reviews are worth their weight in gold for authors, so I would sincerely appreciate an honest review. Or reach out to me on social media. I have a really fun author group on Facebook called @Carmer’s Charmers. Come and find me there, or a host of other places. Just scroll down to the Contact Me section.
Contact Me
If you would like to sign up for my newsletter—or maybe you just want to drop a line and say hello—please contact me at:
Website and Newsletter: LynnCarmerauthor.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Lynncarmer
Facebook: facebook.com/lynn.carmer.5
Pinterest: pinterest.com/lynncarmer
Join my Facebook group, Carmer’s Charmers: www.facebook.com/groups/1850040638552307
[email protected]
Acknowledgements
I have so many people to thank. First and foremost, my extremely patient and supportive family. They live on take-out, and a few grunts of acknowledgment, when I’m on deadline. It’s not pretty, people.
I want to thank Maureen Sevilla who read through this book way too many times, but I am truly grateful she did. To Emily G. for her unfailing edits, and for her help with the title! To Christina W. for taking the time to give me important feedback. To Debbie S.G. for all of her hard work. Also, a big shout out to TARA, my RWA chapter, for our weekend Write Away, and helping me plot this book.
Thanks everyone. I couldn’t do it without you.
About the Author
Amazon Bestselling Author Lynn Carmer is a talker, a writer, a reader, a teacher, a procrastinator, an avid fan of all show’s reality, and a “devourer” of all food’s sweet. She is continually working on white-hot and humorous contemporary romance novels.
Lynn lives in beautiful Sarasota, FL, with her endlessly patient husband and two super-smart daughters. To find out more than you ever wanted to know about Lynn, look me up at: Lynncarmerauthor.com.