A December to Remember: a Holiday Romance Anthology

by Howe, Olivia

  "No more running," she finally said not breaking our eye contact.

  I lifted her up just enough so I could unbutton my jeans and push them to the floor. Ezzie leaned against the bar still straddling me on the stool as she rocked up letting me slide into her.

  "I'm yours Jake," she whispered to me.

  "Always," I grunted right before I crashed my lips down to hers.

  She accepted me willingly. My hands found her hips to help her keep up with the frenzied pace we had set. I circled her clit with my thumb. My balls were tense ready to release the moment she let go. She bit my shoulder as she came apart around me. I went to move her hips off me, but she pressed down keeping me surrounded by her heat as I spent myself inside her.

  Chapter 13

  Christmas Eve

  "We should just tell everyone we're sick," I murmured into Ezzie's neck.

  "Stop it." She tried to swat me away, but when I sucked on the spot under her ear she moaned and leaned back into my body.

  I pushed my erection into her back, letting her know I was serious about canceling. Her pert little ass pushed back, and a smile formed on my face knowing I was winning this argument.

  "Later," she said, spinning around and kissing me on the lips, before walking into the bedroom to secure her shoes. I guess I wasn't winning this argument.

  "How do I look?" she asked, spinning around. The dark blue dress she had on, held onto her curves like a jealous lover. Her hair flowed down her back in massive black curls. Her eyes were lined with black, and the red lipstick kept winning my attention.

  "You look stunning," I told her.

  She was fidgeting with her fingers, a sure sign she was nervous. This wouldn't be the first time she met my best friend, Max, and his girlfriend, Heather, but this would be the first time she would meet Morley and Alexander. They had just flown back from London to surprise Heather for Christmas.

  I walked over to Ezzie and wrapped my arms around her. "Don't be nervous. Everyone's going to love you, and if they don't fuck them. I love you, and that's all that matters."

  She pulled away to look at me, a tentative smile on her face. "It just feels weird that I'm meeting one of your ex girlfriends. Don't act like she didn't mean anything to you. She's the only one you’ve ever mentioned."

  "Stop, Ezzie. She wasn't a girlfriend. We went out one night, with Max and Heather. I didn't even kiss her."

  "What aren't you telling me?"

  I felt my neck warm up. This was something I didn't want to tell Ezzie, but I also didn't want to keep anything from her.

  "When the bar was finished, and it didn't preoccupy my time as it used to, I started dating."

  Her eyebrow shot up, and I quickly interjected before her thoughts got away with her.

  "I told you Ezzie, you were the only one. You'll always be it for me." My finger traced the soft skin of her cheek.

  "But?"

  "Morley was different. She was the only girl that I could actually see myself moving on with. I would have pursued her, if she gave me a chance, but she shot me down the second I asked her. Hell, she had a ghost bully me in to leaving her alone. And I couldn't be happier that she did. She reminded me of you and that's the only reason she held my attention."

  Ezzie's eyes welled with tears and I hugged her tightly. "I know I shouldn't be upset. I'm the one that left you, and you're sexy. So of course women would have hit on you. I'll tell you the truth it hurts worse, that you found someone you could have seen yourself move on with. I think random hook-ups would have been easier to deal with."

  "I'm sorry Ezzie. Please don't be upset. I love you, and only you. The only reason I told you this is because I don't want you to think there are any secrets between us."

  "I'm glad you told me, but it is going to be hard meeting her tonight, knowing you could have had feelings for her to replace me." She sniffled blinking her eyes rapidly in order to keep her tears in place.

  I moved so our foreheads were touching. "You could never be replaced. You are my soul. If you were removed, I would no longer exist. Beside you heard Heather the other day. Morley's happily married to Alexander. If you really are uncomfortable though, I will tell everyone to leave. I don't want to ruin your Christmas."

  "I love you," she replied, tipping her face so our lips met.

  When she pulled away we were both panting from lust. "Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

  "You're willing to make your friends leave, just to make me comfortable. I love that you always put me first."

  "It has never been anything else. From the moment I saw you drinking chocolate milk out of a straw, you became my priority. Besides I don't want you to curse me with a pimple like you did with Kimberly in high school."

  "I forgot all about her." Ezzie tipped her head back and laughed.

  "How did you know? I told you my secrets."

  "A ghost that haunted the school told me she wore glasses while she studied. I just happen to rub grease on them while she was in the bathroom."

  I laughed holding her tight. "I love you my little witch." I leaned in to kiss her again, but before I could reach her lips my phone dinged.

  "They're downstairs waiting for us. Max said he's freezing his balls off so we better hurry," I told her after I read the text.

  Ezzie grabbed my hand and we walked down to the bar together.

  Chapter 14

  Chaos ensued as soon as I opened the bar door to let everyone in. I closed up the bar for Christmas Eve so we could celebrate it with our friends. The bar twinkled with Christmas lights, and Ezzie had outdone herself making it as festive as she could.

  "Holy shit, look at all the food," Heather said, scanning the tables loaded with a Christmas feast. "Ezzie, why didn't you call me? I told you I would help you."

  Heather pulled Ezzie away from me, and hugged her tightly. Heather was a petite girl but she was a force to be reckoned with. Her hair was short, and sported purple streaks throughout. She was wearing a red and green corset top with tight black leather pants, and even in her four inch boots she didn't reach my collarbone.

  "Ezzie, I would like you to meet my bestest friend ever, Morley."

  Ezzie eyed Morley with what appeared to be apprehension when Heather steered her in front of her. Morley put out her hand and Ezzie shook it.

  "It's nice to meet you. Heather has told me so much about you," Ezzie told her.

  "Heather has told me a lot about you. I'm so glad to finally meet you. It smells wonderful in here," Morley told her, eyeing the spread of food.

  Alexander moved from behind Morley, and held out his hand to Ezzie. "It is an honor to meet you." He shook her hand, before securing his arm around Morley's shoulder.

  "Babe, why don't you let Ezzie breathe," Max told Heather, coming up and extricating her from Ezzie.

  Heather looked up at Max with love in her eyes. I was happy my friend had finally met someone.

  We all moved to the table together, and stuffed ourselves on the feast that Ezzie had made. Corey came in later, and Heather, Morley, and Ezzie gave him a hard time about being the only single one.

  "I'm going to set you up with one of my friends," Heather told Corey, eyeing his muscular arms.

  "Heather, leave the poor guy alone," Morley said. Corey shot her a thankful look before returning to our conversation about the bar.

  Ezzie had booked the client, and we were leaving right after New Years. Corey had been ecstatic when I told him he would be taking on a lot more responsibilities now that Ezzie was with me. He told me he was happy for me, but he was glad I was the one saddled down with a woman. I laughed and told him I couldn't wait for him to get stuck in love’s trap.

  "So Jake, have you had any good bands lately?" Morley asked, as she took another bite of pumpkin pie.

  "Well we haven't had anyone as good as the JackholeS," I teased her.

  "Nobody's as good as the JackholeS," Morley and Ezzie said at the sam
e time. They looked at each other and started to laugh.

  "Not another one," Heather cried.

  "Don't act like you weren't screaming right along with me at their last concert," Morley told her.

  "When did you see them?" Ezzie asked.

  I watched as the two of them talked excitedly about their favorite band. Soon they switched to other topics, and seemed to be getting along great. I wasn't the only one watching them together. Alexander's gaze kept bouncing back and forth between Morley and Ezzie all night.

  "Ezzie, do you have gypsy blood in you?" Alexander asked Ezzie, staring at her intently.

  "I do," she answered. As Morley's eyes grew wide.

  "Are you related to the Tussarden's by chance?" Alexander asked her.

  "Yes," Ezzie said, laughing as she leaned on the table looking at Alexander. "My mother comes from a long line of the Tussarden gypsy clan. When they came to America they shortened it to Tussaud which is my last name. My father left when I was younger so I adopted my mother's maiden name as my own."

  Alexander's face went slack as he stared at Ezzie.

  "Tussaud was my grandmother's maiden name," Morley whispered, before turning to stare at Morley.

  Alexander and I both gasped. How could I have not noticed? They both had the same facial features, and they both possessed the same Caribbean blue eyes. Ezzie was shorter than Morley, but their slim body type was identical. The major difference was Ezzie's black curls did not match Morley's brown locks. Looking at them now it was obvious they were related. No wonder I was attracted to Morley when I met her.

  "Oh my God, we are long lost cousins," Ezzie said, throwing her arms around Morley.

  When they let go of their embrace both women had tears shining in their eyes. "You're the only family I have had in years," Morley whispered, wiping the tears from her eyes.

  Alexander stood and moved to Morley offering his support. She leaned back into him, still not taking her eyes off of Ezzie.

  "Well you found me now." Ezzie told her, squeezing her hand.

  "What about me?" Heather whined, getting up so she could stand by Morley and Ezzie.

  "You’re my sister," Morley told her. Heather seemed to be appeased by her answer.

  "Morley you realize that means you have gypsy blood running through your veins?" Alexander told her. She looked up and a silent conversation passed between them.

  "Wait Mr. Dagman was a descendant of the Tussarden clan. That's why we donated the portrait to him," Morley said to Alexander.

  "Dagman, that sounds familiar. I think we are somehow related to the Dagmans' also. I'll have to talk to my mom to find out exactly how they are related," Ezzie told her.

  This time everyone's eyes except for Ezzie's grew wide. Morley's hand flew to her mouth.

  "Mr. Dagman?" Heather said, staring at Morley.

  "Do you know him?" Ezzie asked, looking over at me.

  "He was her boss." I explained to her.

  "He owned the gallery you worked at before you started traveling with Alexander," Ezzie said, starting to work out what was happening.

  "You were working for a relative that whole time, and didn't even know it," Heather told her giving Morley a hug. "You must be a magnet for family," Heather said, letting go of Morley.

  '"You have family all around the world. My mom's going to love to meet you," Ezzie told her.

  She smiled at me, and my heart burst with love. Her spirit brought so much happiness to the people she met, and I was thankful she let me be a part of her wonderful life.

  "I would love to meet your mom," Morley told her excitement evident in her eyes.

  "We're going to New Orleans in February to visit our family. You should join us," I told her.

  I could tell from the look in Ezzie's eyes, she had already embraced Morley as family. I thought a trip to New Orleans would let them learn more about each other.

  "Yes, you should go. Max's band is already booked for February, and I plan to have this bar crawling with hot single women." Corey told us. "You weird happy couples will kill my vibe."

  Heather gave him the evil eye. Max laughed, and pulled Heather to him. "He can have all the single women he wants. I have you." Heather kissed him loudly obviously happy from his answer.

  "Can we go?" Morley asked Alexander. He smiled down at her with unbridled love.

  "Whatever you want to do. As long as I'm with you," Alexander told her, leaning down and brushing a kiss over her lips.

  "February would be a great time to go. I can still travel safely with the baby," Morley told him, both of them lost in each others eyes.

  "Baby?" Ezzie questioned.

  Heather pulled her lips off of Max's. "Are you pregnant?" she asked, placing her hand on Morley's belly.

  Morley nodded her head, and all three women screamed loudly. I walked over and shook Alexander's hand.

  "Congratulations,"

  "Thank you. Words cannot express how happy I am. You seem happy as well," he said, tipping his head toward Ezzie.

  "I am. So I guess in some weird way we're going to be related." I told him, slapping him on the back.

  Alexander looked over at me with an amused smile on his face. "I guess we are. It makes sense you were attracted to Morley. I forgive you for hitting on my wife if you forgive me for my transgressions."

  His words confused me, but I figured we were going to be spending a lot of time together so a truce was essential. "Sounds like a plan, brother."

  I stuck out my hand and Alexander shook it, his smile never leaving his mouth.

  The night died down, and everyone finally left. Morley, Heather and Ezzie had made plans to get together the following day to talk about baby plans.

  We cleaned up quickly, and trudged upstairs exhausted. Ezzie plopped on the couch rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "So, I know who the ghost at Morley's house was," Ezzie said with a gleam in her eye.

  "Who?" I asked, wiping my palms on my jeans.

  She just looked at me with a smile on her face, waiting to see if I would figure it out.

  Understanding hit me hard. Alexander's words making sense. "Alexander?"

  She nodded her head yes. He had seemed different when I met him, but I could never put a finger on it.

  "I can't wait to find out that story. In fact if I'm not mistaken I think Mama Cleo helped him obtain some essential documents not long ago. I will have to ask her to make sure," Ezzie said, rubbing her hands together.

  The clock struck one in the morning, signaling that we were well into Christmas. I pulled out a small box hidden in the measly branches of our Christmas tree, and turned toward her.

  "It's Christmas," I said, walking toward her. My nerves started to jump around while we were cleaning everything up downstairs, and now they were in the middle of a full on trapeze act.

  "Do I get a present?"

  I didn't answer her. Instead, I knelt down on one knee in front of the couch and opened the tiny box in my hand.

  "Ezzie the question's still the same as the last time I showed you this ring. I have loved you from the moment I met you. I will love you for the rest of my life, and beyond. Please be my wife."

  When the silence stretched out without an answer, my heart thundered in my chest. I didn't know how I would heal if she rejected me for the second time. The pillow that sat on the side of the couch flew over, and smacked Ezzie on the side of the head.

  She glanced over to where the pillow was thrown, and shot the empty space a smile. "Go tell Mama Cleo I said yes," she said before throwing herself into my arms and kissing.

  "So that's a yes? You weren't trying to appease Big Sam so he didn't throw something else at you were you?" I asked between kisses.

  She pulled back, her blue eyes flooded with tears. "It's a yes. I love you. It will always be yes. Life and death I choose you."

  The end...

  If you would like to learn more about Morley and Alexander's story g
o to

  http://amzn.to/1LXFNjb

  Chapter 1

  A bundle of nerves was throwing a party in my stomach. After smoothing down my pine green taffeta dress and looking at the door looming in front of me I swallowed hard. It was huge and oak, and I had to take a big breath before ringing the lighted doorbell. Waiting nervously for the door to creak open, I groaned at the pain in my feet. I’d only had these uncomfortable black peep-toe pumps on for barely an hour and my toes were already screaming in protest…

  Why did I come here? I had to be here. I shouldn’t be here. I should turn around and walk away. I should go back to my dorm room and change into my night shirt and wash off this itchy makeup and go pop some popcorn and watch Netflix. Letting out the breath I’d unknowingly taken hostage, I resolved to just leave when the door slid open and I looked up slowly to its opener.

  Shiny and slightly too perfectly cut black hair glistened under the dazzling lights surrounding the porch, a set of warm caramel colored eyes reflecting their white bulbs. A grin forcing a dimple to puncture a tanned cheek caught my eye on my gaze’s way to a perfectly beautiful mouth that should not belong on a normal human.

  Deciding I probably looked like a fish out of water with my mouth opening and closing, I clamped it shut with a click and smiled. Breathing again, I said, “Hi, I’m here for the party.”

  The Greek god standing there chuckled and held out his hand. “I gathered that.”

  I looked slightly mortified at his hand, as it was palm side up, and wondered what I was supposed to do with that. Shake it, slap it, low-five it, high-five it, what?

  “I can take that for you,” he said in response to my silent stare.

  Looking down at the wrapped gift in my hand, I laughed nervously and handed him my gift. “Oh, yeah, that would be great. Thank you.”

  A stray chestnut curl had managed to fall into my face and I slid it behind my ear as a nervous habit. I cringed as I realized I’d ruined Bethany’s perfect style she’d done for me earlier: long, bobby curls, tamed but made to look wild. I let out a sigh.