June met Nessa’s gaze. “I’m afraid you’re the one who’s wasting her time. I’m not leaving Trinity Falls.”
Nessa’s eyes flared. She opened her mouth, then closed it again. Without a word, the council president turned and stomped off.
“I’m proud of you.” Benjamin’s voice came from behind her.
June turned. “For what?”
“For standing up to Nessa and telling her once and for all that you’re not leaving Trinity Falls.” Benjamin took her hand.
June looked at their joined palms. Connections. That was what she was hoping for. Was that what she’d found?
Chapter 7
“You’re not the first guy to check my mother out.” Noah Cale’s statement caused Benjamin a moment’s panic before he faced June’s son.
“I’m sure I’m not. Your mother’s a very beautiful woman.”
June had introduced them shortly after Benjamin and his brothers had arrived at Doreen’s Thanksgiving after-dinner open house. The gathering had been a popular way to spend Thanksgiving evening in Trinity Falls for decades. It offered great company and even better desserts.
The air around him was rich with the scent of chocolate, baked fruit, confectioner’s sugar, cinnamon, and other spices. Neighbors gathered in various rooms on the main floor, filling Doreen and Alonzo’s home with spirited conversations and boisterous laughter. Shouts of approval or groans of disappointment rose periodically in response to the professional football games being viewed on multiple television sets.
Benjamin tuned it all out to focus on June’s teenage son. The resemblance between Noah and his older half brother, Darius, was disconcerting: they both had piercing dark eyes; tall, lean builds; and chiseled good looks.
Noah scowled. “Don’t patronize me. I’m eighteen not eight.”
“Is that the way you’ve spoken to your mother’s previous bosses?” Benjamin wasn’t offended. He was just curious.
“Her other bosses never checked her out.”
We’re back to that again. “Is this the part where you ask my intentions toward your mother?”
“I don’t know. Is it?”
“Your brother and I have been friends for decades. He can vouch for me.”
“Does he need to?” A satisfied gotcha expression settled over Noah’s thin young face. Benjamin had seen the same look on Darius.
Benjamin shrugged. “Only if it makes you feel better.”
“If you hurt her, you won’t only have me to deal with. There are a lot of people here who care about my mother.” The knowledge seemed to please Noah. He looked over to the next room, where June laughed and conversed with Doreen, Alonzo, Megan, and Ean. “She didn’t have this many friends in Sequoia. She didn’t even have her parents. They disowned her when she defied them to go to college.”
So that’s how June had explained the absence of his grandparents in their lives. It wasn’t really a lie. But Benjamin was certain that, if Noah was aware June’s being pregnant with him was the reason his grandparents had disowned his mother, the knowledge would destroy him. Instead, June had shaded the truth with the goal of helping her son grow into a confident, capable, and secure man. Who could fault her for that?
Benjamin held Noah’s eyes. “I’m glad your mother defied them. It worked out well for her and for you.”
“I’m proud of my mom. And I love her very much. Treat her well.” Noah’s or else was implied.
“I promise.” Benjamin returned his attention to June.
She was beautiful. Her copper features glowed with happiness as she laughed at something Megan had said. Her parents had been fools. Wherever they were, he hoped they realized that.
“I want to get your mother something for Christmas.” Benjamin’s eyes widened. I do? Where had those words come from?
“Oh, yeah?” Noah eyed him quizzically. “Like what?”
“I don’t have any idea.” Benjamin shook his head. “But I’ve never met anyone who’s as enthusiastic about Christmas as your mother.”
“When I was a kid, I thought she was all into it because of me.” Noah chuckled. “You know, making sure I did well in school and helped out around the house so that Santa would bring me something. As I got older, I realized she was just really into Christmas.”
Benjamin smiled at the images Noah’s memories brought to mind. “What do you suggest I get her?”
“Mom’s big on giving people gifts from the heart. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, just something that reflects your relationship with the person.” Noah gave Benjamin a narrow-eyed stare. “What do you know about my mother?”
Benjamin didn’t have to consider his answer. “She’s determined, stubborn, very smart. She’s fearless. She has a big heart and she loves Christmas.”
“Then get her something that reflects those things.”
Benjamin shook his head. “You sound like Darius.”
Noah’s response was a smile reminiscent of his older half brother. He took in Benjamin’s dark green mock-neck Calvin Klein sweater and his black ECCO boots. “There’s this one thing you can get her. But it might cost you. And, if you’re serious, you gotta start looking for it now.”
“What is it?”
Noah’s secretive smile gave him several moments of unease.
Benjamin knocked twice on June’s open office door Friday afternoon. It was more than a week after Thanksgiving. Mariah Carey’s “O, Holy Night” played in the background. “Do you have plans for the weekend?”
“That depends.” June spun her chair to face him. A sterling silver snowflake brooch was pinned to her white sweater. “Why are you asking?”
Benjamin massaged the back of his neck. “My kids are spending Christmas with me. They arrive next Saturday. I should probably put up a tree.”
June’s winged eyebrows jumped up her forehead. “Considering tomorrow is December fifth, I’d agree with you.”
“I’m a little out of practice.” Benjamin shrugged uncomfortably. “It’s been about fifteen years since I helped put up a tree.”
“You haven’t decorated a tree in almost two decades?” June looked as if she was going to cry.
“Aliyah and the kids usually took care of it. They said I got in the way.” Benjamin allowed his memories to carry him back to Christmases past. “I’d watch, if I was home.”
His ex-wife was pretty particular about her Christmas decorations. He couldn’t imagine her allowing a sport team’s logo, a TV series poster, or a spaceship on her tree.
“They should have let you help.” June sounded outraged on his behalf.
“I didn’t mind.” Benjamin shrugged again. “Will you help me decorate my tree?”
“I’d be happy to. What time should I arrive?”
Benjamin was more than relieved. He gave June directions to his townhome again and they discussed the specifics of their project: types and quantities of decorations, how long it would take, what to put on the top of the tree.
“Thanks again for agreeing to help.” Benjamin returned to his office with a spring in his step. Was it the idea of decorating his tree or of decorating it with June?
Saturday afternoon, June arrived at Benjamin’s townhome with enthusiasm and a fistful of compact discs featuring a few of her favorite Christmas carols.
“There are rules to Christmas tree decorating,” she explained.
“I hadn’t realized that.” Benjamin let her in, then locked his front door.
“Don’t worry.” June pressed her free hand to her chest. “I’m happy to educate you. Rule Number One: Have fun.”
“That seems easy enough.” Benjamin escorted June to his living room, where he’d built his Christmas tree in front of his window.
“Oh, my word.” June stopped in her tracks. The cold fist of horror clutched her heart. “Rule Number Two: Only real Christmas trees.”
“What’s wrong with this one?” Benjamin gestured toward the abomination near his window.
“Everything.
” June gaped at the nightmare in his living room.
It stood about three feet tall and two feet wide. There were more gaps than branches. And the few branches it did offer pointed in every conceivable direction. Her heart broke just looking at the not-so-merry mistake.
“It’ll look fine once we put some ornaments on it.” Benjamin’s confidence was misplaced.
“I’m not decorating that.” June faced him. “We’re going to get a real tree. Right now.”
“Why?” Benjamin stared at her in surprise.
“This does not say ‘Christmas.’” June waved a hand toward the monstrosity behind her.
Benjamin arched a brow. “You do realize there aren’t evergreens in Bethlehem?”
June gave him a pointed look. “I’m not sanctioning this Christmas mistake. Period.”
Less than an hour later, they returned with the perfect tree for Benjamin’s cozy townhouse. The tree was full and fragrant, and five feet tall. This time, it had been Benjamin who’d put his foot down, when she’d innocently wandered over to the six-foot trees.
June happily moved the Charlie Brown–reject tree aside before helping Benjamin place the miracle tree in front of the window.
She stepped back with a deep sigh of pleasure. “Now this is a Christmas tree.”
“I still don’t understand why we had to get more ornaments.” Benjamin unpacked their recent purchases.
“You can’t have too many ornaments.” June bent over to examine Benjamin’s stereo system. “How does this thing work?”
June looked over her shoulder when Benjamin remained silent. There was a sexy glint in his eyes as he walked toward her. It made her pulse trip. June straightened and stepped out of his way.
“Let me.” He loaded the five-disc player with her CDs, then pressed play. Benjamin’s townhome filled with NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.” He gave her a questioning look. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Lighten up!” June playfully tapped his shoulders, then danced away. His muscles were hard and hot to the touch through his garnet knit sweater. June’s fingertips tingled even after she moved away to assess the tree.
“Where do we start?” His deep voice seduced her from behind.
June’s hips swung to the music of their own accord. She studied the tree as she tried to ignore the effect Benjamin was having on her senses and her body. She still felt his shoulders against her fingertips. “First the tinsel, then the ornaments and the lights, I think.” She glanced back at him. “Okay?”
“You’re the boss.” Benjamin’s voice was light. He reached for the bag of tinsel. “Silver or gold?”
June covered her eyes with her hands. “Surprise me.”
His low laughter vibrated deep inside her. “Open your eyes.”
He stood in front of her with the silver tinsel. June nodded in satisfaction. “Perfect.”
Benjamin tried to ignore June’s gyrating hips. It wasn’t easy. Her bright red sweater was oversized, cloaking her figure. But her black jeans hugged the curves of her long, lean legs.
She gave one end of the tinsel to Benjamin and directed him to dance around the tree. He chose to walk. But he enjoyed watching her bounce, wiggle and hop around the evergreen. They followed the same process with the gold tinsel, using rhythm and harmony to wrap his tree in silver and gold. Their conversation was light, playful, perhaps even flirtatious, as they added the lights and ornaments to the tree. Their laughter competed with the Christmas carols in the background. His townhouse finally felt like a home.
Much later, after the sun had set, Benjamin stood beside June as they assessed their work. “I’ve never had so much fun decorating a Christmas tree. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
“It looks pretty good.” Benjamin was surprised.
“Of course it does.” June gave him a brilliant smile
Benjamin didn’t stop to think. He followed impulse. He bowed to desire. He answered a need and pressed his lips to hers.
His body shook when he tasted June’s answering passion. She closed her eyes and lifted her arms to his shoulders. He hadn’t expected her immediate response. Had she realized as he had that their attraction was too much to deny? He drew her closer as relief eased the tension he hadn’t realized was holding him back.
In the background, “Angels We Have Heard on High” ended and the opening strains of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” played on his stereo. Benjamin deepened their kiss. June parted her lips and kissed him back. Her tentative caresses stirred an even hotter flame deep inside him. The block of ice around his heart was melting. Rapidly.
His palms moved down her back, tracing her firm, toned torso beneath her deep red knit sweater. His hands shaped her tight waist, moving lower to cup her taut hips. Her body was slight but strong. Her curves were soft and full. She was all woman and every inch of her set a fire burning inside him.
Benjamin slipped his hands beneath June’s loose-fitting sweater. He broke their kiss to lift it up and off of her. He stepped back—and froze. Her breasts filled a barely there, scandalous red demi-cup bra. The sight of her nipples pressing against the sheer lace almost drove him to his knees.
“Did you wear that for me?” His voice was as hoarse as that of a teenager with his first love.
“No.” June’s lips curved in seduction. She slipped out of her skinny black jeans to reveal matching underwear. The skimpy lace piece rode low on her slender curves. “I wear these for me.”
Have mercy! The knowledge that she wore undergarments like these would make it hard to concentrate around her. Benjamin groaned low in his throat. “Lady, you should come with a warning label.”
Wicked lights danced in June’s tawny eyes. She gestured toward him. “What do you have for me?”
“I’m afraid my boxers are going to sorely disappoint you.” He stripped off his garnet sweater.
June’s eyes widened, seemingly glued to his naked chest. Her reaction went a long way toward healing the scars left by his ex-wife’s betrayal. He shed his faded blue jeans and kicked them away from his feet.
Her gaze slid down his body like a caress and landed on his black boxer briefs. “Never a disappointment.” Her voice was low, husky.
Blood rushed to Benjamin’s lower body. His heart pounded against his chest. He lifted his right arm, offering June his hand. “This is us and this is now. But only if you want it.”
She accepted his hand without hesitation. Benjamin’s relief was almost overwhelming. He drew her into his embrace. Her smooth skin was soft and warm against him. He lowered his head and kissed her deeply, softly at first. Then with increasing urgency as she responded, showing her his need.
Benjamin walked backward to his couch, continuing their kiss. He drew her down beside him on the cushions. Instantly, June pulled away. She stood, backing away from the sofa.
Startled, Benjamin looked up at her. “What is it?” Please, God, don’t let her have changed her mind.
“What in the world?” June reached forward to press her hand against the cushion beside him. She straightened and pointed at the furniture piece. “You spent money on that?”
Benjamin chuckled, part relief, part humor. “You have a point.” He rose, sweeping her up into his arms to carry her to the stairs. He laughed again when she gasped in surprise. “Whatever my lady requires.”
“I require that I not be crushed to dust on that torture couch.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, suddenly shy. “I’ve never had a man carry me up the stairs before. This is very romantic.”
His heart softened. Benjamin paused to give her a quick kiss before continuing up the steps. Once in his bedroom, he lowered her to his mattress.
June smiled up at him. “This is much better.”
“I’m glad you approve.” Benjamin lay beside her.
He raised his torso above her to cover her mouth with his. Benjamin’s hands searched her body as she explored his. He followed her dips and curves. Her silky skin and soft
breasts. Her toned arms and long legs. June seemed to welcome his bold touch even as her caresses were more hesitant. She was so responsive to his kisses and caresses. His body was torn between making their loving last and giving in to the urgent swelling in his briefs.
Benjamin slid his hand behind June’s back to free her bra. Drawing it away from her body, he lifted his head to see her. June’s eyes widened in surprise. She brought her hands up, almost in reflex, to cover her breasts.
He pulled her hands away and pressed them to his chest. “You’re beautiful. More perfect than I could have imagined.”
He held fast to her hands as he lowered his head and drew her nipple into his mouth. June gasped. Her body stiffened. Her reaction excited him. Benjamin suckled and licked her. He pulled her even deeper as her nipple pebbled in his mouth. He moved to her other breast to give it the same attention. June cupped the back of his head, holding him closer to her.
Benjamin moved lower down her body, licking a trail from her breasts, down her flat stomach, in and around her navel to the juncture at her thighs. He came up on his knees and stripped the flimsy underwear from her. His heart pounded against his chest at the sight of her naked on his bed. Reality was better than any fantasy. Benjamin settled between her legs. He drew his fingertips over her nest of curls.
“Ben, I don’t know . . .” June’s body shook harder.
“Shhh . . . let me.” Benjamin pressed a finger inside of her. She was wet and ready for him. Her core was hot and pulsing.
“But I’m not sure . . .” Her voice faded away.
Why was she so shy? Benjamin kissed her curls. June flinched as though she’d never been touched like that.
“Do you want me to stop?” He didn’t want to. But if she wasn’t comfortable, he would never pressure her.
June took a shuttering breath. “No.”
Benjamin smiled. He kissed first her right inner thigh, then her left. He cupped her hips, raised them to his mouth, then kissed her spot. June let out a shocked gasp. Her hips bucked, pressing even harder against him. He kissed her deeply, stroking her with his tongue, teasing her with his lips. June rocked herself against him. Her gasps and moans were testaments to her pleasure. Benjamin loved her more, deeper, harder. Until suddenly, June stilled. Her body stiffened. She shrieked as her muscles shook in his hands. The sound seemed to come from deep inside her. Her body tossed and turned as her voice swirled around them. After a time, she quieted. Then Benjamin lowered her to the mattress.
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