Her Christmas Tree

by Tracey Steinbach

“Friday night,” Matthias promised. “I’ll meet you at the front door at seven.” He helped Miranda clean up, and then stood. “I’ll let you know when I get the arrangements made, so you’ll know how to dress.”

  They carried the trash and leftover food to the kitchen. Miranda couldn’t help remembering what had happened there. She quickly got the food put in the fridge and the trash in the wastebasket.

  Miranda slipped into her room, and changed into comfortable clothes. What a night! She grinned, thinking about the tree. Her grin grew wider as she thought of Friday night. Crazy man had finally noticed what was right in front of him, and asked her out. Well, she had told him to, but still…he agreed! Unable to resist the urge, Miranda finished changing her clothes and snatched her camera off the bookshelf. She absolutely had to have a picture of that tree.

  She practically skipped down the hall to the living room. She stood in the doorway when she got there and just looked. She was debating on the best angle for the picture. She wanted to make sure that she captured it just right. Who says I can only take one picture? Miranda decided. Lifting the camera to her eye, she started snapping picture after picture. She moved around the living room, stood up and sat down. She even climbed up on the coffee table so she could get a better picture of the angel.

  *

  They had enjoyed a lovely evening together. Maybe Friday night after their date, if all went well, he could indulge himself in another taste.

  Matthias went to his study and poured himself a brandy. He sat down on the couch in front of the fire and thought about the events of the last twenty-four hours. Everything had tilted. Just yesterday he’d been trying to build shields, sure he didn’t want to try anything romantic with Miranda. Now, here he sat, planning a date with her and wondering how quickly he could get her into his bed for real.

  Matthias had heard Miranda moving around the house. Without even checking, he

  knew she was back in the living room staring at the tree. Quietly, so she wouldn’t hear

  him, he moved toward the living room. When he got there, he almost laughed out loud.

  Instead, he leaned against the doorframe and watched her take pictures. If he’d known

  how happy the tree would make her, he’d have bought the whole damn farm.

  He’d left from watching Miranda before she could catch him. He didn’t want to interrupt her while she was doing something that brought her so much pleasure.

  Next morning, when he made his way to his office, he found Miranda sound asleep on the couch. She must have fallen asleep after he’d left. He grabbed a blanket from the closet and threw it over her. He thought about waking her up for half a minute, but she looked too sweet lying there. She really was an amazing assistant to him. She deserved a couple hours of sleeping in. He tiptoed out of the room, going to his office.

  * * * *

  Miranda was warm. She was comfortable too. Slowly she opened her eyes, noticing she was in the living room. She also noticed the blanket covering her. The last thing she remembered was sitting down on the couch to watch the tree for a few minutes. Swinging her feet off the couch, she stood and folded the blanket. Miranda left the living room, moving down the hallway to her room. It was probably time to get ready for work. When she was inside her room, she gathered her things for her shower and turned toward the bathroom. The clock caught her eye, and she gasped, she was already an hour late! Rushing to the bathroom, she raced through her shower and dressing. When she got to Matthias’ office, she was beside herself. Knocking on the door, she straightened her blouse. She hoped Matthias wouldn’t be too upset. After yesterday, she didn’t want him mad at her.

  “It’s open,” Matthias called out. He was leafing through some papers on his desk when she walked in.

  “I’m so sorry, Matthias. I-I fell asleep in the living room, so my alarm didn’t wake me.” Miranda felt her cheeks flush when she finished.

  Matthias looked up, surprised. “Miranda, it’s no big deal. It’s not like I didn’t know where you were. If I needed you, I would have woken you up.”

  Miranda opened her mouth and closed it again. “You didn’t wake me? My whole day is going to be off now. Why didn’t you wake me up?” She put her hands on her hips.

  Matthias folded his arms over his chest, leaning back in his chair. “You looked tired and comfortable. I didn’t need you right away, so I saw no reason to wake you up.” He gave her a look that said, I don’t know why you are making such a big deal out of this.

  “Did you cover me up?” she asked, still frowning.

  Matthias nodded. “I did, yes.”

  Miranda bit her lip, her anger draining away. He’d covered her up instead of waking her. How could she be mad about that? Her voice was soft when she answered, “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Well, uh, I’ll just go get started then. Do you need anything first?”

  “If you wouldn’t mind making another pot of coffee, that would be great. I tried, but mine never tastes like yours.” Matthias uncrossed his arms and smiled at her.

  “Sure. I can do that. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.” Miranda left to start the coffee. She also found a couple of bagels, toasted them and smeared on cream cheese. She loaded up a tray with the bagels, fresh coffee and utensils, and headed for Matthias’ office. She knocked on his door, not waiting for his answer, and walked in.

  Matthias stood up, took the tray from her hands and put it on the desk. “This was very nice of you. I didn’t realize I was hungry until now.” He looked at her. “You are going to join me, aren’t you?” He stood beside the desk, waiting for her.

  Miranda went to the desk, took the other chair and sat down, reaching for one of the bagels. “Do you have a busy day today?” She bit into her bagel, waiting for him to answer.

  He picked up his own bagel and turned to her. “Not too bad. Was there something that you wanted or needed?”

  “No, no. I was just curious.”

  Matthias looked disappointed as he took a bite of his bagel. After he swallowed, he nodded. “All right. Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

  They finished their breakfast, mostly in silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. When they were done eating, Miranda cleaned up the mess and left Matthias to get his work done.

  Miranda worked on filing, distracted by her own feelings and the ones she kept getting from Matthias. They were confusing as hell. She was softening toward him, the kind of softening that a woman had toward a man. She’d always hoped that they would be friends, but this went way beyond friendship. She thought of their promised date Friday night. He hadn’t mentioned anything about it, so maybe he’d forgotten. She wouldn’t blame him if he had; she’d kind of coerced him into it. Maybe she should just go into his office and let him off the hook. Miranda looked at his closed door. No, if he didn’t want to go, he’d say so.

  * * * *

  Miranda put the last file in the drawer, pushing the drawer shut. The hell with it. She’d just go talk to him, feel him out. If she knew he was looking forward to Friday, then she could relax and enjoy herself. She turned away from the filing cabinet and walked toward his office.

  "Ooooof!" Just as Miranda was reaching for the doorknob, Matthias came barreling out the door. They ran smack into each other. Matthias’ hands shot out, gripping Miranda by her arms to keep her from falling to the ground. “Are you all right?” he asked anxiously.

  Miranda looked up at Matthias’s face, momentarily surprised into silence. Her hands were braced against his hard chest. He was so close…and he smelled so good. Miranda shook herself, mentally. Get a grip, Miranda, she told herself. “I’m fine,” is what she said out loud.

  Matthias’ and Miranda’s gazes locked, his hands still on her arms. They stood there, staring at the other for an endless moment. As his head started to lower, she lifted up on her toes to meet him halfway. This kiss was unlike the one in the kitchen, it was lips barely touching, sweet, slow. Mir
anda’s hands slid up his chest and around his neck. Matthias’ hands moved from her arms to her back, holding her close. Something had changed in that moment.

  They ended the kiss, still embraced, looking at each other. “Are you sure you’re all right?” Matthias asked her, his knuckles brushing over her cheek.

  The look on Matthias’s face was one she’d never seen before, it was…tender. She felt her cheeks flush under his gaze. “I’m sure,” she assured him softly. Her hands slid from around his neck, landing on his shoulders.

  Matthias released Miranda, nodding. “All right.”

  “Were you coming out here for something?”

  “Oh. Right. I was coming to see if you needed something.”

  She tilted her head. “I changed my mind. It wasn’t important.”

  Matthias started to frown. “If you’re sure…” Miranda nodded. “Okay. I’ll just get back to it, then.” He turned back into his office. “Oh, by the way, casual dressy Friday night.”

  Chapter 6

  Friday night came and Miranda was nervous. She’d tried on almost every outfit in her closet before deciding on dress slacks and a sweater. She took extra care with her hair and makeup, for some reason, it was really important to her that the night went well.

  Miranda got to the front door at a couple minutes ’til seven, wondering where Matthias was. Hopefully, he hadn’t forgotten. She was looking toward his bedroom when the doorbell rang. Curious as to who it could be, she opened the door.

  Matthias was standing on the front porch with a single rose extended to her. Miranda smiled, taking the rose and inhaling its scent. “Thank you, Matthias. This was very nice of you.”

  Matthias smiled, inclining his head. “You’re very welcome. You look beautiful, Miranda.” He held out his arm for her to take, walking to the car with her.

  “Thanks. You look very nice, too,” she responded.

  Matthias helped her into the car, then made his way around to climb in behind the wheel. “I hope you like Italian food.” He started the car and they were off.

  “I love Italian food, as a matter of fact.” She snuck glances at him out of the corner of her eye. He was a different man, tonight. His eyes were twinkling, his demeanor relaxed.

  They arrived at the restaurant, parking close to the door. Matthias went around the car to open her door, holding his hand out. She took his hand, climbing from the car. It was a surprise for her when he didn’t let go of her hand once she was out. He kept it in his as they walked into the restaurant. The hostess seated them at a corner table, handing them menus. She took their drink order, promising that she’d be right back.

  While they waited for their drinks to come, they looked over the menu. “What are you having, Miranda?” Matthias inquired politely.

  She lowered the menu to peer over it at him. “I think I’m going to have the chicken parmesan. How about you? What are you having?”

  “I believe I’m having the baked spaghetti. I’ve had it before and it was very good.” The waitress arrived at their table as he finished speaking, and set their drinks in front of them. When she finished taking their order, she took their menus and offered them breadsticks while they waited for the main course. Matthias accepted for both of them, dismissing her.

  Matthias smiled at Miranda. “It’s been a very long time since I was on a date. How am I doing so far?”

  He said it so sincerely, Miranda had to grin. “On a scale of one to ten, you are a solid five,” she said to tease him.

  “A solid five? That’s it? Hmmm…I'd better try harder. What do you suggest to raise my rating?” Matthias teased her back.

  “Oh, I don’t know. Let me think.” She pretended to think for a moment before she looked back at him, her eyes twinkling. “I think you should ask me to dance. Providing you don’t step on my toes, that should put you at an eight.”

  *

  Matthias threw his head back and laughed. Miranda was such a delight. And a surprise. He tossed expected the night to be somewhat awkward, but it hadn’t been at all. He pushed his chair back, laying his napkin beside his plate. He rose from his seat, walked around to Miranda, bowed and extended his hand. “Would you do me the honor of a dance, m’lady?”

  Miranda feigned surprise and took his hand. “This is such a surprise! I’d love to dance with you.” Matthias could see she was having a hard time not laughing by the way her lips were twitching.

  He led Miranda to the dance floor, pulling her into his arms. They started swaying together to the music. He twirled her around, making her giggle. He dipped her low and her eyes widened. Matthias just grinned at her. After a few minutes of dancing, Matthias saw the waitress bring their dinner, so he led Miranda back to the table.

  Over dinner, they enjoyed laughter and quiet conversation. They shared each other’s meals and finished off a bottle of wine. When they’d finished eating, Matthias asked Miranda if she would care to dance again. She accepted, happily.

  Taking her into his arms, Matthias started to dance. Her body was soft and warm against him. Miranda was relaxed, seeming to enjoy the feeling of being in his arms. Everything around him faded but the music and being in each other’s arms. Their gazes locked, time standing still. Matthias lowered his head to hers. He sipped at her lips slowly, dragging out each touch as long as he could. Matthias tilted his head to gently pry her lips apart. He slid his tongue ever so slowly into her mouth, while his arms tightened around her. Warm, wet, velvet tongues slid together and danced as they did, slowly, sensuously.

  Reality slowly returned and they broke the kiss. Miranda’s eyes were glazed and glowing when she looked up at Matthias. Matthias stopped dancing and pulled away. With his hand in hers and no words, he brought her off the dance floor and out to the front door. He stopped on his way by, handing the maître d’ a wad of bills to pay for their dinner. The frigid air outside brought a little of reason back to his overheated mind.

  All Matthias could think of was getting Miranda home and into his bed. He wanted, no needed, to feel her tonight. In the confines of the car, he could smell her arousal. His own arousal was at a point he’d never been before. His cock ached. He was sure there was going to be a permanent mark from pressing so hard against his zipper. He glanced at her as they drove home. Her cheeks were rosy, her lips slightly parted as if she was still trying to get enough air. He almost pulled off to the side of the road, right then and there. His foot became heavier on the accelerator.

  “Matthias,” she called quietly.

  “What?” he snapped, never taking his eyes off the road.

  “I swear to God, Matthias, if you look over here and growl one more time, we aren’t going to make it home. I’ve had about all I can take right now. Don’t push me.”

  Matthias looked over at Miranda, incredulous. He hadn’t been aware that he was growling. “Wha—” He started to ask what she meant by that when he took a closer look. Her breasts were rising rapidly with her breaths, the nipples poking into her shirt. Her hands were fisting and unfisting in her lap. When he took a deep breath, he felt how aroused she was. Holy fucking hell! Matthias turned back to the road and concentrated on getting them home in one piece.

  Whipping the car into the driveway, he roared to a stop in front of the door. Matthias threw the car into park and shut the engine off, and damn near fell out of the car in his haste to get inside the house. He strode to her side of the car and pulled the door open. With no pretense of calm or patience, Matthias lifted Miranda out of the car and slammed the door shut behind them.

  Miranda’s fingers were working on the buttons at Matthias’ throat as he walked to and through the front door. Her lips were on his jaw, his neck. Her teeth were nipping at his chin.

  Matthias knew he wasn’t going to make it to the bedroom. Her mouth and fingers were playing havoc with his willpower. As soon as they cleared the front door, he had her pressed against it. His mouth was ravishing hers. His hands were everywhere at once, pulling at her clothes and touching her
skin. Miranda’s hands were just as busy.

  Matthias felt her hesitate, and pulled back to look at her questioningly. She just smiled, shook her head and pulled him into another kiss. In a moment they were both bare, pressed tight against each other. He moved his mouth from hers to kiss over her cheek and along her jaw. He licked and kissed her neck. Miranda’s hands smoothed over his chest, her fingertips dragging across his nipples. Her sharp inhalation showed him how sensitive they were. He slid his tongue along her collarbone and down her breast where he found her hard, pert nipple waiting. Remembering how much she liked those played with, he sucked the right one into his mouth, flicking the tip with his tongue. She gasped, her back arching. He continued to tease her with his tongue and teeth until she was writhing against the door. Then he moved to her other breast and gave that nipple the same attention. His thigh was pushed between her legs and he could feel her warm, slick folds. The scent of their combined arousals was permeating the foyer.

  Matthias’s hands slid down to cup her backside. Lifting her, he positioned himself fully between her legs. He made a sound of approval when her legs wrapped around his waist. He lifted his head from her breast to look at her face. She was flushed, her hair damp around her face. Miranda’s pupils were dilated until hardly any color remained. She’d never looked more beautiful to him.

  Unable to help himself, he took her mouth hungrily, feasting on her. He thrust his tongue in and out of her mouth, hard and fast. With a shift of position, his cock pressed the entrance to her soaking pussy. One, two, three thrusts and he was buried inside her as far as he could go. He held himself still to regain some of the control she’d stolen from him.

  *

  Miranda was about to start begging. His mouth was a delicious torment on her senses. Her body was shaking, her heart racing. She lifted her leg to wrap around his thigh, trying to get just the right pressure where she needed it. She whimpered in frustration when it only created more friction but not enough to push her over the edge.

  Miranda clenched her legs around Matthias’s waist. She needed him inside her more than she needed her next breath. When he kissed her, she attacked his mouth just as ferociously. She shivered when she felt the tip of his cock at her entrance, and then almost screamed at the feel of him finally filling her. She was sure it would only take one thrust from him, and she would explode like a firecracker. Feeling him hold still, she pulled her mouth from his. “Matthias. Please.”