I could already hear the pitter-patter of little feet running across the hardwood floors of the ranch style home. During the holidays, garland would be hung around the fireplace with touches of Christmas warmth throughout the rest of the space like it was now; the Christmas tree would welcome everyone through the large front window like it did me tonight, though it would be stockpiled with presents beneath it…unlike now. When the children were in bed, I would hold her in my arms on the sofa by the warm fire as we gazed at the snow–capped, country landscape outside. This home held memories, these walls held love; this house had everything that I wanted in it, including the woman standing in front of me.
I’d always thought of myself as a forever bachelor. But damn if I didn’t want to marry Libby; I was humbled by my desire to have children with her, to grow old with her. They always tell you to marry your best friend; that’s exactly what Libby is to me. A year away didn’t change that. It actually forced me to admit my feelings to myself after so many years of denial. I truly wanted her, and no amount of time or distance would change that.
“Ty? You’re worrying me.” I heard the concern in her voice.
I just stared back in response. Her dark, brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her soft, round face. Her brows pulled together in the center as she studied me.
I smiled at her. I couldn’t help it. She was radiant. She was curvy and feminine, caring and selfless. I leaned against the counter, turning on the charm. “I’m good, baby. How are you?” I wagged my brows.
She cut her eyes at me. “You!” She slapped me with a potholder before turning back to the steaming pot.
I bit my lip as I got a good view of her curvaceous bottom. Two hands would never be enough to hold that. I would never lack places to fondle, lick, kiss and explore, when it came to Libby. Every night with her would be a new discovery, an adventure…I was damn close to jumping her right now, to get started.
I tugged at the crotch of my jeans, attempting to give my swollen cock some breathing room. I didn’t find any relief, especially when she bent over to grab a glass bowl from one of the bottom cupboards.
Chapter Three
OLIVIA
I set the glass bowl on the counter and dumped some crumbled chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar into it. I combined the ingredients by hand before slowly adding them into the milk and cream, stirring the liquid continuously as the new ingredients melted into it.
I glanced over my shoulder at Ty, taken aback by the pained expression on his face. My stomach twisted. Something wasn’t right. We were usually fun, borderline flirtatious, with each other. The laughter and conversation never stopped between us; yet, here we were, standing in silence after not seeing each other for almost a year.
I gave the brew one final stir before turning off the stove. Unable to hold back, particularly at seeing the strain on Ty’s beautiful face, I focused on him. I leaned against the counter, watching him watching me from the other side. “Talk to me before I start blackmailing you.” I crossed my arms over my chest, getting firm with him.
“With what?” He lightened immediately, his signature smirk lifting his lips to one side.
I playfully cut my eyes at him. “I have my sources.”
“Uh huh.”
“Seriously though, talk to me.”
His eyes darkened as he stared at me across the counter. “Let’s talk about you.”
Talk about an abrupt subject change.
“I heard you went on a few dates with Kurt Bayer. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Is that what this is all about?”
“Just answer the question.” He stiffened, boring his eyes into me.
Damn my heart for sprinting a little at the demand in his tone. “It was nothing. He was trying to make Kelly Ann jealous, was hoping she would take him back.” I shrugged. “It didn’t work, but we’re just friends. I could never look at Kurty Jerky as more.” I giggled remembering his nickname from high school.
Ty visibly relaxed. “You two would be an…odd couple.” He chuckled.
“We wouldn’t be that bad. Although, I don’t think I could ever get used to his year round appetite for deer jerky.” I scrunched my nose.
“Well, I know what to get you for Christmas.”
“No, you’re much classier than that. I can always count on you for a half-way decent gift.”
“Half-way decent?” He pressed his hand over his heart dramatically.
I rolled my eyes. “Whipped cream or marshmallows?” I gestured to the steaming pot as I grabbed two mugs from a cabinet nearby.
“Since when do we use whipped cream?”
I rolled my shoulders. “You ran off to the city. I didn’t know if your palate was going to return sophisticated.” I smiled, coyly, unable to keep from riling him.
“Such big words for a country girl.”
I spun around, threw my hands on my hips, and lifted my chin upwards. “I could run words with you any day, city boy.”
“Bring it on.” He wiggled his fingers in a come-hither motion.
“I have to finish your beverage first, monsieur.” The final word rolled off my tongue with a French accent.
“That’s right, lady. I’m the king of this castle tonight. I expect to be serviced and served.” He wagged his brows suggestively.
“Watch it, mister. Keep that tone up and all the marshmallows will end up in my cup.”
He threw his hands up in surrender. “You win.”
We laughed, our tension finally slipping away.
“So how was the city? I was surprised you got the holidays off your first year with the firm.” I pulled the ladle from the drawer and began transferring the chocolate brew into two mugs.
“Overrated. I miss the quiet out here. I even miss my obnoxious family.” He paused for a moment. “I miss you.” His tone was low, thick with emotion.
I stopped as I grabbed the bag of marshmallows from the pantry. I gave him a wistful smile. “I missed you too, Ty.”
He trailed his fingers along the countertop. “How are things at the store?”
“Surprisingly busy. I finally got around to creating an inventory system that will allow us to accept used books. So, customers buy a book, read it, then return it for a fraction of their money; I get to make a new profit on it by reselling it and they get a discount on a new book. It’s working beautifully.”
“That’s awesome, Lib. Have you looked into offering stuff online too?”
I shook my head, returning to the steaming mugs by the stove. “Not yet. We’ve had more than enough customers lately. This is my first night off in three weeks.” I dropped a hand full of marshmallows into each cup, closed the bag and set it aside.
“Are you making close to what you deserve yet?”
“Depends.” I knew my eyes were shimmering with mischief, as I handed him his cup. “What am I worth?” I lifted a brow, fighting to hold back a smile.
He didn’t hesitate. “You’re worth the moon’s weight in gold, baby.” He winked.
“Smooth. No wonder the ladies keep falling for you.” I walked back to the living room and collapsed on the sofa with my beverage firmly between my hands.
He followed, sitting beside me. He toed off his shoes and kicked his feet up on the oversized, wood coffee table; he held his drink in one hand while the other comfortably stretched across the back of the couch, behind me.
“Were your parents excited to see you?” I blew into my mug, the marshmallows separating just enough to allow the steam to escape.
He looked away, taking a sip of his drink. “Mmm. I always loved your hot chocolate.”
I narrowed my eyes on him. “Tyler Brandon Russell! How could you not stop and see your parents? Your mom is going to have a fit.” I shook my head incredulously.
He set his drink down on the coffee table.
My heart kicked up as he directed his full attention on me. With one hand, he brushed a few strands of my hair back, allowing his fingers to glide th
rough my locks as he leaned into me. He gazed into my eyes, his lips hovering an inch from mine. Every breath he exhaled tickled my skin, sending shockwaves through me. “I missed you.”
I could only watch him with bated breath. He was so close. I noticed every striation in his eyes, the varying stripes in hues of honey, chocolate and bark. His body heat radiated off of him, enveloping me in his warmth.
He captivated me, holding me in place with his intense stare. I felt him take my mug and heard him set it on the coffee table, but his eyes never strayed; his lips never moved.
I swallowed hard, my pussy fluttering with anticipation. Fuck. I wanted to close the distance between us, so badly, but I didn’t dare. I couldn’t.
He thrust his fingers deeper into my tresses, his other hand skimming up my thigh before curling around my hip. Every second seemed like an hour, as I watched and waited.
His grip tightened on my hip as he jerked me against him. “I’m going to kiss you, Libby.”
His lips moved the last inch, before pressing against mine. I swore angels sung in the distance as his soft, pliable flesh danced with my mouth’s agreeable succulence. There was no urgency to his touch, but damn there was heat. Every flick of his tongue along my lips seared my skin and sent pleasure pulsating through me, leaving an insatiable desire in its wake.
I met his moves equally, grazing my tongue along his. He tasted sweet, decadent; he was a dessert I could never get sick of eating.
His hands moved along my back. With a single movement of his wrists, I was in his lap, forced to fully lean against his hard body.
My nipples pebbled, my pussy wept as his thick shaft pressed against my center. His lips teased me, tantalizing me like a preview; his hands were in control, bending and molding my body against him the way he wanted me to be.
I ached. Damn, did I ache!
I wanted to rip off his clothes and beg him to fuck me. Either that or I wanted to kick him out, so I could take care of myself. My brain was fogged, lost in the gentle caress of his lips, the firm press of his body, and the irresistible outline of his hard cock.
I felt wanton. He wasn’t rushing, yet my breathing became more labored by the second. I was riding the line of danger. He was kissing me, but he wasn’t undressing me.
Mentally, I began to pull back. I didn’t want to get hurt. I must be misinterpreting him. Maybe he was merely curious. I mean, how many guys have been friends with a girl for twenty-four years, but never kissed them?
I slowly began to untangle myself from him. I was sure I had been crushing him and wanted to allow his lungs to expand now that I was holding my own weight. I carefully drew away from his lips. It was the hardest thing I’d ever done. My heart cracked, my soul cried, as I opened my eyes and sat back on the sofa a few inches down from him.
I struggled to control my breathing, staring off to the left at the front door. I couldn’t bring myself to face him just yet.
I heard him sit up and adjust himself beside me. I could easily picture him licking his supple lips…they were the perfect size: not too big and not too small, and they’d molded perfectly to mine…he molded perfectly to me.
I silently chastised myself. I couldn’t help but think about how amazing it felt when our bodies pressed together. I didn’t want to be reminded of the firm command of his hands against my hips and back as he drew me into him. It was killing me to remember the way his tongue teased my mouth. But I couldn’t get control of my feelings…and my body was still reacting.
My pussy trembled, and my womb tightened with need; my breasts were growing heavier by the second as my nipples strained against the fabric of my bra. I pressed my thighs together, seeking some sort of relief. Though, I found none.
Torture. That’s what I got from my best friend tonight.
Chapter Four
TYLER
I watched her as she squirmed in her seat. The problem was that I couldn’t tell if it was from nerves or because she wanted more.
Damn it. She tasted like heaven. I tried to take my time and savor every ounce of her, fully enjoying the enticing sensuality of her sweet mouth. It wasn’t enough though.
The craving I had for her settled in my groin; my cock stretched up towards my stomach, begging for release. My pulse started to pound, my heart was racing, as I sat like an inept fool, unsure of what to do next.
I wanted her. At first, I thought she wanted me too. But then she shied away.
Shit! This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.
I couldn’t sit back and do nothing. I needed to know definitively: one way or another.
I pressed my index finger against her plush cheek, turning her face to me.
My cock throbbed, as she gave me a reticent smile: an innocent smile that dangerously taunted my libido. “Talk to me, baby.”
“I was thinking we could watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I can make some popcorn then we can eat half and string half, just like we used to do. The Christmas tree could probably use a bit more decoration.”
“That’s not what I meant, Lib.”
She averted her gaze. “I’m not sure what else to say.”
“Then I’ll talk.” I reluctantly dropped my hand to her thigh, taking a deep breath and fighting for control to keep from squeezing it. “I want you, Libby; as more than a best friend. I want you in my arms, against my lips and in my bed…every night. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Her eyes widened, as her focus returned to me. Uncertainty knotted her brows, twisting her features.
“I’ve fought my feelings for years. It took me moving away, essentially losing you, to face the truth. I hope you feel the same or are at least open to giving us a try, but if not, please tell me now. Tell me you don’t want me that way…and I’ll turn on the movie, while you make popcorn; we can eat and string the rest of the night, and I swear I’ll never bring it up again.”
My heart thundered in my chest. Damn this shit was intense. I’d never laid my heart out for anyone before. Women poured their hearts out to me, and I dismissed them every time. If Libby rejected me, I couldn’t be mad. In many ways, I probably had it coming. But, fuck, it would tear me to fucking bits.
I sat, anxiously watching. Every second that ticked by, without a reaction from her, felt like an eternity.
Chapter Five
OLIVIA
My mind was racing, unable to process his stark admission. I couldn’t have heard him right, otherwise that would mean he felt the same way as me. Could a sexy, yummy hunk of a man, like him, really be attracted to an overstuffed mess like me? About the only thing I had going for me was my blemish-free complexion. That wasn’t much of a consolation, considering I had hips that were probably the same size around as I was tall. While I had a big butt, it wasn’t a Kardashian derrière. I have flaws…many, many flaws…imperfections that would never hold up against Tyler’s model good looks.
Yet, even with that very obvious fact glaring at me, I couldn’t deny my heart. I wanted him. That kiss more than sealed the deal for me. It proved every emotion I’d questioned over the years, every feeling I’d tried to deny.
He began to fidget beside me, a sign of anxiety on his part. It was rare that Tyler showed signs of distress. He was a lawyer; he was the epitome of calm, cool and collected: at all times.
I gave him a coy smile. “Would you be willing to wear a bow and lay under the tree?”
He smiled wide, his eyes dancing with delight as he breathed a sigh of relief. “Anything you want, baby.” He captured my lips, hooking a hand around my neck to control the angle and depth as he took me.
My body sizzled, awareness awakening in every part of me.
A shiver ran down my spine, heat pooling low in my stomach as he growled against my lips, shoving me backwards onto the sofa. He slithered over me, his free hand touching, grabbing, every part of me with frantic desperation.
His cock pressed firmly against my epicenter, sending an intense desire straight to my puss
y. He slid his hand beneath my hoodie.
My lips parted as his tongue entered my mouth; I gasped as he jerked my bra aside, freeing one breast. Sensational pleasure, radiated from my core, as he rubbed his thumb back and forth across my sensitive nipple. I couldn’t hold back my moan as an intense yearning swelled within me.
Years of dreaming, years of craving him, were finally becoming reality.
I shoved my hands beneath his sweater, caressing the hard plains of his stomach and chest muscles before pushing the material up. He broke away briefly to remove this obstacle, tossing it onto the floor somewhere.
His dark, hungry eyes consumed me. He didn’t hide anything, and there was no way that I could deny his feelings for me any longer. It was all there, laid out before me. He wanted me. “Let’s go to your bedroom, so I can do this right.” His lips were swollen from tangling with mine.
His gaze slid down, traveling over my voluptuous body. He trailed his fingers down the center of me, pausing to draw a circle with his fingers just above my mound before continuing downward. He pressed hard against my pussy, ensuring his fingers sliced through every layer of fabric to reach my sensitive folds.
A whimper escaped me, as my hips uncontrollably lifted to meet his desire.
His hand moved up, slipping between me and the sofa. He grabbed my ass, forcefully, my body shuddering in response to his dominance. “I don’t want to have to punish you the first night, baby.”
I puckered my lips, creasing my brows. “Punish me? There is no way in hell you are going to punish me.”
His eyes twinkled at the challenge, his smirk gleefully returning. “We’ll see about that.”
He abruptly stood, pulling me up with him. He immediately wrapped his arms around me from behind, nuzzling his face in my neck as he steered me towards my bedroom. “Baby, the things I want to do to your lush body are purely sinful. Before the end of the night, you’ll be screaming my name and begging for more.”
I felt heat fill my cheeks, even as I mocked him. “Cockiness doesn’t make girls come, city slicker.”
A Naughty Little Christmas (Cowboys, Cops, and Kilts: 8 Seasonally Seductive Romances from Bestselling Authors) Page 52