Her neck and shoulders were red. Whisker burns stood out against her fair skin. An exhilarating reminder of everything she’d imagined the night to hold.
After taking a hotel bathrobe off the hook on the back of the door, she slid her arms into it and pulled it snug around her. Obviously, the Oakes View family spared no expense. The soft and plush cotton warmed her body and it was as if feathers touched her skin.
After loosely tying the belt, she made her way to the bedroom, surprised to see the bed empty. She’d been looking forward to crawling back into his arms and cuddling for as long as possible.
A tad disappointed, she walked into the sitting area and immediately caught sight of Sebastian. Dressed only in his trousers, he stood at the same window she’d looked out earlier. Shoulder resting against the doorframe, Jodie looked her fill, since he seemed deep in thought.
Such a strong and athletic man. His broad shoulders and taut back muscles were even more commanding than she had imagined. As he’d thrust inside her, she savored the feel of his muscles, the soft yet tough skin, as her hands explored every inch.
Even his ass was powerful and potent. She’d relished being able to grab hold and pull him deeper inside. He’d seemed to like it when she did it too since his pace increased and his moans had gotten louder.
Shaking herself from those thoughts, her body tingling with excitement, she made her way to him. Laying her head on his shoulder, she linked her hand with his.
“It’s stunning, isn’t it?”
Hues of light surrounded the Falls. Blue, purple, yellow, pink, it seemed every color was represented to capture the water as it cascaded over the side and lit the night with its beauty.
Jodie had never seen anything so spectacular.
Save for the man standing beside her.
Sebastian’s throat rumbled, which she took for his agreement.
She lifted her head and shifted until her shoulder touched the glass. Fingers still linked, poses nearly identical, they stood almost chest to chest.
His gaze met hers. Her heart clenched at the sight of what looked like confusion and concern. “Sebastian, what’s wrong?”
He looked into the darkness over her shoulder, then brought his gaze back to her. “Tonight was amazing.”
Jodie smiled a little, uncertain about his soft vibrato tone. She hadn’t heard him so quiet or vulnerable before. “Yes, it was everything I’d hoped it to be.”
He nodded, satisfied. “Good. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I did too. In case you wondered.” He winked.
Relaxed that he seemed to be in good spirits still, her hand tightened around his. “Yes, I got that impression in there.” She nodded toward the bedroom.
“Come sit with me.”
After following him over to the sofa, Jodie sat and curled her legs up beneath her. “Is everything okay?”
Sebastian faced her, his leg bent and an arm along the back. “Yes, fine. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed being with you.”
Jodie nodded. “I know. I’m glad you’ve found some peace tonight.”
“Though I knew what I was getting myself into, you didn’t. Jodie, I see the loneliness in you. The uncertainty of who you are. Fate brought you here tonight for us to meet. I hope I’ve shown you how desirable and amazing you are.”
“Sebastian,” her chuckle held no humor, “you believe that fate brought us together, for what? For you to tell me how wonderful I am? I know I’m not an ugly duckling, but I do know my Mr. Right is out there. I just haven’t found him yet.”
“That is all true. But I do believe you were brought here for a reason. You might have confidence in yourself, to a point, but…you’ve never been courted, have you?”
Agitated, Jodie eased back into the corner, her mind contemplating the best escape route. She wasn’t ready to have the conversation he wanted. It opened up too much that she didn’t want to think about.
“Joey, look at me. I know it sounds dramatic and overwrought, but I’m glad to be here with you tonight. I want you to know before I leave again that you are everything a man could want. And more. It’s time you put yourself out there, allowed a man close to help you find happiness.”
Jodie gaped at him. She wasn’t ready to put her heart on the line. Nor was she ready to change her life after only one night. She didn’t tick that way.
“I think you’re reading too much into this.” She played with the ends of the belt in her lap. “Maybe because it’s Christmas, or maybe the whole atmosphere of tonight is overwhelming you into thinking you need to save me or something.”
Then why do you feel he might be right?
Shut up.
That inner voice was the last thing she wanted to hear from right now. One of them had to be levelheaded.
“I don’t believe that any more than you do. Don’t play games with me. I’m not on a mission to save you. But I see you. You put all your time and energy into your work. The only friend you probably spend time with is this Portia. That is no life for a young, vibrant woman like you.” Sebastian clasped her shoulder and shifted closer. The arm of the sofa dug into her back.
“Any man would be blessed to have such a vision beside him every day and night,” he declared.
Gazing deep into his eyes, the truth and hope for it to happen was clear.
Never had a man looked at her with such deep emotion, desperation and consuming need before. Could she find a man in her world to look at her the same way? It was terrifying to try and only end up heartbroken.
“Sebastian.” She sighed.
He clasped both her hands, eased her forward, then put his arms around her. His thighs firm beneath her palms, Jodie ached to reach up, undo his pants and forget about the conversation.
His hold on her tightened, and she lost all thought when his lips brushed hers.
“Promise me you’ll open yourself up to the possibility of love, Joey. Don’t you want someone to love you unconditionally and passionately, for always?”
“I just don’t see—”
“Don’t tell me what you see right now. If it could, do you want it to happen?”
Jodie drowned in the pools of his eyes. Lost in his concern for her.
Nodding, she whispered, “Yes, I want it.”
“Then it will,” he murmured, sincerity clear in his voice.
Jodie wanted nothing more than to let herself go and believe him unconditionally.
Chapter Five
Sebastian’s mouth took hers, claiming whatever questions she was about to make.
Jodie angled her head to take him deeper, acquainting herself with his superb taste and took all the intoxicating passion he had to offer.
She undid his pants, inched her hands beneath them, and clasped his hard cock. She pumped him gently, and swallowed his moan. She ached to feel him inside her again.
She squeezed him tighter, liquid seeped over the tip. Spreading it over his length, Jodie smiled as his hips jerked.
He pulled back, his palms against her cheeks. “Damn, what you do to me.”
Jodie smiled as she tightened her hold and then licked her lips. “I know what more I’d love to do to you.” Sebastian groaned and grabbed her hands. “Hey, I wasn’t done yet!” Jodie exclaimed.
Standing, he pulled her up. He held her hand tight in his and led her toward the bedroom. “I’d rather spread you on the bed and have my wicked way with you again.”
“Well, when you put it that way…” Jodie followed behind him, untying the robe as she did. Her body burned to feel his touch all over her.
Beside the bed, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her shoulder. Her body tingled. His mouth stroked and explored the sensitive area at the base of her neck. Shards of pulsing energy zinged through her.
More alive than ever—even compared to earlier in the evening within this very man’s arms—she was captivated.
Perhaps knowing she believed love was out there for her somewhere, this man made her trust in more than just her
self. She really did have faith in forever.
His erection jerked against her stomach. She groaned and edged closer. Hooking her thumbs into the waistband of his pants, she pushed them down his hips, and let them fall as he slid his hands beneath the robe and along her hips.
She shivered. His fingers petted her, light and soft. Wetness pooled between her thighs. He had learned her body like a sculptor did with the clay he worked. Molding, shaping her body to his will, it was as if it no longer belonged to her.
Not that she minded in the least. His hands on her made all else fade and it was just the two of them making love without a care in the world.
Her stomach pitched as he coaxed her hips even closer to his hardness. Rubbing against him, she found satisfaction in his guttural moan, and lifted her arms to his chest, nudging him back.
She grinned when his eyelids opened. Jodie pumped his shaft, thrilled when it grew even larger. As she started to kneel in front of him, Sebastian held her tight against him.
“I want you too much right now, sweetheart.” He groaned. “I wouldn’t be able to hold back.”
“That’s okay. I want to taste you.”
Sebastian closed his eyes and his hips shook as her touch brushed over his cock. “I would love that,” he whispered. “But I want to be inside you. I don’t have a lot of time left, my dear. I’m sorry.”
Jodie’s heart plunged.
Nowhere near ready to say goodbye to him, she didn’t want to think of that right now. So close to the edge already, and knowing he felt the same, warmed her.
Understanding, Jodie brushed his lips briefly. “I’ll never forget this night.”
Sebastian smiled. “I won’t forget it, either.”
She sighed as he pushed the robe off her shoulders. He clasped her hips and turned. He lowered her onto the bed, gaze moving over her, eyes dilated, as he looked his fill.
She’d never felt so desired. It was as if he were the hunter and she his prey. He had stolen her breath and captured her heart.
Leaning forward, his body nestled hers. His erection nudged her center, obviously eager to find his place inside the warmth. Hands gliding down her thighs to her knees, he pushed both of them back, opening her to him.
Her nails dug into the mattress, desperate to feel him inside her. Eyes wide, she watched him move back. Hands tight on her bent legs, he moved his torso down her body. With his gaze on her, he licked her pussy, one end to another, causing her to screech.
Moving quickly, Sebastian stood at the edge of the bed, his cock at her entrance. Gaze locked with hers, he pushed himself deep inside. Head flung back, Jodie’s body filled with joy as he thrust over and over again.
Gliding in and out of her, his hands tight on her knees, she moved closer and closer to the edge. She loved having him inside her. As much as she wanted—needed—to make this last, her body wouldn’t listen. From the rapid pace of his own body, Sebastian was grappling with his own body’s needs as well.
“Sebastian, please!”
“Joey, damn it.”
She could see him battling to maintain control and teetered on the precipice herself. Again and again he drove his cock into her, pushing her.
Covering his hands where they pushed against her knees, she moaned. “Now, oh God, Sebastian. Now!”
As if waiting for permission, his body lurched against her, his warmth filled her. Jodie screamed as her own release crashed over her. Body rigid, she inhaled hard only to exhale quickly. Sebastian shuddered over her, his breathing harsh.
Pulling him down onto her completely, Jodie wrapped her arms around him.
“You’re my everything, Joey.” Hearing his soft-spoken promise in her ear, Jodie closed her eyes, tears stabbing behind the lids and allowed fate to lead the way.
***
Sebastian stood and looked down at Jodie. Deep sleep had captured her just after they’d made love. She was more than she even believed herself to be. The love within her, her soul, both were so beautiful and captivating.
Any man who found her would hold the biggest prize of his life in his hands. If only he could be that man.
He glanced at the electric clock on the bedside stand. He still marveled at such an invention. Two minutes until midnight. His time was up.
In all the decades that he only lived during this night, no woman had ever made him feel or want so much. He loved Jodie with all his heart. He would miss her.
With a last kiss on her shoulder, Sebastian headed to the den, the room where he entered and exited this plain. His gaze swept over the articles, still bewildered by why the other women would reveal everything they’d shared with strangers.
In his heart, he knew Jodie would never share their time together with anyone. It was theirs to remember forever.
He sat at the desk and regarded the clock. One more minute. Picking up his quill pen, he wrote quickly.
My Joey,
This has been my best Christmas to date.
May your heart find the love that I have since meeting you. Never will I forget you.
Forever in my heart and soul. Until we meet again.
S.
Satisfied, he sat back. Warmth and love filled him. His temporary human form dissolved and he started to float.
As opposed to the past, this time as he floated, he lifted his gaze. He drifted over to Jodie, who still slept peacefully. So beautiful.
Suddenly, white light blinded him.
Never before had he seen a light so bright in all the years he’d been caught between worlds. The light called to him. As it pulled him in, Sebastian’s heart filled with her affection and tenderness.
Peace washed over him.
He had finally been carried home.
***
Jodie lifted her eyelids, then groaned as sunlight stabbed her vision.
Turning away from the invasion, she reached for Sebastian. Feeling nothing, she opened her eyes quickly and rose onto an elbow. Her heart dropped as she took in the emptiness beside her.
Dread filled her as she grabbed her robe and ran from the room. Moving through the suite and into the den, deep down she wasn’t surprised to find it empty.
Seeing the yellowed paper and quill pen that hadn’t been set out like that before, sitting in the middle of the desk, she rushed around it. A sob left her as she noticed her name at the top. Reading quickly, her knees went weak and she had to sit. Tears flowed down her cheeks.
Sebastian, the man who had stolen her heart was one of the most precious men she would ever know. She knew he wasn’t with her just for the sex, but seeing it on paper held even more meaning to her. That he would let her know how much she meant to him before leaving, showed how much he did care.
Carrying the note with her, she moved to the bedroom and picked up her suitcase. Laying it on the bed, she opened the zippered compartment on the outside of the luggage. Placing the note carefully inside, she sniffled and dried her eyes.
She wanted to take it home with her, put it away in a safe place where it would remain with her most treasured pictures and accomplishments from childhood, college transcripts and diplomas—the type of things she would hang on to forever.
Crossing to the window, she gazed at the Falls below. Love filled her. She would miss him terribly but knew she was a better woman—and lover—for having known him.
He’d shown her many times just how desirable she was, and that it was okay to let go and give herself to another person. While she’d planned to live a little over the weekend, she never expected to find someone who she would love so much.
He was everything she could want in life. She only hoped to someday actually meet a real, living and breathing man who would set her body ablaze like Sebastian did.
But she would try. For her ghostly lover she would do her best to find happiness and love in her lifetime. Someday she might meet him again, when the time had come for her to leave this earth.
He’d desperately wanted her to find love and live to her heart’s co
ntent. Love for Sebastian would always be in her heart but she needed a flesh and blood man. Permanently.
No more lonely nights at home, saying no to every man who asked her out for coffee. Sure, she’d still be selective and enjoy the company of men who actually seemed worthy of her time, but she’d be more open and willing.
Sebastian had shown her what love was. She would honor his memory by having the life she deserved. No matter how many frogs she had to kiss to find her Mr. Right.
After a quick peek at the clock, Jodie took one last look at the Falls, then made her way to the bathroom to shower and change.
She had one hour to pack, check out of the hotel and start the journey home.
The only thing she would leave behind was the lonely woman she’d been when she’d checked in.
Epilogue
New Year’s Eve
Jodie pressed the button for the elevator, juggling the binders in her hands. Clutching them tight against her, she sighed, grateful that none fell.
Her nerves had been on edge since getting back from Niagara Falls last week. It had been exhausting days of grueling work with new clients and lack of sleep.
She couldn’t stop thinking about Sebastian and the night in his arms. In those few short hours, he’d made her feel more special and loved than she’d ever thought she could in an entire lifetime. One day she’d find a real man like him who made her body tingle and shiver from just a scorching, hot look.
Sighing, she heard the elevator ping.
“After you.”
The deep, gruff voice beside her startled her. She looked up, the stack in her arms jostling. She made a daring attempt to clutch them all but one fell with a splat on the elevator floor.
“Let me get that for you.”
Looking down at the dark curls and strong shoulders, Jodie frowned and shivered. The air in the elevator seemed to close in on her. Taking a deep breath, she watched the man stand and smiled.
A Ghost for Christmas Page 4