His Christmas Gift ; Decadent Holiday Pleasures

by Janice Sims

  “Discombobulated.” He grinned. “And that’s how I feel every time you look at me.”

  Smirking, Elise patted his shoulder. “I feel for you, man. Stay strong!”

  They laughed together. Her cell phone rang but she decided to leave it inside her back pocket. She didn’t want anyone to infringe on her time with Giovanni, and made a mental note to check her messages later.

  Admiring the other images on the wall, Elise asked about the people in the photographs, when they were taken and the unique, exotic locations.

  Giovanni spoke about his parents and sisters in a jovial tone, but his gaze fell across pictures taken at a family reunion years earlier and his face darkened. From the outside looking in, Giovanni seemed to have it all, but he confessed that relatives had betrayed him in the past, fracturing their relationship. He acted as if it were no big deal, said it was one of the downsides of being rich, but Elise disagreed with him. It didn’t matter that he was a star athlete with millions of dollars in the bank; he deserved to be treated with respect, not like a human ATM.

  They exited the media room, but Giovanni’s confession weighed heavily on Elise’s mind as they entered the master suite. It had plush drapes and bedding, a bronze console table and bench, velvet club chairs and a platform bed dressed with monogrammed cushions and pillows. A mini-fridge was beside the entertainment unit, and the air smelled of amaretto liquor. “So this is party central,” Elise teased, smirking. “You must entertain in here a lot.”

  “My bedroom is my sanctuary, my private escape from the world, and very few people have seen these four walls.”

  Her cheeks burned with fire. “Giovanni, I’m sorry. I was kidding. I wasn’t trying to imply that you’re a player with a revolving bedroom door.”

  “Contrary to what you think, my world is quite small,” he confessed with a sad smile.

  Giovanni gestured to the ivory sofa in front of the window and they sat.

  “For decades, people have tried using me for financial gain, which makes it hard for me to trust,” he explained. “Every woman I meet always seems to have an agenda—”

  “I don’t.” Elise felt compelled to defend herself and wanted Giovanni to know he’d never have to worry about her using him or asking for favors. “You looked like you could use a friend tonight, and now that I’ve gotten to know you better, I can see that you’re a great guy.”

  “Maybe we’re not destined to be friends. Maybe we’re destined to be lovers.”

  Her heart stalled. Elise was flattered by his attention, but nothing mattered more to her than being the executive chef at the Hamptons Polo Club; she wasn’t going to risk her future for a Christmas fling. “We’ve discussed this several times, and my perspective hasn’t changed.”

  “It should,” he said in a smooth voice. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m dreamy.”

  Elise refused to be distracted by his dimpled grin. “I can’t lose my job. I know I’ve only been at the club for a few weeks, but I love being the executive chef of Vencedores, and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize my position.”

  “I’ll talk to Rosario. Don’t worry. You won’t be fired. She thinks you’re incredible.”

  “No. Don’t! Please don’t say anything to her about us,” Elise begged, clutching his forearm. “I don’t want Rosario to know I like you.”

  A frown curled his lips. “Why? What’s wrong with me?”

  “You mean besides the fact that you’re a spoiled, entitled athlete who’s utterly ridiculous?” she teased, flashing an innocent smile.

  “Yeah, besides that.” Blinking uncontrollably, Giovanni pointed a finger at his face. “It’s my lazy eye, isn’t it? I knew it. I really should get that fixed before we hook up.”

  Tossing her head back, Elise cracked up.

  “You have the best laugh,” he praised in an awe-filled voice. “It’s full and rich and loud, and one of the happiest sounds I’ve ever heard.”

  “Are we going to spend the rest of the night discussing my many admirable traits, or make out on this gorgeous designer couch?” Elise asked, playfully batting her eyelashes.

  “I love the way you think.”

  “And I love the way you taste, so shut up and kiss me.”

  “With pleasure.”

  Inclining her head, her eyes fluttered closed as she waited impatiently for his kiss. Giovanni pressed his lips to her mouth and Elise inched closer to him on the couch. Resting a hand on his chest, her thoughts scattered and a moan rose in her throat.

  “No one has to know we’re lovers. It’ll be our little secret,” he whispered against her lips between kisses. “We’ll take it one day at a time. No pressure.”

  Elise remained quiet. It was a challenge, but she restrained herself from devouring his mouth and ripping his clothes off.

  “I’ve wanted you from the moment you walked into the restaurant looking like a beautiful ray of sunshine. So please don’t deny me the pleasure of making love to you tonight.”

  The silence was profound. For several seconds, Elise mulled over her options. Doubts flooded her mind and her confidence waned. Will Giovanni like my body? Will I please him? How will I measure up to the other women he’s hooked up with? It was hard to concentrate, impossible to think clearly when Giovanni was kissing and caressing her skin. The truth was, she didn’t want to deny her feelings for him anymore. Maybe he was right. Maybe they could have a Christmas fling and no one would ever have to know.

  “My career is everything to me, Giovanni, and I don’t want to lose the best job I’ve ever had. Promise me you won’t tell anyone about us. No one at all. Not even your friends.”

  “You have my word.” He cupped her face in his hands and spoke in a firm tone. “You can trust me, Elise. I won’t betray your trust.”

  His words were sweet music to her ears. Desire consumed her, temporarily blinding her judgment, and Elise kissed him with a ferocity she didn’t even know she had. Making out with Giovanni gave her a high she’d never experienced before. Their clothes were a barrier, a nuisance Elise wanted gone, and she envisioned herself stripping him naked. At the thought, her mouth dried. Worried she’d scare him off by being too aggressive, she cautioned herself to relax.

  Sucking the tip of his tongue into her mouth, she caressed his chest through his shirt. The moment they’d left Extreme Sports Dome and climbed into Giovanni’s SUV, she knew they’d end up making love—even though she’d been in denial—but Elise had never dreamed it would be like this. She was desperate for him. Ravenous. Consumed with desire. Out of control—and each passionate French kiss intensified her need.

  They rose from the couch and stumbled through the suite, the glow of the crescent moon lighting the path to the bed. They shed their clothes then stretched out on the silk sheets. Elise licked his lips and sucked the tip of his tongue as she caressed the length of his face. She took out the elastic band in his ponytail and his thick hair fell around his shoulders, tickling her skin.

  Giovanni blew in her ear, and Elise shrieked with laughter. She was high. Giddy. In a playful and goofy mood. From the day they’d met, she’d been fighting her feelings for him, but not tonight. Giovanni was a catch, the kind of man women dreamed about meeting, and Elise was crazy about him. There was no denying the truth: she desired him more than anything and she didn’t have the power to resist him anymore.

  “You’re gorgeous,” he praised, tenderly caressing her hips with his hands.

  “I know, right?” Giggling, she touched his chest. His muscles had muscles and his strong, toned body was a masterpiece—one she wanted to enjoy for the rest of the night. “You’re the one with the Sports Illustrated cover body, not me.”

  Giovanni stared deep into her eyes and the intensity of his gaze took her breath away.

  “Pleasing you is all that matters to me, so don’t be afraid to tell me what you n
eed...”

  Oh, wow, she thought, stunned by his words and the vulnerability in his voice. He really is a dream come true! Giovanni acted as if she was a bombshell, the most desirable woman in the world, and his compliments gave her a mind-blowing rush.

  Giovanni yanked open the top drawer on the side table, grabbed a gold packet and ripped it open. Kissing her passionately, his tongue stimulated her mouth and aroused her flesh. Elise moaned. Her skin was on fire, tingling uncontrollably. Locking eyes with him, she felt her body come alive as he positioned his erection between her legs. They’d reached the point of no return, but doubts still crowded her mind. Stop stressing, she thought, giving herself a much-needed pep talk. You’re beautiful and sexy and vivacious, so get out of your head and go with the flow!

  “Open up wide,” he whispered against her ear, his voice a throaty growl.

  Eager to please, Elise spread the lips between her legs with one hand, and used the other to guide his erection inside her. His kiss pleased her and his slow grind thrilled her flesh. In the past, she’d never had a great appetite for sex, had often joked that she could live without it, but hooking up with Giovanni had proved otherwise. She was desperate for him, didn’t want their lovemaking to ever end, and his penetration was so deep, Elise saw the sun, the moon and the stars. It’s true what they say, Elise thought, clamping her legs possessively around his toned waist. A hard man is good to find!

  Their lovemaking was passionate and playful, everything Elise wanted and more. They were in sync, connected by mind, body and soul. They took their time pleasing each other, savored every moment. Giovanni was confident in the bedroom, knew exactly what she wanted and needed, and Elise couldn’t have asked for a more thoughtful lover. She felt as if she was walking on water, floating in the sky, and hoped her feet never touched the ground.

  Wanting Giovanni to know how much she desired him, Elise rolled on top of him, gripped his shoulders and lowered herself onto his erection. A moan fell from her mouth as his length filled her sex. Goose bumps tickled her skin, flooded her spine. Her body was shaking, but there was nothing Elise could do to stop it.

  On top, she had the freedom to do whatever she wanted, and she did—she played with his hair, tweaked his nipples, sucked his earlobes. Rocking her hips back and forth, Elise grabbed his hands and used them to cup her breasts, then pushed her nipples into his open mouth. Her hair was glued to her face and neck, but Elise had never been happier.

  “Harder. Faster. Yeah, that’s it,” he growled, clutching her hips.

  Elise increased her pace, vigorously pumping her legs. She loved being on top, relished being in control, but her excitement was short-lived. An orgasm seized her body and her climax was so powerful Elise collapsed onto his chest, her mind reeling.

  “That was incredible,” he acclaimed in an awe-filled voice, stroking her hair.

  Elise took a moment to catch her breath. Their lovemaking had exceeded her wildest dreams, and even though her legs were sore, she was ready for round two.

  She raised her head, met his gaze, then kissed his lips. “Of course it was. You’re Giovanni Castillo, the sexiest polo player alive, and you aim to please!”

  “Now I really want you to come with me to Argentina for my birthday. Imagine all the fun we’ll have in my beautiful hometown. And at my secluded villa.”

  “What makes you think we’ll still be lovers in March?” she asked, turning his words over in her mind. “That’s three months away. Anything can happen between now and then.”

  Giovanni cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “We will be. There’s no doubt in my mind. I have a feeling I’ll never have my fill of you, and that suits me just fine...”

  Me, too! I could stay with you like this forever!

  He kissed her forehead, her cheeks and the tip of her nose, making her feel cherished and adored. It was a surreal moment. She’d fantasized about making love to him since they’d kissed in the storage room, and Elise was shocked that it had actually happened—still couldn’t believe she was lying in his arms.

  Sighing in contentment, she closed her eyes and nestled her head against his chest, hoping their sizzling secret fling survived the Christmas holidays.

  Chapter 14

  Elise rolled onto her side, pulled the quilted duvet cover over her head and sniffed the air. Her stomach growled, and if Elise wasn’t naked, she would have ventured downstairs to the kitchen for something to eat. Opening her eyes, she squinted at the blinding light inside the master suite. The open drapes allowed sunshine to stream into the room through the windows, and the scenic view made Elise feel relaxed.

  Elise buried her nose in the thick, fluffy blanket. She heard the wind howling, the unmistakable buzz of a snowblower, and wondered how many inches of snow had been dumped on the city overnight. It was another cold winter day. If Elise didn’t have to teach her weekly cooking class at the East Hampton Senior Center at four o’clock, she wouldn’t leave the comfort of the bed. Just the thought of venturing outside made her teeth chatter. At Giovanni’s instance last night, she’d left her Honda at the polo club so they could drive together to Extreme Sports Dome in his SUV and she hoped no one had noticed her vehicle parked at the property overnight and grown suspicious.

  “Shoot! I forgot the maple syrup and the napkins...”

  Hearing Giovanni’s voice, Elise inclined her head and frowned in confusion. He’s here? But earlier, after we made love for the second time, he told me he was going to the polo club to check on the horses but said he’d be back by lunchtime.

  Peeking out from the underneath the blanket, she glanced over her shoulder and spotted Giovanni standing in the middle of the room, typing on his phone. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him. Stylishly dressed in a black crew-neck T-shirt, athletic pants and suede slippers, Giovanni oozed masculinity and the stubble on his jaw gave him a rugged bad-boy vibe.

  Her eyes widened. The round wooden table was set with crisp linens; the decorative glass vase was filled with pink roses; and her favorite breakfast foods were laid out. None of the men Elise had dated in the past had ever cooked for her before, and she was floored by Giovanni’s thoughtful romantic gesture.

  Elise listened to his every move. She heard Giovanni exit the bedroom then jog down the staircase, and she sprang into action. Tossing the blanket aside, Elise surged to her feet and dashed into the bathroom. Flicking on the light, she noticed a pink Post-it note on the mirror and ripped it off the glass. Elise read the note and the smile in her heart exploded across her mouth.

  I hope you slept well. Everything you need is in the wicker basket.

  Overcome with emotion, Elise held the note to her chest. Giovanni’s aftershave lingered in the air and she inhaled the refreshing scent. Curious to see what he’d left for her, she peeked into the oversize basket on the limestone countertop. Elise gasped then cupped a hand over her mouth. He’d thought of everything—toiletries, perfume, a change of clothes, undergarments and even a pair of slippers—and she was pleased by the contents in the basket.

  A troubling thought came to mind, stealing her happiness. Where had Giovanni gotten the items from? Did they belong to his ex-wife? A lump wedged in her throat. Questions crowded her thoughts. Elise wanted to know what had gone wrong in Giovanni’s marriage, but he was still reeling from the results of his doctor’s appointment yesterday and she didn’t want to add to his stress by pressuring him to talk about one of the worst times in his life.

  Elise gave her head a shake. She’d had an incredible night with Giovanni, and she didn’t want to ruin the mood by acting jealous and insecure. R&B music was playing in the bedroom and hearing the popular Bruno Mars song brightened her mood.

  Brushing her teeth, she glanced around the spa-inspired bathroom and admired the decor. Clean, modern and awash with sunlight, it had metallic wallpaper, a stone shower stall, a Persian carpet, and the bronze horse sculptures gave t
he space a touch of class. Anxious to see Giovanni, she took a quick shower, got dressed and pulled her damp hair up into a bun.

  Elise opened the door just in time to see Giovanni do the Cupid Shuffle across the bedroom floor. Amused, she whistled and cheered. “You’re handsome, you’re charming and you dance? Wow, you weren’t kidding. You really are the total package.”

  “Told you,” he said with a nod and a proud smile. “But you wouldn’t believe me.”

  Approaching him, Elise batted her lashes. “Do you blame me? I’m an innocent Southern girl who’s never met a famous athlete before, and I was starstruck.”

  “Innocent my ass. You wore me out last night!” Chuckling, Giovanni pulled her into his arms and caressed her shoulders. “How did you sleep?”

  “Wonderfully. I had the most delicious dream.”

  A grin dimpled his cheeks. “Is that right? I didn’t realize dreams could be delicious.”

  “They are when I dream about you.”

  Lowering his face to hers, Giovanni kissed her lips. He took his time ravishing her mouth, acted as if it was his greatest joy. Her heart sighed. She was a twenty-nine-year-old woman who’d traveled all over the world, experiencing thrilling adventures in exotic countries, but there was nothing better than being with Giovanni. His kiss gave her a dizzying rush. Standing in the middle of the bedroom, flirting and kissing, Elise realized one night with the polo star wasn’t going to be enough. He made her laugh out loud; they had similar hobbies and interests; and his kisses left her weak. Last night had been one of the happiest moments of her life and she’d never forget how special Giovanni had made her feel as they’d made love.

  A hunger pang stabbed her stomach. Elise was starving, but she didn’t want to leave the comfort of Giovanni’s arms. She wanted to spend the rest of the day with him, chatting and hanging out at his gorgeous estate, but she didn’t want to cancel her cooking class at the nursing home. She looked forward to seeing the participants every month and was confident the seniors would have fun making and decorating sugar cookies that afternoon. “What an elaborate spread,” she said, peering over his shoulder at the round table. “What did you make?”