Christmas Love

by Hazel Gower

  Derick pulled her chair out, she sat, and he eased it in and then took his own seat. He watched her as she picked up the menu. He needed to say something, but his mind seemed to be too muddled. What was wrong with him? He’d spoken to Luna before, he’d looked after her for days, and now that they were on their first date he was speechless.

  Clearing his dry throat, he looked down at his menu and then up at her. “What looks good?” Argh, why was he so nervous?

  Her gaze came up to meet his. “The chicken alfredo sounds amazing. What are you thinking of getting?”

  He darted his gaze down at the menu he wasn’t really interested in. Right now he didn’t know if he could even eat. “The carbonara.” He put down the menu and she followed.

  “Well, that was easy.” She smiled and his heart seemed to skip a beat. “I want to thank you again for the other week. You didn’t have to help me and look after me while I was sick. You’ve become my knight in shining armor.”

  “There is no need to thank me.” He took a deep breath in and let it out, ready to say what he wanted—no needed to. “I like you. The more time I spend with you the more I like. You’re a great mum, and your children show how well you’ve raised them. I not only enjoy being with you, but I enjoy being with your kids.”

  “Thank you. My children seem quiet taken with you too.” Her eyes lit up and sparkled as she spoke of her children. “Layla and Rex are usually good judges of character.” The light left her gaze and she seemed to go off somewhere. “They didn’t like their father. He was only around when they were babies, but they cried anytime he was near and didn’t stop until he was out of the room. He didn’t hold them after a while because they wouldn’t stop crying.”

  “What about your ex-husband’s parents. I’ve never heard you mention them. Rex and Layla haven’t either.”

  Grimacing, she sighed. “He didn’t have any. He was a foster child.” She started to say more but the waiter came and asked for their order. Derick gave the waiter his and Luna’s along with ordering some wine.

  “How about we try some lighter topic beside exes?” Derick didn’t want to discuss such a sore topic on their first date.

  Luna gave a sharp nod. “Okay, no heavy topics.” She winked. “Simple. Favorite color?”

  The playfulness in her voice had his nervousness easing. “Don’t really have one, but I’m leaning toward dark brown, black. What’s yours?” The pretty blush that rose on her cheeks had him easing more.

  “Blue. Even before I met you it was blue, but since meeting you it’s more of a crystal, tropical ocean blue. That was one of the many things I noticed about you. How captivating your eyes were, then you have a dimple you can see even behind your stubble. It’s your smile that had me from the first meeting.”

  He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Oh, really? I’m sure that’s what you were thinking as you yelled at me.” The blush flared over all her face, and he took pity and changed the subject. “Do you enjoy your work? You asked me about mine. I want to hear more about yours.”

  “I’m a secretary at a law firm. I like it enough to stay there. The couple who runs it are beyond good to me.” Luna smiled, but her eyes didn’t light up.

  “Is a secretary what you always wanted to be?” He had a feeling it wasn’t as there was no spark when she spoke about it.

  She shrugged. “I was in uni studying to be a veterinary assistant, but I fell pregnant and dropped out. I have a little less than a year left to finish, but it costs money I don’t have, so the secretary job will do until I’m more financially stable.”

  He was surprised she wanted a job working with animals as she didn’t have any. Although, he supposed she did work a lot and had children to care for, and adding an animal would be even more. “If I can assist in any way to get you back on tract, I’d be happy to help.”

  The beaming smile had him knowing that this would work. It had never been this easy with anybody else.

  Chapter 4

  Luna

  On their second date, they’d taken her children with them. They’d gone to the zoo—Australian reptile park. Rex and Layla had been in paradise. The park had a bunch of Australian animals, a petting zoo, and a big children’s play area. They’d spent the day there, and Derick fit in so well with her family. It was so easy with him. He didn’t complain when the kids got tired and he had to carry them for the last couple of hours of the day. He didn’t get angry with their endless questions or annoyed when they ran off ahead of them and they had to chase after them. He held her hand every chance he got, and she liked the feeling of him wanting to touch her.

  Derick ate at her house almost every night. She’d quit her night job and was enjoying her children. She’d tried to work out a payment plan with her parents but they wouldn’t hear of it, going on about how she was their only child and would get everything when they passed on to the next life, so really she was just getting her inheritance early.

  She hoped staying home would give her a better routine for the kids, but her children begged every night for Derick, not her, to read the bedtime story before bed. He asked her about her day and told her about his own. Luna knew he didn’t tell her everything about his day, because he always made it sound safe and like he’d spent his days doing small things, like picking up shoplifters, questioning suspects, and giving speeding tickets. Luna knew he was a detective and did a lot more than what he told her.

  She was starting to soften to him. Not that she seemed to have any resistance to him. She had promised herself she wouldn’t get involved with a man again, but he seemed to dissolve any promise she made before. Her body responded to him like she never had before. She dreamed of him and they weren’t PG 13, they were R rated 18 plus.

  Luna couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss. It hadn’t been hugely passionate, but it had been a taste and she craved more.

  This was their third date. They were at the Hunter Valley wine tour. She liked wine, but wasn’t a huge fan; she didn’t drink much alcohol. Her ex hadn’t taken her on dates like this. It felt fancy and she wasn’t like that, but she was enjoying herself.

  Derick ran his fingers up and down her back. Luna resisted the urge to shiver as her body became hot with need. He leaned down and whispered, “You okay, my Luna?” She didn’t stop the shiver as he called her his.

  She turned and smiled up at him. “Fine. Thanks. This is interesting.”

  “I notice you’re not drinking the wine. We can leave if you want.”

  She didn’t want to leave. She may not enjoy the wine, but the tour was good. “No. I like learning how they do this. It’s pretty cool. I’m not a huge wine drinker—well, any alcohol really. What I’ve tried so far has been okay. I liked the last one. It was sweeter.”

  “Well, at least I know now not to get you wine for Christmas.” He winked at her and smiled, his dimple showing.

  Luna’s heart skipped a beat at the knowledge that he thought they’d be together in a couple of weeks for Christmas. She smiled at Derick then turned back to listen to the lady as she talked about the winery. This relationship could just work.

  * * * *

  They were on their fourth date. It had taken them a week to find free time together without the twins, although he still came around for dinner almost every night, and her children adored him. The more time she spent with Derick, the more she learnt he was not only nothing like her ex-husband, but he was a good man.

  She was coming around to the idea of dating and giving into her growing feelings. Luna’s body was aching with need for Derick like she’d never felt before. She’d been attracted to him from the moment they met, and it had only gotten stronger. Her children had fallen hard for Derick, and she had to say watching them with him was crumbling any barriers she’d erected of not falling for a man again.

  The movie had just ended, and as the credits rolled they stood and walked down the stairs. Derick’s arm was comforting around her waist, and she leaned into him. It was nice to have a special some
one holding her. His warmth seeped into her, and she liked that they could just be with each other, and didn’t have to talk all the time to keep their relationship moving.

  When they made it out of the movie theater and headed toward the car, he ran his hand up and down when goosebumps rose on her skin. “Did you enjoy the movie, my Luna?” He’d started calling her my Luna on their third date and she loved it.

  “It was great. I haven’t been to the movies or seen anything but a PG movie in years. I now have to buy a bunch of DVDs and catch up on my superheroes.”

  He chuckled.“I have some. I’ll bring them over if you’d like?” His deep voice had her shivering and sent tingles to her pussy. Luna could listen to his voice for hours and never get tired of it.

  “Yeah, thanks.”

  When they reached the car he opened the door for her. He was a gentleman like that.

  Derick got in the driver’s side, shut his door, put his seatbelt on, pressed the button on the ignition, and they made their way home. “Your parents have the kids tonight. Come over to my house. You haven’t seen the inside yet, we always go to your house.”

  Luna thought back and was shocked when she realized he was right, he always came over to her house. His was a big two-story where hers was a small two-bedroom cottage. She’d always been curious about the large houses that surrounded her tiny one. “Yes. I’d like that.”

  “Good. Your house has such a homey feeling, I think that’s why I haven’t invited you over to mine, but I want you to know you’re always welcome.” He kept his eyes on the road, but she studied him. He was manly with his square jaw, long, thick neck, and two-day stubble. He was very handsome.

  She hadn’t even thought about why she hadn’t been to his house before now. He always came to hers, she was happy with that. All her things were there and her children’s stuff too. With Derick living next door he didn’t need to go far, and Luna was comfortable with the arrangement. She was looking forward to seeing his place though.

  The drive home wasn’t a long one and he parked in his driveway. He didn’t open the garage and enter through there. She’d noticed that he did that when he didn’t have a work car. He got out of the car, and she didn’t even bother opening her door, she may have only known him—well, spent time with him—for a bit over a week, but she knew he liked to open the door for her and was a gentleman. His parents had brought him up well. Luna could only hope her children turned out as well-mannered as him.

  His hand came to rest on her back as he guided her to the front door, only removing his touch when he opened the door. She entered and saw the stark white walls and very little decor. There was a small hallway that had stairs to the second level and the other side had a doorway that led to a lounge room. There was nothing in the lounge room, but it had a wide arch that led to a dining room which contained a small round table with four chairs; they looked so small in the large room.

  She walked through another arch and came into any chef’s wet dream kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, dark marble bench tops with white cabinets. The tiles were a close color to the marble. Luna fell in love. She didn’t even care about the other rooms. She wasn’t a big cooker, but if she had a kitchen like this, she was sure she would bake a lot more. Off the kitchen was a rumpus room.

  “There is a study, bathroom, and laundry room on the other side, but let me show you upstairs.” Derick’s hand on her back guided her to the stairs.

  When she had gone up two steps and was at his level, she spun to face him. “I like your house. It’s a bit sparse though.”

  She gazed into his sparkling blue eyes, and unable to stop herself, and before she changed her mind, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. She’d never been an instigator. He took over as soon as her lips touched his, and their first kiss became everything she could have imagined. His tongue traced her lips, seeking entry, and she opened and tangled her own with his. Her body came up against his and her arms slid up his chest and hooked around his neck. She’d never been this bold.

  Derick’s hands cupped her arse, lifting her. She wrapped her legs around him and didn’t even care when she heard the rip of her dress. Her body came alive and she let herself go. She’d been so good for years, her whole focus on making life better for her and her children. Tonight, though, she was letting go. She hadn’t been with a man since her ex and he wasn’t anything special from what she’d been told.

  She gripped on tight as Derick climbed the stairs and stopped two doors down the hall. He gently let go of her, and she slid down his body. His hand caged her in as he undid the door and backed her into a room. She spun and gazed around the room. It was like the rest of the house she’d seen so far—sparse. A king-size bed sat in the middle of the room and there was a huge walk-in-closet on one side and a door to a ensuite on the other side.

  “You have a theme in the house, and I see you continued it in your bedroom.” There were no pictures or ornaments or knick-knacks of any kind. She moved closer to the only item in the room—the huge bed. He didn’t even have a bedside draw or side table. He’d moved in months ago, and it looked like he either hadn’t unpacked or the rest of his things weren’t there yet.

  “I bought this house because when I saw it I had a compulsion, or you could say a burning need, to have it. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and what they tell me. It screamed family, and as soon as I bought it, I knew I wanted to fill it with kids. I wasn’t a believer in fate before I bought this, but since meeting you and settling in so easily, I’ve become a believer.”

  Damn, his words turned her to putty in his willing hands. He knew just what to say. The heat in his gaze told her that he was eager to continue their earlier explorations. “You’re convincing me.” She became bold and slid the straps of her dress down.

  He groaned and his hands glided up her arms, bringing the straps down, and she lifted her arms and slipped out of them. “Strip. Let me see.” His voice was deep with a husky lilt to it.

  Nervous energy flowed through her, but she was excited and eager for the things she’d fantasized about. Luna hoped he lived up to them. She’d worn her best—well, her only—matching set of lingerie. It was black with red lace on the cups and on the top and sides of the undies.

  “Fuck, Luna, you’re beyond beautiful.” He leaned forward and ran his hands over her lace-covered breasts and down her stomach.

  She moved back and hit the edge of the bed. She became embarrassed as he touched one of her stretch marks. She had felt bold there for a moment, but now that she was exposed she remembered her most noticeable imperfection.

  Maybe she’d feel better when he was naked too. “Strip,” she snapped and then sighed when she realized how non-sexy that sounded.

  His chuckle eased some of her unease. “I like it when you get bossy.”

  Luna watched as he stripped, her gaze getting wider as he removed all his clothes. He had no imperfections. Even the two scars she could see—one looked like a bullet and the other a knife wound—just made him sexier.

  “Now I feel underdressed. Show me what you’ve got, Luna of mine.”

  She loved when he became possessive.

  Ever so slowly, she ran her fingers down and undid her strap and her breasts popped out. She let the lacy garment slide down her arms and fall to the floor. Hooking her fingers into her underwear, she glided them down her body and off, grateful she’d used some of her meager savings to get waxed. She didn’t get rid of all her hair, but had a small strip down the middle.

  Derick took a step back, and she stared at him as his gaze trailed up and down her now naked body. He shuffled back to her and his fingers stroked her cheek and caressed her lips before moving down her body, resting to cup her breasts and tweak her nipples. Shots of delight pulsed through her, and she basked in his touch.

  She explored him too. The tips of her fingers traced the ridges in his back before coming around and smoothing the pads over every crevice and bump. Luna really enjoyed the feel of his
body. So far it was better than any of her fantasies. It was harder and he had more muscles than she’d imagined, and his skin was soft. His skin looked so light against her darker tone.

  Derick flexed, and her fingers trailed over his abs, enjoying the hardness. She’d never seen such a masculine body. Sure, she’d seen pics of hot bodies like Derick’s, but she never imagined she’d get to see and touch one. Luna knew Derick was older than her, but he didn’t look it, and he was in damn good shape.

  Derick’s lips captured hers, and the kiss took her breath away. He ravaged her mouth, and she tried to match him, tangling her tongue with his and moving her lips to his rhythm. Her legs stepped apart and she almost pulled her mouth from his as his fingers touched her pussy. Derick’s fingers explored, and her body started to heat with a building need.

  His mouth tore from hers on a groan, and she panted for breath as he rested his face between her neck and shoulder. He nibbled his way along, sending shocks of pleasure straight to her core. When he came to her ears his tongue licked before he sucked on the tip and moved back down her neck, repeating what he’d done.

  She moaned as sparks fluttered through her and brought up her burning need. By the time he reached her puckered nipples his hot breath had her shaking and taking deep breaths in to help steady herself. He sucked one pebbled nipple before repeating the action with the other one. Luna brought her hands up to grip his hair, holding him against her hot skin, aching for more.

  Luna gasped when a finger delved inside her and pumped in and out as his mouth tortured her breasts. She was going to fall apart soon. She gripped his hair, tugging on the strands. The buildup was rising higher and higher, and she craved release. She rode his finger and sighed when he added a second digit and his thumb found her clit and played, circling the tiny bud until she cried out, “Yes. Oh God, I’m coming.” He didn’t stop and she let go as her orgasm crashed over her, filling her with bliss. “Derick. Yes, Derick,” she moaned.