by Cathryn Fox
“That might be best for your first time, and we do want the bark perfect if we’re giving it as a gift.” It’s crazy, but her using the word ‘we’ like we’re a real couple, bringing a joint gift to a party, does the weirdest things to my insides. Good things, like warmth and happiness. Things I never want to stop feeling. She checks the chocolate again. “You better let me in there.”
I hand her the spoon. “It’s all yours.”
I’m all yours.
Those words sit on the tip of my tongue as she pours the chocolate and grabs a spatula, quickly working and smoothing the chocolate like a pro. She hums along, lost in her work and I lean against the counter and admire her as she sways back and forth, and when she discards the bowl, I dip my finger in for a taste.
“Delicious,” I say, thinking about all the fun things we could do with all the warm, gooey chocolate.
“Okay, Brody, go ahead and start sprinkling the candy cane, try to get it even and all over.”
I grab a handful and start sprinkling, and she smooths the chocolate around the candy, our movements in sync. “What a team we are.”
She pokes me with her elbow. “You’re pretty good in the kitchen.”
“I’ve got moves,” I tease.
She chuckles, and I go to reach for more candy, but she stops me. “I think it looks perfect.” Hands on hips, she steps back to admire her handiwork.
“Totally perfect,” I say.
“We have to let this cool before we crack it, and that’s the fun part.”
“I think it was all fun,” I say as she drops a bar of fresh chocolate into the bowl and puts it over the warm water.
She stirs the chocolate and my heart squeezes tight. I know we’re playing house, but dammit, I want more. I want everything with this woman. Never in my life have I felt this way, or allowed myself to. I closed myself off, too afraid of loss and the hurt that comes with it. I’m not sure what’s come over me. Maybe it’s this town, the decorations, the holiday spirit, and the magic of Christmas all combined that makes me want to try out a real relationship with Josie. Heck, maybe it’s none of those things, but it’s simply sweet Josie herself who has faced so much—alone—and her strength has given me the courage to face my own fears of abandonment. I really don’t know the answer to anything anymore, but what I do know is that I want to do better, I want to overcome the past and walk into the future with this incredible woman by my side.
But what does she want?
I touch her hair, brush it from her shoulder and she takes a fast breath. I’d have to be a fool not to realize the effect we have on each other, the chemistry arcing between us, but I get it. She’s had loss, too, but if there is one thing this week taught me, it’s that she does want to live again, but she’s afraid of dishonoring her late husband’s memory. Fate had to have brought us together for a reason, right? Was it so that we could start something new together, and help each other move forward?
As that thought settles in my brain, a warmth falls over me, a sense of contentment like I’ve never felt before encompasses my entire body. Now that I know what I want, I just have to convince her to see things my way, and show her that moving beyond a pretend relationship is the reason we were brought together, and that she deserves a future filled with happiness. To begin with, I have to come clean about her phone, and tell her I’m the one who found it. I don’t want any lies between us.
Just don’t mess this up, Brody.
Before the chocolate gets too hot, I dip my finger into the bowl, and brush it over her cheek.
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Instead of answering, I do it again, covering her chin and neck. “Brody!”
She lifts her spoon and flicks it at me, covering my face and hair, and we both laugh. I take the spoon from her, dip it into the bowl and flick it at her. She gasps and rubs the chocolate from her cheeks, smearing it more. I pull her to me, and press my lips to hers. I break the kiss and grin when I see our artwork.
“You’re a mess.”
“You’re one to talk.” She laughs and shakes her head. “Do you want to grab me a cloth?” She wipes at her face. “Oh no, I got it all over my clothes.”
“Then we’d better get you out of them.” I reach around her body and pull on her apron strings. It falls to the floor and she sucks in a fast breath. “This sweater, it has to go.”
“Agreed,” she says her voice low, breathless…aroused.
She lifts her arms and lets me peel it over her head and with one quick flick, I have her bra removed. I pick her up and turn her, setting her on one of her white marble tabletops.
“I was thinking, a chocolate-covered Josie, is probably going to be a hell of a lot tastier than anything we’ve made tonight.” She squirms, as I go back and get the bowl with the leftover chocolate, still warm and gooey. I nudge her until she’s flat on her back, and I dip my finger into the bowl, swirling it around the chocolate. Once it’s thoroughly coated, I run it around her nipple, and it puckers at my touch.
I lean down and take her puckered bud into my mouth, and flavor explodes on my tongue. “Jesus, you taste good,” I murmur, and treat her other nipple to that same pleasure. She writhes beneath me, and I step to the end of the table, grip her yoga pants at the waist and slide them down her long, sexy legs. I gaze at the beautiful woman on display, and my cock grows impossibly thicker. I remove her panties and tug on her until her legs are dangling over the edge. I coat my fingers with chocolate, trail them up her inner thighs and follow behind with my tongue.
“God, that is good,” she says, her body quaking beneath my touch.
“So good,” I murmur, and breathe warm air all over her pussy when I reach it. She grips my hair to hold me and lifts her hips, rubbing her pussy all over my mouth. I love it how she takes what she needs with me, no inhibitions, just full on honesty.
I put her legs over my shoulders and lap at her. She moans the way I like and I reward her with a thick finger. I slide it high inside her core, and her muscles ripple around me. She is so damn close. I lift my head and take in her glossy, lust-imbued eyes.
“I am never going to be able to taste chocolate again without thinking about this moment.”
She goes up on her elbows. “Same.” Her chest rises and falls rapidly, her gorgeous breasts beckoning my mouth again. “That’s going to be hard for me, considering I work with chocolate every single day.”
I remove her legs from my shoulders, and stand to unzip my pants. My cock jumps free and I take it into my hand. “Speaking of hard.”
She laughs, and opens her legs for me. I step up to her, and grip her hips for leverage, as I jerk my hips forward and completely fill her.
“Brody,” she cries.
“I know, Josie. I know.”
This isn’t just good. It’s great, and what we’re doing here, it isn’t just fucking. No, it’s so much more. Too much more for me to walk away from. Which means it’s time to come clean and tell her everything. Will she walk out of my life like every other woman has, or will she put the past in the past, and begin to live to the fullest—with me.
It’s time to find out.
14
Josie
Christmas Eve:
* * *
“I love this quaint town,” I say quietly, and I take in all the twinkling lights as we drive down Main Street toward the Bradbury’s home. I shift the box of bark on my lap, the sense of peace and joy inside me bringing on a smile, and memories of Brody spreading warm chocolate on my body bringing heat to my core. When was the last time I was this happy?
Beside me, Brody taps the steering wheel. “I’ve never seen a town go all out like this at Christmas.”
I turn, a small smile still on my face as I take in Brody’s strong profile. He flicks on the wipers and while I wish it was snowing instead of raining, it matters little. Nothing can spoil my light and cheerful mood tonight. I shake my head as I take in Brody’s freshly shaven face. This last week has been a whirlwind of emoti
ons, with this man breathing new life into me.
How could I not fall for him?
Okay, it’s true, I’ve only known Brody for a short time, but I’m in love with him. At least I no longer have to lie to Patrick. I’m not sure what the future holds. Is Brody interested in a long-distance relationship. Is that even feasible? Then there’s that small crack in my heart. Will it ever heal and allow me to be whole again? I have so many unanswered questions, but the one thing I do know is that I’m not ready for this man to walk out of my life.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Brody says, his hand sliding across the seat to capture mine. He brings it to his mouth and kisses it. My heart beats a little faster, the things I feel for him welling up inside me and shifting me off kilter.
“Just thinking,” I tell him.
“Good thoughts?”
I chuckle. “Good thoughts, and Brody...”
“Yeah.”
Tell him, Josie. Tell him exactly how you feel.
I take a breath, wanting to tell him, but struggle to voice the words. I’m positive it’s that small unhealed piece of my heart that’s preventing me from fully opening up.
“We’re here.” He stops the car and kills the ignition. Turning to me, he arches a brow. “What were you going to say?”
“It can wait,” I tell him. Maybe tomorrow morning, when we’re beneath our gorgeous Christmas tree, I’ll be able to get the words out without the guilt.
“You sure?”
“I’m sure.” I glance up and take in the big, decorated house. “Let’s go have some fun.”
I’m about to turn, but he puts his hand around my neck to stop me. I look back at him and his eyes are half shut, yet full of desire. My pulse jumps as he brings my mouth to his and lightly brushes his lips over mine, for a tender, passionate kiss that takes the breath from my lungs.
“What did I do to deserve that?” I say quietly when he inches back.
“I think I’m falling for you, Josie.” My chest squeezes, and once again, I can’t voice the words. Silence hovers, takes up space between us. I open my mouth and struggle to speak, say something in return. I want to desperately, but can’t. “You don’t have to say anything and I understand you want to move forward, but things that happened in your past are keeping you back.” He laughs softly and shakes his head. “Despite all that, I went and fell for you anyway.”
“Brody,” I manage to get out through a tight throat, as a car pulls up behind us and headlights light us both up. I take in the want reflecting in his eyes. I lost my husband. It gutted me. I’ve not been able to move on, not knowing if he’d want me to or not. I might not ever hear him speak the words, and a part of me will always wonder, worry that I’m dishonoring him. I’ll always love him, but being with Brody is right, in my head and in my heart.
“I have to talk to you about something.” He reaches inside his coat, puts his hand into an inside pocket, but a knock on our steamy window stops him.
“Are you guys going to make out in the car all night or join the party,” Declan says, his arm around Nikki.
We both laugh, and Brody reaches for his handle. I guess whatever it is he wanted to talk about, or show me, will have to wait. I can’t help but wonder if it’s a Christmas present. I have one for him too, and I can’t wait to see his face when I give it to him. I just hope I’m not rushing this. Then again, he did just tell me he was falling for me. I can’t seem to wipe the smile from my face as I exit the car, the box of chocolate bark in my hand. Brody comes around and puts his arm around me, trying to shield me from the rain as we rush up to the front door.
The warmth of the house washes over me, as Donna and Fred greet us and take our wet coats.
“Come in, come in,” Donna says and smiles at me as I hand her the bark.
“A little gift from Brody and me.” I flush thinking about the fun we had after we made it. “We made it together.”
“You didn’t have to bring anything.”
“Fine then, more bark for me,” Brody says and Donna slaps his hand away as he tries to snatch it back. We all laugh. “Did he really help you with this, Josie?”
“He was a great help.” Brody grins at me and heat moves into my face. I have no doubt he’s thinking about how we put the remainder of that melted chocolate to good use.
Donna leans in, a gleam in her eye. “Rumor has it you and Brody are an item.”
“An item, Mom, really?” Declan says with a laugh.
Donna whacks him. “Stop it.” She turns back to us and claps her hands. “Anyway, I’m glad the rumors were true. You two are so perfect for each other.”
“I think so too,” Brody says and tugs me to him. My heart soars. I can’t remember the last time I was this happy.
She shakes her head and gives her son a playful scowl. “I can’t believe Declan kept this from us.”
“It all happened rather quickly,” I say quietly when I hear Patrick’s voice coming from the other room.
“Nevertheless, it happened and I couldn’t be happier for you two. Now come on into the living room. Have a drink and make yourselves at home.”
We follow Declan and Nikki into the living room and Declan introduces us to his family members from out of town. We greet them, and I take note of the way Declan’s cousin is staring at Brody like he’s a big fat snack. He might very well be, but he’s my fat snack, not hers. Eugenie, I think that was her name, turns to me, and if looks could kill, holy. What did I ever do to her?
Nikki calls me over to the bar, and I excuse myself from Brody. But he’s not alone for a second. Nope. Eugenie is right there, taking selfies with him.
“You two look happy,” Nikki says.
I can’t seem to stop smiling. “Yeah, we are. Wait, what’s wrong?” I ask when I take in the sadness in her eyes.
She frowns. “The guys are leaving the day after Christmas. It’s always hard when Declan leaves.”
“You’ll miss him?”
She smiles but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “He’s my best friend.”
“Is that all you are?”
“Yeah,” she says and I nod.
“I should probably tell you, Patrick has been asking about you.”
Her head rears back. “Really?”
“I think he likes you. He’s a nice guy, Nikki. I mean, if you and Declan aren’t an ‘item,’” I say, using Donna’s words. “Maybe you should give him a chance.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
Something she said niggles at me. “Wait, did you say they were leaving right after Christmas?” She nods and I frown. “Brody said something about staying until New Year’s Day.”
“Nope, as far as I know they’re leaving the day after Christmas. They have to get back to work.” She looks down when she adds, “Declan probably has to get back to one of his girls for when the ball drops.” Before I can say anything, she points to the wine bottles. “Red or white?”
“Red, please.”
She pours me a big glass and as Eugenie laughs, the sound like nails on a chalk board, I take a huge drink. Nikki laughs. “Good thing you’re here tonight.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Donna doesn’t let anyone come to the table without a date and if you don’t have one, she finds one for you. Could be a friend, a coworker, a family member.” She frowns and stares at her drink for a moment.
I touch her hand. “Hey, are you okay?”
She plasters on a smile. “I’m fine.” Her gaze moves over the crowd. “It’s just… Declan and I go way back, and he always asks me to Christmas Eve dinner so he’s not stuck sitting with someone of his mother’s choice.”
My gut tightens. “Maybe he likes spending time with you.”
She shrugs. “Yeah, I guess. Friends for life.” She tips her wine my way. “But you…you and Brody have a good thing going.” I turn and jealousy rips through me, and it takes all my strength not to cross the room and slide between him and Eugenie, making it clear he’s mine.
He’s mine.
As I stare at the gorgeous man who nearly put all the pieces of my shattered heart back together, something uneasy works its way through my blood. I turn back to Nikki. “Do you think Brody would have been paired with Eugenie if I hadn’t come?”
“Declan told me that was the plan.”
That unease mushrooms. Is it possible that I’m only here tonight, so he wasn’t stuck with Declan’s cousin, who can’t seem to keep her hands off of him? Nah, that can’t be right. Brody wouldn’t do something like that. What we’ve shared this week was real. Right?
Then why do I have a horrible feeling careening through my blood?
Brody glances at me over his shoulder, his eyes pleading and all worry evaporates. “I’d better go rescue him,” I say to Nikki, and lift up my wine glass. I cross the room and make a beeline for my man.
“Miss me,” I say to Brody as I sidle in next to him.
He puts his arm around me in a show of possession, and Eugenie glares at me. I give her a bright smile as Declan’s mom comes into the room and calls us all to dinner. Brody guides me to the long table that seats at least twenty people and we take our places. Eugenie is seated next to Patrick, but Patrick has his eyes on Nikki, who had an incredible sadness about her that she’s trying to hide.
“Everything looks beautiful,” I tell Donna and she beams. Soon enough we’re all eating, and naturally the conversation turns to hockey, everyone at the table wanting to hear what’s going on with Declan and Brody. I’m almost too full when dessert comes, but it’s apple pie so how can I say no?
After dinner, we all head to the living room, sipping on coffee, and as I snuggle in next to Brody, sleep tugs at me. “I think we need to get you home to bed,” Brody whispers into my ear, and I couldn’t agree more.
We say our goodbyes and Donna and Fred hand our coats back to us at the door. Donna turns to Brody. “I assume we’ll be seeing more of you around Holiday Peak.”
“If someone plays their cards right, you will,” he says and winks at me. I can’t help but laugh, and poke him in the side, but I love his playfulness.