She reached up and tugged the jaunty pom-pom on my hat. “I like this.”
“I found it on my chest. I assumed you wanted me to wear it.” I tweaked her nose. “I confess I’m disappointed not to see you in your elf pajamas, Addi. I thought we’d both be festive this morning.”
“Oh.” She slipped out from between my legs and took a few steps back toward the fire. “You don’t like my robe?”
It was a deep shade of forest green, long and thick, no doubt keeping her warm. “It’s pretty.”
“I have slippers.”
I began to laugh as I noticed them for the first time. They were bright red, with bells on the curved toes. She wiggled her foot so the bell tinkled.
“Very cute.”
“I got new pajamas,” she murmured as she undid the belt of her robe and shrugged her shoulders. “What do you think?”
I swallowed at the sight of her in a red camisole, delicate and frothy, tied with a bow and trimmed in white fluffy stuff. It ended at her hips. The tiniest scrap of lace nestled between her legs. She held herself straight, her breasts high, the hard nipples visible through the thin material. Her hair hung past her shoulders in golden waves, and her eyes were sparkling with mischievousness. The firelight danced behind her, casting shadows and glimmers on her skin.
My cock hardened at the erotic tableau in front of me.
Rising up on my knees, I crooked my finger. “I think you need to come closer.”
When she was in front of me, I slid my hands up her legs, pressing my face into her soft skin. I wrapped my fingers around the thin straps at her hips. “I think you’re going to need a new set once I’m finished with you.”
Then I tore the lace away from her body and took her to the floor. She wrapped her legs around my waist, the sound of the tinkling bells loud in the room. She grinned up at me. “You know they say every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings.”
I rocked against her. “Well, I have something for you, baby, but it ain’t no wings. It’s gonna make you fly, though.” I slid through her heat, hitting her clit.
She whimpered.
“Santa’s got a big package—just for you.”
“Let’s go then, Santa,” she moaned. “I want my present.”
I tugged open the bow between her breasts with my teeth, groaning at the sight of her nipples. “Trust me, little elf, I want to give it to you.” I wrapped my lips around a plump nipple and sucked.
“Oh,” she whispered. “Merry Christmas to me.”
I grinned against her skin. I planned on making it very merry.
At least twice.
With the bad weather approaching, I insisted on driving the ATV we owned. We had gifts to take, making going by foot awkward, and if the storm was as bad as they were predicting, walking home might prove to be treacherous—even with a short distance. As we pulled up to the Hub, I noted many others had thought the same way we had. There were a few vehicles parked there, as well as Aiden’s 4x4. With its heavy tires and chains, he would make sure everyone got home safely.
We smiled in delight as we took in the building. Lights were strung around the windows, framing the wreaths hanging in each one. There was a tree outside decorated with red bows and suet balls for the birds. Santa and his reindeer were set up on the big deck—something I recalled from when I was a small child.
When we got inside, Addi gasped. Our family had been busy and decorated the entire place the last two days we’d been locked inside our home and lost in each other. Garland was strung, glowing with lights. Candles were plentiful, the scent of pine, holly berry, and cinnamon heavy in the air. Everywhere you looked, there was something Christmassy. The railings were wrapped in greenery and more lights, the mantel on the fireplace piled high with evergreens and pinecones. Bows adorned picture frames. Vases were filled with more pinecones and red balls. It was beautiful every year, and every time it felt as if we’d never seen it before. Something new had always been added, and it was fun to see familiar things as well as the unique additions.
The gift-laden tree was ablaze with color, the ornaments reflecting off the thousands of twinkle lights on the branches and the bows on the presents underneath. Every year, Bentley, Aiden, and my dad went out and chopped down a tree tall enough to fill the enormous space. The ceiling soared to twenty feet in the center, and the lowest point was still over twelve feet tall. Every year, they argued and measured and always brought home a tree Aiden was certain would fit. Every year, some had to be cut off the bottom and the branches trimmed. Every year, they quarreled like schoolboys. It was odd as a child, but as an adult, it was amusing. I realized it was simply their thing. One year, Van went with them and brought home a perfect-fitting tree. He gloated over the magnificence. The other three men sulked for days. He never went with them again.
The air was filled with delicious aromas. Turkey, ham, spices. The sweet fragrance of pies mixed with the scents of the candles. Christmas music was playing, and I heard the sounds of our family laughing and talking. I added our gifts to the pile, and we headed toward the kitchen and were greeted by our mothers and aunts. Hugs and kisses were plentiful.
Nan stood back, cupped my face, then Addi’s, and kissed us. “No need to ask how you are.” She winked. “You both look very happy.”
“I’m sure Aiden will still ask,” Cami chuckled. “Rudely, of course.”
“And Bentley will smack him,” Emmy added.
“So will Maddox,” Mom smirked.
And they were right.
Bentley shook my hand, my dad enveloped me in a hug, and Aiden smacked my back. “How’s married life?”
“Aiden,” Bentley warned. “That’s my daughter.”
“And my son,” Maddox added.
Aiden held up his hands. “Just asking.” He grinned my way. “She calling you daddy now?”
I tried to hold in my laughter, but I couldn’t. The remark was so Aiden. My dad tried to hide his smile and failed. Van and Halton both smirked, and Bentley choked on the cup of coffee he was drinking.
Luckily, the rest of the crew came up from downstairs and interrupted the moment. There was more laughter and teasing, although most of it didn’t reach Bentley’s ears. I knew Addi was getting some teasing as well from the flush across her cheekbones, but it was all in good fun.
Drink in hand, I followed the crew into the games room and admired the new air hockey table “Santa” had brought. Along with the foosball and pool tables already in place, it was a great addition.
“I wanted to add an ax-throwing area, but I was voted down,” Aiden pouted.
“A little dangerous inside,” Pops pointed out. “Fun, but dangerous.”
Van perched on the edge of the pool table. “You know, the small area by the woodpile would be a great place. We could build an enclosure there. Safe. All cement walls lined in wood. A wood burner to keep it warm in the winter.”
Aiden brightened. “Love it.”
“Great sport,” Bentley mused. “It could be fun. As long as it’s not inside here.”
“I’ll draw up some plans.”
Aiden high-fived him. “Awesome. I’ll take on the boys.”
“And we’ll beat you,” they said in unison.
“Whatever.”
I headed toward Addi. I hadn’t touched her in fifteen minutes—far too long. She was talking to Gracie, who smiled as I approached.
“Missing your bride?” she asked as I kissed Addi, then leaned over and brushed a kiss to her cheek.
“Yep.” I looked around, lowering my voice. “Where’s your, ah, boss?”
“You told him?” Gracie hissed in a low voice.
“Of course I did. It’s Brayden.”
“I’m not going to say anything. I won’t give away your secret, Gracie.” I shook my head. “But you really don’t think it’s going to come out?”
“No, it isn’t,” she snarled. “I’m not going to say anything, and neither are you.”
“What about Jaxson?” I had a feeling
he wasn’t as anxious to hide this marriage as Gracie was.
“He isn’t here and he’s not coming, so there isn’t going to be a problem. We’ll get a fast, quiet divorce, and that will be the end of it.”
“Wouldn’t an annulment be faster?” Addi asked.
Gracie’s face flushed, and I met Addi’s startled gaze.
“Gracie,” she whispered. “You didn’t tell me that!”
“It doesn’t matter. It happened. It’s water under the bridge, and I’ll deal with it.”
“Does Jaxson have a say?” I asked.
“No. He knows it was a mistake. He’s fine with it.”
“Are you sure about that?” I asked, glancing over her shoulder out the window.
“Yes. No one will even remember meeting him in a couple of weeks.”
“And you’re sure he’s not coming?” I asked again.
She glared at me. “First off, I uninvited him. And second, there’s a huge storm coming, Brayden. Only an idiot would head out to Port Albany with the weather about to change.”
I leaned close. “Then I guess your husband doesn’t listen so well. And apparently, he is an idiot.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked.
“Hey, look!” Ronan yelled at the same time. “Santa is outside!” Heads turned, and a ripple of laughter followed.
Gracie spun around and gasped.
Outside, Jaxson was on his way to the front door.
He was dressed as Santa, minus the beard, his dark hair unmistakable. He carried a large sack of what I assumed were gifts over his shoulder.
Addi looked at Gracie. “What is he doing?”
“He’s playing Santa,” she hissed.
“Why would he do that?” Addi queried, sharing a confused glance with me.
Gracie covered her face with her hands, her voice muffled. “Because apparently I talk too much when I’m drunk.”
Addi began to laugh, covering her mouth with her hand to stifle it. “Oh dear.”
I had to bite back my smile.
By now, Jaxson was almost at the door. Aiden was heading toward it, looking far too excited for a man his age.
Gracie grabbed my arm, her eyes wild with panic. “You need to stop him, Brayden!”
“Too late, I’m afraid.” I murmured. “Even Aiden’s into it.”
“Oh god,” she mumbled.
I couldn’t help my smirk. “Good luck with that secret, Gracie. And by the way? We’re all gonna remember this.”
I was pretty sure she told me to go fuck myself as she brushed past me.
I had to be mistaken, though. Gracie didn’t swear. But the Gracie I knew wouldn’t have gotten drunk and married in Vegas either.
I guessed I had heard right.
Huh.
Chapter 7
Addison
I moved closer to Brayden, watching as Gracie hurried toward the door, determined to beat Aiden there. Her short legs had no chance of catching up to his long strides, especially when he was hurrying. He beat her, throwing open the door.
Jaxson filled the frame. He looked ridiculous and yet totally perfect. He wore a heavy red Santa jacket, complete with a belt cinched over an obviously padded stomach. His hat was perched on his head, slightly askew, the white pom-pom bouncing in the wind. The red was vivid against his almost black hair. His chiseled jaw bore a trace of scruff on it, highlighting the rugged handsomeness of his face.
Brayden leaned down. “Stop staring, little elf. Or I’ll get jealous.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m married, not dead. Santa didn’t look like that when we were kids.”
He chuckled.
Aiden greeted him, his booming voice filling the room. “Santa! Come on in!”
Jaxson stepped in, lowering his bag to the floor. His gaze found Gracie quickly, and I saw the way his eyes lit up when he saw her. She was glaring at him, her hands tightened into fists at her sides. He winked at her, not at all perturbed by her lack of warmth or greeting.
He cleared his throat and put his hands on his hips. “Ho ho ho.”
I tried not to laugh but failed. He wasn’t exactly jolly. He tried again, lifting his arms. “Merry Christmas!”
He looked shocked at the chorus of Merry Christmases he got in return. But he smiled, and the gesture transformed his face from handsome to sinfully sexy.
“What’s in the bag, Santa?” Ronan yelled.
“I hope it’s booze!” Thomas added.
Jaxson blinked and looked at the bag by his feet. “Some of it,” he said, sounding doubtful.
Aiden laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “Some is good. Let’s get this party started.”
I sat beside Gracie, watching as Jaxson slowly walked around the room. I was fascinated observing him. He spoke to every person, called them by name, reached into his bag and handed them a present. They were simple things, but thoughtful. Chocolates or bath bombs for all the girls, cigars or small totes of alcohol for the men, each one tailored to the individual’s taste. Every single one had a festive ribbon attached.
“He must have spent hours buying everything,” I mused. “Never mind getting a suit and braving the weather to come here.”
Gracie made a low noise in her throat. I glanced at her. She was focused on him intently, her hands clenched into fists on her lap.
“How on earth did he remember everyone’s name?” I wondered out loud. “He hasn’t made a single mistake.”
“He does that,” she murmured. “He remembers faces and names. Facts. The smallest details others forget.”
“Amazing.”
“It makes him a good lawyer,” she admitted.
I grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “It makes him a good person too. He’s extremely generous. And thoughtful.”
“I told him not to come,” she muttered almost to herself. “Why did he come?”
“Apparently, he wanted to,” Brayden interjected cheekily. “Maybe it was his Christmas wish.”
“Shut it,” Gracie snarled.
Brayden smirked, clearly enjoying himself. I had to admit it was amusing to see Gracie acting so un-Gracie-like. Normally unflappable and still, she was a bundle of nerves. Her color was heightened, and her foot swung in agitation. Her little huffs of annoyance were adorable.
She tensed further as he approached the parents. He’d handed out something to all the “juniors,” as Aiden called our generation, except for the three of us. I had a feeling he was saving that for last.
He shook all the dads’ hands and kissed the mothers on the cheek. He thanked them profusely for including him today and handed them each a present. They were gracious and warm in return. Gracie was so anxious when he stood in front of Richard, I was sure she had stopped breathing. She almost growled when her dad clapped him on the shoulder, thanking him for the scotch. Her mom, Katy, spoke to him at length, listening to his low-voiced replies. At one point, her hand lifted to rest on his bicep as if in comfort.
“What is he doing?” Gracie whispered. “Why is he still up there? Why is he acting so…nice?”
“Is he not usually nice?” I asked.
“He’s known as ‘the dick’ around the office,” she replied. “He yells a lot.”
“Just like your dad in his younger years—on both counts.” Brayden rubbed his hands together in glee. “Oh, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it, Gracie?”
“You want to wear that coffee, Bray? Keep it up,” Gracie snarled. “Why is he still talking to my parents?”
Brayden chuckled. “Chatting to his new in-laws. I think your dad likes him. Your mom does, for sure. He’ll fit in nicely once they get over the shock.”
“Shut it, asshole,” she growled.
I lifted my eyebrows at her vehemence.
“Just answering your question.” Brayden defended himself. He grinned widely. “Maybe you should join him. Get them used to you as a couple.”
“I’m going to slash your tires, and you’ll have to walk home.
I hope you freeze.”
“What about my wife? Your best friend?” he asked, not at all concerned.
“She can stay with me.”
“Hmm,” he mused. “Three’s a crowd. If the storm is bad, Jaxson is gonna have to stay over. I bet he chooses your bed to rest his weary bones.” He winked lewdly at her. “His rights and all as your hubs.”
She glared, her gaze colder than the wind blowing outside. “Get stuffed, Bray.”
“I think that’s his job.”
“Stop it, both of you,” I interrupted. As amusing as their banter was, I didn’t want to miss a second of the action happening around me. Jaxson didn’t strike me as only acting nice. He seemed intense but not mean or nasty. I wondered if perhaps people found his forceful nature off-putting. Maybe it was an act. People found me cold. Those who knew me best knew I was anything but. It was the persona I used to protect myself from the outside world. I peeked over at Gracie. Had she ever considered that? Had she really never seen this side of Jaxson?
Jaxson handed both Nan and Pops their gifts and received another kiss from Nan and a handshake from Pops. Again, he stood and spoke to them, seemingly at ease. Then he turned and headed our way.
Gracie pushed herself farther into the corner of the sofa.
He sat across from us, pulling off his hat and running his hand through his hair. He offered us a rueful smile. “This being Santa is tiring stuff. No wonder it only happens once a year.”
Gracie shook her head. “There was no need for all the gifts, Jaxson. Or to risk your life to drive here. You should probably head back before the storm gets worse.”
I gaped at her rudeness, but he only smiled. “Your mother and aunts were kind enough to invite me here today so I wouldn’t be alone on Christmas. I still have the four-wheel drive, so I was perfectly fine on the roads, although I appreciate your concern. And to show up empty-handed would have been rude.”
“A bottle of wine would have sufficed. This—” she waved her hand “—is a little overboard.”
“There, I beg to differ. I recall being told that Santa’s visit made the entire day magical. How can one ignore a chance to do that?” He paused, his voice lowering as he stared at her. “Especially for you, Gracie.”
A Merry Vested Wedding Page 9