by L. P. Dover
“What if I’m wrong? What if I pursue her only to realize my heart isn’t in it?”
“Caleb, your heart is already in it, or you wouldn’t have asked her over or shown her your photos.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh. “How do you even know this?”
“Small town living hasn’t changed. Carol saw you in Bree’s gallery, and then Lindy told her mom, who told Sharon, who told—you get the picture.”
“You ladies need a hobby.”
Mom laughs. “We have one. It’s called spilling the tea, and we do it very well.”
I glance at the time on the microwave and see that I need to get Alyssa into bed. I tell my mom goodnight and thank her for her advice. I make it a point to hang up before going into the living room. If Alyssa knows her nana is on the phone, it’ll be another hour before she makes it to bed.
“Bedtime,” I tell her as I enter the living room. She sits up, the couch crinkling from the plastic still on it. “Sorry, I’ll take this off now.” I expect Alyssa to head toward the bathroom to brush her teeth, but she starts lifting the plastic off the sofa. “Thanks for helping.”
“You’re welcome, Daddy. It’s kind of embarrassing.”
I nod. “I know. I should’ve taken it off earlier.”
“Is Bree going to be your girlfriend?”
I wad the covering up into my arms, set it down, and pull Alyssa into my arms. Together, we collapse onto the couch. It’s soft and molds to my body. “I was going to wait until tomorrow to talk to you about Bree. But, since you’re asking now, I want to make sure I answer your questions. I don’t want to hide anything from you. You will always be my number one girl, no matter what. Got it?”
Alyssa keeps eye contact with me and nods.
“I like Bree, and back when we were in high school, I liked her a lot, but she had a boyfriend. Then I met your mom, and we fell in love.”
“And then you had me.”
“Well, yes, but we dated and moved in together and then got married.”
“And then you had me.”
“Yep, and you were the best thing to ever happen to me. And your mom. She loved you so much.” I tilt forward and kiss her nose. “I hadn’t thought about Bree in a long time until we saw her yesterday with Santa, and then I remember how much I liked her when I was younger.”
“I like her too. She smiles a lot, and she’s a better cook than you. No offense.”
“None taken. I’m just happy that you like her because I like her a lot, and I think it might be nice if Bree is around more, if you’re okay with her being here.”
“Well . . .” Alyssa’s legs bounce up and down. “I’m okay with it if she is. You should really ask her, Daddy, because maybe she doesn’t like you.”
I can’t help but laugh. My daughter is right. Here I am, thinking about my feelings and not considering or even knowing what Bree is thinking or feeling. “You’re right. Maybe she doesn’t. I think I’ll ask Santa. He should know, right?”
Alyssa’s eyes go wide. “Yes! Santa knows everything!”
Let’s hope, kid.
After picking Alyssa up for school, we head to Steve’s tree farm. It’s the only place in town that allows us to cut our own trees—if we want—and also has pre-cut trees for purchase. For as long as I can remember, this is where my family has picked their tree.
Alyssa climbs out of the car and makes her way toward the farm. Steve is outside trimming trees, as I’ve always remembered. “Heard you were back in town.” He comes over and shakes my hand. “I sure have missed you around here.”
“Yep, back for good,” I tell him even though I hadn’t decided until that moment. Guess I’m more ready to move on than I thought. “Steve, this is my daughter, Alyssa.”
“Hi, nice to meet you,” she says, extending her hand. “Nana says you have the best trees.”
“Your nana is correct. Come on, let me show you.”
Alyssa and I find the perfect tree within minutes, and after Steve helps tie it down to my car, we’re on our way home.
“That was fun,” she says from the backseat. “We should do it more often.”
I laugh and remind her that Christmas only comes once a year. She replied with, “I’m going to have to talk to Nana about that.” As if Nana has all the answers and can fix everything. I suppose to a little girl she can.
I’m pleasantly surprised to find Bree’s car in my driveway when we pull in. Alyssa is as eager to see her as I am and doesn’t hide the fact. She squeals as she unbuckles and forgets to close the car door after she bolts from it. I take my time, trying to play it cool when all I want to do is get the next hour-plus of activities out of the way so I can be alone with Bree and see if what I’m feeling is just a reaction to having her near me or if what I’m feeling is real. The way my body reacts to her presence tells me everything is legit.
As much as it pains me not to go to Bree and interrupt her moment with Alyssa, I work to untie the tree and get it into the house. I leave the girls outside while they talk about what decorations have to go up and hear Alyssa comment on how Santa needs to be able to find her house, so we need lights. I make a mental note to add a string of lights to the front this weekend.
When Bree finally makes her way inside, her arms are full. I take what I can and follow her into my kitchen. I pause in the doorway, listening to her tell me about my photos and the people that came into the gallery today, and watch her. She fits perfectly, almost as if this space was designed just for her.
“Did you hear me?”
I shake my head to clear my thoughts. “I’m sorry, I was lost in thought.”
“I sold two of your pictures this morning, within minutes of hanging them.”
My mouth opens to reply, but nothing comes out. “You . . . you did?”
Bree nods and smiles brightly. “They asked when I’ll have more because they were so excited.” She comes over to me and starts to take the remaining things out of my hands. “Are you okay?”
I nod and lean forward, pressing my lips to hers. This time, I deepen the kiss, testing myself. When we part, she opens her eyes slowly. “What was that for?”
“I’ve wanted to do that since high school.”
“Really?” she asks.
“Yeah, and I’m trying to make everything make sense in my head. Every book I’ve read tells me I need to take time to heal, but as soon as I saw you, it’s like the hole in my heart sealed up and starting pumping again. Besides my parents, you’re the first one to see any of the photographs because I couldn’t bring myself to share them, but you make me feel so at ease, so comfortable like we were meant to be in each other’s lives that I want to share everything with you.”
Bree swallows hard and looks into my eyes. “I never believed in love at first sight until I saw you standing in line. I haven’t been able to think of anything or anyone else since that moment. But, I don’t want you to rush, and I want you to be sure because this wouldn’t be a you and I situation. It’s an us. There are three of us with our hearts on the line.”
I smile softly. “The two of us are certain we want you in our lives.”
Bree’s grin rivals Alyssa’s when she saw Santa the other day. “But first, dinner.” She takes the bags from me and gives me a quick peck. “I’ll cook. Santa heard I was helping you and Alyssa tonight, so he got another elf to take my place. You set up the tree and start stringing the lights. We have a long night ahead of us.”
This time, the small talk in a small town has worked to my advantage. I have to remember to thank Santa the next time I see him.
Seven
Bree
It’s been three weeks since mine and Caleb’s first kiss. During that time, we’ve had many more, but that’s as far as it’s gone. I think it’s good to take things slow. What I love most about mine and Caleb’s time together is how natural it all feels. I can’t help but smile when I’m around him and Alyssa. Alyssa loves that about me and often asks if I’m ever sad. Fo
r most of the past month, I haven’t had a reason to be sad about anything. This Christmas is turning out to be the best holiday I’ve ever had.
Tomorrow is the biggest event of the year for me, and I’m way past ready to show everyone what I have in store for them. Caleb spent the entire day with me in the gallery, making sure everything is in place. My paintings are on display, scattered throughout the gallery, and intermingled with my work is Caleb’s photographs and other pieces I procured from other artists. Every year, I sell out of almost everything, and once the new year comes, I’m busy trying to come up with new ideas.
“I have a strange feeling tomorrow’s going to be insane,” Caleb calls out.
I finish dusting off the golden frame surrounding my snow globe painting. “Oh yeah, why is that?”
He chuckles. “Come here and see for yourself.” He’s at the front desk, sitting there with my laptop open in front of him. His eyes twinkle when he looks up at me. “How many people do you usually have come for the showcase event?”
I think back through the past few years. “Let’s see, the first year I had about a hundred people come through, but more and more come each year. Last Christmas, I had a little over two hundred. Why do you ask?” He swivels my laptop toward me so I can see the screen where he has a huge number highlighted. “What is that number for?”
“That,” he says, grinning wider, “is the number of page views you’ve gotten on your website this week. The ads you put on social media have more than tripled the traffic.” He focuses on the screen and clicks on a few more things. “Looking at the gallery’s Facebook page, there are people from all around saying they’re going to come tomorrow. I’m talking about people from New York, Florida, on over to California. This is insane.”
My heart thumps wildly in my chest. I’m terrified yet excited. “I can’t believe I didn’t do any marketing before.”
He shuts my laptop and laughs. “Well, you’ve done pretty damn good selling your paintings without it. It’s just now, you can go further than Meadowbrook. What if somebody famous comes in and wants to buy your work?”
I roll my eyes. “I won’t hold my breath on that one.”
Caleb walks around the desk and pulls me into his arms. “I have faith in you.”
I wrap my arms around his neck. “What about you? I had to stop putting your photos out because people kept snagging them up. I was about not to have any for the showcase.”
The way Caleb smiles makes me melt. “Speaking of photos, I need to get busy taking more. You’ve been monopolizing my time.”
“Hey,” I snap, playfully hitting his arm as I step away from him. “The same goes for me too. I haven’t painted a single thing since we started dating.”
He lifts his fingers to my face, gently tucking the hair behind my ear. “I’m not complaining, though. It’s been nice having you at my house every day, cooking dinner and spending time with Alyssa and me. I think she likes getting a bedtime story every night.”
I lean into his touch. “I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Tonight, when she goes to bed, I need to rewrap her presents you got her from Santa.”
His eyes widen. “Why? Do you think I did a crappy job?”
It takes all I have not to burst out laughing. “Well … they kind of look like Santa was drunk while wrapping them.”
“Fine,” he says, throwing his arms in the air. “I suck at wrapping. At least, I tried.”
I kiss his cheek. “That’s all that matters. Next time, just ask me to do it.”
He grabs my wrist and pulls me into his body. “Don’t worry,” he murmurs, his lips so close to mine, “I will.”
Our lips touch, and I breathe him in as we kiss. My body lights up like fire, and I’d give anything to have him touch me more intimately, but I don’t want to rush him. The thing is, I know he wants me just as much as I want him.
“What are you doing on Christmas Eve?” he asks, breaking the kiss.
There’s so much heat in his eyes; it makes me tremble. “I don’t know. Waiting for Santa?”
He bites his lip. “Do you think you might want to wait for him at my house?”
“All night?”
“Yes,” he replies, his serious gaze on mine. “I want you to be with me and Alyssa Christmas morning.” He smiles and shakes his head. “Who am I kidding? I want you there. I can’t imagine spending it without you.”
“Does that mean you’ll come to my parents’ house for Christmas lunch? I think my mom has more presents under the tree for Alyssa than anyone else.”
Caleb chuckles. “I’m sure she’ll love that. I’ll be happy to go with you as long as you come with me to my parents’ house for dinner.”
“Deal. In all honesty, I see it as a win-win. It’s going to be a day filled with family, food, and twinkling lights. What could be better?”
He opens his mouth to speak, but then he closes it. His gaze drops down to my lips, and the raw passion I see in his eyes is just what I’ve been waiting for. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do about it at the moment. I have elf duty tonight, and he has to pick up Alyssa from his parents’ house.
“I have to get changed into my costume,” I whisper.
He sighs and steps back. “I know. It’s just the more I’m around you, the harder it is to control myself.”
This makes me laugh. “I know the feeling.” Inside, I’m burning. The need to have him is stronger than I’ve ever felt for anyone before. Slowly, I keep my eyes on him and move back toward my office. “I’ll be out in a minute. Do you have time to wait for me?”
He waves for me to go. “Yeah. I was going to walk you over to the town square and leave from there.”
“Thanks.” I can’t help but smile as I turn away from him to go into my office, which also has a private bathroom. My elf costume is hanging from the bathroom door, so I grab it and lay it over my desk along with a pair of thick tights. It’s going to be cold tonight. Once I slip off my sweater and jeans, I reach for the costume just as a set of warm arms wrap around my waist from behind.
“You are so damn sexy.” Caleb kisses my neck and nips my tender flesh.
Moaning, I tilt my head to the side so he can kiss me more. “What are you doing in here?”
His hands slide up my stomach to my breasts. “I kept thinking of you getting undressed in here. It about killed me. I can’t tell you how much I’ve wanted this.” He squeezes my breast and slips his hand inside the cup of my bra. When his thumb traces over my nipple, I gasp. Holy hell, I want him so bad.
Goosebumps fan out over my skin, and I shiver. “Why did you have to start this when we have no time?”
He bites my lobe and chuckles in my ear. “Oh, we have time. Not much, but just enough.”
I suck in a breath. “Enough for what?”
“For me to touch you. That is, if it’s what you want.”
“Yes,” I breathe, probably sounding a little too desperate. I can’t help it. It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time now.
Caleb turns me to face him, and he picks me up in his arms, setting me on my desk in just my bra and underwear. Luckily, I chose a sexy, matching set to put on this morning. Caleb’s gaze roams over my body, and he responds just the way I hoped it would. He maneuvers himself between my legs, his arousal pressing up against me in just the right spot. I wrap my legs around his waist, and he pushes into me.
He kisses me hard and squeezes my ass in his firm grip. “I’d give anything to make love to you right now.”
I moan into his mouth. “So would I.”
“Lay back for me, Bree.”
There are only a few papers on my desk, so I swipe them to the side and lay back, still spread wide for him. He leans over me and trails his lips down my neck to the mounds of my breasts, sliding my bra to the side so he can taste me. Gasping, I close my eyes and fist my hands in his hair.
“Oh my God, Caleb.”
He groans deep in his chest and slides a hand down my stomach, slowly making h
is way between my legs. The second he pushes a finger inside of me, I arch off the desk, which only gives him more access to my breasts. He tortures me with his tongue and fingers, driving me over the edge. I can feel my orgasm build, and it doesn’t take long to explode within me.
Caleb stares down at me with a satisfied grin on his face. “How did that feel?”
I feel like I’m out of breath. “Amazing. I just hate I can’t return the favor.”
He winks. “We’ll have more time soon. Right now, you have to go.” My body is so relaxed I don’t even think I can move. Grinning, Caleb helps me to my feet. “Do I need to help you get dressed?”
Clutching my chest, I shake my head. I’m ten seconds away from ripping off his clothes. Then again, I don’t want our first time making love being on my desk. “I’m good,” I say, pushing him away playfully. “I suggest you get out of here before I do something crazy.”
He waggles his brows. “Maybe I should stay then.”
“Out,” I laugh. He walks out the door, and I can hear him laughing. I put on my costume and check myself in my bathroom mirror to make sure I look okay. My cheeks are a little red, but that’s because I just had an orgasmic experience for the first time in forever. Taking a deep breath, I walk out of my office, and Caleb is waiting by the door, his face lighting up when he sees me.
“You really are sexy in that costume.” He’s still hard by the looks of things. “I need to think of something else, and you’re not helping.”
I nod toward the door. “It’s freezing outside. That should help.”
We walk out, and I lock the gallery door behind us. Caleb sucks in a breath and hisses. “Yep. It helped. It’s cold as shit out here. I don’t know how you and Santa don’t freeze.”
We start on our way toward the town square. “It’s only for a couple of hours, and it’s our last night. Trust me. I’ll be ready for a warm blanket and some hot cocoa tonight.” It’s crazy how fast the month has flown by. In three days, it’ll be Christmas.