I reach down and roll her clit with my thumb and forefinger, and soon, we’re both barreling toward release. She shatters with a force so fierce that another cry tears free and my name falls from her lips. My own pleasure hits me, and I tense above her, my throat raw and vision blurry.
Fuck, nothing has ever felt so right.
I nuzzle my nose into her neck as I ease out, not wanting to hurt her.
“I needed this. Needed you,” I say reverently.
She releases a contented sigh in response, smiling dreamily.
I push off the bed and remove the condom, tossing it in the trash bin. I move to Noelle’s side, and draw her close as I pull the covers over us.
She hikes her leg over mine stroking my hair as she speaks. “Thank you for the Christmas tree. I meant to tell you sooner, but I was a little preoccupied.” She giggles. “It was another wonderful surprise.”
I lean in and kiss her temple. “Anything for you, Sunshine.”
I can finally admit that my feelings for Noelle are growing faster than I can control, and there’s no containing them. Watching her enthusiasm for holiday lights and decorations has me wanting to make the last two days before Christmas unforgettable. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to hear those adorable giggles and be the recipient of her megawatt smile.
And who knows—maybe I’ll rediscover my own holiday magic.
“Rest up while you still can, sweetheart.” I trail a finger over her bare shoulder, giving her a rueful glance. “Because I intend to keep you up all night.”
Noelle tips her chin, a grin spreading across her face. “Looking forward to it, cowboy.”
Santa Claus IsComingTo Town
Can a person die from too many orgasms?
Shep made good on his promise, keeping me going until dawn. I cried out his name until my voice broke, losing track of how many times he pushed me over the edge after my sixth release. The man has the stamina of a wild mustang, and I could barely keep up. After letting me sleep in, I woke up to him peppering kisses along my collarbone as he pushed inside me. He must have gone outside beforehand, judging by his cold hands and the faint scent of pine and winter air. Regardless, it was a pleasant way to start the day—one that I’d take any morning.
God, being with him has allowed me to explore a part of myself I didn’t know existed. It’s not just the mind-blowing sex—he’s considerate, kind, and even tender when the situation calls for it. Saying yes to staying after the storm passed was easily the best decision I’ve made in ages.
Lying in his sheets with his fingerprints etched on my skin, I’m second-guessing my decision to leave the day afterChristmas. There’s no way two days is long enough to satisfy my desire for him.
After our last round of escapades, Shep showered and then disappeared to the kitchen, and the sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla tells me he must have made breakfast. My stomach rumbles, reminding me I haven’t eaten since we left for the honky-tonk last night.
I climb out of bed and grab one of his flannels hanging from the closet door and put it on.
As I pass the living room, a silly grin spreads across my face at the sight of the tree by the fireplace. Its twinkling lights fill the room with a warm, cozy glow. Atop the tree is a wooden star that wasn’t there before, so I’m guessing Shep placed it there this morning.
Just as I suspected, he’s at the kitchen counter whisking batter. What I didn’t expect is him humming along to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” playing from the radio on top of the microwave. His hair is damp, and he’s wearing nothing but his Wranglers, riding low on his hips. His bare chest is all broad planes and hard muscle, and my tongue darts out to wet my lips. Tired or not, I wouldn’t object if he carried me back to bed right now.
His face lights up when he notices me, and I slip behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
“Hey there, cowboy. So you decorating for the holidays wasn’t a dream,” I murmur, running my hands along his stomach.
He might have done it for me, but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s just as much for him. A way to honor his mom and to remember the joy of celebrating this season.
“Nope, it’s real.” Shep sets aside the batter and turns around to kiss me. “There’s plenty more where that came from. With Christmas only two days away, we’ve got to squeeze in all thetraditions you’ve missed this year and sprinkle in a few from my family too.” I blink, stunned, wondering if this is real life.
God, I hope so.
“You mean it?” I exclaim.
He nods. “I know it’s hard being away from your parents, but I’ll be damned if you don’t get the Christmas you deserve. First up, eggnog waffles.” He gestures to the vintage waffle maker on the counter. “When I was a kid, my dad woke up early on Fridays to make breakfast so Mom could sleep in. Every month, he’d try a new waffle flavor, and in December, it was always eggnog.”
“A girl could get used to mornings like this,” I say with a sated smile.
“Good, because if cooking makes you smile like that, I’ll be in the kitchen every morning.”
