The words that left my mouth were, “Thanks, Kate.” But what I wanted to say was that I already had.
* * *
The garage doorhummed as it lowered behind me, and I unlocked the door to the house with a heavy sigh. Thanksgiving with my family had been exhausting, and though I wasn’t thrilled to return to an empty home, it was better than staying at my parents’. Especially after Kate and Xander had left.
I wondered what Lauren was doing. My mind had drifted to her all day, but I knew the rules. And I certainly didn’t think texting or popping by unexpectedly any day, let alone on a major holiday, was part of them.
As much as I enjoyed a good chase, sometimes you had to stop running. And with Lauren, it felt like I could never catch up. In bed—sure. But any time I tried to talk to her about anything serious, she bolted. I’d never met a woman so determined to avoid emotions, romantic entanglements. The old me would’ve rejoiced, but the new me was lamenting it.
How fucking ironic.
I stepped into the kitchen and dropped my keys on the counter. I was debating whether to pour myself a glass of scotch when it happened. It was as if I’d triggered a switch. Christmas music streamed through my hidden speakers, candles flickered on the mantel, casting a romantic glow, and I hadn’t noticed the garland on the stairs until it lit up.
“What the—?”
I glanced around, wondering what on earth was going on and who the fuck had invaded my home. Surely not Santa. I was most certainly on his naughty list.
I stepped farther into the room, only then noticing Lauren. Her bronzed skin glowed from the light of the fireplace, her smile warm but hesitant.
“What is all this?” I couldn’t contain my smile as I took it all in. Took her in.
She was dressed to kill—soft waves, dark red lips, a crimson dress that complemented the decorations. The material clung to her curves, making my dick twitch in response. She looked like a present I wanted to unwrap.
“Consider it an early Christmas gift.”
“Mmm.” I placed my hands on her waist, kissing her. “Can I unwrap you now? Because I can’t wait to feast on you.”
Her eyes fluttered closed, and she let out a low moan as I rocked my hips into her. “Yes,” she whispered.
I loosened the tie at her waist, sliding my hands beneath the material. Her skin was smooth, warm, and I couldn’t access nearly enough of it.
I kissed down her neck, smiling to myself with each of her breathy moans. This.Thiswas exactly what I’d needed.Shewas exactly what I needed.
I pushed the dress over her shoulders, the material pooling at her feet. She stepped out of it, her movements confident, proud. Fuck me, she was a sight to behold. Red lace bra, sheer enough to see her nipples poking through. Red lace thong—also… I swallowed. Very sheer.
I rubbed a hand over my chin, circling her and admiring the lift of her ass thanks to her heels. They were my favorite pair—black with gold studs. The perfect mix of feminine and bold. Of beautiful and badass. Just like her.
“Fuck, baby.”
“You like?” She did a little twirl.
I swallowed. “I love.”
She stilled, but I pinned her with my gaze.
“Yes.” I stepped closer, brushing her hair over her shoulder.
I watched her, trying to gauge her reaction. I was falling for her, but I hadn’t meant to say anything. Not wanting to fuck up what we had and sensing she might freak out at my declaration, I rushed to qualify.
“I fucking love these gorgeous tits.” I squeezed them, watching as her eyes fluttered closed.
“I love these pouty lips, especially when they’re wrapped around my cock or screaming my name as you come.” I traced her lips with my finger, loving how they parted for me. Her tongue darted out, wetting my finger before she sucked me into her mouth. I groaned, my dick growing painfully hard.
“I love this gorgeous ass.” I gripped it, pulling her into me. Letting her feel just how much I desired her. “And this pussy—” I ground against her. “It’s mine.”
She gripped my erection through my pants, staring up at me with a fire in her eyes. “Is this mine?”
“Yes,” I croaked, slightly concerned that she had me almost literally by the balls. “Everything I have is yours.”
