AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Hell. Joy might be more trouble than I imagined.
Before I can yell at her more, which would be nice because I don’t like that she’s causing so many thoughts and emotions to cloud my judgment, she cries and throws herself into my arms.
I mean that literally. Her body slams into mine. I remain standing, but it takes effort not to stumble back. I am forced to lock my arms around her too. Not because I want to hold her close or hug her. Purely because if I don’t we’re likely to fall.
At least that’s what I tell myself.
Then, because I’m stupid and even though I shouldn’t. Even though I should be running for the nearest airport to take me away from Juniper and all things Christmas Joy, I kiss her.
Our lips touch and I swear… it’s like I haven’t ever kissed her before in my life. Even now, after weeks of fucking her, it’s like the first time my lips have been on her, it’s like the first time my mouth has touched her lips, and the first time I’ve tasted her, explored her, drank from her.
Christmas Joy is a witch.
“How in the fuck do you always taste like vanilla?” I groan against her mouth when we break apart.
“I missed you,” she whispers softly, hugging me closer for a minute. She squeezes me to her and that, combined with her words, seeps down inside of me and settle in a way I’m afraid of. Because, I’m starting to think I will never be able to let Joy go.
I step away from her, to catch my breath and hopefully breathe without the scent of vanilla clouding my head.
“If you’re working late and here alone, Joy, you lock the god-damned door,” I growl.
“Oh stop. Oh my gosh! What is that smell?”
I ignore her question, wrapping my hand against the side of her neck and hold her head so that she doesn’t move. I tilt her head to look up at me, and bring mine down in close to her.
“You lock the door when you are alone at night, Joy.”
“Oh come on, Eb. This is Juniper we are talking about. Here everyone knows everyone. I’m completely safe.”
“You didn’t know me until recently. Anyone could come into town. Bad people. People who could ruin that pretty smile of yours, or people who could hurt this body, that I love, in ways you might never recover from.”
“The only person in Juniper interested in my body is you, Eb. Now stop joking around. What do you have in that bag? Is that Clarissa’s chicken fried steak I smell?”
“I’m not joking with you. I want your promise that you will start locking the damn door when you’re here alone after hours.”
“Eb, you’re being silly.”
“Joy,” I growl again. I’m close to turning her over my knee and spanking her ass for not being more aware. I know Juniper is a quiet town, but fuck, she has to know what this world is like. All you have to do anymore is turn on the news and see the shit that goes down on a daily basis. Her not locking the door and being aware is not excusable. I don’t want to think about Joy and this damn innocence she manages to keep—despite all the dirty shit we do in bed, being destroyed.
“Oh alright!” she sighs, pulling away from me and locking the door.
“Promise me,” I urge her, needing the words, needing her to agree.
“If it’s that important to you, I promise Eb. I’ll make sure the door is locked when we close from now on. Better?”
“Only if you’re telling the truth.”
“I hereby solemnly swear to lock the doors when I’m here alone after hours,” she says with a smile, and one hand over her heart like she was reciting the damn Pledge of Allegiance.
“Joy!”
“I swear! Geez. You’re awful grumpy tonight Eb. I will lock the doors. Scout’s honor!”
“Were you ever a scout?”
“Didn’t we have this conversation once before?” she winks. “Do I get to see what’s in that bag that smells so delicious?”
“I think I have a new goal with you, Joy,” I respond, watching her closely.
“What’s that?” she asks reaching for the bag. I pull it behind my back and the strangest thing happens. I find myself smiling in the middle of the bakery with Joy wrapping her body around me so she can reach behind me, Christmas decorated cakes everywhere, a giant Christmas tree in the corner with twinkling lights, and annoying Christmas music blaring over the shop’s speakers.
Smiling and drowning in Christmas.
Joy is definitely trouble.
Chapter 16
Joy
He brought me dinner.
It’s crazy how the simplest things cause your heart to feel warm and full. I haven’t examined what I’m doing with Eb, but for him to bring me dinner that has to signify something. Right?
Maybe he cares for me a little too. Maybe it’s not just sex. That thought shouldn’t make me so happy, but it does.
