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My fingers move over my clit, back and forth in a rhythm that gets me panting hotly as I imagine it’s his hand touching me this way instead of my own. I let out a moan as my hips rock and my insides pulse, my hand shooting out to brace myself on the tiles as I finish myself off, before also finishing my shower. Somewhat satisfied but still wanting, I dry myself and slide right into my favorite Christmas sweater with a pair of sparkly snowflake tights in preparation for tonight's annual tree-lighting ceremony. I give myself a once over in the full-body mirror behind my bedroom door, nod in approval, and immediately break into a wide smile before blowing my raven-black hair dry. In a town like this, I might as well go all out. It's all part of the fun, anyway.
"Mom? Dad? Are you home yet?" I call out into the quiet house as I leave my bedroom. Silence. "I guess not.”
Deciding to shoot them a quick text to let them know I’m here, I pocket my phone then grab an old book off Mom's bookshelf next to the staircase—a holiday romance novel—and make my way to the living room where I start a fire so I can get all cozy under a blanket and read while I wait for Mom and Dad. But there’s something missing, and it doesn’t take long for me to pin it down becausewhat goes great with reading in front of the fire? Hot Cocoa!
While the fire grows to a pleasant crackle, I heat up some milk and search the pantry for one of those little chocolate-cubes-on-a-stick things I know Mom and Dad bought from Switzerland. They took the opportunity to take a holiday,sans moi, a few weeks after I moved out and sent me a care package with these in it. They’re decadent and I’m salivating just thinking about their chocolaty goodness.
I wonder if the hot guy next door likes cocoa…or maybe he’s a coffee person…he seems like a coffee person.
My mind very quickly conjures the image of him stirring a spoon through a steaming hot cup of joe, bringing the spoon to his lips, then meeting my eyes with a meaningful stare before he places that warm spoon on his tongue and sensually sucks it clean.
“Ohhh.” The groan leaves my throat as heat pools between my legs, making me contemplate a repeat performance of my moment in the shower. That man has done more for my libido than any guy my own age ever has. Who knew I was into broody older plumbers? Not me. Or maybe it’s justthatparticular plumber that has my body heating so…
Swirling the chocolate spoon through the hot milk, I watch it go from white to creamy brown and then grab a Mom-made granola bar off the kitchen counter.Maybe if I’m munching, I’ll be too busy to touch myself again.
With a sigh, I plop my curvaceous self into one of the EZ-chairs next to the fire, drape some covers onto my lap, and try to start reading as I nibble the corner of the bar. "Storm clouds darkened the previously bright December night…" I murmur out loud as I read. It’s something I used to do in college when I was studying to help me maintain my focus. But it’s not helping the way it should.
I’ll bet his hands are rough yet strong. And his embrace…well, by the look of those muscles, it’d be the safest place in the world. I'd melt right into that firm chest faster than the chocolate melted in my milk…
“Ohhh.”
A key slides into the front door, and I nearly jump up from the chair. Glancing over at the clock, I gasp to myself. I was staring at the first page of the book for almosttwenty whole minutes!
"Yoo-hoo,has someone started a cuddle party without us?" Dad calls out as he opens the door. In his mind, I swear I’m still five years old. But his enthusiasm is always catching, so I set my things aside then rush to greet them at the door.
“Hey, guys! Where have you been?” Of course, the first thing I do is give them both a big hug. Well, it ends up a group hug with Dad on the outside, singing ‘cuddle party!’ as he squeezes Mom and I together. He is crazy. And funny. And adorable. My dad’s pretty awesome to say the least.
"Your mother thought it would be a good idea to do some food shopping today instead of last night, like I suggested. You wouldn't believe the lines at the store. It was like the whole town was there.”
"Oh, ignore him. He didn’t want to go last night either,” Mom says while Dad grabs the shopping bags from the entry and makes his way into the kitchen. “How was your trip? Did you get in early?”
"I did,” I say, as we follow after Dad and start helping him unpack the groceries. “I thought I'd surprise you guys by taking an earlier flight, but you weren't home to be surprised. The neighbor seemed pretty shocked to see me though."
“Oh, you met Ryder?” Dad enquires.
“I did. Scared the life out of me. But I think I scared him worse. He kinda hit his head,” I reply, deliberately omitting the fact I was naked save for the towel I almost dropped.
"We’ll have to take him a slice of pudding later then, to check on him," Mom says. “He’s the new handyman in town. Quiet, a little growly, but lovely. I worry that he’s lonely, so I like to keep an eye on him.”
“He’s a grown man, Molly. I’m sure that if he wanted company, he’d go out and find it himself,” Dad says.
“Well, we aren’t all as outgoing as you, Rob. Some people need a bit more help than others. And I get that sense about Ryder. I like to take him a plate of something every now and then so I know he has a home-cooked meal. Those bachelors never feed themselves properly,” she says as she potters about in the kitchen. “It’s not natural for them to be all alone like that.”
"I think it’s quite natural for ex-military to be a little reclusive. He only retired this year. Said he came herelookingfor quiet." Dad scratches his beard in thought. "He's been here about two months now—"
"Three months, dear."Three months?That means he moved here just after I left.
"Right, right. Anyway, I think he likes being alone."
“No one likes being alone, Rob.”
“Ryder does,” Dad says, checking the clock on the wall. “And as much as I enjoy discussing your lost puppy project, Molly. We really should be getting ready to go. The tree lighting is in thirty minutes."
Mom’s eyes go wide. "Oh, dear-y me! Look at the time. Give me five minutes, I'll freshen up quickly, and we can make our way to Town Hall, lickety-split."
She rushes from the room and Dad and I both shake our heads at her, smiling. "Mayor Johnson said that this year's tree will be the best one yet," Dad says while we wait.
"He says thateveryyear." I chuckle.
