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“I know, angel. You’re all I want. I’m hoping this helps give you that festive feeling. You’ve gone through so much shit lately…” He frowns, whiskey eyes full of sorrow.
“So have you, love. But that’s over now. We’re overdue for some happiness. Let’s make the most of every moment.”
“Sounds like a plan. I have an idea.” Releasing me, Chase pulls his phone out, connecting it to the Bluetooth speaker on the small table beside the couch. Then he heads to the light switch, flicking it off so the only lights come from the tree and the lighted garland we strung around the TV stand and the doorway to the bedroom.
The opening notes to “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson begins playing. Chase holds out his hand, a wide smile on his face. “May I have this dance?”
I grin, taking his hand. “This dance, and every dance for the rest of my life.”
He twirls me around, then pulls me into his arms. “Good answer.” He winks at me, swaying to the beat of the music.
“I forgot a tree topper.”
Leading me around the living room, a smirk covers his face. “I didn’t. I got a nice plaid bow in the bag on the floor. I didn’t buy an angel because I already have one.” He spins me away from him, before pulling me back into his arms. “We can put it on the tree in a bit. But first…” he dips me, making me laugh, before pulling me upright. “We dance.”
“Where did you learn how to dance like this? You’re amazing.”
“Remember I told you Elsie did ballet? She convinced me to take ballroom lessons with her right before mom got sick.”
A content sigh comes from my lips. “You were an amazing big brother. While Gavin and I were close, if I asked him to take ballroom dance classes with me, he would have laughed and said, ‘When hell freezes over,’ then put me in a headlock and messed up my hair.”
Chase laughs. “I’m not saying I never gave Elsie a hard time when we were kids. Once mom got sick, things changed. Life was no longer carefree.”
Wrapping my hands behind his neck, I press kisses over his face until his expression relaxes and a smile curls his lips.
“I love seeing you so happy and carefree.”
“Life’s too short to be miserable, angel. Besides, there’s no way I could be unhappy right now. You’re here with me and that gorgeous smile on your face lights up my life more than the Christmas tree.”
“I love you, Chase Landon.”
“I love you, Mackenzie Dawn… Landon sounds really good as your last name.”
My smile grows so wide, my cheeks hurt. “It has a really nice ring to it.”
The song changes to “Merry Christmas Darling” by the Carpenters. I lay my head against his strong chest, his heart steadily pounding beneath my cheek. Each strong, steady beat matches mine.
A contented sigh slips from my lips. I’ve never felt so connected to anyone, so whole, in my life.
Thirty minutes later, I stare at my reflection in the mirror of the bathroom inside the basement, butterflies nervously fluttering their wings. I barely spent any of the money my parents gave me for my birthday, though I’d been carrying it inside my purse for nearly a month. But tonight, while I was shopping for Chase, a sexy red lingerie set caught my eye. In a trance, I moved toward it, my fingers stroking the thin, delicate material, moving to the soft white fur lining the bodice. An adorable red headband with a Santa hat completes the outfit, the white fur on the edge of the hat matching the top.
I’ve never seduced a man before. Hell, I’d only kissed one guy before I met Chase. Although he’s aware I’m inexperienced, I want so badly to impress him and make him feel the way he makes me feel when he touches me. Or uses his tongue.
Gulping, I pull myself from my thoughts, taking stock of my appearance. My cheeks are flushed a bright pink that travels down my neck and to the cleavage hanging out of this skimpy bra-like top.
Taking two steps back, my gaze travels over the see-through material, my porcelain skin peeking through the delicate fabric.
Further down my eyes go until I’m looking at the bright red, lacy panties. A smile tugs my lips up as I envision Chase’s reaction to them.He loves it when I wear red.When I pivot, I catch a glimpse of my bare cheek.My ass looks really good in this thong.The runs I’ve been on with Jeff, Mel, and Chase, as well as the fifty squats a day I’ve been doing, have really paid off.
As I twist back around, I catch the ugly mark that still adjourns my leg. I suck in a breath as I stare at the pentagram the cult carved into my upper thigh, a permanent reminder of the hell I endured. It’s a permanent branding that I wish I could get rid of. I discussed it with a doctor while in the hospital, who gave me the name of a plastic surgeon. Chase took me to see him, and we discussed my options. In every case, I’d be left with additional scarring so I’ve elected not to do anything.
At least it’s high enough on my thigh that no one would see it unless I’m only wearing panties. Except for Chase, of course.
A gentle tapping on the door pulls me from my thoughts. Chase’s concerned voice comes through the closed door. “You okay in there, angel?”
“I’m fine. Be out in a second.” I do another quick perusal before hurrying to the door. Chase is startled as I yank it open with a flourish, striking a seductive pose. “Hey, sexy.”
A long whistle leaves his lips as his eyes drink in every single inch of me. “Goddamn, angel.” He holds up a finger, making a twirling motion. I comply, turning around and pulling my long hair over my right shoulder while I strike a pose, giving him an unrestricted view of my backside. The stream of curses he mutters makes me grin. I feel sexy and powerful.
