I buttoned my jeans and pulled my fingers through my wet hair. The bedroom was still warm from the steam of the shower, and, when Kelly walked through the bathroom door in just her bra and panties, I was half tempted to throw her ass on the bed for round two.
“You can’t walk around like that and expect me to be ready on time.” I gave Kelly my best smirk and she rolled her eyes as she grabbed her brush from the dresser. She tried to glare at me through the reflection of the mirror, but I saw the hidden smile in her eyes. “I wasn’t the one who invited everyone over.”
She shook her head, her lips falling into a sideways smile as she spoke, “If I recall, you were the one offering invitations.”
I stepped behind her and pressed my chest to her back as my arms surrounded her round belly. She looked damn good carrying my kid. Her skin was softer, and I fucking loved how all of her curves had filled out. My inked fingers were a contradiction to the smooth, bare skin of her stomach, and, as I looked at our reflection in the mirror, pride tugged at the corners of my mouth.
“We need to get ready.” She didn’t sound too convinced as I placed kisses along her shoulder.
She tilted her head to the side as I said, “In a minute.”
Our eyes met in the mirror and I internally smiled. Her cheeks were red, and her blush poured all the way down her neck to her chest. I lowered my left hand to her hip and when our crowns connected she shuddered. I had no doubt that if I slipped my fingers between her legs she’d be wet and fucking ready for me like always.
“I could call them, tell them we’re running late,” I whispered into the crook of her neck and she pushed her ass against me.
My right hand palmed her breast, and I watched as her eyes closed. She was gorgeous, wrapped up in my arms, and I’d always remember how fucking blessed I was to have her. She turned her head to that perfect angle and my tongue parted her lips. My hand finally found its home between her thighs, and she whimpered as my fingers pulled through her arousal and circled her needy flesh.
“Liam,” she breathed my name, and I inhaled a rough breath as she rocked against my hand.
“Hello?” Kelly’s entire body stiffened as Declan’s deep voice echoed through the apartment.
“Oh, my God, shut the door.” The demand rushed from her lips in a harsh whisper. But when she tried to pull away I held her even tighter.
“We’ll be out in a second,” I hollered loud enough for him to hear. The sound of Royal’s laughter was unmistakable and his signature squeal doused me with cold water. “Shit.”
Kelly giggled and I clenched my jaw as she pulled away from me.
“Don’t look so grumpy,” she said with pouty lips as she picked up her dark green sweater dress from the bed and slipped it over her head. “It’s Christmas.”
I exhaled a laugh as she threw my shirt at me a little harder than I felt was necessary. I pulled it over my head and stepped into the bathroom. I washed my hands and splashed cold water on my face. Anything to get my mind out from between her legs.
Kelly popped her head into the bathroom. “Come on.”
I wiped off my face and hands with a towel and followed her into the living room. The floor-to-ceiling windows framed the Christmas tree. It was snowing outside, but the sun filtered through the silver and red ornaments on the tree setting colorful shadows along the gray carpet. Before I even had a chance to say hello, Royal ran toward me, full steam, and I dropped to my knees to catch him before he face planted. “Jesus, this kid is crazy,” I said as I stood to my full height with him scooped up into my arms.
“I think he gets that from you,” Declan joked, and Paige huffed out a laugh. As always, Indie was in her father’s arms, her smile shy.
“Merry Christmas.” Paige’s broad grin touched her eyes as she hugged Kelly. “How are you feeling?”
Kelly twisted her hair into a loose bun and tied it in place with the black elastic from her wrist as she spoke, “Better, and tired. Dealing with morning sickness and trying to get the counseling services at Irene’s finally up and running, not going to lie, I didn’t think I’d make it. The first trimester was rough… but the second has been good.” Her eyes found mine and she arched her brow with a knowing look.
She was so sick for the first few weeks, and I was a fucking wreck worrying about her. “Good” was a hell of an understatement.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better.” Paige’s smile was sympathetic. “You guys really did such an amazing job with the shelter.”
“It was all her.” Royal wiggled and pushed against my chest as he mumbled the word, “Down.”
He nearly jumped from my arms, but I was able to get him to his feet first. Declan lowered Indie to the ground and both she and her brother ran to the Christmas tree as he said, “Don’t touch the presents, okay, little man.”
Paige and Declan smiled down at their children, and, when Kelly’s gaze found mine, the lump in my throat grew about three sizes. She brought her hands to her belly, and, when she looked up at me again, I quietly spoke the words, “I love you.”
I covered her hands with my own and pressed my lips to her forehead as she whispered, “Merry Christmas, baby.”
THE END