“Come on. Close your eyes.”
Theresa couldn’t suppress a smile as she connected with Aiden’s gaze where he stood near the outlet close to the tree.
“I want to see it lit up.”
He shook his head. “Me, too. So close your eyes. I want it to be a surprise.” A slow delicious grin grew. “Please.”
Enjoying this playful side of him, she obeyed. She could hear rustling around as if he was shuffling things near the tree instead of just plugging it in.
The air had been tense between them when they walked out of his bedroom. Eating their sandwiches at the dining room table had gradually brought them back to an easy camaraderie. They talked about superficial stuff, things that wouldn’t conjure memories of Cynthia. At least, she hoped so. He never produced the same ache in his eyes, indicating she didn’t. That was a very good thing. She hated when he got that look in his eyes.
After a quick lunch, they started decorating the tree. Surprisingly, the day went from awkward to easygoing to comfortable to so much fun, as if it were a ritual. Something they did every single year. He strung the lights, goofing around that he got dizzy from walking around the tree so many times. Together, they hung the ornaments, taking their time to hang each one. Some of the ornaments were handmade and she insisted hearing the story behind each one.
Some were wooden, half painted with care, and the other half looked painted by a child: a Christmas tree, a sled, a dog, a cat, a football, and a star. Some were metal. Some were glass balls with tiny hand prints created into a beautiful winter scene. Each ornament had a story that she devoured and soaked into her memory as he explained why they were special.
Oh, and she knew they were special even as he shrugged it off as no big deal. She could see it in his eyes. They shimmered with adoration as he held it in his hand, warmly rubbing the top with his thumb. She wanted to know why he played it off as no big deal. His memories were important. Didn’t he know that? Every time he finished a story, he handed it to her to hang on the tree.
When they finished decorating the tree, they hung a few more decorations that he said he bought that morning. The items he purchased weren’t enough to fill his house completely of the Christmas spirit, but it helped. As they walked around, placing a few holiday knickknacks here and there, she realized the rest of his house was almost as bare as his bedroom. Oh, he had a few pictures of his parents on the walls, in addition to other family members, but mementos? She didn’t see much. She had little knickknacks scattered all around her house. Maybe he just wasn’t that kind of person. But she had to admit, the few things they placed around made her feel like the house actually felt like a home, not just another dwelling.
Of course, she didn’t say any of that to him. Not only would it have dropped the mood back to dangerous levels, she didn’t think he’d appreciate her judging him like that. Not that she was judging him badly. She just found it odd, and she didn’t want him to feel bad.
“Can I open my eyes yet?”
A warm pair of hands covered her eyes. His hot breath rushed down her spine in delicious tingles as he whispered close to her ear, “Impatient much? I want this to be perfect.”
“It already is.” Her voice tumbled out in a whisper, charging the intimate moment even more. She could feel the electric energy of desire surge to life once again between them. It had slowly been charging since they first started to decorate.
A light kiss touched her neck, then his hands disappeared. “You can open your eyes.”
Theresa’s eyes popped open, gasping in wonder.
Gorgeous.
Everything was just…
She couldn’t find the words. Beyond gorgeous.
The tree stood tall and proud in the corner of the living room with twinkling colorful lights arranged flawlessly on the branches. Ornaments hung here and there, no particular rhyme or reason, but just right to create a picture that glittered with perfection. Sitting on top was a white angel with feathery wings and a golden halo above her head. She looked as if she were staring directly at Theresa, granting her a Christmas wish. One she wished for in that exact moment. To spend the holiday with Aiden by her side. To have a merry Christmas filled with fun and laughter. That’s all she wanted for Christmas this year. That didn’t sound like much to ask for.
Her eyes drifted to the floor. A beautiful red tree skirt with sparkling snowflakes was wrapped around the bottom of the tree. Sitting delicately in the middle was a bright red and green present with a red bow on top of it.
“That’s for you, you know. I saw it today and I couldn’t resist.” He grabbed her hand and pressed a light kiss to it. “I’d love it if you came over on Christmas Day.”
Wow! The angel already granted her wish. That was quick.
“I’d love to. The tree is beautiful.”
His eyes twinkled with delight as he leaned closer. “You’re beautiful.” His lips touched hers. Light and sweet, but enough to tell her how much he meant what he said. He backed away, his hand still clasped with hers as they both looked at the tree again.
“Thanks for helping me today. I don’t think it would’ve turned out half as beautiful as this if you wouldn’t have.”
“I had so much fun.” Her eyes glossed to his fireplace. No fire crackled in the background, but a string of white lights graced the mantel with a few wooden blocks that said, “MERRY CHRISTMAS.”
“You need some stockings. A fireplace needs stockings.”
“You’re right. I’ll add that to my list.” His eyes trailed to the sliding door and the dark night outside. “It’s later than I realized and you have to work early tomorrow. I should get you home.” He looked at her. “I really do appreciate you helping me.”
“Anytime.”
Definitely, anytime. Now that she knew what fun and joy she had with Aiden, she wanted to do it all the time. But would she? Sure, he invited her over for Christmas Day, but what were they? How did she define them? Friends? A couple?
As they picked up their mess and rustled her things together, she decided she didn’t have the nerve to ask. She’d just take one day at a time. Christmas wasn’t too far away. He wanted to spend it with her. That was enough.
And he already bought her a present. What in the world could’ve he bought her?
What in the world should she buy him?
When they pulled into her driveway, she expected a quick goodbye. Maybe even a kiss. Instead, she found him walking her to the door, waiting patiently as she struggled to get the key in the lock.
Her nerves were unleashing full force. Did he want to come in? Was he just being gentlemanly walking her to the door? Was it the cop in him that wanted to make sure she made it inside safely?
She didn’t care what the reason was, but it made her nervous enough that she couldn’t get the key in the hole until the third try.
Finally twisting it unlocked, she pushed the door open a crack and then turned around. His eyes glittered brightly.
“You need a sensor light. It’s dark out. It’s not safe. Anyone could come up behind you as you’re trying to unlock the door.”
She swallowed, unsure whether he was purposely trying to scare her. “I only rent. I’d have to call my landlord. It’s not a big deal. I’m usually home before it’s dark.”
His arm snagged around her waist and pulled her closer, his lips a breath away. “It is a big deal. I want you to be safe, regardless if you rarely come home late. Call your landlord tomorrow.”
“Okay,” she whispered breathlessly. Who was she to argue when he looked at her like he wanted to eat her up for dessert. Ha! The main course, actually. They didn’t eat supper yet.
“Theresa,” he softly murmured before he claimed her lips. The kiss was deep and thorough. It spoke of the hunger that had been slowly simmering and raging between them all day. He broke the kiss, breathing heavily.
What did she have to lose? She couldn’t screw up any more than she did this afternoon. “Would you like to come in for a little bit? A tour of my bedroom, perhaps?”
“I thought you’d never offer.”
❄
Nervous didn’t begin to describe how he felt. He had followed Theresa inside, locked the door, hung their jackets up in the hallway closet, then grabbed her into his arms and fumbled his way to her bedroom.
Now he was laying the most beautiful woman in the world down to the bed and the nerves were swimming through his veins like a bunch of piranhas on a rampage. Sex. This was just sex.
Hell, who was he kidding? This moment was more than just sex. At least, on his part. He sensed Theresa felt the same thing. For that reason, he should shove away from her and run like hell. He already did that once today, regretting it the exact moment he did it. There’d be no regretting this moment.
The one fact he couldn’t erase, or argue with, it had been one of the best days of his life. Honestly, that was sad and slightly pitiful. Chopping down a tree and putting Christmas decorations up, as most people did, shouldn’t be considered one of the best days of his life. But it was.
He had a strong feeling he wanted to do it every single year with her. Just as they had done this year. Find a tree, chop it down, put it up, then take their time decorating it with fun and laughter and stories of beautiful memories. Each year, they could add more stories. Well, first, they had to make some ornaments together. He couldn’t wait to create memories with her.
He kissed her briefly, his hands lingering on her cheeks before he pressed them to the bed and leaned away. “Are you sure this is what you want?” He hated to ask the question, but he needed to be sure. He’d never rush her into anything she didn’t want.
Her hands shuffled to the hem of his shirt and dragged it upwards. “Yes.”
He helped her take his shirt off, then went about making hers disappear. She wore a lacy red bra that had him producing the biggest, widest grin of the night. “Did you wear this for me?” A finger traced the outline of her bra.
She inhaled softly as her eyes dilated with pleasure. “Maybe. I like red. It’s Christmassy.”
He bent down, brushing part of the bra to the side to suck on her hard nipple. “I think I love red.” He slid down until his hands were on the snap of her jeans. “Is it a matching set?”
Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she shrugged. “Maybe.”
He quickly undid her jeans and slid them off, appreciating the beauty lying before him. It was a matching set. A pair of tantalizing red lace panties sparkled back, begging him to remove them as well. “Perfection. Every inch of you.”
Before he touched her again, knowing he’d probably lose control, he removed all of his clothes. He shuffled through his wallet and tossed a condom on the bed. Theresa’s eyes followed the movement, then glanced back at him, a smile still gracing her face.
He panicked for about half a second that she had changed her mind at eyeing the condom. Nope. If anything, the desire spreading across her face increased exponentially.
He moved closer to her, his hard erection nestled perfectly between her legs, just waiting for his chance. “Move to the middle of the bed…please.”
She did as he asked and he silently followed her like an animal on the prowl. She rested her head onto a fluffy pillow with a dark green pillowcase and spread her arms out wide.
“Red and green before me. It’s almost like I get to unwrap a present.” He slid over her, relaxing on top of her. He dropped his lips to hers. “Best present ever.”
She giggled into his mouth as her arms came around him. The kiss went on as time slowed to a stop, even as his body begged to just dive in. Claim her. Possess her. Own her. But he held his control. A little part in his brain made him wonder if he was doing that on purpose. That maybe he was more afraid than he wanted to admit. What would happen after he took the plunge? Consumed her from head to toe?
More happiness waiting for him, perhaps.
That’s what scared the living daylights out of him.
Pushing all nasty thoughts away as best as he could, he pulled away from her sweet lips and removed her bra and panties while placing tiny kisses around each area as he did. Theresa said nothing, but the way her body moved so erotically told him how much she enjoyed everything. Arching this way. Bending that way. Each tiny movement from her had him aching for the ultimate prize. He wanted to place a few more kisses up and down her body, but it had been so long. So, so long. He was officially sick of waiting.
He grabbed the condom, donned it on and positioned himself, but not before he attacked her lips in another soul-crushing kiss. She moaned, wrapping her arms tightly around him. This moment, everything about today, felt right. As if she’d been destined to be in his arms from the beginning.
“Are you sure about this?” He pulled his head back so he could read her expression.
She looked somewhat shocked by the question. “Are you? Because I was sure when I asked you to come inside.”
His answer spoke louder than any words he could’ve responded with. He slid inside her with ease, pausing for a few seconds. “Perfection. In every way,” he whispered against her lips before he claimed her mouth once more.
They moved slowly and tenderly. They weren’t in a rush. He wanted to savor every moment of this. Being with her was as if every little piece of him that turned dark was finally renewed with her lightness. He couldn’t hold back. He absorbed every part of her beauty and passion, each tiny movement she made, as he slid in and out. It all filled him with so much happiness he wanted to explode into complete bliss.
Perhaps it was those thoughts that made him thrust a little faster, their kisses turning hotter. Theresa matched his pace, snaking her arms down his back and to his ass where she held on tightly. The soft touch of her hands drove him crazy, making him pump even faster. Her sweet, erotic moans filled the room.
He broke the kiss, sending little tiny kisses to her neck as they moved effortlessly together.
“Oh, I’m so close, Aiden. Please…”
His lips attached to her shoulder as her quiet pleas soared through every part of his soul. He made her feel like this. Glorious. Beautiful. Begging for more. He loved it.
Shit. He loved her.
He pumped hard and fierce, her moans increasing in volume as she tensed beneath him. Her orgasm triggered his own. He held her tightly as all the love she just unleashed from him flowed through every part of him, his lips still attached tightly to her shoulder.
After what felt like ages, he let go, pressing tiny kisses up her neck to her ear. “Absolute perfection.”
A soft sigh. “Did you have more than one condom in your wallet?”
He chuckled as he raised his head. “Only the one. You don’t have any?”
Her faced bloomed a deep red. “Not something I keep in stock.”
“I got an idea.” He kissed her, then lifted himself up and scooted off the bed and plucked the condom off. “Where’s your bathroom?”
“Right across the hall.”
He stood up and winked. “I feel dirty.”
She looked at him confused.
“Don’t you?” He winked again, to show her he was teasing, playing around. He felt wonderful. Alive and free. He wasn’t ready to leave or to stop touching her. A shower of fun sounded like a great plan.
Recognition of what he wanted finally appeared on her face. “Yes, I do believe I feel dirty.” She rolled to her hands and knees and slowly crawled to the edge of the bed. “I feel very, very dirty.”
It’s like he unleashed a sex vixen. He loved it.
He loved her.
Shit. Loving her was the worst thing he could possibly do. He pushed all those thoughts out of his mind as he grinned deviously. “Come on, dirty girl. It’s shower time.”
❄
The insistent beeping sound was ruining her good sleep. She slapped a hand to the alarm clock, hoping she hit the right button. The sound stopped, so she figured she hit something right. Who knows? Maybe she hit the sleep button. It wouldn’t be the first time.
Stretching like a cat, her arms reached high. Her first clue that she was alone was the empty air her hand hit instead of a warm body. Opening her eyes, she took a peek to the right where Aiden had been lying before she closed her eyes last night. Empty.
Her eyes glided to the floor looking for his clothes. Empty.
Bolting upright, she walked around her house naked searching for him. Empty.
He left without a word goodbye. Just to be safe, even though she knew he wouldn’t be hiding in a closet or something, she peeked out the window to see if his car sat in the driveway. Empty.
He really left.
Last night had been amazing. Beyond amazing. She’d had sex before. Those few times had been tame compared to what Aiden showed her. He only had the one condom, so creativity had been called for. They enjoyed a shower, playing, washing each other as if they’d been doing it for years. When they stepped out, warm and sated from not only the steam filling the bathroom but the heat building between them, he carried her back to the bedroom and proceeded to kiss and touch her everywhere. She swore she could still feel his lips lingering on parts of her body. He didn’t miss a spot.
Of course, she wanted to have fun, touching and caressing and kissing him in spots she’d never done with a man before. At first she worried she was doing it all wrong, but by the moans and soft growls that left his mouth, she did it all perfect.
Perfection.
Yeah, he said that a few times last night. Oh, so right. Every moment had been pure perfection. So why did he leave without saying goodbye?
Trying not to worry about that particular question, she took a shower and almost slipped on the bathroom floor when she saw the huge hickey on her shoulder after she wiped the steam from the mirror.
She brushed a finger across it, igniting the memory when they made love and how his mouth had attached to her. He branded her. Marked her.
She smiled at the thought. When she walked into her room to dress for work, eyeing the empty bed, those worrying thoughts rolled back in. Why did he leave?
The day dragged by. Work was work. Busy for the breakfast rush, slow waiting for lunch, and busy again when lunch finally arrived. She couldn’t resist glancing at the clock as it slowly ticked to two o’clock. Bonzo kept asking her if she was alright. Maybe he saw her nervous energy. Not once did she receive a call from Aiden, or a visit. Although, he never visited her before his shift. But last night…
She just wanted to see him. To know they were…what? A couple? Going to see each other again? Well, of course, they were. He invited her over for Christmas. They had to help decorate for the annual Christmas party on Friday. She’d see him again. Maybe even tonight.
When two o’clock came and went, she started to worry. Then three o’clock came and went. By four, she knew something was wrong. Why didn’t he come in for his coffee? He always came in.
Last night was amazing. Perfection, something he said himself. Why was he ignoring her?
She nearly jumped when the bell above the door rang with merry. She steeled her features as she turned around to see who stepped in.
Chief Duncan.
That’s not who she wanted to walk in. At all.
“Hi, Theresa. I’ll have a wonderful cup of coffee.”
“You know it’s not wonderful. I don’t know why you all pretend with me.” She poured him a cup, instantly hating herself for snapping at the chief like that. So what if Aiden didn’t come in for his coffee. So what if he left without a goodbye. It didn’t mean she should take out her frustrations with other people.
She set the coffee on the counter and glanced at the chief, disliking the concern in his eyes.
“Everything okay, Theresa?”
“I’m fine.”
He looked like he wanted to say more. Instead, he smiled, paid for his coffee, and left.
As she walked home, the blistering cold barely registered. She could only think one thing. She was nothing more than a silly conquest for Aiden. Boy, did she give in easily.
Damn him. And damn her for falling so easily into his arms.