Christmas dinner is wonderful. The kids are excited and full of life. Megan has changed into her new dress and must have posted a hundred pictures on Instagram already. It’s good to see her feeling like this after what she’s been through. Her break-up with Justin really knocked her confidence. She deserves that dress.

Jack couldn’t wait to plug in his new console. We all took turns joining in on the game. I couldn’t get the hang of the toggles and buttons, but Tom was a natural. I laughed every time I heard Jack cheering for himself when he won a race or shot a bad guy as he gave each of his games a try.

Over dinner, we laughed and talked. We pulled British Christmas crackers, and all groaned at the bad jokes. We let Megan drink half a glass of champagne. We set a timer on the camera on Megan’s phone and took a group photo in front of the tree.

Then, when everything was eaten and cleared away, we played board games, charades, and Pictionary until almost midnight. Only then did the kids go to sleep, bellies full and smiles on their faces.

I’ve been on cloud nine all day. I keep finding myself fiddling with the flower around my neck. I know Tom. If he’d been trying to impress me with money, he’d have bought the biggest, most expensive diamond that money could buy. Instead, he bought something sweet and simple that made him think of me. I loved it.

I love him.

At last, we’re alone. We clear up the last of the empty chocolate wrappers and scraps of paper from our games, then settle down together on the couch with the last of the champagne. “What a day!” Tom grins. “I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun at Christmas.”

“Me, neither. It’s just a shame Laura couldn’t join in for the whole day.”

“She’ll be home in time for New Year’s.”

The thought of New Year’s makes my stomach sink. “And then you leave two days later.”

Tom takes my hands and nods. “I need to go back to work. I’ve been away since October.”

I look away so he can’t see my eyes filling with tears, and clear my throat so he can’t hear it catching. “I understand.”

“It’s not over between us, you know. Not if you don’t want it to be.”

My heart beats faster at the first sign Tom has given me that there might be a future for us. I catch his eyes in a deep, hopeful gaze. “What do you want, Tom?”

He holds my gaze with a firm, steady stare. “I don’t want this to end.”

“So, what? We see each other a couple of times a year? On holidays?”

“Sssh,” Tom whispers. He smiles. “We’ll be fine. You’ll see.”

His answer doesn’t make sense to me. How does he know? Maybe, like me, he doesn’t want to overshadow a beautiful day with sad realities. I decide to drop the matter for now. We still have a couple of weeks left before we have to confront the fact that the New Year will take Tom back to New York.

I wonder if he’s read my note? I don’t ask Tom whether he’s read it, in case he’s not brought it up for a reason. Maybe he doesn’t feel the same.

My thoughts are chased away when Tom pulls me toward him into a deep, passionate kiss. “Let’s go upstairs.”

We go to Laura’s bedroom. As soon as the door is shut behind us, Tom pulls my soft sweater from my shoulder and presses me against the wall.

I’m turned on by the urgency in how he presses his lips down over mine and kisses me like he won’t survive another moment without tasting me.

I wrap my arms around his neck and pull his face toward me so I can kiss him back. Tom unzips my little black skirt, and I peel off my dark pantyhose and panties.

I relish watching Tom trace his eyes over my naked body. He takes off his shirt and unbuttons his pants, letting them fall to the ground. He takes off his briefs, and my breath catches in my throat at the sight of his hard, ready cock.

Slowly, I lower myself onto my knees and raise my eyes to Tom’s as I take his thick cock into my mouth. He lets out a low growl of pleasure as I suck, pressing one palm flat against the wall to steady himself as I take him in deeper.

I enjoy the sounds Tom makes when I pleasure him; low, breathy moans that make me wet. He holds out a hand to pull me to my feet and guides me toward the bed. I lie down on my front and lift my hips.

Tom wraps an arm around my waist and pulls my body closer. Then, he pushes his cock into me. I bow my head and arch my back when he enters me, then press back against each of his thrusts, taking him in deeply.

Each hard, deep stroke sends frissons of pleasure through my body. I tilt my head back and let out a soft moan as an orgasm builds inside me.

Tom reaches around and rubs my clit as he moves inside me. The pleasure builds until I climax. I turn on the bed, lying on my back, pulling Tom down to kiss me. His skin is hot and flushed. I run my hand along his strong, muscular shoulders and part my legs.

Tom thrusts into me again. The next wave of pleasure comes quicker than the last. I take deep breaths to stifle my blissful cries.

He rocks into me, harder and faster, and I come once more before he reaches his own climax. Then, I lift my upper body and press my lips against his, holding onto the back of his head to keep his mouth pressed against mine in a deep, sensual kiss.

Finally, we draw apart, and I lie against Tom’s chest.

As the last of the sensations fade away, sadness sets in. Right here, nestled against Tom, is where I belong. Yet I don’t know how many more moments like these remain.