Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54886 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
What she didn’t realize was that it was only when it came to her. Everywhere else in my life, I was circumspect. Cautious. One encounter with her and that all went out the window.
“I like leftovers,” I said simply.
She smiled, looking shy.
“What?” I asked, leaning over and stroking her soft cheek.
“I like knowing you want to be around for them.”
“I do. More than you know.”
Her brow furrowed, and I moved closer again. “I’m not going anywhere. I can’t explain why or how I know, but I do know it. I trust my gut all the time. It has never let me down.”
She became teasing. “And your gut likes me?”
I winked, leering at her. “Everything below my belt likes you, Rosie.” When she began to laugh with me, I smiled. “Everything above the belt too.”
“Okay, then.”
“Finish your wine. I believe an excited little boy wants to go for a walk and watch a movie before he puts out his stocking. We have a busy night ahead of us.”
She grinned. “Yes, we do.”
AJ was out for the count. Between the walk, the movie, and the wrestling match we had, he was exhausted enough to fall asleep by nine. I helped her put out the few gifts for AJ from Santa and fill his stocking. “What about you?”
She smiled and added a couple of boxes under the tree. “I wrap up a few things from around the house so I have something to open.”
I refrained from telling her this would be the last year that happened. In fact, it wouldn’t be happening at all. Instead, I nodded. “Good thinking, Momma.”
She went for a shower, and I called and left my sister a voice mail. I told her I wasn’t alone and I would explain when she got back. We didn’t make a big deal about Christmas apart. We celebrated when she returned, but I knew she would be pleased to know I was with someone.
Rosie returned, dressed in pajamas with Santas on them. They were fuzzy and warm-looking and made me smile. I grabbed a fast shower in her small space, missing my far more luxurious shower. I hoped one day soon to show it to her.
Back in the living room, she looked nervous. The pull-out bed was ready, and she was perched on the end. “Ah, do you have a favorite side?”
I bent and kissed her. “Whatever one you like is fine.” I cupped her face. “Relax, my girl. I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”
She chewed her lips. “I hope I can return the favor.”
I winked. “Just nudge me. I’ll be ready.”
We climbed into the bed, and I discovered quickly she was correct. The mattress was lumpy. But that ceased to matter when I pulled her close and she nestled into my chest as if she was meant to be there. I had to stifle a groan as she wiggled against me to get comfortable. My cock was fully ready for her. I tried to shift my hips back, but she obviously felt me against her.
“Oh, ah, sorry,” she mumbled.
“Ignore it. It’ll settle.”
Maybe.
With a sigh, she relaxed and fell asleep quickly. I knew she was tired. She worked, looked after her son, and had the added stress of the holidays. And she did it all on her own.
I waited until I knew she was deeply asleep. I had never moved as carefully as I did for the next while. I slipped down to my car and pulled out the bags Lewis had left. I snuck back upstairs and added gifts to the ones currently under the tree, putting the reused gifts for her into the bag, which I tucked into the closet. I added a full stocking for Rosie. The sled I had purchased was too big to wrap, but I propped it against the wall, adding a festive bow. It was sleek and fast. AJ would love it. Then I crept back into bed, smiling as she snuggled against me again.
A while later, I woke alone, sitting up to see Rosie kneeling by the tree, staring at it and the pile of gifts. She was touching the ribbon on a package, shaking her head. I flung back the blanket, padded across the room, and sat behind her. “What are you doing, Rosie?”
“How did these get here?”
“Santa.”
She turned, the soft glow of the tree casting her face in light. “I didn’t expect…” She trailed off.
“I know. I wanted you to have a surprise too.”
“You’re incredible.”
I touched her nose with mine, rubbing it affectionately.
“I think the same of you.”
“Asher,” she whispered. “What if there was something I wanted? Something only you could give me?”
“Ask me,” I replied without hesitation. “Whatever you want, I’ll get it for you.”
She drew in a deep breath. “You. I want you.”
I froze. “If we do this, Rosie, then you’re mine. I don’t play the field. I take sex seriously. I’ll be all in. You understand that?”