by Anna B. Doe
“Where does it lead?”
“Let’s see,” Carter baited, offering his hand.
“How do they stay lit in the wind?” I wondered, feeling the way the ends of my silk shirt blew away from my hips.
“They’re electric.”
Right. Duh.
The palm tree where the candles curved around grew sort of out instead of up, arcing over the sand like an archway. It was wrapped with lights too, glowing warmly against the beach.
Excitement curled inside me, barely contained. Carter laughed under his breath and gave me a little nudge so I could go first.
I passed under the palm and stepped around the bend.
Breath whooshed out of me.
Unable to speak, I reached out, finding him to squeeze his hand.
“I know it’s not really traditional for Christmas… but I mean, we are on an island.”
“How did you do this in such a short time?” I murmured, still staring.
“I’ll do anything for you. Anything to give you the best holiday I can.”
Tears welled up, gathering at the corners of my eyes. I tried to blink them away, but it made them fall, streaking down my cheeks and causing the glowing beach to blur.
A hot tub was literally perched in the sand, which was so white it looked like snow. It was positioned so close to the waves I wondered if the rushing water would reach it. Potted palms wrapped in white lights surrounded the tub, and close by, there was a tiki bar (also twinkling with lights) with a bartender dressed like Santa standing behind it.
Christmas music played through speakers I couldn’t see, filling the ocean air with spirit.
“I can’t believe you did all this,” I whispered, overcome with emotion.
His lips brushed my cheek. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”
Melting into his arms, I hugged him as tight as I could.
With our fingers laced tightly, we went to the bar and were greeted by Santa.
“Ho, ho, ho,” he rang out. “What can I get you?”
“What do you have?” I asked, giggling at his white beard, hat, and full-on red suit.
A gigantic plate of iced gingerbread men appeared along with a bowl of candy canes.
“Oooh.” I hummed happily, snatching a cookie off the top and taking a bite. Warm spice and the distinct flavor of molasses hit my tongue, infusing my entire mouth with Christmas.
“Good?” Carter mused.
Holding it up to his lips, I watched him take a bite.
“Very good,” I said, and he agreed.
“The drink menu consists of jungle juice, a sleigh Bellini, or spiked eggnog.”
“I’ll have a sleigh Bellini please.” I mean, this was the kind of night that called for champagne, right?
He handed over my drink and then passed over Carter’s order of eggnog.
“Hot tub,” Carter said, putting his palm on the small of my back.
Snatching a few more gingerbread men, I went along with him, sipping at the champagne cocktail.
The water steamed gently, bubbling invitingly and glowing from within with a soft red light.
The ocean stretched out beyond us, glittering like black diamonds, the waves crashing close by but not quite reaching.
The water was hot but not uncomfortable, the bubbles rushing around my legs and hips promising relaxation. I sank down until my shoulders were covered, letting out a long sigh as the underwater jets pressed into muscles I hadn’t even realized were tight.
I had no idea where this hot tub came from. We had a built-in hot tub up by the pool and it was amazing, but this… Having it in the white sand, having it literally on the beach, this was something else entirely.
“This is amazing,” I said, gazing across the beach and up at the limitless sky.
Handing me my champagne, Carter sank beside me. “I’m glad you like it.”
Setting aside my glass, I crawled into his lap, looping my arms around his neck. “I love it.”
“You’ve been working so hard to give me and Knox a holiday to remember. I wanted to give you something to remember too.”
My heart swelled with love. “I’ll definitely never forget this.”
“Just wait, good girl. I’m not done yet,” he teased, lifting his finger to point across the sand.
Chapter Four
Carter
I watched her expression as a giant movie screen literally rose from the sand little by little as it filled with air.
First, there was confusion, then awe. When her eyes sought mine for confirmation, I nodded. They went back to the screen, and happy surprise lit her face.
Nora didn’t realize how animated she was, how incredibly whipped I was for the expressions, sounds, and reactions she always gave. The fact that she didn’t do any of it intentionally made it all the more fascinating to me.
She was my favorite song, favorite movie, and favorite emoji all wrapped up in a single woman. I could watch her forever and never get bored.
“You got a movie screen?” She all but gasped, her arms tightening around my neck, her eyes still on the growing screen.
I smiled. “I promised you a movie.”
Her kissable mouth fell open into that charming O. I took advantage and kissed her deep. Her surprise melted into welcome, her entire body turning to putty in my lap.
Sucking her upper lip between mine, I tugged and lavished attention there until it was swollen and sensitive. Her body moved against mine, a small, needy whine vibrating the back of her throat.
“Later.” I promised, gently pulling back.
“Why not now?” Her pout was adorable.
“Movie.” I reminded her, and her eyes went back to the now completely expanded screen.
A smile curved her lips, which were still shiny from my kisses. “You’re really going to watch The Grinch with me?”
“I promised.”
“Can we watch from the hot tub?”
“Duh,” I said, pecking the tip of her nose with a kiss.
“The movie starts in five,” Santa said, appearing with a tray of fresh drinks and some red and green popcorn.
“Thank you, Santa,” Nora said, taking the offered treats.
“Ho, ho, ho!” he sang heartily.
She giggled, and everything I’d done was completely worth it.
As we waited for the movie to begin, my final surprise began floating down from above, filling the air with what looked like white confetti against a black backdrop.
Nora’s eyes were on me, but I knew the second she noticed.
The champagne flute lowered from her lips, her eyes puzzling on my head. “What is that?” she mused, coming closer, reaching up to touch my dark hair.
“Ah!” She gasped, pulling her hand back as if she’d been burned. Her whole body whirled around, chin upturned and face toward the sky.
Big white flakes showered down upon us, melting as they hit the hot water.
“Carter!” Nora practically yelled. “It’s snowing!”
Reaching out, I took her glass because she was seconds from dropping the entire thing into the hot tub. “Really?” I said.
As she reached up to the sky, palm up, a few cold flakes fell against her skin, melting instantly. Wide bright-blue eyes turned to me, pure, simple joy radiating in her gaze.
My heart literally skipped, and then an ache actually pressed against my chest. I loved her so much it hurt. She was everything I thought I would never have and everything I’d always wanted.
“You made it snow,” she whispered.
“Maybe that blizzard up east is just making its way here,” I refuted.
“Carter Anders, you made it snow.”
I only smiled.
Water swirled around us as she sat in my lap, and her hands tugged until I sat forward enough for her legs to wind around my waist. Her warm palms cupped my jaws, and then we were kissing again in the center of a bubbling hot tub with snow showering from above.
The snowflakes were sma
ll pricks of cold against my bare skin, dissolving into warmth. The combination of the hot and cold was an arousing sensation, but not as arousing as the tongue stroking mine.
Suddenly, the quiet classic Christmas music was interrupted by something louder.
Gasping, Nora pulled back. “It’s starting!”
I groaned, trying to pull her back.
“Movie,” she demanded, turning my cheek toward the screen and settling farther into my lap.
We watched the cartoon about a giant green… grinch and his little dog. The eggnog made my limbs feel loose, and the way her barely covered ass moved in my lap every time she laughed was a real challenge to my patience.
When the movie went off, the beach seemed to go darker, the night growing quieter.
Turning in my lap, Nora smiled. “Well, isn’t that the best Christmas movie ever?”
“The best,” I echoed.
As if I’d disagree.
“Don’t agree just because I said so!”
Busted.
“It’s a cute movie, good girl. I see why you love it so much.”
She squinted as her head tilted. “You know, you’re kind of like the Grinch.”
I blinked. “Me?”
A sound of affirmation floated between us. “Yes. Grumpy and locked away in your office for so many years. Never celebrating Christmas or letting yourself have any joy.”
“And then you came along,” I mused, tucking some loose hair behind her ear.
“Now you’re creating Christmas fantasies on the beach.”
“I guess I am like the Grinch… My heart grew three sizes. All because of you.”
“You have snow in your hair,” she whispered, stroking it away.
“So do you.”
“Ho, ho, ho, how was the feature film this evening?” Santa burst into our moment.
My entire body stiffened, ready to give the dude hell for interrupting. Beneath the water, Nora gave my leg a squeeze.
“It was amazing. Thank you, Santa!”
“Can I gift you anything else?”
“No,” I said, trying to be polite. “Your job is done here, Santa. Thanks for everything.”
He nodded and waved. “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
Nora waved, calling out a thank-you.
When he was gone, I pulled her close. “We’re all alone now.”
“Whatever will we do with ourselves?” she purred.
All the lust and desire I’d been pushing down since she stepped into view wearing that damn red bikini exploded, hotter than any hot tub could ever be.
She shrieked with my sudden, powerful movements, lifting her like a rag doll, depositing her onto one of the bench seats, and pushing her thighs apart with my palms.
Beneath the water, I adjusted one of the jets so it was aimed at the apex between her thighs.
“Ahhh…” Her voice shook, and her body quivered when I adjusted it a second time, making the pulsing, firm spray hit my mark.
Her shaking legs started to drift closed, and I made a tsking sound, shoving them wide again.
“Carter.” She all but slurred my name, her body shaking anew.
“Be my good girl and sit still. Sit where I put you.”
Her head bobbed, but that wasn’t enough for me. Lust nearly burned me from the inside out, making me hungry for more.
Grasping her chin, I forced her eyes to mine. “Are you going to be my good girl?”
“Yes,” she rasped.
The act of tugging at the red string tied behind her neck was like unwrapping a gift. The strings came loose, and the triangles of fabric covering her breasts fell away, being towed in various directions by the currents.
She reached for it, but her hand fell back into the water, her body already limp from the constant pressure of the jet against her clit.
Lunging forward, I latched onto her neck, sucking and licking until she moaned. I knew I shouldn’t mar her perfect skin—my future in-laws would be here soon—but I couldn’t stop myself.
My lips left marks of ownership everywhere they traveled, all the way down to where my teeth scraped over her collarbone.
Her body basically bucked against the jet. I felt her hips tilt away just slightly as I kissed across her chest.
One hand went to her hip, the other covering her breast. “What did I say?” I intoned, moving her hips back into place and kneading the supple skin of her perky breast.
All she did was moan and arch into my touch.
I worked her upper body, plucking, pinching, and massaging her breasts while the jet teased and assaulted her lower half. Her feet wound around my legs, trying to pull me in, but I evaded, keeping up the attack.
“C-c-carter,” she whined, her voice shaky and faint. “Please.”
“Please what?” I asked, scraping my teeth over her delicate earlobe.
“I need…” She sobbed, voice falling away.
Every nerve in my body was humming. My cock, which hadn’t even been touched yet, was so hard it was almost painful.
I wanted so badly to bury myself deep within her warm, tight walls that I, too, felt the desperation I saw in her face.
But not yet.
Just a little bit longer…
Under the water, my fingers made short work of the strings keeping the red bottoms on her body. Once set free, the fabric floated to the surface and was pushed out of sight by the waves.
Nora was openly whining now, something I never realized would turn me on so immensely. Her face was flushed, her eyes mere slits, and her lips parted with her panting.
Needy, she reached for me, her long nails sinking into my skin hard enough that I knew there would be marks.
I moved closer, her naked body like a beacon. “That’s my good girl,” I crooned. “Do you want your reward?”
She made a small sound, and I reached between her thighs to part her folds, baring even more of her swollen clit to the onslaught of the jet.
She cried out, her scream carried out to sea on the ocean breeze. One hand slapped down on my shoulder as her entire body began to vibrate.
Her head fell back, exposing her throat, and I latched on.
The orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave, so strong I had to hold her in place as it pulsed through her again and again.
Her loud cries were like music and made me even harder.
When her spent body slumped into the seat, I moved fast, shucking my board shorts and pulling her into my lap. Nora was warm and pliant, my cock hard and throbbing. One powerful thrust joined us completely, our moans comingling in the air.
Pulling out, I surged up into her again, and she collapsed against me with a whimper.
Leaving myself buried deep, I pulled her back, ignoring her attempts to pull me close again. “Nora, baby,” I beckoned, waiting until her eyes focused on mine. “Is this too much? Do you want me to stop?”
“No,” she answered. “Please don’t stop.” Her request was punctuated with the rotation of her hips.
I grabbed her face, staring straight into her eyes. “I love you.”
She smiled.
I drove into her again and again. The tight heat of her body squeezed me so perfectly I couldn’t even see straight.
We moved together as one, water splashing everywhere as we rose higher and higher until both of us were falling, exploding into a world of pleasure that literally stole away reality.
I don’t know how long it took to come back, but eventually, reality trickled in. The sounds of the waves, the glowing white sand, and the twinkling lights overhead.
Still seated deep inside her, I palmed the back of her head, gazing down. “How’s my girl?”
“Mmm,” she purred, turning her cheek to kiss my shoulder. “So good.”
Kissing the top of her head, I smiled.
“How about you?” she asked, tipping up her chin to gaze at me. Her pupils were still dilated, her cheeks flushed.
“Perfect.”
I cuddled her for a while longer. We’d been in this water for so long our fingers would probably still be raisins tomorrow. But my God, it was fucking worth it. Every single second of tonight was imprinted on me.
Eventually, her body separated from mine, and her face turned up to the star-filled sky. “This definitely isn’t the Christmas I’d imagined.”
The words made me go cold despite the warmth of the water. I’d wanted nothing more than to give this woman, the heart walking around outside my chest, a Christmas she would enjoy. “I know, good girl,” I said, wrapping my arms around her from behind. “I’m sorry, I—”
Turning in my embrace, she pressed a finger against my lips, silencing me. “It’s so much more.”
My eyes went wide, searching hers and finding only the truth.
“I’d been so busy trying to create the holiday I was used to that it never occurred to me we could create something even better together.”
“Together is always better.” I spoke against her finger.
“You did it again, Carter Anders.” She smiled. “You gave me a fantasy.”
“Not a fantasy, good girl,” I mused. “Reality.”
“A real Christmas fantasy,” she replied. “How’d I get so lucky?”
“It’s me who is lucky,” I said, emotion rising within my chest. “Because I have you.”
“Merry Christmas, Carter,” she whispered, her lips softly meeting mine.
“Merry Christmas,” I answered, kissing her again.
THE END
Books by Cambria Hebert
Heven & Hell series
Death Escorts series
The Take It Off Series
The Hashtag Series
The GearShark Series
The Amnesia Duet
The Public Enemy Series
BearPaw Resort Series
Standalones:
Moth To A Flame
Mr. Fantasy
Distant Desires
Maneater
Blank
Whiteout
About the Author
Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than fifty titles. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
