“This is Mary Goodwin. My brother and I went to high school with her and her brother, Patrick.”
“Hi.” I say, smiling at her.
“June Bug, came to Vermont in hopes of having a white Christmas,” Tom says.
June Bug? When did we progress to cute nicknames?
Isn’t that a little fast?
I haven’t even gotten to see him naked yet!
“I have a feeling it’s going to snow. I’ve got a sense of these things,” Mary says happily.
“I hope you’re right. I’ve never had a white Christmas, and I was really hoping this would be the year.”
“If it doesn’t snow on Christmas, we’ll take a drive up to the mountains were there is some,” Tom says, pulling me in closer.
“Well, I’ve got to get going. I can’t leave Patty alone too long with our parents,” Mary says.
“Say hello to him for me,” Tom says.
“I will. It was great running into you two. Merry Christmas,” she says, before turning to leave.
“Merry Christmas,” I say, as she gives us a cheery wave from the door.
With Mary’s departure, Tom turns to me and inspects the jacket I’ve chosen. After stating it’s exactly what I need, we head towards the shoe department.
We don’t get far before Tom is grabbing my hand and backing me into the nearest dressing room so my back is against the mirror. He kicks the door closed behind him and stalks towards me with a hungry look on his face.
What I think is going to be a hard, possessive kiss is actually the exact opposite. He’s tentative, gentle, and if I had wanted to push him away, I had ample opportunity to. Instead, I weave my fingers into his hair and open up my mouth to further exploration.
We taste each other for several pleasure-filled minutes, until we’re both moaning softly.
Tom pulls away slowly, and we stare at each other. I’m sure our expressions mirror one another. Eyes glassy and hooded with pleasure. Mouths red and swollen from use.
“I’d say I was sorry, but I’m not,” he says hotly into my hair, still pressed tight against me.
“I’m not sorry either,” I say, holding tightly onto the belt loops of his jeans.
“Fuck, you have too many clothes on June Bug,” he says, and I can feel his excitement beginning to dig into my stomach.
I laugh nervously, moving my hands to his back as I say, “So do you, Cowboy.”
Cowboy?
What the fuck?
Where did that come from?
Several wonderful moments go by where I’m wrapped in his arms before I hear my voice of reason saying, “We probably shouldn’t be doing this in here.”
“Probably not,” he chuckles. “But after you kissed me this morning, and then watching you moan over that hot chocolate, all I could think about was tasting you again, and making you moan like that for me.”
Taking a deep breath he pulls away and says, “We’ve got to leave before I do something that I’ll have to arrest us both for.”
I can’t help but giggle at his dramatics. Tom then bends to pick up the jacket I plan on purchasing and takes my hand, dragging me out of the changing room and over toward the shoe department.
We find the salesgirl, and Tom tells her that I am in need of ‘serviceable’ boots—which apparently aren’t the fashion forward Uggs I was eyeing, or the black heels. They are, in a word, ugly!
After trying on several pairs, Tom suggests the mid-priced pair that I’d also be able to wear horseback riding. He had mentioned something briefly at breakfast, but I didn’t think he was serious about taking me riding after we return to Orlando.
“You’ll love Romeo. He’s as gentle as they come,” he says, describing his horse.
Honestly, I’d much rather ride Tom. I think it’s pretty clear from the wonderful assault earlier that, besides the one on his horse, he’d be open to another kind of ride with me.
Once I’ve made my decision, we walk back towards the front of the store to check out, where I spend several hundred dollars I hadn’t planned on parting with. I leave the store wearing my new jacket and carrying a bag with my new ‘serviceable’ boots.
As we exit, an odd silence descends on us. I break it once we’re on the sidewalk, saying, “Thank you for all your help, Tom. I really appreciate it.”
“So you’re nice and warm now?” he asks, grinning at me.
“Yes,” I answer, rolling my eyes at him.
“What are you going to do now?” he asks, walking towards the truck.
“I’m going to walk around, get some coffee, and then I have my spa appointments in a little while. You?”
“I have to pick up my Dad since I have his truck, then I told Mom I’d go with her to get his present. Here, let me take those back to the inn for you,” he says, indicating to the large bag.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know I don’t. I’m offering,” he says, taking the bag from my hand. “I’ll have them put inside your room for you.”
“Thanks,” I say softly.
Tom bends, kisses my cheek gently, and says, “I’ve got to go, but I’ll see ‘ya later.”
“Bye,” I say, giving him a dorky finger wave as he pulls himself into the truck and backs away from the curb.
I spend the next half an hour sipping coffee and mapping out my tour of the town, hoping the jittery feeling that has overtaken my body is only from the caffeine injection. Halfway through my cup, my cellphone chimes with an incoming text.
Jessica: Looks delicious, how is VT? Bring me back maple syrup & candy!
June: Will do. Cold! How is TX? ;)
Jessica: Kill me now, you suk bitch. Next time, making you come w/!
June: LOL Not my family! I’d rather freeze here!
Jessica: How’s the local wildlife?
June: LMAO, what do you care? You’re married.
June: Poor David!
Jessica: Poor David my ass, he’s lucky I’m still here. Living vicariously through you. :D
June: 1 word, HAWT!
Jessica: I need more than that.
June: Gorgeous blue eyes, short brown hair, medium height, totally toned. He’s a mounted police officer, like on actual horses & lives in Orlando!
Jessica: I need a visual, send me pics!
June: I’ll get right on that ;)
Jessica: Ttyl, mummy dearest is calling me. Send pics! Love you >
June: Love you >
Once I’ve finished my conversation and cup of coffee, I head back out into the cold. I meander my way towards the inn where the spa is located, making mental notes of the shops I want to explore after my appointments.
Upon exiting the spa after spending the afternoon being pampered, I should have felt completely relaxed. After the amazing massage, not to mention the much-needed pedicure, I should be feeling rejuvenated and completely stress free. But spending the day with the morning’s events on constant replay in my brain has left me more anxious and jittery than ever.
I’ve dissected every word and every look, thinking about what it could all mean probably a billion times over the course of the day.
I’m even sick of hearing myself.
I haven’t ever felt this way about a man! And I’m pretty sure that’s what scares me most of all; that I could potentially fall for Tom; way too hard, way too fast and not care that I am doing it.
After that kiss this morning, one thing was painfully clear, however; I didn’t bring the appropriate undergarments for seduction. There are several stores on Main Street, and I’m sure I can find something more appropriate to be wearing in one of those, on the off chance that a certain blue-eyed man might be seeing it. Or removing it.
I was on a quest, and had already struck out in the first couple of boutiques I entered. Although, I now owned a new pair of jeans, two sweaters, an adorable pink waffled long sleeve t-shirt, as well as a load of Vermont-made products for my family and friends back home. I had, however, not found any sexy und
erwear to replace the matching cotton briefs and bra set I was wearing.
My last stop is a small, hole-in-the-wall shop that I almost walked past. Walking in, I feel like I’m being transported back to the ‘70’s. The smell of incense is strong, and the eclectic mix of merchandise is jam-packed into the small space.
I’m greeted by the tinkle of the bell above the door, and a friendly disembodied voice chirps, “Hello, how are you?”
“Good, thanks,” I say, looking around for the source before I notice a middle-aged woman coming towards me between the racks of clothing.
“Are you looking for something in particular?”
“Yes. I need sexy underwear,” I state, unashamed.
The woman’s eyebrows raise, and her mouth twitches into smile.
“Well, our selection is over here. We have boy shorts, high-cut briefs, and we may have a few thongs left on sale,” she says, leading me towards the other side of the store.
“Thank you, what about bras?” I ask, making my way through the racks towards the wall, which displays various undergarments.
“I’m not sure how much of a selection we have left, but they’re all over here,” she says apologetically, pointing over towards the wall.
“Trust me, anything is better than what I’m wearing,” I say, flicking through the rack of brandless merchandise and not finding anything decent.
Crouching down, I begin digging through the sales basket on the floor. Towards the bottom, I uncover the perfect garments: a black lace thong and matching bra, both of which just happen to be in my size.
Score!
After making my purchases, I use the changing room to put on my new matching underwear set.
Instead of walking all the way back to the inn to have dinner, I decide to see what my dinning options are in town.
My choices included pizza, Mexican, sandwiches, or classic American fare. I decide to go with a tavern, which according to Google Maps, is on Main Street and not too far from the shop I was just in.
The hostess shows me to a table near the door, and I order a pint of Otter Creek Copper Ale to start with as I look over the menu.
While trying to decide what to order, a shadow comes over me. Looking up, I expect to see my server. But it’s Tom who’s standing there, smiling down at me.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” I say, returning his smile. I notice another couple that looks to be our age standing behind him. This must be his brother and sister-in-law.
“I went by the inn earlier, but you weren’t there.”
“Oh, I was doing some shopping.”
“You didn’t bring enough clothes to begin with in that giant suitcase of yours?” he asks, his voice light and playful.
“No, I needed things that are warmer,” I playfully scowl in return.
“Don’t be so rude, introduce us,” his brother says, pushing Tom aside and giving me a matching smile.
Rolling his eyes, Tom says, “I was just getting to that. June, this is my brother, Peter, and my sister-in-law, Karen. Guys, this is June.”
“Why don’t you join us?” Karen asks cheerily. Then turning towards her husband says, “Pete, go tell the hostess to add one more spot.”
“Oh that’s really nice, Karen, but I wouldn’t want to intrude on your family dinner,” I say, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.
Tom had already come behind my chair and begins pulling it out, indicating that I should stand as he says, “Join us. We’re here hiding from Mom and her mile-long honey-do list.”
“Really Tom, this isn’t necessary.”
“Please June, help me balance out the testosterone,” Karen says, smiling and taking me by the arm.
“I’ve got your beer,” Tom says.
It doesn’t take long for the server to settle us at our new table. I’m now sitting next to Tom and across from Karen. My first nervous feelings of being an intruder on their family dinner are quickly put at ease by their friendly manner.
“Give me your phone,” Tom says, holding his hand out. I place it into his palm, where he quickly begins pushing buttons.
“What are you doing?”
“Calling myself,” he says distractedly as he pulls out his ringing phone from a pocket and programs my contact information into it.
Looking up with a smile, he says, “I didn’t have your number. Now I do.”
Handing me my phone back, he puts his arm around the back of my chair, and I feel him gently playing with the hair in my ponytail.
“So, Tom tells us you’re from Orlando, too,” Peter says.
“Yes, born and raised.” I say, suddenly nervous at the thought that Tom’s been talking about me with his brother—most likely about the idiotic Floridian who packed practically her entire wardrobe but didn’t bring the appropriate outerwear.
“Our parents live down there during the winter. They’re snowbirds,” he says, laughing. “Tommy and I like to say we have joint custody of them. We each get stuck with them six months out of the year.”
“Pete, that’s not very nice,” Karen says, smacking her husband’s arm in admonishment.
“What?” he asks, completely clueless. Karen merely shakes her head at him.
“What are your plans for the rest of your stay?” Pete asks, moving closer to his wife and putting his arm around her chair.
“I was going to try skiing, but they told me that the conditions at the Snow Cup weren’t good for a beginner.”
“It’s Snow Bowl,” Tom says, his lips twitching.
“There are plenty of hikes you could do instead. We’re going on one tomorrow if you want to come,” Karen says sweetly.
“Tommy isn’t coming,” Peter says, staring down his brother.
“I’ll be fine,” he says emphatically. Clearly there’s something I’m missing, and it’s causing tension between the two men.
“You were shot two weeks ago.”
“It’s a flesh wound.”
“Flesh wound my ass! I’ve seen it.”
“You were shot?” I ask with concern, and I unconsciously place my hand on his knee.
“It’s not a big deal. A perp’s gun discharged during an arrest, and I got nicked in the thigh.”
“You have two layers of stitches from where they dug the bullet out of you. It may have stopped leaking fluids, but there could still be muscle damage,” Peter counters.
“Eww, Pete please, June and I don’t need the details,” Karen says, wrinkling up her nose in mock disgust.
“It’s okay. I’m an ER nurse. I’ve seen and heard worse,” I reply, smiling at her.
“Tom, if you don’t let it heal properly, you could do more damage,” Peter replies.
“What do you know? You’re a gynecologist! You look at pussy all day.”
“Stop!” Karen says.
“You’re just jealous. When was the last time you’ve—“
“Stop,” Karen says, slapping her husband and cutting off their argument. “June doesn’t want to listen to you two argue.”
“It’s okay, Karen. I have siblings,” I laugh.
“Tom, I know you hate sitting still, but listen to Pete. We were all worried about you, and he’s only trying to help. Plus, you want to be able to get back in the saddle, don’t you?” Karen asks.
“I really do feel better, ready to start riding again,” he says, and I can’t help but feel the last part was directed at me, warming me all over.
“Where are you a nurse?” Pete asks politely, from across the table.
“At the Orlando Regional Medical Center.”
“Oh, that’s where I got stitched up,” Tom says, smiling at me.
“I’ll have to check it out later, make sure it’s up to scratch.”
“You will,” he says, leaning into my space and kissing my forehead.
“What’s your family doing for the holiday?” Peter asks, clearly wondering why I’m here on vacation alone.
“Peter!” Tom and Karen admonish in unison.
&n
bsp; “What?” he asks innocently.
“It’s okay. My parents passed away several years ago,” I say quietly.
“I’m sorry,” Peter says, and I can tell he feels uncomfortable for having brought up the topic.
“Thank you. I have an older brother, Josh, but he’s doing his third tour in Afghanistan, and my older sister, Jessica, is with her in-laws in Texas. They invited me, but I decided to go in search of a white Christmas—something I’ve always wanted to experience.”
“I hope you get it. I know I was hoping it would snow for the boys,” Karen says brightly.
“According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we should’ve had a Nor’easter already this year, so I have a good feeling about it being a white Christmas after all,” Peter says.
“I hope so. I was looking forward to Skyping with my family Christmas morning and showing them the snow.” I tell them, grinning.
Our meal arrives shortly thereafter, making me realize how hunger I am. I worked up quite an appetite doing noting but being pampered all day.
“Want another picture?” Tom asks, his hand outstretched for my phone.
“Thanks,” I say, smiling widely as he snaps several pictures while making faces at me.
“Give it here,” Karen says, “I’ll take a picture of you two.”
Handing her the phone, Tom moves his chair closer to me, if that was even possible.
“Tom, honestly. Behave. You’re as bad as the boys,” she admonishes, while he hams it up for the camera.
God, I love his playfulness!
“I think I got at least one where he doesn’t look like an idiot,” Karen says, handing me back my phone.
“Thanks,” I say laughing, thinking that I’ll have to remember to text Jessica his picture later.
We dig into the delicious food, and I’m effortlessly brought into the family. I learn that Tom’s nephews are at home with his Dad, who before he retired owned a veterinary practice where their Mom had also worked as the office manager.
Peter and Karen met in college, and have been together ever since. Before she had the twins, she was an elementary school teacher. Now she runs a mommy blog geared towards those with multiples, like herself.
When dessert comes, Tom and I share a piece of chocolate cake like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I should be freaking out, but I’m not.
Whispers of Winter: A Limited Edition Collection of Winter Romances Page 115
