Christmas Is for Lovers: 6 Hot Holiday Romances

by Box Set

  “So it’s really true? You’ve never done it before?” I can feel the blood draining from my head. Maybe it’s the effect of the whiskey, or the chill creeping into the cabin from the fog outside. “How exactly do you define doing it?”

  “I’ve never told anyone, but …” he pauses and takes a huge breath. “Well, it’s embarrassing.”

  A million disquieting thoughts flick through my mind, but I swallow hard and take his hand. “You can tell me. I swear I won’t say anything.”

  “I can’t, can’t …” He coughs and clears his throat. “I’ve never entered a woman where it matters. I promised my mother I wouldn’t make love to a woman unless I was completely in love with her.”

  Which means he’s not in love with me—at least not completely.

  “How old were you when you promised?”

  “Ten. I was the youngest. Braden was eighteen, Nash was twelve and Damon was fifteen. She made all four of us promise her. It was part of her ‘birds and bees’ conversation. She said to save it for someone special.”

  Only ten. Now it makes sense. He was too young to feel the hormones stirring. As for his older brothers, they probably gave lip service and went on doing what they wanted.

  “Weren’t you a bit young to have this conversation?” I cast for something to say.

  “Not at all. They have that family life thing in fifth grade.” He pulls me closer and stares into my eyes. “You’re okay with this, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, of course. It’s kind of shocking. I mean, with your reputation and all that. Or I just assumed since you’re an athlete. I’m sure women want to suck you off.”

  Yikes. Where’s my filter?

  “They do. All the time. But it’s just a way of getting my rocks off. It’s not really love making.”

  “It could be. I mean, if it’s someone you really cared about.”

  His gaze pinpoints my lips, and I can see the wheels churning in his mind.

  “Not that I’m offering.” I quickly back away from him and grab my mug of hot chocolate, putting it in front of my lips. If I thought I had issues, this guy takes the cake. Sex that is not really sex. No wonder he’s been teasing me forever with all the innuendo.

  But then again, the stakes are so high, I don’t think I want sex to mess up what we have. Ben feels like the real deal—the man I’ll look across the bed at in fifty years and still have my heart all a flutter and my breath flying away like a wild goose over a gunshot.

  “Are you going to run away screaming and never look back?” He tries to pass off this remark with a dry chuckle.

  I sip the warm whiskey spiked chocolate and inhale the alcoholic fumes for fortification. He’s spoken his heart and bared his soul for me. I owe him as much. Taking a deep breath, I say a prayer to myself, that Ben won’t run kicking and punching when I tell him my deep, dark secret.

  “You know when I said I had sex with those two guys?” I clutch the warm mug so hard my knuckles are probably bone white. The shit’s going to hit hard when I mention Nash’s name. But since we’re both sharing secrets, and we haven’t made an emotional commitment yet, it’ll be better to get it out of the way.

  “Are you saying you didn’t really do it either?” Ben tilts an eyebrow up, as if looking for a loophole.

  “Oh, I did. I mean as far as A goes into B.”

  Ben’s mouth draws down into a scowl. “I thought you were going to tell me it was only oral sex or a hand job. You did use condoms, didn’t you?”

  “Of course we did.”

  “Oh, some girls say it’s not real sex unless it’s going bareback.”

  He’s not making it easy. I’m not looking for excuses. I’m trying to get something off my chest. “It’s real sex whenever you have sexual contact with someone. Ben, I think you’re in a state of denial here. The truth is, I had penis to vaginal sex twice. And I’m not sure you’re going to like—”

  He cuts me off with his lips over mine. I gasp, but part of me is relieved I don’t have to go through with my confession. Ben knows the worst. By his definition, I’m not a virgin and he’s still kissing me as if I’m precious and adored.

  His lips massage mine tenderly as his fingers caress the back of my head. I can’t help but melt into his kiss, wanting so badly to make every barrier go away. Why should it matter whether I slept with Nash Powers or Joe Blow? It’s in the past and didn’t mean anything. It’s not like I spend any time thinking about it at all, and I’m sure Nash doesn’t either. In fact, the last time he visited, he never brought it up. He was seeing a woman he met at a gig and spent most of his nights at her place, only parking his guitar and amps at mine. I’ll just clue him in that I’m seeing Ben, and he’ll know what I mean and not bring it up ever. After all, part of being mature enough to hook up is to forget about it the next day. What happens after dark, stays in the dark. That’s the motto of my generation.

  As for Ben, I’m both elated and dejected at the same time. He’s so fucked up by not admitting sex is sex, but at the same time, he’s saving making love for when he’s truly in love.

  My body waxes both hot and cold. The side toward the fire burns from the way Ben kisses me, but the other side is chilled by the draft coming in under the front door.

  Ben breathes through his teeth and pulls back to look at me. “I like everything about you, Brittney, including the fact you’re more experienced than I am. Someday, when we’re both ready, I’ll open that gift of yours and it will be unforgettable.”

  Yes, unforgettable. Just like the day he finds out Nash has been there first. I draw away from him and close my eyes. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready. Maybe we were always meant to be friends. Good, close friends who love each other, but not in a way to let sex mess it up.”

  His body stiffens and he tips my chin up. “You mean the way you and my brother are? Just friends? I know about the benefit concert, Brittney, and I know my brother. He doesn’t do anything for a girl he doesn’t want to tap. But once he’s tapped someone, he’s done with her. Finito.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “That’s because he hasn’t had you yet. Find out how many notches are on his guitar neck.”

  Chapter 56

  ~ Ben ~

  Ben didn’t like the way Brittney defended his brother. Not one bit. She had no clue what kind of guy she was dealing with—a silver-tongued singer who’d strum his way into a girl’s heart and bed before flitting away to another gig on the other side of the country.

  Nash sure hadn’t paid attention to their mother growing up. He never did his chores and charmed his way out of any whipping, leaving Ben or his other brothers to take the blame.

  “Anyway, I don’t care how many notches Nash has on his guitar neck, belt, rifle, bedpost, or anything else notchable.” Brittney tipped the mug and finished the remainder of her not so hot chocolate. “Thank you for sharing your family’s Christmas cabin with me. I hope Grandpa Powers will come back to enjoy it again.”

  The fire was dying down, and embers flicked behind the grill of the fireplace. Ben reached over and stoked the fire, but in his heart, he knew the night was over. The chocolate tasted bitter and the dregs of being friend-zoned burned in his throat along with the last drop of whiskey.

  Brittney got up to take her empty mug to the kitchen, and Ben followed her. He wasn’t going to let her walk off angry. Maybe he was too messed up to ever have a relationship with anyone, but he wasn’t going to let his special angel get away. Why had she turned off after he said he wanted to wait? That it would be unforgettable?

  “Let me get that.” He took the mug from her. “Look, I don’t get why you’re putting me in the friend-zone. I thought we had something back there. Is it because I want to take it slow? Because if you want me to have sex with you, I can definitely do it. I can make you come three ways ’til Sunday and then some.”

  She heaved her shoulders and blew out a puff of air. “I’m really tired, Ben. We should slow down. It’s like we’re never on th
e same wavelength.”

  “I’d like to be on the same wavelength. I’ve never met anyone I want to be with more than you.” He cleaned the mugs and rinsed them. “If you want to start as friends, that’s fine too. But the way I feel about you, I’m bound to want more.”

  He didn’t dare look at her while pouring his heart out. Instead he set the mugs in the dishrack and wiped down the counter.

  “What do you feel about me?” She stood so close, he could sense her heart beat, feel the air she breathed.

  “That you’re precious. I know it’s too early to fall in love, or to talk about the future, but I can’t see a life without you.” He stood stiffly with both hands on the counter, staring at the colors swirling in the soap bubbles as they popped, one by one.

  Her hands slid around his waist and she rested herself against his back, holding him. It felt good, really, really good, and Ben’s heart melted as he closed his eyes, turned around and tucked her into his arms.

  “I want the same, Ben.” She pressed herself against him. “And I get that you respect me. The truth is, I don’t want to play games and get laid or hook up. I just want someone to love who’s worth waiting for. This might sound old-fashioned, but I never understood how people could have sex without love, and even though I did it, it didn’t feel good or special. That’s why I don’t go out. That’s why my sister thought I was so boring no one would ever think I’m sexy.”

  “You’re sexy. Trust me. But more than that, you’re someone men fall in love with.”

  She snorted. “You talk as if so many men have fallen in love with me before.”

  “I’m sure they have, from a distance. You’re not the most approachable. If it hadn’t been for your wardrobe malfunction and us getting arrested together, we wouldn’t be here right now.”

  “You’re pretty intimidating yourself, Big Ben.” She looked up at him, grinning. “Big man on campus. Top football draft pick.”

  “That remains to be seen.” He felt himself relaxing as a smile creased over his face. “Let’s start over. Dinner with me Friday night after I take Grandpa back to his place?”

  “Back to date number one?” She swayed lightly in his arms.

  “Yes, kickoff and first kiss.”

  “Sounds good to me.” She tipped on her toes and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight, Big Ben. I have to get up early to make Eggs Bennett. It’ll be Christmas morning in a few hours.”

  “Then I’d better get down the chimney and put your gift under the tree.” He kissed her on the tip of her nose. “Goodnight, Brittzen, the most famous flamingo of all.”

  Chapter 57

  ~ Brittney ~

  I wake up to howling winds banging the shutters outside the bedroom window. The big four poster bed is so comfy and snuggly, I don’t feel like getting out of it. Even though I should get up to cook “Christmas” breakfast, I want to close my eyes and dream a little longer about Ben.

  He, of course, is not in the bed with me. He spent the night in the loft accessed by a built-in ladder. I was too tired to explore, but after breakfast, I’m going to climb up and see what kind of trouble he got into up there.

  I’m about to fall back asleep when I catch a whiff of coffee. Ben’s up already? A smile tickles my face that he’s up so early in the morning. I bet his hair’s standing to one side and he’s scruffy with a day’s growth of whiskers.

  Last night, or actually early this morning, we wished each other goodnight, hugged, and slept separately. Now that sex is off the table, I can breathe easier. Someday, I’ll worry if I’m good enough in bed, having not had much training, but Ben saying he wants to be with me for life is so much better than a one night stand.

  Stretching my arms wide, I throw off the covers and wander into the bathroom. As I freshen up and shower, I find it hard to believe there’s a world outside of this magical Christmas cottage. What if we’ve entered a Yuletide Zone, sort of like a Christmassy Twilight Zone, a parallel universe where loving and giving is the only rule year round, and everyone is kind and charitable. In the Yuletide Zone, every song is a Christmas carol, every morning is Christmas morning, and every breath of air is full of holiday cheer. Sleigh bells tinkle and chestnuts pop, and happy feelings fill the entire universe.

  By the time I emerge from the bathroom in a clean pair of sweats, a tank top and an old flannel plaid shirt I find in the closet, Ben already has breakfast cooked. He’s wearing a pair of well-worn jeans, a red and green plaid shirt, and a Santa’s hat, looking so much like a sexy lumberjack with his unshaven beard shadow. Wow. He’s all the gift I need, ever.

  I amble toward him, pretending not to be affected by his studliness. “Wait, I was supposed to do the Eggs Bennett.”

  “You snooze, you lose.” He reels me in for a quick kiss. “I made Breakfast Britt-chetta. Scrambled eggs, smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, scallions and pesto over toasted mini baguettes.”

  “You named a recipe after me?”

  “Family tradition.”

  His words make my heart gooey and warm. I snuggle closer and kiss his lips again. He tastes like olive oil and pesto, no doubt from tasting the tapenade he made. “Merry Christmas morning.”

  “Merry Christmas, always.” He nuzzles my nose with his, and I swear, we’re probably sickening enough to be barf inducing if anyone happened to be watching.

  The record player is already stacked with classic Christmas songs, and the lights are sparkling on the tree. Sunlight streams through the lacey kitchen curtains, and the scent of pine mixes with the aroma of coffee and breakfast. Everything is picture perfect. How I wish Grandpa Powers could see his cottage now.

  “May I get my phone and take a picture? I want to send it to your grandfather.”

  Ben hands me the old camera. “Nice try, but it’s fifty years ago and telephones can’t take pictures.”

  I remember to wind the film and point the camera at Ben, catching him with a spatula. Can he get more perfect? Who could beat cooking and manning the kitchen on Christmas morn?

  Somehow, we make it through breakfast with our clothes on, although we stopped every few bites to kiss and cuddle. Yes, very nauseating for any audience, which thankfully we don’t have.

  “Time for your present.” Ben produces a tiny box, wrapped in aluminum foil.

  “I didn’t have time to get you anything.”

  “Don’t worry, I found this in the attic.”

  “Don’t tell me, this is a Cracker Jack box ring.”

  Elvis is singing “Merry Christmas Baby” and talking about a diamond ring, good music on his radio, and feeling mighty fine.

  “I’m not that cheap. I hope you like them.” His grin turns shy. “I think it’s okay to give these to you.”

  “You mean, they belong to your grandmother?”

  “My mom. Go ahead, open it.”

  A lump rises in my throat. “I’m not sure. We barely know each other. Maybe she wants you to keep it for someone special.”

  “More special than you? I don’t think so.” His gaze turns earnest and he bites his lower lip while Elvis is singing the blues about kissing under the mistletoe.

  “Okay.” I lower my face, but it’s too late. I’m sure he sees me blushing. All my life, I wanted to be special to someone. I try not to think about it, but being adopted means the first person in my life rejected me, even though the second and third people, my mom and dad, wanted me. “You’re sure about this?”

  “Yes, you’re the one. It’s not anything big.”

  By now, my hands are shaking. It can’t be her engagement ring because she has two other sons and his father would have it in Wyoming. What would she have left in the attic?

  I rip off the aluminum foil, open the box and find a pair of earrings. “They’re beautiful. Are they little angels?”

  “Yes, see the vintage silver wings?”

  “I love them. Can you put them on me?” I scramble to remove the plain studs I’m wearing.

  Ben’s breath is hot over me as he at
taches the crystal and teardrop pearl earrings. “My mom would have liked you.”

  “I would have liked her too.” I wrap my hands around him. “Everything in this cottage speaks of her. I feel as if she’s here, sitting in the corner on a rocking chair, smiling at us.”

  “Maybe she never left.” His eyes are watery, but he’s smiling. “We’re the ones who left.”

  “Then we must come back every year.”

  “We will.” He brings my lips to his and kisses me slowly and tenderly as Elvis sings “Playing for Keeps.”

  Chapter 58

  ~ Ben ~

  Ben could kiss and dance with Brittney forever. He was playing for keeps, and if he weren’t already in love, he was fast falling in love with Brittney.

  Her body fit his perfectly, soft against hard, and the way she swayed, in perfect sync with him, made his heart feel full and content. Somehow he didn’t miss his mother as much now that Brittney was in his arms. She truly was the perfect woman for him, and he’d enjoy every moment with her, cherish every memory and give her his whole heart. Elvis had segued to “Loving You,” and Ben knew it was true. He’d always be true to Brittney. There was no worry. No other woman would ever tempt him again. His mother was right. When the one woman meant for him came along, everyone else faded into dust.

  Rap. Rap. Rap. Someone was at the door.

  Woof. Aaarroohh! Helllooo! Ahhh! Woof, woof, woof.

  Scratch that. Someone and a dog and a bird were at the door.

  Brittney froze and stared at him, eyes wide, for a second before together, they strode to the door.

  Woof, wwwaaroooh. Rap. Rap. Rap.

  “Treat’s here?” Brittney asked.

  “With that cockatoo Grandpa adopted,” Ben grumbled, not amused. “I thought your grandparents were taking care of them.”

  “Do you think Grandpa’s out of the hospital?”