Underneath My Christmas Tree

by Tawdra Kandle

  I smiled, rubbing my fingers over her arms. “Taking a chance.”

  ~~~***~~~

  We walked the beach for over an hour, until the sky was a blanket of stars. I held Elizabeth’s hand the whole time, and the way her fingers felt between mine was unlike anything I could remember. I’d spent most of my adult life—and some before then, too—focused on getting girls into bed. I never wasted time on crap like handholding or talking with a girl. If she didn’t want to get hot and heavy fast, I moved on to the next one, who did. There was always a next one.

  But having Elizabeth next to me, listening to her talk, only made me want to spend more time with her. I wanted to hold her against me, even if that was as far as we took things.

  For now, anyway.

  We walked to Jimmy’s and had ice cream cones. The Christmas lights had come on by then, bathing our faces in a red and green glow.

  “Tell me about you.” Elizabeth turned the tables on me, smiling at me over her mint chocolate chip cone as she used the line I usually gave her.

  “What do you want to know?” I brushed long locks of hair out of her face.

  “I told you why I don’t make a big deal out of Christmas. What about you? I get the feeling you didn’t have much of a family life growing up. I’d think holidays wouldn’t hold many happy memories for you.”

  “Yeah, you’d think that, wouldn’t you? But actually, Christmas was the one time of year that things were different for me. My mom . . . she was crazy, but she’d been raised in a church-going family, and so when it came to the holidays, she always found some way to straighten up. We didn’t have much in the way of stuff, but for two or three weeks, she was my mom.” I sighed. “And then New Years came around, and it all went to hell again.”

  Elizabeth reached up, hesitant, and touched my cheek. “I’m sorry.”

  I caught her hand and turned my lips to kiss her palm. “I’m not. You know how you were talking about how important it is for things to be real? Well, for me, Christmas was the only real time of year. Every year, it felt like anything was possible. Things could change. Life could be different.”

  She reached up on her toes and kissed my cheek. “You, Trent Wagoner, are a much deeper man than you let on.” She narrowed her eyes as she popped the last bite of cone into her mouth. “Unless that’s just a line you use to get a girl into bed.”

  “Honey, I never had to use a line to get any woman into bed. Or into my truck. Or up against a wall.” I stepped closer to her. “Or in the dark corner of a quiet street.”

  She giggled. “Down, boy. You might not have to sweet-talk your way into my bed, but I’m not going to let you grope me on the streets of Crystal Cove.”

  I traced a finger over her jaw and around to touch her lips. “I’m not trying to grope you here.” Leaning forward, I kissed the tip of her nose. “And I’m not trying to get into your bed. Not tonight. I’m a new man, remember?”

  “Hmm. And this new man doesn’t like sex?” She lifted one eyebrow.

  “Oh, he likes it. He likes it a lot. But he’s thinking he might like it even more with the right girl, rather than the convenient girl.”

  Her lips curved into a smile. “Do you have any ideas about who the right girl might be?”

  “She might be closer than I expected.” I held her a little closer. “But I’ve also got another new rule. No sex on the first date.”

  “Well, we’re both in luck then, because this, tonight?” She pointed at me and then back at herself. “Not our first date. Not by a long shot. It’s like our . . .” She cast her eyes up, thinking. “Fifteenth date or something.”

  “Nope. Those were friend-dates. Tonight is our first date.”

  “How do you figure?”

  “Because.” I covered her lips with mine but kept it quick. “Because tonight I kissed you. That’s why it’s our first official date.”

  “Aha. I didn’t know about that definition.” Her smile faded just a little. “Will there be a second date?”

  “Funny you should mention that. I was just going to ask if you’d like to spend Christmas Eve with me.”

  “Wait—what?” Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open just a little. “But you’ll be gone by then. Back in Michigan.”

  “Really? Then why did I make a reservation for two to have dinner at the Riverside Hotel on Christmas Eve?”

  “You did? You’re not leaving?” The delight in her voice sent a wave of warmth through my chest. A small part of me had been scared she wasn’t going to be happy that I was staying.

  “Not before Christmas. If you’ll let me spend it with you, that is.”

  This time her smile was huge.

  Chapter Five

  Christmas Eve

  Elizabeth

  “Welcome to the Riverside Hotel. Merry Christmas!” Abby Donavan met us at the door of the restaurant inside the hotel. She wore a dark green silky dress that flowed from gathered shoulders and on her lips was a brilliant smile.

  “Merry Christmas.” I leaned in to kiss her cheek. “You look beautiful. Where’s your handsome fiancé?”

  Abby’s face went pink, but her smile dimmed a little. “He’s been on a job in Missouri all month. He was supposed to be home—well, here—by yesterday, but he’s stuck in the airport. That freak snow storm that hit the Midwest this week.”

  I squeezed her arm in sympathy. “Oh, Abby, I’m so sorry. Your first Christmas together, too.”

  She shrugged. “It’s all right. I know he wants to be here, and that’s all that’s important, right?” She lifted her gaze to Trent and winked. “Why, look here, if it isn’t the Christmas tree salesman! Isn’t this the guy who shot you down, Elizabeth?”

  I laughed as Trent slid his arm around me. “I never take no for an answer. And just like the Mounties, I always get my man.”

  “Yeah, she wore me down.” Trent bent over in a huff of breath as my elbow met his stomach. “With her gentle and loving ways.”

  Abby’s lips twitched. “I see. Well, let me show you to your table.”

  The Riverside Hotel restaurant was decorated in period holiday pieces, with greenery draped around doorways and windows tied with burgundy velvet bows. Our small round table was covered in a deep green tablecloth and set with fine white china.

  “Did I tell you how handsome you look tonight?” I sat back in my chair, letting myself drink in the view. Trent had put on a new charcoal-gray suit with a crisp white shirt, and it fit him like a glove. A very snug, muscle-hugging, probably-should-be-illegal glove.

  “You might’ve mentioned it a time or two, but feel free to say it as much as you like.” His eyes swept over me. “And while you say it, lean forward so I get another eyeful of your . . . ah, assets.” He waggled a brow, and I laughed, shaking my head.

  “Men. Show a little cleavage and you go ga-ga. It never fails.”

  “Only your cleavage, honey. That dress . . . whooo, boy. You’re a knock-out.” He winked at me as the waitress arrived with our appetizers.

  We’d just finished our salad course when a loud voice at the door cut through the dining room.

  “Where’s my beautiful fiancée?”

  Ryland Kent stood in the doorway, looking incongruous against the palm trees as he held a winter coat, with an overstuffed duffle on his shoulder. His eyes searched the room.

  “Ryland?” Abby stepped out of the kitchen, her hand at her throat. “What are you doing here? I thought—”

  “You thought I’d let a little thing like snow keep me from spending Christmas with the most beautiful woman in the world?” He dropped his bag and coat and took three long strides toward her.

  Abby Donavan was one of the most elegant, cool and composed women I’d ever met, so no one was more surprised than me when she met Ryland half-way and leaped into his arms.

  An ‘awwwww’ swept over the room as Ryland took Abby’s face in his hands and kissed her thoroughly as her arms clung to him. I couldn’t help the sigh that escaped my lips.

&
nbsp; Across from me, Trent cleared his throat. “Wow, huh?”

  “Yes. So romantic.” I laid down my fork. “They’re very much in love.”

  “Elizabeth?”

  “Yes?”

  “Do you want to get our dinner to go and get out of here?”

  Heat like I’d never felt before rose up my body.

  “Oh, yeah. I do.”

  ~~~***~~~

  I knew Trent had been on a sex-fast, and I knew he’d put a lot of work into making tonight perfect for the both of us. But I was surprised at how nervous he seemed on our way back to my apartment.

  He checked his phone before he climbed into the cab, and he drove with extraordinary care. As in very, very slowly. I was about ready to push him out of the way and put the pedal to the metal, because I wanted to be alone with this man now. Like yesterday.

  “Trent, did you change your mind? About me, about tonight? Because it’s okay. If you did—”

  “What? No. Of course not.” He shot me an incredulous look. “Why would you say that?”

  “Because a snail crawling backward down the side of the road just paced you, dude. And you took the long way around, instead of the direct route. Listen, if I spooked you by saying you should check out of your motel room and stay with me tonight, I’m sorry.”

  He rolled his eyes at me. “Elizabeth, just because I haven’t had sex in a while doesn’t mean I’m like some jumpy virgin. I’m taking my time to make sure we get there safely. Because honey, once we get inside your apartment, ain’t nothing going to move slow. Okay?”

  My face felt flushed, and my breath caught. “Okay.”

  We pulled up in front of my apartment, and I gathered our bags of take-out food. Trent opened my door and helped me out of the truck. I stumbled and landed against his chest. Catching me by the arms, he smiled down into my face.

  “Whoa, there. I got you.”

  I pressed my lips to his. “Yes, you do.” I took his hand and followed him up the path to my front door.

  I was pretty sure I’d left on a light in the tiny foyer when we’d left, but the windows were dark as I dug for my keys. An odd glow came from the direction of the living room.

  “That’s funny. Did I leave on the television?” I turned the key in the lock, pushed open the door and froze in my tracks.

  An enormous fir tree stood in the corner of my living room. It was covered in multi-colored lights, and a large star was on top.

  “What . . .” I stepped inside. “Did you do this?”

  Trent’s jaw was tight, and I realized he was nervous. He’d taken a chance, and he wasn’t sure how I was going to react. But he nodded.

  “It’s just got lights on it. Emmy helped me hire a couple of kids to bring it over here tonight while we were at dinner, but we got back faster than I’d figured. Anyway, I thought maybe . . . in the boxes, there’s popcorn and string, and construction paper. I figured we could make our own decorations.” He brushed a hand over my shoulder. “Make it real. Make it ours. No one else, just you and me.”

  A lump rose in my throat. “Oh, Trent.” I turned and slid my arms around his waist. “This is the most beautiful thing anyone has ever done for me. I love it. Thank you.”

  Relief spread over his face. “Seriously? You’re okay with it? You’re not just saying it?”

  I laughed. “No, I’m serious.” I tightened my arms around him. “But before we string popcorn or cut out paper chains, I was thinking maybe I could unwrap a different kind of gift. You know . . . under the tree.”

  A slow smile curved his lips. “I was hoping you might say that.” He bent his head down and crushed my mouth to his, his kiss aggressive as he stole my breath. I pressed against him, the tips of my breasts teasing his chest as I opened my mouth to deepen the kiss.

  “Elizabeth . . .” Trent groaned my name. “God, I’ve been dreaming about this since the day we met. I’ve wanted you since then. I don’t want to . . . I want to take it slow. Savor it. But right now, the only thing I can think about is getting you naked and kissing every inch of your body.”

  Joy bubbled up in my heart. “Merry Christmas to me,” I murmured. “I’m all over that plan.” I tugged off his suit jacket and went to work on the buttons of his dress shirt. When I had it undone, I pulled it out of his waistband and ran my hands over his chest. “God, I’ve wanted to touch you like this. When I’d see you picking up the trees, your muscles bulging—ooooh, baby.”

  Trent grinned. “Really? You hid it well.”

  “I tried to keep the drool to a minimum.” I reached for the button on his pants, but he covered my hand.

  “Wait a second.” Bending, he scooped me into his arms and carried me to the Christmas tree, where he lay me down.

  “Do you want me to take off my dress?” I reached behind me for the zipper.

  “No. Leave it. I’ve been fantasizing all night about pushing it up—and finding . . . oh, damn, baby.” His eyes went wide. “You went commando.”

  I unbuttoned his pants while he was distracted. “I was going to tell you while we were at dinner, but you pulled me out of there so fast, I didn’t have time.”

  “If you’d told me any earlier, we wouldn’t have even stayed for appetizers.” His hands skimmed down my shoulders and tugged down the neckline of my dress, baring my breasts. “Elizabeth. You’re beautiful.”

  His fingers teased one stiff pink peak as his mouth covered the other. A thrill of pure pleasure streaked through my body, and I arched my back, desperate for more of his touch. Slipping my fingers lower, I curled my fingers around him, stroking.

  “Baby, if you keep that up, this is all going to be over fast.” His words were a gasp against my skin, making me shiver.

  “We have all night.” I reached for his neck and pulled his face to mine, kissing him with abandon as I lifted my hips in invitation. “Fast works now. Slow can come later.”

  “I just don’t—God, I can’t think when you touch me.” He closed his eyes. “I don’t want to mess this up. I’ve never—Elizabeth, this is the first time that sex—that it’s meant something. I don’t want you to think it doesn’t. It means something. You mean something to me.”

  My eyes filled with unexpected tears. It wasn’t exactly a declaration of love, but I knew that for Trent, those words were as close as he could get right now. He cared for me. I didn’t doubt it. The fact that I was falling in love with him was something we could discuss later.

  Right now, I only wanted him inside me.

  “I know. I know it does. And you matter to me, too. I’m glad I’m spending Christmas with you. There’s no one I’d rather be with.” I traced my fingers down his length. “But right now, I’d really like you to find a condom and get the hell inside me before I combust from wanting you.”

  As if my words had set him on fire, he kicked off his pants the rest of the way and fumbled in the pocket until he found the rubber. My fingers shook a little as I helped him roll it on, but I knew it was from desire, not doubt.

  He slid into me, filling me with one long, easy stroke. My body was primed, ready, and I cried out as I rose to meet each thrust until the pleasure built to an inescapable height and shattered, pulsing through every part of my being. Trent growled my name and followed, his body stiffening as he emptied himself into me.

  We lay for silent moments under the twinkling lights of the tree. Trent trailed a lazy hand down my back, his fingers light on my sensitive skin. Goose bumps broke out in the wake of his touch.

  “You’re the best gift I’ve ever had underneath my Christmas tree.” He whispered the words just before he kissed me.

  I cupped his face in my hand as his lips trailed down my neck. Turning my head, I caught his ear lobe between my teeth. “This is my favorite Christmas ever. Thank you for giving it to me.”

  “Mmmm.” Trent pushed up on his elbows to look down into my face. “I have a question for you, Elizabeth Hudson.”

  My heart thudded. “What’s that?”

 
He ran one finger down my neck and then back up to rub over my lips.

  “What’re you doing New Years?”

  Trent and Elizabeth’s story continues in

  Always My Own

  The Burton Books began with

  The One Trilogy

  The Last One

  The First One

  The Only One

  The One Trilogy Box Set

  And continue in

  The Always Love Trilogy

  Always For You

  Always My Own

  Always Our Love

  And don’t miss the related series

  The Crystal Cove Romances

  The Posse

  The Plan

  The Path

  Photo by Heather Batchelder

  Tawdra Kandle writes romance, in just about all its forms. She loves unlikely pairings, strong women, sexy guys, hot love scenes and just enough conflict to make it interesting. Her books run from YA paranormal romance through NA paranormal and contemporary romance to adult contemporary and paramystery romance. She lives in central Florida with a husband, kids, sweet pup and too many cats. And yeah, she rocks purple hair.

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