Jack's Christmas Wish

by Bonni Sansom

  The ambulance and the police showed up and Derek let go of Lissa long enough to check on the other driver, who appeared fine, just a little shaken up.

  The medic attended to Lissa determined she had taken a knock to the head when the door caved in. Although she had a nice sized goose egg on her head she refused medical care, but Derek insisted she go to the hospital and get it checked out.

  “I can't go. I can't afford it.” She pushed away from the medic.

  “You were unconscious. You might have a concussion.” He placed his hands on his hips and flinched when his fist screamed in pain.

  She looked down to his hand. “You need to get that looked at. It's swelling.” She gently grabbed the hand in question and kissed the knuckles.

  That small act of tenderness just reaffirmed his love for her. Jack joined them at the back of the ambulance.

  “Daddy, did you see what happened? Miss Lissa, saved me. She covered me up when the other car hit us. It was neat.”

  That explained why she was lying across Jack. She had thrown herself over him to protect him. He wasn't a man for tears, but he felt the sting of wetness forming in his eyes. He had a lump in his throat he had to swallow. She had almost been killed by saving his son. All he wanted to do was hold her and get her to agree to marry him. He was sure of this, more so than anything else. Jack loved her and so did he. He just didn't know if she would say yes or not. He still had to find a few things out about her. Like who the unconscious creep was and why he tried to claim her. And, more importantly, why she was so afraid of love.

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  * * *

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  The police questioned Lissa about the accident and about the man lying on the ground.

  “He's an ex-boyfriend who is stalking me and threatening me.” Now he wished he had killed the bastard. The police picked him up and searched him. He had a gun tucked in the back of his pants, no doubt intended for Lissa. They arrested him and handcuffed him to the stretcher. He had to be checked out for a concussion, as did Lissa.

  Derek arranged for a tow for Lissa's car and followed the ambulance to the hospital.

  After leaving the hospital, Lissa, Jack and Derek went to Marcello's Pizzeria and had dinner. Jack excused himself to go to the restroom, giving Lissa and Derek time to talk.

  “Thanks for paying for my medical care. I'll pay you back as soon As I get paid.”

  “No, you won't. You don't owe me a dime. I wanted to pay for it. I wanted to take care of you. You were lucky you didn't have a concussion.” It was on the tip of his tongue to say ‘I love you,’ but he caught himself. It was still a couple of days till Christmas, so he thought he might be able to make headway with her by then. He already knew she was having money trouble, otherwise she would never have agreed to play Santa's sexy helper. Not his Lissa, she was too classy for that.

  “I feel obligated to you now.” She took a bite of her pizza, closed her eyes and moaned.

  Derek went hard instantly. He wanted to see that look on her face as she was under him.

  “Alright, then agree to spend another evening with me.” He would find out all he needed to know.

  “Mmm, I've been looking forward to this all day. This and some sleep.”

  “Yeah.” He nodded his head. “Me too. Somebody kept me up all night last night.” He winked at her then picked up a slice and bit into it.

  She rolled her eyes at him. “Yeah, I wonder who that could have been. I remember it quite the opposite. I was the one who was woken up twice.”

  “Will you spend another night with me?” He was on the edge of his seat, waiting for her answer.

  “I'm back, Miss Lissa,” Jack climbed in next to her.

  She took another bite of pizza and didn't look at Derek.

  Dammit, he'd screwed up asking her about love. If he could kick his own ass, he would. He knew she wouldn't say anything in front of Jack. He'd have to get her alone again somehow and he knew just the trick. The restaurant had two video games by the restrooms and he'd give Jack a stack of quarters.

  “Excuse me, for a moment. I need to get a refill on my drink.” He didn't need a refill, but he did need quarters. He stepped up to the counter where a freckled faced teenager stood texting on his phone. He noticed Derek standing there.

  “Can I help you, sir?”

  “Yeah, I need change for a five. Could you give me three dollars in quarters please?”

  The boy made change and went back to texting. Derek refilled his drink and returned to the table. Jack had finished his slice of pizza.

  “Hey, sport, you want to play those video games?” He pointed to the game machines over by the restrooms.

  “Yes!” Jack did an air pump and hopped up and down. Derek pulled a pile of quarters out of his pocket and handed them to Jack. Jack filled his little pockets full and skipped off.

  “Don't you think you spoil him a bit?” Lissa shook her head.

  “He deserves it. He's been through a lot.” He looked fondly over at Jack.

  “I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. I need to learn to keep my big mouth shut.”

  “I rather like you with your mouth open.” He adjusted in his seat and leaned forward.

  She blushed a nice rosy color. “Hush, we're in public.” She looked around to people at nearby tables.

  'I believe I've asked you a question twice this will make the third time. Do I need to punish you? Now will you spend another evening with me? It's a yes or no answer, love.”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes, what? I need to punish you or you'll spend the night with me?” He moved closer to her looking her in the eyes. He saw a flash of arousal when he mentioned punishing her. He didn't need an answer now, but wanted to hear it anyway.

  “Yes, Sir, I will spend the night with you. And yes to the other thing too.” She smiled brightly at him.

  Lifting the corner of his mouth, he smiled back. “I'm happy to hear both answers,” he lowered his voice to a whisper, “I plan to have you screaming by the night's end.”

  His cock pressed painfully into his zipper as he sat at this tiny table in a wooden chair. He pulled his shirt out of his pants to try to cover his hard-on and thought of all the ways he could take her. He had to get her to trust him enough to open up to him. Now he needed to get Jack to have another sleep over. He thought about Mrs. Sanders, but she had already been more than generous. The only place left gave him a headache. Billy Jeffries's, house. God, what else would Jack learn from Billy's sister? He hated to think about it.

  “Derek? Hello, earth to Derek.” She waved her hand in front of his face.

  “Sorry, I was just thinking of all the things I could do to you.” He gave her a wicked smile and waggled his brows.

  The rosy color was back in spades. “I can't believe you're doing this here.” She looked from side to side then took another bite of pizza.

  Where else should I do it? I had to get you alone to talk to you. I still need to talk to you more. And I promise you we will. I could have lost you today. The same way I lost my wife and it scared the hell out of me.”

  “I'm so sorry. I was just trying to get away from Rex. He scared me. I certainly didn't mean to put Jack at risk. I thought I would make it through. He told me if I wasn't there when he came back there would be hell to pay.”

  “He was in your apartment. Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped you, Lissa. You're not alone anymore. You have me and Jack.”

  “I don't know what to say. I've had to take care of everyone else. I've never had anyone offer to take care of me.” She shed a single tear that rolled slowly down her cheek.

  He wanted to kiss that tear away. He was starting to get an idea why she didn't like the word love. She hadn't had anyone tell her that really meant it.

  “You don't have to say anything. I want to take care of you. I want to make love to you. I want you in my life and in Jack's. He obviously loves you.” He used the word deliberate
ly.

  She stared at him. “He l-loves me? How can you tell?” She looked over at Jack, who was shooting at monsters with a plastic gun.

  “Yes, don't you see it? He wants you in his life. Do you feel it toward him? I think he senses it. I think by the way you tried to protect him that you love him very much. Am I wrong?” He knew he wasn't; she had thrown herself over him to protect him. She would have given her life for his. His heart nearly burst thinking about it. He reached across the table and took her hand.

  No, you're not wrong. I would have done anything for him. Even if it killed me, but I'm glad it didn't.”

  “Yeah, you and me both. I don't think I could have gone through it again. I've already lost one woman I loved. I couldn't stand losing two.” He gauged her reaction.

  She didn't flinch away. She didn't seem to be surprised as a matter of fact she seemed to be okay with it. He waved for their waiter.

  “I think I knew that when we were together the last time. It felt different.” She smiled at him.

  “It did. I did. I thought I sensed a change in you as well.” The waiter showed with the check. Derek placed his credit card in the slot and waited for the receipt. He wanted to get out of there, call Billy's mom and get his evening started with Lissa.

  Holy Crap! What in the hell is happening today? I must have bumped my head harder than I thought. Derek loves me? Jack loves me? Wow.

  “Maybe we should put our night off. I do have to work in the morning.”

  His smile faded and immediately she regretted her words. She'd obviously hurt him.

  “No, Lissa, I want it to be tonight. My Christmas vacation is almost over and I need this time with you. Please reconsider.”

  She hung her head. “Alright, I'll spend the night with you, but I'll need to get some clothes and you'll have to take me to work.”

  “Deal.” His smile was back and he squeezed her hand. He looked very much like a kid that got his Christmas wish.

  The waiter came back with the receipt. They boxed up the rest of their pizza and collected Jack. “I was having fun, Daddy.” Jack stuck out his bottom lip and crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Jack, don't pout. We have to go home. Miss Lissa probably has a headache and needs to rest.” He scrubbed his hand through Jack's hair.

  “Stop it, Daddy. Let's take her back home. She can sleep in my room.”

  Derek chuckled. “No, son, I don't think so. She can rest on the couch. We can play a board game or maybe you can go to Billy's.”

  “Can I go to Billy's? Please, daddy? He has the new game I want.”

  “Yes. If Billy's mom says it's okay.”

  “Call her now, please”

  “Alright, alright. Calm down.” He pulled out his cell and punched the number in.

  “Hi. Mrs. Jeffries? This is Derek Baxter. Jack wants to have a sleepover at your house. Would that be alright?” He nodded his head and smiled.

  “He'll be there within the hour.” He hung up the phone. They piled in the truck and headed home. Lissa sat in the middle of her two favorite men.

  She was nervous. More so than before. She had been with Derek for a night of sex, but it had morphed into so much more and it scared her. She hadn't felt anything when Rex said he loved her, but with Derek, she felt her stomach fill with butterflies and her heart beat faster. After picking up Lissa's clothes and toiletries, they headed to Derek's.

  As they pulled in his driveway, she had to force herself to stay calm. She knew this was probably going to change them both. How could it not. He had basically said he loved her at the pizzeria. They hopped out of the truck and headed in the house. Jack quickly gathered his things, stuffed them in his backpack and left, leaving Lissa and Derek alone.

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  * * *

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  After Jack left, Derek took Lissa up to his bedroom to rest. He gave her two acetaminophen tablets and a cup of water from the master bathroom.

  She held out her hand. “Oh, thank you. My head is killing me.” She tossed back the pills and swallowed them down with water.

  He watched her throat work and imagined her swallowing his seed. He couldn't get enough of his little kitten. “You're welcome. Why don't we lie down for a while and snuggle up. I know you have to be exhausted.”

  “I am tired. I could use a few hours of sleep. You did keep me up all night last night. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.” She smiled broadly at him and put the cup down on the dresser.

  He approached her taking her in his arms and kissed her. “I'm glad you're not complaining. I had one of the best nights of my life and I'd like to have another tonight. That is if you're up for it.”

  “Oh, I'm up for it. I just need a nap first.”

  He bent down, taking another kiss.

  “Let's get you out of these clothes. Would you like a hot bath before we sleep?”

  “Yes. That sounds like heaven.” He slipped her shirt up and over her head lifting her arms and let it fall to the floor. His hands skimmed down the sides of her body then pushed her breasts together undoing the front clasp of her bra.

  She moaned at his sensuous touch.

  He let her bra fall to the floor then moved to her jeans. He tugged the waist of her pants pulling her into him and undid the button then the zipper one tine at a time. He exposed her creamy tan skin for his viewing pleasure. He pushed her jeans and panties down her long lean legs as she held on to his shoulders to step out. He stood back up taking a nipple into his mouth tasting her flesh. Salty from the day's perspiration, he suckled greedily, feasting on her breast, teasing the other with his fingers.

  Her head fell back in abandon, letting loose little whimpers of ecstasy. “Yes. That feels so good, Sir.”

  “Good girl.” His hand slid down her body, causing gooseflesh to appear, tickling her, making her giggle. He felt her slickness coating her folds, swirled his fingers in her lube and inserted two fingers into her pussy.

  She inhaled sharply. “Oh, yes. I love that, Sir.” She widened her stance, giving him better access.

  “Lissa, come for me, love.” He worked her clit with his thumb, adding more pressure.

  Her breathes came in pants and her legs shook, wobbling about to buckle with her orgasm. As he rubbed her clit and finger fucked her rubbing across her G-spot.

  He wrapped a strong arm around her waist holding her upright.

  “Come for me now, love.” He added another finger.

  She splintered apart in his arm.

  “That's it, love, that's it.” He held her trembling body close to his. He kissed her head and carried her to the bathroom.

  “Thank you, sir.”

  He sat her down on the edge of the garden tub. His cock was harder than a rock, but this was for her, to help her relax and sleep well. He would get his turn soon enough. He ran the water and lowered her into the bath. He slid in behind her and she reached around to his cock.

  “No love. That was just for you.” He pushed her hand away.

  She sighed and relaxed against him.

  She looked like a sated kitten curled up against its master. He grabbed a washcloth, poured a liberal amount of floral scented body wash on it and cleansed her body gently. Her eyes stayed closed the entire time.

  He loved her, wanted to take care of her and wanted to show it to her every single moment. It was his way of giving himself to her completely.

  Her breaths were slow and even. She'd fallen asleep in the tub. He took this opportunity to whisper in her ear. “I love you, kitten.”

  He finished her bath, woke her up enough to dry her and take her to bed, then covered her up and went downstairs to think.

  He sat in the kitchen in his jeans, sipping coffee. It angered him she hadn't come to him about Rex. The bastard had a damn gun and intended to use it on her. There was no doubt in his mind he would have raped her. She said he had been leaving her messages detailing what he wanted to do to her sexually. Those alone made him wa
nt to kill the sonofabitch. He couldn't let her go now; she needed his protection, his love, his last name. He was sure he wanted to marry her. He went to the laundry room snagged a clean shirt and socks, got dressed and headed out the door.

  Lisa woke up nude in an empty bed. Her body felt wonderful, she hadn't been this relaxed in months. She thought about all the things that had happened over the course of the day and shivered when she thought about Rex. He was more dangerous than she had ever suspected.

  She remembered how Derek had handled him so easily. His muscles flexing and bunching with exertion while holding the smaller man back. She cringed remembering the hit Derek had taken to his gut. She wondered if he was alright and where he was. His side of the bed hadn't been slept in.

  “Derek?” She climbed out of bed in search of her clothing and for him. She found one of his shirts and pulled it on, fastening the buttons. It covered her to her thighs so she figured she could get away with just the shirt. She padded to the bathroom, splashed some water on her face and checked her reflection in the mirror. She looked like a freak show attraction. Her hair was sticking out everywhere and her face had lines from her pillow all across her cheek.

  “That's attractive.” She picked up a fluffy towel and dried her face. Now she needed to find Derek. She noticed how quiet the house was. All that could be heard was the grandfather clock at the bottom of the stairs as it ticked. She checked the entire downstairs even the dungeon, which was locked. She couldn't find him so she went to the kitchen and pulled out the box of pizza. She checked cabinets for plates, found them, snatched one down and tossed a slice of cold pizza on it.

  “Nothing better than a cold piece of pizza.”

  “Really? I could think of a lot of things that are better,” Derek came through the kitchen door.

  Lissa nearly choked on her pizza. “Dammit, I didn't hear you come in.” She slapped her hand over her pounding heart.

  “Sorry, love, I didn't mean to startle you.” He made his way over to her and kissed her. He held three bags dangling from his arm.