Christmas Eve

by Flame Arden

  "With the skillful wielding of this carving knife?" Nick asked innocently, then grinned to hide his pride in his expertise. He glanced expectantly at Eve, waiting for her reply.

  "With the meal," she murmured, candle flames reflected in her eyes.

  He'd perfected his carving skills during a six hour stint on the buffet line. When he'd first inherited the casino, he'd insisted on reporting for a brief shift at each job. He considered the training grass roots preparation for running the place. Figured he couldn't very well tell a person how to improve his work without having stood awhile in their place.

  More or less.

  Eve took a sip of wine. "The roasted duck is really good."

  "As I said, I had help." He topped off Eve's wine glass, then his. "Yams?"

  Eve spooned a generous serving onto her plate, making him glad he hadn't waited to ask and had heated the colorful side dish rather than serve it cold.

  "Olives?" she asked, offering him the relish dish.

  Nick popped one into his mouth, forked several more onto his plate. "Now I'll take a roll, please."

  When Eve passed him the basket, their fingertips brushed. Surprised by the accidental, electrically-charged touch, she glanced up and met his startled gaze.

  Unnerved by the impact of that brief moment, he placed the roll on his plate, picked up a knife and promptly dropped it. The knife hit his plate with a loud clang.

  Eve laughed softly, breaking the spell, then passed him the butter. While he slathered his roll, she picked up a small, meat-covered bone and gnawed her way down one side.

  Was it possible for Croupier to have a heart attack?

  Nick stared, fascinated, as she daintily licked her russet lips, then gnawed her way up the other side of the bone.

  This time he was prepared for the swift emergence of her tongue, pink and lush and so temptingly erotic Croupier tried to kick his heels.

  He was not prepared for Eve to lick her fingers, one at a time. Nick swallowed convulsively as she wiped her hands and met his gaze. "What did you have in mind to do tomorrow? Go tobogganing again?"

  He hadn't gotten beyond what he planned to do later tonight. That would most definitely include Eve. Naked, of course, and in each other's arms. Participating in the kind of slow, sensual sex that he knew could drive a woman out of her mind.

  "Nick... Nick? You're grinning." Eve lightly touched his wrist. "What are you thinking about?"

  "You," he said softly, and stopped eating long enough to stroke her hand. "And me."

  "And..."

  Doing what comes naturally. Making love.

  "We'll think of something." The implication inherent in his words made Eve blush.

  She smiled self-consciously. "I'm sure we will."

  Nick glanced at his plate. Sometime in the last five minutes, he'd eaten everything in sight, but could not recall the taste of a single bite. So closely attuned to Eve were his senses, he imagined he could taste the salty-sweet column of her neck.

  Her plate was nearly cleaned, too. Would she mind waiting for dessert? He reached for her hand. Haunting music swelled in the background, something about snowy lanes and glistening snow. "Listen. Hear that?"

  Eve cocked her head, revealing more of the long vulnerable curve he'd just fantasized about. Nick stilled. She was incredibly beautiful, sitting there in the candlelight, and seemed unaware of how she affected him. Dare he believe that?

  Chapter Fourteen

  The haunting strains of the love song swelled, and although not yet finished with their meal, Nick wanted Eve in his arms more than he'd ever wanted anything. "Dance with me," he whispered, pushing his chair back from the table.

  She agreed with a wide smile, stood and reached out to take his hand. His heart pounded like a teen taking a girl in his arms for the first time. He found it hard to move, let alone dance as smoothly as the socially-experienced man he considered himself to be.

  Eve didn't seem to notice. She interlaced her fingers with his and led him across the room to the hall. There the floor was bare and she turned into his arms. Humming softly, she leaned into him, her head against his shoulder, her thighs warm against his. She began to sway, forcing him to take slow, rhythmic steps, a tempting love dance that brought every dormant nerve in his body instantly awake.

  Through the silk of his shirt, he could feel her breasts, soft and warm, a fluid target for his fingertips, now occupied with the sensual rotation of her hips.

  Holy Hell! Beneath his hand the slow, sensual movement of Eve's hips was driving him wild.

  Dancing was not a wise suggestion, not when he badly needed cooling off time, yet he tucked Eve's hand in his and nestled both chest high.

  Her warm breath and rapid heartbeat wrought havoc with his sanity.

  "Nick?"

  He was so deeply engrossed in his thoughts his mind barely registered that she'd plaintively whispered his name. "Hmmm?"

  "Do you have your heart set on dancing?"

  Well, yes, but the dance I have in mind entails you naked and pinned willingly beneath me.

  "Not if you have something else in mind," he murmured, then moved back to gaze into Eve's eyes.

  Her mute nod made his breath catch. He swept her off her feet, then headed for...

  The sofa?

  Too narrow.

  The bed?

  Too far away.

  There. Quick. The rug in front of the hearth.

  Nick strode through the front room, Eve light as down in his arms and far softer. Kneeling, he centered her on the furry rug, then surrounded her with pillows from the sofa and a velvet throw. "Is this what you had in mind, too?"

  * * * * *

  Smiling in anticipation, Eve stretched out her arms to Nick, and when he settled into them, she felt whole. That realization made her tremble far more than her need.

  She was too close to losing her heart to a man she hardly knew. So close it frightened her. She wanted to resist, to hold back from Nick's embrace, but he was no stranger to her willful body. It knew him and readily welcomed his hands and his mouth.

  There was no fighting this attraction. Everything in her turned to mush beneath his knowing hands, but she refused to give in. Tried to slow her breathing. Closed her eyes, but could still picture him. Counted backwards from one hundred.

  She only reached ninety-eight before his warm hand found its way under her sweater and her good intentions evaporated in the heat of desire. She pulled at Nick's shirt, trying to work the buttons free with fumbling fingers.

  He saved her the bother. He ripped the shirt open. Buttons flew everywhere. Then her hands were feasting on the ridged muscles of his chest. The wiry sprinkle of dark hair that sprouted across those muscles begged her fingers to touch. To sift. To admire.

  While her attention was taken by the broad expanse of Nick's chest, he delved into her bra. Warm and possessive, his palm cradled her sensitive flesh.

  "Nick..."

  "Shhh." His thumb flicked across her nipple. Then back.

  A bolt of heat zinged from her nipple, surged down to her heated core. Helpless, she moaned.

  He removed his hand from her bra and tugged at her sweater with both hands. Sitting up, she helped him ease it up and off, then shook her head. No longer restrained, her hair cascaded down her back, a deliciously exciting feeling. She'd never, ever, worn her hair loose like this.

  Only with Nick. He had her doing things she'd never considered doing before, and loving it. Loving him.

  No. Don't think. Just enjoy.

  And enjoy she did. Through the thin, silky lace of her bra, Nick's tongue found her nipple, the sensation so sweetly erotic she writhed against him. Encouraged, his hands explored further. Her spine. Her waist. While she sought the band of his jeans, his hands slid up, then down her arms, encouraging her.

  Good. He wore no belt.

  One deft touch and the button holding his jeans closed came undone and Eve did some exploring of her own.

  When she discovered N
ick wore no briefs, she grinned. He made things easier for me.

  He unzipped her skirt, helped her slide the garment off, then ran his hands up the inside of her thighs and down.

  No, no. Come back. Slide your hands higher up.

  To leave no doubt in Nick's mind how to pleasure her, Eve rolled on her side, then thrust out her hips.

  At her brazen action, he chuckled. "All in good time, sweet Eve," he whispered and wrapped his arms around her tight.

  * * * * *

  Nick sucked Eve’s bare ear lobe into his mouth, knew the instant the beat of her heart changed pace.

  Had she left off her earrings in anticipation of this? To give him easier access to the dainty appendage he liked to explore with his tongue and mouth?

  She was hot and needy and had him so hard Croupier was likely to explode, yet Nick wanted to wait, to keep Eve edgy.

  To make her beg.

  She gave him a feeling of power. Yeah, and more. Like he was the only man on earth who could satisfy her.

  He liked the feeling far too much. Who would have thought?

  He hugged her tighter. She trembled and her body clenched with desire. When she sighed, he gave in to the urgent need to bury himself deep in her soft flesh, and pushing Eve's trembling hands aside, yanked down his zipper and stripped off his jeans. Her bra and panties took longer to remove, but finally, there she was, naked in his arms, her skin like pink ivory in the firelight, her eyes aflame with passion, and himself ready to stoke that fire.

  He pulled her onto his lap, her thighs straddling his hips, her legs encircling his waist.

  "Nick?"

  "I would never do anything to hurt you. You know that, don't you?" he asked, and without waiting for her answer, entered her with one hard thrust. He stopped when he could feel his erection gently pressing the mouth of Eve's womb and swallowed her surprised moan.

  "Just relax," he murmured when she tried to draw back.

  She looked at him wonderingly.

  "Did you like to play on the swings when you were a kid?"

  "Don't all little girls?"

  "Good. I want you to pretend you're on a swing right now. Just lean back," he whispered and leaned forward when she did, so that his torso followed hers, in tandem with her movements. Eve did as she was told and pleasured her own body while pleasuring him, if he could believe her astonished cry.

  "Good. Now forward," he urged.

  "Ohhhh," she breathed, taking him deeper. Giving him a glimpse of paradise.

  He doubted he could hold off much longer if she kept doing this.

  "And back," she murmured, letting her head loll as she mastered the rhythm.

  "Yes," he coached, his reply strained, his body rocking with hers.

  With each rocking motion the tips of her breasts barely brushed, then abandoned the yearning flesh of his chest. Even so, his sensitized skin responded to the brief touch. Then her inner muscles rippled, the tone of her whimpered cries changed, and her body tensed.

  Nick drove hard, riding her, Eve riding him, their bodies no longer leaning, but locked together in a wanton flurry of mindless withdrawals and thrusts. He couldn't hold back much longer.

  "Nick..."

  The instant Eve reached her crest a wave of pleasure surged over him. Her forceful climax stole his breath and brought his own release. He held her close, resting his head on her shoulder while she silently wept, her taut muscles still gripping him.

  "Are you alright?" he asked, fearful of her answer, but needing to know. He thought he'd been gentle, but...

  "Better than fine," she murmured against his chest. "This way... It was..."

  "Indescribable?" He nibbled the delicate curve of her ear, the sensitive spot just behind. "Great?"

  "Incredible."

  Long moments passed before Nick found the strength to roll onto his side, taking Eve with him, her legs still circling his hips.

  Gradually her twined legs eased apart. She rolled onto her back and gazed deep into his eyes, hers filled with wonder and trust. Her dazed expression exactly mirrored what Nick felt, causing his heart to skip a beat.

  Somehow, Eve had found a way past his defenses. He should end this right now, but invisible bonds held him in place, a need he couldn't explain. Those same bonds were squeezing the air from his lungs.

  After a while he chuckled to hide his true feelings. "Whew. I wouldn't want to do that every day."

  When hurt darkened Eve's eyes, he wished he'd held his tongue and longed to take back his insensitive words.

  "It's too hard on a guy," he lamely explained.

  "And on a girl," Eve agreed as she smoothed her hair back from her face, an attempt at nonchalance that failed, in part because her hand trembled, and he'd witnessed the slight movement she tried hard to hide.

  Apparently both he and Eve were much too shaken by the depth of their feelings to have much to say.

  Summoning his energy, Nick sat up. "Well, I seem to have worked up an appetite. Can I tempt you with dessert? Ready for something decadently sweet?" He pulled her to her feet.

  Eve didn't look at all certain, but agreed. "I'll wash my hands and clear the table. Is that coffee I smell?"

  "Yes, but it's a bit old. Want me to start a new pot?"

  She smiled weakly. "The way I feel, the stronger the better. How about you?"

  "Right. The same ten-ton truck ran over me."

  Eve stared at him a moment as if he'd lost his mind, then burst out laughing and suddenly all the second thoughts about the fantastic sex they'd just shared vanished.

  "I'm amazed we survived," Eve said and Nick found himself longing to gather her back into his arms for another lengthy embrace.

  Instead, he slid his arm around her waist and caressed a plump breast. "That we did. Do you suppose that happened so we can give it another try? See if we can get it right next time?"

  Eve winced.

  Nick chuckled. "I didn't mean right away," he said, dodging the elbow she aimed at him by moving a few steps away. "Maybe the suggestion will have more appeal after dessert."

  "What's on the menu?" Eve stacked the used plates and silverware.

  "Let's see. You probably need something with more calories than sorbet, so that leaves mince pie or Amaretto cheesecake."

  "That's a tough decision, but I think I'll take a rain check on the pie."

  Nick's grin widened.

  As he walked by, headed for the kitchen, she punched him in the chest. "Why didn't you just say you were a cheesecake man?"

  * * * * *

  Nick laughed aloud. "Is there a man living who isn't?"

  Eve could name one. Jeffrey. He considered cheesecake commonplace. Too bland, he'd claimed, for a man with discerning taste.

  What had she ever seen in him?

  She angled a look at Nick. He was standing at the kitchen sink, running warm water into a glass. His flat abs and massive shoulders always rated a second glance from her, but this time, his muscled, dimpled buns drew her gaze and held it.

  "Lean back, Eve," Nick had instructed her earlier, seated squarely on those tight buns and encouraging her to "swing."

  Eve’s cheeks flamed. To hold on to her sanity, she was forced to look way from his butt. While Nick cut two wide triangular slices of cheesecake, she returned pickles and olives to their jars on the counter, hoping busy hands would lead to an occupied mind.

  Not so, she soon discovered.

  Thoughts of Nick still invaded her mind, leaving her terrified. Never before had she allowed love and ever after to frequent her thoughts and knew she was in danger of falling helplessly in love.

  Nick St. Clair had her wanting — no, needing — something she couldn't have.

  Him.

  The lid to the olive jar slipped from her fingers and fell to the floor with a loud clatter. Eve jumped.

  "Oops," she said, stooping to pick up the lid. Her bare breast brushed her bent arm.

  How could she have so easily forgotten she was standing in the k
itchen sans clothes, yet not mind?

  She blinked and glanced down at the size fourteen body she usually tried to conceal.

  Nick's eyebrow winged up. "Something bothering you?"

  Nothing she was willing to talk about. Her cheeks grew warm, while her butt cheeks, kept away from the roaring fire for far too long, were quickly growing cold.

  She shook her head, trying to shake off the wild thoughts floating around inside of it. The rugged man studying her with a worried frown was partly the cause of her current confusion.

  Although a lot of the blame rested squarely on her. She'd walked into a stranger's house, a man she had never before met, and practically crawled right into his bed. Now she stood unclothed in his kitchen, more familiar with him in just twenty-four short hours than any other man in her life.

  Nick cupped her chin in his palm, startling her. When had he crossed the room?

  "Eve? Tell me what's wrong."

  The concern in his gaze was her undoing. Against her wishes, the truth spilled out. "I just realized I'm not wearing any clothes."

  His dark eyes warmed. "Do you hear me complaining?"

  "I seriously doubt you ever would."

  "You may have a point," he said and kissed her, the kind of kiss guaranteed to scatter her thoughts. Beneath the tender onslaught of his questing lips, her concerns melted. Each place he touched her grew warm. Her mouth. Her hips. The tips of her breasts.

  "I don't care if you never wear another stitch."

  Laughing, she took a step back from him. "Isn't that just like a man?"

  "Take me or leave me. I'm the only man around."

  His words hit too close to home. Eve turned away. "That cheesecake about ready? I'll pour the coffee if it is."

  "All done. Want to go sit by the fire?"

  His casual question brought back to mind the passionate hour just spent by the same fire. She blushed.

  I've done a lot of that in the last twenty-four hours. "The fire sounds good."

  She poured the coffee. Both drank their brew black, so she followed him back to the living room, a steaming mug in each hand.

  Nick arranged dessert plates, forks and napkins on the coffee table, then stoked the fire and added a log while she returned the sofa cushions to their proper place. He returned to take a seat beside her and promptly picked up his plate and fork. Instead of eating the first bite himself, he turned and fed it to her, the most erotically intimate action Eve could ever recall happening to her.