by Iris Abbott
Hannah didn’t heed the warning. Instead, she leaned into him, closing the last fraction of an inch that separated them. She opened her lips and accepted everything he had to offer.
He could feel her open to accept him. His tongue darted inside for a taste before it retreated. Even through several layers of clothes, he felt the hardness of her pebbled nipples press into his chest. His rapidly growing erection throbbed. He held her tighter and deepened the kiss.
****
Hannah forgot about Jacob. She forgot about the hundred strangers skating around them. She forgot about her horrible sense of balance. She forgot about everything except for the gnawing need to lose herself in Steve. She lifted her arms and twined them around his neck and held on for dear life.
She vaguely heard the catcalls and wolf whistles, but she shut them out and clung tighter to Steve. Her breathing was jagged. Her nipples ached. Her muscles clenched.
They didn’t stop kissing until Hannah felt a tug on her leg. Startled, she broke away from Steve. The sound of Jacob’s voice finally penetrated the thick fog of desire that took over her brain.
“Mom, I’m ready to go.” He looked from his mom to Steve but didn’t comment on the kiss.
“Thanks for teaching us how to skate. You’re the best.” Her son looked mighty pleased with himself. He grinned from ear to ear.
She felt the flow of heat to her cheeks. She shyly glanced at Steve from beneath lowered lashes. “Yes, thank you, Steve.” She shakily skated toward the bench. Steve grabbed her hand to help her, and she didn’t pull away. After she had her shoes back on, she helped Jacob remove his rental skates and watched Steve return them.
“I’m parked right over there,” he pointed out when he returned. “How about some hot chocolate from the coffee house, before I take you back to your car.”
Hannah was still lightheaded from his kiss. “Splendid idea,” she happily agreed. “What about you, Jacob?”
The little boy shot up from the bench and hugged her then Steve. “Hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows,” Jacob requested in a hopeful voice.
Steve ruffled the little boy’s thick and wavy light brown hair. “You got it, squirt. Let’s go!”
Jacob rushed off toward the coffee house, leaving them to follow.
Steve held out his hand and helped Hannah up from the bench. They started after Jacob, careful to keep him in sight. Steve wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to his side. “You have to know I’m not going to let this go, Hannah. The attraction between us is sizzling, and it has the chance to develop into something really special.”
“I don’t want you to let it go. I feel it too, Steve. I haven’t wanted anyone this much since my husband died, and that’s been more than four years. You make me ache in places I forgot existed.”
Steve threw back his head and let out a deep rumbling laugh. “You’re priceless. And I promise to take care of your ache as soon as I can.”
FIVE
The doorbell rang, and Hannah ran to the bathroom to check her reflection one more time. She smoothed down her hair and did one last twirl in front of the mirror to make sure everything looked okay. The bell chimed once more, and she hurried down the short hallway and to the front door. After several days of dancing around each other at work and eating almost every lunch together, she and Steve were going on their first date together without Jacob. She checked through the glass to make sure it was Steve before she opened the door.
“Hi,” she whispered. “Come on inside while I grab my coat and stuff.”
Steve stepped into Hannah’s home, shutting the door behind him. “How’s Jacob? Your sister didn’t mind keeping him for the night?”
“No, I told her I had a date and that we might be getting in late. She jumped at the chance to watch Jacob. I think they’re going to take advantage of the extra time to finish their Christmas shopping.” Hannah shrugged. “I haven’t dated since Jake died.” She twisted her hands together. “I think my sister was relieved that I’m finally going out with someone.”
Steve nodded and looked at her jeans, thick green sweater, and boots with approval. “Glad you dressed warmly. Part of our date is going to be outside.”
Hannah contemplated what on Earth they could do outside but didn’t question him. She grabbed her heaviest winter coat, a thick pair of gloves, and a winter scarf to wrap around her neck and ears. “Okay,” she smiled at him, “I’m ready to go.”
“First, let me say hello the proper way.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
The kiss continued until Hannah was lightheaded and her breathing ragged. She tightened her hold on his shoulders to keep upright. Finally, Steve moved away, and Hannah noticed with satisfaction that he was breathing just as hard as she was.
“Enough of that,” he growled. “Or we won’t make our reservations. I want tonight to be special.”
If it were possible for a heart to melt, hers would have. “It will be. Just being with you makes the night special,” she admitted.
“Agreed!” He wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her out to his truck. He opened the passenger door and waited for her to slide inside. Once she was settled, he leaned over and fastened the seatbelt in place.
“One more kiss for the road,” he whispered in her ear. He leaned into the vehicle and pressed his lips to hers. He licked his lips once he moved pulled away from her. “Yum! You taste candy canes. My new favorite candy.”
He jogged around to the driver’s side of the truck. Hannah stared after him, watching his every move. Even without a mirror, she knew there was a goofy grin on her face. She was too giddy to care.
She put a hand to her mouth. Her lips tingled where he touched her. She was becoming hooked on Steve, and she craved his kisses. He was more addicting than the Christmas sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles. Hannah always ate more than her fair share of those around the holidays. She just hoped Steve was better for her than the damn cookies!
They spent a lot of time together since they met, both at work and in their personal lives. If things didn’t work out, she would be devastated when she had to work side by side with him in the close confines of the helicopter. It made her have second and third thoughts about going on a date. The strong attraction between them won out over her doubts, however. Hannah was ready to start living again. Steve was worth the risk.
They chatted about mundane work-related stuff until Steve parked the car. Hannah recognized the beautifully decorated town square. All the storefronts were decorated with snowmen, Santas, and lots of colored lights. “Christmas cheer abounds in Enigma. I love this town. I’m so glad I decided to move here with Jacob after his father died.”
“How did you come to be in Enigma anyway?”
“Amber went to Enigma University and was offered a job at one of the local elementary schools. She loved it here and didn’t want to leave. I needed extra help with Jacob, but my parents were smothering us to death. Amber told me about the excellent reputation of Enigma General. I applied for a job, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
“Enigma General is what brought me to town too. Thank God for that hospital!” They both burst out laughing. Steve pointed to a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. “Our ride awaits us, my lady.” He jumped out of the SUV and walked around to her side to open the door for her. She slid out, and he shut and locked the door. They held hands and navigated their way around other pedestrians enjoying the decorations while on a leisurely stroll through the square.
Hannah greeted the carriage driver and asked if she could pet the horse. He agreed, and she gently rubbed the ears of the beautiful white mare. “Oh you’re gorgeous,” she crooned to the horse.
She gave her one more pat then allowed Steve to lift her into the private carriage. She slid over and made room for him to join her. They both settled in the middle and snuggled next to each other.
The driver offered them a thick wool blanket. Steve spread it over their bodies and tucked in the edges
. Then he offered her a thermos of hot chocolate he brought from home. The driver said something to the horse, and the carriage jostled forward.
Steve squeezed an arm between her back and the seat. He pulled her closer to his side, and she willingly went. Hannah relaxed against his body, soaking in the warmth emanating from him. She reached for his other hand and entwined their gloved hands the best she could. She rested her head on his shoulder and let out a small sigh of contentment.
“This is absolutely wonderful, Steve. Thank you!”
The carriage slowly made its way around the square and down a side alley toward Main Street. Hannah took in all the wonderful sights and sounds of Christmas. The streetlights down Main were wrapped in festive greenery topped with large, red bows. Lights of all colors, shapes, and sizes were strung throughout the buildings, and speakers played festive Christmas carols for all to hear. It was a small town Christmas at its best.
The carriage ride took forty-five minutes, but it was over before Hannah knew it. They thanked the driver, and Steve alighted from the carriage and turned to lift Hannah out. He slowly slid her down the front of his body, and both sucked in a sharp breath of air.
“We have dinner reservations at the Italian bistro around the corner, but I am willing to skip dinner if you are. I need you more than food right now,” he confided.
Hannah couldn’t agree more. In place of an answer, she grabbed his hand and started walking toward his parked truck. “I’m sure we can find something to eat at my house later on,” she finally said when they reached his vehicle. She slid into the passenger seat as soon as Steve opened the door. They held hands, but neither one of them spoke. Words were not needed.
He drove five miles over the speed limit all the way to her house. Hannah took the house keys out of her purse as soon as he turned into her neighborhood. She didn’t even wait for him to open her door this time. She was out of her seatbelt and the vehicle as soon as it came to a stop.
Steve must have been as eager as Hannah. He barely managed to put the car in park before he followed her to the front door. A trail of winter clothing led to the back of the house.
Steve followed into the master bedroom. His coat and gloves joined the growing pile of clothes on the floor. He pulled his sweater over his head and let it drop off of one finger. Hannah froze, watching his every move.
She could barely catch her breath. She needed to be with this man more than she needed to breathe, and it scared her. She stared at the wide expanse of sculpted chest Steve revealed. She couldn’t wait to explore his chiseled muscles.
He flashed her a wicked grin then his hands moved to the button on top of his formfitting blue jeans. Lightheadedness made her sway, and Hannah realized she was holding her breath. She forced air into her lungs just as Steve pushed down the zipper of his jeans.
Her gaze remained glued to him as he slowly pushed the jeans down his hips and over his long, lean legs. Finally, he stepped clear of the hindrance. His boxers quickly followed. unrestricted by clothes, his swollen erection sprang forward.
Hannah sat on the edge of her bed and toed off her boots and shrugged out of her jeans and bikini briefs as fast as possible. Her sweater and bra quickly followed. The last article of clothing wasn’t even on the floor before Steve joined her on the bed. Hannah opened her arms to him.
He buried his face in the side of her neck and breathed deep. He placed a trail of open-mouthed kisses from the side of her neck to her mouth. Hannah opened her mouth to him. Their breaths mingled. His tongue thrust inside once then twice before he completely withdrew.
“You’re driving me insane with need.” His raspy voice sent shivers up and down her back.
Her breath came out in soft pants. His grew ragged. The sounds of their mutual need echoed around the small bedroom.
Her heart pounded in her chest. She knew he felt its frantic beating against his own body.
His warm, moist lips left her mouth, leaving a wet trail to her swollen and aching nipples. She raked her fingernails down his back and tangled her hands in his hair. He sucked an engorged nipple into his mouth and sucked. Hannah let out a tortured moan. Steve released the nipple to focus his attention on the other swollen nub.
Hannah’s breath hitched in her throat. She gasped with each pull of his mouth. Her sex clenched with every tug on her nipple. Steve finally released the sensitive bud with a soft plop.
He used his arms to raise himself above her. “Protection?” he managed to grate out between clenched teeth.
Hannah fumbled with the top drawer of her nightstand. “My sister gave me a box as a gag gift for my birthday a couple of months ago. Her way of telling me I needed to date again.”
Steve threw back his head and laughed. “I’m starting to like your sister.” He grunted. “Glad you waited for me.”
He grabbed the square packet from her fingers and quickly ripped it open. He slowly slid it onto his swollen sex. He nudged her legs apart and slid between them. One of his hands slipped between their bodies and flicked the over sensitized bundle of nerves above her womanhood.
She writhed against his hand. Pleasure blossomed at her core and spread outward. Her scream of ecstasy sounded in the room.
His fingers strayed lower. The nimble digits parted her nether lips. One thick finger slipped inside quickly followed by another. She arched her back and clenched her thighs around his hand. It wasn’t enough. She needed him inside, filling her.
He thrust his fingers a couple of times then slowly slid them out to replace them with the head of his erection. She sought his mouth with her lips, and they kissed passionately. A strong, calloused hand slid under her bottom and lifted her. She opened her legs wide to receive him. He pushed into the heated core of her body, entering her in one smooth lunge.
Every inch of Steve’s erection brushed the inside of her swollen and sensitive sex. She arched her back and pushed upward to increase their contact. Her muscles quivered and tightened around the invading force.
He slowly withdrew and reentered. She screamed his name and wrapped her arms and legs around him. She needed to feel every inch of his body against and inside her own. Her sex clenched, trying to hold him inside.
Her muscles quivered. She was close to fulfillment. “More!” She begged, arched her back, and rotated her hips.
Steve grunted. His thrusts were harder, faster. His mouth trailed to a waiting nipple, and the hand under her bottom moved to the front to caress and lightly pinch the exposed bundle of nerves above her sex.
Hannah’s body clenched tightly. She froze, her muscles locked. She teetered on the brink of release. Finally, pleasure rippled through her. Her body vibrated, jerked hard, then she melted into him.
Steve thrust hard and fast. His body tensed. He came with a shuddering cry.
He carefully withdrew from her body and lightly kissed her. “Gotta take care of business.” He rolled over and made his way to the bathroom.
She heard running water. He returned with a wet, warm towel. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply as he gently wiped the inside of her thighs.
“Hamper’s over there,” she barely managed to get out.
Hannah was well-sated and pretty much out of it. She felt the other side of the bed shift as Steve rejoined her. She rolled until they were next to each other. Steve pulled her into his strong arms, and she went willingly. She was still cradled in his embrace when she woke the next morning.
SIX
“But Aunt Amber,” Jacob said in a pleading voice. “Snowball….”
She used her shoulder to hug the phone to her ear. His aunt held up one finger to her lips and the other hand palm out toward him. He knew that meant to be quiet. He heard the words, social work, abuse, and police. Even though he was a child, he could tell the call was important.
Jacob shrugged and walked down the hallway. His aunt never even glanced his way. He frantically rubbed his hands together, trying to decide what to do.
Snowball, his aunt’s Alaskan M
alamute, paced back and forth in front of the door. She let out a couple of short whines. The dog looked like she really had to use the bathroom.
Jacob made a snap decision. He was six years old, a big boy. He could take the dog out for a walk on his own.
Besides, it was Christmas Eve. He wanted to make sure, if Santa checked his list twice, his name was at the top of the good boy list.
Jacob hurriedly dressed in his bright red jacket and attached Snowball’s leash to her collar. He could still hear his aunt talking. He opened the front door, and the two of them left the apartment.
Snowball broke away from Jacob’s hold to chase something as soon as they were outside. He let out a tiny moan and chased after the escaped dog. Santa probably wouldn’t answer the Christmas wish of the little boy who managed to lose his aunt’s beloved pet.
****
Amber finished voicing all of her concerns to the school social worker and ended the phone conversation as quickly as she could. Jacob and Snowball were awfully quiet the last twenty minutes. She knew from experience that wasn’t always a good thing. She called both names and waited for a reply that didn’t come.
“Jacob,” she yelled a little louder this time. Still no answer. Amber got a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She checked both bathrooms, including the one next to her bedroom that Jacob never used. There was no sign of her nephew or dog.
She glanced on the living room sofa where he always laid his winter coat. It was missing! Amber sucked in a deep breath and barely took the time to throw on her own jacket before wrenching open the front door.
Amber finally noticed the falling snow. She guessed that was what drew Jacob outside, but there was no sign of the little boy or her dog. She yelled their names at the top of her lungs and turned around in circles, watching and listening. There was no response. The other residents of the apartment complex probably thought she was crazy, but right now Amber didn’t give a damn.
Amber’s only answer was the whistling wind as it picked up speed. Something twinned itself around her legs as she moved forward. She looked down and saw one of the stray cats that hung around the apartment complex. Snowball was forever trying to chase them.
