Countdown to Christmas: (A Christmas Romance Novella)

by Betty Shreffler

  Rubbing his hand over my underwear, he teases my clit, applying pressure and circling it. My body trembles with desire so strong, I’m afraid I’ll come soon. As if he senses it, he slides my underwear off, spreads my legs, and lowers his mouth to my clit. Working the sensitive bundle of nerves, he licks slow and soft, a sensual torture before his pressure increases, and his tongue lowers, invading my opening. He tongue fucks me into ecstasy, my body shaking, my desire reaching its peak, plunging me over the other side.

  I lie there, pleasure rippling throughout my body, expecting we’re finished. That thought is obliterated as his fingers slide into me, stroking in and out, finding his way to my G-spot. My hips rock toward him as I moan with renewed desire. Finding the spot, he holds my hip steady, working me into a frenzy as I chase another orgasm. Gripping my hand over his, I keep his pace and position, my head falling back as I come on his hand.

  “Damn, you’re beautiful.”

  Unfastening his jeans, he drops down on the bed, holding himself above me. Taking my hand, he slides it into his open jeans, putting it on his rock-hard erection. Taking control, I fist his length, the feel of his thick cock reigniting my arousal. Pushing on his chest, I flip him over and lower to his waist. My movement surprises him, and he stares down at me with an erotic gaze that longs for more.

  Putting my mouth around his cock, I hold the base and stroke up and down and put as much of him in my mouth as I can. A groan of relief leaves his mouth as he puts an arm behind his head and the other hand in my hair.

  “Yes, like that,” he encourages. “Fuck, that feels good.”

  My head bobs up and down as I suck hard, wanting to give the same pleasure he gave me. As his fist grips my hair and he moans, I know he likes what I’m doing. Pushing him farther back in my throat, I take him deeper, and his moans grow louder.

  “I’m gonna come.”

  He’s giving me the chance to pull away and not swallow, but I remain there, and he fists my hair tightly as he releases into my mouth.

  Dropping his head back, he lays an arm over his eyes and exhales. Bringing it back down, he lifts his head to look at me. Wrapping his hand around my arm, he lays me above his chest.

  “That was better than I imagined. You make me feel good.” Gathering a fallen strand of hair, he puts it behind my ear. “Really good.”

  “You make me feel the same way. I’ve never had an orgasm that fast.”

  Lowering me down to his lips, he kisses me.

  “I’m glad you told me. I like knowing I can pleasure you like that.”

  With his hand caressing my face and hair, he holds my gaze to his, the affection I see in his eyes confusing my heart and mind. One wants to be reasonable and protective while the other wants to keep falling.

  “Do you still want to make cookies?”

  With a chuckle, I splay my fingers over his chest and lift myself off him.

  “Yes, I do.”

  “I want to help.”

  When I stand, he comes up behind me, moves my hair off one shoulder to the other one. Goosebumps pebble along my arms as he places a tender kiss in the nook of my neck and shoulder. Leaning down, he gathers my underwear and jeans. Pulling my nude, seamless underwear out of my jeans, his mouth cocks sideways as he twirls them on his finger.

  “You should make cookies in just that sweater.”

  Laughing, I reach for the underwear, and he pulls them back.

  “I’ll get cold.”

  “Wear those knee-high stockings you wore the other day. I couldn’t stop thinking about you with nothing but them on.”

  A gasp of shock parts my open mouth, and he laughs. Tossing my underwear and jeans on the bed, he moves toward my closet.

  “Where are they?”

  Zipping his jeans, he walks into my closet and turns the light on. Following him in, I stand in the doorway watching him open drawers, searching.

  “They’re in that drawer.” I point, and he opens it, then pulls out a gray pair with black lace at the top.

  “Wear these.”

  Snatching them from his hand, I blow out a puff of air, hiding my smile.

  “You’re not going to let me wear underwear, are you?”

  “Nope.” He winks. “You can try, and I’ll enjoy stripping you out of them. Either way, it’s a win-win for me.”

  I bite my lip to keep from smiling. “Fine.”

  Going to the bed, I scrunch one knee-high stocking down and slip my leg into it. Jaxson leans against the wall, watching me as I slide it up my leg. When I do the second, he exhales, his cheeks gaining color. Standing from the bed, I leave my bedroom and he follows. As we walk out of my bedroom, his hand slips below my long sweater and squeezes a bare ass cheek. I squeal and turn toward him. Putting a hand around the back of my neck, he smothers my squeal with his lips.

  “I like you like this.” Those sensuous hazel eyes stare into mine. Biting my bottom lip, he slips a hand between my legs, arousing me with the stroke of his fingers. “I like having access.”

  Tugging at the button of his jeans, I pluck it free, rubbing at the growing swell of his cock.

  “It’s not fair. I don’t have easy access.”

  Jaxson closes his eyes, his jaw tightening as I stroke him. When he opens his eyes, there’s a spark of mischief.

  “I’ll remedy that.”

  Lifting his shirt off, he tosses it through the open door of his room. Stripping out of his jeans, he throws them after his shirt. He’s standing in front of me with tight muscles and broad shoulders, gray briefs fitted to his narrow waist. Taking my hand, he slips it into the opening, filling it with his stretched cock.

  “It’s just a pocket away.”

  As I stroke his erection, he moves closer, and my back hits the wall. Eliminating the space between us, he covers my body with his. Raising my sweater to my hips, he kisses along my neck, and my traitorous body begs for more.

  “We have to slow down.” Just saying the words tightens my chest and dries my mouth. I stop stroking him, and he groans next to my ear.

  “Are you sure you want to? Your hand is still wrapped around my cock.”

  Reluctantly, I open my palm. Looking down at his freed erection, I bite my lip at the rush of arousal. With how thick and long he is, I know he’d feel amazing.

  “What are you thinking?”

  “That I want you, but I don’t know what this is between us.”

  With his hand cupping my jaw, he grazes his thumb along my lips and cheek.

  “I think this is what we’ve both wanted and have never given it a chance.”

  Tears moisten my eyes as my stomach knots.

  “I don’t want to fall for you and end up heartbroken.”

  Placing his head against mine, his hand caresses up and down my arm.

  “I’m not going to hurt you.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “I need you to trust me.”

  “I’m willing to, but I want to take things slow.”

  Tucking his fading erection back into his briefs, he kisses my cheek.

  “Then we’ll go slow.”

  Putting his fingers through mine, he leads me into the kitchen. Bringing me in front of him, he swings his arms around me, hugging my back to his chest as he kisses my shoulder.

  “What do we need to make your delicious chocolate chip cookies?”

  Telling him the ingredients, I point to the cabinet where he can find most of them. He sets them on the counter as I gather the mixing bowls. Reaching for my recipe card box against the wall, I bring it forward and sort to the spot where I keep my grandmother’s recipe card. Pulling it out, I set it to the side where he can read it. While he measures out the first ingredient, I turn on the stove.

  Stepping back, I watch him in his boxer briefs mixing baking ingredients. As he moves, his muscles flex, and I squeeze my legs at the arousal that’s awakening. With his side profile, I admire his angled jaw and sinful lips. He’s strikingly attractive, something I’ve always
felt, but in these last two days, I’m seeing more than the good-looking, cocky playboy I’ve labeled him to be. He’s shown patience, how caring he is, and an interest in doing things I like. He’s asked me to trust him and I truly want to give him that chance. The only problem with asking to go slow is every time we’re intimate, I crave more. How long can I keep things going slow when my body reacts to him the way it does?

  Jaxson eyes me sideways and grins.

  “Like what you see?”

  “Yes.”

  Joining him, I put my arm through his and raise my chin to accept his kiss.

  “How am I doing?”

  “The mixture has the right color and texture. Now it’s time to add the flour and chocolate chips.”

  “All right. I’m not screwing up so far.”

  “No, you’re doing great.”

  I rub his arm, and he looks down at me with adoration that curls my lips.

  “What?”

  “You’re stunning.”

  “You’re making me blush.”

  “I know. I like it.”

  My smile grows as I dump the flour and chocolate chips into the bowl, then he gathers the bowl and stirs. Once it’s the right consistency, I hand him a spoon, and we scoop out large spoonfuls to put on the cookie sheet. Placing the cookie sheet in the oven, I set the timer for ten minutes.

  Jaxson comes into my space, putting his arms around my waist. Lifting me, I giggle as he props me up on the island counter. With his finger and thumb on my jaw, he brings me forward for a kiss. My legs spread with him between them and he eyes me with a devilish grin as he slides my sweater up my thighs.

  “I have ten minutes.”

  “Ten minutes for what?” I play coy.

  “To give you another orgasm.”

  Spreading his fingers between my breasts, he applies pressure and lays me on my back. Throwing my left leg over his shoulder, he spreads the other wider. Cool air meets my opening before the warmth of his tongue fills it.

  Reaching down, I curl my fingers into his hair as he laps at my clenching pussy lips. Adding a finger, he thrusts into me, elevating my desire and the sound of my moans. My orgasm comes quickly, and I shudder through it, my fists gripping his hair. Lowering my leg, he wipes at his mouth, the corner lifting as he watches me sit up with a satisfied grin.

  “We can make cookies anytime you want if that’s included.”

  Putting his hands on my waist, he helps me off the counter.

  “If you think my mouth is skilled, wait until you experience what else I can do.”

  With my arms around his neck, I tilt my chin up and kiss him.

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. I can see myself easily getting addicted to the pleasure you give.”

  The soothing caress of his hands is on my back, kneading into my muscles.

  “I enjoy pleasuring you, but I don’t want you to think sex is all I care about. I care about you far more.”

  My fear is happening. I’m falling for Jaxson, and I don’t believe any amount of willpower can stop it.

  Chapter 7

  I’m finishing wrapping the presents I bought when Jaxson enters my room, munching on the cookies we made last night.

  “These are the best cookies ever.”

  “It’s my grandmother’s recipe. She was a gifted baker.”

  “She handed the skill down to you. Every time you bring something baked into the office, I skip lunch so I can eat a bunch of it.”

  Chuckling, I smile up at him.

  “Thank you.”

  With my thumb on the wrapping paper, I stretch my arm out for the tape. Jaxson leans down and hands it to me.

  “My friend, Joe is having a Christmas party tonight. Will you come with me?”

  “Yes. Do I need to dress up?”

  “Yeah, it’s an ugly sweater party. Do you have one?”

  “Actually, I do. Sasha hosted one last year. I kept it just in case.”

  “Great. Will you help me pick one out?”

  Setting the taped box aside, I reach up and steal the half cookie from his hand. “Yep.” Grinning, I stuff it in my mouth.

  With a chuckle, he stands and offers his hand to me.

  “Where do we go shopping for one?”

  “A few stores will have some. You mind if we stop by the post office before shopping?”

  “Not at all.”

  Jaxson helps me put the packages in totes before we head out to shop. A few hours later, we get back in time to shower and change. Leaving the bathroom, he enters my room as I’m putting on my knee-high boots over my leggings. Laughter ripples my belly as I take in his new look—a bright green sweater with a big lighted Santa face. The lights are battery operated and go through a series of twinkle modes. Above his sweater is a red, lopsided Santa hat. He looks ridiculous, yet he’s still cute.

  “Will Joe have food there or should we get something on the way?”

  As I pass him, he flicks one of the dangling bulbs on my green garland Christmas tree sweater.

  “His girlfriend is making food.”

  Going to the door, Jaxson reaches out for my jacket and holds it for me to slip into it.

  “How is it you can wear a silly Christmas tree sweater and still look hot?”

  “It’s the bulbs. They lure all the men.”

  Jaxson laughs, putting his arm around me as we exit.

  “I’ll have to keep you close then.”

  A short taxi ride later, we’re stepping onto the sidewalk in front of another apartment building, the front doors decorated with green garland and gold bulbs along the arch above them. On the fifth floor, we exit the elevators to the same decorative theme. Following Jaxson to one of the doors, I hear Christmas music thumping inside. Jaxson knocks, and a moment later, a tall, ginger-haired man with a full, red glittery beard opens the door. Jaxson laughs and clasps hands with the guy as he hugs him.

  “Joe, this is Sophia.”

  Joe spreads his long arms and brings me in for a tight squeeze.

  “Sophia! Welcome! I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  My stomach flutters that Jaxson has spoken with his best guy friend about me.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you too. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Jaxson takes my coat and purse and puts them in a closet with his jacket. Ushering me into his spacious, open concept apartment, Joe hands me a freshly made cup of Christmas punch. A tall, beautiful brunette comes up behind Joe, passes him, and heads toward Jaxson. There’s something familiar about the woman; I’m pretty sure I’ve seen her in our office before.

  “Jaxson!”

  She outstretches her arms and loops them around his neck. The sight tightens my chest, a prickle of jealousy forming in my gut. He makes an oomph sound and steps back, bringing her arms down.

  “Hey, Claire.”

  “I missed you!”

  It’s clear the woman has had a couple cups of Christmas punch already. Her voice rises an octave, and she’s not shy about groping her hands all over Jaxson. Obviously, they’ve had an intimate relationship before.

  “Okay, that’s nice,” Jaxson replies, his gaze glancing my direction. “I’m here with someone. I’d like you to meet—” He points in my direction, but she lowers his arm and brings it up to her chest, cupping it against her breasts.

  My eyes roll at the scene. This woman knows how to flirt and keep a man’s attention—a skill I don’t have. I’m no competition. Turning to Joe, I look away as my eyes moisten.

  “Your apartment is nice. Does your girlfriend live here too?”

  With sympathy coating his green irises, Joe’s gaze pulls from Jaxson and Claire to me.

  “Yeah, I’ll introduce you.”

  Joe walks me over to the balcony doors and puts an arm around a short, cute blonde. She’s curvy in all the right places, and her big brown, doe eyes are above a bubbly, bright smile.

  “Sarah, this is Sophia. Jaxson’s roommate and co-worker I told you about.”

  “Welc
ome to our party,” she says as she hugs me.

  With the two of them next to each other, you can see a foot difference in height. It’s adorable how little she is and how he looks at her with loving affection.

  “Thank you. The ugly sweater theme was a great idea.”

  Sarah points to Joe’s sweater, with a nude Santa holding a present in front of him that reads, I have a big package for you.

  “He needed an excuse to wear this sweater,” Sarah jokes.

  Joe shrugs with a grin.

  “We’ll be doing a few sweater contests later. You can put your vote in the boxes over there.” She points to the food-covered dining table with a few decorative boxes in the center of them. Each box has Post-its and pens next to them and a label on a box for each sweater contest.

  As she lowers her hand, a guy with a light brown trimmed beard and messy blond hair joins our group. His sweater is playful with a Velcro bullseye in the center and soft balls sticking to it. It reads, You miss, you drink.

  “Would you like to play with my balls?” he asks me.

  I almost spit my drink out laughing. He points to his shirt and smirks.

  “It got you laughing. My name is Devin.”

  He puts out his hand to shake.

  “If you want to play, you can, or I can get us both another drink.”

  I raise my nearly empty cup and finish it off. “I’ll play.”

  Devin’s mouth tilts as he pulls three balls off his sweater and hands them to me.

  “How far away should I be?”

  Devin steps back a couple of feet and gives a thumbs up. Throwing the first ball, I laugh as it hits him in the chest and falls to the floor. Devin shrugs.

  “Two more.”

  I toss the second ball, and it bounces off his sweater right about where his dick would be.

  “Were you aiming for it?” he quips.

  Laughing, I toss the third, and it sticks to the bottom of the bullseye. He picks up the other two balls.

  “I’d still like to get you that drink.”

  Jaxson approaches from my right, carrying two drinks. Handing me one, he puts an arm around my waist and kisses my head. Even though I’m irritated about what I saw when we arrived, it doesn’t stop the flutter of butterflies his affection creates.