Countdown to Christmas: (A Christmas Romance Novella)

by Betty Shreffler

When I laugh, his smile widens, and he leans down to kiss me.

  “I love seeing you smile.”

  “I feel the same about you. You practically melt my panties with that naughty grin of yours.”

  “I need to up my game because I want your panties fully melted.”

  My back gently meets the wall of the rink. Putting my hands on his fleece sweater, I latch onto the muscles beneath it as he holds me up in his arms. Leaning down, he slips his tongue between my lips. Weakening my knees, he fills our kiss with passion, the movement of his lips expressing how much he wants me.

  Skates skid to a stop next to us. “Easy, Romeo. You’re gaining an audience,” Joe teases.

  Jaxson pulls back and my lips tingle for more. My body is warmer, the cold air forgotten. Giving one last kiss, Jaxson releases his arms around me. Above his crimson cheeks, his lusty-filled eyes hold my gaze as he presses his thumb to my parted lips.

  “I guess we’ll have to behave until later.”

  With a wink, he skates backward and outstretches his hand for me to take it. Joe skates on the other side of him.

  “I’m going to lose the skates and get some rum cider. You coming?”

  Jaxson looks over at me, and I give an approving nod.

  “Yeah, I’ll join you.”

  With a kiss to my cheek, he leaves with Joe. Sarah skates up to my side, and we continue skating together around the circle.

  “It looks like you guys are having fun.”

  “We are. I’m glad Joe invited us.”

  “Me too.”

  “It was a fun party you hosted yesterday. I had a nice time, and it’s been great getting to know you and Joe.”

  A frown tugs at her lips.

  “I’m sorry about what my friend Claire said to you at the party. Joe told me Jaxson was really upset you left the party after your conversation. I don’t want what she said to ruin things. Jaxson is crazy about you. He’s had feelings for you for a long time.”

  A swirl of butterflies flap in my stomach.

  “What do you mean?

  “I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but I’m worried Claire put doubt in your mind. Jaxson has wanted to date you for a while. I’d hear Jaxson telling Joe about how you broke it off with a guy you were dating, and sure enough, Jaxson would dump the woman he was seeing. It didn’t matter who he dated. They were never you.”

  Putting my hand on her arm, I stop us by the rink wall. Speechless, I stare at her soft chocolate eyes as she looks back at me worried.

  “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  “No, I’m glad you told me. It… it explains a lot. I really needed to hear it.”

  We push off the wall and continue circling the rink. In my chest, my heart is leaping, and through every limb, my body tingles with warmth.

  “Why didn’t he ever tell me?”

  Sarah snorts. “His ego.”

  Nodding, I laugh to myself. “That makes sense.”

  “I’m sure he was afraid of rejection or losing you as a friend if it got awkward. You know how guys are. They can make the first move sexually but not emotionally.”

  “What’s ironic is I’ve had a crush on him for three years. I hated seeing him date other women.”

  “Oh my.” Sarah rubs across her brow. “So, neither of you admitted your feelings.”

  “Nope.”

  “Well, now you can change that.”

  Joe and Jaxson approach the side of the rink and wave us over. Stopping against the wall, I lean forward and accept Jaxson’s kiss.

  “Would you like some?”

  Holding his cup out for me, I take it and sip the warm cider. It soothes the chill on my back and adds to the warmth I feel on the inside.

  “Do you still want to skate?”

  “No.” I hand the drink back to him. “I’m ready to take them off and be with you.”

  “Good. I’ll meet you at the lockers.”

  Sarah and I skate there slowly. The guys catch up and take our hands to help us to the benches. Jaxson squats down in front of me and unties my laces. The sweet gesture draws my lips to his.

  “Thank you.”

  “Of course.”

  I hold on to his cider as he brings me my shoes. Taking a drink, I hand it back to him, and he gathers my skates to take back to the rink stand. When he returns, I’m finished putting my shoes on, and he takes my hand as I stand.

  As the four of us walk through the food stands, Jaxson lets go of my hand and puts his arm around me when a chill hits me. Rubbing his hand up and down my side, he tries to warm me, then hands me his drink.

  “Here. Have the rest. It’ll warm you up.”

  “Thank you.”

  Sarah points to a booth selling chimney cakes.

  “That’s where I’m headed.”

  Jaxson and I follow and stand in line behind them.

  “You want to share one?” Jaxson asks.

  “Oh yeah.”

  Joe and Sarah get their order first, find a picnic table nearby, and we join them on the opposite side. Peeling a piece off our chimney cake, I hold it up for Jaxson, and he licks my finger as he takes it. Peeling off another piece, he holds it up for me. When I take it from his hand, I lick his finger, and his eyes glimmer with lust. Putting his hands on the outside of my thighs, he moves me closer between his legs.

  “We should head home soon.”

  Leaning next to his ear, I lower my voice. “You want my lips around your thick cock, don’t you?”

  The hand on my hip lowers and squeezes my ass.

  “And if I do?”

  “Then you’re in for a better treat than this cake.”

  Nibbling my ear, he bites it before sucking the lobe into his mouth, the sensation building my already growing arousal.

  “We should go.”

  “Let’s finish this cake, then say goodbye to them.”

  With a nod, he caresses his thumb into the nook of my thigh, the teasing touch making me ache for more.

  Coming through the front door of our apartment, we can’t get each other’s clothes off fast enough. On the way to my room, he tosses his shirt with mine. In the hall, we leave my bra and his jeans. In my room, he strips me out of my pants and underwear, removes his, then lifts my legs, and tosses me on the bed.

  Falling above me, he crashes his lips to mine, his hand curling in my hair as his other holds my hip. Raising my knees, I wrap my legs around his waist, and he pushes his erection against my opening. Moaning, I grip his hair, and he pushes against me again, sliding up, then down, coating himself in my desire.

  “If you want to stop, we have to now.” His voice is strained as he pushes against me.

  “Don’t stop. I want you.”

  Rocking his hips back, he slides into me, filling me. Rolling his hips back, he comes forward, thrusting deeper, harder, gripping my hip as he thrusts again. Our lips unite, the passion between us electric. It courses through me, sparking every nerve ending and surging my heartbeat for the man I’m falling in love with. Another thrust and my body pulses, my orgasm spilling onto him as I hold him close and shiver with pleasure.

  “Do I need to pull out?”

  “No, I’m on the pill.”

  Slipping his fingers between mine, he holds my arm above my head as he tightens his grip on my hip and increases the pace and pressure of his thrusts. Another orgasm shapes my mouth into an “O” as the euphoric sensation travels through my body. Tightening his fingers with mine, he moans through his own orgasm, his thrusts slowing, then stopping as he eases his grip on my hip.

  When he pulls out, he kisses me with affectionate tenderness. Caressing my cheek, he grazes his thumb over my lips and stares down at me with love in his eyes.

  “Will you stay the night with me?” I ask, rubbing my fingers along his back.

  “Yes. Tonight, and every night you want me to.”

  With another kiss, he lifts himself off me, then takes my hand and helps me off the bed. Folding the blanket down, he cl
imbs in, then spreads out his arm and the blanket for me to join him.

  We lie on our sides, my back to his front, his arm wrapped around me, holding me close to his chest. Lowering his hand, he massages his fingers against my clit, and I hiss from the intense desire that courses through me. Licking my ear, he moves my leg over his thigh, giving him better access to pleasure me. Sliding his fingers into me, he heightens my arousal, pushing my body toward another orgasm.

  Sliding back, he spreads my leg wider by lifting his knee. From behind, he slides his cock into me and rocks my hip toward him as he thrusts in and out. Just when I feel another orgasm building, he pulls out, turns me onto my stomach, and jerks my ass into the air. Taking hold of my hips, he thrusts in hard, slapping my ass against his pelvis. Fisting the pillow, I moan into it as another orgasm makes my legs tremble. Holding me in place, Jaxson’s breathing heightens as he pounds into me. With a groan of satisfaction, he releases into me.

  He pulls out, and I drop onto my back, utterly exhausted. Sweat beading off his brow and chest, he wipes a droplet off his forehead. Dropping down next to me, he smiles against my lips as he kisses me.

  “Don’t plan on much sleep tonight.”

  “I don’t think my body can take it,” I grin.

  “How about a shower and some hot tea? Then I’ll bend you over the couch, then you can ride me on the chair.”

  “Oh my God, you’re insatiable.” Biting my lip, I reach over and caress along his length. “Yes, I want all of that.”

  Chapter 9

  My body aches all over, but it was worth it. It was the hottest night of sex I’ve ever experienced. I had more orgasms in our single night than I’ve had in entire relationships. Rolling over, I put my hand on his chest and sigh. Waking up, he puts his hand over mine, a smile curling his lips.

  “We’re going to need a double dose of your energy smoothies this morning.”

  “I’m sore in parts of my body I was unaware could be sore.”

  “Was it worth it?”

  “Completely.”

  Turning on his side, he leans forward to kiss me. Caressing my hair, he trails his hand down and over the curves of my body. The way he touches and admires me with affection steals my heart—he has it in his grip, and I never want him to let it go. But there’s something I need to come clean about, and it needs to happen now.

  “I have a confession to make.”

  His eyes snap to mine.

  “What is it?”

  “Mick made a bet with me.”

  His brow rises.

  “Uh-huh?”

  “He bet we couldn’t live together and not have sex. Actually, his exact words were: a single guy and woman who are attracted to each other can’t live together without having sex. I disagreed and took his bet. Ten days until Christmas, and if we had sex, I lost.”

  His caressing doesn’t stop, and I’m relieved. He doesn’t even look angry.

  “How does it feel to have lost that bet?”

  “My ego took a hit, but I wouldn’t change anything, Jaxson.” Stroking his chest, I lie over him, looking into the beautiful mixture of olive, gold, and caramel in his eyes. “I’m falling in love with you.”

  Lowering me to his lips, he moves his mouth with mine in a passionate and loving embrace. With a hand caressing over my shoulder and back, his lips curve as he stares up at me.

  “It’s always been you I wanted. I’m not letting anything get in the way anymore. You’re all I want this Christmas and every Christmas after.”

  With his hand grazing my hip, he moves it across my ass and tugs me against his growing erection as I lower myself to kiss him.

  “Let’s not go anywhere today. I want to spend it in bed with you.”

  Wrapping an arm around me, he lays me on my back and slides his cock across my opening, igniting my desire and sending a rush of pleasure throughout my body.

  “I have no plans other than making love to you.”

  After choosing a movie from the TV app, I enter the kitchen as Jaxson is adding whipped cream and chocolate shavings to the dirty snowmen drink he discovered. It’s a twist on hot cocoa, adding mint ice cream and Baileys Irish Cream. As he puts the whipped cream back in the fridge, he winks.

  “We should save some of that for later.”

  “I like that idea.”

  Grinning, I gather one of the cups and follow him into the living room. Cup in hand, I nestle into his open arm on the couch.

  “This looks amazing.” Taking a sip, I find it tastes as flavorful and smooth as it looks. “Mmm, I love the chocolate shavings.” Plucking one off the top, I toss it in my mouth.

  The corner of his lips rises as he watches me. Tightening his arm, he hugs me into his chest and kisses my head.

  “You’re so damn sexy.”

  Gathering a dollop of whipped cream on my finger, I bring it to his lips, and with a slow, sensual motion of his tongue, he licks it off, teasing my arousal.

  “So are you.”

  “Are we going to make it through this movie?” He winks.

  “Yes! My lady bits need a break from all the pounding they’ve taken.”

  “I’ll give them a break for the night, but tomorrow, no holds barred. I’m claiming that pussy.”

  Covering my mouth, I hold back laughter and quickly swallow my mouthful.

  “You know tomorrow is Mick’s Christmas party, right?”

  “He’s going to know we’re together pretty quick. I won’t be able to keep my hands off you.”

  “He can keep my entire Christmas bonus. I don’t care.”

  Setting his half-empty glass on the coffee table, Jaxson sits back, puts his arms around me, and leans me back against his chest as he caresses my stomach.

  “It makes me feel good to hear that.”

  “Good. Because I can’t express how much you mean to me, not in words.”

  “The more we’re together, the more I feel it.” His warm hand rubs along my arm as he kisses my cheek.

  “Jaxson…”

  “Yeah?”

  Sitting up, I set the cup down on the coffee table next to his and turn sideways to face him.

  “The last few days have been better than any relationship I’ve had before. I imagined us being together, but my fantasies didn’t come close to how amazing it is to be with you.”

  Putting his hand to my cheek, he caresses it.

  “This is just the beginning. We have so much more to experience together.”

  “I’m looking forward to all of it.”

  “I am too.”

  Chapter 10

  Carrying a bottle of wine with a bow around it, I walk up the steps to Mick’s townhouse. The front door has a beautiful, enormous white and gold wreath on it, and once Mick opens his door, I admire the same white and gold theme extravagantly decorated throughout their home. Mick waves us in, and I hand him the wine bottle.

  “I’m glad you both could make it.” With a finger, he points to the closet to the left of us. “You can put your coats in there.”

  Entering the living room, we greet his wife and our co-workers. Anya, Mick’s wife, fills two glasses with cranberry cocktails and brings them to us. With her cooking and baking skills, I’m not surprised the drink is delicious. Anya’s wearing a beautiful white cocktail dress that flatters her curves and long dark hair. Knowing this party would be dressier, I chose a red, fitted, mid-thigh cocktail dress with a square neckline and plunging V back down to my hips.

  Jaxson’s hand rests on my lower back, caressing me affectionately as we drink and talk with the others. Mick notices Jaxson’s hand on my back and his mouth curls.

  “It looks like the roommate situation is working out.”

  “It is. Jaxson’s been great. I wish he’d been my roommate sooner.” I give Jaxson a sideways glance, and he grins behind the rim of his glass.

  “So do I,” he replies.

  Mick smiles before tilting his glass back but doesn’t say anything.

  “Dinner i
s ready,” Anya announces, clasping her hands in front of her. “Let’s move into the dining room.”

  As we move through the rooms in the house, I admire the elegant decorations. There’s no doubt in my mind the ornaments, garland, and trees have been professionally placed. Entering the dining room, the table setting is just as extravagant with white and gold plates, sparkling silverware, wine glasses, and candlelit centerpieces.

  Jaxson pulls a chair out for me, and I graze my hand along the shimmery ribbon tied around it before sitting.

  “Everything looks beautiful,” I compliment Anya.

  Her eyes light up as she takes the end seat next to Mick, who’s at the head of the table.

  “Thank you. This is our first year using a commercial decorator, and I’m pleased with their work.”

  “They did a great job.”

  “Saves her the time of putting up decorations; that way, she can enjoy cooking and party planning,” Mick tells us.

  “See now, that’s love. You’re making things easier for her.”

  Anya puts her hand over Mick’s, and the two look at each other adoringly.

  “He’s the best,” she proclaims.

  Jaxson places his hand on my thigh and gives it a gentle squeeze. My eyes meet his, and he caresses my leg, the corner of his mouth rising as his eyes fill with adoration. Putting my hand over his, I caress it.

  “I’ll get the bottle of wine,” Anya announces, breaking Jaxson and my attention from one another.

  Mick pats her hand and stands. “I’ll get it.”

  The rest of their guests have gathered around the long, twelve-chair table. The only people I know are two co-workers, Chris and Rayna, and they’ve taken the seats next to Jaxson. Chris does coding while Rayna is technical customer service. We’re the only employees Mick has in his successful software and consulting business.

  Jaxson and Chris enter into a discussion that involves their expertise in eMarketing and coding. Tuning them out, I turn my attention to Anya.

  “Thank you for having us over for dinner.”

  “Of course. All of you help make this possible, so the least we can do is invite you over for a delightful meal and entertainment.”