Anthology - The Night Before Christmas

by Foster, Mccarthy, Shalvis, Love, Garbera, Adams

  She swiped her tongue over her own lips, wetting them before leaning forward and pressing them against his. Whereas before she'd had the control to want to savor his taste, to learn each nuance about his mouth, this time she didn't. The first touch made her ravenous and she couldn't keep it slow and easy.

  Jackson's hands came up to her waist and lifted her over the gearshift into his lap. His hands were under her coat, caressing his way up her ribs.

  "This is much better."

  "What is?"

  "You in my arms," he said, against the skin of her neck. His hands roamed over her body like he owned it. And she thought maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing.

  "You like to be in charge, don't you?" she asked, settling in his lap. It was nice. She couldn't remember the last time a man had held her like this. Jackson wrapped his arms around her and she liked the feeling of security that came from it.

  "Don't say that like it's a bad thing. So do you," he said in that wry tone of his that had first made her realize there was more to Jackson Peters than work.

  "Yeah, I know. That's one reason why I made these plans."

  "What was another reason?" he asked.

  She wasn't sure she wanted to reveal too much to him but she wanted him to tell her his secrets and so she hedged. "I didn't think you'd ever make the first move."

  "You're right, I wouldn't have."

  "Why not?" she asked. She knew from the past that it was easier to reveal things in the dark. The blindfold had served two purposes, really. Now that they were away from work she had a finite amount of time to convince Jackson there was something worth pursuing between them.

  He brought his hands up to her face. Stroking his forefinger over her cheekbone and down the curve of her ear. Touching her so … reverently. "You were a distraction that I didn't have time for."

  "Were? Does that mean you changed your mind?"

  "I kind of had very little choice."

  She laughed. "When I see something I want I go for it."

  He said nothing for a minute and then pulled her head toward his with that touch on her neck. She rested her forehead against his and he said quietly. "I'm glad."

  Her heart ached. Jackson needed the kind of caring she wanted to shower on him. He was too alone and everyone in the office didn't see that behind the Scrooge-like attitude was a man who was just highly focused and driven.

  She cupped his face and rubbed her lips along the line of his jaw. The faint shadow of his beard abraded her lips. She liked the texture.

  His arms around her were strong and sure. There was no hesitancy in him. Though she'd blindfolded him, he was in control.

  And she found she liked it. She liked a man who gave as good as he got and Jackson certainly did. She shifted in his embrace as he scraped his teeth down the side of her neck.

  Then soothed the sensual sting with his tongue. He cupped the weight of her breast in one hand, rubbing his thumb around her nipple. Not touching, just circling so damned close that she thought she'd go crazy.

  She shifted her shoulders, trying to move his touch where she desperately needed it but he ignored her hint. Instead he suckled at the base of her neck. She moaned deep in her throat and clenched her legs together.

  She didn't want to make love to Jackson in the front seat of her car so she pulled back. But she ached for him. Her breasts felt full and sensitized. The base of her neck where he'd suckled tingled. Lust washed over her in waves. Should they skip dinner and go back to her place?

  She pulled off his blindfold and climbed awkwardly back into the driver's seat. She wanted more than a night with Jackson.

  He didn't glance out the window to see where they were, just stared at her in the muted light provided by a street lamp three cars up. She felt raw and vulnerable. Out of control.

  Regroup, she thought. But she couldn't when he watched her like that.

  "Um … I thought we'd stroll by Fields and check out the Christmas windows before dinner."

  He shifted in the seat and she tried not to notice that he had an erection. "This is your show."

  She nodded. "I think you'll appreciate the theme this year."

  "Let me guess. A Christmas Carol."

  "Aren't you glad it's not Frosty?"

  He gave her a very sweet smile. "Yes, I am."

  He opened his door and came around to meet her on the sidewalk. The snow had stopped but the wind was still very chilly. She buttoned her camel-colored wool coat to the neck.

  She slipped her arm through Jackson's and led him across the street where the windows were. The sidewalk was busy with families and couples. People hurrying to make a few last-minute purchases.

  "Did you get your shopping done early?" she asked.

  "I guess."

  She raised one eyebrow at him.

  "I don't exchange gifts."

  She stopped on the sidewalk and stared at him. But it made a certain kind of sense with what he'd said earlier. His family focused on working hard for things.

  "Are you shocked?"

  "Nah."

  "Just another piece of evidence that I really am Scrooge?"

  "No, Jackson, just another reminder that you really need to be shown the magic of Christmas."

  Chapter Four

  Jackson was relieved when they were seated in the restaurant. The piped-in Christmas music was soothing and soft. Festive without being intrusive. Around them families and couples were seated and for once Jackson felt a pang for what might have been.

  There was a large tree in the center of the room and as luck would have it they were seated with a perfect view of it.

  "Isn't this nice? I've never eaten here before but Shannon in R&D recommended it."

  "You told her what you were doing?" he asked, not sure he liked the fact that anyone else knew about this.

  "Do you really think I would?"

  She sounded hurt. He shrugged. "I guess not."

  "Well, thanks for that." The waiter approached and Krista ordered a Bellini and he ordered a scotch neat.

  "My mom's Italian so we always have seafood on Christmas Eve. I tried to find a place where we could get some traditional dishes but then I thought you might not like fish."

  "I like fish."

  "Good. So do I," she said with a smile. "You don't have many traditions, do you?"

  Not around holidays. His family was spread across the country. "No, I don't, I'm always looking forward to something new."

  "Like what?" she asked, taking a sip of peach flavored drink.

  "Projects and such," he said, distracted by the way she licked her lips.

  "Just work? Aren't you afraid of turning dull?"

  He played hard no matter what anyone thought. "No. I take two weeks off in January and go on a trip."

  "Where?"

  "Wherever I feel like. Usually some place warm."

  "That sounds nice. My parents have a condo in Florida and we all try to meet there in August."

  "That also sounds nice. Where is it?"

  "In Fort Pierce on the Atlantic Ocean side."

  He was getting an image of Krista as a woman who surrounded herself with family and friends. But he already knew that from watching her at work.

  "What about you, do you go alone?" she asked.

  She leaned forward as she spoke, giving him a glimpse of her cleavage. His palm tingled remembering the weight and feel of her. "Usually one of my brothers joins me."

  "You have brothers?" She sounded almost indignant.

  "Am I not supposed to?"

  "Why didn't you say anything when I mentioned Dan?"

  He shrugged. The last thing he wanted to talk about on a date with a beautiful woman was his brothers. "I have two brothers. Patrick, the youngest brother, always plans the trip for me."

  "So you're close?"

  "I guess. Why are we discussing my brothers?"

  "Because I want to. Your trips with them sound like a tradition."

  "You're not going to let that go, are y
ou?" he asked, unsure what point she was trying to make. His life wasn't the Norman Rockwell classic Americana. That didn't mean it sucked.

  "I'm kind of tenacious about things and I'm trying to figure out what makes Jackson Peters tick."

  "You're kind of a pain," he said, fighting a smile.

  "That's not very nice."

  "So?"

  "What kind of response is that?"

  "The only kind for a woman like you."

  The waiter arrived. Krista smiled and flirted with the waiter, asking for his suggestions and then ordering. He felt a stirring in his gut that felt like jealousy. He wanted to keep her to himself.

  "Jackson?"

  "Hmm?"

  "Do you want an appetizer?"

  "Sure," he said, not paying attention to the details of the meal. Krista had brought him here for more than just one night. And he wanted that. In his mind he started playing the variables of making something like this work.

  He'd never dated anyone at the office. But he knew that they couldn't continue to work together and date at night. He didn't need another complication at work but Krista was worth it.

  He placed his order and the waiter left. "Is everything okay?" she asked.

  "Yes, I was just trying to figure you out."

  "Want to know what makes me tick?" she asked. "Be careful, that can have you labeled a pain."

  "I think being labeled Scrooge kind of says that."

  "Does it bother you?"

  "Men don't get bothered by stuff like that."

  "I don't believe that."

  "Sweetheart, I don't get upset, I get pissed. And I'm not bothered by something, I'm ticked off."

  "Oh, I get it. Semantics. Do you believe in love?" she asked.

  Taken aback, he could only stare at her. He had never thought about love. He'd had some affection for his brothers but figured that had to do with the familial bond. Beyond that he knew he'd experienced lust and some friendship. But love? Who knew what that was?

  "Not any more than I do Santa Claus."

  She closed her eyes and sank back in her chair. Jackson wished he could have given her a different answer but lying went against the grain. Better that Krista know exactly the type of man he was before she built a fantasy around him he couldn't live up to.

  Krista had changed the subject and they'd finished their dinner. But in the back of her mind lingered the fact that she'd taken a huge risk tonight. She shrugged as she remembered her mom saying nothing ventured, nothing gained.

  She slipped her arm through Jackson's as they walked away from the restaurant and toward her car. The crowds were lighter now and she paused in front of one of the windows. Ebenezer Scrooge was standing on the edge of his bed, arms outstretched and a look of total loneliness and pain was etched on the sculpted figurine.

  She glanced up at Jackson. He stared at the figure and she wondered what was going on in his head. He revealed so few emotions around her. Around anyone, really, but she wanted him to be different with her.

  "Thanks for dinner," he said after a few minutes.

  "You're welcome," she said.

  He'd gone for his wallet at the table but she'd firmly insisted on paying. This was her set-up, not his. Next time, please God, let there be a next time, he could pay.

  "As far as blackmail goes, this has to be one of the better deals."

  "You don't wish you were still in the office working on that new pro forma?"

  "Well…"

  Taking a step away from him, she punched his arm. "Hey, I'm more exciting than running numbers."

  He grabbed her around the waist and tugged her into his arms. "If you say so."

  A family of four stopped next to them, but Krista wasn't ready to move on. However, when the kids started dancing around them in circles she tugged on Jackson's arm and moved them down a few windows.

  She saw that it was Christmas Present. This was what she had based her seduction of Jackson around. By showing him a great time tonight she hoped to lay the groundwork for the future.

  "How does this Christmas stack up against the ones in the past?"

  He pushed his hands though his hair and studied her for a long moment. She tried not to fiddle but when he watched her like that she had to. Patting her hair, licking her lips, wishing she'd remembered to touch up her lipstick before leaving the restaurant

  "This night's been okay."

  She forgot all about her lipstick. "Just okay? That's cold. I blackmailed you into leaving your office. Blindfolded you to add to the intrigue of the night and then treated you to a very good meal."

  He closed the small gap between them. Wrapping one arm around her waist, and tucking her firmly against his side under his shoulder. "You left out kissing my socks off."

  She tipped her head back and realized he was watching their reflection in the glass. She followed his gaze and saw the two of them. They looked good together. His height made it seem like he was protecting her. Cherishing her … she told herself it was just a reflection but her heart beat a little faster.

  "And still all I get is an okay?" she asked, her voice dipping huskily at the end.

  He shrugged his big shoulders and then brought his face to hers. "I'm not going to become Mr. Holiday Spirit overnight."

  "I don't want that. I just want—" she broke off. She wasn't going to be insecure. That was the deal she'd made with herself. If she was seducing him then there was no place for doubts.

  "What do you want?" he asked, cupping her face and tilting her head back.

  She rested her head against his shoulder. The scent of his aftershave filled each breath she took. His eyes were crystal clear and for the first time all the plans she'd made faded away. This wasn't about plans or seduction. This was about two lonely souls who'd found each other.

  No matter what Jackson said aloud she knew he felt it too. Taking a deep breath she said, "You."

  He watched her through half-lidded eyes. Making her hyper-aware of him and at the same time of her body. She felt his gaze moving over her. She shifted in his arms, sliding around to stand pressed breast to chest with him.

  "Good."

  She bit her lip to keep from laughing. He was too confident, too sure of himself, and with plenty of cause. He lowered his head and she held her breath.

  Brushing his lips over her cheek, he held her close but with a tenderness no man had shown toward her before.

  "Is that all you can say?"

  "I thought it covered everything."

  His long fingers caressed her neck. Slow sweeps of his fingers up and down until she shivered in his arms. She needed more from him. She grabbed his shoulders, tipped her head and opened her mouth over his.

  He sighed her name as she thrust her tongue into his mouth. Sliding his arms down her back he pulled her close never breaking their kiss.

  His tongue moved on hers with ease, tempting her further, tasting her deeper and making her long for him. Her skin felt too tight. Her breasts were heavy, craving his touch. Between her legs she was moistening for him, ready for him.

  She lifted her head to look up at him. His skin was flushed, his lips wet from her kisses. She flexed her fingers against his shoulders.

  God, he really was solid muscle.

  "This is going to be complicated," he said.

  "How?" she asked. Her car was down the street and her condo was only a few blocks over.

  "Work."

  She'd thought about it. Already had a plan in place but she didn't want him to know it. "You're a resourceful man. I'm sure you'll figure something out."

  "I think we both will."

  That sounded good to her.

  Chapter Five

  Krista's house had never seemed so small as it did with both her and Jackson in the foyer. She looked at the deacon's bench she'd purchased on an antiquing trip with her mom and felt a flood of nervousness. She wanted this man and everything felt so intense.

  "I like this neighborhood. Doesn't Stuart live a few streets over
?"

  Stuart was their big boss. He and Jackson were both on the steering committee together. "Yes, he does. If you'd attended his Christmas party last weekend you'd know that."

  "I wasn't the only one to skip it."

  "Just pointing out the obvious."

  "Why?"

  "I think I'm nervous that you're finally here."

  "Finally? Does that mean you'd planned on seducing me at Stuart's party?"

  She flushed a little. The idea had actually come to her at Stuart's party when she'd watched several of her coworkers hooking up and leaving together. "I think I better take the Fifth."

  He laughed. "Show me your place."

  "It's nothing special."

  "Yes, it is. It's your home. I live in a one bedroom condo so I'm not going to be comparing your place with much."

  She turned on the lights and moved into her small living room. Jackson stopped in the archway and studied the room. She had a decorated tree inset a little off center in the front window that looked out on the street. The tree had been heavy and she hadn't been able to position it as she would have liked.

  "Nice, but I really want to see the bedroom."

  "You're kind of pushy."

  "With your type that's the only way to be."

  "My type?"

  "The blackmailing seductress," he said.

  "Then you have to know there's no way you're going to be in charge."

  "I'll take the Fifth," he said.

  She took his wrist and led him down the short hallway to her bedroom. She flipped the light switch and pivoted on her heel, leaning up to kiss him.

  "Take your shirt off," she said. She'd been longing to see his chest all night. But her fantasies had really started last summer when he'd gotten caught in a late afternoon storm. She'd come into his office to drop off a report. Water had matted his hair and made his dress shirt cling to his muscles.

  He reached between them, the backs of his fingers brushing her breasts as he unbuttoned his shirt. She shook from the brief contact and bit her lip to keep from asking for more.

  He unbuttoned her blouse when he was finished with his shirt. Running his finger down the center of her body. Over her sternum and between her ribs. Lingering on her belly button and then stopping at the waistband of her skirt.