Blame It on the Mistletoe

by Nicole Michaels

  “Close your mouth, I know I look like a cupcake.” She touched a piece of hair resting against her temple. “My mother insisted I spend the afternoon at the salon with her. She’s lucky I got the last necklace done at three this morning. Do I look tired?” She smiled.

  “No, holy shit, you look amazing,” he whispered.

  He noticed her cheeks redden a little, and he remembered the box he was holding and pulled it out for her to see. “Here, I got this for you.” He opened the plastic container and removed the little arrangement. Brooke was silent, her mouth had dropped open a little.

  “Give me your hand, Brooke.”

  She met his gaze for a moment, her green eyes sparking beneath her sooty lashes. She held out her arm for him to slide the little band over her perfectly manicured hand and onto her wrist.

  “It’s a mistletoe,” she whispered.

  “And succulents, though I confess I have no idea what that means. The florist told me it would be pretty.” He felt like a moron, a grown ass man putting a corsage on a woman.

  “I love it.” She leaned up and gave him a quick, soft kiss, then ran her finger down his cheek. He felt a little better. “This is quite a change,” she teased, stroking his cheek.

  “I figured I couldn’t come looking like a lumberjack.” He’d completely shaved, gotten his hair a trim, and even used gel in it. He hadn’t done that in years.

  “I kind of liked the lumberjack look. It was sexy, but of course this is too.”

  He grinned. “I may have to grow it back for you then.”

  Her smile faltered a little before she pasted on a grin. “You’ll probably be long gone before I’m able to enjoy it.”

  Neither of them spoke for a beat, finally he cleared his throat and changed the subject, not wanting anything to ruin this night. “Well, I’m new to this, what do we do?”

  “Well, basically we go in, find our seats, eat an overpriced dinner, and make small talk with people who are mostly full of themselves. Oh, and we definitely drink heavily. Open bar and all that.”

  “Nice.” He held out his arm, and she wrapped her fingers around it. It felt good to have her there, like they were meant to enter a room together. But he was nervous. This was not his world; these people would wonder what the hell he was doing here. And yet, somehow with her by his side, it didn’t seem to matter, especially since she appeared to have no problem being here with him. He hoped.

  Once they joined the festivities in the ballroom, time went quickly. Each debutante entered on her father’s arm when their name was announced. There was a lengthy father/daughter dance that bored him to tears, but at least it was a chance for everyone to admire the way Brooke’s jewelry looked with the dresses. Dinner was served and eaten, and then it was time to mingle. Several people had stopped to tell Brooke how beautiful the necklaces were, and the smile on her face the whole night had made him want to pull her into a corner and have her all to himself. She was radiant and happy, and that made him happy.

  “I’m going to the ladies room,” Brooke said after she ate her dessert. “And then I’m forcing you to dance with me.”

  Alex raised an eyebrow, and with a quick peck on the cheek and a laugh, Brooke left him. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched her dress swish as she walked away, but even that sexy dress wasn’t enough to get him on the dance floor—especially not to Christmas music—unless he had another drink.

  Alex caught Brooke’s mother giving him an odd look so he politely excused himself from the table and made his way over to the line forming at the bar.

  “Alex, good to you see you, son.”

  Alex inwardly cringed at the sound of Ted’s voice, but he turned to shake the man’s hand. “Ted.”

  “Between you and me, I hate these parties. As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a whole lot of wasted money and time.”

  “Maybe, can’t say. This is my first one,” Alex said, hoping the bar line would move quickly so he had an excuse to end the conversation.

  “That’s right, you didn’t usually attend functions with your grandparents. That’s a shame.” Ted sounded so damn smug, it was all Alex could do not to punch him. He’d never liked Ted Orsman, and the last couple of weeks had only served to solidify that feeling.

  Ted went on. “It’s the thirteenth. Not even two weeks left to make a decision. I would have figured you would have wanted to wrap this up and get out of town. I’m kind of surprised you’re still here. Is it Ms. Abbott? That what you got your eye on? I can see where that would be a little sticky for you.”

  “That’s none of your business.”

  “No, you’re right, it’s not. But I am on the board of directors at Addison County Credit Union, where Ms. Abbott took out a small business loan. She’s been late on her payment three months in a row. Apparently things aren’t going as well as she’d expected. Maybe you’d be putting her out of her misery.”

  “Ted, you’re really starting to piss me off.”

  “They’ve upped their offer. One point five million.”

  Alex closed his eyes and felt a hand on his forearm. “You okay?”

  He opened his eyes and looked down at Brooke, quickly replacing the grimace he was sure was on his face with a smile. “Yeah, fine.”

  “Ms. Abbott, you look exceptionally beautiful if I may say so,” Ted said.

  No, you may not say so, dickhead.

  “Well, thank you, Mr. Orsman,” she said with an innocent smile that nearly killed him. She was too close to his deception right now, and it made Alex sick to his stomach. “It’s been a lovely evening. Your wife and Beverly outdid themselves this year.”

  “They certainly did. I’ll pass on your compliments. In fact I see her waving me over—you kids enjoy yourselves.”

  “You sure you’re okay?” Brooke asked again after they were alone. “You didn’t look very happy when I walked over.”

  “Everything’s fine. But what do you say we get out of here. I’m kind of partied out.”

  “Oh, okay. I’ll get my purse.”

  When she was back, he grabbed her hand and escorted her through the foyer and out the front door. He gave the valet his ticket and turned to find Brooke with her arms around herself trying not to shiver. He quickly removed his tux jacket and wrapped it around her bare shoulders.

  “Here. I’m sorry we sort of left in a hurry. Did you have a coat back there? I can go grab it.”

  “No, I didn’t really have a formal one so I went without. Stupid, but better than a puffy down coat with my dress.”

  “You would’ve looked adorable.” When the car rolled up he opened her door for her, tipped the valet, and then went around to his side. They drove in silence, and when he pulled into a parking spot in front of the Inn on Main she turned to him, eyes wide.

  “This okay?” He wanted her all to himself tonight, needed it. Not inside 100 Main, no thoughts of anything else between them.

  “Of course.”

  He grabbed her hand and gave the back of it a quick kiss before helping her out of the car and into the little hotel. The same couple had owned the inn since he could remember. They knew his grandparents, and no doubt Brooke’s parents. They would make assumptions about them entering together. Good, let them. Tonight she was all his.

  TEN

  The feel of his hand in hers warmed Brooke from the inside out as they entered the hotel. She had to admit to being a little sad to leave the ball; she’d really been looking forward to dancing with Alex in front of everyone. When she’d seen him tonight, all pressed and polished, she’d almost forgotten to breathe; and then when they’d entered the ballroom together, she couldn’t imagine a more perfect moment. The whole night had been magical.

  She gave an awkward smile to Mr. Bowman standing behind the front desk, knowing that he was shocked to his toes to see her here with Alex Coleman. It almost made her laugh. They made their way up the old carpeted staircase to his room, and just the thought of what she hoped would happen inside sent shiver
s down her spine. Sex was all she’d been thinking about since the last time they’d been together.

  Brooke tightened her fingers around his, and he squeezed back. He’d undone his bowtie, and it dangled from each side of his collar. For some reason it was adorably hot.

  He gave her a sexy smile as he put the key in the lock. He’d shaved completely, his strong jaw bones and dimpled chin revealed in all their glory. It was true what Eric had said about him: he really was the most handsome thing to come out of Preston. Once upon a time, some other things people had said about Alex might have been true too, but no longer. He wasn’t trouble, he wasn’t bad. He was good, and sweet, and caring.

  It had upset her to know that he’d learned about her relationship with Chad, but after the hurt faded, it had almost been a relief. It wasn’t something you wanted to tell someone, that you’d been so blind. Stupid enough to let someone take advantage of you in that way. But she shook those feelings away. Right now she wanted to think only of this man, and he made sure of that as he pulled her into the room and into his arms, brushing a stray strand of hair back from her face.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

  Brooke just looked at him quizzically.

  “I just realized we never danced. I can promise you weren’t missing much, I’m a horrible dancer.” The corners of his mouth kicked up in a charming smile, and just like that he made all of her disappointment vanish. How did he have that power?

  Brooke felt an answering smile spread across her own lips. “I’m okay. I’d rather be right here,” she said. And she meant it.

  He leaned down to kiss her. His lips were gentle, yet insistent, and when his tongue touched hers, she moaned. A hand on each side of her face, he tilted her head so he could deepen the kiss. She was almost ashamed at how much she loved him taking control like that, but she did—what a change from the fearful woman she’d been a year ago.

  She managed to slip out of his jacket as he consumed her mouth, quickly moving her hands to the buttons on his shirt. He responded by sliding her zipper down and running his cool hands over her back causing goose bumps to rise on her skin.

  Each breath, and each touch of Alex’s hand, sent sparks of desire coursing through her, and before she could control herself, she kissed her way up his neck and gently bit his earlobe, making him groan. He’d bitten her playfully the last time, and it had been one of the most shockingly pleasurable sensations she’d ever known.

  “We’re not stopping this time,” Alex said against her neck.

  “Promise?” she answered as his mouth blazed a trail down to the swell of her breast.

  “I couldn’t even if I wanted to. I’ve been dreaming about you all week.”

  She smiled as his tongue dipped into her cleavage. He lifted her easily and carried her to the bed, his mouth still attached to her as he laid her down. Finally he stood up and carefully pulled her dress from her body. The bodice had been tight so she hadn’t needed a bra, leaving her now fully exposed. Once her gown was in a heap on the floor, he took off his shirt, undershirt, and pants.

  “That’s a lot of clothes you had on,” she teased.

  “Too many.” Once he was completely naked, he hooked his fingers on her panties and pulled them down, his eyes never leaving hers. “I want you so bad, Brooke. I’ve never wanted anyone this much.”

  “Don’t say that,” she could barely breathe, let alone talk. But she couldn’t hear words like that. It was only going to make it harder for her when he went home, and he’d given her no reason to think that wasn’t the plan.

  “It’s true. You’re so beautiful.” He went to his knees on the floor and ran his hands up her legs, her knees, and finally her thighs. He pushed them open and ran a finger down her center. She shivered from the sensation, from her embarrassment, from the chill in the air—all of it. And she’d never had a man look at her so intimately. Never enjoyed having a man kiss her down there … until now.

  She gasped at the first touch of his tongue, overwhelming and wonderful at the same time, his strokes light and teasing before becoming more firm and insistent. After a few moments he added a finger and then another, each stroke of his tongue in tandem with their movements driving her crazy. She glanced down, the sight of him doing this to her sent her over the edge and as soon as her legs started to shake he sucked hard on her most sensitive part. She dropped her head back onto the mattress and grasped at the sheets on the unmade bed.

  “That was amazing, oh my god,” she said between heavy breaths. He crawled up her body and looked down at her with a wicked grin.

  “We just started.”

  “Kiss me, please.”

  He did, and his mouth was wet and hot. He became frantic, his tongue stroking into her mouth, and his hips pushing her legs wider so he could settle against her. After a few minutes of kissing her senseless, he rose up to his knees and retrieved something from the night stand. She saw a strip of condoms, and he ripped one off.

  “Were you planning this?” She laughed.

  “Maybe.”

  He knelt between her thighs, knees wide and rolled on the condom. When he was done he grabbed each of her legs, angled her body to meet his and looked down at her. “You are the sexiest woman, Brooke Abbott. And don’t you dare tell me not to say that.”

  Their position exposed her so completely to him, which felt naughty and perfect at the same time. Their eyes locked as he moved slowly, sliding into her, farther and then farther still. She felt full and complete, nothing having ever felt so good. She let her gaze travel downward as he pulled all the way out and pushed back in. She loved how his abs moved beneath his skin as he pivoted in and out of her body. The friction of him inside her was such a sweet torture that her body was humming, just on the edge of another release.

  “Not yet, Brooke.” He slowed down, driving her crazy. Letting go of her legs, he leaned forward, putting more of his weight on top of her. It was heaven, his chest against hers as he kissed her deeply.

  He kept up the exquisite game, bringing her close and then pulling back, confusing her body and also driving it insane. After a while she pushed at him, and taking the hint he rolled them over, letting her straddle him.

  She sat up and rocked against him, slowly and methodically. He palmed her breasts, his thumbs rubbing over her nipples. She pressed into his hands, leveraging herself with her fingers on his firm chest so she could increase her speed.

  “Oh shit, keep going babe, just like that.” His hips left the bed, meeting her over and over. She looked into his eyes as she came, biting her lip so she didn’t make too much noise in the hotel room. Alex didn’t miss the look in her eyes. “That’s it, Brooke, come for me.”

  Her eyes shut in ecstasy at the sound of his voice saying those words, and just like that he was groaning low in his chest as his rhythm slowed, each thrust purposeful and controlled. Finally he grasped her hips and pulled her down hard against his pelvis as he sucked in a deep breath through his nose and then blew it out.

  They stared at each other, panting, and after a moment she collapsed on the bed beside him, completely out of breath, and completely in love.

  **

  Alex had made love to Brooke once more during the night. He glanced at the clock, and it was three in the morning. She was sleeping quietly against his chest, her hair tickling his chin. The most bizarre thought had crossed his mind as she drifted off in his arms—he’d never been happier than he was right at that moment.

  It had only been a couple of weeks, and yet he’d known Brooke Abbott his whole life. Sweet young Brooke was the most amazing woman he’d ever slept with, ever known. She was so sensitive and responsive. She’d turned out to be the most passionate woman in bed.

  She stirred in his arms and looked up at him. The lights were out but he could tell her eyes were open. “You’re store is closed on Sundays, right?”

  “Yes, thank goodness. I’d be a wreck tomorrow.”

  “Today, you mean.”

  She gi
ggled, the warmth of her breath blew across his chest. “Yes, I guess so.”

  He ran his hand down her back, knowing that the thing gnawing—well, one of them anyway—at his mind was likely going to upset her … and him, but he had to ask. “Tell me about your ex, Brooke.”

  She was quiet for a moment and then laid her head back down. “We dated in college, started my junior year at Arizona. He was a business major, clean cut, cute. We had an American Lit class together.”

  He let her collect her thoughts. As much as he didn’t want to hear any details, he needed to. He couldn’t really explain why, but he did. Finally she continued. “He was a year older than me, and when he graduated he bought a little house. We’d been dating exclusively for about eight months when he asked me to move in with him. At first it was great, my parents weren’t happy of course since I was living in sin. They wanted us to get married. I wanted it too, and I kept thinking he’d ask anytime, since, you know, we were living together.

  I’m not really sure when he started being abusive. We’d been together almost two years, which was why it was so hard to understand. He’d always been moody and a little jealous, but in the beginning I was actually flattered by it. No one had ever liked me like that.”

  Alex hated the sadness in her voice, he rubbed her back gently, encouraging her to talk.

  “At first he never did anything that I classified as true abuse. I mean, I know better now, but at the time I’d convinced myself that’s not what it was.”

  “Like what?” He wanted to know exactly what this asshole had done to her.

  “Like … pushing me up against a wall, or shoving me. Squeezing my arms, yanking on me. Talking down to me in public, that was almost the worst. Humiliating. I mean … I just know I never had a black eye, or a broken bone. A lot of it wasn’t really even painful physically … just, scary I guess, manipulative. He was always mad at me and found a way to make me feel bad. I often found myself apologizing although I couldn’t have told you what for. I just knew apologizing made him better. It sounds so stupid now. Toward the end I was just wondering when he was going to go crazy and really hurt me.”