Winter Heat

by Kennedy Fox

  “Almost, but first we need egg nog.”

  “Alcoholic?”

  I snicker. “Is there any other kind?”

  Ben looks impressed when I pull out the glass container. “Did you make that?”

  “I wish I could take the credit. They don’t advertise it because they could get in trouble, but Earl’s wife Mary makes it and sells it on the side.”

  “Good for her. She’s such a sweet lady.”

  With a nod, I pour our glasses and we make our way back to the tree.

  Ben holds up his glass and clinks it against mine. “Happy Holidays, Kara.”

  My heart flutters. Being with him is such a gift. “Merry Christmas, Ben.”

  Chapter Nine

  BEN

  “I’m so hungry, and I can’t believe how good those cookies smell right now!”

  Kara and I are a bit tipsy. Her cheeks are rosy and she’s absolutely adorable as she keeps peeking inside the oven while waiting for the cookies to finish. We’ve had a great day.

  As we trimmed the tree, she told me stories about all the ornaments and kept them going as she decorated the house. It didn’t take nearly as long as I thought it would either. Kara has it all down to a science.

  She teared up a few times when she shared her family traditions with me. I wish I’d been able to spend just one holiday with them, but even in college we had to go our separate ways during the Christmas break. Holidays were hard for my mom during and after the divorce.

  The crock pot timer goes off and Kara squeals. “They’re done!”

  Laughing, I shake my head. “That was the crock pot.”

  “Psht, I’m not going off a timer for the cookies. I measure doneness by sight and these babies are done.”

  She pulls out the peanut butter cookies and puts in the sugar cookie trays. After moving them to a baking rack, she starts mixing up another batch of something.

  “More cookies?”

  “Not tonight, but probably tomorrow. It’s always nice to make a fresh batch on Christmas Eve.”

  Our first Christmas Eve together. It’s still hard to believe. “What are you making now?”

  “Biscuits to go with the stew.”

  Buttermilk, flour, butter, and more go into the bowl with the other ingredients. There is no recipe book in sight—she’s doing it from memory.

  “Can I do something to help?”

  “Nah, just sit there and admire me … I mean, my skills. For the love of all that’s holy, just sit back and relax.”

  “I’m happy to sit here and admire you. Thanks for the invitation.”

  “You suck,” she says as she drops biscuits onto a pan.

  “There are many parts of you I’d like to suck.”

  She laughs. “You’re so bad.”

  I walk up behind her and push her hair to the side before lowering my lips to her neck and pulling her skin between my teeth.

  Kara hisses. “Oh God.”

  I slip my hand beneath her sweater and cup her breast. Kara drops the spoon and goes limp in my arms.

  “Ben … please.”

  Adding my other arm under her sweater, I cage her against the counter. “Please what? Please more? Please touch me?” I move my lips against the shell of her ear. “How about please fuck me, Ben?”

  I push against her ass so she feels how turned on I am.

  “All of that,” she whispers. “Just not yet, but soon.”

  Kara whimpers as I slide my hands out of her sweater and back up.

  “I’d almost forgotten how good you feel against my body.”

  “Me too,” she grumbles as she picks up the spoon and finishes the biscuits.

  It’s nearly midnight by the time we’ve finished gorging ourselves on dinner and dessert and clean up.

  We’re cuddling by the fire and enjoying the holiday ambience when we start trading yawns.

  “I should go home.”

  “You can stay.” She tucks herself tighter to my side.

  “Kara, you can’t stop yawning and neither can I. It’s been a long day and I’ve loved every moment of it. I should let you rest. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

  She tilts her head up and shakes her head. “I don’t want you to go. Stay with me. Sleep in my bed and cuddle me. Keep me warm. Just cuddles though, okay? That is, if you want to …”

  “Of course, I want to, if you’re sure.”

  “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

  Chapter Ten

  KARA

  Waking up in Ben’s arms this morning was the most joy I’ve had this year. I laid in bed for hours and basked in complete bliss. When he finally woke up, he acted a little strange and went home to shower and catch up on some work. He did give me a long, lingering kiss goodbye, so maybe he was fine.

  After taking a shower, I started a fire and had coffee and a hot buttered biscuit with some of Mary’s homemade pumpkin butter. I ran down to the store to pick up a few more things for Christmas dinner since Ben will be joining me.

  Our family tradition has always been to have dinner on Christmas Eve and a low-key Christmas day to enjoy all the leftovers. Ben thinks it’s an odd tradition, but I’ll win him over to the dark side.

  There’s not much in the way of presents at the town store, but I managed to pick up some of the local snacks that we loved as kids and a gift bag. It’s just a small token of my appreciation to Ben for keeping me company this week. It’s also a reminder to myself that we have more good times than bad behind us.

  Now the turkey is roasting and there’s a small ham warming in the slow cooker. All the sides are prepped and just need to be cooked or heated up.

  The banging on the front door yanks my attention from my mental checklist. When I open the door, a gust of wind sprays a dusting of snow inside along with a snow-covered Ben. He’s carrying a duffle bag and a backpack and tries his best to shake off before stepping inside.

  “Wow, it’s really coming down out there. I hadn’t even noticed.”

  He kisses me quickly with nearly frozen lips and moves to the fireplace to warm up.

  “Moving in?” I tease.

  “More like anticipating being snowed in and hoping for another invite to stay over.”

  “Consider the invitation extended. Did you manage to get some work done?”

  He nods. “I did, and I talked to my mom. She sends her love and condolences.”

  “She’s so sweet. Please tell her thank you for me.”

  Ben holds his hands out to the heat of the fire. “I was hoping you could tell her yourself. Maybe we can go visit her after the new year? I know she’d love to see you again.”

  It’s so fast to jump into that again, but that’s my common sense talking. The reality is, my heart never gave up on the two of us and I don’t think it ever will.

  “Does she think it’s odd? The two of us doing … whatever this is we’re doing?”

  Ben pulls me into his arms and hugs me. “Not in the slightest. I think she adores you almost as much as I do.”

  “What did you tell her about us?”

  He brushes my hair away from my face. “That we’re shacking up and making her first grandchild.”

  I shove his shoulder. “Shut up, you did not. Seriously, Ben, what did you say?”

  “That we’re dating again.”

  “You didn’t!”

  He nods. “That’s what I want, and if I’m wrong, I’ll break it to her later.”

  “But we still have so much to figure out and discuss. We live two completely separate lives now. How do I know I’ll fit into yours?”

  “Have I mentioned how good it smells in here?” He releases me and wanders into the kitchen.

  “Why are you changing the subject?”

  “Kara, I’ll go where you want. I’ve got a lucrative job in a high-demand field. If my friends don’t like you, I’ll get new ones. Maybe yours will have pity and adopt me into your circle.” He flashes a beaming smile at me, and I melt.

>   “You’ve always been charming. I’m sure Donna will love you.”

  “And what about you? Do you still love me?”

  “Ben …” Why is he being so strange and in my face all at the same time?

  “Kare bear … answer the question, please.”

  He laces his fingers in mine and squeezes my hand.

  “I’ve never stopped. Is that what you want to know? How pathetic I am that I never let go of my anger because I’d have to face the fact you’ve always owned my heart?”

  His lips meet mine in a slow, tender kiss. I part my lips and allow our tongues to meet for a harmonious dance. Unlike our previous kisses that were fueled by passion, this one is driven by love.

  Ben caresses my cheeks as we kiss, and I slip my arms around his waist. I need to feel his body against mine. I’ve missed him more than I ever allowed myself to admit. His thumbs brush over my cheeks as our kiss ends.

  “I love you, Kara, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You’re the only woman I ever want in my heart and in my life.”

  Tears stream down my cheeks and my chest heaves.

  “Kara, what’s wrong?”

  My body trembles in his arms as the floodgates open. It’s everything. There’s so much emotion right now. Losing my parents, being with Ben again, knowing he still loves me. I’ve felt so alone and here he is, lifting me from the bottomless pit of grief and bringing me back to the surface—bringing me back to life.

  Ben wraps me tightly in his embrace and waits for me to get it all out. When I’m finished, I’m a snot-nosed mess and squirm out of his arms, excusing myself to go clean up.

  “Well, that was embarrassing,” I say as I walk back into the kitchen.

  Ben has opened a bottle of wine and poured two glasses. First, he hands me a glass of water.

  “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It seems like you needed to let it all out.”

  Nodding, I take the water glass and drink. “It’s been a rough year, but you … Ben, you brought everything full circle when I needed it most.”

  “If I’d known sooner, Kara, I would’ve come. No matter what, I wouldn’t have let you go through that alone.”

  “I believe you. I should’ve called. Our families were friends. There wasn’t a service; I figured the world has enough chaos. I thought when things calmed down, I’d invite close friends to a celebration of life up here in the summer. They deserve to be remembered in the place they loved most.”

  Ben squeezes my free hand.

  “In good time, that’s exactly what we’ll do. We’re in this together now. Promise.”

  Chapter Eleven

  BEN

  Dinner was one on the best I’ve ever had. Kara has some killer family recipes, and I’m looking forward to having them for many more years.

  She’s cutting some fresh pumpkin pie for us while I add another log to the fire. The lights are off, but between the fire and the Christmas lights the room has the perfect ambience.

  The snow continues to come down outside, creating a picturesque scene in the window behind the tree. I couldn’t imagine a more romantic setting.

  “Yum, pumpkin pie with whipped cream. I’m in heaven.” Kara sets our plates on the coffee table and eyes the small gift bag. “What’s that?”

  “Something for you, for later. It’s not quite Christmas yet.”

  Before she sits, she grabs a bag from behind the tree. “I guess we had the same idea.”

  I take a bite and the spices from the pie explode in my mouth in the best way. She laughs as I groan in appreciation. “I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this pie since we were thirteen.”

  She takes a bite and closes her eyes while she savors it. “Yeah, you’ve totally been missing out.”

  “You can say that again.”

  Our eyes meet and it’s very clear she understands I’m not only talking about the pie.

  “Ben, do you believe in Christmas miracles?”

  After chewing my last bite of pie, I put my plate on the table next to hers. “I believe in miracles. I’ve never given much thought to holiday-specific ones.”

  We’re facing each other on the couch, eyes locked and knees touching.

  “My mom loved Christmas stories and movies with the miracle theme. The kind with the impossible coming true because of Santa or a guardian angel.” Kara’s brown eyes shine.

  “Do you believe in them?”

  “I’ve always loved the idea of it but also thought it was reserved for movie magic or a miracle on the page, you know?” She places her hand on my thigh and squeezes.

  “I’m real, Kara.”

  A blush creeps into her cheeks. “That obvious, huh?”

  “Trust me, I’ve pinched myself a time or two the past few days. You’re not alone.”

  “I think you’re my miracle, Ben. My final gift from my parents. They knew I was too stubborn to reach out but that I would bring them home. Do you think they could be my angels?”

  I drop to my knees on the floor in front of her and take her hands in mine. “I think they’re our angels. They knew I needed you as much as you needed me.”

  Kara leans forward and kisses me softly. “Thank you for not making me feel like an idiot.”

  The clock on the wall shows a few minutes past midnight. Reaching behind me, I take the giftbag off the coffee table and place it on the floor next to me.

  “Close your eyes.”

  Kara arches a brow.

  “Trust me.”

  She complies, and I take the gift from the bag. “Open them.”

  With wide eyes, she looks from me to the open ring box in my hand. “Ben,” she gasps and covers her mouth.

  “Kara, I promised myself that if I ever got the chance to right the wrongs of the past, I would do it and not waste a single second.”

  Tears stream down her cheeks, but I think they’re happy tears.

  “It might seem fast, but to me it seems like forever. You were right when you said we were the real deal. I was a fool to ever question our connection. I’ve missed you for six years and I don’t want to miss you for a single second more.”

  “Ben,” she whispers as I pull the ring from the box.

  “Marry me, Kara. Be my miracle for eternity, share my life, be my wife. I want to grow old with you and bring our kids here so we can share our traditions and our story with them. You’re the only gift I want this Christmas.”

  “Yes!” she cries out, nodding emphatically.

  Christmas music plays in the background as I slip the ring on her finger.

  “Oh my God, I can’t believe we’re getting married. How is this my life?”

  She pushes me back on the floor and lies on top of me. Her lips meet mine with renewed fervor as I slip my fingers into her hair. We kiss until we’re breathless and then curl into each other’s arms in front of the fire.

  “When did you get this?” She points to her ring.

  “Seven years ago. We were shopping one day, and I saw you admiring it in the jewelry store window. I went back that night and opened my first credit card and bought it.”

  Her brows scrunch together. “But you broke up with me.”

  “I got scared. I saw you working with one of your classmates in the library and you two had your heads together. It got the ball rolling in my mind and I couldn’t stop the ‘what if’ train.”

  Her expression falls slightly. “So then where did this come from? I know you didn’t carry it around with you for six years.”

  “My mom brought it up. Well, sort of. She met me at the donut shop with it. You should’ve seen how excited she was. All she wanted to do was come see you, but I convinced her that would be a big red flag considering we’d only reconnected the night before.”

  Kara laughs, and I release a deep breath. “Are we really getting married?”

  “The second you’re ready, just say the word. I know it’s bittersweet without your parents, but we could do it here.”

  “Here?” />
  I pull her closer and kiss her head. “Maybe this summer down at the lake? Your parents’ bedroom has a killer view.”

  She laces her fingers through mine, and I run my finger across her engagement ring.

  “I’d love that, Ben. Almost as much as I love you.”

  “Merry Christmas, Kare bear.”

  “Merry Christmas, Ben.”

  About the Author

  D. Kelly, author of The Acceptance Series, The Illusion Series, and standalone companion novels Chasing Cassidy and Sharing Rylee, was born and raised in Southern California. She’s a wife, mom, dog lover, taxi, problem fixer, and extreme multi-tasker. She married her high school sweetheart and is her kids’ biggest fan.

  Kelly has been writing since she was young and took joy in spinning stories to her childhood friends. Margaritas and sarcasm make her smile, she loves the beach but hates the sand, and she believes Starbucks makes any day better.

  A contemporary romance writer, D. Kelly’s stories revolve around friendship and the bond it creates, strengthening the love of the people who share it.

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  Description

  One second, my sister is announcing her engagement—to my ex. And the next, my best friend's telling everyone we're dating.

  We're not. We've never been anything more than friends.

  But when Justin kisses me, it doesn’t feel like pretend. And when he touches me, it's like he owns me, and perhaps he knows he already does. Always has.

  And I'm not sure how our friendship—or my heart—are going to survive the holidays.

  Chapter One