Christmas in His Bed

He’d chuckled, then groaned again, his breath brushing her nipples and his hand stroking along her belly. “I wish. They call, I go. Dammit.”

She tugged the plaid throw over her nakedness, watching him dress with a mixture of appreciation and disappointment. In that moment, disappointment won. She hadn’t wanted him to go. From the bulge in his pants, she knew he didn’t want to go. And when he’d looked at her, there was no denying how badly he wanted to stay. He’d kissed her, once, so hard and deep she moaned. Which made him mutter “Dammit” again before stomping out.

She’d lain on her nest of pillows hoping he’d reappear. But he hadn’t come back and she’d eventually crawled into her bed, buried in quilts and oh so lonely.

She’d woken up with the echo of his fingers on her skin. She could still feel him, taste him... All morning she’d thought of things she wished she’d done. It wasn’t the regret she was expecting, but it was still regret. He’d been her own personal playground and she’d only been allowed on one ride—a ride that had been cut short.

After living in a state of denial, her body was ready to give in, let go and thoroughly enjoy what Spencer was willing to offer her. Too bad she’d said once.

Of course, they hadn’t actually slept together so...

No. God no. What was she thinking?

“Tatum?” She heard the singsong voice through her front door. “Are you decent? It’s Mrs. Ryan, dear, from across the street.”

She blushed. Spencer’s mother. “Coming,” she called out, smoothing her red tunic into place and running a quick hand over her hair and the long beaded necklace she wore. Appearance was important. First her mother, then Brent had insisted she always look her best. And now that Spencer’s mother was on the front porch, she was glad of it.

She pulled open the door to find Mrs. Ryan and Lucy Ryan, Spencer’s cousin. Lucy was the one person she’d kept in contact with from Greyson—the one person Tatum had always counted a true friend. But after Lucy had come to visit her and Brent, their emails and phone calls grew further apart. Brent hadn’t liked Lucy and made it clear he didn’t approve of their friendship. And, sadly, Tatum hadn’t fought to preserve or defend their friendship.

“Tatum!” Lucy squealed, her gray eyes widening at the sight of her.

“Lucy? Oh, Lucy,” she answered, laughing when Lucy hugged her tight.

“I hadn’t heard from you in a while.” Lucy’s voice was muffled. “It’s so good to see you.”

“I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I guess I’ve sort of been in hiding.”

Lucy let go of her and Mrs. Ryan hugged her gently. “Well, you’re home now and that’s all that matters,” the older woman said.

“We brought you cookies,” Lucy said, offering her a huge basket overflowing with cookies, breads, some wine and fruit.

“Well...thank you,” Tatum said, taking the basket. “Come in, please.”

That was when she saw Spencer coming up the path. It hadn’t been her imagination. He really was the hottest thing she’d seen in real life. And watching him stroll up her path, all bad boy and muscled body... The phantom heat of his fingers inside her body had her throbbing for his touch and aching for more. Sticking to “once” was going to be hard.

Especially if one of them didn’t move out.

“Hurry up, Spencer,” Lucy called. “It’s cold.”

Spencer took the steps two at a time, striding into the living room before Tatum could react. He hugged her, casually, his scent flooding her nostrils. “Morning, Tatum,” he said tightly, his blue eyes staring into hers.

She nodded, reeling from the effect of his quick embrace.

“Well, come sit, tell us everything,” Mrs. Ryan said, patting the couch beside her. “I haven’t seen you in... Goodness, how long has it been?”

“Almost eight years?” Lucy asked, sitting on the couch beside her aunt.

Tatum nodded.

“You look just the same.” Mrs. Ryan smiled. “I always thought we’d see you in a magazine or a movie someday.”

“Oh...no.” Tatum shook her head. “Would you like something to drink—”

“No, Aunt Imogene is literally bursting to ask you questions about everything that’s happened since you left,” Lucy cut in.

Imogene Ryan’s eyes went round. “Lucy,” she chastised.

“It’s true,” Spencer added.