Tangle of Tinsel

I’m struck again by her curves. My hands itch to travel over them and pull her against me. I don’t want to rush things but being passive has never been my style. I trail my finger over the shell of her right ear.

“I never give directions I wouldn’t take myself.”

Her lips curve up. “Is that so?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I nod.

“So, if I say come here?”

I take a step toward her. She crooks her finger, and I bend down. Our lips brush. I hum as my nerve endings explode. “I think I remember you mentioning all the things you’d like to do with my lips.”

“Is that a request?” I ask huskily.

“I believe so, counselor.”

Moving quickly, I cup her ass and pull her to me. She moans, and I spear her mouth with my tongue. She tastes like apple cider and crisp sunshine. The tropical coconut scent of her hair reaches my nose, creating an unforgettable moment. Rising up on the balls of her feet, she presses her body against mine. I tilt my head, deepening our kiss, suckling her bottom lip into my mouth. Humming, she buries her fingers in my hair. Her nails scratch my scalp. The blood rushes straight down. I groan.

“Like that, do you?” She nips at my earlobe.

I press the bulge in my pants against her belly. “You tell me.”

“Jesus.” Breathing hard, she grips my hair tight. The pressure is delicious.

“Caleb?” Her shaky voice cools my ardor.

I run my hand up her back and cup the side of her neck, rubbing my thumb over her pulse point. “Look at me, Romy.” She peers up at me with wide, startled eyes. Her world is being just as rocked as mine. “There is no rush. We have nothing but time. I’m not going anywhere.

Her breath catches. A fear I don’t understand skitters across her eyes. Someone hurt her badly.

“This is so fast. We’ve been through a lot recently.”

“And don’t forget we still need to put the final touch on your tree.” I redirect her, storing her response in my memory bank for later. I want more than in her pants. There are going to be missteps. Kissing the tip of her nose, I step back. She grabs the glass topper. “Let me give you a boost.” I grip her waist, then raise her up.

“A girl could get used to this.” Placing the topper, she rests her hands over mine.

I set her down. “I’ve grown accustomed to people using me for my height.”

“We have to light the tree up and take some pictures for my mom.”

“Did you talk to her today? I don’t want to add a visit from the police to our adventures together.” I’m concerned. If she’s anything like her daughter, not hearing from her wouldn’t stand long.

“She really would make that call.” She giggles. “For that reason, I full-on Face Timed her.”

“You two seem close.”

“That happens when your father walks out and leaves you both behind.”

Her words paint a painful picture. “I’m sorry.” I brush her braided hair over her shoulder.

She shrugs. “It was a long time ago.”

“Doesn’t mean it wasn’t painful,” I respond softly, caressing her neck.

“It is what it is, right?” She leans against me for a moment. “You get the room lights, and I’ll get the Christmas tree lights.”

“Deal.” I move to the switch and wait for her to hit the power button on the extension cord before I flip the controller down.

“Oh. It is beautiful.”