An Escort for Christmas

“Dad.” Jameson’s voice was thick with warning. “I think that’s enough for tonight.”

Charles didn’t seem altogether pleased with his son’s attitude, and Julia looked sick with worry.

“He’s right, Charles.” She squeezed his hand in hers. “We have two weeks to get to know Harper. There’s no rush.”

Charles and Jameson had a silent war of wills as they stared each other down, but Charles was the first to concede. I suspected it had everything to do with how tight Julia was squeezing his hand.

“Very well,” he said, tearing his gaze back to his wife’s face. “I’m sure you two are probably tired.”

“Indeed.” Jameson grunted, rising to his feet.

He surprised me when he held out his hand for me, but then I remembered this was all part of his plan.

I threaded my fingers through his, savoring the warmth and strength of his palm. A tiny shudder ran down my spine when he closed his fingers around mine and stroked me with his thumb the same way he’d done earlier.

“Goodnight everybody.” He turned towards the staircase and tugged me along. “We’ll see you in the morning.”

***

When we got upstairs, Jameson dismissed himself shortly after. He said he had some business to tend to, and that he’d use the library so he didn’t disturb me. I suspected he was just as nervous as I was about sleeping in a room together or making idle chit chat. It was something that neither one of us seemed to be very good at.

I dimmed the lights and went into the bathroom, opting to help myself to the large garden tub. I might as well appreciate the luxuries while I had the opportunity.

I made a whole affair of it, lighting the candles that lined the edge and pouring scented oil into the hot water. I soaked for an entire hour before I started to drift off. I knew I should get out, but I didn’t want to leave my warm cocoon.

And then the door swung open and Jameson strode inside.

He stopped short when his eyes landed on me, and I gasped as I covered myself with my hands. I expected him to take my cue and avert his eyes, but it took him a full minute before he finally did.

“Sorry,” he muttered. “I thought you were already in bed. The lights were off.”

I didn’t speak. My eyes were too busy roving over his muscular body. Somewhere between the bedroom and the bathroom, he’d discarded everything but his boxer briefs. And there was a very visible outline of his erection staring me in the face.

I swallowed, but still couldn’t speak. Was that because of me?

“I’ll just…” He turned back towards the door. “Wait out here until you’re finished.”

“I’m getting out now,” I squeaked. “I’ll just be another minute.”

He nodded and shut the door behind him, taking all of my air with him. My God he was sexy. Quite literally perfect in every way. I could only imagine what he looked like on the soccer field, sweat dripping over his body. That was the stuff my fantasies were made of.

I closed my eyes and had the sudden urge to touch myself. I would have too if he weren’t waiting on the other side. I may have been a virgin, but I wasn’t a nun. I was very well acquainted with my fingers.

I stepped out of the tub reluctantly and wrapped a fuzzy towel around myself, making quick work of getting into my pajamas before treading back into the room.

I wished I’d paid more attention when Madame Jackie and Katia were packing my clothes, because all the nightgowns they’d included were silk chemises. For someone who wasn’t supposed to be having sex, it looked like the only thing I wanted to do.

I flashed Jameson a nervous smile as I slipped past him and tucked myself into bed. His eyes lingered in my direction for a pause before he let himself into the bathroom.

He turned on the shower, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I could just pretend I was asleep when he came back out and avoid any more awkwardness. It was exactly what I intended to do.

Until I realized belatedly that I’d forgotten to take my sleeping pill.

Crap.

Since my aunt had passed, I had a lot of trouble sleeping. For the first month, I didn’t sleep at all. Katia made me go to the doctor and get some sleeping pills before I ended up getting hurt because of my exhaustion.