Love by Design

“To be honest, not much. I’m just lying here reveling in how good it feels to be in your arms. It’s so amazing—as was making love with a view. I’ve never done that before.”

“Me, either. That’s a staple now, though.” He chuckled before kissing the top of her head. “Koty?”

“Hmm?” she murmured.

“I want you to know that you can seduce me whenever you want.”

She smiled. “Good to know, Logan. I may take you up on that…later.”

* * *

Logan and Dakota fell into a comfortable routine over the next few weeks. Neither one wanted to waste more time being apart. There was a familiarity to their relationship that was comforting, but also characteristics that were new. It was uncharted territory, but they embraced it, as they did the holidays.

Christmas was upon them, and it was their first as a couple so they, along with Norma Jean, made the most of it. Some years, Dakota would decide not to bother putting up too many decorations, but this year that was not even an option. Christmas was Logan’s favorite holiday. He gave back to those less fortunate all year round, but spreading Christmas cheer made him especially happy. They volunteered at the community center with their family and friends, at Norma Jean’s church for the Christmas Coat Drive and the hosted dinners for families that needed help during the holiday season.

After they had decorated Logan’s condo, they went to her home in Glenview to outfit her house with loads of lights, holiday swag and well-placed mistletoe, which Logan used the moment he got it secured over every entryway.

“I don’t think my house has ever been this kitted out for Christmas before. I don’t think there’s a square inch that doesn’t have something decorative on it,” Dakota said.

“Not true. There are no lights around the shower or bed.”

“That’s probably a good thing, so we don’t kill ourselves getting in and out of them.” She laughed.

“Although…”

Without another word, Logan picked her up and carried her to the bed. He dropped her down ceremoniously and hopped on her. Dakota shrieked as she tried to move before getting squished under him.

“You know, I think we should put lights around the bed. That way, I can see how you look by indirect lighting when I hit that spot that has you screaming my name.”

“Oh, really?” she said before maneuvering him beneath her. “What about when I’ve got you screaming my name, Montague?”

“Hey, I am not ashamed to admit that I’m totally defenseless when you set your sights on sexing me up within an inch of my life. I’ll die happy, my love.” He ran a hand up her stomach, and snaked a path past her breast to her neck. He held her head firmly in his hand so they made eye contact. “Each and every time.”

She melted like warm chocolate before him. They could not get clothes off fast enough, and soon dissolved into a tangle of legs, kisses and sighs.

* * *

True to her word, Dakota never kept anything from Logan. She told him about her nightmares, and to date, the occurrences of those had been infrequent. Now when she had them, Logan was usually with her and soothed her back into a peaceful sleep.

Logan was over at Dakota’s house one Saturday when she returned from the mailbox with a red envelope in her hand.

“Guess what?”

“It’s too festive to be a bill,” he reasoned. “What?”

“It’s an invitation to Norma Jean’s house for Christmas dinner.

“Are Adrian and Milán coming?” Logan asked.

“Yes, plus Tiffany and Ivan, and Sabrina and Justin.”

Dakota enjoyed hanging out with Adrian’s friends, who were really their friends now, too. Everyone cared so much about each other that she felt enveloped in love wherever she was. Holidays were usually mixed emotions for Dakota. She loved being with everyone, but it also made her miss her own family that much more.

When Christmas day arrived, Dakota cooked a small breakfast for the two of them. They decided not to exchange gifts until after they returned home from Christmas dinner.

“Hey, you okay?” Logan asked when they pulled up outside the Anderson home a few hours later.

She nodded. “Yeah, it’s just that sometimes holidays are…”

Logan cut the engine, slipped out of his seat belt and unfastened hers. He scooped her up in his arms and hugged her tight.

“I know.” He cupped her face with his hands and kissed her. “If this gets to be too much for you, just tell me and we’re out of here, okay?”

Her heart constricted with love. She kissed him back. “Okay.”

With a reassuring squeeze of her hand, Logan got out and walked around the car to open her door. Laden with gifts and dessert, they walked toward the house.