Kissmas Wishes (Love In All Seasons 3)

But I'm biding my time. I want this to last. So, I suffice with a kiss; a long, slow kiss that leaves us both breathless. That leaves her panting for more. Good, that's the way I want her. It's the same place that I’m at and I know that when we finally come together and this little project of ours ends, we can make this into something more. Into something real.

Same as she has breakfast for me, I make sure I always have this thermostat up five degrees higher when she's about to come home. I love the way she smiles walking into the house. “Oh, it's so cozy and toasty in here!” she says nearly every day.

She's just said the same thing now as she walks into the dining room. “Wow, that looks fantastic. I feel like you're just finding random things to do with the house at this point. Are you trying to avoid going back to your real job?”

Finished with the fixture, I jump off the table and flick the light switch on. “Voila,” I say. She claps her hands, showing she’s impressed by my handiwork. Even though I know it's just a few wires pressed together.

“Truth is I don’t give a damn about that old job I was doing.”

“Will they let you back on the crew?”

“You trying to get rid of me?” I ask

“No, not at all. I love having you here. I was just feeling a little guilty.”

“Don’t. It's freezing-ass cold outside. Not really interested if I'm telling it to you straight. Besides, I'm tired of working for other people.”

Maple listens as she sets down her purse, taking off her coat, revealing a perfectly curvy body that makes my cock nice and hard. With a smirk, she says, “You’re working for me, aren’t you?”

We both laugh, knowing this arrangement is about a whole lot more than fixing up a house. It’s about the spark we share, the feelings we have for each other.

I set my power drill down and walk over to her as she's pulling something out of her purse. “Speaking of work, I owe you a paycheck. I know we hadn't agreed on an hourly, but—”

I shake my head, pushing the envelope away. “I’m not taking your money, Maple. I already took your virginity.”

She licks her lips, her cheeks nice and pink. “If I remember correctly it was offered, not taken.”

“Fair enough. But now look, I have fixed every creaky step, every faulty light, every damn leak in this house. I don't think I can find any more jobs to do.”

“I know,” she says. “That's why I was paying you today. Because I think we're kind of done.”

“Just like that?” I ask, hating the idea of having to say goodbye.

“Not done like, you and me. I mean done having you help or work on the house. I think it's time to move on.”

“Move on?” I feel my heart pulling back. Same as my feet. “I understand, Maple. You want me to go. The job is done.”

She groans with exasperation. “That's not what I'm saying at all. I’m saying this project is finished and just in time. Because tonight's the Jingle Bell Lane party.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“I guess it just feels like the perfect time to celebrate the holidays. To stop working so hard and just enjoy ourselves.”

“I'm not going to the party. I’ve never been, and really it’s not my scene.”

“It’s my scene though, Filson.”

We stand in silence for a minute, and I know Maple loves this sort of thing… a holiday party. Her granny organized it every year. Not going feels like a rejection of everything she stands for. A rejection of her.

“Of course, I’ll come, Maple. I just… all of this is new to me. I’m just learning as I go.”

Relief seems to wash over her. “Good, because I’d hate to go alone.”

I walk to her and pull her into my arms. Our lips meet and damn, she’s all I want.

“So that’s settled,” I say she we pull apart.

“Actually, I know it's totally last minute, but we need a Santa. Asher backed out of doing it”

“Okay. What are you telling me that for?”

She licks her lips again. “I was wondering if you could be the Santa?”

A frown forms on my face. Running a hand over my beard, I try to get this straight. “You're asking me to dress up as Santa Claus and hand out candy canes?”

“And presents,” she says, hope in her voice. “I know I should have asked sooner, but I thought if I asked earlier, you definitely would have said no.”

“So, you're putting me on the spot? Pressure much?”

“You'll be such a good Santa,” she insists.

“I’d rather stay here with you tonight.” I give her a hard look, but I’ve already made up my mind. No way in hell would I tell this girl no.