Christmas with the Sheriff (The Fiore Family 3)

“Yes, I am. I still have some things to finish for it tonight, but we’ll be back by morning to see the kiddies open their gifts.”

“I’ll walk you out.” Jenny and her mother walk out, and I go about the kitchen to see if I’ve missed anything else that needs to be cleaned. We managed to turn the gorgeous room back into a photo-worthy, ready-for-display kitchen online or in the best magazines for home décor.

Their house is spectacular inside and out. Although I didn’t get to examine the exterior much, I noticed that it’s more than a country home out in the middle of the woods. It screams money, although I’m not sure what the family does other than the inn which, as they admitted, only gets some people throughout the year who are passing through.

“Are you going to stay for the festival?”

“Wow, I can’t wait to see it. I love Christmas, and it’s a big part of why I wanted to go to NYC. The displays down there are so beautiful.”

“I’ve never been there.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’ve lived here my whole life and only passed through JFK when I’ve gone on family vacations to Florida or when I traveled on my honeymoon to Greece. Come on. I’m going to check on the kids.”

I follow her and say, “You should check it out one day. It’s truly beautiful, especially when there isn’t a crowd. It’s hard to find days like that, but there are a few.”

“I will one day. Maybe Derek and I can have a date night or holiday.”

“I’m a decent babysitter.”

“Well, then, I’ll have to talk Derek into taking me away. Let’s get off to bed and hope for a nice holiday in the morning.” She winks at me and loops her arm in mine, leading me down the hall.

I pull away and gasp. “Oh no. If I’m intruding on your Christmas morning, I can go.”

“Not at all.” She hooks my arm again, and we walk side by side through the house and upstairs. “Here’s your room for the night.” She opens the door, and I can tell it’s Mark’s as well. I’m not bothered by it because it makes sense. Still, I wonder if he’ll come lie with me when he gets back.

“I think he’s left some clothes here. You can just borrow some, or I can give you a nightgown if you’d like.”

“No, I’ll just look for a tee shirt.”

She smiles and whispers, “Goodnight,” and closes the door behind her. I strip out of my clothes, leaving my tank top and panties on before sliding under the covers. Their house is warm, but there’s still a slight chill from the freezing temperatures outside. I do my best to wait up or so I believe, but quickly, I find myself asleep.

****

I turn in bed and feel the empty spot beside me, which is cool to the touch. He hasn’t come home and it’s dark out, so I have no idea what time it is. Still, an overwhelming feeling of sadness hits me, but so does the urge to pee. Jumping out of bed, I rush toward the bathroom quickly do my business and wash up. I should have flipped on the light because I have no idea where the bed and as soon as I step out of the bathroom I bang my hip on the dresser and then I trip on someone on the floor.

“Mark,” I cry out. His arms fly out, catching me before I face-plant on the floor.

“I’m sorry, Mia.” He pulls me in, our faces nearly touching. Our bodies are flush against each other.

“I was worried you didn’t come back,” I blurt out, trying to catch my breath.

“I’ll always be here. Merry Christmas, angel.”

“Merry Christmas, Mark.” I bend down and kiss his lips gently. His arms wrap around me tightly like steel bands as he growls and then pushes his tongue into my mouth. We roll on the floor, my back pinned as he presses his length against my heat.

“I missed you,” he says, running his hand up and down my arm.

“Then why didn’t you lie down with me?” I ask, staring at his bare chest that’s covered slightly in a dark patch of hair at his pecs. I can’t see any lower, but it’s not like I can take my eyes off his sexy muscled torso.

“Eyes up here, trouble.” He grips my chin and tilts my head so our eyes connect.

“I’m not trouble.”

“You’re going to be in trouble if you keep rubbing that hot pussy on my cock.” I freeze and blush because I had no idea I’d been grinding on him. “Now, as to why I wasn’t holding you in my arms the past two hours is because one, I didn’t want to scare you, and two, your pretty ass sleeps like a damn spider and I didn’t want to wake you when I tried to crawl into bed.”