Page 20 of A Moon Lake Christmas Hero

Erin sent me a look that was part surprise, part confusion.

“Water?”

Why did I even ask her such a stupid question? Our living situation had nothing to do with her. “Yes.”

“Well, I like to drink it, and I like hot showers. So I guess I’m fine with water.”

“Do you swim?”

“Swim?”

“The lake. It’s beautiful for swimming.”

She nodded. “Yes, I swim. Though I’ve never lived near a lake.”

“You will get used to it in no time. Just wait.”

Small talk. Small talk was safe and easy.

I stopped the SUV right in front of the entrance to Alan and Jessie’s farmhouse, jumped out, and rounded the hood to open the door for her.

“It’s beautiful,” she said, standing beside me, glancing up at the house. I opened the back door, and Lucy practically jumped into my arms again. What was with that dog?

Then I turned and looked at the old farmhouse—tried seeing it through her eyes.

She was right. It was a beautiful building. Sturdy. Massive walls. The festive wreath on the door underlined its idyllic charm. It was the perfect home.

Filled with love, laughter, and a traditional family.

The weight on my chest made me close my eyes for a second. I pictured Erin this morning. How she smiled at Abby and Marley. I shook my head.

“Yes, it is. Let’s go inside.”

We were greeted by Jessie and Alan, the kids, the puppy, and two cats that made Lucy perk up for a moment before she settled down against my pecs again. In the short time Jessie and Alan had been married, this house had turned into a zoo. But because of it, the twins loved spending time here so much.

“Daddy, Daddy, look,” Abby said and showed me some arts-and-crafts endeavor made of dry pasta, seeds, and a paper plate.

“Looks good, Abbs. It will look amazing at home in the hallway.” Our hallway was plastered with my kids’ art. Most of it was falling apart by the time we got it hung up, but I didn’t care. Whatever they brought home got highlighted in the hallway and admired by all.

“Erin.” Jessie embraced Erin, and both women looked beyond happy to see each other again. “How are you? I wanted to come by yesterday, but someone”—she threw me a dirty look—“said you needed to rest. Is this the dog?”

She grabbed Erin’s hand and pulled her over to me. I pressed Lucy against me, not sure if all the people and animals would overwhelm her. Maybe it had been a bad idea to bring her.

“Yes, this is Lucy.” Erin lifted her out of my arms. And when her finger touched my forearm briefly, I felt the resounding zing all the way to my toes.

The shock in her eyes—when they searched and found mine—was enough for me to want to get her alone again.

Push her against the nearest wall. Kiss her senseless until I could feel her soft sighs under my lips, until she gave up control and let me have my way with her completely.

I could feel my cock stir.

Not the right moment for thoughts like this.

“I invited the guys over for a little pre-Christmas get-together.” Alan patted my back. “Since you took the day off and all. I thought we’d end it with a little celebration worth the occasion.” His eyes moved from Erin back to me, and he didn’t even try to hide his grin.

So what if I hardly ever took a day off? I was a busy man. I took my responsibilities seriously. And managing my investments, my job as a mayor, and my volunteer work as a firefighter—besides having time for my babies—took discipline, dedication, and hard work.

And didn’t leave much time for slacking off. Especially not on a Friday.

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