Page 61 of Unwrapped

My boots break through the snow, crunching down as I make my way across the back field and trudge under the ghosted trees covered in twinkle lights.

I’ve come so far from who I was the last time I lived in this town and yet…I’m lost in so many ways. I’m a fraud. It’s no wonder the woman I left sated upstairs saw right through my bullshit. I might hold a business degree and the title of CEO but underneath all that—I’ll always be a two-bit punk raised rough with the scars to prove it.

I want to do better.

I need to do better.

Freddie is just the first in a long list of things I need to do to rectify the selfish prick I’ve become. Locking my heart and keeping out love is no way to live. Maybe I’ll get Freddie a dog or cat. I’ll start slow, loving a pet before I learn to love a woman. Freddie’s going to need a momma, too. Especially with her teen years just ahead.

I picture Shiloh, with her flushed skin, dark hair, and sexy moans. I wouldn’t mind having her in my bed to legally fuck every night. She’s a teacher so that’s another plus. But then I think we’d never last a week and we both know it. A holiday fling is probably the most we can handle.

Fresh from a shower, I button up my navy flannel shirt. It’s tight. Rolling the sleeves to my elbows, I whistleSanta Clausis coming to town.Checking the watch at my wrist, my lisp curve. Nine hours. Twelve minutes and fifteen seconds till sundown. Will I strip her slow or devour her? Make her wait to come by edging her for hours or should I take her hard and fast from behind?

Decisions.

Decisions.

My feet match the jolly tune as I hum the rest of the tune as I follow the smell of bacon and coffee.

What. The. Fuck?

She’s in the silk shirt the one I’m going to rip apart. Maybe even tonight. But that’s not the problem. He is.

“…I just wanted to say Merry Christmas before I head north. The weather isn’t looking good so we’ll probably hang in Canada until the twenty seventh.”

Shiloh puts her hand on his forearm, “Be safe.”

“Always.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek. I see red. The growl from my throat has them jumping apart, guiltily.

“I thought you left last night.” My eyes narrow and I stalk forward, yanking my girl behind me.

“I was supposed to. But the plan changed.”

“Put a robe on,” I hiss, turning my head.

“Why? I don’t belong to you.”

My jaw tics. I close my eyes and count to ten still seeing the shadows of her dusky nipple from beneath the soft silk.

Federico clears his throat. “Would you be my date for the New Year’s Eve Ball?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

We reply in unison.

“You said last night, that you weren’t into her.”

“He’s not.” Shiloh skirts from around me, daring me with her eyes to challenge her.

“I changed my mind. She’s mine. Get lost, brother.”

“But I haven’t changed mine. I’d love to go with you.”

I slam my mug of coffee down. Hot liquid splashes everywhere. Ignoring it, I walk up behind her and hook my arm around her waist, pulling her back against me. “I’ll spank you for lying. My tongue right here last night.” My hand lowers to cup her mound through the silk. Federico swallows hard without looking away. “This sweetbutt is mine.” I bend my head to her ear, “Do you like that he’s watching? Wanting you…getting turned on thinking about how you might taste?” She breathe sin shallow pants as I move my hand round and round then up her shirt to cup her breast where my fingers roll a nipple through the silk.

“Fuck, I envy you.”

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