Page 65 of Mistletoe Misses
I force my eyes from his adorable sideways grin to the items he’s carrying. A bag from Latte Da Café and two steaming cups.
“Is that what I think it is?”
“Chocolate muffins and a caramel macchiato. I heard it’s your favorite morning treat.”
“It is, especially when I’m stressed or worried.”
“Are you either of those this morning?”
I hold his gaze, choosing to ignore my fretting through the night and focus on the positive. He’s here now, and I plan to relish every second I get with him. “I’m happier than I’ve been in years.”
“Good. Me, too.”
Closing the distance between us, I frame his face. “That makes me even happier.”
His head lowers his head, and like our kiss behind the gazebo, he wastes no time showing me what he’s after. He’ll get zero complaints from me. Taking hold of his shirt, I pull him inside and kick the door closed. I don’t dare dislodge my lips from his as I take the drink carrier and bag and set them on the end table. Nothing will stop me from taking advantage of everything he’s offering.
His free hands find their way to my waist inside my open robe and lift me with ease, allowing my legs to lock around him. The decorative cutouts in the door dig into my back as his sculpted body presses against me. Every glorious muscle hardens, holding me in the most satisfying position for a kiss to put our last to shame. It doesn’t take long before I forget a world exists outside of our little bubble.
I’m on the verge of requesting something inappropriate for our new slow-burn arrangement when the doorknob wiggles. Sadie’s voice carries through the wall, and we freeze.
His eyes widen before gently setting me down. Holding the door closed with one hand, I shoo him into my bedroom. I’ll sneak him out while Sadie gets ready for school.
“Mom! The door won’t open.”
“I’m coming.” I give him a moment to find a hiding spot, then swing open the door. “Hi, baby. I missed you.”
She trots in and hugs me, pressing her cheek to my belly. I wonder if she can smell a freshly showered Maddox on myclothes. I certainly can and hope his rustic scent stays with me all day.
“Did you have fun?”
“Yeah.”
Before I can close the door, Trixie slips through the opening and stands on her hind legs for Sadie’s attention.
“Hi, Trix. What are you doing here?” Kneeling, Sadie gives her excited furry friend all the rubbing she desires. “I stopped by next door to see Maddox, but he wasn’t there.”
“He … ugh … must have gone somewhere.”
Shrugging, she drops her overnight bag beside the couch. “Did you go to the coffee shop?” She waves a finger at me. “In your pajamas?”
Glancing over the ivory silk shorts and tank top combo I’m wearing under my equally silky hot pink robe, I have no lie at the ready. I settle on the truth. “Maddox brought them.”
“And he brought my fav.” She wiggles the macchiato out of the holder and takes a sip.
“It’s my favorite, too. Someone must have filled him in on our secret.”
“He’s so sweet.”
And a lot of other adjectives I can’t say right now.
“Shouldn’t you be at work?” she asks, digging into the bag.
“Shoot. It’s Monday, isn’t it?”
“And you’re late.”
“Thank you, my big girl. Hurry up and eat your breakfast. You’ve got somewhere to be, too.” I peck the top of her head and dash off to my bedroom. I’d forgotten about Maddox hiding here until his head peeks out of my closet. I stifle the scream tickling my throat by slapping a hand over my mouth.
