Page 80 of Mistletoe Misses
“No. Quite the opposite.”
He stares at me, hopefully reading my intent correctly.
To spell it out for him, I add, “I’d like to have you all to myself.”
“Really?” His voice has a sudden huskiness to it, his sex appeal showing through his emotional window. That will come in handy when I seduce him later.
“How do you feel about that?”
On the way to mine across the table, his hand sideswipes the tower, sending the red and green blocks crashing to the table and sliding in every direction. “Damn. Guess the game is over. You win.”
“If that’s your way of saying yes, I’m a winner in more ways than one.” Rising out of my side of the booth, I join him and bend my legs over his. Dark, mossy eyes watch my every move. That tender way he soaks me in with adoration and bewilderment will never get old. I hope he always looks at me like that.
Running a hand up his shoulder, I cup the back of his neck and bring his forehead to mine. “Stay with me tonight, Maddox.”
His answer takes longer to emerge than I like, putting me on alert.
I straighten. “Whatever you can give me, I’ll take it happily. Just stay with me.”
“Okay.”
That one little word activates something inside me, and I can’t wait to show this stunning man what I’m willing to do to make him happy. He deserves that tonight and every day for the rest of our lives … if my good luck holds and I’m gifted a lifetime with him.
On our way out, no one tries to talk to us beyond saying goodbye, and we’re dashing down the sidewalk toward my apartment with minimal effort. For all the times the people in this town rummage through our business, at least they knowwhen to leave us be. It’s their way of cheering us on, and I love them for it.
In a matter of minutes, we’re standing outside my apartment, shivering and breathless, but it isn’t from the frigid jog to the store or climbing the stairs. I’m happy to report that my seduction plans weren’t needed, and we’re too consumed in each other to unlock the door. His hands are everywhere I need them to be, and for once, he’s not holding back.
I’m on the verge of luring him to the floor in the hallway when he asks, “Where’s the key?” His lips trail kisses up my neck, and I can’t think. I need this—need him—and I don’t care where my keys are.
“I … God … In my …” As his mouth consumes mine, he somehow removes the keychain from my purse. The man has many talents, and I plan to explore and exploit every one of them over the next several hours.
“Don’t move,” he rasps, like I could if I wanted to. With one hand on my hip, he unlocks and pushes open the door, tossing the keys inside with a clatter.
His eyes come back to me, drinking me in as he does while the pad of his thumb traces my cheekbone. I’m drunk with love and giddy to get everything I’ve longed for when something changes in his eyes. The past and his fears are creeping back in.
“If we do this,” he begins. “We can’t go back to the way things were.”
“Good. I don’t want to live without you again, Maddox. Ever.”
He sounds like he wants to trust me but can’t fully yet, even after how far we’ve come this week. I did that to him. To us.
“Whatever happens after this, we’ll figure it out together. Come inside.”
“I want to. More than anything.”
Tingles of hope radiate under my skin, and I take his hand, gently urging him not to let doubt separate us. “Give me a chance to show you how much you mean to me.”
I take a tentative step back toward the open door. Another step, and he follows. Several more take us inside, and I shut the door. Finding his gaze, I see competing emotions holding him captive. He wants me, but he’s afraid I’ll hurt him again. I get it. This is a monumental step for us so soon after reconnecting. Yet, at the same time, it feels like no time has passed at all. We understand each other, always have, and no amount of time apart will ever take that away.
I don’t know what he’ll decide to do, but whatever memories he allows us to make, I’ll cherish each one. This night marks the start of our forever—a forever I should have claimed long before now and will never stop fighting for.
???
Maddox
The sun is starting to peek through the evergreens behind our house and cast interesting shadows through the sunroom. I’ve lost count of how many hours I’ve been sitting here, overthinking and reanalyzing my decision not to stay with Carmen last night.
Everything in me wanted to let go as she asked. I heard her words of affirmation. I felt the love pouring from her touch. I know she’s put down roots for Sadie. Yet, I’m too damaged to accept that she won’t give all that away without warning.
