White Hot Holidays 18: Jessamyn's Christmas Gift Read online

  She could hear his harsh breathing and knew he was still aroused. She heard the vibrator clatter as he tossed it onto the nightstand, and then the sound of something being ripped open. A condom. She appreciated the fact that he’d thought to protect her, as she was so far gone herself she hadn’t even thought of it.

  Then she was blinking, her eyes adjusting to the dim light as he slipped the blindfold off. He reached up and released one of her hands, slipped the cuff from out between the slats before locking it around her wrist again. His cock brushed against her and she moaned as she felt desire rising within her again. The man made her insatiable.

  “I’m going to fuck you.” He lifted her bound hands and hooked them over his head as he settled between her thighs, never taking his eyes from her face.

  She raised her legs and locked her ankles at the small of his back, pulling him toward her. She could feel the head of his cock just at the opening of her pussy. “Do it.” In spite of her words, he hesitated. Arching her hips upward, she used her grip on him to pull him down. “Fuck me, Caleb,” she cried.

  He plunged hard and deep, his cock stretching her inner muscles as they molded around his erection. She felt full, but he still wasn’t all the way in. She squirmed, trying to take him deeper.

  “Relax, sweetheart,” he crooned in her ear. Nuzzling her throat, he pulled back slightly before rocking forward again. “That’s it,” he encouraged as she took a bit more of him inside her.

  Her breasts brushed against the hair on his chest with every stroke he made. Whimpering, she kissed his chest and his throat and anywhere else she could reach him, frantic now for completion. “Harder.”

  He stilled and then began to move his hips faster, thrusting harder and deeper with each stroke. They were both gasping for breath as they drove for completion. His hand slipped between them and he rubbed her clit just as he plunged once again. Jessamyn felt her pussy contract hard around him. She came on the next thrust.

  Like before, she felt her entire body shake as she came apart in his arms. But this time was different. This time she felt an emotional connection as well as a physical one. It frightened her, but it was too late to think about it as her orgasm consumed her. Caleb drove deep one final time and then his body jerked and heaved as he came. She wished he wasn’t wearing a condom so she could feel his cum jetting into her body.

  When it was over, he collapsed on top of her, but he took care to rest most of his weight on his elbows. She managed to unlock her ankles and her legs fell back to the bed with a soft thump. Caleb sighed and slowly pulled out of her. Sitting back on his heels, he removed her arms from around his neck, undid the cuffs and tossed them aside. His lips were soft against her wrists as he placed a tender kiss on each one before rolling off the bed. She enjoyed the view of his tight butt as he walked across the room and entered the bathroom just off her bedroom.

  Completely depleted of energy, she was content just to loll there with her eyes closed and her toes curled. She heard his footsteps and then felt him tug the covers out from under her before he rolled into bed beside her, pulling the sheet over them both as he gathered her into his arms.

  “That was amazing.” His lips brushed her head as she snuggled her face against his chest. She could feel the strong, steady beat of his heart.

  “Yes, it was.” She sighed as she flicked her tongue over his flat nipple.

  She could feel the vibration of his laughter as he threaded his fingers through her hair and eased her mouth away from him. “Enough of that for now. I’m worn out, woman.”

  She smiled, feeling very pleased with herself and incredibly sated. Resting her hand on his chest, she sifted her fingers through his chest hair. It was such a wonderful feeling to lie next to Caleb, and she relaxed so much that she almost dozed off. But his next words shattered her peace of mind.

  “I’m so glad you finally realized we belong together.”

  “I really enjoyed this evening, Caleb,” she began. This was about sex. About two people who liked and respected one another sharing pleasure. This was not about a permanent relationship.

  He stilled and she could sense every one of his muscles tensing. “Do you care to explain that a bit more?”

  She rolled out of his arms and sat up in the bed, wrapping an end of the sheet around her. “This was about sharing sex.” She smiled and tried to lighten the moment. “Really incredible sex.”

  He scowled at her. “This is about more than sex. This is about you and me and the two of us building a future together.”

  “No, it’s not.” Shaken, she pulled farther away from him.

  “The hell it’s not.” He rolled out of the bed and stalked to the end. Reaching down, he grabbed his underwear and began to dress. She could feel the waves of anger rolling off him, but he didn’t speak again until he was fully dressed. Slinging his jacket over his shoulder, he glared at her. “You’re more than willing to trust me physically, but you won’t trust me emotionally. I’m not Bennett Anderson and you’re not the same woman you were a year ago. You’re a strong woman, Jessamyn. I just never thought you were a coward.”

  His words cut through her like a knife and she struck back. “That’s not fair. I never agreed to anything more than this.” She gestured to the bed with her hands.

  He closed his eyes and when he reopened them, they were bleak. “You’re right, you didn’t. I assumed this meant more to you.” He shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand and she had to fight the urge to soothe him. He straightened and his normally warm amber eyes turned cool. “But I want more than a one-night stand, Jessamyn. You know where to find me if you change your mind.”

  Turning, he walked to the door. At the last second, he turned back to face her. “And make sure you extinguish those candles before you fall asleep.”

  She sat there on the bed and listened to sound of his footsteps on the stairs. When her front door closed behind him, it shut with a finality that made her cry out. Even though she’d done her best to not get emotionally involved, she was very much afraid that the angry man who just walked out her door had taken her heart with him.

  Chapter Five

  Jessamyn went through the next couple days on autopilot, unable to get Caleb’s parting words out of her head. She chatted with customers, rang up sales and wrapped boxes of chocolates in shiny red and green foil with gold ribbons. The cheerful sound of Christmas songs filled the store, but she didn’t hear them. She felt apart from all the holiday hustle and bustle. Lost in a world of misery.

  Coward. The word echoed in her mind and she wondered if Caleb was right. She’d been so intent on being a modern woman, one who didn’t mind having consensual sex with a willing partner, that she’d forgotten one important fact. She wasn’t the type of woman to have a one-night stand.

  As much as she’d tried to deny it, her emotions were definitely involved. Was she really allowing what happened with Bennett to still affect her life? She didn’t like to think so, but she was very afraid that that’s exactly what she’d done. And after several sleepless nights and restless days, she’d come to the conclusion that she’d done exactly what she said she wouldn’t do. She’d fallen in love with Caleb. And furthermore, she’d been in love with him for quite some time now. She realized that it had started the night he’d discovered her last Christmas and had been growing steadily ever since.

  Caleb was so different from Bennett, who in retrospect had been more flash than substance. Caleb Morgan was solid, a man that a woman could depend on. Strong and opinionated, he wouldn’t always be an easy man to live with, but he’d never lie to her or deceive her. If he had a problem, he’d lay all his cards on the table. She shivered as she remembered just how angry he’d been that night. But even in his anger, he’d been concerned with her safety. What a time to realize she was desperately in love with the man that she’d just pushed out of her life!

  Jessamyn was jolted back to reality by the sound of Gracie’s voice. “Jessamyn, can you help Mrs.
Walker?”

  She could hear the strain in her assistant’s voice and was shocked to realize that, while she’d been lost in thought, the store had filled up with people, many of whom were starting to look just a tad impatient. It was Christmas Eve after all, and people had presents to buy.

  Paper crinkled between her fingers and she glanced down to see that she’d crumpled a piece of wrapping paper in her hands, destroying it totally. Tossing the paper aside, she pasted on a happy smile and hurried toward the older lady standing in front of the truffle display. “How can I help you today, Mrs. Walker?”

  The steady steam of customers didn’t let up until they closed their door for the day. Even then, it took them another half-hour to clear out the remaining last-minute shoppers. “Merry Christmas, Mr. Simms,” she called as she closed and bolted the door before slumping back against it.

  “Is that it?” Gracie stood by the cash register and looked around before she turned the key and started printing the day’s sales reports.

  “Yes,” she pushed away from the door. “That’s it.” Ignoring the mess the shop was in, she made her way toward the sales counter. “Go home, Gracie. It’s Christmas Eve. I’ll take care of this.”

  “Are you sure?” Her friend shot her a concerned glance. “If you don’t mind me saying so, you haven’t been yourself today. You’re not coming down with something, are you?”

  Wrapping her arm around Gracie’s shoulder, she gave it a gentle squeeze. “No, I’m just a bit distracted. I’m sorry about zoning out on you today.”

  Gracie just laughed. “Considering the retail madness this time of year, it’s a wonder it doesn’t happen more. But if you’re sure you don’t mind me leaving, then I’ll take off. The offer is still open if you want to join me and my family this evening.”

  She shook her head. “Thanks, but I just want to go home and put my feet up. You go on.” As Gracie hurried off to collect her coat and purse, Jessamyn counted out the cash and did up the proper slip for the night deposit at the bank.

  Gracie bustled back out and hurried to the door. “I’ll come in a few minutes early when we reopen the day after Christmas and straighten up this mess. Although I doubt we’ll be very busy, so I don’t suppose it matters much.”

  “Thanks, Gracie. Enjoy the holiday with your family.” As her assistant let herself out and locked up behind her, Jessamyn went through the familiar routine of closing the store for the night. She did her paperwork by rote, and all the while her mind was furiously considering what to do about the situation with Caleb.

  The idea, when it occurred to her, was so perfect she wondered why she hadn’t thought of it sooner. In a hurry now, she finished up quickly and grabbed her coat. It was almost seven, but she still had plenty of time.

  An hour and a half later, she crept though her back garden as silent as a thief. Her boots scrunched against the layer of light snow that had fallen earlier in the day. The night air was crisp and she pulled her coat closer around her body as she scurried across the yard next door. She was glad she didn’t have too far to go as she was already freezing.

  Shoving her hand into her pocket, she dug out a key that she hadn’t used in a year. Jamming it in the lock, she turned it slowly and let out a relieved breath when she heard the click. She knew that he’d replaced the lock on the front door, but as far as she knew, he hadn’t touched the back door. She hadn’t been one hundred percent sure of that though, but she knew that if it hadn’t worked she’d have found another way in.

  Quickly, she let herself inside, closing the door behind her. The house was slightly chilly, but she’d fix that. Stamping the snow from her boots, she removed them and placed them on the mat to dry. She padded down the hallway in bare feet, stopping long enough to turn up the heater on the way along.

  The house was dark, so she used the small flashlight she’d brought with her to light her way. With the light in one hand and her bag of goodies in the other, she made her way to the living room. She stilled when she entered the room. The tall pine tree stood in the corner, decorated almost exactly as it had been last year. Walking over to the tree, she bent down and plugged in the lights.

  Standing back, she gazed at the tree in awe. Caleb had used the same decorations that she’d bought and used to decorate Bennett’s tree last year. Her heart ached to imagine him taking such care to pack them away last year and to put them up again this year. Shaking her head, she laid down her bundle and went straight to the fireplace. Within seconds, a fire crackled to life and she placed the protective screen in front of it.

  Taking her time, she pulled several scented candles and holders out of the bag, placed them on the low wooden coffee table and lit them. A bottle of wine and two glasses followed. They were the same crystal goblets she’d used last year. Caleb had thoughtfully returned them and the rest of her belongings. Lastly, she tugged the faux fur rug out of the bag and spread it in front of the fireplace.

  Curious now, she glanced around the room, noting the changes. The room certainly reflected Caleb’s tastes. Filled with heavy wooden furniture, it was masculine but inviting. It was easy to imagine spending a cold winter’s day curled up on the sofa with a good book.

  Now that the room was warming up, Jessamyn unzipped her coat. Second thoughts assailed her, but she determinedly shoved them aside as she pulled off her coat and laid it over the back of a chair. She’d bought the outfit a few weeks ago, not quite knowing why she felt compelled to buy such a thing, but she was very glad she’d given into the temptation.

  A deep burgundy, the strapless, satiny garment clung to her curves. The bodice was tight around her torso and breasts and showed off her cleavage. Trimmed with white fur, the neckline dipped very low in the front, the cups of the bra barely covering her nipples. The sides were cut high, almost to the waist, but it was the back of the outfit that was the most daring. Her back was encased in the tight-fitting satin, but it ended at her waist. Instead of being a full panty on the bottom, there was a thin string that was drawn through the legs and snapped to the waistband. Jessamyn had never worn a thong before and she felt both very exposed and very sexy.

  Not knowing how long she’d have to wait, she poured herself a glass of wine and took a sip before setting it aside and settling back on the fur rug. The fabric was soft and sensual against her skin. She lay back on the rug and rolled from side to side, moaning with pleasure. Already the thin string of the thong was damp between her legs as she imagined Caleb’s reaction when he saw her. She couldn’t wait to have his cock inside her again, pumping hard and deep. Her legs sprawled apart and she moved her hips sensually. She hoped she didn’t have to wait too long for Caleb to get home.

  Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, allowing the smells of the season to envelop her. She loved the smell of the fresh pine tree, the cinnamon candles and the cozy scent of the cedar wood burning next to her. Opening her eyes, she gazed up at the tree, enjoying the way the white lights twinkled amidst the red flashing light.

  Red flashing light?

  The back door opened with a bang at the same time the front door slammed opened. Before she had a chance to react, he was there in the entrance to the living room. Tall and rugged, he filled the doorway even as he crouched low. “Police. Freeze.”

  Both of them froze in place as they stared at each other. Then Caleb swore and holstered his gun before running his fingers though his hair. Jessamyn just blinked at him, half-afraid to move. Still swearing under his breath, he stalked toward her.

  “Oh, wow.” The strained male voice came from the other entrance and too late Jessamyn remembered that someone had entered through the back entrance. Drawing her legs up to her chest, she wrapped her arms around them and buried her head against her knees, praying that her long hair would help cover her from view. She’d never been so mortified in her life.

  The sound of Caleb’s boots on the floor changed direction as he headed toward the other man. Then, thankfully, their voices faded away.

  Caleb h
erded his deputy into the kitchen. Jim Gower kept glancing back toward the living room with a look of pure male appreciation stamped on his face. “Man, she’s gorgeous, she’s—”

  “Don’t say it,” Caleb growled. “Don’t even think it. In fact, forget you ever saw anything at all.” Caleb walked to the control panel behind the back door and disengaged the silent alarm.

  The deputy glanced at him and swallowed hard. “Sure, boss. But that’s going to be hard to forget.”

  “Try.”

  Jim grinned slyly. “You must have been a real good boy to get something like that under your tree.”

  A slow, thoughtful smile crossed Caleb’s face as the deputy’s words sunk in. Jessamyn had given him exactly what he’d wanted for Christmas and that could only mean one thing. Suddenly, he was in a hurry to get rid of his deputy and go and open his present. He yanked the back door open and cocked his eyebrow.

  Jim just laughed good-naturedly. “I’ll just tell dispatch that it was a false alarm and that you’ve clocked out for the evening.” He tipped his hat as he headed back toward his vehicle, where the red lights were still flashing.

  “Turn off my car, will you, Jim? Just leave the keys in the ignition. And remember, I don’t want to hear one word about this.” Caleb shut the door, not bothering to wait for a reply. He yanked off his boots and jacket and hurried back into the living room.

  Chapter Six

  Jessamyn was sitting exactly as he’d left her. Her long, supple legs gleamed in the firelight, partially covered by her hair, which flowed over them. Her shoulders were bare and he could see that they were shaking. Damn it, she was upset. The last thing he wanted was for her to regret doing this.

  She lifted her head and stared at him. It took him a second to realize that she wasn’t crying at all. The little vixen was laughing. He put his hands on his hips and shook his head at her, and that sent her off into fresh peals of laughter.