I don’t know how I’ll ever repay him. “I can’t—”
“Merry Christmas, Sarah.” His deep green eyes linger between mine, the air around us swirling. Or maybe it’s everything inside me that wants to grab him and kiss him and know what it feels like to be wrapped up in his arms, safe and secure, leaving all that’s hard behind for only a moment. Because with Slade, it’s just so easy.
I shake the thought, knowing it would change everything, and right now, I need his calm, protective strength.
“I’ll head out the back, but make sure you lock your door.”
I nod. “Ok.”
He grabs his hat, and I can only watch him turn for the kitchen, feeling like so much remains unsaid. I run a hand over my face, reliving the moment in the snow, the weight of his body on top of mine, wondering what it would be like to move one inch and seal his mouth with—
“Mama! Come on!”
I inhale deeply and run a hand through my hair, getting a grip.
“Mama!”
I blow out a breath and head down the hall to Ollie’s room. His clothes lay in a pile on the floor, but he’s standing on his bed in his jammies, holding . . .
“What is that?”
Ollie extends the small, dark green metal car. “Swade gave it to me. It’s a f-fastback. He said it’s my Christmas present.”
That. Big. Shit. Damn him.
“Climb into my bed. I’ll be there in a minute.”
Ollie jumps down, and the small car leads the way through the air.
I hurry to the kitchen and tug on my boots, not even attempting to tie them. I pull open the door and look down the driveway, seeing the broad shadow halfway to the street. I close the door and jog after him.
Hearing the crunch of my boots, he stops and turns, his face only visible by the dim glow of the street lights.
I break into a walk. The perpetually blunt man says nothing as I charge forth, knowing I might be making a seriously stupid mistake and ruining one of the very best things that has ever happened to me. But dammit, he gave my kid the very best day and his favorite car—the one his mom gave him.
I lunge for him, my body slamming into his as I throw my arms around his neck, hauling myself to his mouth. My lips crash into his as he stumbles back. His arm instantly comes around me, and he regains his footing, keeping us upright.
I press my lips to his, once, twice, wanting to feel everything.
I pull back, blinking as I second-guess my moment of complete insanity. Our breath clouds the inch between us. My feet dangle above the ground as he holds me to him.
Nose to nose, my eyes bounce between his, searching. If he puts me down, I’ll run.
His soft lips press against mine tenderly as if he’s testing, carefully exploring. His short beard brushes against my skin, and it feels freaking amazing.
My fingers dig into his neck, ignoring what is smart and safe territory, seeking more.
My boots touch the snow, and the warmth of his strong hold evaporates as his hands guide my head to just the right angle. I part my lips, and his tongue glides over mine as if he’s savoring me.
I whimper, my body melting into him, and I fist his coat, pulling myself to him, needing him to do it again.
I nip at his lower lip, and he groans. I smile, and his mouth seeks sweet revenge, hot and slick, as his hands glide from my face down my neck and over my shoulders, making their way to my hips. His long fingers wrap around me, pulling me against him as if I might get away.
I slide my arms inside his coat and around him, pressing up on my toes and, taking my turn, tasting him.
He grunts and dives back in, stealing my breath. His fingers dig into my hips as his mouth consumes mine. His lips tug and pull, fast and then slow, as if he can’t get enough. I never want him to stop.
He pulls away abruptly, our chests expanding and contracting in sync. The cold night air fills our lungs and shocks me to my senses.
