Page 27 of Holding Holly
As soon as the door closes, my heart leaps into my throat and I leap into the arms of my man. “Baby, you’re so funny,” James murmurs in my ear as he holds me close, the full lengths of our bodies pressing together. “All the Wolfes are going to love you. Just like the entire town is going to love you.”
I can sense what he’s thinking. James loves me. I already know that I’m in love with him. It just doesn’t feel right to say it in his office.
Mmm…it only takes a few seconds and a slight wiggle of my hips to feel a tantalizing shift in his crisp dark pants. Part of me cannot wait to get back to his place for some alone time, now that I have this newfound confidence. But there’s a job to do first.
“Well, I haven’t met the entire town yet. We should probably do another round of the party. And you’ll want to hit that buffet.”
“Of course.”
His wall calendar makes me realize something. “Oh!” I step back. “I totally forgot: Christmas is only a few days away. If you have family things, or commitments with your friends, I’m happy staying home. I can plan new ideas and designs for spring candles?—”
He snorts. “Are you kidding? You’re coming with me, my sweet Christmas angel.”
I hold back a sigh of relief. Of course I’d rather be with him, if possible. “Where, exactly? What do you do for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?”
He laughs. “I’ve been invited to…let’s see…thirteen Christmas Eve parties, eight Christmas lunches, six afternoon drop-in buffets, and nine Christmas dinners. Oh, and Jace Wolfe’s birthday party.”
Does my face look as frozen as it feels? “That’s…alot.”
He shrugs. His sharp suit jacket makes his shoulders look even wider than when he’s wearing his uniform. “Everyone knows I adore food, and until last week I was a long-time bachelor. I keep a list and alternate every few years so that I end up visiting people every two or three years.”
“That’s wild.”
“What’s really wild is that this year I’ll get to show off my gorgeous girlfriend.” He stares at a spot on the wall behind me for a moment. “Maybe we’ll prioritize hitting up the shindigs that will have women your age there. Make some friends right off the bat? Sound good?”
Nodding, I don’t trust myself to speak. My throat is closing up. It’s touching that he’d think of that.
James and I go back out for the rest of the party. Although I’m really trying to pay attention and remember everyone’s name, I’m honestly just counting the minutes until he takes me home.
On the drive, his left hand grips the wheel, while his right massages my knee, my thigh, the back of my neck…
“Aren’t you supposed to keep both hands on the wheel when you’re driving on snow?” I tease.
“If you only knew how tempted I am to take you right now, here in the truck.” He shoots me a wicked grin. “Or outside.”
“Too cold. Maybe in the summer.”
We pull into his driveway and he rushes around to help me out, holding me close. “Woot! You just saidagainthat you’re going to be here until the summer.”
He kisses me hard, letting me feel his hunger. Just as I begin to get breathless, the wind picks up, and we rush inside. We’ve barely shrugged off our coats before he grabs me, clasping my hands and looking deep into my eyes.
“Holly, I love you. I know it’s bizarre that everything is happening so fast between us, and I don’t want to scare you off by saying that, but it’s true, so I have to tell you.”
I’ve never seen James look nervous. And of me? That’s ridiculous. He must know how I feel about him. But then again, I guess it’s different hearing things said out loud.
My hands gently cup the sides of his face, stroking his beard. “I love you too.” His eyes light up. “I think just because it’s fast doesn’t mean it isn’t right.”
“I love that you are wise beyond your years.”
“I love that you’re still playful and silly at your age.”
“Hey now! That makes me sound old.” He scowls, then jumps up, lifting me with an arm around my waist and marching us to the bedroom. “With the amount of raw lust you conjure up in me, I’m going to be young forever. That’s an anti-aging tonic, right?”
It’s impossible to stop laughing as we tumble onto the bed, slowly and teasingly undressing each other. He unzips my dress. I undo his holly tie, draping it over the headboard. Our hands start to move more quickly, getting in each other’s way.
Once we’re completely undressed, he turns on the dim bedside lamp and we slip under the covers.
It’s hard to believe that I’m somewhat comfortable with this huge, muscular, naked older man. James is beyond gorgeous. He’s striking. His bone structure. His incredible warm, deep brown eyes. In a sea of people where everyone kind of blends together, he is noticeable – even without his uniform.