Rejection was a tough pill to swallow. After Darren and the rebound guy, I closed myself off. Getting hurt a third time could only happen if I let it. I refused to let that kind of heartache happen again. This time, I knew the score. We only had days together. Not the start of a long-term relationship, genuine feelings or anything real. But we could have fun during our limited time together.

  Perched between his open legs with my chin on his chest, I watched him sleep. My head swayed with the steady rise and fall of his breathing. The blankets covered our legs and nothing else, but I wasn’t cold. Far from it. As I stared at his ruggedly handsome face, I smiled.

  Those full, slightly parted lips had been all over my body. On my neck, my lips, my breasts and between my thighs. My legs quivered, recalling the pleasure he’d given me. I wanted to return the favor and make the most of our time.

  I glanced towards the window. The thick, navy drapes hung to the floor, preventing any natural light from entering the room. I suspected it was morning. Shifting my gaze to the clock on the bedside table, I confirmed it was after seven. With any luck, the storm had passed, and the highways would be open. The drive could wait a little longer. Reality could wait.

  My nose circled his nipple. I licked the tip and Stefano stirred. Blowing air over the area caused him to groan. He didn’t open his eyes, but his cock twitched and pressed against my stomach. I kissed the other nipple, twirling my tongue around the areola.

  “Buongiorno, dolcezza,” he rasped.

  “Hi,” I said, kissing my way down his torso. “Rise and shine. Did you sleep well?”

  The light smattering of hair tickled my cheeks. I scratched my nails down his sides and rubbed my chest over his hard cock. He shivered. Taking him in my hand, I stroked his length and pressed him between my breasts.

  His eyes opened and locked with mine. “Never better. Noelle,” he hissed my name as I licked the tip of his erection.

  I moaned and licked him again. He tasted good. With his cock sandwiched between my tits, I sucked on the end, swirling my tongue over the head and making him wet. I opened wide and took more into my mouth. Stefano gripped my hair, wrapping it around his hand.

  “Feels amazing.” He tugged on my ends as I sucked harder. His hips lifted, feeding me more.

  Taking all of him wasn’t an option. He was too big. I relaxed my jaw and swallowed as much as I could. He reached the back of my throat and I pulled back. His cock was wet and slid easily between my breasts and then dipped deep into my mouth. Over and over.

  “Sei sexy,” he said in a deeper voice. “Don’t stop.”

  The compliment made my pulse race and my heart flutter. The intensity of his gaze motivated me to quicken my pace. Each grunt gave me a thrill. I followed his lead, meeting his thrusts. He pulled my hair, controlling the speed and directing my actions. I wrapped my lips around his girth and sucked hard. His legs trembled as he neared the tipping point.

  His hand loosened around my hair and his eyes became hooded. “If you don’t want a mouthful, you need to stop.”

  I sucked harder and moaned for more.

  His body went rigid. He dropped his head against the pillow and murmured my name as I kept going.

  The first blast coated my tongue. He howled and filled my mouth with his release. I swallowed, but more liquid flowed. Some escaped, spilling down my chin and onto my chest. He let go of my head. Free to move, I cleaned him at my own pace. His cock went lax.

  Sitting back on my heels, I licked my lips. “Breakfast of champions,” I said with a smirk. Drops of his cream painted over the swell of my breasts. Using my finger, I collected the spill and sucked it.

  “I cannot think of a better way to wake up.” He flashed the sexy half smile I loved, and moisture pooled between my legs.

  Getting him off had nearly sent me over the edge with him. “I hope it’s not too early for you. We should get moving.” I shimmied off the bed, pulling the sheet with me. Suddenly shy, I used it to cover my nakedness.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Stefano cupped his hands behind his head. His biceps bulged in that pose. He looked relaxed, sated and delicious.

  “Shower?” I raised an eyebrow suggestively.

  “Are telling me or inviting me to join you?” He sat and tossed his legs over the side of the bed.

  I dropped the sheet and sauntered towards the bathroom. With an exaggerated sway of my hips, I teased him. “Sure,” I said, glancing over my shoulder. “You can wash my back and I’ll get yours.”

  The way he looked at me left no doubt he desired me. This emboldened my naughty side. I had no idea where this confidence came from, but I liked it. Stefano raced towards me, lifting me in his arms. He carried me into the shower. I guess he liked it too.

  We spent the next three hours getting to know each other. We made love in the shower, on the bed, on the chair and against the wall. No inch of skin went unexplored. I could have enjoyed an entire day dedicated to learning his body and what made him tick, but we had places to be.

  Stefano wore a different ugly Christmas sweater than yesterday. This one had a giant reindeer on the front with loose yarn sticking out in all directions to mimic the animal’s hair. It was silly. Somehow, he still looked hot.

  I opted for a pair of black yoga pants and a white t-shirt with a kitten wearing a Santa hat. We were a festive pair. Any other day, the ridiculous outfits would have made me smile. Not today. All I could think about was the scene waiting for us when we arrived in Golden. Overzealous introductions followed by the third degree. A knot the size of the Grand Canyon formed in my gut.

  If it weren’t for Grams, I would have seriously considered bailing on family time this Christmas. Would it be wrong to wish for more snow? I pulled the drapes open. A cold draft greeted me, and I shivered. The snow had tapered. Gone was any chance to avoid my family.

  “The blizzard passed. The highways should be good to go.” I tied my hair in a ponytail and tried to shake the uneasiness from my bones. Guilt pressed on my shoulders.

  Wrapping his arms around me from behind, Stefano kissed the back of my neck. “I like your hair up. Better access to your smooth, tasty skin,” he whispered into my ear. “Why do you seem tense?”

  “I hope we’re not too late,” I answered honestly. Our sexual pit stop could have cost me the last chance to see my Grams. “We need to go.”

  He hugged me tighter. His hugs were every bit as fantastic as his kisses. A woman could easily fall for Stefano. Preferably, someone other than me.

  “Would you like me to drive? You can call her on the way,” he offered.

  Grams wasn’t fond of talking on the phone. She preferred in-person visits or nothing. That was partly the cause of our lingering turmoil. We hadn’t spent enough time together the past few years to make things right. If I was too late, our opportunity would slip away. Razor blades slid down my throat as I shrugged my shoulders.

  “Appreciate the offer, but she wouldn’t answer my call. We haven’t talked since July when I visited last.” That trip had lasted a total of two days. Every trip home was the same. I tried to get in and out as quickly as possible. “I spoke to my mother while you were brushing your teeth and let her know we would be there soon. She said Grams was resting. What if she doesn’t wake up?” I shivered again.

  “We’ll get there. Have a little faith,” he said. “I promise it will all be okay.”

  I untangled myself from his arms and faced him. “You shouldn’t make promises.”

  Even if I wanted to believe him, he couldn’t make those assurances. Promises were worthless. I fished the keys from my pocket and pressed the command start. As I stepped away from the window, my foot caught the edge of the chair. I stubbed my toe and dropped the keys. I swore under my breath as I bent over and rubbed my bruised pinkie.

  He kneeled next to me and picked up the keys. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine. That’s what I deserve for being selfish. I deserve a lot worse,” I acknowledged. “We should have hit the road hours ago.”

  “No, that’s what you get for doubting me,” he chuckled. “Destiny works in mysterious ways. The roads were closed. Us making love—”

  “I’m guessing you are a glass half full kind of guy. Optimistic and see the world through rose-colored glasses. We differ there,” I said, standing. The only mystery the universe continued to deliver was bad news. “I’m a realist. Life isn’t balanced and don’t get me started on faith.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “Do you really believe that?”

  I nodded and picked up my coat. My hands shook as I pulled it on and buttoned it. “Maybe. I don’t know. Don’t look at me like that.” I swatted his chest as his smile grew larger.

  His laughed eased some of my trepidation. It wasn’t only seeing Grams that had me dreading this homecoming. I kept those details to myself.

  “I have many reasons to smile; thanks to you,” he said and then grabbed our bags. “Had you seen me a few days ago, you’d understand what I mean. I’ll drive. You can relax and take in the scenery. It might help bring a different perspective.”

  We left the hotel with our hands joined. The snow had buried the rental vehicle. Stefano cleared the inches of powder from the windshield as I watched from inside the car. Within a few minutes, the SUV was uncovered, and we were on our way.

  The roads were open, but we navigated slowly through the mountains. The possibility of an avalanche kept our focus on the roads and the cliff sides. We arrived early in the afternoon with the sun poking through the clouds. The trees were covered in white and Christmas decorations hung from every lamp post. It was postcard beautiful. I directed Stefano through the town towards my mother’s apartment complex on the outskirts. The red brick building looked the same as always.

  “Stop. We’re here,” I said, pointing at the first-floor suite.

  Red and white candy cane lawn ornaments littered the front yard. A massive inflatable Santa covered the bay window, preventing us from seeing inside. The handcrafted wreath I’d made in the third grade hung on the door. The ribbons and branches painted with pink and gold glitter were visible from the street. It was ugly, but my mother loved it and hung it every year.

  Next door, Grams’ yard looked every bit as full. She loved Christmas. An identical ugly wreath hung on her door. I exhaled and closed my eyes.

  Stefano parked and turned off the SUV. “I’m looking forward to meeting your family.”

  At least someone was. My sister had texted and advised they were all at mom’s, waiting for us. “Let’s get this over with.”

  “You’re not alone, Noelle. I’m here for you,” he said, climbing out of the car.

  “Right.” I waited as he rounded the front and opened my door. “Thank you.”

  He helped me out and kept hold of my hand as we walked towards my childhood home. The faint scent of gingerbread and sugar cookies wafted through the yard. I knocked on the door. This was no longer my home and it felt strange to walk in unannounced.

  The door creaked as it opened. My mother stood to the side with a frown on her face. “Knocking is for strangers. About time you arrived. Get in here,” she bellowed, yanking me into her arms.

  Our hug lasted all of two seconds before she released me and pounced on Stefano. I had warned him that my family would grill him to the point of discomfort. To my surprise, my mother hugged him. No instant inquisition. A quick welcome hug and she let him go.

  “I’m glad you were able to come. Both of you,” she added.

  “It’s a pleasure. I only wish it was under better circumstances,” Stefano said.

  “Fiona, this is Stefano. Stef, this is my mother.” I took my mother’s hand. “Where is she? Is she still resting? Did I wake her by knocking?” I whispered the last question.

  “Quit the blubbering at the door and come to the living room,” Grams yelled. A coughing fit followed.

  Hearing her raspy voice eased my soul. I kicked off my shoes and tossed my jacket in the closet. Without waiting for Stefano, I raced around the corner. My favorite person was lying on the couch, propped up with a plethora of pillows. Her silver hair sparkled, and her smile matched.

  I wanted to take her in my arms, hug her and tell her I loved her. Apologize for being an idiot, but I did none of those things. In the corner of my eye, I spotted my sister and her husband. My ex hadn’t changed in the years since we dated. Brown hair slicked back, deep dimples and bright blue eyes. He seemed tired but had a glow I attributed to happiness. His arm was wrapped around my sister’s shoulder and his other rested on her belly.

  My heart slammed against my chest at rollercoaster speed. I stopped in front of the old wooden coffee table and cast my eyes down at the threadbare carpet. The beige shag had lost its spring and luster years ago. By the leg of the table, a ketchup stain from my senior year caught my attention. My toe covered the stained patch.

  “How are you Grams?”

  “Still here,” she answered.

  A long silence followed. Or maybe it wasn’t quiet, but I couldn’t hear anything past the loud beating of my heart. Why was this so hard? These were my people. My family.

  “Don’t I get a hug?” my sister whined.

  I looked up and saw Cassie and Darren standing by the loveseat. Their hands were joined near her growing baby bump. Her smile was tentative.

  “Always,” I replied, stepping towards them.

  She closed the distance. I held out my arms and we hugged. Her stomach prevented us from getting too close. Darren nodded and sat back down. There would be no hug for us.

  “You’re really showing. That’s awesome.” I patted her tummy. “Hello in there.”

  My niece was due to arrive in a few months and video chats didn’t properly show her growing belly. Cassie returned to the loveseat and flopped next to her man. Hers. To have and to hold forevermore. No matter how many times I saw them together, it still shocked my system at first. My body tensed.

  A warm hand landed on the small of my back. Stefano. I had forgotten about him. Worst fake girlfriend ever. I turned my head as he stepped beside me. Our eyes connected briefly. Like a siphon, I sucked his energy, drawing strength from his presence. His focus shifted towards the loveseat. His eyes narrowed directly on my ex.

  “I’m Stefano. Noelle’s boyfriend,” he said, slipping his hand lower over my ass. A possessive squeeze ensured I would never forget him again.

  I smiled and tucked my hand in the back pocket of his jeans. Two could play that game. “You met mom already. This is my sister, Cassie.” I pointed towards the couch. “Darren, her husband,” I added quickly. “And Millie.”

  “Pshhh,” Grams harrumphed. “No one in this room is allowed to call me Millie, Millicent or anything other than Grams. Now, you two come give an old lady a hug and then sit your butts down and tell us all about how you met and fell in love. You can keep secrets from the city, but not here.” Her face was pale and gaunt, but her sass hadn’t faded.

  “I love you,” I whispered, hugging her gently. I couldn’t be sure she heard me as another coughing fit grabbed hold of her body. The hug lacked the warmth I remembered, but she was more frail. I tried not to take it personally.

  We sat on the couch with my mother and the questions flowed for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. They tore into my fake boyfriend, dissecting his life. We discussed his education, his business and the practice of natural medicine versus western medicine. Stefano was a great sport and answered the barrage with the flare of a poet. They loved him. He had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand. Including me.

  His touches were frequent and each one sent sparks through me. The attraction wasn’t fake, unlike everything else he said about us. Our love story hadn’t been written. It didn’t exist. It was as fictitious as one of my novels. He might already be a doctor, passionate about holistic and natural remedies, but he had missed his second calling. He was a damn good actor.

  Listening to him kept my mind off the others. The perfect distraction. For the first time in years, I wasn’t running from the room every chance I could. Stefano offered some natural remedies to help in addition to Grams’ current prescriptions. He also gave me the strength to endure my sister and Darren’s stories. Grams napped on and off. When she was awake, I caught her watching me more than once.

  I smiled for her. I told them all how happy I was with my life and with Stefano. By the time dinner ended and we’d finished our last game of backgammon, it hardly felt like lies. I almost believed him when he called me his amore. I almost believed our fake tale. That wasn’t good.

  “Good night.” I leaned over the couch, adjusted the red, white and green knitted afghan and kissed Grams on the forehead.

  My mother yawned and stretched. “Time for bed. I brought your bags to your room. See you lovebirds tomorrow.” She waved at the four of us and headed down the hall to her room.

  “We should head home.” Darren helped Cassie put on her coat. The red wool barely closed over her rounded stomach.

  I followed them to the door. “She looked good tonight. It’s obvious she’s not going to jump up and do cartwheels, but—”

  “Having you home must have given her a blast of energy. Honestly, this is the most lucid she’s been all week. The cough and her lungs are still bad,” Cassie added. Her eyes filled with moisture.

  Stefano came up behind me and rested his chin on my shoulder. “It’s good she has her family during this time.”

  “Yeah.” Darren nodded, running his fingers through his dark hair. “Let’s go babe. You must be exhausted.” He opened the front door.

  The cold air swirled around me. Goosebumps broke out across my arms. “Get some sleep. We’ll be here for Grams.”

 

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