The second he tasted her, arousal hijacked his senses. He kissed her deeply, turning her in his arms until she was facing him, straddling his lap, her wet breasts sliding along his chest. He sat up straight. He cupped her bottom, pulling her tight to the V of his legs.
He was right where he wanted to be. But the water was cooling off, and they were going to have to leave soon.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he whispered.
“You’re not.”
“I want the world to go away. I want to stay right here and forget everything else. I don’t want to let you go.”
She nodded.
“Amber. You’re incredible.” He cradled her face, kissing her all over again.
Then he drew back, and they gazed at each other for a long, long time.
“Can I stay tonight?” he dared ask.
“I want you to stay.”
His heart swelled with satisfaction, and he folded her into his arms.
* * *
Christmas morning, it wasn’t clear to Amber which delighted Zachary more, ripping into presents or walking across the room on his own. He had no interest at all in any of the toys, but wandered from chair to table to ottoman with ribbons and bows in hands.
Otis stayed off to one side, looking stoic and long-suffering when Zachary grabbed at his fur or ears or tried to decorate him.
A few hours ago, Cole had had the presence of mind to put his clothes through the laundry. So while he was dressed the same as last night, the clothes, at least, were fresh.
Amber had given her hair a blow dry this morning, put on a little more makeup than usual and dressed in a pair of skinny black slacks and a shimmering red blouse. She’d chosen a funky pair of Christmas-ball earrings and felt überfestive. She had to admit, it was nice to have Cole around to entertain Zachary while she had spent the extra time getting ready.
Destiny arrived with Luca midmorning, and neither seemed surprised to find Cole on the floor with Zachary.
A couple of wrapped gifts in his hands, Luca headed for the tree. Destiny grasped Amber’s arm to hold her back.
“Tell me what happened,” she whispered in Amber’s ear.
Amber pretended she didn’t understand the question. “When?”
Destiny rolled her eyes. “Last night.”
“What happened with you last night? I thought you’d come back.”
“We had a great time, that’s what happened with me.”
“Great?” Amber asked. “Or great?”
Cole offered Luca a cup of coffee, and the two, along with Zachary and Otis, headed for the kitchen.
“Both,” Destiny answered as the men disappeared. “We toured the lights, had a few drinks and went back to his hotel.”
Amber filled in the blank. “And that’s all she wrote?”
“I’m hoping we’ll write some more.”