He grunts. “To think I was worried about Ol’ Man Gilbert across the street this whole time. And it was you I should’ve been on the lookout for. I bet that’s why you helped me put the decorations out.”
I shake my head, smirking.
The twinkle in his eyes lets me know he’s not serious but it’s funny just the same how intense he gets over Christmas. Before, even when I found it odd or strange, there was something cute about it all.
Now it’s downright attractive.
Before I can shut those thoughts off, Joel wraps me up in his arms, our fronts pressed against one another.
He groans against my lips. “I don’t want to go back home. Those damn kids of mine are there now taking up all of the space and room, eating my food,” he gripes.
“Weren’t you just complaining, not too long ago, about them not spending enough time with you?”
He frowns. “Yeah, but I didn’t mean it.”
I roll my eyes, knowing he’s just talking bologna. It takes all of my strength to pull out of his embrace to begin the process of redressing myself to leave.
“Thank you for breakfast,” I say with my arms around his neck once we’re both clothed.
He smirks. “And the sex?”
“Especially the sex.”
“Glad to hear it.” He presses a kiss to my lips.
Sighing, I force myself to pull away from him.
“Call you later? As soon as the crumb snatchers are asleep.”
“You know it.” He pulls me in for another kiss, and then I really have to leave or else we’ll end up back in bed together.
CHAPTER 33
Ellyn
“Who wants more popcorn?” I yell out to everyone in the dining room.
“Me!”
“I do!”
Randy and Meghan call out and raise their hands at the same time. This prompts Charlotte, who’s sitting on her mother’s lap, to raise her hands.
I laugh at how cute they all are.
“Shanice, do you want some more?”
It’s been a couple of hours since I returned home from meeting up with Joel. The girls and kids and I are watching Christmas movies.
“I’ll just eat whatever Randy doesn’t finish.”
Her son folds his arms and pouts as he looks over at his mother. “You didn’t ask.”
“He’s right. You should always ask before taking someone’s belongings. Right, baby?”
“Right, Grandma.”
Meghan tosses the blanket away from her lap and rises from the couch. “I’ll make it, Mom. You should relax,” she tells me as she comes into the kitchen.
