“Why did you do that?”
Shrugging, he replied, “It’s easier than trying to explain that I’m not her father, though I wish I were, and that she’s the daughter of my good friend who I wish wasn’t just a friend.”
I sucked my bottom lip inside my mouth as my heart swelled at his words. I wanted to tell him that I wanted the same thing, but I couldn’t find the words to speak.
Christian used his thumb to pull my bottom lip free. “Cat got your tongue?” he asked in a dangerously low voice.
“I don’t know what to say,” I whispered.
“You don’t have to say anything. I just want you to know that I want you badly, Angel,” he replied before he lowered his head and pressed his lips to mine.
The soft stroke of his thumb on the apple of my cheekbone, and his arm wrapped around my back and pulling me closer, stirred a hum of excitement within me. His lips were soft, cool, and moist as he brushed them against mine.
We shared several small pecks before he pressed firmly into my lips. I gripped the soft wool of his scarf and opened my mouth to him. Christian’s tongue was warm and tasted like apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg as he swept it through my mouth.
When he pulled back, it was to suck on my bottom lip as he stared into my eyes. His forehead rested gently against mine, and our chests heaved as we were both out of breath with excitement and anticipation. He gently pecked my lips again and whispered against them, “In case you didn’t realize, now you do.”
Belle piped up with a little cry, pulling us apart. I bit my lip and then sucked it to savor the taste of him as he turned aroundto attend to her. I stared at his broad, powerful shoulders and back.
“Let’s get these trees cut,” he stated, standing up with the saw we had been given to chop the trees.
I stood back, pushing Belle’s stroller back and forth as I watched him cut the little tree and then the big tree. “I want you too,” I whispered, allowing it to be carried away on the wind.
Chapter 9
Angel
My mother had picked up Belle last night after I said I wouldn’t be at church the next day. I slept until Christian called. I was just removing the quiche from the oven when he arrived. The shredded hashbrowns, chocolate chip banana nut muffins, and the sausage were already ready.
“Smells good in here,” he declared as he stepped inside.
“I fixed brunch,” I pronounced, handing him a mimosa.
“You did it up, didn’t you?” he declared as he washed his hands in the sink while I plated our food.
“I did a little something.”
“I haven’t had a quiche as good as yours since back in the day. Glad you made it.”
“You’re welcome.” I tossed a shy smile his way. All night long, I had contemplated the kiss we shared. It led me to fantasize about him.
“Are you happy with your tree?” he asked once we had settled at the dining table and had prayed over our meal.
“I love that tree. I woke up this morning, and my entire townhouse smelled like pine, and I absolutely loved it. The beautiful flat needles are gorgeous, and the strong Balsam scent makes it the perfect Christmas tree.”
“Any regrets?”
“None.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“But next year, you’ll have to try out an artificial tree.”
“I’m good on that. My grandma used to get one every year. I prefer the scent of a good pine tree.”
We finished our meal before we headed into the living room to decorate the tree. I turned on some Christmas songs to play to add to the ambiance.
“Are you good?” he asked after we sorted out the decorations and hung the lights.
