Ivy’s fingers tightened around Celeste’s hand as she deepened the kiss, her free hand tangling in Celeste’s hair, pulling her closer. She could taste the hint of coffee on Celeste’s lips, could feel the way Celeste’s breath hitched as their bodies pressed together under the mistletoe.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting on each other as they tried to steady themselves. Ivy’s heart was pounding, her mind racing with the intensity of what had just happened.
“Ivy…” Celeste’s voice was barely a whisper, her fingers still entwined with Ivy’s. “I…”
But Ivy didn’t need her to finish the sentence. She could see it in her eyes—the same vulnerability, the same need that she herself felt. She knew, in that moment, that she wasn’t the only one caught in this confusing whirlwind of emotions.
Whatever this was between them, Ivy now knew it was real.
“Come with me,” Ivy said softly, her voice filled with a quiet determination. “Let’s get Ellie and get out of here.”
Once alone inside, Ivy shut the door softly, feeling the familiar, comforting warmth of her home surrounding them. They moved quietly through the hallway, passing by Ellie’s room where she could hear soft snores through the door, and then stepped into Ivy’s bedroom, closing the door to leave the rest of the world behind. In here, the stillness was thick, intimate, wrapping around them like a shared secret.
Moonlight streamed in through the window, casting a gentle silver light that seemed to soften everything it touched, including Celeste. Ivy took a steadying breath, her pulse quickening as her eyes locked with Celeste’s. It was hard to believe that the woman standing before her was the same one who had only recently walked into her bakery with a gaze as icy as winter. Now, though, there was nothing cold about Celeste. Her dark eyes held Ivy’s with a warmth and vulnerability Ivy hadn’t seen before.
Celeste reached out first, her hand finding Ivy’s, and their fingers laced together with a soft familiar that sent a pleasant shiver up Ivy’s spine. The unspoken feelings they’d held back until now seemed to hover in the air, heavy with promise.
Celeste’s voice, low and steady, broke the silence. “Ivy,” she whispered, her voice reverent. “You mean so much to me. Being with you—this—feels like something I should’ve found a long time ago.”
Ivy’s heart surged at her words, and she stepped closer, squeezing Celeste’s hand. “I don’t want to keep pretending that this doesn’t feel right. I’m done holding back.”
The weight of the tension over the last week melted as Celeste wrapped her arms around Ivy, pulling her into a slow, gentle kiss. This wasn’t like their quick, stolen kiss under the mistletoe; it was deeper, passionate, filled with the kind of longing that neither of them had dared voice until now.
Ivy pulled back slightly, resting her forehead against Celeste’s as they caught their breath. She could feel her heart beating wildly, echoing in the stillness of the room.
“You don’t have to go. Stay with me tonight,” she murmured, her voice filled with quiet intensity.
Celeste nodded, almost imperceptibly, and that was all the confirmation Ivy needed. She led Celeste to the bed, both of them shedding layers as they went, their winter clothing slipping away—the final barriers between them. When they reached the edge of the bed, Ivy nudged Celeste down gently, drinking in the sight of her, a rare vulnerability yet so utterly present. Celeste, who had always seemed so untouchable, looked up at her now with an expression so open it took Ivy’s breath away.
“You’re stunning,” Ivy whispered, her voice filled with reverence.
Celeste’s eyes softened, and she reached up, her fingers tracing lightly along Ivy’s jaw, lingering in spots as if she werecommitting every inch of her to memory. “Come here,” she said, her voice hushed and full of warmth.
They sat on the bed close, the warmth of their bodies mingling in the quiet room, each touch between them slow and unhurried. Ivy lifted her hands to rest against Celeste’s shoulders, their gazes locked, as though each was searching the other for a truth neither had dared say aloud.
Ivy slid her hands down, her fingers finding the buttons of Celeste’s shirt. She paused, her thumb brushing over the first button, feeling the steady thrum of Celeste’s heartbeat just beneath the fabric. Celeste met her eyes, a tender smile lifting the corners of her mouth. She reached over, placing her hand over Ivy’s, steadying her with a soft squeeze.
“You don’t have to hold back,” Celeste urged.
Taking a steadying breath, Ivy undid the first button, then the next, her fingers working slowly, savoring each moment as she revealed the delicate curve of Celeste’s collarbone, the soft warmth of her skin. Once the shirt shifted off Celeste’s shoulders, Ivy leaned back, her eyes trailing slowly over Celeste with a lingering gaze, memorizing each line and shadow.
Without a word, Celeste reached for Ivy, her fingers catching on the edge of Ivy’s shirt, pulling it up with the same slow, deliberate care. The fabric brushed softly over Ivy’s skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake as the garment fell to the floor. Celeste’s eyes roamed over her, drinking in the sight with an intensity that made Ivy feel simultaneously cherished and laid bare.
Celeste smiled, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She reached out and gently touched Ivy’s cheek, her thumb tracing slow circles on her skin and across her lips. Ivy closed her eyes, savoring the feeling of Celeste’s touch. She could feel herself leaning in closer to Celeste, craving more.
Celeste leaned in to meet Ivy and kissed her, her lips soft and warm. Ivy responded eagerly, her lips parting to allow Celeste’stongue to explore. As they kissed, Celeste’s hands roamed over Ivy’s body, caressing her curves and making her tingle with pleasure.
Ivy moaned as Celeste’s hands found their way to her breasts, cupping and kneading them gently. Celeste broke the kiss, her lips trailing down Ivy’s neck to her collarbone, and Ivy tilted her neck back, Celeste’s breath against her bare skin sending shivers down her spine.
Celeste’s hands continued to explore Ivy’s body, making their way down to her hips and Ivy’s lacy panties. Ivy felt a rush of excitement as Celeste traced circles around her warmth, feeling the wetness soaking the soft fabric.
Celeste smiled, meeting Ivy’s gaze, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “You’re so wet,” she said, her voice low and husky.
Ivy moaned even deeper, a signal to Celeste to keep going, and Celeste obliged. She nipped at Ivy’s collarbone and sent open-mouthed kisses down and captured one of Ivy’s hardened nipples in her mouth, eliciting a cry of pleasure from Ivy.
Celeste sucked on Ivy’s nipple while rubbing circles around her clit over her panties, teasing her by playing with the waistband with her thumb, dipping it ever so slowly down the other side against her smooth skin. Ivy leaned back and pressed her hand in the pillow, her wavy auburn hair flowing around her.
Celeste moved her hand up to knead Ivy’s other breast and roll her nipple between her fingers as she kicked off her own panties and straddled Ivy. Celeste continued to trail downward, running her tongue over Ivy’s stomach between kisses, all while continuing to play with her hardened nipple.
