“Oops!”The jovial man reached down and grabbed it.
Ares wanted to be at next year’s Christmas Eve dinner.He gathered the remaining plates off the table and brought them into the kitchen.
Josie looked at him with a warm smile.“You don’t have to do that.”
“Carlos is doing it, I thought I'd join in.”
“Wise man,” Carlos said, coming into the kitchen behind him.
“Thanks, put them there,” Josie gestured to the sink.
The meal was amazing.A turkey and a ham and all the sides you could imagine, and the little house was bursting with gorgeous decorations.
Fleur raised a glass of the Cabernet Sauvignon Ares had brought.“Thank you for this wine, Ares.I like it.”
“It’s been in my storage for years.I thought this was the perfect time to bring it out.”
“Excellent choice!”Carlos clapped him on the back and he tried not to flinch.As much as he loved this dinner, he wanted to whisk Josie off.Friends had dropped by all evening and several had filled their plates and joined them for the meal.
Ares had never experienced anything so comfy.
All throughout the dinner, he couldn't take his eyes off of her.How she greeted every one of their guests with the same joy she had at the beginning of the night, even though he caught her rubbing her hip and leaning more against the wall, signs that she was tired.
So many friends dropped by and asked how she was doing, smiling warmly at her.Ares felt pride flutter in his chest.This was his girl all these friends were talking to with bright smiles and Christmas cheer.
“I can help clean up.”
“I like doing it,” Josie said.
It may have been Christmas dinner he’d never forget but he needed to get out of this warm house with all the delicious smells.He needed to kiss his girl and take her clothes off and give her his present.
“You did all the cooking and the prepping,” Fleur said.
Ares always knew she was a perceptive woman but in that moment, he could have kissed her.“I got this.You go and enjoy the rest of the night with your handsome boyfriend.”
“Mom!”
“What he is handsome, I have eyes.Ares did it offend you that I called you handsome?”
“No Fleur, it did not.Thank you for an amazing night.”
“I don’t know about amazing but we had a good time.Thanks for joining us.Josie, don’t forget Carlos and I have our own Christmas day planned.”
“Mom!I’m leaving before you go into details.”
“Details?No but lots of dancing,” Carlos took Fleur’s hand and swayed all over the kitchen.“You two young people get out of here.Maybe do some dancing of your own!”
“Carlos!”Fleur and Josie said in unison.
“Let’s take that cue to leave.Fleur, there is another bottle of the wine in the front closet.”
“Thank you!Have a good time, Josie.Don’t drink too much.Or dance,” Fleur winked and then laughed.
“I’m going!”Josie took off the apron she was wearing and Ares practically pushed her to the door.Her bag was packed and at the ready.He held out her coat for her to slip her arms into.
“I didn't get dessert.”
“I promise I’ll give you dessert, baby,” Ares leaned in and kissed her.Ah, there was his girl.Her breath tasted of the spice of the wine and she melded into his body exactly where she belonged.
