She could feel the answering smile against her skin.
“Please,” Kaelee whispered. “Faster.”
The light, slow, flirtatious licks sped, and Greta’s hands, rather than holding Kaelee down, scooped under her to steady and lift. Greta was not holding Kaelee down at all.
“Don’t stop,” Kaelee begged.
Greta’s touches grew faster until Kaelee had to reach down and hold on to her. The only part of Greta she could reach was her mane of curls. Her hands slipped into Greta’s hair and held on as Greta licked, kissed, and suckled until Kaelee felt herself hurtling toward satisfaction and falling over the edge.
I love her,Kaelee thought as she pulled Greta into her embrace and held her tightly.
“You’re amazing,” Greta murmured against Kaelee’s damp skin.
Kaelee lifted her head to stare at her for a moment. “Says the woman who did the impossible. Never once have I done that sober until you.”
Greta smiled and snuggled closer.
“Say it,” Kaelee whispered.
Propping herself up to stare into Kaelee’s eyes, Greta said, “I love you, Kaelee Carpenter. I’m not trying to trap you or ask for anything you don’t want to give, but I love you.”
Kaelee nodded. “I feel that same way for you, too,” she managed to say.
“I thought so,” Greta said lightly, but her expression had dimmed slightly when Kaelee hadn’t said the words.
34Kaelee
NEW YEAR’S EVE
“I know it’s early,” Greta started as she tinkered with the candles lining a low shelf. The entire place was warm and festive, but Greta was forever adjusting this or that. Kaelee was fairly sure that entire tree had been rearranged over the past week. The cute little bear ornament that was near the top had definitely been in the middle yesterday.
I ought to take pictures next year,Kaelee thought with a fond smile. That thought, however, was quickly followed by the realization that she thought they’d still be doing whatever dating thing they were currently trying out anentire yearfrom then.
Will I be that lucky?
Kaelee watched Greta eye one of her various branches of pine or whatever sort of evergreen it was.
“Can we really just get this meeting out of the way before we start the New Year?” Greta asked, eyes wide and hands on her hips. Her entire body was tense. “Are you sure? Risa called and—”
“Of course. Tell the attorney that it’s fine. First…” Kaelee walked over to her and wrapped her arms around Greta, tugging her into a loose embrace. She stared down at her. “I want to say that I really like you.”
“Oh?” Greta’s tension visibly relaxed.
“I do. I was just thinking about next year,” Kaelee admitted. “Ithink we need to chart the little polar bear on the tree next Christmas. I can count at least five places you’ve moved it this year.”
Greta’s cheeks pinked. “I want everything to be perfect. I may be a little nervous about not messing up.”
“Everythingisperfect.Youare perfect. I like being in your home. I like the meals and the wine and the snuggling on your sofa. I like the days you walk around naked. I like touching you and discovering all the ways you sigh or moan. I like when you put your hands or mouth on me. I like when you tell me random things.” Kaelee brushed Greta’s hair back, partly because she liked touching her and partly because Greta leaned into every caress like it was the most wonderful thing ever. Her eyelids fluttered closed as Kaelee kissed her temple before continuing, “And I like when you curl up and read next to me. You’re like a book review in motion. I know when a book is good or okay or startling or exciting simply by watching your face.”
“Kaelee…”
“You have made this the single best holiday in my life,” Kaelee whispered against her ear. “And I hope you still want me here next year. I know what I can give you might not be enough for—”
“It is. Anything with you is enough,” Greta countered. “Honestly. Being with you is everything.”
Kaelee pulled her closer. “So let’s get the meeting sorted out. Then I want to dance with you and toast to the new year with you.”
“Yes, please.”
