“I’m good with that. I’ll let you.” I arched my back, pushing my breasts against his chest.
He was good at taking a hint, bracing himself on one arm, his other hand cupping my breast and toying with my nipple with his fingers. My body tightened, his cock feeling like it was growing wider inside me. It wasn’t going to take much more to push me over the edge and I wanted to take him with me.
“Are you close?”
He nodded, his pace quickening which was enough to make me come, this orgasm harder than the last, my muscles clamping down around him, Caleb’s movements becoming quicker and harder as he chased his own orgasm, coming deep inside me which made my body quiver again.
“Happy Christmas,” he said as we both slowed down, heart rates racing, breath still forceful.
“Happy Christmas. This is already the best one ever.”
The day went much as planned. We opened presents together in front of the open fire in Mavis’ tiny living room, skipping breakfast at Puffin Inn this year so we could be on our own together. Presents were fun and small, nothing ostentatious. Books, perfume and cologne, a new nightdress for me and sweaters for Caleb. Thoughtful tokens that I loved and would spend time appreciating. I’d had a boyfriend once who’d bought me a car. When the relationship ended, I’d ended up donating it to a charity that supported women who were victims of domestic violence. I’d grown tired of being a commodity, which Caleb knew, and unlike other lovers, he didn’t see the need to try to buy me.
“Happy Christmas!” Amelie met us at the entrance to the inn, the tips of her hair dyed red and green for the season. Roman wrapped me in a big hug before grappling with his son.
“We need you to lay the fires before you open gifts,” he said. “I thought you’d appreciate being thought of when we were working out who was doing what this morning.”
“Yeah, thanks for that, Dad.” Caleb shook his head. “Wouldn’t want to miss out on Christmas morning.” He gave his trademark grin and headed off to do just that, the smell of coffee brewing filtrating the air in a most pleasant way.
There was a Christmas tree in the function room, which was also the room where the kids usually congregated and had also been turned into Santa’s Grotto. The largest fire was in there too, and it only took Caleb five minutes to lay it and set it, the flames quickly roaring up the chimney.
I looked outside towards the sea, the tide on its way in. Tomorrow there would be the traditional dip, when wild swimmers took to the water for their Boxing Day tradition. Today there would be dog walkers and kids going for a stroll before or after their Christmas dinner, whatever was their tradition or their need for escape.
“Does this Christmas feel any different?” Amelie asked, having quietly stood next to me. “Not just being friends anymore?”
“It does. But it’s still the same in lots of ways too. Like Caleb setting the fires – he’s done that every year.” I could hear him and his dad bantering as they did the two other open fires, and the log burner, getting the pub warmed up for the townsfolk who’d be there in another couple of hours. “How many came for breakfast?”
“About thirty. Bacon or egg butties and a glass of fizz. We served them on the beach and used the barbecue. I thought you might turn up.” Her eyes danced. “Better things to do?”
I couldn’t help but grin, the smile forcing its way onto my face. “Yes and I’m not saying any more.”
“I don’t think I want to hear any more. All I’m going to say is – finally, sugar. I’ve been waiting a long time for you to wake up.”
“Really?”
Her smile was devilish. “Really. He was smitten with you from that first summer when he and Roman moved here and even though he denied when I asked, no girlfriend he had ever lived up to you. Don’t let that scare you – he doesn’t have you on a pedestal.”
“I know. He knows my darkest secrets and the habits I wouldn’t want anyone else to know.”
“And he loves you for them. He’s a good man – like his dad.” She tipped her head to one side as Roman came back into the room, a streak of coal dust on his face.
“Were you actually paying me a compliment then?” He frowned; his arms folded. “If so, can you say it again so I can record it?”
“No compliment. You must’ve misheard.” But she went over to him anyway, her arms stretching up and going around his shoulders, pulling herself up for a kiss. “Although it is Christmas, so if you don’t balls up the stuffing I might compliment you later.”
“You compliment me every night.” It was a loud whisper, which meant that Caleb heard it clearly.
Caleb shook his head. “And let’s stop there. I know I’m thirty, but I still don’t need to actually know what you do in private. Ever. Please.”
I watched Amelie and Roman grin at each other, then study Caleb’s discomfort.
“No. No details.” He shook his head rapidly. “You’ll put me off dinner and I’m a growing boy. You wouldn’t want me to starve.”
Roman laughed loudly and let go of Amelie. “One day you’ll know just how funny it is to watch your kid be terrified of being embarrassed in front of their girlfriend. Makes up for all the times they were a little shit.”
“I was never a little shit.” Caleb sat down on the floor in front of the tree. “Is this for me?” He picked up the largest gift under there.
I knew from experience that for the next hour he’d turn into that kid again.
