“Oh, so this is a serious conversation, is it?” she teased.
“Completely.” He smirked at her.
She let the water out of the sink and dried her hands as she thought. The first time she’d watched Foster drive away, she’d thought of having to tell her friends and people at work that he’d cheated on her. Of course, she could always leave that part out, but the female population should know which guys were cheaters and which ones were not.
“Let’s see,” she hedged as she switched from thinking about her ex to what she’d want to do tomorrow or the next day. “I’d eat a whole peppermint cheesecake.” She leaned against the counter.
Jacob came to stand right in front of her, hooking his fingers through her belt loops. Her stomach swooped out from under her, and she dropped the towel. Neither of them moved to pick it up.
“I’d watchIt’s a Wonderful LifeandMiracle on 34th Street.” She swallowed heavily as every part of her became aware of every part of him.
He tugged her against him, and her hands landed on his chest. Since when did he have such nice muscles? The Jacob she remembered was thin and young and this Jacob was solid and strong. So strong.
What were they talking about?
“We were talking about your Christmas desires,” he replied.
“Did I say that out loud?”
He nodded absently as he traced her face with his fingertips.
Her eyes fluttered. “I’d kiss you,” she whispered.
“Me too.” His breath was warm on her lips, and she surged into the kiss, moving her hands up his chest and his neck and then burying her fingers into his hair. Lauren moaned as every part of her she’d pent up ten years ago released.
Jacob lifted her onto the counter without breaking the kiss. He slowed things down, exploring her mouth and causing her bones to turn to jelly. He tasted like Christmas, one part sparkling cider and two parts peppermint cheesecake.
When she was quite spent, he pulled back and drew her into him. She laid her head on his shoulder, drinking in the scent of his aftershave lotion and the feel of his soft flannel against her cheek.
“We should have done that ten years ago,” he said as he ran his hand down her back.
She kissed his jaw, already sorry that he wouldn’t remember this tomorrow. “Promise me you won’t forget this moment.”
He hooked a finger under her chin and brought her gaze up to meet his. “How could I forget the moment my dreams came true?”
Lauren’s heart lifted. She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to her. “You think that was a dream come true?” She lifted an eyebrow. “Give me a minute.” She pulled him down and kissed him like she’d wanted to in high school, her hands roaming over his shoulders and back up into his hair. She let out all the wanting she’d always held back and allowed the fires to burn.
Jacob came out of the kiss, panting for air. “Wow.”
She giggled. “Need a glass of water, big guy?”
He tickled her side, and she cuddled into him, laughing all the way.
“Did I sleep long enough to miss dishes?” asked Dad as he came in.
Jacob stepped to the side and flipped on the water, keeping his back to Lauren’s dad. “Almost done.”
“That’s what you think,” she mumbled. Lauren swung her feet. Her lips were swollen and his hands had done a number on her hair, and she didn’t even care.
Dad clapped his hands together. “Well, I guess it’s time to head over to the sing-along.” He wandered out to the entryway to find his coat. Jacob let out the breath he’d been holding. Lauren reached up and smoothed out his hair. She started giggling again, and he laughed as he did the same for her.
“You ready to sing with Santa?” she asked.
Jacob’s eyes flashed with something she didn’t understand. “I’m ready.” He took her hand. “And I want to get there early to have a talk with Saint Nick.”
Lauren laughed as she tripped behind him. “Sounds like Santa’s in trouble.”
Jacob stopped short, and she bumped into him. He wrapped an arm around her to draw her in. “He was in trouble–but he’s on my good list now.” He kissed her nose, and she floated the rest of the way to the park.
