Warmth hits me as I step into his hallway. He takes the bag from me and holds a hand out for my coat. I slip off my boots and follow him down the hall, past an array of family photographs. I never took much notice of them the last time I was here, but I can’t help notice how beautiful his wife was.
The photos stop when Theo is a baby. My heart aches for both of them. “Your wife was beautiful.”
He turns around, catching me staring at the photographs on the wall. “I keep the photos up for Teddy. He doesn’t remember her.” He steps closer, turning my face to his, with his finger and thumb on my chin. “You’re beautiful.”
I suck in a breath. My hair is frizzy, I have no fashion sense and I’ve never been good at makeup so I rarely wear any. I’m nothing like the glamorous woman in these photos, but the way he looks at me makes me feel like a million dollars.
He takes my hand and leads me into the kitchen. I can hear the TV playing some kids’ channel from the living room. Nick unpacks the bag and smiles when he sees his favourite turkey and cranberry sandwich.
“I wasn’t sure what Theo liked, so I picked him up a sausage roll and a Christmas cookie.” I bite my lip, hoping it’s okay.
“He’s not eaten much today, but I’ll see if he wants these.” He takes them into the living room. “Teddy bear, Joy’s here. She brought snacks.”
Theo sits up on the sofa, still in his Rudolph pyjamas. “Thanks. Are you looking after me while Dad goes to work?” He takes the snacks and bites into the cookie first. His green eyes stare between us, as if wondering why else I’d be here.
“I can do that if your dad needs to go in today.” I shuffle on my feet, thinking me being here is opening up a load of questions. Nick probably isn’t ready to tell his son we’re in a relationship. I’m not even sure if we’re in a relationship.
Nick scratches the back of his head. “Would you mind? There’s only so much I can do at home when everything’s on the office computer.” He turns to Theo. “Would you be all right if Joy stayed with you for a while?”
Theo nods, chewing on the cookie.
I point to the large wooden rocking horse next to the Christmas tree. “Another one of your papa’s?”
Crumbs fall from Theo’s mouth as he speaks. “Dad made that one.”
My brows raise at Nick. “Really?”
He leans against the doorjamb. “Don’t act so surprised. I’m pretty good with my hands.”
A flicker of heat courses through my veins as I stroke the hair on the horse. “It’s incredible.”
“Theo’s papa taught me everything. We made that one together before Theo was born.” He has a whimsical smile as he turns back to the kitchen.
I follow and sit across from him at the breakfast bar while he opens the wrapping to his sandwich. I lift my own from the bag and we eat together.
“Any drama at the shop?” he mumbles with a mouthful of turkey.
“Nope. All good. Mr Price is back, so you can hang up your red suit.” I smile at the memory of Nick in full red velvet. “I’m actually a little disappointed I won’t get to see you wearing it again.”
He quirks a grin. “I have it hanging in the bedroom. I’ll wear it for you tonight.”
My core clenches. “Tonight?”
His grin widens, causing the lines to crease around his eyes. “You didn’t think I was going to let you go home, did you?” He rounds the breakfast bar and stands behind me, his hands roaming over my green sleeves. His lips press against my prosthetic elf ear. “Especially now I have you here, dressed in my favourite outfit.” A growl rumbles against my ear. The vibration travels straight to my centre.
My erratic breathing makes me lightheaded. “What about Theo?”
“He sleeps like a log. You don’t need to worry about him.” Nick’s fingers glide along the stripes on my thighs, inching under the hem of my dress. “I want you spread out on my bed in nothing but these stockings.” He bites my ear. “And these ears,” he whispers against me, his breath fanning my neck. “The ears can stay on while I make love to you.”
A delightful shiver wracks my bones. Heat pools at my centre and I shuffle on the stool. If he keeps up with the dirty whispers, I’m going to make a mess of his seat when I come.
Nick presses his lips to my neck, sending another flurry of tingles to my core. “Damn, I wish I could take you now. This is torture.” He presses his body against mine from behind.
“Is that a candy cane in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?” I twist my head to stare into his fiery green eyes, like flames ignited by a chemical reactor, burning almost fluorescent.
“I’m always happy to see you. But I’m desperate to see you in my bed.” He tilts my head towards him and presses a kiss against my mouth. It’s just his lips pressed against mine, but somehow all the warmth and love he has for me travels into my soul, warming my chest from the inside out.
The living room door swings open. Nick steps back. My body instantly chills without his touch.
