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“I can’t even begin to tell you—”

Ella pointed to the gift bag. “There’s more.”

Sloane put the box down and pulled out the other gift. “Christmas Cookie Baking Set.” She glanced up at Ella, put a hand to her chest, and shook her head. “How did you know?”

“You mentioned a couple of times that you’d never made Christmas cookies.” She shrugged. “I thought, you’ve got time over Christmas. Maybe we could do it together.”

Sloane took a deep breath, and her eyes went shiny. Then she took a moment, gathered herself, before coming closer to Ella.

Then she leaned forward and kissed her with such passion, it left Ella dizzy.

When Sloane pulled back, she shook her head. “I might have bought you your perfect gift, but you bought me mine. Half Cream? I couldn’t ask for more.” She patted the box with affection. “The baking kit is amazing, too.” Then she gathered Ella in her arms. “Thank you. I love it.” She kissed her again. “I cannot wait to have my coffee now.”

“You’re welcome.” Ella reached for her necklace. “I love mine, too. Even though it’s too much.” Standing this close to Sloane made every hair on her body stand to attention. When Sloane raised her gaze to Ella’s, her clit hardened, too. She bit the inside of her cheek as their options for Boxing Day narrowed in front of her eyes. Sloane had mentioned some rehab work today in the gym. But right now, Ella couldn’t see past taking Sloane against this counter.

However, she didn’t want to overwhelm Sloane. She’d already kept her up half the night. But this feeling she had when she was near her? She wanted to rip off every stitch she wore – admittedly not very much – and ravish her. It was unfamiliar and unnerving. It wasn’t who Ella was. Had she been like this in her past? If she had, she couldn’t remember it.

This connection.

Thiswant.

She couldn’t help her gaze lasering in on Sloane’s lips. She didn’t want to appear pushy, and if Sloane wanted to work instead, she had to be okay with that.

Just being here with Sloane was enough.

“This coffee takes ten minutes to brew. Slow and intense is how it comes out.”

But not if Sloane made comments like that.

Heat rushed at Ella’s core. “Reminds me of something else.” Her tongue skated over her top lip.

“Me, too.” Sloane’s sapphire eyes flared dark. In a move Ella didn’t see coming, Sloane pulled the cord on her robe until it fell open, and stepped into Ella’s space. Then she took Ella’s hand and placed it on the counter behind her, parted Ella’s legs with her thigh, then slipped a hand between them. When they hit their target, Ella groaned, and Sloane did exactly the same.

“You’re so wet.” Sloane’s voice was pure syrup.

“I fell asleep that way. Woke up the same way, too.” Ella had no shame, because it was the pure, unvarnished truth.

“Ten minutes, then,” Sloane added. “Maybe nine, now.” She slid two fingers into Ella and started to fuck her. Fast.

So fast, Ella had no time to think. Or breathe. Or wonder anything, apart from the fact that she never wanted this moment to end. What was it Sloane had said about memories counting? She already knew this snapshot of her life was going to live rent-free in her mind for days.

Ella gripped the counter behind. Sloane added another finger, and Ella thrust forward. When Sloane went deeper, Ella threw her head back and let out a cry. Sloane’s fingers filled her deliciously. Ella could hardly remember her name. She threw an arm around Sloane’s neck.

“Don’t stop,” she whispered in a heavy hush. And then, before she could process what was happening, she flushed from the inside out, and started to shake as euphoria rampaged through her. Ella came right there, standing up, Sloane’s fingers buried inside her. Hot damn. She was a glorious slut.

Moments later, Sloane bruised Ella’s mouth with her lips, then cupped her arse with her free hand. “You’re outstanding, you know that?”

Ella couldn’t respond. She had no command on anything right now, especially not her speech. Then, Sloane nibbled her way down Ella’s neck, gently removed her fingers, and sank to her knees. Ella’s eyelids sprang open.

“Your ankle,” she said.

“It’s fine,” Sloane replied, as her fingertips traced their way up Ella’s naked thighs.

Ella spread her legs as far as she could, then buried her fingers in Sloane’s soft hair. Why had she denied herself this kind of pleasure for so long? Stubbornness, mixed with sheer bloody-mindedness. But now, eyes closed and rainbows dancing on the back of her lids, she sank into it like a boss. When Sloane’s tongue pressed into her, the moment sharpened into pristine focus. Ella’s grip on Sloane’s hair tightened, willing her on. She was about to let go for the second time, and Ella hardlyeverlet go. More surges of desire sparked inside her. She sucked in a deep breath, as a waft of coffee filled the air.

Sloane’s tongue swirled around her, sending dizzying bliss to every part of her. Ella loved the way Sloane had cracked her code within 24 hours. Last night, she’d listened to what Ella wanted, and she’d remembered every detail. Every sure circle of her tongue signalled she understood her. When Sloane pressed, Ella roared.

She was glad she’d worn the dressing gown now. Easy access. She’d been anything but over the past few years. But with her easy smile and her generous nature, Sloane had unlocked something inside. Now, Ella just wanted more. For every morning to start like this. Wake up happy, slope to the kitchen, get royally fucked on the counter.