Page 157 of Saving Soul

“Your books can’t do this.” Grasping my face, Adam pulled me to his lips, kissing me with so much force it took my breath away. As his hands delved into my hair and around my nape, his tongue explored deeper territory, wanting…needing…

My body responded on instinct, answering his call with the same intensity, but just as I submitted, his lips were gone.

And when I opened my eyes, so was Adam.

30

Finn’s eyes glittered with excitement as he walked into the living room to discover the oversized Christmas tree swamped with gifts. His gaze shot to the mantel, then back to mine, silently asking for permission to pounce.

“Wait until everyone is here,” I said in a hushed voice.

Josie was already cozied up with Grayson on the couch, while Harrison slept in his arms. Caroline was perched on the armchair opposite, while William stood, drinking what looked like eggnog. Both refused to meet my gaze.

Once Adam wheeled Liam into the room, Finn tugged my arm. “Can I?”

“Okay, go.”

Adam caught my eye as Finn raced over to the fireplace. “Merry Christmas, Cassidy,” he whispered as he wheeled Liam past.

His aftershave whisked me back to the kiss the night prior, and my cheeks warmed. “Merry Christmas, Adam.”

With a knowing smile, he parked Liam in his preferred position, then moved to the empty couch beside the tree. He gazed up at me, then at the vacant seat beside him, and raised his brow. “Are you going to sit?”

“Oh, I’m sure Mr. Harlow would pref—”

“I’m fine where I am.” William took another sip. “Please sit.”

“Okay, thanks.” As I sat beside Adam, Finn bounced over and squeezed himself between us.

He tipped his candy-filled stocking onto his lap. “Check this out, Mom!”

Since Dominic passed away, Finn rarely got more than a few candy canes and chocolate in his stocking, but today it was bulging with goodies. Giant candy canes, homemade rocky road, artisan chocolates, gaming vouchers, and a pair of goggles. Santa had my back this year.

“Adam can hand out the presents this year,” Grayson said, not budging from his wife. Their love radiated through the room as they ogled their son.

As predicted, most of the gifts under the tree belonged to Harrison, but when Adam read out Finn’s name, my son’s mouth fell open.

He wasn’t expecting anything, especially from the person whose name was on the card. Me. I’d promised him a proper gift in the new year, once we’d settled back home, so this was a surprise to me, too.

With wide eyes, he tore open the paper to reveal an official-branded basketball and a Lakers cap. “Oh, Mom! Thank you so much,” he cried, wrapping his arms around me.

My eyes glazed over as they met Adam’s. “Thank you,” I mouthed, swallowing back emotion as Finn let go.

Adam offered a subtle nod before handing out the rest of the presents.

“There’s just one more hidden in the tree.” Liam threw me a wink. “Perhaps young Finn would like to fetch it out for me.”

In a flash, Finn jumped off the couch and raced over. “Got it.” He pulled an envelope from the pine and held it out to Liam.

“Read it out loud, would you? My eyes aren’t what they used to be.”

Finn smiled nervously before flipping the envelope over. “To Cassidy and Finn, thank you for everything. From the Harlows.” He lifted his gaze to my slackened mouth. “I think you should open this,” he said, returning to the space beside me.

“You really didn’t have to.” I gaped at the envelope in my lap. “But thank you.” With a deep breath, I carefully opened it to discover two tickets.

“Oh my God!” Finn squealed, snatching them from my hand. “Lakers tickets?!”

“What?!” I took them back for a closer look. I’d always wanted to take Finn to a game but could never afford it. “Oh, we can’t accept this. It’s too much.”