Page 5

Chapter Five

I vy

The warmth of Cole’s workshop is a relief after the biting chill outside, but as I step inside, my cheeks flushed from the cold—and maybe a little from the memory of our drive here—I can feel a different kind of heat creeping over me. Cole’s presence lingers close behind as he shuts the door, trapping the warmth, the scent of wood smoke, and something else in the air between us.

“Careful there, Mrs. Claus,” he murmurs, his voice a rough whisper, as I step forward, catching the sharp tug of something snagged in my hair. I stop, reaching up, my fingers brushing against a bit of greenery tangled around my curls. I twist, trying to see, but all I manage to do is create a bigger knot.

Cole chuckles, his gaze fixed on me, every inch of him screaming confidence.

“Hold still,” he says, stepping in close, his broad shoulders blocking out the light as he reaches up, his fingers skimming the edge of my hair.

“It’s just mistletoe,” I manage, my voice embarrassingly shaky.

“Mistletoe, huh?” He gives me a look that’s entirely too amused, his fingers working through the tangle as his gaze holds mine, unwavering and intense. “You know what that means, don’t you?”

I try for a careless laugh, but it comes out as a faint breath. “I’m not falling for that holiday cliché.”

He smirks, his hand slipping lower, fingertips grazing the sensitive skin just behind my ear. “Then why are you blushing, Ivy?”

I open my mouth to answer, but the words evaporate when he steps closer, his warmth folding over me, his hand tilting my chin up until I’m looking directly into his dark, smoldering gaze.

“Tell me to stop,” he says, his voice a low growl, yet his grip on my chin is gentle, as if he’s giving me an out. The problem is, I don’t want one. I feel the pull, the electric thread snapping tight between us, drawing me into his orbit until everything fades but the feel of him, the way his eyes linger on my lips, the way his chest rises and falls in sync with mine.

I shake my head, barely a whisper. “I’m not telling you to stop.”

His mouth curves into a dangerous smile, and then he closes the distance, his lips capturing mine with a slow, measured intensity. His kiss is anything but gentle; it’s deliberate, a claiming that leaves me breathless, his hand sliding down to the back of my neck, pulling me closer.

I feel myself melting into him, my fingers curling into the fabric of his jacket, pulling him closer, needing him like he’s the only thing keeping me standing. His lips move against mine with a sensual rhythm, every touch, every stroke sending sparks skittering down my spine.

When we finally pull back, we’re both breathing hard, his hand still tangled in my hair, his forehead resting against mine.

“Ivy…” he murmurs, his voice rough and thick with something I can’t quite name.

“Yeah?” I manage, my voice a whisper.

He brushes a strand of hair from my face, his gaze locked on me, searching. “It’s snowing out there. I had my buddy haul your car to my garage so I can check it out after your little off-road excursion, but…I don’t think you should risk driving back tonight.”

The logical side of me knows he’s right, that the road down Copper Mountain is treacherous even in the best of conditions, let alone with snow swirling like it is outside. But the part of me still buzzing from his kiss, still caught up in the weight of his hand on my hip, knows there’s more to this invitation than just the weather.

I swallow, nodding slowly. “Okay. Whatever you say.”

His mouth lifts in a small, satisfied smile, and he steps back, holding out a hand. “Come on, let’s get you settled.”

He leads me back out into the cold for a moment before guiding me to the cabin beside his workshop, a rugged place that’s as much a part of him as anything else. Inside, the warmth of the wood-burning stove fills the air, and he sets about lighting a few lamps, casting a cozy, flickering glow over the room. It’s small but sweet, and lacks a single Christmas decoration.

“Make yourself at home,” he says, shrugging off his coat and tossing it over a leather chair. I watch him, unable to look away, captivated by the unfiltered confidence in his movements, the ease with which he fills the space.

I slip off my coat, feeling my cheeks warm as he watches me, his gaze unapologetically bold, dark eyes sliding over me like he’s savoring every inch.

“You really are something else, you know that?” he murmurs, stepping closer, the edge of his mouth tugging into a grin as he takes in the mess of Christmas decorations I’d managed to slip into my bag for the festival.

“What can I say? I like Christmas,” I reply, a little too breathlessly, as he grabs a string of lights, arching an eyebrow.

“Mind if I join in on the holiday cheer?” he asks, his voice rough, laced with something that makes my pulse kick up a notch. He doesn’t wait for my answer, taking the lights and winding them around the small tree standing by the window. I can’t help but smile as he works, his expression almost soft in the glow of the string lights. I love seeing this side of him that no one else sees.

“You’re getting the hang of this,” I tease, handing him a few ornaments to hang.

He scoffs, but there’s a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Don’t get used to it, Mrs. Claus. This is a one-time deal.”

“Oh, I’ll believe that when I see it,” I say, brushing a hand over his shoulder, feeling the solid heat of him under my palm. He glances down, his gaze flicking to my hand, then back to my face, a slow smile curving his lips.

“You keep looking at me like that, and we’re going to end up on your Naughty List,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough.

I feel my heart hammer in my chest, but I can’t bring myself to look away. “Maybe that’s exactly where I want to be.”

For a heartbeat, he just stares at me, the tension between us coiled so tight it’s a wonder we’re both still standing. Then, as if a switch has flipped, he pulls me to him, his mouth covering mine in a kiss that’s all heat and hunger. His hands slide down my back, pulling me against him, and I can feel every inch of him, solid and unyielding, as he deepens the kiss, his tongue sweeping into my mouth, claiming, demanding.

I moan against him, my fingers digging into his shoulders as he presses me back, his hand sliding up to tangle in my hair, holding me exactly where he wants me. He kisses me like he’s been holding back, like he’s finally letting go, and I feel myself unraveling under his touch, my knees going weak as he drags his mouth down to my neck, his teeth grazing my skin.

“Cole,” I breathe, barely able to get the word out.

He pulls back, his gaze dark and heavy with desire. “Ivy,” he murmurs, his voice rough, almost a growl. “I’ve been doing my best to wait–to give you what you deserve all night long.”

There’s no hesitation, no second-guessing. I nod, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, and he lifts me, carrying me to the bed, his hands steady and sure. He lays me down, his gaze raking over me as he pulls his shirt over his head, revealing the solid, chiseled lines of his chest, the strength in his arms. I feel my breath catch, my fingers reaching for him, needing him closer, needing everything.

He leans down, his mouth capturing mine in another searing kiss, his hands roaming over me, sliding under my sweater, his touch setting my skin alight. He pulls the sweater over my head, his eyes darkening as he takes me in, his hands trailing over my bare skin, leaving a path of fire in their wake.

“God, Ivy,” he murmurs, his voice rough with desire. “You’re perfect.”

I don’t have time to respond before his mouth is on me again, kissing, tasting, exploring, his hands pulling me closer as we move together, the world outside fading until there’s nothing left but the feel of him, the heat of his skin against mine, the way his name falls from my lips like a prayer.

When I’m with this man, the rest of the world slips away. Cole watches me, his gaze locked onto mine with a heat that could melt the snow outside his cabin window. He breathes out in that low, rough voice that sends shivers racing down my spine, “You’re a fucking vision.”

I can feel my grin stretch wide, my heart pounding as our hands find each other. We stand across from each other, fingers laced, and in this moment, it’s like nothing and no one else exists. The world outside drifting by in a blur while I’m lost in the storm brewing between us. His eyes hold me captive, steady and intense, and all I can think about is him, the way he looks at me, like I’m his whole world.

My skin tingles, alive under his gaze, my body aching with a need I’ve never known. I want him to pull me close, to feel his fingers in my hair, his lips on mine. I want him to take me away, claim me under the moonlight. But he holds back, lets me savor every moment.

He pulls me against his chest then, his voice a possessive growl as he murmurs, “You’re all mine tonight, Mrs. Claus.”

His lips press against mine, claiming me in a way that feels like the beginning of forever.

Cole’s hands are in my hair, his lips trailing down my neck, igniting a fire everywhere he touches.

“I can’t wait to fill that pretty mouth—” he groans against my skin, his hands tracing the curve of my back as he whispers between kisses.

“Oh my God, Cole…” My breath comes fast, anticipation building as his fingers graze the globes of my breasts beneath my lacy red bra.

“Babe…” His voice is low, a dangerous promise that sends a thrill straight through me. A gasp escapes me as his breath skims over my skin, his warm mouth igniting sparks along every nerve ending. His fingers work at the button and zipper of my jeans before he pushes them down my thighs. My body trembles, anticipation coiling tight as he pushes my panties aside, his fingers slipping against my heat.

His voice is a gruff murmur as he presses his lips to my inner thigh. “Babe–you’re soaking wet for me.” A growl falls from his lips. “You don’t know what that does to me.”

The raw need in his gaze, the way his touch owns me, sends a flood of desire rushing through me.

“I love how your hands feel on my skin,” I admit, my voice breaking as his thumb circles slowly against my swollen clit. “Just your breath on me makes me want to beg you to… do things. ”

He chuckles, low and rough, his lips pressing kisses up my thigh, stoking the fire hotter.

“What things, baby?” He pulls back just long enough to lock his eyes with mine, waiting for me to answer.

I barely recognize my own voice, breathless, needy. “I want your fingers… everywhere . I want your mouth…against me.”

A groan rumbles from him, his hands trailing up my waist before unhooking my bra, baring my skin to the chill air and his scorching gaze. His mouth finds my breast, tongue flicking over a tightened peak, making me shudder.

“Your tits are so beautiful,” he murmurs against my skin, his voice full of reverence. “So big and heavy, you make my mouth water.”

I arch into his touch, feeling my resolve slip away, surrendering to the pull of him, the way he’s making me come undone. “Cole…I need you.”

“Patience, Mrs. Claus.” His voice is smug, but there’s a hunger in his eyes that mirrors my own. “I want to savor this. Every second. Every inch of you.” He lifts his head, his fingers tracing over my pussy lips, spreading me open for him, driving me out of my mind.

“I’ve waited too damn long to make you mine,” he growls, his mouth descending between my legs, his tongue sweeping over my heat, and I nearly come apart at that first touch. I moan, unable to hold back, my hands tangling in his hair, pulling him closer as he feasts on my soaked slit, licking and tasting like I’m the sweetest thing he’s ever had.

His tongue moves in lazy, teasing strokes, taking his time, driving me wild with every pass.

“You taste like heaven,” he murmurs against me, his words sending a thrill through my body.

He doesn’t let up, mouth and hands working in tandem, coaxing me closer to the edge. I’m trembling, lost to him, to the way he makes me feel. “Cole… please…”

But he just grins, dark and wicked, before he takes one of the candy canes I brought from my bag and runs it over the tip of my nipple. I shudder as he trails it down my skin, over my hips, before teasing the bud of my clit. He grins, easing the the candy cane inside my pussy, fucking me with just the tip at first, before sinking the candy fully inside of me. I arch and moan, enjoying the way he plays and sucks at my skin as if he’s savoring every inch of me.

“You’re definitely on the Naughty List now, gorgeous,” he hums as his fingers slip inside me, curling just right, and I can’t hold back anymore. My body clenches around him, a broken cry slipping from my lips as pleasure crashes over me, leaving me breathless.

Before I’ve even caught my breath, he’s standing, lifting me in his arms, carrying me down the hallway. His voice is a low, possessive growl. “I want you in my bed for the rest of the night. And the next. And every night after that. I’ll tie you to me until I have my fill of you if that’s what it takes. Torturing me the way you have been these last few days, making me put on that Santa getup, consider this your punishment, sweetheart.”

I cling to him, my heart pounding, feeling more loved, more wanted, than ever before. He licks and sucks at my soaked pussy, driving me wild, before he pushes his jeans down his thighs and reveals his hard dick to the open air. I gasp at the sight of it, my mouth watering, the urge to feel him at the back of my throat is strong.

His hands slide over my waist and he brings me to the edge of the bed, lining himself up to fill me.

“Oh, God, yesss…” I husk when he breaches my entrance slowly. I arch into him, desperate to feel more when he pauses and catches my gaze.

“Are you on birth control?” he grunts.

“No,” I shake my head. “I’ve–I’ve never been with a man.”

His eyes shudder closed and a soft grunt falls from his lips. “Damn, sweetheart, I wasn’t expecting that. You’re so sweet and beautiful and now you tell me you’re untouched…” he lands a trail of kisses along my neck, “I’ve never been with any other woman. You’re the only one.” He sucks at the flesh of my breast before murmuring, “Are you sure you want this?”

“Yes–I’m sure. I’m more than sure.”

“Good–” his calloused thumb trails over my nipple, tweaking softly.

“I’ll do my best to take it slow, but I’ve been thinking of making you mine every damn night since you walked in here with all of your Christmas cheer.”

A grin slips over my lips followed by a needy moan when he pushes himself another inch inside of me. I gasp, prepared for the pain of him breaking past the barrier that will make me his forever, but it doesn’t come. I only feel a swell of pleasure.

He groans, gripping my hips and inching himself deeper into me. I grasp at his shoulders, arching my hips, greedy for more of him. “I want you deeper, I want to feel you buried inside of me.”

“Mm, damn, baby. I want that too,” he grunts and then in one swift move seats himself fully inside of me. He growls softly, “Does that hurt?”

“No,” I reassure him, clinging to his hard body as he thrusts slowly at first and then with more speed.

“God, precious, you’re gonna steal all the cum from my balls. I can’t wait any longer, I’m gonna fill your virgin womb with my babies.”

“Yes–do it,” I sing into the air.

“You want that? You want me to breed you, gorgeous?” He slows his thrusts, eyes locking with mine. “Fuck, it would ruin me to see you pregnant with my babies.”

I groan with pleasure, his words spurring another orgasm.

“Damn, baby. Your sweet little virgin pussy fists me so tight, feels like I’m gonna lose myself inside of you.” He pumps quickly, his fingertips swirling at my clit and pulling another trembling orgasm from my body before his thighs stiffen and he grips my hips, forcing me to take all of his cum as he shoots off inside of me.

“Dammit–you’re ruining me, Mrs. Claus.” He grunts, then presses kisses along my neck as his pulsing dick stills. A moment later he’s slowly dragging his hard cock out of me and already I miss the feel of him buried deep.

He collapses at my side and pulls me closer to him, snuggling me against his hard body and growling into my hair. “Not done with you yet, babe, just give me a minute to recover.”

We spend the night tangled together, his hands and mouth worshiping me, my body responding to every touch, every whisper. Outside, the snow falls softly, blanketing the world in silence, but inside, there’s only us, only the fire between us, burning brighter than any Christmas lights.

By the time the first light of dawn slips through the window, I know I’m lost in him, and I never want to be found.