Page 108 of The Singles Club

I playfully smacked her behind. “You’re not ready for my wand.”

Her hands glided over my ass. “Are you challenging me?”

“Are you seriously teasing me like this before I say goodnight to my parents?”

“Fair point.” She stepped back to a safer distance. “I’ll head up first.”

I watched as she walked away, and my heart swelled.

I love that woman.

* * *

Vivian

Justin and I lay down on the bed together, staring into each other’s eyes. His fingers linked through mine, and he kissed my knuckles. His lips were so soft, and the heat of his mouth made me yearn for it in other places.

“So, what was it that made you go from ‘I think I’m in love with you’ to ‘I know without a doubt I’m very much in love with you?’”

“I was in love with you then too, but I was scared of it. My mother taught me not to get too close to anyone. Never become vulnerable, and leave before they have a chance to break your heart.”

Justin caressed my cheek. “That’s horrible advice.”

“I know.” I slid my hand through his hair, and I loved the way it felt across my fingertips. “I realized today that I don’t want to become my mother… or even my dad. I don’t want their kind of love. I want to trust someone enough to be vulnerable with them. I want to have one freaking holiday that I don’t dread and spend it with someone in a way that it actually means something.”

“You don’t like any holidays?”

“Not the ones you’re expected to spend with family. My parents aren’t anything like yours. I can’t remember the last time I had a real Thanksgiving meal or a normal Christmas where I didn’t have to cater to both or feel like I’d offend one or the other. Last Christmas, I pretended to have the flu just so I didn’t have to go.” I paused, blinking back the sting in my eyes. “My brother showed up later to exchange gifts. He knew I wasn’t sick. But it was the best Christmas I had in a long time.”

“If you can’t come here for Christmas, I’ll come and spend it with you in Paris. Thanksgiving too. I never cooked a turkey before, but I can try.”

“Your mother would kill me if I took you away both holidays… and you’d probably hate the Christmas parties I’d go to in Paris.”

He laughed. “I’m notthatcountry. I enjoy parties where I get to look dashing. Where else can a man wear a fedora and get away with it?” His fingers traced along my arm. “But there will be a time when it’s just the two of us with you in a tiny little Santa dress that’s two sizes too small.”

“You are very naughty tonight,” I laughed, spanking his behind. “You better behave, or you won’t get your present.”

He cocked his head back and groaned. “Oh, you just wait until I get you home in our bed.”

Our bed? I liked the sound of that.

“Well, maybe if we’re really quiet, we could…”

His eyes were fiery and intense. “Oh no. When I make love to you for the first time, neither one of us is holding back.”

Oh. Gawd.

I squeezed my thighs together to try and curb that throbbing ache at the images my mind was conjuring up.

I could not wait to get home.

23

The Truth Hurts

Vivian

Gwendolyn had been quiet throughout breakfast, but polite. I wasn’t sure if it was because she wasn’t much of a morning person or was still bothered about Justin and me. My bet was on the latter… which was going to make our alone time figuring out her dress even more awkward.