While it wasn’t easy, I finally managed to pull myself together and finished up the work I needed to get done. It was late when I got home, but to my surprise, Dalton was in the kitchen, making dinner for us. After I took off my coat, I walked up behind him and slipped my arms around his waist, giving him a quick squeeze. “I didn’t know you’d be cooking dinner.”
“I thought I’d surprise you.” I peered over his shoulder to check out the pot of chili simmering on the stove. “Got homemade cornbread, too.”
“Oh, wow, you went all out.”
“Just doing what I can.” He glanced back and smiled. “Did you have a good day with the girls?”
“I had a fabulous time with the girls. The office, on the other hand, was not so fabulous.”
“An aggravating day, huh.”
“It wasn’t exactly aggravating.” I grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge and offered one to Dalton. “I just had an unexpected visitor.”
“Who?”
“Sadie.”
“My Sadie?” he asked, sounding completely stunned.
“The one and only.” I took a sip of my beer. “She came to talk to me about you.”
“What the fuck? I’ll have her ass for that shit.”
“No, Dalton. I think it’s best to just leave it alone ... at least for now.”
“Her coming to your office like that is unacceptable.”
“Yes, it is, but she’s going through some things and needs time to accept that she isn’t getting you back.”
“I just don’t get it. I thought she was happy with Colton. Hell, they’re having a kid together.”
“You know better than anyone that letting go of the past isn’t easy. I think you should give her a little more time.”
“Okay, but if she pulls any more shit like this—”
“Then, you can handle it.” I stepped over to him and slipped my arms around his neck. I looked up at him and my heart swelled in my chest. I loved Dalton more than I ever dreamed possible.
He made me feel complete, like I’d found a piece of myself that I didn’t even know was missing. He was the only man I had ever met who could touch my heart and ignite every nerve in my body with desire at the same time. “I have something I want to say to you, but I don’t want you to feel like I’m rushing things or—”
Before I could finish my thought, Dalton smiled and said, “I love you, too, babe. I guess I thought you knew that.”
“I think maybe I did, but it’s good to hear the words.” I eased up on my tiptoes and pressed my lips to his, kissing him briefly. “I really do love you.”
“That’s good ’cause you’re stuck with me.” Then he leaned over and turned the heat off the stove.
Dalton brought his hands up to my face, then dipped his head down to press his lips to mine. His touch was tender yet demanding as he swept his tongue across my bottom lip, teasing, urging me to open for him.
I obliged, letting him delve deeper, making me ache with anticipation of his every move. Dalton’s hands slid to the hem of my shirt as he eased it over my head, and when he started working on my bra, it was clear that a simple kiss wouldn’t be enough for him. As he looked down, an admiring grin spread across his face. “Mine. All mine.”
A flash of hunger blazed through his eyes as he lifted me into his arms and carried me into the bedroom where we spent the better part of the night making love. Once our lustful needs were satisfied, we headed back to the kitchen and filled our bowls with chili, then carried them into the living room and put on a movie. As I sat there with Dalton at my side, gazing at the Christmas lights and the fire, I’d never felt so content—so truly happy.
This was officially going to be the best Christmas yet.
SEVEN
JAGGER
“It never ceases to amaze me how crowded this place gets on Christmas Eve. I mean, damn, it was fucking insane tonight,” Country complained.
“I hear ya, brother.” Lynch reached back and grabbed a hold of his wallet as he boasted, “But a big crowd at Stilettos means more money in our pockets.”
“I get that, but it’s Christmas.”
“It’s money, man. It’s what makes the world go round.”
“You need some Jesus, brother.” Country shook his head as he finished stacking the chairs on the tables. “You guys heading over to the clubhouse or going on home?”
“I’m going home,” Widow answered. “Frankie and the boys are waiting on me.”
“Same here.” Hawk glanced down at his phone as he said, “Dee has messaged at least twenty times wondering when I’m gonna get home.”
“I’m meeting Sophie over at my place. She’s been waiting there since she left her folks’ place, and I think she’s getting a little impatient.” I chuckled as I added, “Y’all know how she is about Christmas.”