CHAPTERTWO
AXEL
I wasn’t expectingto be in Thunder Mountain for the holidays. Since I moved away from most of my family, I’d have been happy forgetting about Christmas altogether. But when Uncle Ed caught wind that I’d be passing through town, he insisted I stay for Christmas Eve dinner. I haven’t talked to the guy in ages, and I only called him out of politeness. I don’t talk to most of my family, but something told me to reach out.
I sneak a final glance at the sexy diner waitress on my way out of the diner. Damn, she’s a stunner. I’ve never seen curves on a woman like that. Plus, the old-school diner uniform she’s wearing is conjuring up some seriously dirty thoughts. With her warm brown eyes and chestnut hair, she’s a quintessential girl next door type, unassuming yet completely gorgeous.
I couldn’t tear my eyes off of her the whole time we had lunch. She felt it, too. Every time our eyes met, I had to will myself not to get hard. Usually, I have more self-control than this, but all bets were off just being around Madison. I’m like a goddamn teenager again.
Back at Uncle Ed and Aunt Diana’s house, I head straight to my room for a little nap before dinner, but all I can do is think about Madison. Her full, round chest pressed at the fabric of her uniform dress, with the right amount of cleavage to tease me. The way she swayed her hips with every step she took made it impossible to look away.
As much as I’d like to roll over and fall asleep, I can’t. Not with my length pulsing like this, begging for a release. Before I can change my mind, I pull myself free from my boxer briefs and give myself a long, hard stroke.
Instantly, an image of Madison appears. She’s in her uniform, but it’s shorter and sexier than before. She pulls her long hair out of its ponytail and shakes it out until it spills over her shoulders. Soon, I’m bending her over the table, lifting up that pale peach skirt of hers and pulling her white, lacy panties to the side, exposing her pretty pink center.
The fantasy has me panting as I stroke myself, pretending that I’m sliding in and out of the sexy waitress until finally, a stream of hot stickiness explodes over my fist. I come so hard and for what feels like forever, unable to get the image of Madison out of my head.
I clean myself up and let out a yawn. Now, I’m ready for that nap.
* * *
It’sfive when I wake up. I hop into the shower and head downstairs to help Aunt Diana with whatever she needs. As I turn the corner to the living room, I’m stunned at how beautiful the house looks. The tree is all lit up, with presents for days splayed out underneath. The table is set with fine china, and Johnny Mathis blares from the record player.
The scene reminds me of the days I used to love Christmas; before I stepped out into the world and saw what a bad place it could be. Before I lost both of my parents and stopped talking to my brothers, back in the days when things were simple.
“Look who’s up.” Aunt Diana places her hand on my shoulder, causing me to jump.
“Sneak up on a man, why don’t you?”
She lets out a little giggle, and I remember what she looked like when she was younger. “I need to keep you on your toes. Come and help me in the kitchen.”
I do what she says, following her back and forth from the stove to the table and back again until the table is stuffed with side dishes while still leaving room for the turkey. When the doorbell rings, I know it can only be one person. Aunt Diana heads to the door, but my words stop her.
“Allow me.” I press my hand against my chest, dramatically accentuating that I’m doing the gentlemanly thing. She laughs as I head to the front door. My heart races in my chest, and I can’t tell if it’s because I’ve already pictured Madison naked or because I want to make that fantasy a reality.Please, Santa.
When I throw the door open, my jaw nearly hits the floor. Madison’s wearing a wine-colored, velvet wrap-dress under her coat that hugs her curves like it’s custom made. It fits her modestly enough to make my imagination run wild.
“Are you going to let me in?” She narrows her warm brown eyes, so big she’d give Bambi a run for his money.
“You look amazing.” I allow my eyes to drink in every inch of her body before standing aside and letting her in. Her cheeks turn the same shade of red as her dress. It’s fucking adorable.
“I do what I can,” she says, and I suddenly wish I would’ve worn something fancier than my favorite jeans and black t-shirt. I take her coat and am hit with the scent of warm amber musk. Her scent is so irresistible that I have to stop myself from pulling her to me so I can breathe her in.
She flicks her long hair over her shoulder and holds out a bottle of red wine. “This is for Mr. and Mrs. Bailey.”
“You can call him, Ed.” Our fingers brush when I take the bottle from her. It shouldn’t turn me on like it does, but I can’t deny the slightest tease from her sends me into overdrive.
“Why break tradition?” Her ankles wiggle slightly on her heels.
“How about we have a drink.”
“Sure,” she says and follows me to the kitchen, where Aunt Diana wraps her in a warm embrace.
“I’m so glad you’re here, Madison.”
Madison’s eyes quickly flicker to mine. “Me too.”
“You two go have a cocktail and get comfy. The turkey still has about fifteen minutes.” You can’t fight with Aunt Diana, so I pour us each a glass of wine, and we head into the front room and find ourselves in front of the Christmas tree.