I eye the slew of gifts under the tree. “So, who are all the presents from?”
“Me.” She lifts the bottle to her cherry red lips.
“Then who are they for?”
“Me.” She wipes her lips with the back of her hand.
After a beat, I let out a hearty laugh. “That’s amazing.”
“If no one’s going to buy me Christmas presents, I’m going to buy them for myself. ‘Tis the season of giving and receiving. I don’t need anyone else to check both tasks off of my list.” She lets out a little giggle, and I find it irresistibly adorable.
“I love that so much.” I shake my head, enticed at the act of peeling away Madison’s layers to get to the core of who she is. “You do this every year?”
“Sure do. Ever since I got my first job.” She sits up straight. “What about you? Why are you all alone?”
“It’s mostly by choice. The truth is, I haven’t found anyone I really want to celebrate with.” My eyes flicker up toward hers. “Until now.” A stillness in the air hangs between us. “I just hope I’m not screwing up your solo celebration.”
“Not at all,” she says and moves closer to me. “In fact, I quite like having you here.”
“I’m just here for the tree.” I tease but lean in toward Madison. Her face glows like an angel.
“Well, you’ve seen it. You can always leave.” Her eyes search my face, playing along with my flirtatious game.
“Not until after breakfast,” I say and slide my palm against her soft, full cheek.
CHAPTERFIVE
MADISON
I’mafraid to breathe for fear of ruining the moment, but as soon as Axel’s lips brush over mine, I know that will be impossible. His soft, strong lips make me weak in the knees, and the way he caresses my cheek sends a wave of goosebumps down my arms. He parts my lips with his tongue, exploring my mouth as his hand works its way up my skirt.
I let out a soft moan, ready for him to take whatever he wants. I’m his tonight. For the first time in years, I’m not alone by choice, and it’s something worth celebrating. His rough hands caress my inner thigh, and I part my knees for him as his kisses grow more passionate.
“The minute I laid eyes on you, I knew I had to have you.” He says in a voice low enough to be mistaken for a growl. He cups my mound over my panties, and I draw a sharp inhale of breath. My center feels as if it could explode from desire. He rubs me through the fabric as I caress his strong arms. “This is mine tonight, Madison. Do you understand?”
“I understand.” I manage to moan.
“Then say it.”
“It’s yours tonight.”
“What is?”
“My pussy,” I say, surprised at how turned on this is making me. “It’s yours tonight, Axel.” I dig my nails into his bicep through his shirt. “I’m all yours.”
Axel gazes at me with hooded eyes, then quickly moves his hand up the side of my waist and down into the top of my dress, inside the cup of my bra. He pinches my nipple between his fingers, causing me to gasp as his mouth finds my swollen bud. I fist the back of his hair, dizzy with pleasure, unable to focus.
“You smell so fucking good,” he says, reaching for the tie on the side of my dress—the only thing holding it together. My body melts under his touch as he nibbles on my neck and plants a trail of kisses down the valley between my breasts. I could climax from his touch alone. The way he takes his time with my body, making me feel like I’m the most desirable woman on the earth.
Hell, this guy may do this with every woman he meets, but right now, I’m choosing not to care. This is my night, and dammit, I’m going to enjoy it.
When Axel’s lips crash down on mine once more, I gently sink my teeth into his full, bottom lip. I’m feeling playful and want to make the most of this. I stand from the couch, still kissing him, letting my hair fall all around his face. When I pull away, moving his hand from the tie on the side of my dress, he looks a little confused.
“What do you want me to do?” I ask, a rush of excitement coursing through me. This is not like me. I’m not very adventurous, but tonight all bets are off. I caress my exposed breast and bite into my bottom lip. Axel rubs himself over his jeans, his eyes locked in on me. There could be a nuclear war happening outside, and Axel’s eyes would remain on me. I’ve got him right where I want him.
“Strip for me.” His low voice sends shivers dancing across my skin.
I’ve never done this before, and with shaking hands, I reach for the tie that holds my dress together and give it a tug. Before the dress can unwrap itself, I hold it tight to me, then slowly expose my other breast. “Do you like what you see?”