I ran my hand over the beautiful curves of our woman beneath the covers. She moved slightly, and I waited in anticipation for her beautiful eyes to open. When Lou focused on me, she was understandably tentative.
“Good morning.”
“Morning.” Lou pressed her palms together beneath her cheek and stared up at me.
“Do you know what day it is?”
Lou narrowed her eyes at me. “I may have been up late, but I wasn’t drunk. My memory is perfectly fine, thank you.”
I laughed at her haughtiness. “It’s Christmas Day, baby, and also the day I make up with you.”
Lou pushed herself up. “You think so, huh?”
I tried not to stare at the thin satin camisole she was wearing and how her nipples tightened in response to being exposed to the cooler air outside the covers. Instead, I indicated the tray with the reindeer waffles and strawberry compote which was accompanied by a strong cup of hot English tea.
When Lou’s face went slack, I knew I was cracking her grouchy exterior.
I cut some of the soaked waffle and lifted the fork toward her.
She waited a moment but then surrendered and took the morsel into her mouth. “Mmm. That’s so good.”
“I’ll let the chef know.”Harris’ food was one of Louisa’s favorite things.
The fork clinked against the plate as I set it down. “Look, I know I’ve been a complete asshole about this baby thing. I want to say I’m sorry. I know words aren’t enough, which is why I’m committed to making it up to you.”
“I like that word.Committed.” Lou pushed the covers aside and straddled my lap. “I’m committed to you and the others. I’m committed to making our lives together work.” She allowed her mouth to hover over mine. “I’m committed to holding on through the tough times even when you drive me up the wall.” She gritted her teeth and scrunched the front of my shirt up in her fist. But then she pulled back, and her eyes filled with sincerity. “I’m committed to bettering my understanding of what you need in life, Tate. Because I’m not the only one in this relationship. There are a lot of us, and it can get complicated if we aren’t allowed to openly communicate what we’re feeling. I’m sorry I refused to listen to your side.”
I rubbed her lower back through her camisole. “You didn’t listen because I didn’t sit down like the rational man I usually am and discuss it with you. I belittled you, I screamed at you, and I allowed you to walk blocks and blocks home in a strange city in the cold on your own.”
Lou stroked my face. “I put myself in that situation.”
I shook my head. “I forced you into that situation. If I hadn’t made you feel like nothing, you wouldn’t have run off.” I lowered my gaze to our intertwined laps. “I caused you so much pain, baby.” I felt dampness on my cheeks. When Lou’s fingers stroked me again, I realized they were tears.
“You’re crying.” The way she said it…
I was as surprised by my show of emotion as Lou was. I brushed the tears away too. “I’m sorry.”
“No. It’s all right. It’s the first time I’ve seen you like this. Christmas is the best time to begin to mend bridges again. We were never broken, but maybe a little rickety, and that’s easily fixed with time and hard work.”
She pulled me against her sweet lips, and I couldn’t resist taking control of her. My tongue tangled with hers while I crept my hand up beneath her camisole to cup her breast. I fondled her nipple, and she squeaked out a tiny moan that traveled straight to my dick.
She writhed against me. “Have breakfast with me.”
“Fuck breakfast.” My mouth moved to her neck as I threw her down on the bed, covering her with my body. “You can have me instead.”
Her laugh was as light as chimes in the breeze and, at the same time, deeply suggestive. It told me everything I needed to know.
ChapterTwenty
Louisa
The living area had transformed overnight.
I stared in wonder at the large pine tree that took up one corner of the living room and gifts underneath it. The scent from it wafting through the house was almost hidden by the smell of delicious food lining the dining table and whatever else Harris was still cooking.
Turkey, maybe?
My red dress was beautiful and luxurious under my touch as I smoothed it down.