“According to who?” I ask, knowing exactly what orwhohe’s talking about.
“Anyone with common sense.”
“I don’t agree.”
He looks at me.
“Take it from a man who spent a long time not chasing his dreams. You feel that way for a reason, and from my view, it’s mutual.”
He opens his mouth to speak, and the lights flicker and go out. The girls scream. I glance down at the cranberry-glazed candles that flicker cheerily on the table and mantle above the fire, giving off enough ambient light to see.
“Fate might be on your side tonight.” I move to the tv stand and grab the portable generator we keep charged and ready to go during winter weather.
Unplugging the television from the power strip, I plug it into the generator. It turns on as the girls walk out of the kitchen with a flashlight.
“I have good news. Movie night is still on. The fire will be courtesy of Bryan. Dec and I will have to scramble a bit to get things settled while you pick a good movie, Nora.”
“Slumber party!” Dec calls.
“Someone’s excited,” Nora mutters.
“You love me, and you know it,” Dec kissed her cheek. “Be good, children. We’ll be back with the snacks and have a cozy night in as promised.” She winks, and I walk over to join her, guiding her into the kitchen.
Once we’re alone, I lift her onto the counter and step between her legs.
“E—” I silence her conversation with my mouth, wanting to show her with more than words how right this is between us. Humming, she returns my enthusiasm. Her doubts and concern fade as I run my hands over her body, massaging her thick thighs as she rocks against me. I pull back.
“Careful, or I’ll show you more than I meant to right here with our friends in the living room.”
Her sharp intake of air is a challenge I almost want to take. Breathing hard, I place my forehead against her.
“You tempt me.”
“Is this practice?” she asks huskily.
“Does it need to be?” I whisper. Here in the dark, secrets are easier to share.
“I-I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Don’t do that.” I squeeze her quivering thighs.
“E.” The lights click on, exposing us, ending the anonymity, and sealing her lips shut.
“You can’t always hide from the light, December. We both know I’m a man who chases what he wants.” I tilt her face up. “Tell me you want me to stop.”
“I can’t.”
“Show me,” I demand.
Licking her lips, she scoots to the edge of the counter and runs her hands down my abdomen, making my muscles jump in response. Her hand slides into my gray sweatpants and beneath my boxers. I bite my bottom lip and let my head fall back as she grasps me and strokes.
“You start that, and you’ll have to finish it.”
“Good.” She latches on to my neck like a vampire, and I rock my hips into her hand. It’s fast and dirty as she pumps me, skimming the pad of her thumb over my leaking tip. It’s my every secret fantasy come true. “I want you to come for me, Emanuele. Show me how good I’m making you feel.”
Tightening her grip, she quickens the pace. I grit my teeth as I match her stroke for stroke. The base of my spine tingles, and my balls draw up tight.
“I’m going to.”