Katrina's Christmas 5th and final installment

I hope everyone has enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

They kicked their sand filled shoes and socks off at the door, and Katrina refilled their glasses. She took a seat on the sofa, sipping at the liquid warmth as he worked until soft flames lit the room with an orange glow. When he was finished, she patted the cushion next to her and held out the full wineglass meant for him. He took it and, without taking a drink, set it on the end table next to hers, then moved to his knees in front of her. She wanted to say something but didn’t know what. He wasn’t talking, only taking her in with his eyes. The only sound was the crackling of the burning wood.

Grant ran his hands up her thighs and wrapped his fingers around her waist. With a quick tug, she was at the edge of the cushion, her legs spread at his sides, and he rested the top of his head against her chest, shaking. “I need you,” he murmured. “Every day.” His grip tightened and he sucked in a deep breath. “If this is just an ‘in the moment’ thing for you…”

She ran her fingers through his hair, kissing the top of his head as she did. “It’s not.”

He lifted from her chest, meeting her eyes. There was no holding back. She dipped down, kissing him hard. His hands slipped under her cashmere sweater and ran up her sides, taking her top with them. She raised her arms and left his mouth long enough for him to pull it over her head. He tugged at her legs, bringing them closer until she slid off the cushion and into his lap.

Softly, he traced the lace material of her bra up to her shoulders and looped his fingers around the straps, dragging them down her arms. He licked between her breasts then kissed along the top of each one as he reached around and unfastened the hooks. Claiming her mouth, he maneuvered her so her back was flat against the lush rug.

He sat up and tossed his sweater, exposing the toned muscles of his arms and chest. His stomach was chiseled…Katrina reached up, eager for a touch, but he caught her hand at the wrist and pinned it to the floor above her head. He took her other hand and placed it so both of her arms were held hostage by his single grip.

For an instant, he paused and just looked at her. His eyes were aching and hungry, his gaze following the tips of his fingers as they trailed from her lips, down her chin, and along her neck. He led them over the tops of her breasts then bent down, taking the pink flesh with his mouth. Sucking, kissing, licking until her nipple was standing at attention, he moved to the other.

It was dizzying. Intoxicating. Katrina closed her eyes, clenching her captive hands around his fingers. Her hips squirmed at the throbbing of her wet center.

Moving over her stomach with light kisses, he freed her hands. Going lower, to the waistline of her jeans, he traced it with his tongue. A soft moan escaped her lips as she gripped his shoulders. They were strong and smooth, silk under her fingers, and she wanted to feel the rest of him. He moved back up her, his lips finding the sensitive skin at the curve of her shoulder, and she ran her hand across his chest around to his back. He sat up when she did, making her gasp at the absence.

Eyes locked on hers, he worked at the button on her jeans and undid the zipper. Slipping them over her legs, they fell to the floor in a crumple. “I’ve been waiting on you forever, it seems,” he said in a whisper, running his hands up her now naked thighs, brushing his thumbs against the swollen clit nudging at her panties as his hands moved to her hips. She bucked when he did, the sensation rippling through her.

Grant’s tongue dove into her mouth, deep, ravenous, and his weight pressed her to the floor. She hitched a leg over his back, running her hands over his flesh. Writhing under him, wanting more, she hooked her fingers through his belt loops, tugging. He pushed off her and rocked back on his knees. Not wanting to be without his touch, Katrina followed.

She watched with fervor as he shrugged out of his jeans. The sight of his member made her shudder and her entrance pulsed to a point that it ached. Grant pulled her tight against him, pressing his hardness against her belly. He tugged at her bottom lip with his teeth, lifting her to the edge the sofa then guiding her shoulders to the back cushions. Working her breasts with his hands, his mouth trailed down.

In a breath, her panties were gone and she parted her legs. Trembling, her gaze fastened to him as he ran his fingers over her wet heat. “Grant,” she murmured.

He slid a finger inside her. Painfully slow, he rotated, out then in. One digit, then two. All while making circles with his thumb on her pulsing clit. It was amazing. Delicious. Delightfully agonizing. But the moment his mouth covered her thumping bud and sucked, she cried out as a swell of bliss punched through her core extending to every nerve in her body. He found her hands and clenched them with his as she climaxed. The room around them began to spin. Her heart about to burst was the only sound in her ears. Her back arched, lifting her from the cushions, and she fell back with a faint whimper.

Half-lidded, she stared in his blue eyes as he maneuvered up her stomach with tiny kisses. “I want you in me.”

He brushed her shoulder with his lips, leaving light tingles in their wake. “Are you sure?”

She nodded and palmed his cheek. He turned into it, planting a kiss, smiling that charming smile she loved, then reached for his pants, plucking a condom from his wallet. Katrina slipped off the couch on to the thick rug. Taking the foil package from his hand, she got on all fours. She went to the underside of his shaft, and with a flat tongue, she licked slowly to his tip. A groan, low and guttural, sounded from his chest as she parted her lips and took him in. Grasping his cock at the base, she massaged her tongue against it, extending the length and back down.

“Kat…” He took her shoulders. “Babe…you have to stop. I can’t last through this.”

Hearing how she’d affected him, made her want him even more. She ripped the package open and sheathed him. Wrapping her arms around her neck, she let him ease her to the rug. She ran her thighs down the outside of his and moaned, arching her back as he settled over her slick center, entering her.

He moved slow at first, in and out, stretching her walls to fit his girth. Once in her completely, he moved her legs to his shoulders and went deeper. She gasped at the fullness, holding tight to his arms as the thrusts became harder. It was nothing short of ecstasy. Her eyes went to thin slits and the world began to spin again. He pulsed inside her, groaning, causing her body to quake from depths she’d never known, and she cried his name, spent. He relaxed on top of her, holding his weight with his elbows, and kissed her neck, her cheeks, her lips.

She couldn’t take her eyes off him. His dark hair was everywhere, and the blue in his eyes was brighter than she’d ever seen. She loved them…she loved him. Katrina locked her ankles behind his back and ran her fingers through his hair, stopping on his neck. “I have to say, I’ve never had a Christmas quite like this.”

“And I’ve never known anyone quite like you.” He smiled and rolled over to his back, taking her hand and linking their fingers. “What are you doing between now and, I don’t know…the rest of your life?”

“Spending every minute I can with you.”

Thanks for reading!  Also, visit www.beachwalkpress.com on December 3 to download Holiday Kisses, an anthogy of short stories by talented Beachwalk authors. By the way....it's FREE!

Katrina's Christmas part 4

After nearly three hours of alternating between casual conversation and silence—mostly silence—Grant steered his five-year-old Lexus off the highway and onto a long, paved driveway. A few minutes later Katrina was forced to close her gaping mouth. Even in the darkness she was able to see the home’s luxury. It was huge, predominantly glass, and sitting right on the ocean. White lights trimmed the massive frame and through the translucent walls she spotted a twinkling Christmas tree. Other than that all the lights in the house were out.

“Grant, whose house is this?”

“My family’s.” As if he sensed her panic, he said, “Don’t worry. It’s just the beach house. No one will be here until Saturday.”

“And we’re leaving tomorrow,” Katrina added, opening her door and stepping out.

She couldn’t believe she actually let him talk her into coming with him. But when she heard the waves lapping against the sand, she was glad she did. Mesmerized by the peacefulness, she was vaguely aware Grant was talking as he gathered their bags from the car. Something about how his parents came a few weeks early every year and decorated the house, putting the lights on a timer. She pulled herself away and focused on him, smiling. He was still talking.

“The guest house is original to the property. That’s where I always stay when I’m here. Is that all right?”

“It’s perfect,” she said, somewhat relieved she didn’t have to stay in the house where his family would gather in a few short days. Even though she was with him, it felt a little intrusive.

She followed him through the manicured yard and to a smaller home about fifty feet away from the edge of the main one. It was much less extravagant but beautiful all the same.

“Wine?” he asked, opening the door and flicking on the light.

“Please.” Katrina glanced around the house. The walls were off-white, the floor was completely tiled in a deep red, almost burgundy color, and the furniture was beige. There were splashes of yellow here and there. A plush, white rug ran out from under the sofa to splay across the center of the floor. The room reminded her of a sunset. She moved to the stone fireplace and ran her hand across the smooth mantle.

“The kitchen is fully stocked, so if you need anything in the middle of the night…” His voice trailed off and he handed her a glass of merlot. “I’m glad you came.”

“Me too, Mr. Ward.” She took a sip from her glass, silently giving him credit for knowing she’d need it. “I guess you bring all of your ex-employers here.” She was joking but his face went serious and she tipped up her goblet, drinking half of the liquid.

His fingers curled around the back of her neck. His thumb gently stroked along her jaw. “I’ve never brought anyone here…just you.” Holding her gaze, he paused for a second then stepped away and picked up a bag. “Here,” he said, reaching in and pulling out the red box he’d given her earlier. “You never opened this.”

“Grant, I…”

“It’s nothing really. You act like you’ve never opened a gift.”

She took it from him and moved to the sofa, leaving him standing by the fireplace. Everything she owned she’d worked for and it was hard to accept anything from anyone. “I haven’t in a long time.” She tugged at the ribbon and peeled back the paper. Lifting the lid, she found two intricately folded designer scarves. She loved scarves. “They’re beautiful. You shouldn’t have done this.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “I didn’t know which one to get. I’m not a shopper.”

She ran her fingers over the fabric, choking back tears. “Is all of this because you feel guilty about quitting me?”

“Nope.” Grant stared at her for a moment then finished his near full glass of wine in one swallow. He set the goblet on the mantle and stepped across the room.

In one fluid movement he pulled her from the couch and wrapped an arm around her waist, restraining her body against his. Katrina looked up to meet his face. When she did, his mouth met hers, parting her lips with his tongue. His hands moved up her back, rough and intense through her hair, stopping as they cupped each side of her face, bringing her even closer.

Aware of the thickness under his jeans pressing against her hip, the space between her thighs heated. A fury of energy thrummed with her pulse. She didn’t just want him inside her, she needed it.

Grant severed their embrace, meeting her eyes. “I quit my job, not you…okay?”

In a daze, breathing quick and shallow, Katrina nodded in response.

A satisfied smile flitted across his face, and he kissed her forehead. “Come on, I want to show you something.” He took her hand and led her outside to a storage shed. He pulled out two large, white paper-ish looking things and they headed to the beach.

They came to a stop not far from the water’s edge, and Katrina inhaled deeply, loving the smell of the ocean. A slight breeze wisped by, the coolness making her muscles tense.

“Have you ever launched a sky lantern?” he asked, handing her one of the objects. It was light, nearly weightless, and it felt so fragile she was afraid she might tear it.

“I’ve seen them from a distance. They’re stunning.” She copied his motions as he carefully unfolded his, taking care not to tear it as she opened it to its full size—about two feet wide and three feet tall.

“There’s nothing like launching your own.” He flashed her a smile, his eyes twinkling just like the reflection of the moon on the water. “Here, hold it like this.” Gently, he sat his on the sand and balanced the bottom ring of her lantern on her palms. With a lighter he’d retrieved from his front pocket, Grant lit the wicks in the center of the paper balloon. Katrina gasped at the instant glow. A luminescence she’d never seen before.

“When it’s full of hot air, it will take off. Oh, and make a wish before it does.” He gave her a wink and went to work on his.

In a matter of minutes the lanterns were floating over the moonlit ocean. Katrina took her eyes off the floating lights and focused on Grant. How had she become comfortable with him so fast?

She laughed to herself, there was nothing quick about it…they’d been together nearly every day for the last three years. She walked over and slipped her fingers through his. It only seemed right. “This is amazing.”

“They are, aren’t they?” He kept his gaze on the two dwindling lights in the night and gave her hand a squeeze.

Watching him stare at the sky, something from deep inside her, something Katrina knew she’d been hiding for as long as she’d known him, came to the surface. She didn’t want to push it away anymore. She thought about how he’d kissed her earlier. How she didn’t want it to stop. How she knew in that moment that she needed him in more ways than she ever expected to. “I meant being with you.”

Grant ran his eyes over her. “You’re shivering. Why didn’t you tell me you’re cold?”

“I don’t think I am.” And she wasn’t. At least she didn’t feel cold.

He blanketed her with his arms, curling her in so she was pressed against his chest. She closed her eyes and listened to his heart thrum strong and steady. It drowned out the sound of the waves.

His lips buried in her hair. “Let’s go in, I’ll start a fire.”

Katrina's Christmas part 3

“Hi,” Grant said as he stepped over the threshold, discounting the lack of invitation.

She was still holding the door open, watching him survey her living room when his eyes stopped on her.

Grant held up a red box with a gold and white striped ribbon. “I got this for you.”

“What are you doing here?” Her words felt choked and strained as she closed the door without losing sight of him.

“I was a couple of blocks over having dinner with some friends and decided to stop by.”

“I don’t do Christmas.” She moved to the sofa, adjusting her robe to ensure full coverage before taking a seat. “I never expected to hear from you again. That is, at least until Friday.”

His dark hair was ruffled from the ocean breeze. He raked his fingers through it, leaving it mussed. “Friday?”

“Payday.”

“Oh, yeah…my last one. I guess I’ll be swinging by then too.” He grinned, tossing the wrapped box on the sofa beside her. “Open it.” Not waiting on her response he went to the gas fireplace. “Do you mind?”

She nodded and watched as he turned it on and knelt beside it. Gazing from under her lashes, Katrina blinked hard. She’d always known he was easy on the eyes but against the flickering light of the fire the fitted gray sweater he was wearing highlighted the definition of muscle in his chest and arms. His jaw was scruffy with a day’s growth, maybe two, and he looked sexy as hell.

“Bringing me a gift won’t get your job back.”

He gave a grunted snort. “I’m not here for the job, Kat. I’m here for you…you’re coming with me.”

“Where? A party?” She shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere, Grant. I have to work tomorrow.”

“I need you to trust me.” He came across the room and stopped behind her.

Despite the instinct to move from him, she sat still as his hands worked the elastic tie loose and freed her hair. Chills zipped under her skin as his fingers combed through the locks. She closed her eyes and relished in the tenderness of his touch.

“Katrina, get some clothes on…or not. But pack an overnight bag and come with me.”

“An overnight bag? No way.” She shook her head. “I told you, I’m working tomorrow.”

Grant gathered her hair and tugging it tight, arched her neck so she could see him standing over her. “You’re going if I have to carry you out of this apartment.”

He continued to speak but his words became muffled. Her every thought had transformed and centered on the ache of needing to feel his hands caress the skin under her robe. Imagining the sensation of his weight, the warmth of his breath as he entered her, emanated tremors to her core. She swallowed hard and subconsciously heard her own voice agree to his reasoning.

Before reality kicked in, she hurriedly went through her bedroom gathering clothes, dressing as she threw a few garments in her unused, designer overnight bag. A ridiculous purchase, she knew, but she’d bought it to celebrate Sand and Sun’s official rise to the top of Florida’s long list of booking agents.

“At this rate, we’ll arrive at midnight,” he shouted from the living room.

Katrina rolled her eyes and tossed her toothbrush in her bag. Since she’d known him, he always had issues about time. He would probably clock the length of their trip down to the minute. Wait. Midnight?

“Where are we going, anyway?”

“It’s a surprise.”

She hated surprises.

With one last glance around the room, she zipped up the Louis Vuitton and flicked off the lights. Rounding the corner, she suddenly needed a drink and made a beeline to her open bottle of wine, scooping up her glass as she did.

“Have I ever told you how gorgeous you are?” Grant asked.

She put the newly full glass to her lips and drank it dry. Not sure of his intentions but hoping they were the same as hers, she gave a nervous laugh. A few hours ago she considered him off-limits, but since he’d quit working for her he’d become accessible…desirable. She wouldn’t let him know though. Not yet, not until she was positive of what he wanted.

“That wasn’t in your job description, no.” She turned on her heels and marched by him to the door. “I’m ready."

Hope to see you back next week!

Part 4 will be posted Tuesday, November 13th!

Tomorrow, visit Aimee Duffy and Elise Whyles for part 3 of their

Holiday Kisses Beachwalk Anthology stories.