Tangled in Tinsel (a holidates series)

Idon’t even know what time it is, but I’ve been showered, lotioned, and finally left alone to change into pajamas.

A.K.A. Cole’s T-shirt.

Not that I’m complaining.

That is, unless they want to go for round three. Because I’m pretty sure I’m going to walk funny for a while. Frankly, my vagina needs some rest. I can confidently say I’d be ordering a pussy-sling off Amazon, trying to Prime Now it to me if anyone’s cock even gets near me for like the next six to eight hours. Mmm, maybe like three hours… an hour and a half… boot and rally.

I smile as I swish my hair over my shoulder and grab the door handle before pausing and looking over at myself in the mirror.

It’s weird. I thought I’d feel different. Maybe transformed or giddy in the way when you do something wicked and don’t get caught. Or perhaps even embarrassed because of what I did tonight. After all, it wasn’t my typical Saturday night. But I don’t feel any of that. I feel normal, as in the most comfortable I’ve ever felt in my own skin kind of way. I do still have questions, though. Because now that the sex is over, does that mean we go back to being five people stuck in a house together? Like, what do we do in the off-time between making me come?

Am I supposed to walk out and sit on someone’s lap like a proper weekend luvahh?

Ugh. This shit needs a manual.

Page 5, paragraph 4: How to properly behave after you’ve attended a jizz convention. 

I’m gnawing on the inside of my cheek, pondering longer than I should, but that’s me. Whatever. I’ll walk out there, and if they’re like, Hey, there’s good ole Samantha, then I’ll do the same. But, if I go out, and they’re like dirty-slut-suck-it-fuck-it, I’ll bookmark the sling and get straight to business.

“Okay. Good plan,” I whisper.

I chuckle at the same time I turn the handle. The moment it opens, any nerves I’ve started to build fade away because I can hear them laughing and talking. And there’s just something about it.

I like them. In ways I never expected.

I knew Reed was charming, but his one-liners are impressive. And he makes every conversation feel like an enemies-to-lovers movie where the characters are brimming with sexual tension and ready to rip each other’s clothes off.

And Jace. Jesus, Jace. He’s easy on the eyes but also sweet, like a heart-eye emoji sweet, and deeply thoughtful. The way he sat in that tub with me until I was comfortable was pretty damn incredible. Answering all the questions, patiently understanding, and freaking sexy. He’s impossible not to like.

Then there’s Alec and those shoulders and those eyes. For fuck’s sake, he’s dreamy. But most importantly, the way I feel like he always knows exactly what I need because he’s always paying attention. Men say they listen, but Alec could teach a masterclass in understanding a woman’s needs. The moment he looked me in the eyes and said, “If it’s too much, you look at me. Do you understand? You look at me and say stop. And it all stops.” I almost melted.

I bite my lip, tucking my hair behind my ears as I walk around the corner of the hallway into the great room. My eyes instantly locked on Cole’s.

Him. He’s the most surprising of them all. My body responds to him in a way I could’ve never believed it was capable of. But it’s the way he’s so different than I thought he was. Cole’s funny and easy with a smirk while still making me spark with goosebumps while his eyes peruse the endless supply of his T-shirts I’ve been wearing.

I break from the connection, taking in the others because whatever they’re talking about has each of them animated, speaking with their hands like guys do when they disagree. They’re seated around the coffee table. Jace and Reed are on the couch with Alec and Cole in the leather armchairs. All shirtless, of course.

I can’t help but chuckle because I can’t even make out what’s said since they’re talking over each other, eyes shining with humor.

“Sunshine, you’re just in time—” Reed calls, looking back at me, clapping his hands. “Come here. Settle something.”

My brows raise in question, but I don’t say anything, opting to smile because it’s cute how his arms reach over the back of the couch for me like he’s calling dibs.

I guess I won’t be playing the role of good ole Samantha. Yay for me. 

I walk toward the back of the couch, eyes ticking toward the fire.

It’s still raging, making the room perfectly warm, but the tree lights are dimmed so low they’re barely visible, making the room darker than before. It feels cozy and cocooned.

I kind of wish I had snuggly socks and hot chocolate and one of the cookies I made earlier.

I’m playing with the hem of my shirt as I stop behind the couch, Reed’s hands already on me. But my brows furrow because I suddenly notice the empty tray of snowball cookies sitting on the coffee table.

My stomach grumbles on cue.

“In time for what?” I snark, smacking his hand, looking down between him and Jace on the couch. “Not a cookie. You guys ate them.”

As Alec hides a smile, I lift my eyes just in time to catch Cole’s grin. But Jace clears his throat, stealing my attention.

“Not all of them,” he teases, bringing the last snowball cookie toward his mouth.

Oh no, you don’t.

I dart out quickly and snatch it. Only to be grabbed and hauled over the couch and onto his lap. Laughter cracks my chest as I fight to keep my cookie intact. Jace’s arms wrap around my waist, tucking me into his lap before nabbing a bite of my treat from over my shoulder with a growl.

“Mine.”

I stick out my tongue, but he winks, chewing happily. Before I can scold Jace, Reed plucks the rest of my cookie from my fingers and devours it in one bite.

My mouth falls open, gasping. But my eyes are lit with humor.

“Reed,” I hiss, and narrow my eyes. “You’re a monster. I’m starving.”

“Aw, come on, sunshine. Since when don’t you want me to eat your cookie?”

Well damn. His tone is low and suggestive as he licks his fingers. And I’m completely sucked into his charm. But my face grows serious.

“Technically, you ate Jace’s cookie. You might want to see if it was as good for him as it seems to be for you.”

Cole laughs, as does Jace, but Reed leans in and kisses me, whispering, “Stop being so funny. It’s making me like you.”

He leaves a dusting of powdered sugar behind before turning back to the guys and making a joke. I lick my lips, cleaning the remnants, but I’m happy he isn’t looking at me. Because I’m shy? What is going on? I was literally on my knees, deep in cock, like an hour ago. The time for shy left the building when I asked someone to come on me.

But here I am, blushing and trying not to smile.

A thought niggles. That kiss was sweet and not even remotely laced with intention. Reed just kissed me because he wanted to. Like he likes me. Not like he wanted to fuck me.

That feels against the rules.

My eyes search the room, but everyone else seems cool and collected. They’re not trying to examine the rules like a nerd. Okay. Yep. I’m overthinking. Of course, that’s what I’m doing.

Page 7, paragraph 2: There are no rules once you’ve been gang-banged under the mistletoe.

I take a deep breath snuggling up to Jace, who’s laughing.

Just go with the flow, Samantha. We’re just kissing each other like we like each other. Easy peasy. It’s not complicated at all.

Jace’s fingers press under my chin, bringing my eyes to his.

“You good?”

I smirk.

“I’m hungry. I’m not a girl who doesn’t eat. And the leftovers I snuck earlier have been fucked off me. This ass is round for a reason, and I’d like to keep it that way.”

Alec chuckles, hearing what I said. “Well, in that case, you should know I saved you some cookies. But first, as Reed said, you need to vote on something. Break a tie for us. Then we’ll properly feed you.” He leans in, giving me a wink. “Because I very much like that ass.”

I blush. I can’t help it.

“Yeah,” Jace whispers in my ear, discreetly bucking his hips. “It’s pretty fucking memorable.”

I stifle my laugh, feeling Jace’s arms tighten around me as he nuzzles my neck.

“Fine. Hit me,” I shoot out. “But full disclosure, my vote goes to whatever side Alec’s on…because he saved me cookies.”

I emphasize my words, laughing as they lose all their luster because Jace tickles me as Reed grabs my hand, pretending to bite it.

Alec smiles, snapping his fingers, excited like he’s going to tell me a secret, but Cole yells over him, pointing his finger at him, “Nooo, shut the fuck up. Don’t you tell her what you chose. No stealing the vote, you asshole cheat.”

My knees curl into Jace’s lap even more as I smile ear to ear, feeling his lips brush my neck. I lean back against his chest and clap my hands like a villain.

“Oh, now I’m for sure voting for Alec. Let me guess,” I rush out, looking up at Jace. “You two are on the same side.”

“How’d you know?” Jace rushes out, showing off that dimple.

“Because it’s good against evil—Alec and you versus Reed and Cole.”

Cole groans but catches my eyes as he sits back in his chair, absentmindedly running his hand over his abs. He’s staring at me, and I swear I can almost see his devious plan unfold. I’m already chuckling as he speaks.

“I should have seen this shit coming. Princess, I will play dirty. Because this is the most serious question I will ever ask you. And trust me when I say, if you answer correctly, I will reward you with food, but only after I eat.”

I bat my lashes. “Well then, good thing I have no loyalties. I can absolutely be bought with dirty promises. My vote is yours.”

Alec laughs, shoving his shoulder. “Now, who’s stealing the vote, dick.” His eyes shift to mine. “I can top his offer…” The words roll off his tongue laced with sexuality. “Baby, I’ll play with your hair.”

I moan, eyes rolling back as they laugh.

“Beat that,” Alec throws out as Cole bellows more laughter.

I bite my lip, enjoying myself. They’re so attractive. No, that’s not it. They’re habit-forming. Watching them verbally spar and laugh. Just listening to the shit-talk. I could sit here all night soaking them in.

There’s nothing like a good bromance. And being the only girl who gets to witness it is pretty fucking intoxicating. I’ll need to detox with some super boring assholes once this weekend is over, just to set me straight.

“Just ask her already.” Reed chuckles, pulling my feet onto his lap.

Cole takes a deep breath, leaning in, elbows coming to his knees. The whole room grows quiet as if he’s about to say the most serious thing ever said. But then a smirk graces his lips.

“Die Hard…Christmas movie? Yay or nay.”

“Have a seat,” Cole growls into my ear as his muscular arm hooks around my waist, lifting me.

I squeal as I’m plopped down onto the stool in front of the kitchen island, still grateful for the assist since my legs feel like I’m walking on Jell-O. Jesus, I’ve never been so happy to agree that Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Because getting yippee-ki-ate out spread across the coffee table is definitely the highlight of my life.

“Thank you,” I breathe out.

He gives me a sly look. “It’s the least I can do. Since I’m the cause of those gorgeous stems not working properly.”

My tongue darts out, swiping over dry lips as he stares down at me. The smirk on his face is still doing delicious things to me. Cole leans down slowly, pressing a kiss to my cheek before I’m left, eyelashes fluttering, to watch him walk around the counter.

I adjust on the stool, bringing my hands to the cold marble counter as I watch my very own version of Top Chef meets Magic Mike unfold in front of me.

“Hold on. You’re actually cooking for me?” I rasp. “I thought you didn’t know how.”

Not that I’m complaining. I wouldn’t even know how to. I can barely string cohesive thoughts together after what just went down.

Reed smirks with a carton of eggs in hand.

“We don’t cook. But we know breakfast, sunshine. We aren’t complete heathens.”

Lies. They are. The best fucking kind.

I blink, stifling a chuckle. My eyes shift over to Alec, who’s pulling frozen waffles out of the freezer. He grins, raising his brows.

“I’m thinking syrup, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.”

I nod, immediately picturing myself as the waffle.

Jace catches a peach midair from Cole, stealing my attention. His tattooed chest is on display as it rises and falls a bit faster. And I swear, it doesn’t matter that I was just handled in the most spectacular way. My body is ablaze all over again.

Our eyes stay connected as he brings the peach to his mouth, leaning in to smell it before he takes a bite.

I shiver. Fuck.

Jace licks the glistening juice off his lips, smiling at me as he chews before he says, “Keep looking at me like that, and I might put you through round two of the coffee table.”

The room grows silent, only the sound of butter crackling in the pan. Jace walks around the island, taking another bite but stops as he comes to stand next to me.

I shift on the stool and bring my knees to either side of his defined body. But he says nothing, just lifts the peach to my lips.

“Bite?”

I nod, but I don’t even get to chew it before Jace runs his tongue up my chin, collecting the spillage before diving into my mouth. Somehow my bite becomes his, stolen straight from my mouth along with all my senses. Because before I know it, that same peach is slicked over my pussy, making me gasp just before Jace disappears under the countertop, and I’m left to hold the marble for my dear life. My eyes are already rolling into the back of my head as Cole grins, throwing his words over his shoulder.

“Make her come quick, J. Eggs are up.”

Jesus, if this is our Saturday night, I can’t wait to see what the rest of the weekend holds.