Tangled in Tinsel: The Celebration Series, Book 1

Ilistened to the water falling in the shower and tamped down the need to go to her. I not only wanted to hold her, but to also look into her face and know she was alright. I wasn’t sure how I stayed as calm as I did when she walked out wearing one of my t-shirts.

The top of her creamy thighs reminded me of the night I had seen her naked from outside her bedroom window. Man, how long had that been? Five weeks? Six? Who cared, all I knew was that since that night, I had craved the sight of her.

I held myself back from laying her on the mattress and making love to her like I so wanted to. I needed to go play Santa before it got any later. Who knew what time Corrine and Tommy would get home in the morning.

Casey carried the tray back out to the living area and curled up on the couch with her sandwich and a blanket, while I sat on the floor and began to put the racing set together. In between bites of my sandwich and fussing with the pieces, Casey and I talked—not about what had happened, I knew she needed a break, but about life back in South Carolina. For almost an hour, Casey shared stories of her mother while she was growing up. We laughed over the things that Brandy and she had gotten into, and she finally admitted that the whole lesbian thing had been because of Corrine. I had never been so happy in my life as I finished putting the track together and glanced up to see her sitting sleepily on the couch.

It was after four-thirty when I pulled her up by her hands and led her back to the bedroom, stopping along the way to turn off the lights and double checking that a half-full glass of milk and a plate of cookie crumbs were still on the table.

In the bedroom, I closed the door quietly and watched her carefully as she turned to me and wound her arms around my neck. “Baby, if you’re not up to making love tonight, I get it. We can wait so you can get your sleep.”

She gave me a sly smile, “But I thought you might want to open your Christmas present.”

“You got me a present?” I stared at her confused.

“I didn’t buy you one, but I want to give you me. That is, if you want me.” Her voice was hesitant, “You do want me, right?”

“Are you kidding me, Casey? I’ve been dreaming of you and trying my damnedest to keep my distance. Do you have any idea how many times I replayed the whole scene in your living room?”

“Probably about as many times as I have,” she grinned.

I pulled her close and rubbed her nose with mine. “I bet I thought about it more. Doesn’t matter,” I said as I put my pointer finger over her lips. “Right now, the only thing I want is to make love to you and have you fall asleep in my arms where you are safe and loved.”

Her mouth parted on a small gasp, “Loved?”

I hadn’t meant to say that word, but the moment it burst from my lips, I knew it was true. There was a lot that we didn’t know about each other, but we had forever to learn. “Yes, I love you, Casey. I know it’s early, but I have never felt for anyone what I do for you.” I placed a kiss on her lips. “And don’t think you have to repeat those words to me. I’m happy to wait until you feel the same as I do.”

“Now who’s kidding? Thad, I think I fell in love with you the day you banged your head on the door as you rushed out of the tavern.”

A chuckle burst from my chest as I pulled her to me and lifted her feet off the ground. In one swoop, I had her in my arms, and two steps later, she was on her back on my bed and my t-shirt was up around her hips.

“I think I want to unwrap my present now,” I whispered.

“Please do,” she replied with a seductive smile.

Our lovemaking wasn’t long and all enduring that night. We were both exhausted, and after a short but sweet time, we snuggled up and promptly fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Neither of us heard Corrine and Tommy come home at seven in the morning, and neither of us heard the bedroom door open. What the entire neighborhood heard was Tommy yelling at the top of his lungs, “Mommy! The neighbor is naked in Uncle Thad’s bed!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Corrine gushed as she rushed into the room and slapped a hand over Tommy’s eyes. “We didn’t realize you had company.” Corrine grinned from ear to ear as she looked down at us.

Casey was still tightly pressed against my side, and I felt her laughing. “Sorry, I should have left a note. Give us a few minutes, and we will be out.”

When the door closed, I rolled Casey over to her back as she let loose another laugh, “I’m going to damage your nephew’s mind if he keeps seeing me naked.”

“One day, he is going to look back and realize just how lucky he was to have seen what he did.” I gave her a long kiss. “Now, let’s get up and go watch Tommy open presents.” Casey grew quiet. “What’s wrong?”

“Maybe I should go home. I don’t want to get in the way of your holiday.”

“Casey,” I said slowly, “you’re not going anywhere. Last night you gave me your present, you gave me you. Today, I’m going to give you my present.”

Her face filled with confusion.

“You shared your love with me, and now I want to share my family with you. I know you don’t really have any family now, so I want you to consider Corrine, Tommy, and me as part of your family.”

Tears filled her eyes and as one slipped out the side, I caught it on my fingertip. “Why are you crying?”

“Because that is the most incredible and loving present I have ever been given. I love you, Thad, and I would be thrilled to be part of your family.”

“I love you, too. Merry Christmas, beautiful.”

“Merry Christmas, Thad.”