Page 16 of Enduring Christmas

"You are so country."

"It looks good on me."

"Indeed it does, ol' cocky one."

"It's not cocky when a man knows what he brings to a relationship."

And one thing was sure. Luke Cole knew who he was as a man and a father. Just being in his home she could tell; he did his best and gave his all to every aspect of his life.

"There you go throwing around a word likerelationship."

"I learned in my first marriage that communication is critical."

He took a seat on the couch with her seated squarely in his lap.

"So I'm demanding my boyfriend rights."

Xenobia relaxed her hot don his neck, but she didn't let go. She'd never been this close to him. Not while conscious. His lashes were inky black, sweeping, and lengthy. How they always been so gorgeous? "What rights?"

"The right to hold you when I want to. The right to kiss you when I want to. The right to keep you close to as long as I want. The right to know what you are thinking about where we're headed."

His list, though extensive could be considered reasonable. "And what rights do I have?"

"You're welcome to demand kisses anytime you want."

"I knew you were bossy, but I had no idea you talked so much."

His eyes dropped to her mouth. "This boyfriend business is serious. And I have plenty to say about kissing you."

She lifted one hand and stroked his beard. "And what you have to say to that?"

"That I warned you once. Now I gotta teach you a lesson."

When he kissed her, she forgot to breathe. She stopped thinking, she stopped worrying, and she just enjoyed the moment. He expertly skidded his tongue over her lips, parting them, coaxing her to surrender. Her heart skittered to a halt at the familiar taste of him. Warm, rich flavor, cloves, pine, and Luke. She tangled her fingers in his shirt, not wanting to let go. How could one man be so potent and delicious to her senses? With his hand he angled her head, sealing their mouths together. Every lick, every suck was like a feast and boy was she hungry. Luke's finger grazed her breast and Xenobia's need soared.

"Oh my, Todd, you're a fantastic kisser," she said, her voice wistful.

Luke glared at her. "Serious business, no more mentions of Todd."

Xenobia winced. She remembered Cheyenne had mentioned her new husband's name-Todd.

"Sorry," she mouthed. "Maybe, another kiss will get me back in your good graces?" She covered his mouth with hers. Then she heard a sound from the hallway behind the couch where she sat curled in Luke's lap.

"Daddy, can Miss X-n-o-bia sleep in my bed?"

Alarmed Xenobia jerked away, breaking their kiss.

"Huh, nope," he stammered, "head back to bed, Pumpkin."

The door clicked closed and they both laughed. Luke reclined back on the sofa and she relaxed in his arms. Grabbing the red and black plaid throw from the back of the couch, he covered them both, and that's how they fell asleep.

#

LUKEwoke up with the start and with an uncomfortable bulge in his jeans. Xenobia lay curled in his arms, her head resting on his chest. She looked peaceful. The sense that resting in his arms allowed her to relax gave him a swell of pride he hadn't felt in a year of Sundays. Should he wake her?

No. He decided to hold on to his Christmas miracle. If his prayers had been answered, the morning chores could wait.

Or so he thought. The click of a camera shutter let him know that his little girl was awake long before her giggles reached him.