Page 38 of Pucking Snowed In With My Ex

I smiled and stood with her in my arms, loving that she cuddled me tighter as we walked upstairs. Not everyone got a second chance. I knew how lucky I was, and I was never letting anyone or anything come between us again.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

SKYE

“Oh my God, I can’t eat another bite,” I said, pushing the dessert plate away. Cal had insisted on making a full Christmas dinner. The table was completely covered with food, and I had no idea who he’d been planning to feed because I could eat leftovers for a week and still have some left.

“Not even room for a little more whipped cream?” Sticking his finger in the large bowl of goodness, he held it out to me, and I smiled as I opened my mouth and sucked his finger into my mouth. I loved the dark, passionate look on his face as I licked every last bit of the sweet treat.

“Are you planning on putting that anywhere else?”

“I will dip my entire body in whipped cream if you lick it off like that,” he said, leaning closer. I’d never seen a sexier man, and he was all mine. Every adorable, protective, sweet, and funny thing was all mine. It didn’t seem real. I kept wanting to pinch myself to make sure.

“I’m sure I can make room for that,” I teased and licked his bottom lip but stayed just out of reach of a kiss.

“So much trouble to my heart. You’ve always held it in the palm of your hand,” Cal said, slipping his hand around my neck and kissing me. There was so much emotion behind that singular act that it brought tears to my eyes.

“If I held yours, then you held mine. I remember crushing on you when I was like seven,” I said, and he chuckled.

“Was it the haircut,” he asked, and I laughed.

“That mullet with the rat tail was hideous,” I said.

Cal stood, and I watched him as he walked around behind my chair and laid his hands on my shoulders. I smiled as his lips touched the side of my neck, and I tilted my head to give him easier access. My stomach fluttered with butterflies whenever he was near me. You would think that after knowing each other for so long and our history, the feeling wouldn’t be as strong, but it had never wavered.

“Was it Jarvis,” he asked, and I glared at him over my shoulder. “Okay, not the pet snake. Hmm, was it my lucky socks?”

“You mean the pair you refused to wash for over a year and then cried when your mother cleaned them while you were at school? Definitely not. I’m not sure how they didn’t get up and walk out of your room long before that.”

“True, but I lost the next game. She totally jinxed me. Besides, she should’ve been happy. It could’ve been something worse, like my jockstrap.” I leaned my head back into him and laughed.

“She would’ve needed a hazmat suit.”

“Have I told you how much I love you in my jersey? It suits you. I may swap out all of your clothes for just my jersey.” His eyes reflected the lights twinkling on the Christmas tree, emphasizing the mischievous look on his face.

“Oh, I could have one made into a dress.”

“Perfect, easy access,” Cal said, and I swatted at his arm as he chuckled. Taking my hand, Cal pulled me to my feet with a dramatic twirl and spun me to the center of the living room.

“I’m not sure Jingle Bell Rock is meant for slow dancing.” I didn’t care what music was playing. I didn’t care if there was music at all. Being held by Cal and dancing at all was a gift. His expression didn’t change as he searched my face. “What? Am I covered in food?”

“No, I’m just admiring how beautiful you are.”

He ran his hand through my loose hair. I could tell he was gearing up to apologize again, but there was no need. We’d said all that we could say on the subject. We’d both said we were sorry so many times that I lost count. Rising up on my toes, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him hard, derailing any lingering apology thoughts.

“I want to make love to you right here,” he said, pointing at the floor in front of the fireplace.

“A fireplace, twinkling lights, the smell of pine, and Christmas music in the background…could there be a better place?” I bit my lip. “I love that idea.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Smiling, he stepped away and walked behind the couch to pull out a large stack of blankets and the fold-up cot wide enough for two. “I came prepared for a yes.”

“I see that.” Laughing, I helped him set up and ran my hands over the furry blankets.

“My first game back from break is a home game, and I want you there. I can’t wait to introduce you to the guys, and for once, looking for you in the stands won’t be a fantasy.”

“I’d love to,” I said, as he leaned in and kissed me until my head was light.

“Wait right here,” Cal said and took off upstairs. I’d forgotten how infectious his joy was. I may have always loved Christmas, but he matched my enthusiasm. He came trotting back down the stairs with a pretty box in his hand. “I got this for you the summer before we broke up. It was going to be my Christmas gift to you.”