Page 61 of Unwrapping Romance

“I wish I were as excited to go as Ellie is,” I softly spoke as my fingers stroked his muscular chest.

“You’ll be okay.” I felt his lips press against my head. “Goodnight, Sierra.”

“Goodnight, Jack.”

The following morning, I stirred as I heard Jack’s alarm go off. Rolling over, I placed the pillow over my head.

“Good morning. It’s time to get up,” I heard him say.

“I think I’m sick.” I coughed.

“You wish.” I felt his lips press against my shoulder and then his hand smack my ass.

He climbed out of bed, went into the bathroom, and turned on the shower.

“You’re welcome to join me in the shower before we wake up Ellie.”

A morning shower with him sounded nice. I threw back the covers and joined him.

“I bet you don’t feel sick anymore,” he whispered in my ear as he thrust in and out of me from behind.

“Not at this moment, I don’t,” I moaned.

A light chuckle erupted from him.

After our shower, he woke up his daughter while I got ready for the parade.

“We need to bundle you up,” Jack told Ellie as he pulled her hat on her head. “It’s cold out there.”

He picked her up and carried her to the Escalade, where Eric was waiting for us.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Sierra.” He smiled.

I swallowed hard. “Same to you, Eric.”

We found a spot amongst the millions of people who were there to watch the parade. Maybe I was exaggerating, but it felt like millions of people.

“My God. I can’t believe what I’m seeing.” Daniel walked over. “Jack Atlas is at the Thanksgiving Parade?”

“How did you even see us with all these people here?” Jack asked.

“You’re easy to spot.” He smirked. “Hi, Ellie. Happy Thanksgiving, sweetheart. And Happy Thanksgiving to the both of you.” A grin crossed his face.

“We wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t opened your mouth to my daughter,” Jack said.

“You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t care about her.” He patted Jack’s shoulder.

We watched as the floats passed and the marching band played its tunes. Dancers and cheer squads performed with high energy and holiday cheer. Then came Santa Claus. Looking up at Ellie, she pointed at him with a bright smile. The excitement on her face was innocent. She was having the best time of her life, like a four-year-old should. Glancing at Jack, there was no expression. Nudging his shoulder with mine, he looked at me.

“Smile,” I said.

“No.” He winked.

The corners of my mouth curved upward. If I had to be stuck in holiday hell with anyone, I was happy it was with him.

After the parade, we headed home. Ellie ran through the house with excitement. Jack scooped her up and put her down for a nap.

“Well, that was pure torture,” I said.

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