Page 10 of Father Christmas

"Yours isn't exactly calm," Mindy pointed out, her breath catching as his hands moved with purposeful intent across her back, drawing her closer until there was no space left for pretense or idle flirtation.

There was no mistaking it now; the crackle of the fire paled in comparison to the blaze they were stoking between them, each touch a spark, each look a flame. And as the snow continued to fall outside, blanketing the world in silent white, inside the condo, the night promised to burn bright with passion.

The kiss fractured, leaving them gasping for air, their breaths interwoven like the Christmas garlands strung up around Noel's living room. Their eyes met and held a silent conversation in the depths of their gaze that spoke of raw desire and the promise of more to come.

"I'm taking charge now," Noel said, his voice a low growl that rumbled through the space between them.

Mindy's response was a gulp. "Okay."

With a confident tug, Noel led Mindy by the hand toward the sanctuary of his bedroom. Once inside, he eased Mindy out of the elf costume. He was almost sad to see it go, but he needed to see her in the flesh. And he'd promised an unwrapping. It wasn't just clothes they were shedding; it was reservations, uncertainties, the layers that usually kept people apart.

Noel drank in the sight of her. She was a vibrant piece of creation, all rosy cheeks and bright-eyed wonder. Mindy was a vision of passion and beauty that felt right in every conceivable way.

His fingers trembled with a singular anticipation as he reached for the clasp of Mindy's bra. The delicate sound it made as it unhooked was like a whisper of sleigh bells in the silence of the room, a promise of the joy to come. He watched, enchanted, as the straps slid down her arms, revealing skin as smooth and inviting as fresh snowfall.

"Careful, Santa," she teased, a playful spark in her eyes. "This is some delicate tinsel you're unwrapping."

Noel chuckled. She was going to be a joy to bed. He couldn't wait to make her voice sing out in passion-filled carols.

With a gentleness that belied his eagerness, he removed her bra entirely, allowing it to join the discarded skirt on the floor. Her breasts were bared to him now, and he couldn't resist bending to kiss each one, feeling her sharp intake of breath as his beard brushed against her sensitive skin.

Her panties were next, a festive red that made him think of holly berries nestled among verdant leaves. He hooked his thumbs into the sides and eased them down her legs, his gaze never leaving hers.

"Stand up for me, love," he instructed softly, and she complied, rising like a flame herself. He ensured that the last garment joined the rest on the floor before straightening to his full height, looking down at her, illuminated by the soft glow of the bedroom lamp.

"You outshine even the star atop the grandest tree, Mindy."

Another of those blushes bloomed across her cheeks, more vibrant than any ribbon or wrap. She stood there, unadorned and exquisite, a gift not just for the season but for all time.

"Come here," she whispered, reaching for him.

He obliged, climbing onto the bed with a reverence usually reserved for midnight mass. He kissed her then, starting at her forehead, then moving down to her eyelids, her nose, lingering on her lips that tasted of peppermint and promises.

Descending farther, he lavished attention on her neck, her collarbones, the valleys and peaks of her body that were his to explore. His lips continued their journey, worshiping her with every touch until he found himself at the altar of her thighs. There, he paused, breathing her in, the scent of her arousal mingling with the piney crispness still clinging to his skin.

"Tell me what you want for Christmas, Mindy."

"All I want… is you."

CHAPTER NINE

Mindy traced a finger down Noel's chest, his silver hair tickling her palm. Noel nuzzled her neck, his beard tickling her skin. She ran her hands over his broad shoulders and down his back, marveling at the feel of his body against hers.

After so many lonely nights, she had nearly given up hope of finding a man who could make her feel this way—desired, cherished, deliriously happy. Noel was all of that and more. She sighed, arching into him as he trailed kisses between her breasts.

"You're exquisite. I don't know how I ever thought I could stay away from you."

"Neither of us lasted a day," she sighed as Noel sank lower and lower on her body on his journey to her Southern Star.

"I need to tell you something important." Noel looked up from the V between her thighs. He wasn't on his knees. He lay down on his belly, his legs stretched out behind him like he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

"Yes?"

"The walls here are soundproof."

Mindy blinked.

"So you can scream all you like."

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