Page 6 of Christmas Wish

Holly turned towards him. “Some of my grandmother’s old friends invited me to spend it with them. I’m trying to decide who I should visit.” He remained quiet as she added, “Maybe you can help me since you know her friends. Who among them was she closest to?”

Charles raised his eyebrows quizzically. “You should know one thing: if you do not honor their invitations or go to one person’s and leave the rest, they would be pissed with you. You shouldn't visit any of them at all if you have no plans to visit the rest," he said. It was a half-lie, of course. Charles merely wanted to spend the day with her. If Holly didn't accept any invitation, perhaps she would be free to spend the holiday with him.

“I see your point, but then I’d be alone for Thanksgiving. I really don’t want to be alone,” Holly replied.

This was his opportunity. “Maybe you can spend Thanksgiving with me. The women wouldn’t mind if you did,” he offered.

She smiled and moved her feet around shyly before agreeing. “I’d like that,” she said.

Charles almost pumped his fist high in the air. His wishes had just come true – all he had to do was make sure that it was the best Thanksgiving of her life.

Chapter Seven

Holly

Thanksgiving with Charles had been wonderful. Holly was surprised to find out that he was actually a good cook. The turkey he made was so tender and perfectly cooked. At the end of the dinner, he brought out a vintage wine that made her heart sing and eventually walked Holly back to the bed and breakfast. Maybe it was the wine, but when their fingers brushed against each other, it sent sparks of fire down her heart.

“A big shot like you should be living in some fancy city. I still don’t understand why you are here,” Holly found herself saying, her arms tucked into her coat pockets.

Charles shrugged. “I love it here. Besides, I already lived in a big city once and found out that that life isn’t for me. I prefer the quietness and communal beauty of small towns like Mistletoe,” he replied. They passed a group of old men who had their arms locked together and were singing carols as they walked by. Charles teased them lightly, and they replied with small praises for Charles, who ducked his head away, embarrassed at the men’s choice of words.

“I can’t imagine you growing up here,” Holly said again when the old men were out of earshot. She hit his arms lightly.

“Well, I did. It was a wonderful childhood; I had the most amazing parents. I still miss them every day,” Charles replied, sadness tainting his voice.

“I’m sure that they miss you, too.” Her smile waning a little, Holly added, “My childhood wasn’t so wonderful, but it was… something. My mother spent it chasing after a man who didn’t want her or me. We moved around a lot.”

“Maybe you can stay here in Mistletoe. I know your grandmother would’ve wanted that. You can keep her business alive again. Holly, Mrs. Dalenger poured out her entire heart into that bed and breakfast. It was her legacy. I don’t think you and your mother should let that die,” he said carefully.

Holly stopped walking as the building came in sight. “I don’t know if I can do that,” she said honestly.

He took her hands in his and rubbed her knuckles gently. “Yes, you can,” Charles uttered.

Holly wriggled out of his grasp and continued walking towards the bed and breakfast. She reached the front door and opened it before facing Charles again. She wrapped her arms around herself, hugging her body tighter.

"Well, thank you for a wonderful Thanksgiving," Holly said.

Charles stepped up to the porch until he was inches away from her. “Thank you for coming,” he replied, almost a whisper.

He looked down at her with fiery intensity. Holly wanted to step away from him, but her feet betrayed her – they wouldn’t move no matter how much she tried. Just then, Charles angled his head lower, causing Holly to lean upward and meet his lips automatically.

Fireworks exploded throughout Holly’s body when their lips clashed. Charles pulled her closer as she ran her fingers through his hair. It was as silky and soft as she had always imagined.

"Do you want to come in?" she asked in between kisses. Instead of replying, Charles pulled her inside and closed the door with his leg.

*****

The room was shrouded in thick darkness, but that didn’t stop them. They continued kissing and grabbing at each other until Charles’ feet got caught with a box lying on the ground.She wasn’t done unpacking?he asked inwardly. It was almost three weeks since Holly arrived. He thought that was off, but her tongue in his mouth distracted him.

Charles searched for the switch with his hands. When he found it, bright light flooded the room. Holly kissed him hungrily again, as if she had been anticipating this for a very long time. Her lips were soft and smooth; the lip gloss she wore gave them a sweeter taste. Charles sucked on her lips until the gloss was gone.

Suddenly, Holly ended their kiss and backed away from him.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

She started pacing back and forth. “I’ve never… I don’t know if I can…” Holly was shaking, quivering with desire and uncertainty.

Realization dawned on Charles. Walking up to her, he asked, “Have you never had sex before? Never been kissed?”

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