Page 12 of Celebrating the Season

Ellery responded, his strong arms wrapping around my waist and pulling me closer. His lips were soft but insistent against mine, and I could taste a hint of coffee on his breath. The kiss deepened, and I melted into him, my body remembering every touch from the night before.

When we broke apart, we were both breathless. Ellery’s piercing blue eyes held mine. “Now that’s a way to say good morning,” he rumbled, his voice even deeper than usual.

“Morning.” I grinned, feeling a little lightheaded. “Wanted to make sure you were real and not some incredibly vivid wet dream.”

Ellery chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest and into mine. “Oh, I’m real, all right. And breakfast is almost ready if you can keep your hands to yourself long enough to eat.”

“No promises.” I stepped back reluctantly. “But I suppose I should refuel if we’re going to have a repeat performance of last night.”

Ellery’s eyebrow quirked up at that, a smirk playing on his lips. “Is that so? Well, better eat up then.”

I peered around him at the sizzling pan. “Need any help?”

“Nah, I’ve got it covered.” He slid another perfect golden pancake onto a growing stack. “But you can grab the maple syrup from the fridge.”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me, and made my way to the refrigerator. As I opened the door, I noticed how well-stocked it was. “Damn, you prepared for the apocalypse or something?”

Ellery laughed, a warm, rich sound. “I like to be ready for anything. Never know when you might get snowed in up here.”

“Or when a hot stranger might show up and need feeding?” I grabbed the syrup before kicking the fridge door closed with my foot.

“Something like that,” Ellery agreed, his eyes twinkling as he turned to face me. “And I have to say, you look pretty good in my shirt.”

I preened a little at the compliment, striking a silly pose. “What can I say? I make everything look good.”

“You do, sweetheart. Now park your butt in a chair so we can eat.”

Ellery had a way of saying things that made me want to obey him. The effect he had on me was a little weird, not gonna lie.

I made my way to the rustic wooden table, my stomach growling in anticipation. The spread before me was a breakfast lover’s dream: a towering stack of golden pancakes, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and even a bowl of fresh berries. The aroma of maple syrup and coffee filled the air, mingling with the scent of the wood crackling in the fireplace.

This domestic scene felt so natural, so comfortable, despite the fact that I’d only met Ellery yesterday. I watched as he brought over two steaming mugs of coffee, setting one in front of me before taking the seat across from mine. I’d have to figure out a way to tell him I didn’t drink coffee, but that could wait.

“This looks amazing.” I piled my plate high with pancakes. “I can’t remember the last time I had a real breakfast that didn’t come from a box or a drive-thru window.”

I took a big bite of the pancakes, closing my eyes in bliss as the fluffy texture and sweet maple flavor hit my tongue. “Oh my god, these are incredible,” I mumbled around my mouthful, remembering my manners at the last second and covering my mouth with my hand.

Ellery chuckled. “Glad you approve. It’s been a while since I’ve cooked for anyone but myself.”

“Well, you should do it more often, though I have to warn you. I may have to move in if this is a regular occurrence.”

“Is that a threat or a promise?”

I shrugged. “I’ll leave that to your interpretation.”

He chuckled, then gestured at my coffee. “Do you need sugar or cream?”

“I, erm, don’t drink coffee. It’s like rocket fuel mixed in with my meds. One cup, and I’m bouncing off the walls. Two cups, and I can taste colors.”

Ellery’s eyebrows shot up. “That sounds rather frightening.”

“Yeah, trust me, you do not want to be around me after I’ve had caffeine. It’s not pretty.”

He rose and took away the coffee. “Can I get you anything else? Herbal tea? Milk?”

“I’d love a glass of milk.”

He poured me a glass, then sat down again.

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