Page 24 of Celebrating the Season

I sighed dramatically, my shoulders slumping. “Fine. But you’re no fun.”

A glint appeared in Ellery’s eyes and his demeanor shifted. He leaned in close, his beard tickling my cheek as he spoke. “No fun, huh? Keep that attitude up, and you might find yourself over my knee for a spanking.”

My eyes widened as a jolt of excitement shot through me. “W-what?”

Ellery’s laugh was deep and rich, but an undercurrent of promise in his tone made me shiver. “You heard me, boy. Don’t test me.”

I swallowed hard, aware of how close we were, how vulnerable I felt. But instead of fear, I felt a thrill of anticipation. “And what if I want to test you?”

Ellery’s eyes darkened. “Then we’ll talk about it first. And that’s nonnegotiable.”

I recognized a firm boundary when I saw one. “Okay.”

“Doesn’t mean we can’t do other things…”

Before I could blink, Ellery’s lips crashed against mine. The kiss was hungry, demanding, and I melted into it, my arms wrapping around his neck. The steam from the shower swirled around us, creating a cocoon of heat and desire.

I moaned into his mouth as his hands roamed my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. “El,” I gasped when we broke for air, “please, I need?—”

“I know what you need,” he growled, reaching for the conditioner bottle. The snap of the cap echoed in the small space, and I shivered in anticipation.

Ellery’s slick hand wrapped around my cock, and I bucked into his touch. “Fuck,” I hissed, my head falling back against the shower wall.

“Look at me,” Ellery commanded, his free hand tilting my chin up. I met his intense gaze, drowning in the blue of his eyes. “That’s it, sweetheart. Let me see you.”

I couldn’t look away if I tried. My hips moved in rhythm with his strokes, pleasure building rapidly. “El, I’m gonna?—”

“Not yet. Together.”

I nodded frantically, reaching for him. The slide of our hands, slippery with conditioner, was exquisite. Ellery’s breathing grew ragged, matching my own desperate pants.

“Now, Boaz,” Ellery growled, and I came with a cry, my vision whiting out. I felt Ellery’s release seconds later, his deep groan sending aftershocks through me.

We stood there, foreheads pressed together, catching our breath as the water washed away our release. I felt boneless, completely satisfied.

“Holy shit,” I mumbled, earning a chuckle from Ellery.

“Come on, let’s get you dried off,” he said, reaching for the shower controls.

As we stepped out, Ellery grabbed a fluffy towel and wrapped it around me. His touch lingered, gentle and caring, as he dried my hair and shoulders. The tenderness of the gesture made my heart swell.

“Thanks,” I said softly, leaning into his warmth.

I had my suitcase, so I had my own clothes, but I still dressed in one of Ellery’s big flannel shirts and a pair of my butter-soft leggings. The shirt smelled like him, and I breathed it in, smiling.

Ellery had gotten dressed as well, wearing gray sweatpants and a hoodie. When we walked toward me, his dick swung against his leg, clearly visible. Oh, was he freeballing? Damn, that was hot.

He pressed a kiss to my temple. “Let’s get that fire started, yeah?”

I nodded, following him to the living room. I watched, mesmerized, as Ellery knelt by the fireplace, his muscled back flexing as he arranged the logs. Within minutes, a cheerful fire crackled to life, casting a warm glow over the room.

“Wow,” I said, impressed. “You’re like a sexy Boy Scout or something.”

Ellery laughed. “Just lots of practice, sweetheart. Come here, let’s warm you up properly.”

I settled on the couch, snuggling against Ellery’s broad chest as he wrapped an arm around me. The fire’s warmth seeped into my bones, and a deep contentment washed over me. It was strange how quickly I’d become comfortable with him, how safe I felt in his presence.

My mind drifted back to our shower, to how Ellery had taken control so effortlessly. It sparked a curiosity in me that I couldn’t ignore. I hesitated, my heart racing as I summoned the courage to voice my thoughts.

---