Page 40 of Celebrating the Season

“Fuck,” I gasped. “That feels amazing. Don’t stop.”

Ellery’s hands slipped under my shirt, calloused fingers tracing patterns on my skin. “I don’t plan to,” he murmured. “I want to savor every inch of you.”

“What’s stopping you?”

13

ELLERY

Ipulled Boaz closer, savoring the weight of his lithe body pressed against mine on the couch. My hands roamed over his smooth skin, which looked golden in the glow from the fireplace.

“God, you feel good,” I murmured against his mouth.

Boaz responded by grinding his hips into mine, eliciting a low groan from deep in my chest. His fingers tangled in my beard as he deepened the kiss.

I wanted to take my time with him, to show him how much he meant to me. Our encounters had been frantic and rough—not that I was complaining—but today, I yearned for more, something that matched this softness inside me, this tender affection that had me all weak for him.

As Boaz’s tongue danced with mine, I caressed his back tenderly. My touch was gentle, almost reverent, as I explored the planes of his body. I memorized every dip and curve, every plane and angle. He was so responsive, reacting to even the lightest brush of my fingers.

“Mmm, that feels nice.” Boaz arched into my touch.

I smiled against his lips. “Just nice? I must be losing my touch.”

Boaz laughed, the sound music to my ears. “You know what I mean. It’s different…but good different.”

His brown eyes met mine, filled with warmth and a hint of curiosity. I cupped his face in my hands, struck by how young and beautiful he looked in the firelight. My heart swelled with emotion.

How I wanted to tell him the truth. But I couldn’t. I wouldn’t hold him back by making him feel obligated to stay or make him feel guilty for wanting or needing to go back. He had to decide on his own if he wanted to stay.

But I was determined to show him everything I couldn’t say with words. Maybe he’d sense how much I’d grown to care for him if I let my hands and body do the work.

“You’re special to me, Boaz,” I said softly.

I trailed my fingers down Boaz’s neck, savoring the softness of his skin. He shivered under my touch, his breath catching as I explored lower. I took my time, mapping every inch of his slender frame with reverent caresses.

“El,” Boaz whispered, his voice trembling. “What’s gotten into you?”

I smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to his collarbone. “Just enjoying you, sweetheart. Is that okay?”

He nodded, his dark curls bouncing. “More than okay.”

I continued my exploration, marveling at how Boaz seemed to sink into my exploration, reacting with soft sighs and sweet moans. This slow, tender lovemaking was new territory for us.

Boaz’s fingers tangled in my hair as I kissed his way down his chest. His body arched toward me, seeking more contact. I obliged, taking him into my mouth with deliberate slowness.

“Oh fuck,” Boaz gasped. “El, that’s…”

I hummed around him, relishing the taste and feel of him. My hands caressed his thighs, feeling the muscles quiver beneath my palms. I wanted to draw this out, to make Boaz feel cherished and desired.

When I pulled away, Boaz whimpered at the loss. His eyes were dark with need as I moved back up his body, pressing tender kisses along the way.

“You ready for me, sweetheart?” I murmured against his lips.

“Always ready for you…”

I reached for the lube, taking my time to prepare him thoroughly. Boaz writhed beneath me, his impatience clear in every movement. But I was determined to make this last, to show him how much he meant to me.

When I finally pushed into him, the world seemed to narrow to us two. Boaz’s eyes locked with mine, a silent understanding passing between us. I began to move, setting a slow, deep rhythm that had us both gasping.

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