Page 17 of Christmas Souls

I slow down my thrusts and look at her face. Some strands of hair are pasted to her wet forehead and I push them aside. She gazes dreamily at me.

"What about you, baby?"

"We're not done yet."

"Michael, no."

I get on my knees and pull her with me into a vertical position. I don't know what's gotten into me, but I'm going with it for all it's worth. She instinctively wraps her legs behind my back and looks at me straight in the eyes.

"Give me another one, Mandy."

"Michael…"

I thrust up relentlessly and see the moment when the orgasm starts to build inside her again. It makes her grab me tighter.

"Don't drop me, Michael."

"Never."

I start guiding her hip movements with my hands, and the whimpers begin. I kiss her mouth, and we go crazy. It's as if this is the last link we need to bind us together right now. This moment, we're joined together, and no one can take this away from us.

"Michael, I'm coming."

With those words, I let myself go, and we come together in an incredible explosion of pleasure. I lower her gently down to the bed and go take care of the condom. I come back with a wet cloth to clean her up. She lets me take care of her like the old times and I kick myself for trying to bring those memories back. I need to live in the present.

I ignore my traitorous thoughts and kiss her on the temple. She scoots over to me and puts her head on my chest. We both stay silent. What is there to say? Even if this was the best sex of my life—if this is what no-strings is like—bring it on. I'm all for it.

Chapter 8

Mandy

The deadline for the mayor's proposal came and went without me acknowledging it. I've been too busy having no-strings sex with Michael. Who knew he'd become a beast in the sheets with a simple rule like 'no strings attached'?

He's taking me ice skating this afternoon. He's been very attentive and caring lately and we never touch on the triggering topic of the future. I drop by the library to have lunch with Ana Maria. I see another Hoffer brother doing repairs on the roof of the building.

I walk up to the front desk and smile at my friend. She's been very supportive of me, even though I haven't told her the depths of my secrets. I just know if everything comes out, I'll belooked upon as scum. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in this community, and I don't want them to change how they see me.

"Ready for lunch?"

"Yup. Come on back."

She lets me into the area where she works and I start talking out the pot roast I cooked. Mrs. Carter was in heaven when I went over to learn how to prepare it following her guidelines. I think it turned out pretty great and there will be leftovers for Michael tonight.

We dig in, and all you can hear is Ana Maria’s delight with the meal.

"Wait, you cooked this, Mandy?"

"With Mrs. Carter's help."

"Maybe you can do something in cooking. Catering, perhaps."

I nod and keep eating. Ana Maria has this whole campaign of finding me a new career—one that I can do while living in Woodland Falls. She's had several harebrained ideas, like a pet groomer or personal stylist, but I just nod and say nothing.

Who in such a small town as Woodland Falls would have use for a personal stylist? Even if I could do that, I'm not good with fashion trends. This is why I don't pay any attention to her ideas.

"How is the work going on the house?"

"Coming along nicely, actually. Michael's crew is like magic."

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