Page 7 of Dad Bod Book Boyfriend for Christmas

“Wondering what?” I ask, my pulse speeding up, each heartbeat bumping with anticipation.

She hesitates, her eyes dropping to my mouth as she licks her lips, her gaze both shy and bold. “Wondering if it happens more than once—when it’s the right people, at the right time.”

My heart races at her words, and everything around us fades. Taking her words as my cue, I lean in, brushing my mouth softly over hers. Her lips are warm, and she tastes of cinnamon and chocolate. Her sweetness pulls me in deeper. I’m greedy. I want more.

Riley turns toward me, her knees slipping between mine as her gloved hands find their way to my neck. The gloves keep her touch from reaching my skin, but it doesn’t matter. Her closeness sends a rush of heat through me, making me wish we were somewhere warmer, somewhere she could touch me with her bare hands.

“All right, everybody off!” the operator’s voice booms, jolting us from the moment. The passenger car rocks gently as it comes to a stop, and the door swings open.

Reluctantly, I end the kiss, hating that the moment is over all too soon. I want more. So much more.

I reach for Riley’s hand to help her down. Our eyes meet, and she smiles politely, but it doesn’t fool me. Her gaze holds a lingering heat, her lips a little swollen from our kiss, and it takes everything in me not to haul her into my arms again.

“It sucks that tonight has to end,” I murmur as I step down from the platform and reach up to steady her as she follows.

I glance around, relieved not to see someone we know. I’m still aware that we could be spotted, and I don’t want to risk Riley’s friendship with my sister because I don’t want to keep my hands—or my mouth—to myself.

Her eyes sparkle. “Maybe you should offer to walk me home?”

I fight to keep my mind from racing away with possibilities—Riley, naked on soft sheets, her gorgeous curves exposed for my eyes only.

I clear my throat, reminding myself that Mom raised me to be a gentleman. “Of course I’ll walk you home.”

Still, something about Riley makes my heart pound in unfamiliar ways—ways that make me want to be anything but gentlemanly.

Riley

Jake and I walk hand in hand through the heart of town, the Christmas lights casting everything in soft hues of red, green, and gold. Each shop window is adorned with festive displays, and the air is filled with the scent of pine and roasted chestnuts wafting from a nearby vendor.

Our fingers stay entwined, his grip firm and warm even through my gloves. I wish I could feel his skin against mine; I want every connection I can get tonight. Between my racing thoughts and the way he looks at me—his gaze simmering with heat and barely contained desire—I’m certain I could be naked in this cold and still feel nothing but warmth.

Jake glances at me, then looks away, his jaw tensing as if he’s working up the courage to say something. “So, I have a confession,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough. His eyes flicker with uncertainty, and a pang of worry tightens my chest.

What if he doesn’t feel the same way? What if the kiss was terrible? The thoughts churn in my mind, twisting my stomach with nerves. I was so swept away by the sensation of his lips on mine and the sparks dancing over my skin that I struggled to think straight, never mind figure out how to kiss him back like I meant it.

“Go on,” I manage to reply, my voice steadier than I feel. I shiver, grateful I can pretend it’s the cold, as my heart pounds in anticipation.

He takes a deep breath, his hand tightening on mine. “Well…” He pauses, and I hold my breath, bracing myself for a letdown. “Riley, the truth is, I’ve been attracted to you since I met you. And when I saw you on the dating app… the thought of other guys having the chance to date you… it drove me a bit insane.” He pauses, looking into my eyes with an intensity that makes my knees weak. “I need you to know I’m not here for a casual thing or a fleeting romance. I’m here because I want a future with you.”

I exhale, my heart settling back in my chest where it belongs. Warmth floods me as his words sink in. “I’ve always liked you, too, Jake. But I never thought you’d like me back. And with Christy being my best friend…” My voice catches as a lump forms in my throat, thick with emotion.

“She wants you to be happy,” Jake says, his voice soft but certain. “And I’d like to be the one who makes you happy, Riley.”

This time, it’s me who closes the distance, reaching up to pull him closer. I press my lips to his, and as soon as we connect, the rest of the world fades away. I savor every second, brushing my tongue against his, inviting him deeper, wanting to taste every ounce of him. His arms wrap around my waist, pulling me flush against his body, and I lose myself in the feel of him—his strength, his warmth, the way he makes me feel safe and alive all at once.

I pull away, panting with lust, my heart racing. His eyes are heavy with a longing that’s impossible to hide, dark with desire, mirroring exactly what I’m feeling.

I bite my lip and take a shaky breath, emboldened by the look in his eyes. “Come to bed with me?”

Jake looks at me, his gaze smoldering. He nods, his lips curling into a soft, confident smile. He reaches for my hand again, lacing his fingers with mine as he leads me back through the glowinglights, the Christmas magic around us seeming to hum with a promise that tonight is just the beginning.

Jake

I follow Riley into her small apartment, wasting no time helping her out of her coat and shirking mine. Between shedding our clothes and kissing any part of her my lips can reach, we somehow end up in the bedroom.

Riley stands before me, wearing only her underwear. Plain and simple, but she’s still the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen. I pull off my underwear, revealing my hard cock, wanting her more than I want my next breath.

Riley looks at me, her heated gaze wandering over every inch of my body. I’m fit, but I’m not a gym rat. I enjoy a solid meal, and my body reflects that. It also reflects my years of hard work doing construction with my dad and brothers.

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