Page 39 of Beauden & Yelena

Did you get held up in TSA?

No. I left something at the ranch. Beauden.

Can’t they ship it?

No. I’ll catch another flight.

Okay.

After reading his response, I turn my phone on do not disturb. I don’t want any more distractions because I need to be in this moment. Every nerve in my body is tingling. My heart is racing, pounding out of my chest. I’m anxious to get back to the ranch,back to him.

Rufus grabs his cell out of the middle console, presses a button, then places it to his ear. “Morning, boss,” he says.

He’s talking to Beauden.

“Just wanted to let you know I picked up a guest at the airport,” he adds then winks at me. “I don’t know… Yep, the ranch… About twenty,” he says and shakes his head as if Beauden can see him.

He places the phone back into the console then focuses back on the road. I’m grateful he doesn’t want to talk because I don’t know what I would say to him. I’ve just made a potentially life-altering decision and voicing that to Rufus doesn’t feel right. So, out of appreciation for his part in getting me back to the ranch, I simply say, “Thanks.”

“None needed, ma’am. Merry Christmas.”

It’s going to be one now.“Merry Christmas to you too.”

Almost twenty minutes later exactly, we are back at the ranch. My whole face lights up as the large gates open. As he rides down the road, I pull the visor down to check my face. Once satisfied that I look okay, I close it and take a deep breath.

He pulls right up to the lodge’s front doors. The cars that were in the driveway earlier this morning are now all gone. When he gets out, I do too. I’m too excited to wait for him to open my door. As he gets my bags, I rush to the front door. I reach up to knock but the door opens.

Beauden.

My breath hitches at the sight of him and his addicting smell sweeps across my nose. His eyes widen then his brows pinch. He stares at me intensely and doesn’t say a word. His silence unnerves me, so I take a bold step closer to him.

“Would it be okay if I stay for Christmas?” I ask.

“You should have never left.”

He hooks his arms around my waist and my whole body relaxes. He pulls me into him and his lips crash on mine. Passionately and with a hint of aggression, we kiss. My body relaxes into him and instantly I know I made the best decision.

Epilogue

ALMOST A YEAR LATER

“Beautiful, are you working in the lodge today?” Beauden asks.

“No, here. I need to make sure everything is ready for my parents,” I admit. “I still need to decorate the small trees in the bedrooms.”

“I told you the staff could’ve done that.”

“And I told you no,” I say with a smile. “I love to do my own. “But can you please light the fireplace on the barbecue porch?”

His strong arms envelop me as he hugs me from behind. I love the way he’s always up on me. Our bodies are so close; we are almost one. I relax into his chest and he plants soft kisses on the side of my neck.

“It’s too cold out there.”

“Not with the fireplace and the heaters. Besides, my body is still on fire.”

This morning, I was awakened in the sweetest way. His handsome face buried between my legs and his tongue stimulating every sensation in my body. After his amazing head, he filled me up and stroked me to three wonderful orgasms. My body is still inflamed.

Returning to The Phoxes Den was the best decision of my life. I’m so glad I followed my heart and took a chance with him. After spending Christmas morning with his family, I remained here until New Year and we decided to make things official.

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