Page 21 of Oh My Secret Christmas Baby
I take my time wanting to savor every second of her taste as I slide my tongue across hers, exploring. When she starts to kiss me back, a rumble comes from deep in my throat. Pure fucking heaven is the only way to describe the sensation.
Candy’s fingers grip my shirt through my open coat. My whole body is tense and aroused. My heart pounds, knowing this moment is only the beginning. When I lift my head, Candy’s eyes are still closed, her lips are turned up into a smile, and those cheeks are a pretty pink again. She really is precious.
“Wow,” she whispers, her eyes fluttering open. “Are all kisses that sweet?”
“I wouldn’t know, but I believe it’s you that makes them sweet.” I brush my mouth against hers again before making myself pull back. “We might have an audience.” Candy gasps,glancing around. Most are doing well at pretending they are busy and not watching us.
“What are they going to think?”
“They’ll adore you. You’ll find this town can be protective of their own.”
“I’m not their own.”
“Once upon a time I’d have said the same, and now look at me.” I chuckle. “I think they voted me in as mayor because I wasn’t one for small talk or trying to get to know everyone. They cornered me.”
“That’s funny.” She giggles. "But I meant about my being pregnant and kissing the mayor."
"I don't give a shit," I tell her, and it's the truth. One thing I have never let rule my life is what others thought about me. Candy nibbles on her bottom lip. "Butyoucare." She nods.
"I shouldn't, but I can't help it."
"With your coat and sweater, I don't think anyone will be able to tell. And if they can, there is no way someone would ask a woman if she is pregnant unless they are sure."
"Good point."
I smile. I feel like a king every time I can take away one of her fears or worries. It's addictive, and I plan on doing it for the rest of her life.
"Let's go see the town." I hold my hand out to help her. It's always snowing this time of year here, even if it's actually not actively doing so. It blows off the mountains that surround most of the town.
I keep her hand in mine as we make our way down the sidewalk. "These shops are adorable."
"We can go in." I nod toward Sugar Plum Boutique. It's one of the many holiday stores in town that sells decorations. It's more for tourists.
"No, it's fine. What would I do with Christmas decorations? I'm not even sure I have a home anymore."
"You have a home." I fight to keep the anger out of my voice. I want to kill that asshole, Max. He'd done this on purpose. Backing her right into a corner so she's helpless and has no choice but to rely on him. I very much think the baby is a part of that plan. Another way to try to trap her and manipulate her. I'd be shocked if he actually wants the baby at all. “And one that we need to decorate. Did you forget we have a party coming up?” I remind her.
“You don’t have a tree.”
“Bet there is one in there.” I nod toward the store. There is a place down the street that sells real ones too. “We could make a whole night of it. Decorating the tree and making holiday snacks.”
“That sounds dreamy.”
Good, I plan on making sure she gets all of her dreams.
Chapter Eleven
CANDY
Mrs. Sugar from the Sugar Plum Boutique reminds me of Mrs. Claus, her store being a winter wonderland. Not only that, we left there with a million things to decorate the house with.
Each store we go into, we get more and more. To the point that we have no way to get it back up to the house, so someone is set to deliver it. This afternoon has been so amazing. I can’t remember the last time I smiled this much or actually enjoyed life.
For so long, I was stuck in a pattern with Max, always doing what he wanted because I felt beholden to him for the help he’d given me. I forgot what it was like to do small things and enjoy them. I mean, there had also been that kiss earlier. That had really sealed the deal of this being one of the best days of my life.
“I’m not sure we need three trees,” I tell Hollis. We have now landed at the Christmas tree farm at the end of town.
“The entryway, the main living room, and I think one in the bedroom.” He’s dead serious.
