Page 27 of A Cuddly Christmas
"How could you not?" I tease. "I give you the best blow—" His mouth claims mine to silence me before I can finish, and I hear Molly giggle from beside us.
"Watch it," he warns me, giving my ass a squeeze.
I was ready for him to cut me off. While he might be down with kissing me in public, he isn't down for anyone thinking about me and sex together. My man is possessive, and I’m willing to admit it’s hot at hell.
"We better get going," I tell him.
The sooner we're done, the sooner we can get home to check on our little ones. "Little ones" being our animals. I'm sure the human variation of ‘little ones’ will come along soon enough. Paxton and I go at it like rabbits. Two virgins that finally get to release years of pent-up sexual needs means non-stop fucking.
"Why do I get the sense you're up to something?" He narrows his eyes.
"Because you read me so well." I give him a mischievous smirk.
"Oh god."
"Yeah, someone better be praying right now." That someone being Brian.
"I'm going to get my gifts. I'll see you guys there," Molly says before darting off back toward the bakery.
"Should I be worried?" Paxton cups my face.
"No, I know how to fight," I deadpan, earning me a very concerned stare. "I'm joking." I give his chest a pat and end up rubbing it. He's so damn hard everywhere. "I've never been in a real fight, but I think I would be good at it. I’m scrappy."
Paxton mutters a curse under his breath. "Good thing I know how to fight."
"Really? You've been in one?"
"I’ve wrestled a few animals. Plus, I boxed through college for exercise."
"Damn." I lick my lips. "How do you keep getting hotter?" I grip the front of his shirt and wiggle my eyebrows. “I still have my place upstairs."
Of course I do. It’s been a week since Paxton and I became official. I’ve been in his bed and home every night since the snowstorm. Wait, our place. We’re not married yet, but still everything is a ‘we’ now.
So much so that Paxton can take it to another level at times, even calling his clinic our clinic. The most I’ve ever done in there is snuggle animals and have a few quickies in his office.
"Don't tempt me. Let's do the gifts and head home."
"I'm down with this plan."
I grab my bag and lock up while Paxton grabs the gifts we got for the donations. They'll be used at the holiday party for the kids. Everyone brings stuff so they are ready to go.
Each year the kids put on a play at the school, and afterward, there is a kid-centered celebration. All the kids get gifts, and it’s fun to watch them open them. I remember when I got to do it when I was younger. I was the lead in the play one year, which wasn’t shocking because I have a big mouth. Though Miss Carol said I got the part because I was bursting with personality. I'm still not sure if that was a compliment or not. It probably was because she's super sweet.
We make our way toward City Hall, and with my mom being the mayor, I should be able to get in and out easily. I also might be able to remove the footage of me doing so as well.
I can already hear murmuring as we make our way up the steps. A few people who haven't seen my wedding ring yet stop us as we enter. It appears to be a simple gold band at a glance, but it has beautiful etching on it.
It’s soft and beautiful while still being functional for me. I’m always using my hands and moving things around at the hardware store. I also am very hands-on at home with renovations and tending to the animals. I’ve even won Dominick over. Mint leaves and chopped-up apple slices can go a long way. Along with scratches behind his ears. Paprika is as feisty as her name.
When we finally reach the table inside, I see everyone is lingering around it. It’s the place to leave the gifts, but there are pamphlets placed on it too.
“What’s this?” I say loudly as I pick one up and flip it open. “Oh my gosh.” I gasp even louder, scandalized. “What is this filth?"
“Are you sure you had the lead in the play?” Paxton whispers next to my ear, and I elbow him in the side.
"Who did this?" Brian comes storming into city hall, snatching pamphlets out of people's hands. "It's bullshit! All lies!" he bellows.
"That's not true. I'm on page two," one woman says.
