Page 132 of A Very Merry Mistake

“Uh. I’m not sure,” I answer truthfully. “Can count on my hands how many pies I’ve had in my life.”

His mawmaw turns to me with her hand on her chest. “Bless your heart. Sweetie, we’re gonna have to change that.”

“You will,” I agree, glancing back at Jake. “What about pumpkin?”

“We’ll make several different ones, but make sure tomorrow at dinner you leave room for dessert so you can give me an official answer,” he says.

I nod as he guides me through the recipes.

The rest of the day, the three of us laugh and drink. His grandma tells me embarrassing stories about Jake that I find endearing. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. And when the sun finally sets and we have enough pies and cookies to feed a small army, we sit at the table and eat pot roast. After we’re full, and as his mawmaw takes a shower and gets ready for bed, the two of us clean up the kitchen. When Jake passes me, he places his thumb on my cheek and wipes. “Flour on your face.”

My breath hitches as I look up at him. “Thank you for inviting me. I’ve had one of the best days of my life.”

“It was Mawmaw’s idea, but I agree. I love spending time with you.”

It’s as if we’re suspended in time as I place my hand behind his neck and slide my lips across his. Jake takes a step forward, his knee spreading my legs apart as he presses me against the counter. Our tongues fight a war neither of us will win.

“Come home with me,” he whispers in my ear, causing goose bumps to trail along my skin.

“You’re sure that’s not the alcohol talking?” I hold on to him for dear life.

He smiles against my lips. “Absolutely.”

“I don’t want you to regret crossing the line, not this time.”

“I can’t get enough of you, darlin’. I miss you. Tinsel misses you. Please,” he whispers. “Don’t make me beg.”

His cock presses into my stomach.

“Yes,” I desperately say, grabbing his cheeks and kissing him again.

The bathroom door opens, and Jake’s eyes bolt open. He takes a step back and looks down at the tent in his onesie. “Shit,” he says, allowing the counter to hide his thick cock. Moments later, his grandma enters the kitchen.

“Looks good in here.” She glances between us, and I know my lips are swollen because Jake’s are. “Good night, you two. Hope you’ve both been good this year. Maybe Santa will bring you what you want.”

Jake looks at me, reaching out to grab my hand. “I’ve already got my Christmas wish.”

I smile widely. “Me, too.”

She nods and lifts a brow. “You two lock up when you’re done. See ya tomorrow. Also, try not to stay up too late?”

“Yes, Mawmaw,” Jake tells her.

When she’s out of sight, his mouth returns to mine. “Ready to get out of here?”

“Hell yes.”

CHAPTER 38

JAKE

As soon as we walk inside my cabin, our hands and mouths are on one another. I’ve wanted Claire since the moment I saw her again, and now I’ll finally have her alone without the fear of interruption. Or so I thought.

“Meow! Meow! Meow!” Tinsel trots up to us, her bell jingling, and paws at Claire’s leg using her claws.

She breaks away from me and bends down. “Did you miss me?” Claire pets and then kisses her head. When I hear Tinsel purr, I can’t help but chuckle. Claire looks up at me, smiling wide.

“She totally missed you,” I say.

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