Page 16 of Holiday Temptation

As I step out of the conference room, the day's events still playing in my mind, there's a certain lightness in my heart. A hope, mixed with a sprinkle of caution, that maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something new.

Chapter 9

Dominic

Thewarmglowfromthe string lights washes over the room, casting a gentle luminescence on the wooden floors and the plush rug beneath our feet. My living room, usually a fortress of solitude and quiet contemplation, now brims with festive energy. The ornaments we've been hanging shimmer with reflected light, and every corner seems to radiate a warmth I hadn't noticed before.

Handing Emily a silver bauble, our fingers brush for a brief moment, sending a jolt of electricity through me. "You think the top needs more color?" I ask, attempting to keep my voice steady.

She steps back, squinting at the nearly completed tree. "Maybe one or two more. But not too much. Don’t want to overpower it." She laughs, and the sound fills the room, as infectious as a catchy tune. I find myself chuckling along without reservation.

We continue working around the tree, light teasing filling the spaces between the ornaments and tinsel. I haven’t felt this carefree in years. There's an easiness, a natural rhythm between us. It’s in the way we hand each other decorations, the playful challenges of finding the perfect spot for each one, and the laughter that seems to come effortlessly.

As we hang the last ornament, our hands touch once again. But this time, neither of us pulls away immediately. I look into her eyes, the festive lights reflecting in their depth, and I feel a warmth that isn't just from the decorations. My walls, my protective barriers, are starting to crumble—and for the first time, that feels perfectly alright.

Emily's face scrunches in determination as she reaches up, trying to place the star atop the tree. Despite her best efforts, it remains just out of grasp. Her struggles elicit a soft chuckle from me.

"Need a boost?" I offer, already taking a step closer.

She hesitates, her gaze flitting to mine. "You sure? I'm... well, I've got some curves, you know."

I raise an eyebrow, suppressing a grin. "All the better."

Rolling her eyes but with a smile playing on her lips, she extends the star to me. "If you drop me, I'm blaming you."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Without waiting for further comment, I wrap my arms around her waist and lift her effortlessly. As she rises, her laughter fills the room, infectious and carefree. With my support, she finally places the star atop the tree, triumphant.

Lowering her back to the ground, we're closer than before, the warmth between us palpable. As our laughter fades, I'm struck by a profound realization—how much joy and color she's brought into my world. I'm overcome with a protectiveness and affection for her, the likes of which I haven't felt in a long time.

"Perfect," I murmur, looking not just at the tree but directly into Emily's sparkling eyes.

Still cradling Emily in my arms, the soft glow of the Christmas tree illuminating her face, she gazes up at me, her eyes reflecting the lights. "You know, Dominic," she starts, her voice gentle, "the holidays have always been more than just about gifts and decorations for me. They're about connection, warmth, and love."

I nod, absorbing her words. "I didn't always see it that way," I admit. The memories of past holidays, cold and solitary, rush back to me. "For a long time, the season was just a reminder of things lost, of moments I'd never have again. But this year... everything's changed."

She tilts her head slightly, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "What changed?"

"You," I confess, my voice carrying a weight of sincerity. "You walked into my life, and suddenly, everything was different. I found myself wanting to be a part of the festivities, to truly understand the joy that comes with it. And it's all because of you, Emily."

Her cheeks flush with a light pink, and she smiles shyly. "I'm glad I could show you the brighter side of the holidays."

"You've done more than that," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "You've shown me the brighter side of life."

Slowly, almost reverently, I cup her face, drawing her close. Our lips meet in a gentle, exploratory kiss that deepens with every passing second. Her hands come up to rest on my chest, fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt. I deepen the kiss, my tongue sweeping inside her mouth, tasting the warmth and sweetness of her. Emily moans softly, the sound sending a jolt of desire through me. The warmth of her body, the scent of her perfume, intoxicates me, and I feel myself getting lost in the moment.

Her arms wrap around my neck, pulling me closer still. I can feel the heat of her breath on my lips, the gentle swell of her breasts brushing against me, and I find myself wanting more. The kiss deepens, growing more and more passionate with every passing second.

I break away only long enough to pull her sweater up over her head. Pressing my lips against the soft skin of her neck, I kiss a trail down to her shoulder. Her skin tastes sweet and salty, like ocean air.

Beneath her bra, her nipples harden. I shift my attention lower, pulling the fabric down over her shoulders and allowing her breasts to spill out. Emily gasps as I take a pink nipple in my mouth, sucking and flicking it with my tongue.

"Dominic," she whispers, panting.

The sound of my name on her lips sends a jolt of electricity through me. I kiss my way back up, capturing her mouth once again. Her hands move to the buttons on my shirt, popping them open one by one. The feel of her fingers against my skin as she slides my shirt off my shoulders sends a thrill through me, and I kiss her harder, wanting to devour her. Desire courses through me, my cock growing stiff between my legs. I grind against her, letting her know her effect on me.

"Well, it looks like the Christmas spirit has certainly taken over you," she says with a light laugh, reaching between us and stroking me through my jeans.

I laugh, a low throaty sound that vibrates against her as I lower us both to the floor, nestling us beneath the twinkling branches of the Christmas tree.

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