Page 51 of The Billionaire and the Maid

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” she quips. But before she can add anything more to that thought, I begin kissing my way down her body. As I reach the apex of her legs, I look up with a smirk.

“How about I show you whatI’dlike to do in a new treehouse?” I say as I lean in and use my lips and tongue to show her exactly what I mean. I wish every holiday weekend could start like this.

CHAPTERNINETEEN

Ella

The Marinos’ home is decorated to the nines. Wreathes dot the windows with single candles. There are Christmas trees everywhere. Each one has a different theme. Garland is wrapped around the banister of the great hall. And even their fireplace in the back great room has stockings hung on it. A long table in the back of the room has a spread of bagels and cream cheese, pastries, quiche, muffins, fruit, and deviled eggs. A bar next to it has mimosas and bloody Marys.

For once, Luca and Kayla are in clothing that is, dare I say, informal. Lorenzo is sitting in front of a checkers board while holding a glass of red wine. I smile as I see Tate Marino on a tablet screen set in a chair opposite him.

“Nonno, that’s totally cheating. You can’t jump like that,” he says as he points forward.

“It’s Italian rules,” Lorenzo says.

“It is not. You’re such a cheater,” Tate says as he sips a glass of wine.

“Hey, is that your girlfriend?” Tate adds as he looks away from the chessboard.

“Tate, this is Ella. Ella, this is my annoying brother, Tate,” Chase says as he motions to the screen.

“Nice to meet you, Ella,” Tate says. “Sorry it’s not in person but I have a ski holiday planned this week and won’t be home until after New Year’s.”

“Nice to meet you too, Tate,” I say as I accept a glass of mimosa from Kayla. “Thank you,” I add quickly.

“Of course, dear. Tate should be home. I can’t believe you planned a ski trip for Christmas. You’re lucky we love you,” Kayla says to her son.

Luca laughs. “Which girl is on the ski trip with you?” he asks from the far end of the room where he’s watching football.

“There’s a bunch of us, Dad,” Tate answers.

Chase leans in toward me. “Tate always gets away with murder.”

“I heard that, asshole. Don’t listen to him, Ella. Chase is the golden boy,” Tate teases.

“You both are spoiled as fuck,” Luca states as he sips a bloody Mary.

“Luca!” Kayla gasps in feigned horror.

“I’m sure Ella here has heard worse, right, Ella?”

“Uh, yes, of course, Mr. Marino,” I say as I sip my drink for liquid courage.

“Let’s do gifts. I have to head over to Maximo’s house,” Tate says.

I look at Chase who just whispers, “A cousin of ours.”

I nod and Chase leads me over to a tree that’s easily twelve feet high. We take a seat on a small bench and Chase leans forward and hands me a small box wrapped in gold-and-green striped paper.

I pause and watch as Kayla, Luca, and Lorenzo all open some gifts. Tate opens his, a watch, and thanks everyone before signing off. Kayla gets a diamond tennis bracelet and a spa day gift certificate. Luca gets a golf trip. Lorenzo is gifted a new saddle and a bottle of Scottish gin.

I look at Chase as he unwraps cufflinks from his parents, a bottle of Italian wine from his brother, and a beautifully carved stone chess set from his grandfather.

“We’ll play later,” Lorenzo says with a wink. “You haven’t opened your gift, Ella,” he adds, motioning to the box in my lap.

“Oh, I…was enjoying watching you all open your gifts,” I admit. I don’t add that it’s been years since I had a family Christmas or that I was having fun watching their joy. I hardly remember what that’s like. And as much as I’m not sure I like Chase’s parents, this morning, they’ve been, not bad, maybe even a little kind.

“Open it,” Chase whispers.

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