Page 35 of His Perfect Gift

Natalie stood up, walked over to Aaron, and hugged him. “It is. Thank you so much for everything.” She gazed at Axel. “Right?”

He ducked his head. “Yes. Thanks, Dad.” Axel pulled Natalie into his side and kissed her. “Merry Christmas, baby.”

She pulled back and said breathlessly, “That’s better.” She looked over at me and winked conspiratorially, and I raised my glass. We’d spent the afternoon together and had hit it off fabulously.

She was about to finish grad school in May and become a physical therapist. I told her I was going to graduate with a degree in finance. We talked about how she met Axel, their marriage, and Lexi. She was passionate about her family.

It was easy to talk to her, even when she asked me what my intentions were with Aaron. I could tell she was protective of him. And probably skeptical of me. Which I completely understood. I answered honestly, “I’m falling for him.”

She eyed me seriously. “He’s a good man. Please be good to him. He’s been through a lot.”

“I know. I would never hurt him.”

She clicked her glass to mine and said, “Good. Because when you love a Thomas man, there is no turning back.”

“I know what you mean.” Although everything was moving fast, I knew this was more than a fling.

My mind went back to the present, and I leveled my eyes at Aaron, who was watching me intently. He patted his thigh.

I set down my glass, raising my brows in question.

“Come here,” he mouthed, not concerned about what anyone thought.

Moving over slowly, I dropped down in front of him and fell into his arms as he pulled me onto his lap. “I’ve missed you.”

I ducked my head into his neck, saying quietly, not wanting anyone to hear us, “I’ve been here all afternoon.”

He growled against my ear. “Not like this. Not in Daddy’s lap.”

I dug my hand into his thick thigh and moisture pooled in my panties. “Aaron, your family is here.”

He tipped my chin up. “Don’t worry, Princess. I’ll keep it PG… for now.” He leaned in and drove his lips over mine in a passionate kiss. My hands curled around his neck, clutching desperately as I drowned in him. “God, I love kissing you.”

“Damn, Pop, get a room. There are kids here,” Axel called out as we pulled apart. I flushed, realizing Axel must’ve considered himself a kid, too. When I glanced his way, he was smirking while Natalie quietly chided him.

“The door is that way, son.” Aaron pointed behind him, never taking his eyes off me.

“You’re kicking us out? On Christmas?”

“Yes.”

My eyes shot to my hairline. Were Axel and Aaron having an argument?

“If you haven’t noticed yet, these two enjoy ribbing each other.” Natalie patted Axel on the chest. “Right, honey?”

He nodded. “It’s harmless fun.”

“However… ” Natalie bent down and picked up Lexi, who was tugging on her pant leg. “We should probably clean up and head home. It’s getting late.”

Later, after Axel and Natalie had loaded their car with the thousands of presents and driven away, Aaron and I were lounging on a fur blanket in front of the fireplace, facing each other. Soft Christmas music played in the background.

“Did you enjoy today?”

He reached out and thumbed my bottom lip. “Very much. But Christmas isn’t over yet.”

“No?” I asked coyly.

“No.” He shook his head slowly. “Not even close.” He reached behind him and grabbed two presents wrapped in shiny metallic paper.

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