Free Kissa Under the Mistletoe by Courtney Sheets

tracks. While aware he loved her as a friend and enjoyed the carnal use of her body, she was still so very unsure of how deep his emotions ran. Letting the seriousness of her thoughts melt away for a bit, she tried to revel in the euphoria from this bout of lovemaking and snuggled deep against his warm body, the lethargy of her two orgasms seeping through her veins.
    “I’m inclined to agree with you.”
    “Go to sleep, chicken. I’ll set the alarm so we’re up in enough time to get ready for dinner,” Lucas said, pulling the covers around their naked bodies.
    Kissa rested her head on his chest and nodded, a soft sigh the only sound she made before drifting off to sleep.

 
     
     
Chapter Ten
     
     
    Lucas scanned the restaurant’s interior, trying to catch a glimpse of where Kissa had run off. Almost immediately after their party sat down, she’d dashed off with a man called Ahmed who Kissa introduced as the owner and a family friend. Now, here he was seated at a long table, surrounded by his family, and missing the woman he craved beyond all reason. He’d thought for a moment before they dozed off together the previous afternoon she’d been about to say the magic words he longed to hear. But nothing had come forth from those pretty lips other than a contented sigh.
    His fevered brain recalled the night before after dinner with his parents at their house. He’d brought Kissa back to the hotel and they’d made love, slow and gentle and so full of heat Lucas was sure they’d scorched the sheets clean off the bed. He’d woken her the same way this morning, caressing and kissing every inch of her until she’d come apart in his arms.
    They’d spent the day wandering London, discovering the city and each other together. It was heaven, and he wasn’t going to let this feeling go.
    His mother poured over the menu, grinning like a child at the choices. His father let slip Margaret was keen to eat here but up until now there hadn’t been an opportunity. The kids seemed thoroughly engrossed in the band set up at the far end of the dining room, playing intriguing songs from the Middle East. Some felt like modern pop songs while a few others sounded very traditional. Lucas could imagine he sat in a lush restaurant somewhere in Cairo or Dubai as opposed to snowy London.
    Lucas looked glumly at the empty chair beside him. He knew he should be happy for some time with his family, but he wished Kissa would come back soon. Awareness ricocheted through him in the form of the small velvet box tucked into his coat pocket. It seemed to burn a hole through the fabric He knew the ring, which had belongs to his Gran many years ago would suit Kissa to a T . He only had to get her to accept it…and him. Tonight, he’d ask her to marry him, and he’d be damned if she’d turn him down. There was no doubt in his mind she felt more for him then simple friendship and a healthy dose of lust. There was love there, or Lucas would hand his PhD back to Oxford. Lucas tried to enjoy his family and their animated conversation, but his mind simply would not relax enough.
    “My friends, please allow me to select your dinner this evening.” Lucas turned his head to see Ahmed returning to the table with outstretched arms. The man was a rather striking old chap. He had an Omar Sharif quality to him and an engaging smile.
    “Kissa has spoken to me about all of you and we’ve put our heads together to provide you with a feast the likes you have not seen.”
    Lucas found himself smiling at Ahmed’s words. He was a charmer. His mother laughed, and his father just shook his head in amusement.
    “Where is Kissa?”
    “She is in the back, sir, preparing a surprise for all of you. You will see her shortly.” Omar clapped a hand on Lucas’s shoulder.
    “We’ll leave the menu selection to Kissa and you, then,” his mother said from her position down the table.
    Ahmed grinned even wider before grasping his hands together in a gesture of