Free That Mistletoe Moment by Cat Johnson Page B

pressed her sweater toward her chest, looking horrified and making him fear she was going to put it back on.
    Nathan shook his head to alleviate her concern. “No. I’m fine. This is most definitely fine. I just thought when you asked if we could stay here on the sofa, that was because you wanted our clothes to stay on. But believe me, I am perfectly on board with this plan, too.”
    She dropped her gaze away from his. She was obviously holding something in.
    They had a chance for a good thing between them, and not just tonight but for the long term. He was not going to let shyness or insecurity or whatever this breakup had done to her mess this up.
    Nathan ran his hands up and down her bare arms. “Noelle. Talk.”
    â€œIt’s just that I really love Christmas and I’ve always wanted to—you know—in front of the tree.” She glanced at the glowing tree in the corner and then back to him. “But some people have said that I was crazy for that.”
    He controlled his smile. “I really love Christmas, too. And I don’t think it’s crazy at all. In fact, I would have no problem with that.”
    Hell, he’d do it under the tree while dressed in a Santa suit and singing Christmas carols if it made her happy. It would definitely make him happy, that was for sure.
    â€œThere’s something else.”
    After all the twists and turns this night had already taken, Nathan couldn’t even imagine what was coming next. He was well trained in controlling his expressions when necessary, though. He employed his training now as he wondered what other surprises this woman held.
    â€œAll right.”
    â€œBefore, when you first kissed me and you got kind of forceful—”
    He interrupted her. “I know. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
    â€œNo. I mean, I liked it. George was always kind of . . . passive.”
    There was no schooling his expression now as surprise turned quickly into raw, heart-pounding need.
    That was all she needed to say. Grabbing and holding her tight, Nathan stood, lifting Noelle with him. She squealed in surprise.
    â€œFloor or couch?” he asked.
    â€œWhat?” She squeaked out the question while clutching her arms around his neck.
    â€œIn your Christmas tree sex fantasies, are you on the floor or the couch?”
    â€œIt’s during a snowstorm on a bearskin rug in front of a roaring fireplace with the tree next to us.”
    He knew without glancing around them that that exact scenario was not an option. He cocked a brow. “Got any alternate versions of this fantasy we can fulfill without driving to a ski lodge in Vermont?”
    She smiled. “The sofa is fine.”
    He spun back toward the sofa, laid her down, and stood to start undressing. “Good choice. I’d rather the two of us didn’t have bruises and rug burns the first time I meet your parents. You’re going to appreciate having the cushions under you for this, because I can assure you, I’m anything but passive.”
    Her eyes widened at his declaration, until he dropped his pants. Then her gaze followed the action and she looked far more interested in what was beneath them.
    Passive George was probably the type to keep the lights off and his socks on. Nathan made sure to do the opposite and was shortly standing in front of her lit by the glow of the Christmas tree and as naked as the day he was born.
    There were still too many clothes between them, though, and they were all hers.
    Not a problem. He was both determined and capable. He had her stripped of her jeans, bra, and panties in no time.
    He was about to lower himself over her when a realization hit. He let out a curse. “I didn’t bring anything with me.”
    His lack of protection wasn’t going to ruin tonight, but it would sure put a halt to the pending main event for a while. He would have to get dressed, drive to a store, buy some condoms, and