Christmas with the Mountain Man (Log Cabin Christmas)

Chapter 7

Lacey

Waking up to Tate’s smile is enough to make my stomach do little backflips and leave me with a giddy school girl grin. At some point in the middle of the night he had woken me with little kisses and was in an incorrigible teasing mood as he turned me over and over in his large hands. Planting kisses in my soft flesh. Making me squeal with delight and then moan with pleasure. And then we made love once again. It is crazy how quickly my body was ready for more. He took his time. Teasing out every moment. Making me beg for more. For him to go faster and harder but he was determined to play. Playing my body like an instrument. Touching me everywhere, learning all my most sensitive spots. Until finally he fucked me hard, sending me into body shaking orgasm after orgasm.

I might be feeling a bit sore this morning but I am also feeling more relaxed than I have in a long time. We had talked between love making sessions. Held in his arms in the dark cabin, I was able to tell him a little bit about my childhood, moving from home to home. Why I don’t like Christmas as it is always disappointing. He told me about the army and his family and how they all come together for a big feast on Christmas Eve.

He also told me that I don’t need to be alone anymore. That he wants me to stay up here on the mountain so we can get to know each other better. And it is re-thinking over that conversation that has me quiet on the trip back down the mountain.

Do I want to fall so fast for a guy I barely know?

Would this just be another disappointment in my life?

Isn't it better to cut and run with memories of our one glorious night together, rather than risk being hurt later on?

Tate pulls his truck up in front of the hotel, cuts the engine and turns to look at me. It kills me how handsome he is. There is an uncomfortable feeling in my guts that I might be the reason he looks suddenly unsure of himself.

“Can I come in?” He asks.

I shake my head. “I just need to think. And shower. And sleep.” I smile thinking of how we had been up most of the night wrapped in each other's arms. “It’s a lot for me. Last night, the things we did and said. I just need time to process it all.”

He smiles and I feel he understands. I like that he doesn’t push me for more right now.

“It’s Christmas Eve tonight. I’d really like it if you came to dinner?” His deep voice is soothing and sexy.

“It should just be family.” I already feel nervous. I hate Christmas with other people’s families.

“Everyone is welcome. If mom hears there is a young lady in town with nowhere to go for Christmas dinner she’d have a fit. Honestly, we often have guests, it’s not just family.”

I agree he can pick me up later. Last night we opened up to each other and shared everything. I feel I can trust Tate and I want to be with him. But still, all those old feelings, a lifetime of rejection, it’s all there bubbling under the surface.

That evening I wait nervously in front of the hotel, wringing my hands and wondering how I came to be here. Looking down main street there is Christmas everywhere. It has started to snow and the town looks like something out of a Christmas postcard. The big Christmas garlands that line the street have a fine mist of white snow, shop windows are lit by fairy lights and all the doors feature big Christmas wreaths. The tree in the town square is lit with a thousand tiny lights, all reflecting off baubles of different sizes and colors.

And here I am. The orphan who hates Christmas. Waiting to be picked up for a Christmas Eve family dinner of all things. When Tate pulls up in his big truck, he jumps down from the driver seat and puts his big hands on my arms, looking deeply into my face.

And then there is that little, sexy half smile and I feel that things might be okay. “You look ready to run Lacey Lane. But I promise you, this isn’t as scary as you're imagining.”

With a finger under my chin he turns my face up to his and kisses me. Right there in the street with little snowflakes falling all around us. And with his lips on mine, his warmth around me, I can almost believe everything might be alright.

The house is like something out of a movie. Big with beautiful lawns and gardens in the front. The porch is decorated for Christmas with garlands, wreaths and little Christmas elves everywhere. Inside we are hit with the smell of Christmas dinner and Tate’s mom greets us wearing a Christmas apron, a big smile, a warm hug.

“Lacey, it’s so good to meet you. Come in and make yourself at home. Our Tate has told us all about your little adventure.”

I feel my face go red but she is already leading us through to the kitchen.

“Everyone is here. My sister and her whole family. So it’s a full house.”

Tate gives me a little look I don’t quite understand. But he puts a warm hand on my lower back as he leads me through to the family room packed with people. I met Tate’s brother and sister, and then his cousins. It’s when we turn to a well dressed man and a woman around my age that Tate’s hand grips the back of my shirt as he makes the introductions.

“Lacey, this is my cousin Jilly. And… this is Roman Fitzgerald.”

Now I understand. Tate gives me that look again and I suddenly feel like laughing. I put on a big smile and shake the couple’s hands. Sending Tate a cheeky grin, “Roman Fitzgerald. It is very nice to meet you.”

From Tate’s grip on my shirt I know he expects me to whip out my phone and start drilling the poor billionaire with questions. But I am feeling too many other things to worry about my article today. I look around at this room filled with Tate’s family. Filled with love and joy. I have always declined Christmas invitations. I’ve always thought that it would hurt too much. But to be here with Tate, it feels different. There is a twinge of pain. So this is what it is like to be a part of something? But Tate doesn’t take his eyes off me. His protective strength keeps me strong.

Before dinner, Benson Blake also turns up. Tate stands up to embrace him, the two are obviously friends. And this time Tate brings Benson over and introduces me. There is a little awkward moment where I apologize to him and to Jesse, for having chased her down the street.

It was a wonderful meal, Tate’s family are a loud bunch with lots of teasing going on between the brothers and cousins. With all the laughter and merriment it is impossible to feel anything but happy. That is, until it was announced that they will do presents. One gift each, that is the tradition on Christmas Eve.