His Curvy Candy Cane (F*** Under The Mistletoe)

Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

Ethan

I’d resisted for long enough.

Since the moment I saw her, I’d wanted to kiss her, touch her, and love her. Claim her as mine.

My hesitations were based on my past, but how long could I ignore the pulsating desire between us?

It drove me crazy how often she ran through my mind every day, but I couldn’t shake the thought of how special she was. Maybe I’d never figure out what it was about her, but one thing I knew for sure was that I waited, and my feelings hadn’t subsided in the least bit.

Our first kiss needed to be special, not at the town Christmas party where anyone could see. I wasn’t letting her out of my sight for the rest of the evening because I would get a kiss from her before the night ended. Without the town as an audience.

Instead, I took her by the hand, led her outside, and gave her a tour of the Christmas village.

“Did the place you lived before moving here celebrate the holiday like this?” I asked her as she looked around with wide eyes full of wonder.

“No, not at all. I mean, the city was decorated of course, with a large Christmas tree in the center, but nothing like this. I was never big on celebrating it myself, either, for various reasons. But coming here…it awakens a spirit inside you. It’s almost contagious.”

“Believe me, it is. I loved it when I was a kid, but after my father passed away, I kind of lost the joy in it. Only recently have I started to enjoy it again.”

“I’m sorry about your father, Ethan. That must’ve been hard.”

“Thank you, it was. My mom was never around, so he was my whole world, you know?”

Elise averted her gaze for a moment, and when she looked at me again, her eyes filled with tears. “I get it. More than I’d like to, unfortunately.” She sighed before she continued. “I never knew my parents. Grew up in the system, was never adopted, and when I left the orphanage at eighteen with a boy I thought loved me, I couldn’t have been more wrong. So the holidays were always a source of pain for me. But I want to change that narrative now. When I become a mom one day, I want my kids to experience the joys of the holidays.”

“Damn, Elise. I’m so sorry. I-I had no idea.”

“No apology needed. How could you know? The guy I thought loved me turned out to be a huge asshole. I stayed for a while, afraid of where I’d go or what I’d do for money. But eventually, when I couldn’t take his hurtful words any longer, I left. Had to grow up quickly. It was definitely a reality check of life on your own. But I made it.”

“You certainly did make it. And I’d say you did pretty well. Appleridge is a great place to call home. And the perfect place to find joy in the holidays.”

“I’m starting to see that.” Elise’s smile was full of melancholy, and I wanted to wrap her in my arms and never let go.

“I’m sorry life hasn’t dealt you many good hands. But I’m confident this town will bring a lot of positivity to your life.”

Elise giggled, and it was both cute and sexy at the same time. “You really enjoy living here, huh?”

I nodded. “It’s home. It’s all I’ve ever known.”

“Makes sense why people stay. The warm hospitality of the residents has pleasantly surprised me.”

“I agree. The feeling of community, of having everything you need right around you, and knowing people will be there for you when you need it is irreplaceable.” I loved how Elise liked the same things I treasured about Appleridge. “Some people hate it, but not me.”

“How could anyone hate it? It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

“I’ve dated quite a few who’ll list every detail of why they couldn’t stand living here.”

“Have you now?”

“Yep. They’ll say things like it’s suffocating, there’s no privacy, no room for growth. Trust me, I’ve heard it all. Most of the time, it seemed like they only wanted me for my money or sex. But that wasn’t happening, no way. I’ve worked way too damn hard to get where I am today. The last one said to me, so this is it? You’re just going to stay in this little ant town and be a mechanic forever? I looked at her like she grew three heads and said, yeah, it’s my home, and I make a damn good living.”

“Good for you, Ethan! Tell those bitches!” Elise pumped a fist in the air, and we both laughed. “I think this little ant town is amazing.”

“I think you’re pretty amazing,” I said as we reached the hot cocoa stand. Elise blushed and kept smiling. Fuck, she was gorgeous. Every incredibly sexy curve made my mouth water and my dick hard.

I’d made up my mind.

I was taking her to bed tonight.

I called us a cab because neither of us was in any shape to drive, and we sort of lost the friends we came with. But seeing as we’re neighbors, it worked out.

The cab ride home felt like a lifetime. All I could think about was getting her naked. I prayed the huge swell in my pants had gone unnoticed, but with the looks Elise kept giving me, I highly doubted it. The poor cab driver must sense the sexual tension growing in spades by the second.

When we finally arrived, it had started to snow.

I offered her a hand and guided her out of the car, and she giggled as she stumbled out.

“Ah! It’s snowing!” Elise said as she twirled around while still holding my hand. “Is the place always so damn perfect?”

“Pretty much, yeah. But you know what would make it even more perfect?”

“Umm, a horse-drawn sleigh ride?” Elise’s eyes lit up, and the tip of her nose turned pink. Snowflakes fell all around us, and a few landed on her eyelashes.

“That would be nice, but I’ve never seen one around here.”

“Oh! I know! If we slow danced under the falling snow and moonlight?”

I gently placed my hands on her hips and watched her reaction. Her ample curves were more than enough for my large hands. She smiled lazily and stepped closer. Apparently, she didn’t mind.

I chuckled. “Another good idea, but not quite what I had in mind. I was thinking more along the lines of you joining me in my bed tonight.”

Elise gasped. Her eyes dropped down to my mouth and back up again. “Umm…”

Seconds ticked by, and each one felt like an eternity.

When I couldn’t stand it anymore, I dipped my head down. I was so close, our breaths mixed and our chests rose and fell in succession.

Without another thought, I leaned in and kissed her.