Tastes Like Sugar (Collier’s Creek Christmas)

Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

SULLY

My ass is killing me sitting on the wooden floorboards, but I don’t have it in me to drag myself away. It’s not even to do with my potential mortification of creaky bones and achy moans when I get up in front of Hayes.

No. It has everything to do with the adorable gray fox who’s so affectionate, I’m seriously considering ways to smuggle him away.

Jayne, Hayes’s mom, told me the baby fox is just five weeks old. The poor thing was found about a week back by a local. Its mom was lame, so the kindest thing to do was put it down, which left two babies. One had been too malnourished to save, so that left this little guy.

I stroke the fox’s soft fur and glance up to find Hayes leaning against the kitchen counter. He’s watching me, a lazy grin on his face, arms folded across his chest. I catch his eyes flicking to where my legs are awkwardly folded beneath me, like he’s waiting for me to give up and ask for help getting off the floor.

“I’m going to need a forklift to get me up,” I mutter, half to myself, half to the fox. The little guy nuzzles into my hand, clearly uninterested in my plight.

“You know,” Hayes says, pushing off the counter and strolling toward me, “I think you’ve got a future as a fox whisperer. My mom’s gonna be jealous.”

I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling despite myself. “Please, your mom’s the one who has a way with animals. I just happen to be the closest warm body.”

Hayes crouches down beside me, close enough that his knee brushes against my thigh. It’s a small touch, but my skin warms from the contact. His hand moves to join mine in lightly stroking the fox’s back. “I dunno. He seems pretty attached to you. Maybe he’s trying to tell you something.”

I raise an eyebrow, keeping my voice light. “Like what? ‘Take me home with you’?”

“Could be,” Hayes says, his voice lower now. “Or maybe he’s saying you belong out here, in Collier’s. With him. With… us.”

There’s a beat of silence, and I pretend to focus on the fox. The weight of Hayes’s words hangs between us. I’ve been trying to convince myself that starting something with him would be a bad idea. But every time he looks at me like this, every time he touches me, it gets harder to hold on to that belief.

I clear my throat, willing my voice to stay steady. “You’re gonna make me sound like I’m collecting strays. First, a fox. Next, a puppy.”

Hayes grins, his gaze sliding to meet mine. “Maybe that’s not a bad idea. You’ve got space now that you live out of the city, right? So what’s stopping you?”

“I don’t know,” I say honestly, though obviously I need my own home first. “I’ve never really had pets. I’ve always been too busy or lived in places where it didn’t make sense. But….” I trail off, thinking about my new life here, the quiet that’s both comforting and a little overwhelming. “It might be nice.”

Hayes shifts closer, his arm grazing mine as he reaches over to scratch the fox behind its ears. “I had a dog, growing up,” he says, his tone softening. “Old golden retriever named Buddy. He was the best. Always followed me around, slept on the foot of my bed…. God, I loved that dog.”

His voice is warm, nostalgic, and I relax even further, drawn in by the glimpse of his childhood. “Sounds like a good companion.”

“Yeah,” Hayes says, his eyes lingering on me. “He was. You know, pets make a place feel like home. Not that I’m trying to sell you on the idea, but… I don’t think it’d be a bad thing for you. To have something waiting for you at home.”

There’s a quiet sincerity in his words, and for a moment, I let myself imagine it. Coming home from work to a dog. A routine that’s not about rushing to meet some deadline but enjoying the slower pace of life here. It’s… tempting.

“What about you?” I ask, turning the question back on him. “You ever think about getting another dog?”

Hayes shrugs, but there’s a gleam in his eye. “Maybe one day. But I’d have to find someone willing to help out with it. Dogs need attention, you know.”

I bite back a laugh, shaking my head at his not-so-subtle flirtation. “So, this is your plan? Convince me to get a dog so you can hang around more?”

He flashes me the crooked grin that always seems to disarm me. “Well, I wasn’t gonna say it outright, but… if the shoe fits.”

I shake my head, unable to stop the smile tugging at my lips. “You’re impossible.”

“Impossible or charming?” he asks, leaning in just enough that I feel the warmth of his breath on my cheek.

My heart skips a beat, and for a second, I can’t think of a clever reply. I glance toward the kitchen, where Jayne and her wife are busying themselves with dinner, chatting away but very much within earshot. This whole thing—being here with Hayes, his mom knowing about us, the way he’s so openly flirting—it’s starting to feel super real.

“I don’t know,” I murmur, turning back to the fox in my lap. “You tell me.”

Hayes’s hand brushes mine again, lingering just long enough to make it clear that he’s not backing off anytime soon. “I think you’re figuring it out.”

The tension between us crackles, but it’s the kind of tension that feels more like anticipation than anything else. I know I should probably say something to deflect, to remind him—or myself—of why this is a bad idea. But sitting here with this fox, Hayes so close, his playful smile softening into something more sincere… it doesn’t feel like a bad idea at all.

And that’s what scares me the most. Though, to be fair, my fear is starting to feel a little more like nervous excitement. Like possibility.

“Michael, honey.”

Hayes whips his head up and peers over at his mom. “Yeah, Mom?”

Knowing just how this looks, a blush hits my cheeks.

“You need to think about staying the night. The snow’s coming down fast and heavy.”

I peer out the window as Steph adds, “I’m not sure how much we can trust the forecast, since they got this snow dump wrong, but it looks like it’s not likely to die off until early in the morning. It won’t be fun driving in it, that’s for sure.”

Visibility is pretty bad. I can’t even see Hayes’s truck.

But staying here…? Not going to lie, it feels awkward. But better awkward than being out in this weather, right?

Still beside me on the hard floor—I really do need to get up soon, as my ass is numb—Hayes makes eye contact as he asks, “What do you think?”

“I trust you to make the right call,” I say with a shrug. “This whole whiteout thing is new to me. If I were by myself, not a chance I’d attempt to drive in it. Hell, I’m dreading driving in the snow to get to work from my sister’s.”

“You haven’t driven in the snow before?”

I shake my head.

“I’ll give you a few lessons.” He nods as though he’s settling on a plan.

“You will, huh?” Amusement trickles into my tone. I swear, it’s easy to forget he’s so many years younger than I am. To be fair, that only happens sometimes. Though, in truth, when he gets distracted and goes off on tangents, I suspect that’s a Hayes thing and has nothing to do with his age.

Hell, the man’s in his thirties. He’s not a child.

Plus there’s the whole firefighter hero thing he has going for him.

A sheepish expression appears along with a shy smile. “Uhm, would you like for me to give you a few lessons sometime?”

He’s sweet as hell. “Yeah. That’d be great.”

His smile expands, so bright and genuine that I melt a little more. Hayes is impossible not to fall for.

“Okay, great. Perhaps next week, we can?—”

Steph clearing her throat pulls him up short.

“Right, so yeah, are you okay to stay the night?” he asks me. “It might be best. It’s already going dark.”

I nod, more than okay with that despite the flutter of nerves coming to life in my gut.

“Perfect.” Steph claps her hands, drawing our attention to her. She’s smiling at her stepson with complete affection. “You’ll both be in the cabin.”

Hayes shifts uncomfortably at my side. He parts his lips as though to speak.

“The spare bedroom in the house is a disaster.” His mom sounds positively gleeful. “It’s become little more than a dumping ground?—”

“Animal sanctuary is probably more appropriate,” Steph tags on.

“I’ll just be grateful to have somewhere warm and a bed to sleep in, thank you.” I saw the cabin earlier. It’s cozy but has a chimney, so I’m assuming it’ll be warm.

“Great. Now that’s settled, how about we get ready to eat? Sully, we’ve made sure every single tree nut is out of sight.”

My eyes widen at that. Though, I don’t know why. Time and time again, Hayes has proven to be incredibly thoughtful. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

She smiles before turning to her son. “Michael, you want to show Sully where the bathroom is to wash up?”

“Sure thing, Mom.” He jumps up, ridiculously agile. He takes the cute fox from me and places him in the small crate near the fire. Meanwhile, I’m mentally preparing myself to move and willing my limbs to behave.

I’ve got this. Clumsily and with no grace, most likely, but I’ve definitely?—

“Here.” Hayes’s palm appears before me, urging me to grasp and hold on.

Like fuck am I letting him lift me up. Sure, he may have seen me naked, but pulling my ass up off the floor means he’ll figure out just how many extra pounds I’m carrying, or worse, how I grunt and groan when gravity decides to be particularly cruel. I hesitate, looking at his hand like it’s a challenge I’m not quite ready to take on.

“I’m fine,” I say, though even I can hear the reluctance in my voice. I brace my palms against the floor, trying to push myself up, but I can already tell this is going to end badly.

Hayes doesn’t say a word. He just tilts his head, one eyebrow raised like he’s not buying a second of my resistance. Before I can protest again, his hand grips mine firmly, and in one smooth, effortless motion, he pulls me up.

It’s… easy. Too easy. The kind of easy that makes my brain go quiet because I’ve been so focused on dreading the humiliation that I’m not prepared for how quickly I’m back on my feet, face-to-face with him. Barely an inch between us.

I don’t have time to feel embarrassed. Not when I’m close enough to smell his scent—something fresh and woodsy, like soap and a hint of smoke from the fire. It’s intoxicating.

My hand is still in his.

I should let go, take a step back, make some space between us, but I don’t. Neither of us moves. Hayes is looking at me, that playful grin from earlier replaced by something quieter, more intent. I can feel the heat of his body, his steady presence filling the space around us.

“You good?” he asks, his voice low, soft, like he, too, is suddenly aware of how close we are.

I nod, but I don’t entirely trust myself to speak just yet. I’m too aware of him—of the warmth of his hand in mine, of the way his eyes seem to flicker between mine, searching for… something.

“You sure?” he teases, though there’s something behind his words that lingers, like he’s asking about more than just whether I’m steady on my feet.

“Yeah,” I manage, finally releasing his hand, but the sensation of it stays with me longer than I want to admit. “I’m good.”

“Good.” Hayes’s smile softens, and he steps back, giving me space to breathe, though I already miss the closeness.

I clear my throat, trying to shake off the remaining tension. “Lead the way, then.”

He shoots me one last look—something knowing, like he’s fully mindful of the effect he has on me—before turning toward the hallway. I follow, trying to focus on anything other than the fact that being close to him is becoming harder and harder to resist.

And that’s something I can’t afford to dwell on right now.

Not when my gaze keeps drifting to his ass and how fine he looks in his Wranglers. Jesus, jeans like that should be illegal. They cup his ass, making me envious of the fabric. I’m lucky enough to know what his butt looks like in the flesh, what it feels like in my palms.

My dick stirs, and I snap my attention away immediately, only to make eye contact with Steph.

Her lips are clamped between her teeth, and amusement is alight in her gaze.

I’m busted. Completely, humiliatingly busted.

But hell, Hayes’s ass is delectable.

Ignoring the heat creeping up my neck, I simply shrug, feigning just how carefree I feel when I really want the floor to open up and swallow me whole.

When she snorts and shakes her head, her amusement obvious, I figure I’m in the clear. I pick up my pace and join Hayes to wash up for dinner.

“Fuck, it’s freezing.”

Another “no shit, Sherlock” moment, I suspect, but it’s impossible to ignore just how cold it is. The small cabin is probably a hundred yards from the main house, but it feels like I’ve got shards of ice slicing into me with every yard.

The snow hasn’t let up, but it has changed. It’s no longer pretty and fluffy. With the increased wind, it’s like tiny daggers of freezing glass being propelled our way. Only a slight exaggeration, but if we don’t get inside soon, either my nose or my dick is going to drop off.

Heck, maybe both.

Hayes chuckles at my side, not seeming the least bit perturbed by the Titanic-iceberg level of cold it is. “It’s barely November.”

“Meaning?” I ask as our feet finally hit the small wooden porch of the cabin.

“Meaning, Sully, if you think this is cold, we’re going to have to get you one of those sleeping-bag coats to survive when the winter really hits.”

I glance at his expression as he pushes open the door. Shit, he’s not joking. He’s amused for sure, but he’s telling the truth. As the warmth of the house wraps around me—Hayes lit the fire about an hour ago—I don’t have it in me to care right now.

All I want is to heat up in front of the incredible fire blazing in the cute hearth in the corner of the small, open-plan room.

I tug off my coat, taking it all in.

It’s rustic but clearly well cared for. The furniture is well-worn and looks super comfortable. There’s a flat-screen TV on the wall, so while there’s an old charm to the place, it’s fitted with all the modern conveniences both in the sitting area and the kitchen.

“The bathroom’s through there.” Hayes points toward a closed door. “The water pressure is great. Steph fitted a new pump last year. The hot-water system is awesome too.”

“A hot shower is tempting.”

Hayes swipes his tongue over his bottom lip—just the tip and just enough to make it crystal clear he’s thinking of me naked in the shower. I might feel like I’m in a little over my head with Hayes due to the whole drop-dead-gorgeous factor and the my-nephew’s-best-friend reality, which still makes me wince, but I’ve been around the block a few times, and I know what chemistry looks and feels like.

The thing with Hayes, though, is that I’m not sure I’ve felt it quite so strongly before.

That doesn’t hold me back from asking, “The bedroom?”

He rubs his palm over the back of his neck, a hint of unease in his posture. I raise my brows in surprise at his reaction. Hayes is the epitome of confidence. Cocky, almost.

“Well, one of the couches turns into a bed.” He gives a one-shoulder shrug.

I press my lips together, understanding immediately what he’s avoided saying until now. “And the bedroom?”

He searches my expression. Whatever he sees has his shoulders relaxing a fraction and a dangerously sexy smirk forming. “One extra-comfortable bed that’s big enough for two.”

I huff out a laugh, relishing the lightness of how easy it is to tease and flirt with Hayes.

“How about you find me that change of clothes you promised me, let me shower, and we’ll figure it out?” I’m bullshitting the both of us. Of course I’m going to share a bed with him. What’s more is, I have no plans to keep my hands to myself either.

Hayes is completely responsible for my actions and lack of control.

From the moment he collected me early this afternoon, he’s showed me the kind of attention that’s kept my heart beating fast while somehow simultaneously making me feel at ease and comfortable. And don’t even get me started on how he’s taken every opportunity to touch me, care for me, and get to know me better.

I’ve lapped up his attention like a starving man, and I can’t kid myself that he’s just on a mission to get me riding his cock. He absolutely doesn’t just want that. The last time was explosive, and I hope to find out very soon how much better the second time will be.

But back to his thoughtfulness, his kindness… that’s all him, Hayes, the man who’s as gorgeous inside as he is in his uniform and naked. Meeting his mom simply confirmed that.

“Okay.” His tone is gruff, a level deeper than it was a moment ago. “Do you want dessert when you get out?”

My smile is wide. My laugh is loud.

A frown appears when he takes in my reaction, confusion dancing in his expression, but it’s only there for a few seconds before, once again, a sweet pink touches his cheeks. Yeah, I have little doubt he remembers where his last offer of dessert got us.

“So, is that a yes?”

Gravel. Sinful, delectable gravel. Goose bumps appear on my arms, and I swallow hard, the gulp audible despite the crackling fire.

Bolstered by the heat in his gaze and the zap of combustible awareness between us, I step into his space.

Nothing this good can be wrong. I know it deep in my gut.

It’s tempting to lean in and capture his mouth, but if I do, we won’t stop. I’ll be flat on my back or on my knees. Either way sounds phenomenal, but first, I really want to shower. If I prep, too, well, the quicker we can blow each other’s minds.

“That’s a ‘dust off whatever bottle of lube you have squirreled away here, and I’ll be back in ten minutes.’” With a racing pulse and a shaky breath, I step back.

Before I escape into the bathroom, Hayes calls my name. I glance over my shoulder at him, drinking the man in. Fuck, he’s beautiful. “Yeah?”

“Let’s not bother with the change of clothes.” With that, he unbuckles his belt and undoes the button on his jeans.

Fuck.

It takes every ounce of my willpower to get myself in the bathroom, but I do so, knowing it’ll be worth it. Hayes makes me feel sexy and wanted, and I want to be able to relax into each touch tonight.

Now that I’ve made up my mind that I don’t want to keep pretending, I want it all.

I make fast work of cleaning myself up. By the time I’m done, my skin is pink, my face is flushed, and my hard cock is jutting out, ready for attention.

I take a quick look in the mirror and a shaky breath. My eyes are bright, a little wild, and fuck if that doesn’t give me the boost I need to push away any insecurities I have about my soft stomach.

A few steps later, I find Hayes in the bedroom. On top of the sheets, legs slightly parted and completely naked, he really does look like my wet dream come to life. He’s cupping his balls, playing gently, and doesn’t stop when his gaze lands on me.

“Remind me to ask to see those calendars.” I quirk my brow. Sure, I’m teasing, but I definitely want to get my hands on every single charity calendar he’s featured in. I wonder if I can get back copies.

He chuckles, his heated gaze unwavering. “Even when you’re the only one to get the real thing?”

A Big-Dipper-sized drop happens in my gut.

The only one .

His words are heady. They’re also all I need to get my ass moving and on the bed.

I don’t overthink. I focus on how he makes me feel and what I want to do to this man.

The teasing between us is easy, familiar, charged with the kind of playfulness that only comes from knowing each other intimately. Hayes’s grin widens as I crawl up the bed toward him, grazing my fingers along the edge of the sheet before dipping them lower to trail against the inside of his thigh. His skin is warm, goose bumps following in the wake of my touch.

He shifts, still cupping himself lazily but allowing me access, like he’s offering up his body as a gift. “Do you always like to take your time?” he murmurs, voice low, laced with amusement. “You going to make me beg?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” My smirk doesn’t hide the heat rising inside me. I slide my hand higher, brushing his cock with just enough pressure to tease. He lets out a soft, content sigh, the sound like music to my ears.

“Good,” he groans, arching a little as I stroke him with more intent. His hand falls away, giving me full rein over him. “I don’t think I could handle the waiting. Two weeks is already more than I can bear.”

There’s a familiar thrill in hearing his need, in knowing exactly what to do to drive him wild. Leaning over, I drag my tongue up his chest, tasting the salt of his skin before capturing his lips in a deep, slow kiss. His fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer as his hips rise instinctively, desperate for more contact.

“Impatient?” I murmur against his mouth, still playing with him, tracing the length of his shaft, knowing just when to tighten my grip to elicit that sweet gasp I love.

“You’re cruel,” he pants, though there’s no real bite to his words. His body betrays him, pushing into my touch, seeking more. “But damn, you’re worth it.”

I chuckle, feeling his chest rise and fall under mine as I kiss a path down his body, nipping at the sensitive spots I plan to memorize. His muscles tense under my lips, a quiet whimper escaping as I take him fully in hand. I love how responsive he is, how he gives himself over without hesitation. My control over him, the way he trusts me, makes the heat between us almost unbearable.

The sound of the lube cap clicking open is met with a low, drawn-out moan from Hayes. His head falls back against the pillow, eyes half lidded as he watches me slick my hand. “Fuck, you look good like that,” he breathes. His voice is rough, almost reverent.

“Like what?”

“Like you know exactly what you’re doing. Like you’re in control, and I’m just along for the ride.”

The corner of my mouth quirks up at his words. “Maybe you are.”

I don’t give him time to respond before I take him into my mouth, his length sliding between my lips as I work his base with my hand. His whole body tenses, fingers tightening in my hair as he lets out a strangled groan. His taste, his scent, the way his muscles flex and shudder—it’s all intoxicating, and I know he’s on the edge.

Hayes shifts beneath me, a tremor running through his frame as I hollow my cheeks, increasing the pressure. His breathing is ragged, the slick sounds of my mouth on him mingling with his soft curses. The way he’s trying so hard to hold on only drives me to push him further, slipping my fingers lower, tracing the sensitive area behind his balls before pressing them inside him.

“Shit—” His breath hitches as I work him, finding the rhythm that I hope will make him fall apart. “I can't?—”

“You can,” I whisper, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. The desperation there, the need, sends a rush of heat straight to my core. “I’ve got you.”

And then, with an agonizing slowness, I start to move. Each thrust of my fingers, each glide of my mouth, is deliberate, calculated. He bucks against me, lost in the pleasure, and I can feel him getting closer, his entire body strung tight like a bow.

Just as he’s about to tip over the edge, I stop, pulling away with a smirk that earns me a frustrated growl. “Fuck,” he gasps, half laughing, half begging.

“I love watching you come undone,” I answer, my voice rough with my own need. I kiss him again, slow and deep, and his lips move against mine with a hunger that mirrors my own.

He flips me onto my back with a growl, and before I can catch my breath, he’s over me, his cock brushing against my entrance along with lubed fingers I didn’t even realize he’d slicked.

“You prepped.” Awe colors his words and sends a fresh bolt of need to my cock. His gaze locks with mine, intense and dark, and I nod, giving him the permission he doesn’t need but asks for anyway.

With one slow thrust, he’s inside me, and I gasp, gripping his shoulders as he fills me completely. There’s no hesitation now, no teasing—just the raw, unrelenting need between us. Hayes moves with a rhythm that’s wild, his breath hot against my neck as he murmurs praises and curses into my ear.

I’m lost in him, in the way he feels, in the way his body fits perfectly with mine. Each thrust sends waves of pleasure coursing through me, and I can barely hold on, the pressure building, coiling tighter and tighter until I’m right on the brink.

“Come for me,” he whispers, his lips brushing my ear. His voice is low, commanding, and it's all I need. I let go, my release crashing over me as his follows, our bodies moving together in perfect harmony.

We collapse in a tangle of limbs, breathless and spent, the room filled with the sounds of our ragged breathing. He presses a soft kiss to my forehead, his hand still resting possessively on my hip.

“I think I might keep you,” he murmurs, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.

“Okay,” I reply, knowing there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than right here with him.