Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
His expression drops, fading into shock. “What did you just say?”
My smile spreads. “I bought the store,” I tell him again. “I’ve been considering it for a while now. I love Passion Falls, and I adore the store. But most importantly…” Pausing, I lift my hand to his face. “I love you and Poppy and I can’t imagine going a day without seeing either of you.”
A heavy breath explodes from his chest, the sound echoing with relief. “Thank christ!”
Laughter escapes me as he lifts me off my feet, his lips capturing mine in another searing kiss.
Sighing, I savor the moment and him, feeling fate fall into place.
“What’s all the commotion about?” Poppy interrupts, shamelessly timing her entrance without an ounce of remorse. It’s one of the things I love most about her.
Mike sets me down, allowing me to be the one to share the news.
“You are looking at the proud new owner of The Spirit of Christmas.”
Her gasp fills the room. “Really? You bought the store?”
Smiling, I nod. “And I’ll need a sidekick to help me run the place. Think you’re up for the challenge?”
“Boy, am I ever!” She runs toward me, her excitement palpable.
Dropping to my knees, I meet her with open arms. She dives into my embrace, hugging me tight as I sweep her off her feet.
“I knew you wouldn’t leave us,” she says. “I just knew it.”
My throat burns with emotion all over again, her faith in me meaning more than she will ever know.
Poppy breaks our hug just long enough to include Mike. “Get over here, ya big lug!”
Smirking, he steps forward, enveloping us both in his strong arms, making this moment even more beautiful.
“My favorite family,” she adds softly, squeezing us tighter.
It’s a powerful declaration for three people who only just met, yet nothing has ever felt righter.
As I gaze back at Mike, I see the same knowledge reflected in his eyes and know with every fiber of my being that no matter where we go from here, it will always be together because life without these two just wouldn’t make sense.
Hollis
Christmas morning
“Guys, wake up! Santa came.” Poppy’s excitement jolts me awake, banishing the remnants of sleep.
A deep groan resonates behind me, the vibration a gentle caress against my back, as I find myself enveloped in my favorite warmth.
Smiling, I roll over to see Mike’s eyes still peacefully closed, granting me a rare moment to admire his sheer perfection this early in the morning. Tousled brown hair drapes softly over his forehead, lending a tender touch to his typically sharp features, while a day’s worth of stubble traces his chiseled jawline.
His well-defined chest and sculpted abs are on full display, the sight a vivid reminder of how they felt against me during our passionate moments throughout the night.
As if sensing my gaze, he cracks an eye open, peeking up at me. A lazy grin tugs at his lips. “Merry Christmas, California,” he croaks, his voice low and throaty with sleep.
“Merry Christmas,” I whisper, dropping a kiss on his chest.
His fingers thread into my hair, the tender gesture warming my heart. “What time is it?” he murmurs.
Lifting my head, I glance at the bedside clock over his shoulder. “Quarter to six,” I reveal.
“Jesus.”
I chuckle at his gruff response. “She can’t help herself. She’s excited to open her gifts.”
If I’m being honest, I am too. I can’t wait for her to see what Mike and I got her.
“Yeah, well, I’m excited for you to unwrap mine.” He rolls me beneath him, making his intention more than clear.
Laughter escapes me, but it fades into a hushed moan at the feel of his hard length pressing between my thighs.
It was only a few hours ago that this man was inside of me, and yet I crave to feel him again, to experience the connection that completes me, body and soul. His lips trail along the delicate skin of my neck, further amplifying that need.
Before we can get too carried away, Poppy charges through the door, jumping onto the bed with boundless energy. “Come on, you two. The day’s wasting, and I’ve got some presents down there with my name on them.”
Mike yanks her foot out from beneath her, eliciting a laugh. “And I had a perfectly good pillow with my name on it, before you ruined it,” he mocks, teasingly.
“You have your whole life to sleep,” she counters. “Christmas only comes once a year.”
I arch a brow, locking eyes with him. “She has a point.”
He grunts his disagreement but accepts defeat. “All right, let’s go.”
“Yes!” she cheers.
After throwing on some sweats, he hoists Poppy onto his back, and carries her downstairs, giving me time to freshen up. I make it quick, not wanting to keep her waiting longer than necessary.
A steaming cup of coffee awaits me as I join them in the living room, a cozy haven adorned with colorful wrapping paper and white twinkling lights.