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Jenna couldn’t believe Lance was taking this long to bring her son home. Didn’t he understand how anxious she was? Where the hell did her son go? She wouldn’t get any answers until they came home. Her gaze settled on the clock, then flittered away as she paced the floor. Her fingers jerked on the cell phone she held in her hand. If he didn’t show up in the next five minutes, she would call him to check. She wanted to run her hands over Jayden’s sweet, innocent face and hug him.
He must have gone away after seeing Lance in the house. Maybe he saw them through the window having lunch. If he felt so strongly against Lance, there was no way she could continue with this relationship. Sure, she wanted to work things out with Lance, but not at the cost of Jayden’s happiness. Lance would have to understand.
Leaving him would break her heart.
But if anything happened to Jayden, she would lose her life and soul.
Lance was the only man who made her feel as if she could be happy again, that she could find happiness again with another person. She would never find a man like him again. He was wonderful and sweet. But damn it to hell! She couldn’t keep seeing him if Jayden didn’t accept him.
Where were they?
As she lifted the phone, intending to dial the number, the doorbell rang. Rushing over, she opened the door. “Jayden!” She yanked her son into her arms and showered him with kisses. His skin felt cold but otherwise, he looked well. “Oh, Jayden, Jayden.”
“I’m all right, mom.” He wriggled in her arms, embarrassed by her display of affection. But he didn’t pull away. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”
She kissed his cheeks, stroked her fingers down his arms and gazed into his dark eyes. He was back in her house. He seemed to be fine. It’s all that mattered for now. Tears sprang to her eyes, but she pushed them back. She didn’t want to scare him. “Are you okay, honey? How could you do this? Where did you go?” Anger simmered now, but it wasn’t enough to wipe away the concern that echoed in her voice.
“I went to the bank.”
Much to her surprise, Jayden held Lance’s hand and tugged him inside. It was only then that Jenna realized they were still at the door. “Let’s go in.” She led the way. “Let’s sit in the kitchen.” They both followed. Everyone sat at the kitchen table. How the hell did one talk about this? Nothing in her years of parenthood prepared her for this moment. “I’m going to make hot cocoa.” She needed to keep her hands busy. If she didn’t, she would probably behave in a way that would frighten Jayden and she didn’t want to do that. “So, tell me what happened, honey? Why did you go to the bank?”
Instead of answering, Jayden glanced at Lance. “Should we?”
“I think it’s time.” He placed a large envelope on the table. “This belongs to you.”
“What is that?” she asked.
“You’ll get your answers when you read it.” Lance gestured towards the envelope.
Jenna poured the cocoa into three cups. She placed them on the table and snatched the envelope. Fine! She would glance at the documents, but then she needed an explanation for Jayden’s behavior, for the delay in getting him home and for the wicked grins they wore on their faces. After sliding out the papers, she read them. Impatience simmered in her eyes—replaced by disbelief. She checked all the papers. Her hands trembled as she dropped them on the table and sat down. “What—is this?”
“It’s the loan’s approval,” Jayden announced in a happy voice. “They have given you the money to open your bakery. All you have to do is go over, sign a few papers, and then you can start your own business.”
Jenna heard her son but she couldn’t comprehend what he said. It sounded like gibberish, because her mind couldn’t seem to grasp it. “They granted me the loan?” She slapped a hand on her mouth. This couldn’t be real. “Oh, my God! How did that happen? What—what did you guys do?”
Lance put his hand on Jayden’s shoulder. “Let me begin from the beginning.” He told her about Jayden’s plan and the fact that he came across the boy when he was going to do the surveys. He then explained how Jayden couldn’t get into the bank and that Lance knew someone, a friend from school who was now the manager at another bank. “After Jayden showed his hard work and your proposal which he had saved from the trash can, my friend was convinced that you’re a good bet. They drew up a new set of papers for the loan at this bank. All he needed was a little nudge, which I gave when I signed a personal guarantee for your loan.”
She moistened her lips with her tongue. “A personal guarantee?”
“It’s not a big thing. Basically, they took my word that you would pay off.”
“But if I fail, you would have to pay the money?”
He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. His eyes spoke volumes.
Jenna could see he meant this.
His expression looked serious and sincere. “Why would you fail? You’re fantastic, hardworking, creative and amazing. And trust me; you’re going to make a fabulous success of this business. We have full faith in you, don’t we Jayden?”
Jayden’s eyes gleamed with amusement and joy. “Yes, mom, he’s right. You can do this. I know you can. And we both want you to make a success of this. It’s your dream and you should live it. And I can help too. I can come there after school and maybe serve behind the counter or something...”
Her laughter was full of disbelief and shock. “If I allowed you to do that, I would probably land in a lot of trouble. Young children are not supposed to work.”
“I could just sit there and do my homework then,” Jayden conceded. “And I could give you advice. It was supposed to be my Christmas present for you. I thought I would give it to you on Christmas day...but well, now, it’s a present from both of us.” He glanced at Lance. “We did it together, didn’t we?”
“We sure did, buddy.”
Picking up the papers again, Jenna studied them with care. The men in her life did something wonderful for her. “This is so...” Her heart felt full. “Thank you, guys!” She clutched the papers close to her heart. She frowned when she saw the grin on her son’s face. “This doesn’t mean you’re out of trouble, young man.”
“Yes, I know,” he replied in a glum voice. “Lance said I shaved off five years of his life. How many did I shave off yours?”
“Lance said that?” She gazed over at the man who brought her son back. “I think you must have shaved off ten from mine.”
“That many?” Jayden pursed his lips. “So, what do I get for that?”
She considered the question and sort of calculated. “You’re grounded for a month.”
Jayden sighed and leaned towards Lance. “See, I told you. A month.” He stood, looking forlorn and defeated. “I should start right away. The sooner the better. I love you, mom.” He came over to hug his mother. “I’m really sorry. It didn’t go the way I planned. I intended to come back before you found out that I wasn’t here.”
“That’s...” She shook her head. “Promise me that you won’t pull something like that ever again!”
“I already made a promise to Lance, but sure, I’ll make one to you too. Do you need help with dinner?”
She glanced at him, knowing he was trying to soften her up. “You can come down in a while and set the table.”
“Okay. Is Lance staying for dinner?”
Jenna ran a hand over her son’s face as if she still couldn’t believe that he was safe and back home in her embrace. My boy! My pride and joy! My life! “Sure, he can. If he wants to.”
“Lance wants to,” Lance piped in with a grin.
“See you guys.” Jayden bounded off.
Picking up his cup, Lance took a fortifying sip of the cocoa.
She knew they would have a further discussion on it. But honest to God, she didn’t know what to say. Jenna waited until Jayden went upstairs. She leaned back, picked up the papers again, and re-read them. “Thank you for bringing my son home.”
“You’re welcome. The boy has quite a determined streak. He set his mind on something and did it. The only thing he didn’t account for was the fact that he would get tired after walking to the bank.”
It was hard for her to accept that her little boy would be capable of hatching such a scheme. He did it with good intentions, but he could’ve been hurt or lost. Anything could have happened. Luckily for her, he was back, safe and sound. “And thank God for that. If he started to walk back in this weather and alone...” She shuddered at the thought. “I’m glad you found him when you did.”
“Yes. I’m glad too.”
Jenna slipped the papers back into the envelope and put her hand gently on it. It was a gift and yet, it lay heavy on her. “You know that I’m not supposed to accept this from you.”
“Why not?”
“Because of—”
“We’re in this together.” He cut her off. “You and me. It’s better if you accept it right now, or else we’re going to waste a lot of time going back and forth over it. I—” He slapped his hand on his forehead. “Oh, damn!” Lance plucked out some papers from his jacket pocket and put them in front of her. “Lisa agreed to give me a divorce, so I’m officially a free man, or will be soon.”
She picked up the papers and read them—they were already signed. This must be the day for miracles. Her son was back. The loan had been approved...Lance was free from his marriage. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“She was just leaving the house when your call came through about Jayden and everything slid to the back of my mind,” he admitted.
She handed them back to him. “You were upset about Jayden’s disappearance.”
“Of course! Thank God, we found him though. I don’t think he’ll do it again.” He frowned. “The kid sure can hatch a scheme and see it through. It would be a good idea to keep an eye on him just until we can be sure he’s outgrown all these fantastic notions.”
Jenna felt hope and love bloom in her heart. A man who worried about her son, who would drop everything, so he could be with her when she needed him, was worth making a few sacrifices and adjustments for. She stood, walked over and hugged him.
Lance pulled her down on his lap.
“Thank you,” she muttered before his lips closed on hers. With his kiss, she tasted hot cocoa and desire on his lips...nothing could be sweeter either. Her need for this man that she’d suppressed and controlled for so long slipped out of the tight bonds. It exploded and careened through her nerves with a scorching heat.
She could feel his desire, his need and matched it with hers. The perfect man for her, the only man. If he wasn’t in her life, she would be half a woman and her life wouldn’t be complete. How could she not have recognized all this love inside her? For him—only for him. All her fears and inhibitions were gone. In that moment, she felt free for the first time in years. She lifted her head to gaze into his sweet, warm eyes.
“I love you,” he whispered to her lips.
She smiled. “And I love you too. A lot. Lance, would you share your life with me? Be mine forever—and then some?”
His expression was incredulous. It reflected his disbelief which was quickly replaced with joy. “Yes, damn it. Yes!” His lips brushed over hers and then his tongue dove inside her mouth.
His breath felt hot against her mouth and his lips were soft. Her mind shut down as she enjoyed the contact and the zing of the electric current that ran up and down her spine. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move. But who needed air when her hands bunched on his strong shoulders and she could feel the thud of his heart against hers?”
His hands settled on her waist while desire leapt through her body—a hot, roaring volcano spiraled inside her with an intensity that caught her off guard. She sucked in a deep breath of air as if she could actually capture all that was him. She then found herself trying to put a leash on her emotions, but it was a losing battle. “Lance,” she sighed his name when his lips parted from hers. But what the hell did she want to say? Jenna couldn’t think. Her mind refused to work and—damn it, she wanted this.
It felt damn good to liberate herself from the doubts and fears that plagued her for so long. Now, she could enjoy her time with him without worries about the future. They were together, finally. When his hands cupped her breasts and squeezed, she lost all sane thoughts. Her hands, eager and demanding, fiddled with the buttons on his shirt as she drew it down over his strong, powerful muscles that rippled and tensed under the pads of her fingers.
Lance tugged her against him and moved them both over to the kitchen door. He turned the lock. “We’ve lost our minds, but we have to be a little careful,” he teased.
Jenna wanted to giggle at the understatement but instead, she felt warmth bloom in her chest again. The man was thinking about the right things when she almost—she let out a sigh. He’s the perfect guy for me.
With those striking blue eyes of his reflecting his burning need, he looked as if he might devour her.
Jenna shivered with ripple of need at the heat in his intense expression. It’s almost like my fantasy! She couldn’t believe it was about to come true and right here in her kitchen too!
Lance tugged her dress over her head and she allowed him to pull it off her body while she feasted her eyes on his smooth skin layered over a muscled chest.
It had been a long time since she’d been naked in front of a man. A tiny jolt of self-consciousness overcame her as he sat her on the table, clad only in a satin, black bra and matching panties. Then the look of admiration in his eyes was potent, disarming, that she forgot her fears. Instead, she reveled in the glory of his appreciation. She shivered, whether from the anticipation of what was to come or from the cold air brushing against her skin, she didn’t know.
His head bent and he trailed a line of blazing hot kisses down her jaw to the pulse beating at the base of her throat.
Her nipples tightened with desire. When his fingers slipped into the straps of her bra, she didn’t resist. Instead, Jenna arched her back, giving him access. He unhooked the garment and then drew it down her shoulders. Her breasts slipped out and his eyes glazed over as if he couldn’t believe his good luck.
“Here on the table?” she whispered when his mouth closed over one hard nub. Jenna then forgot her thoughts when his lips sucked, sending tingles of need and passion tingle though her veins. What the hell was she saying? Suddenly, she didn’t care. His tongue swirled the bud in his mouth, while he caressed and fondled the other until it became as hard as a berry. Her fingers speared through his hair and held him a prisoner against her chest. She couldn’t bear it if he moved away.
“Anywhere...Wanted you for a long time.” His voice sounded low and husky as he lowered her on the table and his lips nibbled their way down to her belly button.
She gasped when his tongue dove inside, caressing and licking the sensitive center. She arched her hips and in one quick swipe, he tugged off her panties, leaving her exposed and vulnerable. His gasp of delight was enough to wipe away any embarrassment she felt before. Relief flooded through her. Jenna couldn’t mistake the look of appreciation and the hot, intense need blazing in his eyes.
Breathing heavily, Lance stepped back and shuck off his pants.
Her eyes widened at the sight of his lean waist that sat atop long, lean legs. But the most riveting sight was his long, hard erection that jutted outward from a tangle of curls. Her heart skipped a beat and sweat beaded on her forehead.
She wanted him.
Without realizing what she was doing, she reached forward and grabbed his hard shaft. He didn’t flinch. Her fingers slipped over his balls and caressed. Scooting forward, she dropped to the chair and took him into her mouth, allowing it to slip deep into her throat. His musky scent hit her nostrils. Her own arousal was instantaneous.
His hands gripped her shoulders and kneaded while she pleased him with her mouth. He shuddered under her gentle assault. Abruptly, he gently grabbed her head and tugged her off. Then he grasped her waist, lifting her up and set her back on the table. Parting her thighs, he slipped a finger into her and stroked.
Jenna was wet where he stroked her and frantic with need as he plunged it in and out as if testing to see if she was ready. She felt more than ready. Impatience to have him inside of her screamed through her trembling body.
As if he read her mind, he slipped between her legs while the tip of him hovered over her wet entrance, and then he slid inside. Her muscles clenched his shaft and accepted the offering. Groaning with need, she opened her legs wider to ensure his entry would not be hindered. He stroked in and out, taking her higher and higher, giving her the ride of her life. The longing for precious release built deep inside her gut and spread into every nerve and cell. She teetered on the edge of the deep precipice that beckoned her. Waves of pleasure coursed through her veins—like she glided through the air.
With every thrust, the momentum built inside her with a fierce speed. Her breath hitched in her throat. She couldn’t wait anymore. She swayed on the peak of the sharp fall and then slid forward. Her body arched. “Lance...” she gasped his name out as an orgasm ripped through her. It whipped inside her, rippling through her veins. Her muscles shuddered and quivered, as she fought to control her movements.
Lance then erupted inside her. He collapsed on top of her while his lips smothered hers...this kiss was sweet and soft, but still so hot.
Laughing, when their lips parted, she spoke breathlessly to his mouth, “I’m sorry it took me so long to realize that we’re meant to be together.”
“It doesn’t matter. We’re together now.” He sounded a bit breathless too, as he slowly moved away from her. Suddenly, his expression changed and he looked nervous. “Damn it! We really should be more careful. Jayden could’ve knocked on the door.”
She giggled. “That’s supposed to be my line.”
Lance swiftly put his clothes back on. “You’re too tempting and I did almost lose my mind.” He chuckled.
Jenna giggled with euphoria as she slipped off the table and grabbed her dress. She knew she should hurry like he was, but she felt relaxed and sated—for the first time in a long while. She tried to gather her floating thoughts...Okay first, she would clean the table and then set it up for dinner with her family.
Family.
The word felt new and raw. Yet, it slid into her mind with ease and it felt right. Lance was a part of their family now and she felt sure that all three of them would be happy together.
It took years to happen, but her life was complete...she was free to relish and savor it.
This would be the most perfect Christmas she ever had.
***THE END***