A Bride Under the Christmas Tree: Seven Brides of Christmas Book 3 Read online

  Dinner with Conrad had been great. My senses were on fire the whole time, and I knew it was because of him. He was gorgeous, so naturally it was hard to keep my eyes off him. What a sight he was. His brown eyes smiled when he laughed, and his lips looked so kissable.

  When he mentioned he had a professional kitchen in his house, I knew I just had to see it. I wanted my own bakery, after all. Plus, I didn’t want the night to end. I was having too much fun with him.

  “You’re not cold, are you?” he said, nodding toward my legs.

  I wore pantyhose, but they were otherwise bare. I didn’t want to tell him, but being near him burned me up inside, so there was no danger of being chilly.

  “I’m fine, thanks.” I glanced at him in the darkness of the car, and his eyes seemed to be alight. My heart thumped in my chest, and the stirring in my core distracted me. When we made plans to go back to his house, I wasn’t planning on doing more than chatting and checking out his kitchen, but now I realized things may not go according to plan. It really has been six months since a man touched me, and Conrad and I had a connection. It could all be in my head, but looking into his eyes, there was no question.

  “I can tell you’re cold, you know. Don’t worry, we’re almost there.”

  Will you warm me up? I wanted to ask, but I was too chicken. Instead, I just fixed my eyes on the city flying by my window. Snowflakes drifted by, blanketing the roads, trees, and everything in their path.

  We entered a residential area with magnificent mansions. They were a feast for the eyes, even in the dark. Many had beautiful displays of Christmas lights. I tried not to stare like an outsider, but it was difficult to resist.

  After a few minutes, the car slowed down and we turned onto a long driveway. I glanced briefly at the house up ahead, and it simply took my breath away.

  My god, is this his house? I caught his eyes, which were perfectly at ease.

  “George, can you just pull right up to the front door? Thanks.”

  His voice made me shiver. His tone was respectful, but commanding. This guy was all man, that much I was sure about. People paid attention to him and looked up to him. It was obvious even at dinner.

  When we pulled up to the house, my door opened—or rather, was opened by one of his staff. A gloved hand appeared through the doorway, and I took it. The fresh snow made things a bit slippery, and my stilettos were hardly made for this weather. My bad. In my defense, they were kickass sexy shoes.

  I could tell from the exterior of the house that I was going to love the inside. Sure enough, it was sleek and stylish, just like his office had been. There were clean lines everywhere, and the design was very minimalist. Despite the high ceilings and the sheer spaciousness of every room, it all managed to feel cozy because of the earthy tones.

  “Wow, what a beautiful house, but you already know that,” I said once we got to the living room, which was simply amazing. It had a terrace overlooking the backyard. It was dark, and winter, but I could see the outlines of a covered pool.

  “Thanks,” he said, leaning against the wall.

  He’d taken off his jacket and I couldn’t help but look him up and down. He looked strong, and even though he was wearing a long sleeve shirt, I could tell his arms were solid. My gaze flitted to his crotch, and I looked away quickly, my face hot.

  He raised a brow and chuckled. Did he notice? Why are you being so obvious? I clutched my purse in front of me, butterflies still crashing around in my stomach. I thought the glass of wine I’d had at dinner would calm my nerves, but no such luck. Maybe it was a mistake coming here.

  “How about a glass of wine while I show you the kitchen?”

  “Sure.”

  He strolled over to the mini bar and poured me a glass. I watched him from behind and I bit my lip. This man was fit. His pants weren’t that tight, but they hugged his butt perfectly. I quickly ran my hands over my dress, making sure everything was in place. Okay, so I did pull down on the top a bit to show more cleavage. There. Perfect.

  “Here, follow me.” His eyes rested on my chest, but only momentarily, and I could feel the heat emanating from him as they flitted up to meet my gaze. His jaw clenched, telling me he felt the tension between us. My heart raced, wondering where this was going to lead. Apparently, to the most amazing kitchen I’d ever laid my eyes on.

  “Wow.” I was speechless. This was the kitchen of my dreams. There were two ovens, cook-tops, and fridges. Gleaming stainless steel cookware hung from hooks, and there was plenty of cabinet and counter space. The appliances all appeared to be the latest models.

  “You like it?” he asked.

  “Do I like it? Are you kidding? This is perfect!” I said, walking around and examining everything, he following close behind me like a shadow. Our proximity sent jolts of electricity through me, and I kept waiting to feel that hand on my arm or waist. I turned to him. “Totally perfect!”

  He took a sip of his wine without taking his eyes off me. “Great. Maybe you can come try it out sometime.”

  “Try the kitchen?” I leaned against the island, wine glass in hand.

  He paused. “Or anything else in the house.” He placed his glass on the counter and took a step toward me. He smelled divine. I took a deep breath and froze, like a deer in headlights. My heart raced and I became aware of how wet my thong was.

  He reached out and took the glass from my hand. I didn’t protest. I didn’t care what he did next, as long as it felt good.

  “Was it tasty?” he asked, his voice deep and his eyes intense.

  I nodded. “Y-yes,” I murmured. My breath quickened. His face was only inches from mine.

  “Sorry I took it,” he said, with a sexy tilt of his head, “I’m sure it’s not as tasty as you are.”

  I sucked in a sharp breath as his lips pressed against mine. He leaned in and backed me up against the island, our bodies melding together. I parted my lips to accept his tongue as it dipped inside, sweet and firm and eager. He ran a strong hand through my hair and dipped my head back while the other hand snaked around my waist, leaving flames in its wake as my body reacted to his touch.

  By now I could feel his erection against my lower belly, and I shifted my hips up so I could feel it rub between my legs. My pussy was wet and I ached for more. As if reading my mind, he grabbed my waist with both hands and as he lifted me up, I wrapped both legs around his waist.

  My heart raced. I wanted his hands, his tongue, his hard cock…I wanted it all. With both hands on my ass, he pulled my body to his, my core rubbing on his hard bulge. I threw my head back as he buried his face in my neck, kissing and nipping at it like a hungry animal.

  A moan escaped my lips just as he groaned. He pulled away and looked in my eyes.

  “You want it, baby-doll, don’t you?”

  I nodded and confirmed by grinding on his cock.

  “Oh, fuck,” he said, before diving in for another kiss.

  Then, he abruptly pulled his lips back and ran his thumb along my lower lip.

  “You’re incredible.”

  My chest heaved up and down as I anticipated his next move.

  He sat me on the counter effortlessly, my legs hanging over the edge, his body between them.

  He slowly ran a hand along my face, down my neck and to the top of my dress. His finger brushed along the top of my cleavage and then slipped a spaghetti strap off one shoulder. And then the other.

  “I can’t wait to taste you,” he said, his eyes boring a hole in me.

  I responded by shifting closer to the edge of the counter and parting my legs wider.

  With a swift motion, he pulled down the top of my dress, exposing my tits.

  “God, you’re so gorgeous.” His groans became muffled as he sucked a hardened nipple into his mouth.

  My panting merged with my moans as his tongue played with my nipple.

  “Conrad,” I gasped.

  He tweaked my other nipple between his fingers before taking that one in his mouth too, nippi
ng at it gently as he groaned.

  He pulled back and he was obviously lost in lust. He bit a lip as he pushed a hand between my legs.

  “I can feel your wetness through your pantyhose,” he growled as his fingers rubbed my lips and clit, his eyes locked on mine.

  I nodded, my heart racing. His touch was just right, and I was actually afraid I might boil over any time.

  “I can take off my pantyhose,” I said, licking my lips.

  “No need.”

  My eyes widened as he clasped a bit of my pantyhose in each hand. I heard the rip of fabric, and he looked up with a satisfied smirk.

  “No longer a problem,” he said.

  Before I could respond, he thrust his face between my legs. He moved my thong out of the way and I felt his tongue on my pussy, licking and kissing and sending me to new heights of pleasure.

  He was eager, and very talented. He gripped both my thighs while he went at my pussy.

  “I want you. All of you,” I gasped.

  He rose and licked his lips.

  “You taste heavenly, Bella.”

  “Bella?” I repeated. “Nobody calls me that.”

  “I’m not nobody,” he said in that same commanding tone. He tempered the harshness of it with a kiss.

  His pants and underwear quickly ended up in a heap on the floor.

  Shit. The bulge I felt earlier hadn’t lied. He was big, and thick, and hard. He looked ready, and neither of us saw the need to waste any time.

  I wrapped my legs around him again as he came close, the crown of his cock pressing against my entrance. With a thrust of his hips, he glided in.

  I moaned. It felt. so. good. His thickness stretched me as he pushed it all the way in. I felt every single inch and it was pure heaven. He wrapped one arm around my waist and the other held my face as he began thrusting in rhythm, making my whole body jerk with the motion.

  Our eyes locked. He had a wild, animalistic look to him. This beast was possessing me in the most intimate way possible. He was nothing like the prim and proper gentleman at dinner. His hand slipped down to my neck, and his hand wrapped around it gently.

  “Is that ok?” he grunted, referring to my neck.

  Fuck, it turned me on so bad. “Hell yeah,” I said, challenging to fuck me a little harder.

  His eyes devoured my face, my breasts, and the pussy he was filling with each thrust.

  “Fuck. You feel so good.”

  I moaned as the base of cock rubbed my clit. I was so close…so close.

  “Come for me, Bella. Come all over my cock.”

  I whimpered and my body shook as my core pulsated in orgasm again. Like the pro he was, he kept thrusting, and kissed me hard—all while my pussy squeezed his cock as waves of delirious pleasure washed over me.

  His tongue played with mine, but he pulled it out of my mouth with a groan and locked eyes with me.

  “Oh, fuck. I’m coming in that sweet pussy, Bella.”

  I sucked in a breath and moaned as he plunged it deeper and with more force, his body stiffening as he had his own release.

  His breaths came in short burst as he leaned in and wrapped his arms around me. I could feel his heart beating against my chest. Fast. But steady.

  My face was nestled against his shoulder, and I kissed it. His body was warm and smelled so good. I did not regret tonight. Not at all.

  4

  Conrad

  I pushed through another set of bicep curls. Fuck. I was gonna be sore for the next week. Why did I do this to myself? I set the weight down with a thud.

  Time for the treadmill.

  “Bro, why are you killing yourself?”

  It was Silas, a good friend and workout buddy. We went to the gym together every weekend and once during the week, like tonight.

  I tried to smile. “Nah, just trying to get a personal best, that’s all.”

  “Cool. Can you spot me on the chest press?”

  “Yeah, sure.” I slapped him on the back with my towel.

  Truth is I was frustrated as hell because Bella wasn’t answering my calls or returning my texts, and it drove me nuts. I keep going through that night in my head. Did I do something wrong? Did I offend her? Hold her neck too tight while fucking her? I sort of regretted that now. That’s a move for when there’s more trust between a couple, I guess. Not when you just met. She didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she specifically consented, so I doubted it was that.

  I tried to keep my mind in the present, especially since I was spotting Silas, but my mind kept hopping back to Saturday night and the way her silky skin felt beneath my fingers, how her hair stuck to her collarbone as our bodies radiated heat, and how I’d buckled over onto her when I came.

  “Help!” came the frantic cry, interrupting my reverie.

  Fuck! I grabbed the barbell crushing Silas’ chest and lifted it back onto the rack.

  “Shit, I’m so sorry, man!” I rushed around the rack to check on Silas. He was coughing and pushing himself up to sit. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, yeah, I’m cool. But what the fuck? Pay attention. Or take me out for a beer and tell me about her,” he said with a smirk.

  “About who?”

  He raised a brow and gave me a look. “Whoever you were just thinking about while I was practically strangled to death here.”

  I chuckled. “Fine.” I had to tread lightly. It wouldn’t be good to over-share, because my love life was always a hot topic of discussion, provided there was anything to discuss.

  We showered and changed, and took a booth in the back of a swanky bar. Eyes followed us through the bar. Silas was almost as rich as I was, and we were both single, so the gossips watched us like hawks.

  “So, who’s the girl? And why’s she so special?”

  “What makes you think she’s special?” I popped a cocktail shrimp in my mouth.

  He laughed and took a sip of his beer. “You’re joking, right? It was as if you’d entered a different dimension back there at the gym. You must’ve been thinking about her.”

  I looked around at the other tables while I decided how to answer him.

  “Not that I have to tell you, but this is just between us, okay? Or else I’m going to really kill you with a barbell next time.”

  “Scout’s honor.”

  I examined his face. He seemed genuine enough.

  “Fine. I had a good date on Saturday.”

  Silas let out a low whistle. I shot him the look of death, and he zipped it.

  “As I was saying… The date went well, but I haven’t been able to get a hold of her since then. And it’s been what, three or four days?”

  Silas’ brows shut up and he leaned forward. “You’re stressing about this chick after three days? Is she made of clear diamonds or something?”

  Hmm. Diamonds. I liked that.

  “Nah, man. I mean, she’s cool, and she seemed into me. So what’s with the silent treatment? I don’t get it.”

  “Hmm. Well. I don’t know what to tell you. Doesn’t sound like you’ve had this issue before.”

  That was the understatement of the year. Women normally fall all over themselves to be with me, whether I showed interest or not. Goes with the territory of being a billionaire. But not her. The one woman I wanted to see again was ghosting me. She was ghosting me!

  “Think she’s ghosting you?”

  Fuck. I wanted to scream.

  “Maybe.”

  “Can you get in touch with her through her work? Ask her boss for a document or something that needs to be hand delivered?”

  I looked at him in puzzlement. “What the fuck? You mean get her boss to send her over? Isn’t that creepy as fuck?”

  Silas chuckled and shrugged. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

  I shook my head. I had to remember never to set him up with my sisters or cousins. Or anyone I liked.

  “I’m not desperate. I want to get to know her better, that’s all.”

  “What’s her backgrou
nd?”

  “Like where’s she from? American, I guess.”

  “Nah, I mean money wise.”

  “She’s not from money. She’s a legal assistant.”

  He shrugged. “Maybe she has a complex and is intimidated.”

  “You think?” Finally, he said something that might make sense. She seemed pretty comfortable, though.

  We were interrupted by my phone’s ring. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be her? I glanced at the display. Damn. It wasn’t her, but it was almost as good. I answered and got up from the table, indicating to Silas that it was a private call.

  “Hello?” I looked around the restaurant for a quiet spot, but there was none. I grabbed my jacket and went out onto the street. “Hi Delilah.”

  “Hi Conrad. I’m glad I got a hold of you.”

  “Me, too.”

  “How are you doing? Is everything well?”

  “Yeah, Delilah, it’s just that—“

  She must not have heard me, because her voice cut me off.

  “I have good news. I’ve found a great potential match for you! Would you like me to send you her details? She’s utterly fascinating, and I think you’ll be amazed.”

  I thought about what she said. Everyone knew she was good at what she did, and she did match me with Bella, so whoever she had in mind for me was probably okay, but damn. I didn’t want to meet anyone new. I wanted Bella.

  “Thanks, but actually, I had a great time with Bella on Saturday.”

  Delilah’s voice rose an octave. “Is that right? I’m so glad to hear that! I told you she was a gem. So, when are you seeing her again? And do you have any more questions about her?”

  Should I tell her Bella’s disappeared? I didn’t want to put her in Delilah’s bad books. Maybe she’s had some kind of emergency.

  “I’m sure we’ll get together soon. Trying to figure out our schedule, that’s all.”

  “Okay. Well, I’m delighted to hear things are going well. I knew you’d be perfect together. Just give me a call if there’s anything I can help you with.”