Chapter Five

Kinley sat snuggled on the sofa, her eyes glued to the TV screen as the movie played. She ran her hand over Tootsie’s soft fur as she got lost in the story, but her ears perked up at the familiar sound of Levi’s truck pulling into the driveway. A smile spread across her face, and she couldn’t wait to see him. Excitement bubbled within her as she thought about all the gifts she had carefully chosen for him, now wrapped neatly under the twinkling lights of her Christmas tree.

Her heart skipped a beat when it sounded like he kicked at the front door. She jolted to her feet, set the cat down as a twinge of worry coursed through her. Hurrying to the door, she peered out the peephole, but all she could see was a large package adorned with festive wrapping paper.

“You want to open the door before some valuable things freeze off?” he called through the door.

With a grin, she swung open the door. “Come on in,” she greeted happily.

Levi stepped inside; his arms full with the massive package. “Sorry for kicking your door, I didn’t have a free hand to ring the doorbell.” He chuckled as he made his way past her.

Kinley caught a whiff of his aftershave mixed with the crisp chill from outside, sending a shiver down her spine in anticipation of spending tonight with him.

“What do you have there?” Kinley asked with a wide grin, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She had no idea what Levi could possibly be carrying.

“Just a little something for you. Santa gave it to me to give you,” he replied with a grin as he set the large box on the floor by the Christmas tree. He removed his coat and hat, hanging them up before leaning in to kiss her softly on the lips.

“A little something? Looks bigger than that,” Kinley commented with a teasing smile.

“Gee, darlin’, thanks.” Levi chuckled, his dimples deepening as he grinned at her playfully.

“I knew the minute I said it, you’d make a comment.” Kinley shook her head in amusement.

He looked at her intently. “I could have just used a big box to throw you off.”

She nibbled on her bottom lip, trying to hide her smile. “You’d do that too.”

Levi laughed. “You know me too well, already.”

Kinley couldn’t resist wrapping her arms around his waist. “And I really like what I know.”

He tenderly cupped her cheeks in his hands, lowering his head to press another kiss on her lips. His lips lingered, and he deepened the kiss as he pulled her closer against him. He grinned against her lips when she let out a soft moan.

“I need a cup of coffee. It’s cold out there,” he said as they finally broke apart.

“I’ll get it.” Kinley turned away from him, but he quickly grabbed her wrist, making her face him again.

“I’m more than capable, sweetheart. Sit down and relax. I’ll be right back. Do you want one?”

“I have one, thanks.” She pointed toward the steaming cup on the coffee table .

“Alright.” He kissed her once more before heading toward the kitchen.

Kinley watched him go, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She walked over to the large present, her fingers tracing the delicate wrapping paper as she stared at it in wonder.

“What are you doing?” Levi asked, causing her to jump in surprise when he suddenly appeared in the room. He laughed at her guilty expression.

“Don’t sneak up on me!” Kinley exclaimed, a hint of laughter in her voice.

Levi grinned. “I didn’t sneak. You knew I’d be back.”

Kinley smiled. “I was just looking at the pretty paper.”

He snorted out a laugh. “Yeah, sure you were.”

She walked toward him and wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his neck.

“I was curious,” she murmured against his skin.

“I’m sure,” he replied, his voice tinged with amusement. “But you’ll have to wait until Christmas morning.”

“I’ll make sure to get you up early that morning.”

He chuckled and pulled her closer. “You can get me up anytime.”

Softly, she whispered, “I do like doing that.”

He smiled as he replied, “I like it too, baby.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of her head before pulling her toward the sofa. He pushed the cat off the sofa and laughed when Tootsie glared at him. “I don’t think your cat likes me.”

“Who cares. I do and that’s all that matters. ”

“You got that right.”

As they settled onto the cushions, she snuggled against him, her cheek resting on his shoulder. The warmth of his body and the sound of his heartbeat comforted her. But underneath it all, she couldn’t shake the feeling of falling for this man faster than she ever thought possible.

“What’s going through your head, Kinley?” he asked quietly.

She hesitated, unsure if she should share her thoughts. But with Levi, she felt safe and vulnerable at the same time.

“Nothing,” she finally answered.

“Don’t lie to me,” he said, his voice filled with concern. “I can feel you tensing up. What is it?”

Taking a deep breath, she sat up and looked into his eyes.

“I’m falling in love with you,” she whispered.

Levi’s expression shifted from surprise to intense focus. “What?” he asked.

She shook her head but he gently grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him.

“Say that again,” he demanded softly.

“I’m falling in love with you. I know it seems so soon, but I know I am,” she said, feeling a wave of emotion wash over her.

A grin slowly spread across Levi’s face. “I’m falling in love with you too,” he admitted. “You’re all I think about. I can’t get you out of my—”

Before he could finish his sentence, Kinley cut him off by pressing her lips to his. In that moment, nothing else mattered except for their growing feelings for each other. He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss as they both lost themselves in each other’s embrace .

She sat up then stood, and put her hand out for him. He took it, stood up, then she led him upstairs.

At her bedroom door, she turned to face him, walking backwards as she tugged on his hand, and he followed her inside the room, kicking the door closed. She let go of his hand and moved closer toward the bed. He pulled his shirt off and tossed it to the floor. She did the same and stared at him as she pushed her jeans off, and stepped out of them. She swore she had an orgasm when he unbuckled his belt, as he toed off his boots, then he unsnapped his jeans, lowered the zipper and shucked them, leaving him in only his boxer briefs and she could see his hard cock stretching the material.

Kinley breathed heavily as she stared at Levi, her eyes fixated on his powerful form. He glistened with a light sheen of sweat, his muscles rippling with every movement. He was a sight to behold, with broad shoulders and chiseled features that spoke of strength and virility. Kinley couldn’t help but appreciate the way his body moved, fluid and graceful like a predator on the hunt.

A light dusting of hair covered his pecs, then narrowed as it ran down his six-pack stomach, and into a perfect happy trail that swirled around his belly button. Kinley’s breath hitched as she followed the trail with her eyes, her cheeks suddenly flushing with heat. Oh, Lord, that tantalizing ‘V’ that drove most women crazy.

They were stripped to their essentials, barely any clothing on, only a few scraps of fabric that served more to tease than to cover. Kinley felt exposed and vulnerable, but also exhilarated. She had always been drawn to Levi, but now that they were alone in her bedroom, it was like a different side of him had been unleashed. The intensity of his gaze, the way he moved, every touch electrifying and sending shivers down her spine.

Kinley licked her lips nervously, her heart racing as she watched him approach. With every step he took, Levi exuded raw sexuality; it radiated off him like a beacon in the night. His eyes were burning with desire.

She couldn’t resist any longer. She threw herself into his arms, her body pressed up against his as they moved in a dance that was both primal and passionate. She lost herself in the moment, surrendering to the feelings coursing through her veins. In this moment, nothing else mattered, only the two of them and the raw connection between them.

Levi held her tightly, his gaze never leaving hers. Together, they moved like two halves of a whole, perfectly in sync. Then she stepped back and stared into his eyes.

“You look so fucking hot,” he groaned, his voice deep and rough. “I can’t wait to taste every inch of you again.” He grabbed her by the hips and yanked her forward into an incredibly passionate kiss. Their tongues tangled and moved together as their bodies molded into one another.

Levi raised his lips, and Kinley managed to utter a breathy, “I want you so much, Levi.”

“I know baby,” he replied before claiming her lips again. His hand moved up to cup her breast, while his other hand started making its way down between her legs. She moaned into the kiss at the electrifying touch of his fingers against her clitoris through her panties.

They removed each other’s remaining garments. The air was thick with anticipation as their hands roamed over toned muscles and soft skin, exploring every inch of each other’s body. Their fingers dug into each other’s flesh.

As he gently brushed his fingertips against her inner thigh, she knew he could feel the warmth radiating from her. He moved his hand further, sliding his finger along her slit. He began to move his finger around her clitoris, feeling the slick moisture.

“Damn, you’re wet,” he murmured, his deep voice resonating with desire.

She looked up at him, her cheeks flushed. “All you have to do is look at me,” she whispered with a breathless tremor in her voice.

He picked her up, and she instinctively wrapped her legs around him, pressing herself closer against his body. Their eyes locked and their breathing quickened, fully immersed in their passionate dance of intimacy and desire, as he lowered her to the bed.

Kinley found herself pinned beneath Levi, his body heavy and demanding. His cock pressed against her thigh, hot and insistent, as he claimed her mouth in a bruising kiss.

She moaned as he fisted her hair, pulling her head back to expose her neck. He trailed kisses down her throat, nipping and sucking at the tender flesh. She could feel her pulse racing, her heart pounding in her chest .

Kinley slid her hands down Levi’s back, feeling the muscles ripple beneath her fingers. She could feel the heat radiating from his cock, and she ached to touch it. She pushed at his shoulders, making him roll onto his back, and then took his hard cock in her hand.

Levi groaned as she wrapped her hand around his cock. He moved his hips against her hand and it made her even more desperate to have him inside her.

She looked at his cock, it was thick and hard. She desperately wanted him inside her. She wrapped her hand tighter around the shaft, feeling it pulse beneath her fingers.

Levi hissed as she stroked him, her hand sliding up and down the length of his cock. She leaned in and flicked her tongue over the head.

“Fuck,” Levi growled, his hands tightening in her hair.

Kinley took him into her mouth, sucking hard on the head. She could feel him throbbing against her tongue, his cock twitching with every stroke. She slid her lips down the shaft, taking him deeper into her mouth.

Levi groaned as she sucked on him.

“Condom,” he said between clenched teeth. Kinley removed one from his wallet, opened it and rolled it down over his cock.

Levi pulled her up his body, his breathing ragged.

“Ride me, baby,” he commanded, his voice rough with desire.

Kinley straddled him. She positioned herself over his cock, the head nudging against her slit. She slid down slowly, taking him inch by inch .

Levi groaned as she sank down onto his cock, her walls stretching to accommodate him. He filled her completely, the sensation overwhelming. She could feel every inch of him, the heat of him searing her from the inside out.

He gripped her hips, guiding her movements as she rode him. She could feel the tension building in her body, her orgasm approaching like a tidal wave. She threw her head back, moaning as she ground herself against him.

Levi sat up and whispered in her ear. His dirty talk only served to heighten her arousal. He whispered filthy words in her ear, telling her how much he loved being inside her. How tight she felt around his cock. She could feel herself getting hotter listening to him.

She came hard, her body shaking as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her. Levi followed her over the edge, groaning as he came. When he fell back onto the bed, she collapsed on top of him.

They lay tangled together, their bodies slick with sweat, the aftershocks of their orgasms still rippling through their bodies. She knew she was his, completely and utterly. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

****

Thanksgiving Day was bitterly cold, but Levi couldn’t care less. He was happy if they spent the day in bed. He also knew that wasn’t possible. They were expected at Cody and Addison’s. Dinner was at three and Kinley told him she wanted to go early so she could help Addison prepare for the dinner.

“Are you awake?” Kinley whispered.

“No.” He grinned when she laughed.

“I wish we could stay here all day,” she said as she placed her head on his chest.

“I was just thinking the same thing, but knowing Cody and Addison, they’d be pounding on the door if we didn’t show up.”

“That’s true, and I did promise her we’d be early so I could help her. I know she cooks so much food. She goes overboard every year.”

“She’s a damn good cook. Anytime I’ve been there for dinner, it was fantastic.”

“I think I’ll get a shower. I want to wash my hair. You can go and get yourself a cup of coffee.”

“Sounds good. I need a strong one.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you downstairs.” Kinley kissed his lips, got out of bed, and entered the bathroom.

Levi sighed as he got up and dressed, then he headed downstairs. He entered the kitchen, made a cup of coffee, then went into the living room and sat on the sofa. He picked up the remote and watched the Thanksgiving Day parade as he waited for Kinley.

Later, Levi drove them to Cody’s place. He was starving since he refused to eat breakfast.

“I hear your stomach growling,” Kinley said.

“I’m hungry.”

“You should have had something for breakfast.”

“I didn’t want to ruin my appetite for dinner.” He glanced at her and back to the road.

“We were up early. I doubt you would have ruined it. ”

“You like arguing with me, don’t you?” he asked with a grin.

“Only because I know how we can make up.”

“Stop. I don’t need a hard-on at their house.” He chuckled when she laughed.

“We could sneak out to the truck.”

Levi shook his head. “What did I get myself into?”

“Me. You got yourself into me.”

He laughed. “And I loved every second of it.”

“I did too.”

He pulled the truck to a stop beside the back porch. After shutting it off, he looked at Kinley.

“Ready, sweetheart?”

“When it comes to you, I am always ready.”

He shook his head, opened the door and stepped out. She met him at the front of the truck.

The back door opened before they had a chance to knock. Cody grinned at them.

“Come inside. It’s a little chilly out there today.”

“A little chilly? It’s twenty degrees,” Levi said.

“You should be used to being out in it,” Cody said.

“Doesn’t mean I like it.” Levi shook his hand and nodded for Kinley to go inside, then he followed her.

Kinley hugged Addison. “It smells amazing in here.”

“It sure does,” Levi added.

“It will be ready in an hour. For now, we can watch the parades.” Addison waved for them to follow her to the living room.

Levi helped Kinley remove her coat and before he even had a chance to hang it up, she was gone. He looked at Cody while removing his own.

“Do you think they’re anxious to see the parade?”

Cody grimaced. “Addison’s been watching them all day. But she said once you two got here, we’d watch football. I am not going to let her forget it.”

Levi chuckled. “I watched a little of a parade this morning, and I’m done with them. So, let’s hope you can wrestle the remote from your wife.”

“I like wrestling with my wife.” Cody wiggled his eyebrows, making Levi shake his head.

“Too much information.”

Cody chuckled. “Okay. Let’s go join our beautiful ladies.”

“Right behind you.”

The men entered the living room. Levi sat on one sofa with Kinley, while Cody joined Addison on the other. He watched Cody kiss Addison as he took the remote from her. Levi laughed when Addison elbowed him, but laughed.

A while later, everyone went to the kitchen to get the food set on the table. Cody carved the turkey, and once everything was ready, they sat down to eat. The day was filled with teasing, laughter, and good conversation.

Levi was happy Cody had hired him because he was not only a good boss, but a damn good man. He knew a time was going to come when he needed to tell Cody about his past, but today was not that day. Soon, though. It wasn’t something he was looking forward to, but he knew Cody deserved to know.

He looked across the table at Kinley to see her laughing at something Cody said, then she looked at him. Levi knew he was in way too deep with her and she also deserved to know his past, but the one thing he had to tell her scared him. You should have told her sooner . He just hoped she stayed with him once she knew because he loved her so much, and the thought of losing her made his gut ache. After everyone helped clean up, Levi and Kinley drove back to her place. All the while he wondered when the time would be right.