Page 60 of The Lie That Stole Christmas

Their motions synced, creating a dance of give and take that she never wanted to end.Wet heat slicked their bodies, breaths mingled as their eyes lowered, watching his glistening cock slide in and out of her.His hand cupped her face, their chests rising and falling as if one.He kissed her gently, their bodies slowing with the passionate movement of their lips.

His hand tightened on the back of her head, their foreheads resting against each other before his hands landed on her hips and he stood, slamming into her.She wrapped her hands around his neck, only able to hold on as he continued his delicious assault.

Pleasure built, but she wasn’t ready to fall over the edge.She dug her nails into his shoulder blades, holding tight and absorbing every thrust.She teetered on the edge, her body one spark away from exploding.He spun, placing her on the bed, her legs wrapped around his waist as he plunged deep.

She cried out, a wave of pleasure slamming into her so hard and fast, she couldn’t hold on.White lights flashed behind her eyes, a tremor wracked her body to near convulsions as he continued his pace before thrusting one last time and collapsing beside her on the bed.

She sucked in a breath, desperately trying to get air into her lungs.Her eyes fluttered open, and Carter’s head turned toward her, his blue eyes radiating with something she could only decipher as love.He didn’t say it—he didn’t need to.He only hoped he could see the same in her eyes.

It didn’t matter how many years were between them; she was in love with Carter Reeves, and this time, she wasn’t going to let either of them walk away.

Chapter seventeen

Carter

Hehadbeenanidiot for so long, but he was done.As long as he walked this earth, he’d never let Ashley spend another Christmas alone.The realization hit him with startling clarity as her fingers curled into his biceps and held on as though she was afraid he might disappear.

He was dumb enough to do that once, and he sure as hell would not do it again.

For years, he’d convinced himself that letting her go was the right thing to do.She deserved more than a groundskeeper's son living in the staff quarters.He built a thousand reasons around why walking away had been the noble thing to do, but now, with her in his arms, his lips pressed against her forehead, every reason felt hollow.Pointless.A waste of too many years.

But he needed to come clean with her.She deserved the truth.

“Ash?”

“Mmm,” she hummed before blinking up at him with those grayish-blue eyes.

“I have to tell you something about our last night together.”

“The best and worst night of my life.”

A knife twisted in his heart.“I hate that my actions ruined something that was so special for you.”

Her lips curved downward.“It wasn’t special for you?”

He sat up, taking her face in his hands.“Of course it was.It was… everything to me.”

“Then why?Why did you tell me you didn’t love me?Why did you leave me there alone in the barn naked and alone?”Tears shimmered in her eyes, and he hated himself for causing her so much pain.

He wasn’t strong enough then, but he was now.

“Ash,” he said.

The sound of the front door snapped Carter to attention.He glanced at Ashley; her eyes widened beneath sex rumpled bangs.

“Thank you for escorting me.I know how painful it must have been.”Lena’s voice floated through the house.

“Next time, maybe wear appropriate footwear, and I wouldn’t have had to be concerned about a potential lawsuit.”

Fuck.He knew Gabe’s sarcastic tone from anywhere.

“Afraid I’ll take your inheritance.How sweet.You can leave now.”

“I’m not leaving you here alone.Next thing I know, you robbed us dry.”

“I’m not going to steal your family’s Christmas decorations.Unlike you, I’m not a Scrooge.”

“You’re something, alright.”Footsteps echoed on the hardwood, and Carter reached for his pants while Ashley reached for her bra.“Where the fuck are they?”