Part 56 (2/2)

As if he could possibly love her any more than he already did.

Sara looked over her shoulder. She tried to sound stern, but her heart wasn't in it. She was too happy. ”You almost made me fall.”

”I'm always here to catch you.” Still holding her, he c.o.c.ked his head and surveyed the tree. They had spent two days decorating it, with Sara issuing orders like a hardened drill sergeant. Nik had begun to wonder if she intended it to become a permanent fixture in their living room. ”How long are you going to keep fussing with that thing? ”

She frowned as she turned around again. s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g in a fresh red bulb, she pocketed the dead one. ”There was a light out .”

Nik laughed. ” ” The tree has over three thousand lights on it, Sara.

Trust me, n.o.body'll notice if one's out. ”

He lifted her from the step stool and let the length of her body slide over his until her feet touched the floor again.

Sara smiled up at Nik, savoring the sensations he had ignited

”Mmm, don't start anything we can't finish.” Her arms still laced around his neck, Sara angled her wrist to look at her watch. It was later than she thought. ” ” Everyone will be here in a few minutes.

He loved the way her eyes half closed when desire seeped into her body.

”We could lock them out and have them stand outside for an hour or so.”

His fingers ran seductively along her sides. ”It's pretty mild out.”

Sara brushed a kiss on his lips, then disentangled herself from his arms. ”Seriously, I want everything to be just right.” She was almost beaming, he thought. ”This is my first family Christmas in years.”

Jennifer and Julia were both coming for Christmas Eve with their families. And Sara's father had promised to join them. The house was going to be full of people and noise any moment now.

Nik cherished the quiet. And her. ”Have I told you lately that I love you?”

Sara smiled, antic.i.p.ating Nik's reaction to the surprise she had for him. The one she had barely managed to keep to herself. ” ” Not today. Are you taking me for granted? ”

The room echoed with his laugh. ”After what I had to go throqtgh to win you over? Not in a million years.”

Unable to wait any longer, Sara picked up a small package from under the Christmas tree. It was wrapped with s.h.i.+ny blue foil that had whimsical angels dancing over it.

Curly blue ribbon streamed down from both sides. She handed the package to Nik.

”Would you like to open one of your gifts a little early?”

He took the box in his hands, but his eyes were on her.

”You?”

Sara laughed. He was so dear to her. The electric lights from the tree took his image and splashed it over the surface of the multicolored b.a.l.l.s until there were dozens of Niks all over. She could never get enough of him.

”That's later,” she promised. She touched the box. ”I meant this.” , Old habit had him shaking the box. It didn't make a single telltale sound. ”That's cheating.” He said the words solemnly, then grinned like a small boy with a secret.

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