Chapter 10 Bash #3
Her inner walls clench around me as she shatters, my name a cry on her lips. The sight of her coming undone beneath me pushes me over the edge, and I follow her into oblivion, my release pulsing inside her as pleasure crashes through me in waves.
We stay joined as our breathing slows, neither willing to break the connection just yet. I brush damp strands of hair from her forehead, pressing a kiss there with reverence.
"Merry Christmas indeed," Charlie murmurs, her expression sated and soft.
I laugh, rolling to my side and keeping her close against me. "Still think we need to go to Bayfront Beans? Because I'm quite content right here."
She traces patterns on my chest, her touch both soothing and stimulating. "Tempting. But we do have responsibilities. And I'm actually looking forward to seeing everyone today."
I sigh dramatically, though my reluctance is mostly for show. "The things I do for community goodwill."
"Think of it as investment in local relationships," she teases. "Very strategic."
"Ah, of course." I nod solemnly. "It's all part of my master plan for Starlight Bay domination."
Charlie rises on one elbow to look at me properly, her expression suddenly serious. "I love you, you know. Not the CEO or the resort owner or the strategic partner. Just you."
The simple declaration hits me with unexpected force, stealing my breath. "I love you too," I tell her, pulling her down for a kiss that contains all the promises I'm still learning to articulate. "More than I ever thought possible."
Bayfront Beans is transformed for Christmas morning, every surface decorated with greenery and twinkling lights. The coffee shop is packed with locals enjoying the traditional Christmas special, gingerbread lattes and cranberry-orange scones that have become a Starlight Bay tradition.
"There they are!" Mireille calls as we enter, waving from a large table where she sits with Evander, Marigold, and several other familiar faces from around town. "The Sinclairs have arrived!"
The warm greetings that follow feel genuine in a way I couldn't have imagined seven weeks ago, when I was still regarded as the outsider CEO who'd bought the old resort property. Now, I'm welcomed as part of the community; our community.
"Nice sweater, Sinclair," Evander comments with a smirk, gesturing to the forest green monstrosity Charlie insisted was mandatory attire. "Very dignified."
"Blame my wife," I reply good-naturedly, pulling out a chair for Charlie before taking my own seat. "Apparently, it's non-negotiable attire."
"Christmas tradition," Mireille declares, straightening her own equally garish sweater with pride. "Even CEOs aren't exempt."
The conversation flows easily from there, talk of holiday plans and New Year's resolutions mingling with local gossip and good-natured teasing.
I find myself participating without the careful calculation that once governed my social interactions, genuinely enjoying these people who have become part of our extended family.
Charlie's hand finds mine beneath the table, a casual point of connection that grounds me amid the cheerful chaos. When I glance at her, the love in her eyes nearly stops my heart.
"So," Marigold says, leaning across the table with a conspiratorial smile, "when can we expect little Sinclairs to start appearing? Starlight Bay needs more children."
I feel Charlie tense slightly beside me, her thumb tracing reassuring circles on my palm. We haven't shared our adoption plans yet, wanting to keep that joy private for a little while longer.
"All in good time," Charlie replies diplomatically, meeting my gaze with a small smile. "We're still enjoying the newlywed phase."
"Speaking of which," Mireille interjects, "the Harbor Arts Valentine's Day gala planning committee needs to know if you two will chair the event again this year. After the success of the Christmas campaign, everyone's expecting something spectacular."
I laugh, relaxing into the conversation. "Already plotting the next marketing strategy, Mireille? You're going to do well at Davidson & Young."
She beams at the compliment, her excitement about her new role as Harborlight account manager evident. "I learn from the best. So? Will you do it?"
I exchange a glance with Charlie, a silent communication that has become second nature over our weeks together. "We'd be honored," she answers for both of us. "Though perhaps with slightly less dramatic personal revelations this time."
"Where's the fun in that?" Evander teases, his arm draped casually across the back of Mireille's chair. "The Christmas Market proposal set a high bar."
"We'll have to get creative, then," I say, holding Charlie's gaze with a promise that sends heat rushing through me. "I'm sure we can come up with something... memorable."
As the gathering begins to break up, everyone heading to their respective Christmas celebrations, Charlie and I make our way toward the Harborlight for the community brunch we're hosting in the resort's ballroom.
Snow has begun to fall again, dusting the harbor with fresh white powder that glitters in the midday sun.
"Happy?" I ask, my arm around her waist as we walk.
She considers the question, her expression thoughtful. "Completely. You?"
I don't have to search for the answer. It's there in every beat of my heart, every breath I take. "More than I knew was possible."
We pause at the entrance to the resort, looking back at the harbor town stretched before us. Starlight Bay in winter, the place where our story began, where a desperate marketing pitch transformed into the most authentic relationship of my life.
"Merry Christmas, Charlie," I say softly, turning her to face me.
"Merry Christmas, Bash," she replies, rising on her toes to meet my kiss.
As snowflakes swirl around us, I'm struck by the beautiful irony of our situation. What began as fake Christmas vows has become the truest promise I've ever made. And as I hold my wife close, I know with bone-deep certainty that we'll keep choosing us, today, tomorrow, and all the days to come.