Chapter 12
W hen I wake up, Brooks is still asleep. In place of his usual frown lines, his features are smoothed, and he appears relaxed in a way I’ve barely seen all week.
It’s surreal to acknowledge that what’s happening with Brooks isn’t in my head. It’s real, unrefined, and tangible. There’s no need for grand gestures or dramatic declarations to understand our connection is special. With him, everything makes sense, and being in his arms last night felt like I might have found someone who could be my person. The one who I can build a life with, where every small moment means something special, and who reminds me daily that I’m his one and only.
My only regret is putting off the conversation about what comes next. What if he wakes up and decides what we’ve shared is nothing more than a fleeting mistake? It’s an irrational thought, but the uncertainty is difficult to ignore.
It’s the morning of the wedding, and the responsible thing to do would be to get ready and start final prep, but I’m tempted to stay in bed and savor having this handsome man in my bed a little while longer.
I pull back the covers, giving me an unobstructed view of Brooks. He’s sexy as hell, and when I notice his hard-on, I move down to where his cock is jutting out, demanding attention. I tentatively lean forward and run my finger along the thick shaft, watching it twitch at the sensation.
Unable to resist, I place a hand on his hip and wrap my hand around his heated erection, hovering my mouth over the head and glide my tongue across the crown.
Brooks stirs, groaning as he peeks an eye open. “Morning, beautiful.”
“Good morning,” I hum, licking him again.
He lets out a low groan, and I lift my hooded eyes to meet his smoldering gaze as I curl my fingers tighter around his cock. He takes a sharp intake of breath as I move my hand up and down his shaft in slow, steady strokes. Pre-cum leaks from the tip, and I lean down to lap it up with my tongue.
“Damn, baby, I could get used to waking up like this,” he says, tone dripping with desire.
My hands glide along his inner thighs, tracing the contours of his impressive physique as I continue to worship his cock.
He props himself up on his elbow so he has a better view and winds his fingers through my hair, urging me to take him in my mouth. I eagerly suck the crown with fervor, and when he tightens his grip, coaxing me to take him deeper, I hollow my cheeks until his tip is at the back of my throat.
“Just like that,” he croons, stroking the column of my neck, and letting me set the pace as I adjust.
I hum at hearing his praise, cupping his balls and squeezing gently as I suck him off. He loses all control, tugging my head forward, fucking my mouth with abandon as he lets out a low growl of approval. I’m drunk on the knowledge that I’m the reason for his unrestrained reaction.
“Fuck, I’m going to come,” he groans.
His cock jerks in my hand as his cum fills my mouth. His eyes widen as I lap up every drop, licking him clean. When I’m finished, his cock springs free from my mouth with a loud pop.
I squeal when he hoists me up the bed and flips me over onto my back.
“My turn.” He grins wickedly.
He brushes his hand down my legs, leaving a trail of goosebumps in his wake. I wait with bated breath as he peppers kisses on my stomach. His stubble rubs against my skin as he moves toward my core, inch by torturous inch. My legs tremble with anticipation as he reaches the apex of my thighs.
He licks along the seam of my pussy before plunging his tongue inside. I buck my hips, grinding against his face as I grip his hair in my fists. He eagerly explores, alternating between licking and sucking, and when he thrusts two thick fingers inside me, a tantalizing shiver courses through my veins.
I gasp at the heat rippling through my body when I lift my head to see him buried between my legs.
I’m already wound tight from having my mouth on his cock, and right when I’m ready to fall apart he eases his pace, moving his fingers in and out in agonizingly slow strokes. My body coils tighter, frantic for him to move faster, and I cry out when he slows down even further.
“Brooks, please,” I whimper, tugging his head closer.
He chuckles softly. “Haven’t you heard that good things come to those who wait?” He teases, nipping the inside of my thigh. “Now keep those pretty eyes on me.”
I release an exasperated breath but oblige, my gaze trained on him, unable to look away despite the rising tension building inside me.
He returns to teasing me with his fingers, and despite my silent pleas, he continues to draw out my impending orgasm.
Just when I think I can’t take it anymore, he latches his mouth onto my clit, causing me to arch off the bed as a wave of euphoria crashes over me. My head drops back against the mattress as I call out his name, savoring every delicious second.
Once I come back down to earth, Brooks moves to the top of the bed and adjusts the pillows against the headboard. He gathers me into his arms and settles me comfortably on his chest as he leans back.
“Merry Christmas, Lila,” he says, showering my shoulder with kisses.
“Merry Christmas, Brooks,” I reply, my voice husky.
We stay like that for a while, looking into each other’s eyes—two people caught in a shared moment that feels like it’s changed everything.
Brooks finally glances over at the clock on the nightstand to see that it’s 7:15 a.m. “What time do you need to be at the inn?” he asks.
My fingers wander across his chest, drawing aimless shapes. “The ceremony is at two, and Hannah is coming by the cottage to get ready at eleven. Although I should head over soon for a final walkthrough of the events room and to be ready for the vendors when they start arriving.”
“What can I do to help? Put me to work, boss .”
“You’re at my service, huh? I like the sound of that,” I say, tilting my head up to kiss him. “I could go for a cup of coffee. It’s going to be a long day.”
“I’ll make sure you get your coffee, breakfast, and at least one more orgas m ,” he promises with a lazy smile.
“Not sure if we have time for the latter,” I tease, pausing briefly to inhale his masculine scent. “I think I might be dreaming,” I add hesitantly.
Brooks furrows his brow when he notices my shift in mood. “Why would you think that?”
I’m scared to say it out loud—that I don’t want this to end. I’ve imagined this moment for so long, but now that it’s real, I’m terrified it’ll slip away. What if, when Brooks goes back to California, he decides he’s done with me, leaving me to pick up the pieces of my broken heart?
Last night exceeded anything I could have wished for, and I prefer to bask in blissful ignorance for as long as I can, clinging to the faint hope that he might feel a fraction of what I do.
I stick with the simple answer. “Because last night was incredible.”
“ Just last night, huh? Guess I didn’t bring my A-game this morning.” He winks. A beat passes before he straightens up, his expression turning serious. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” I reply.
My mind races with the possibilities of what it could be.
“If it weren’t for my grandma relying on you to help at the inn, would you travel more?”
That’s a good question.
“I’d like to think so. Only one other person knows this, but I’ve been thinking about moving away for a while, but it’s never felt like the right time.” I shift slightly, letting out a soft sigh. “And if I’m being honest, it’s a scary concept.”
He furrows his brow. “Why is that?”
“I’ve only ever worked at Whispering Pines,” I admit, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “I started with Kay shortly after high school. It’s the best job, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. But after most of my friends moved away, and I’ve spent time with brides from around the world, it made me question if I’ve only stayed because it’s my safe space.” I clear my throat before continuing. “I’ve considered moving to New York, where Fallon, my best friend lives, or to California to be closer to Andrew and Hannah. But if I did, that means I’d have to start over.” A hint of vulnerability tinges my voice.
“The thing is, I love what I do, but event planners are a dime a dozen in big cities, and I’m not sure I’m cut out for that.”
My eyes flutter when Brooks kisses my forehead. “You don’t see it, do you?” he says softly. “I’ve attended my fair share of upscale events, but what you’ve done with this wedding— especially on such short notice—is nothing short of remarkable. Hell, even the engagement party you put together was unlike any function I’ve attended. It was beyond impressive. With a portfolio like yours, you’d have clients lining up no matter where you go. You’re that good.”
I blink a couple of times, trying to steady myself as my belly does a flip. If Kay or my family had said that, I might have brushed it off, but Brooks doesn’t say something unless he means it.
His encouraging words have chipped away at the last of my resolve, and no matter how hard I try to convince myself that I’m not falling for him, the truth is that I want this—I want him . And for more than the single night that we’ve shared.
“Thank you, Brooks,” I say, stroking his stubbled cheek.
“I mean it,” he states. “There’s nothing more I’d like than to—”
My phone buzzes on the nightstand, cutting him off mid-sentence. He leans across to pick it up and hands it to me, a frown on his face. I’m not the only one who’s unhappy that we were interrupted.
“Thanks,” I tell him before picking it up.
“Hello, this is Lila,” I answer.
“Good morning, dear,” Kay says, sounding extra chipper this morning. “There are two people here from Pastry Haven with the wedding cake, and I wasn’t sure how you wanted it set up.”
I run a hand across my face as I switch to wedding planning mode. “They’re early,” I say as I scramble out of bed and yank open the top draw of my dresser. “They must have wanted to get this delivery out of the way so they could spend the rest of Christmas with their families.” I rush to tug on a clean pair of underwear and fleece-lined leggings. “I’ll be right there.”
“I’m fixing them a cup of coffee, so you’ve got a few extra minutes,” Kay says, accompanied by the clicking of glassware.
“Thanks, Kay. See you soon.”
I’m pulling a sweater over my head when Brooks clears his throat. “Everything okay?”
“The wedding cake was delivered early, so I’ve got to meet with the bakers and get it set up.”
Wordlessly, Brooks pushes the covers off and climbs out of bed. He’s stark naked as he strides toward me. Every ripple and curvature of his well-defined abs are on display, and his cock juts out proudly as he saunters toward me.
My gaze is glued to him as he cups my cheek with his hands and moves his mouth to mine. When his tongue passes my lips, he grabs my jaw with his hands, deepening our kiss. I momentarily forget why I was in such a rush as we remain wrapped in our own private bubble.
When he finally pulls back, he rests his forehead against mine. “Fuck, you’re going to be my undoing, beautiful.” His fingers trace the bridge of my nose like he’s committing every detail to memory. “You better get going. Kay and the vendor are waiting for you, remember?”
“Right,” I say, taking a step back and rushing to put on my boots.
I have my hand on the door when Brooks calls my name.
“Yeah?” I ask, looking over my shoulder.
“Just to be clear. We’re not done. Not by a long shot. I still owe you an orgasm, and I’m nothing if not a man of my word.”
Heat rises to my cheeks, but my phone rings before I can respond.
Not again.
“Go.” Brooks motions for the door. “There will be plenty of time for us to talk later. I promise.”
I nod before ducking outside. Even as the cold air hits me, I can still feel the heat of his gaze. Despite my lingering doubts about what comes next, his words echo in my mind, and I allow the hope stirring inside me to take root.
Maybe, just maybe, this Christmas will be the one that makes my wish come true.
An hour later, and the cake has been set up, and I’m now adding some finishing touches to the events room, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland.
It snowed overnight, blanketing the parking lot and sidewalks in white. Brooks and Jameson are out front shoveling to ensure the inn’s guests and wedding attendees can come and go safely. They’re bundled against the cold in thick coats, beanies, and scarves. The latter was a last-minute addition Kay insisted on.
From the window, I watch as Brooks grins at something Jameson says before playfully slugging him on the shoulder. Jameson throws back his head laughing before they go back to shoveling. The brothers’ exchange is a simple one, but it tugs at my heartstrings to see them reunited in Starlight Pines, and I know Kay is grateful to have them both here for the holidays.
I check my phone to see that I have a few minutes to spare, so I decide to call Fallon. She’s been texting me non-stop, and a quick chat won’t hurt before the rest of the vendors and wedding guests start to arrive. I pop in my earbuds so my hands are free while we chat.
“Hey, is everything alright?” Her tone is tinged with worry. “You’re usually MIA on wedding days.”
“I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas before things got too hectic. I wish you were here.”
“Thanks, Lila. Merry Christmas to you, too.” I can hear the sound of something sizzling on the stove in the background. “What are you making?”
“A caramel glaze for a cinnamon roll wreath,” she says in a sing-song voice. “George, the doorman at Harrison’s building, doesn’t have any family to spend the holidays with, so I thought I’d bring breakfast down to him. Plus, he has three cats of his own, so I’m hoping he has some tips for dealing with this demon cat. The thing acts like he’s never seen the inside of an apartment before.”
I hate that Fallon is spending her holidays alone in New York. I know she’s catering several big events between now and New Year’s Day, but she could have flown out here to spend Christmas with me and my family. It’s hard to tell if she’s truly happy or just puts on a good front. She deserves her own fairy tale ending, although she’d never admit she wants one.
“I’m sure George will appreciate the company,” I say, grabbing some silver ribbon to make bows for the back of the chairs. “Unfortunately, I can’t help you with your cat problem. Now, if you ever need advice on how to handle a stubborn sausage dog with a mind of his own, I’m your girl.”
Fallon bursts out laughing. “Speaking of sausage, anything you want to loop me in on?”
I let out a groan of embarrassment. “Oh. My. God. You did not just say that out loud.”
“What?” She feigns innocence. “My best friend is sharing a bed with her brother’s hot best friend, and they’ve already kissed, but I’m not allowed to ask about the juicy details? That’s downright cruel.”
Sometimes I forget how direct Fallon can be. Her bluntness comes through loud and clear in her texts, but hearing it over the phone takes it to a whole other level.
I glance around the room, making sure I’m alone. “I’m going to tell you something, but you can’t freak out, okay?
“Get on with it,” she encourages.
“Kay kept Winston at the inn last night, and Brooks and I stayed in my cottage—” I stop mid-sentence when she lets out an excited squeal.
“You totally slept with him, didn’t you? Why didn’t you say so sooner? Wait, there’s more, isn’t there?” I have to move the phone away from my ear while she lets out another squeal. “Lila Monroe, you better tell me this instant.”
I roll my eyes at her theatrics. “For someone who’s sworn off love, you sure sound like a hopeless romantic.”
Fallon scoffs. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m just wholly invested in your love life. Now tell me, did you sleep with Brooks or not?”
I hadn’t planned on telling anyone yet, but she’ll keep prying if I don’t. And honestly, it’s a relief to have someone to confide in. My emotions are all over the map. One part of me is on cloud nine, while the other is bracing to wake up at any second, like Clara in The Nutcracker , to find this was all a beautiful illusion.
“It’s bad, Fallon. I didn’t just sleep with Brooks. I’m so into this man I’m pretty sure he ruined me for all other men.”
“This is amazing,” she shrieks. “I better be your first choice for maid of honor, and I’m still catering your wedding.”
I drop the pair of scissors that I was using to cut ribbon.
“Don’t you think you’re getting ahead of yourself?” I ask, bending down to pick up the scissors. “Brooks and I have only slept in the same bed twice and slept together once. That’s a far cry from sending out save-the-dates, don’t you think?”
I leave out the part where he fucked me several times throughout the night and our little escapade this morning.
“Come on, Lila. This is monumental, and you know it,” Fallon says sternly. “Did you guys talk about what you’re going to do after the wedding? There’s no way he’s leaving you after this new development.”
It would be nice if I shared her conviction. Honestly, I have no clue what the future holds.
I wish I did.
“We were going to discuss where we go from here, but I had to leave to meet with a vendor,” I say, wishing I had the answers both Fallon and I are looking for.
“Well, finish that conversation tonight so you can make things official, and then climb that man like a tree.”
“Okay, that’s it. I’m cutting off your phone privileges,” I chuckle with a small smile. “I’ve got a wedding to run, so we’ll have to chat more about this later.”
“You can count on it,” she vows.
After she hangs up, I take a moment to survey the room, proud of how the transformation turned out. It’s hard to believe Andrew and Hannah’s wedding is only hours away, and soon they’ll officially be husband and wife.
My excitement falters, the realization sinking in that Brooks could be gone by tomorrow. The thought presses like a weight on my chest, bittersweet and heavy as I try to picture returning to the way things were before him.
The distant sound of voices snaps me out of my melancholy state, and I get back to work adding the last few ribbons to the back of the chairs.
While I can’t control much about my current situation, I can ensure every detail of Andrew and Hannah’s big day goes off without a hitch.
After that, Brooks and I can figure out what our future holds… or if there’s a future for us after all.