A Wife by Christmas by Callie Hutton Page A

Her skin glowed in the firelight. Raised on one elbow, he leaned above her, his gaze raking over her seductively. She smiled slightly and bit her lip when he ran his hands over her body, then reached for him, pulling their mouths together in an explosion of heat.
    His hand glided over her ribcage, down to her belly, and lower to the curls that covered her sex. Ellie stiffened. He pulled his mouth away and circled the soft shell of her ear with his tongue. “Don’t be afraid, I would never hurt you.”
    “It won’t hurt?”
    He smiled at her. Her trusting eyes, tinged with a hint of fear. “Since you’re untouched, it will hurt, but briefly. I will go slowly because I want you to enjoy this. That’s important to me.”
    Max quickly divested himself of his union suit and stretched out alongside her. Ellie’s eyes widened at the sight of his erection.

    “See what you do to me?” Her frightened face melted his heart. She might be a strong woman, but truly an innocent one. His fingers returned to her woman’s core, circling the small nub, releasing the fluid that would ease his way. Two fingers slid in, then a third, stretching her, getting her ready for him.
    Ellie moaned, shifted, and turned toward him. Her nails dug into the muscles of his shoulders, her response escalating his own.
    Max bought his mouth to her breasts and suckled. Ellie moaned and held his head, running her fingers through his hair. He flicked the rosy nipple with his tongue, circled it. “So perfect.” Her soft skin, scented with rose water, glowed with a sheen of sweat. If he didn’t have her soon, he would burst into flames.
    She slid her hand down his back, working his flexing muscles with her fingers. He eased her thighs apart and moved atop her, all the while whispering words of encouragement. He pushed the damp hair back from her forehead and kissed her gently. Slowly he slid into her tight channel.
    Ellie continued to run her hands across his back, not going any further than his waist. He pushed harder and felt the resistance. “Honey, this will hurt, but only for a moment.” Before she could stiffen, he surged forward, breaking through the barrier. Ellie attempted to scoot back, but he massaged her shoulders, murmuring in her ear, kissing her neck. He kept himself still until he felt her muscles ease. Then he slowly began to slide in and out.
    His heart sped up. She felt so warm, tight and wet. He groaned, his thrusts becoming stronger as she adjusted to his rhythm and met him with her hips. Her innocent enthusiasm stoked the fire in his blood until he was consumed by need. With one final thrust, his body stiffened and he poured himself into her. He rested his head on her forehead, both of them panting. He looked into her eyes, wide and brimming with tears. “Are you okay?”
    “Is that all?” One lone tear trickled down her flushed cheek. “I still feel so restless.”
    Max wiped the tear with his thumb and returned his fingers to her sex. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, it shouldn’t have been that way for you, but I’ve wanted you for so long, I got carried away. Now, close your eyes and relax.” He smiled as her lips parted on a whisper of pleasure. After only a few minutes, Ellie stiffened and her body bucked, a soft ‘oh’ escaped between her lips. Max kissed her and held her tight to his body until the shudders stopped.
    Wrapped naked in each other’s arms, they fell into a deep sleep.
    Ellie awoke to early dawn light filtering in from the small window across from where she lay. Warmth and comfort flowed over her skin, except for the stick poking her in the back. Her memory returned in a rush. Heat flashed to her face and she pulled away from the spoon-like position she and Max lay in.
    “We should probably get dressed and leave.” His warm thick voice whispered in her ear.
    She nodded furiously, scooting further away from his warmth.
    “I’ll get dressed first, and go outside so you can dress.” He kissed her briefly