Nutcracker Read online

  “Gabe, I can take that for you, sir.” An older man who appears out of nowhere sweeps in and takes my coat from Gabe. “And I’ll have the ladies bag brought in from the car.” His grey eyes fall on mine. “Can I bring you champagne, madame?”

  No one’s ever called me madame before. I look to Gabe. “Are you having one?”

  “Avery, I’m having many.” His hand moves to my lower back and I inhale sharply, wetness dripping into my panties. “Avery, this is Matthew. He’s been with the family for years.” Dressed in a black suit, Matthew nods in place of a handshake.

  “In that case, I’d love one.” I say. “Thanks, Matthew.” Again, the man nods and disappears with my coat.

  “Are you ready for this?” Gabe asks.

  “I don’t know, am I?”

  “I’m not sure I am, either.”

  “You’re really selling it.” My fist taps his impossibly taught bicep.

  “Come on, let’s jump in the deep end. I’ve never been one to wade.”

  His hand remains on my lower back as he leads me out of the foyer, and I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to come home with him for Christmas as his girlfriend instead of the woman who works for him.

  4

  Gabe

  Avery looks amazing in her red dress. It hugs her curves in all the right places, leaving just enough to the imagination. Until now I’ve always held my attraction for her at arm’s length, but tonight it’s damn near impossible. Every inch of her screams perfection, from her sparkling green eyes to her thick, rounded calves. I run my tongue along my teeth, wondering what it would feel like to nibble on them.

  “How many bedrooms are in this place?” She asks, an innocent question. My cock twitches in my pants thinking about Avery splayed out on any one of them. God, what I wouldn’t give to press myself into her, running my hands through her thick chestnut locks.

  “Seven, I think.”

  “You think?” Avery’s eyes flick to the portraits on the hallway wall.

  “I didn’t grow up here.”

  “Where did you grow up?”

  “Mostly at boarding schools.”

  “Oh.” She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip.

  I can’t help but wonder if this was a bad idea. It’s amazing to be with Avery outside of the office, but maybe I didn’t think this through? I just want her to have a nice Christmas, and from the look on her face it seems she is. Now, it’s me suffering from a bit of nerves.

  “Where is everyone?” She asks.

  “My father’s no doubt pre-gaming in his study, and mother’s likely still getting ready.”

  “Going to be a pretty big party?” Avery peers her head around the corner nearly crashing into a full-sized Medieval Knight Suit. “Excuse me, sir.” She teases and taps the metal with her fingernail.

  “The soiree of the season,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Everyone who’s anyone will be here.”

  We enter the great room, a fire already roaring in the ornate fireplace. Avery’s heels screech against the marble floor. “Gabe, that’s the biggest tree I’ve ever seen in my life!”

  The Christmas tree perched in the corner sparkles with soft, glowing white lights. Red and gold ornaments hang from every branch. Hundreds of presents rest nestled beneath it, most of them empty—for show. She high tails it over to the tree, her eyes filled with child-like wonder. “It’s gorgeous,” she whispers stepping toward it, a warm glow highlighting her face. Standing next to her, taking in every inch of her beauty, my heart nearly stops in my chest. I’ve never seen a more stunning woman in my entire life.

  “You’re gorgeous,” I whisper. My words tumble out before I can stop them.

  Avery’s head flicks toward me. She’s standing so close. Her perfume mixed with the smell of Christmas leaves me lightheaded. Her tongue rolls across her lips. “You’re just saying that.”

  “I’m not, Avery. I didn’t just ask you here because you’re the best employee I have, which you are.” The corners of Avery’s lips curl into a smile. “The whole working for me tonight was a ruse.”

  Pink dances across her cheeks. “I kind of figured that.”

  “I enjoy being around you, and the thought of you being alone at Christmas broke my heart.”

  Her full chest rises and falls with each breath, cleavage popping enough to make me crazy. I want to pull this woman to me and never let her go. “I enjoy spending time with you, too, Gabe.” I take her hand, her green eyes trickling up to meet mine. “Very much.”

  The fire crackles under the humming speakers, playing an instrumental rendition of I’ll Be Home For Christmas. And for the first time in ages, it feels like home. It’s not the house, and it’s not the party, it’s Avery. I wet my lips and slowly lean down toward her. My eyes remain open just long enough to see her raise her chin, eyes flittering shut.

  “Your champagne, madame.”

  Both of our eyes bolt open. Matthew stands mere feet from us holding a silver tray with two glasses of bubbly. His narrowed eyes match the sly smile on his face. “Thank you, Matthew.” I say and reach for my glass. Avery follows suit, her face flushed an adorable shade of crimson.

  Matthew nods, tucks the tray underneath his armpit, and promptly exits the room, casting a final glance over his shoulder before he leaves.

  Avery opens her mouth to speak, but stops when she glances down at my zipper. I twist my hips enough to adjust the massive erection I’m sporting. This woman drives me crazy. We didn’t even brush lips and I’m already about to come in my pants. No one’s ever made me feel this way before.

  Avery brings her fingertips to her cheeks. “Hot in here,” she says with a little giggle, and raises her glass. I tap the rim of my flute against hers, embarrassed as a teenager busted by his parents while he’s trying to make a move. And it feels good. Innocent…

  For now.

  I let the bubbles slide down my throat, eyes still locked on Avery. This woman is here for a reason. Snooty party and self-involved parents aside, it feels good to be home. And now that I’ve gotten the slightest hint at what it would feel like to have her by my side, I can’t fathom letting that go. Before the end of the night, Avery will realize she’s meant to be mine.

  I’ll make certain of that.

  5

  Avery

  I’ve never been at such a fancy party. One plate of food, I’m wagering, costs as much as this dress. Lucky for me I’ve got a hearty appetite, the champagne’s helping with my social anxiety, and Gabe’s been by my side most of the evening.

  And that almost kiss?

  I’ve been replaying the moment in my head all night. Gabe’s full lips leaning down toward mine, the smell of him filling the air, the gentle touch of his hands in mine. Maybe I’m crazy, or delusional, or both, but it really happened, right? I’m not dreaming. Getting together with Gabe Everson would be a Christmas wish come true. I know that with a man like Gabe, I’d never be alone again.

  Whoa! Tires screech against the pavement in my mind. I’m getting way ahead of myself. Look at this place, elegant and dripping with wealth. There’s one thing that seems to stand out like a sore thumb, and unfortunately it’s me.

  My eyes flick across the room as Gabe finishes up a conversation with a gentleman in a tux. He holds up his finger, indicating that he’ll be over in a second. I flick my head toward the food table, and Gabe nods. It’s like we already have a secret language.

  I grab a delectable puff pastry, closing my eyes as it melts in my mouth, when a cold hand presses against my forearm. Surprised, I turn to find an older woman in a gold, strapless dress with shocking black eyes. Her smooth face boasts heavy maintenance. A pinched smile accentuates her plumped up lips. I’d eyed her from a far all night, though she showed little interest in me until now—Gabe’s impossibly elegant mother.

  “Hello, dear. I’m Veronica Everson.” Her long, thin fingers brush her visible collarbone. I swallow back the last bits of pastry and run my tongue along my teeth, praying ther
e’s nothing lodged in between them.

  I hold out my hand. “Avery Bailey.” Veronica’s limp fingers brush against mine as she gives it a weak shake. “And how do you know my Gabriel?” Her eyes dance up and down my dress. She’s a toothpick compared to me. One false move and I’d break this woman in two.

  My heart rate picks up and I take a deep breath, trying to calm it. “We work together.”

  “At the firm?” Her eyebrows don’t move, though I sense confusion. “Are you his secretary?”

  I nearly choke. “I’m the VP of Sales.” It’s hard to hide my shit-eating grin. I love my title and saying out loud is a treat every time.

  “Well,” she says. “Good for you. Are you,” she gestures toward the food. “Enjoying yourself?”

  “Yes, you have a beautiful home.” I say and reach for the nearest napkin. Veronica nods, a snake’s smile spread across her lips. “I can’t wait to see which room the butler put me up in.” The words hit me and I nearly laugh out loud. “The butler? I’m not used to those words.”

  “And you won’t be.” She mutters. “Enjoy yourself this evening.”

  “Thank you, Veronica. I will—”

  “If you’ll excuse me, I have to speak with my son.” Gabe’s mom sashays her way through a tiny crowd of folks the second Gabe finishes his conversation. His smile fades when he sees her, and for the first time, I understand why. All the way down to her fingers, the woman is cold.

  Veronica plants two air kisses on the sides of his face, squeezing his biceps. I can’t tell what they’re saying but when they both glance in my direction, it doesn’t take a genius to know I’m involved.

  I was right; I am out of place here. Not only am I twice the size of every woman, but I’m not one of them and it shows. Is it hot in here? I rest my hand on my flushed chest, willing my heart rate to slow. I’ve just had too much champagne. I need a glass of water.

  My feet are like lead as I make my way to the bar. “A glass of water, please.” My mouth crackles when I speak. How could one woman completely upset my entire sense of well-being? The water goes down cool, giving me temporary relief. But I’m still at this stuffy party. If this is the reaction his mother can cause, I imagine his father’s will be worse.

  I want to get out of here. I don’t want to be around these people. Maybe I’m meant to be alone on Christmas. It’s my fault my parents are dead, anyway. If I just would’ve been a little more lax about them being with me on Christmas Eve, maybe they’d still be alive today.

  I turn away from the bar, not caring where my bag might be at this point. I need fresh air. Sweat beads on my upper lip as I make my way down the front hall. I’m almost to the door when…

  “Avery, what’s wrong?”

  Gabe. I close my eyes, cool winter air feet away. “I’m fine, just needed some air.” My feet move again, don’t ask me how.

  “Wait, Avery.” Before I open the door, Gabe opens it for me. We both step onto the massive front porch, where a few partygoers are smoking cigarettes. I find a stretch of clean air and press my hips against the railing. “You’ll freeze,” Gabe says, and peels off his jacket. His hands are warm when they brush against me, wrapping his coat over my shoulders.

  “I’m okay,” I say, my senses slowly coming back to me.

  “No, you’re not. I don’t know what my mother said to you, but she’s a horrible woman.”

  “You shouldn’t say that about your mother.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, I love her.” Gabe stands close enough that our shoulders are touching. “I just don’t like her very much.”

  Hot tears rim my eyes. “I don’t belong here, Gabe. It was nice of you to ask me to come, but I think I’d better head back to the city.”

  Gabe’s face falls. His black eyes glisten like night. “You do belong here, Avery.”

  I have to laugh, hearty enough that it shakes my shoulders. “That’s a lie, Gabe.” I turn to face him, raising my chin upward. “Trust me, I belong at home. Alone.” My hand rests against his cheek, warm against my touch. “Thank you for taking me in on Christmas. It’s the nicest thing anyone’s done for me in a long time. But I need my bag. I’m going home.”

  The words are barely out of my mouth before Gabe’s hands are around my waist, pulling me close to him. His strong touch knocks the wind from my lungs. Our eyes tango, as shock and excitement wash over me.

  “You belong here, Avery Bailey. You belong with me.” His serious gaze, mixed with his gentle strength, sends my panties into a pool of desire. “And I’m not letting you go anywhere.”

  6

  Gabe

  My lips crash down on Avery’s. Our tongues dance together, exploring each other’s mouths like horny teenagers. My hands dance up and down her skin tight dress, feeling the grooves of her curvy frame against my fingertips. My cock lurches in my pants as I pull her closer to me, but before I can get too comfortable, Avery pulls away.

  “No, Gabe.” She says, her sparkling eyes hooded and bright. “Not here.” Without giving her an answer, I grab her delicate hand and lead her back inside. We pass Matthew, holding a tray of after-dinner liqueur. His eyebrows raise in mock surprise as we head for the staircase. With each step, my body grows more eager to get my gorgeous Avery alone. Ravaging her body is the only thing on my mind right now.

  Once I’m certain we’re out of sight, I push Avery against the wall and press my body firmly up against hers. A small gasp escapes her swollen lips, lasting only a moment before my lips are on hers again. She tilts her pelvis toward me, grinding into my erection. I kiss her deep and hard, taking my sweet time, palming her amazing tits.

  I grab the straps of her dress and pull them down her arms, exposing her bra until those glorious pink puffy nipples of hers poke through the lace cup. My top lip curls into a snarl as I squeeze them together, wondering what my cock would feel like in between them.

  While we’re out of sight, below us we can still hear the hum of the partygoers. It makes it even more exciting as I pull the lacy material over her soft breast, biting and sucking at her hard nipple while she fists the back of my hair. My other hand finds its way up her skirt, skidding along the damp recess of her inner thighs until I cup her cunt.

  “Are you wet for me, Avery?” I growl against her diamond peaks. “Is your pussy soaked for your boss?”

  A tiny inhale through her nose, and then, “I’m so wet, Gabe.”

  “And you want this?” My middle finger fumbles with the inner elastic of her panties. “You want me to kiss you where it hurts?” Her wetness soaks my fingertip as it slides against her silky opening.

  “Oh fuck yes,” she whispers as I raise my mouth to meet hers. “I want you, Gabe. I’ve always wanted you.”

  “I want you, too, Avery. But not just tonight. I want you forever. You’re mine.” My finger slides into her tight little opening, and the back of her head taps the wall. “Are you prepared for that, Avery? To be mine forever? Because once you’ve given yourself to me, I’m never letting you go.” I twist my hand deep inside of her as my teeth tear into her bottom lip. Her palm thuds against my back as a tightening expands in my stomach. Touching her cunt excites me more than I’d expected, so tight and wet.

  It’s nice, but not enough. I have to have a taste…

  My knees hit the soft, Persian runner. I pull Avery’s skirt over her full, curvy hips and ass. Her black lace panties show enough peek-a-boo to make my cock jump against my zipper. I’d be shocked if my juices haven’t left a stain. My fingers roll around the elastic of her panties, her soft flesh erupting in goosebumps as I lean in and press my nose against her cunt.

  “Mmm,” I hum, pressing a kiss into the soft hair nestled beneath the fabric. “You smell even better than I expected.” My tongue traces a line up her inner waistband. Avery’s body shivers against the wall as I slowly pull those sexy panties down over her shelf of an ass.

  My cock begs for release, as she lifts one high heeled foot after the other, stepping out of her panti
es and giving me a full view of her perfect pussy. I swipe them up and bring them to my nose, giving them one last sniff before shoving them into my pocket. “I’m keeping these,” I say, then lift one of her legs over my shoulder, gaining easier access in the process as her pussy lips part on their own.

  My lips graze her inner thigh and don’t stop until they’re pressed against her dripping wet center. My head moves side to side, allowing my mouth to move deeper between her folds. My mouth glistens with her sweet nectar. I run the fat of my tongue up her slit until I reach her hood, sucking her engorged clit as hard as I can.

  Avery’s palm bats the wall. “That feels amazing,” she whispers.

  “I know,” I rasp. My fingers take over, sawing in and out of her. Avery’s gigantic tits bounce against her red dress. I’ve never seen tits this huge, and I’m unable to keep my eyes off them, so gorgeous and full.

  “Kiss it again,” she says, lips snarled.

  My mouth finds her cunt, fingers working overtime, alternating between penetrating her and circling her clit. I’ve never eaten pussy like this before. I love the way she tastes.

  Avery’s voice comes out breathy and weak. “Oh fuck, Gabe. I’m close.” That’s my cue to press-in deeper and suck harder. She fists my hair, bringing me closer to her, lapping up her sweet juices.

  “I’m coming,” she says, her pussy lips twitching against my mouth. “Oh I’m coming so hard.” A wave of wetness drenches my face, my finger moving smoother. In and out. In and out…

  When her climax passes, I kiss her inner thigh and look up at her. Avery’s tits are rock hard, diamond peaks. She looks down at me, her hair mussed and cascading across her bare breasts. Before I can say a word, she pulls me up to meet her, pressing her lips against mine. She explores my mouth, no doubt tasting her own sweetness against my tongue.

  Once she breaks away, she pulls her bra up over her tits, and replaces her straps. Her eyes positively sparkle in the dark hallway. “Where can we go?” She asks, resetting the hem of her dress against her thighs.