Disclaimer: Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond own the adorable little mouse whose needs inspired this very adult version of their story. Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight. I’m here having fun.

-OOO-

Chapter 14

Holy shit.

The firelight illuminates his unblemished skin, giving it a warm glow, and my mouth waters as my eyes wander over every perfect inch from head to toe. Edward is stretched out on our couch, which can barely contain him, with his bare feet hanging over the armrest.

Fuck—even his feet are sexy. 

I step closer, wanting a better view of his bare chest and arms that are on full display. His eyes are closed, but he has an arm tucked behind his head, inadvertently flexing one of his sculpted biceps while the other arm is draped casually across his stomach.

My jealous fingers twitch with the thought of exploring every well-defined curve with delicate touches, and I wonder if he’s ticklish. I lick my lips as my tongue zeros in on his abs, begging to be traced, while my eyes delve lower. 

His pajama pants are sitting low on his hips, giving me a peek at the waistband of his underwear, but I’m unable to look anywhere else other than the prominent bulge topped off with the tied bow of the drawstring of his pants, which I swear is calling my name. 

Bella…

Guess what’s waiting for you to unwrap…

My eyes shift slightly higher, noticing a sparse dusting of fine hairs and the eye-catching muscles of his hips—forming a pronounced “V” and directing my eyes lower again.

Santa brought you a present…

The firefighter you’ve been fantasizing about…

Pull on that innocent looking string…

I wonder what it would take for his fire hose to spring a leak.

You know you want to…

A little tug is all it needs…

He is so tempting. Of course, I want to explore all areas of Edward, especially the ones I can’t see. I squeeze my hands into fists to prevent me from reaching out and waking him before I’m ready.

Walking cautiously toward the mantel, I remove the condoms from my waistband and slip them into my stocking with barely a sound. The warmth of the fire feels great on my bare legs, but I glance toward Edward making sure his eyes are still closed and that the transfer went undetected. When I see nothing has changed, I step lightly toward the movie cabinet, open it quietly, and locate The Polar Express. 

A popping from one of the burning logs causes me to jump and nearly drop the movie, but does nothing to bother Edward’s peaceful slumber. Carefully, I open the movie case and load it into the player, hoping the whirring of the disk isn’t as loud as it seems. I turn on the television and lower the volume while the movie plays through previews until it reaches the main menu, waiting for me to start the movie. 

With the movie’s easily recognizable tunes playing softly in the background, I walk back toward Edward and sit perched on the edge of the coffee table. I watch his serene expression and wonder the best method for waking him without startling. I know my father is a light sleeper and would imagine Edward is too, being on alert at all hours of the night. I don’t want to alarm him, and he may not remember he’s here with me.

I move closer, kneeling next to the couch, and reach out, sliding my cool hand around the warm one resting on his stomach. His eyes open instantly at my touch.

“Hey,” I whisper.

“Bella.” His voice is husky, but the sound of him saying my name brings a smile to my face.

I could get used to waking him up. He may prefer some of my other methods too. Edward looks around the room, glancing at the television screen, the fireplace, and the lit Christmas tree. I squeeze his hand, and he focuses back on me.

“We’re at my place, remember? You came over?”

He clears his throat and nods. “Yeah. I remember. What time is it?”

“Almost four.”

“Sorry, I thought I would rest my eyes while I waited for you.”

“You’re tired. Would you rather sleep than watch a movie?”

“No, but I need to see my present first.” Edward’s crooked grin reappears, then he twirls his finger. “Stand up and turn around for me.”

My whole body warms at his request and I stand, doing a slow spin while I feel his eyes rake up and down my body.

“What do you think?” I ask once I’ve made the full circle. “I’ve never walked a runway, but I think my one-day career as a live mannequin is finally paying off.”

Edward chuckles as I hold still, striking one pose and holding it, then moving to another until he’s seen enough.

“You’re too far away.” He waves me closer.

After moving within arm’s reach, he runs his hand along my leg, from my calf to just above my knee. It’s difficult to stay in one place while his eyes dance from the hem to the neck of his pajama top I’m wearing.

“So…”

“You missed a few buttons.” He smirks, as his hand makes another pass up and down my leg, leaving new goose bumps with every teasing touch.

Higher. I silently plead, but his hand stays out of the go-zone.

“They didn’t seem that important.” I shrug, causing the already loose neckline to shift, baring one of my shoulders. “Other than the buttons, is everything else too your… liking?”

His eyes don’t miss the reveal, as he reaches for my hand and tugs me closer, shifting on the couch to make room for me to join.

“Oh, everything is to my liking. Come here.” He opens his arms. “Are you cold?”

“A little,” I admit, crawling into the spot in front of him on the couch. But, even if I wasn’t, how could I ever resist being wrapped up in his embrace?

I snuggle closer, and he presses me to his bare chest. I can feel the warmth radiating off his body while my head finds the perfect spot in the crook of his neck. His legs intertwine with mine until they are covered, and I’m completely enveloped in the best full-body bear hug I’ve ever had in my life.

“Mmmm.” He hums, releasing a contented sigh. “Is that better?”

“The best.” 

My body relaxes instantly in his arms as I breathe in deeply enjoying Edward’s comforting scent. Unfortunately, that feeling doesn’t last long, because my brain is on high alert when I realize in this position, the lower half of my body is in direct contact with that bow I was appreciating earlier. If I move or readjust my position in the slightest, there will be some not-so-obvious rubbing, and I can make zero guarantees I’ll be able to stop. 

“You probably won’t be able to see the movie like this.” He leaves a kiss on the top of my head.

“That’s okay.” I lean back slightly, tilting my head to stare up at him. “I’m only interested in watching you anyway.”

“Oh, Bella…” His eyes shift to my mouth, then he leans forward, brushing his lips against mine with a gentle kiss. “What am I going to do with you?”

“I thought you would never ask.” I giggle, wiggling my hand free from his tight hold and caressing his stubbled cheek. But I can’t resist teasing him a bit. “If you need one, I can make another version of Santa’s list with all the X-rated possibilities. I have a way with words. Some might say it makes me irresistible.”

“That’s not the only reason for your irresistibility.” He agrees with a heart-warming smile, then presses his lips to my forehead, followed by a quick peck on my nose. 

I follow his lead as we share unhurried kisses, until he pulls away, catching his breath and tilting his head back.

“I’m also a good listener too,” I add between kisses along his throat.

I feel his head nod and know I need to have patience, if I’m ever going to get him to open up about his life before moving to Forks or the perils of his job. 

“I think you’re great at modeling men’s pajama tops,” he offers unexpectedly. 

I pause my jaw appreciation and can barely keep the grin off my face while waiting for his eyes to open. When they do, I recognize instantly the need and longing staring back at me. I’m stunned for a moment, and any flirty quip I had about being his personal nude model goes right out the window, because it’s no match for the serious expression taking over his face.

“Am I?” My voice is barely above a whisper.

He nods, and a small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Yes, but would you agree to do so only for me?”

“Only you?” I ask, not really surprised at his request, but growing more confident by the minute in the bond I’m feeling between us. Maybe he’s feeling it too. “That sounds rather… exclusive.”

“I would like to be, but I want to make sure you feel the same way before we go any further with this.” He waves a finger between us.

“Edward, I’m all for exclusivity.”

“That’s good.” His smile grows slightly but fades once more. “Do you think…?”

He starts but hesitates sharing what’s bothering him.

“What is it?” I prompt. “Just ask me. I’ll tell you anything. I’m an open book.”

“Do you think you’re going to stay in Forks after Jess returns from her maternity leave? Your father mentioned you possibly moving or taking a job in another state.”

He doesn’t want me to leave. I can’t begin to express how loved that makes me feel. Or maybe he’s thinking about Garrett and what he did for Kate, so they could be together. I’m sure Garrett has shared the story with him; as guys won’t admit it, but they lean on their buddies about this kind of stuff too. I’m pulled from my thoughts as Edward continues voicing his concerns.

“I’m not sure there’s really any turning back at this point.” He releases a nervous chuckle. “My heart is already invested… in you… and us, but if you only see this as something short-term, I’d like to know. If you think there’s a chance we could be more…”

“Edward,” I interrupt, because if it’s reassurance he needs, then I’ll gladly share it. “I don’t offer a drawer in my dresser to just anyone. You’re the first.”

His smile is back firmly in place with that clarification.

“I have to admit that I don’t know where I’m going to be working when Jess returns. I’ll need to find something. I have a few options, but I’ve also been on the fence, whether or not I should stay in Forks. My dad wants to move out to the reservation and live with Sue. He said something about selling the house recently, but he’s willing to wait for me to figure out my future plans.” I caress his face as I stare into his eyes. ”Plans that I hope include you as well.”

-OOO-

If you give a firefighter a Christmas cookie, he will want the perfect cup of coffee to go with it.

The cookies and coffee will remind him of his favorite Christmas songs, and while hanging Christmas lights, he’ll agree to a date decorating a tree.

The decorated Christmas tree will fill him with Christmas spirit, which will give him the courage to kiss the naughty new friend who he’s had his eyes on for a while.

Sharing kisses with her won’t be enough. So, he’ll find other ways for them to spend more time together, like building a gingerbread house and playing in the snow.

He’ll wish for his favorite Christmas dinner foods but arrive late to the meal, because he’s sharing steamy kisses in the parking lot.

After arriving, he’ll learn unexpectedly the details of a secret family recipe, but before he can share his new information, he’ll be called away for a day full of emergencies and rescues.

He’ll make a surprise visit to exchange Christmas presents and accept an invitation for a sleepover, where they’ll share their concerns about the future.