Page 77 of Brought By the Storm

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, since seeing the photos, he’s come up with quite a few sexy adjectives to describe you, but slut wasn’t one of them.”

Eric grimaced, then walked over and tapped his fist against my forehead. “You do know that ‘slut’ isn’t an adjective, right?”

“Touché,” I responded. It was a grammar game to which we had become accustomed. “Well, back to your earlier concern, there will be no sex toys under the tree for you.”

He appeared a bit surprised. “No?” I nodded. He looked skeptical. “So, what was this gift you had planned for tonight? Oh, you mean, that one won’t be under the tree.”

I shook my head no. “Incorrect. There are no sex toys being offered as gifts this Christmas. I hope you didn’t have your heart set on receiving one.”

He held back a laugh. “Um, I think I can make do with the ones I have. Maybe you could buy some to donate to needy gay boys who can’t afford them. So, what did you have to give me this evening?”

“You know I can’t tell you before you unwrap it,” I teased. “Besides, I won’t be sharing it if you object to anything sexual on Christmas.”

I could tell his curiosity and his healthy sexual appetite were overpowering his celebration principles. “Um, I guess if it’s once we’re in bed it would be okay.”

“Hmm. I’m glad. I’ve been…preparing this gift for some time now.” He cocked an eyebrow, unable to hide his interest. “I think it may make tomorrow morning’s festivities feel anticlimactic.”

Eric crossed his arms over his chest. “Ha! I doubt that. I don’t think you realize how much I’ve been looking forward to Christmas.” But of course, I did. He hadn’t had cause to celebrate the holiday for several years. It was why I was determined to make the day as special as possible for him.

“We’ll see,” I challenged, grabbing another cookie from the cooling rack and shoving it in my mouth, earning a playful smack on my arm.

“Get out of my kitchen,” he gasped, feigned outrage at my unruliness. “Don’t come back until I tell you dinner is ready.”