The doorbell chimed, its sound muffled by Sophia’s pounding heart. She adjusted her Santa hat, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as she clutched the wine bottle tighter.
The door swung open, and there stood Jake, all tanned skin and easy grace. His shirt, unbuttoned just enough to be tantalising, made Sophia’s mouth go dry.
“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” Jake drawled, his blue eyes twinkling as they swept over her. Before she could respond, his arm snaked around her waist, and suddenly she was spinning.
“Jake!” Sophia squealed, laughing as the world blurred around her. “I’m going to drop the wine, you madman!”
He set her down gently, steadying her with a hand on her hip. “Can’t have that now, can we?” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.
Sophia’s cheeks flushed, and she thrust the bottle at him.
Jake grinned, taking the wine. “Always prepared, aren’t you, little one?” He stepped back, ushering her inside. “Come on in. Dinner’s almost ready.”
As Sophia entered, the scent of garlic and herbs filled her nose. “Smells amazing,” she said, slipping off her heels. “I didn’t know surfers could cook.”
Jake chuckled, closing the door. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet, Sophia.”
The way he said her name sent a shiver down her spine. Sophia turned, catching his intense gaze. For a moment, the air between them crackled with possibility.
“Well,” she said, breaking the tension with a smirk, “I look forward to finding out, surfer boy.”
Sophia sauntered into the kitchen, her hips swaying with each step. She leaned against the counter, watching Jake as he stirred something on the stove. The muscles in his forearms flexed, and she found herself mesmerised.
“Need a hand with anything?” she asked, her voice a little huskier than intended.
Jake glanced over his shoulder, a slow grin spreading across his face. “Nah, I’ve got it covered. You just sit down and look delectable.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow. “That’s all I’m good for, huh?”
“Oh, I’m sure you’re good for plenty,” Jake replied, his tone dripping with innuendo. “But right now, relax. Let me take care of you.”
Sophia’s heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t used to being taken care of. It was… nice. Unsettling, but nice.
“Alright, surfer boy,” she said, hopping onto a nearby stool. “Impress me with your culinary skills.”
As Jake moved around the kitchen, Sophia found her mind wandering. Was this just fun still, or was she catching feelings? The thought made her stomach clench with anxiety.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Jake’s voice cut through her reverie.
Sophia plastered on a smile. “Just wondering how many women you’ve charmed with this routine.”
Jake laughed, a rich, warm sound that made her toes curl. “You wound me, little one. I’ll have you know, you’re the first woman I’ve cooked for in years.”
“Lucky me,” Sophia murmured, not entirely sure if she was being sarcastic or sincere.
Jake slid a dish into the oven, then turned back to face her, sipping his wine. The way his throat moved as he swallowed made Sophia’s mouth go dry. Before she could react, he was in front of her, his strong hands tugging her into his arms.
“What are you-” Sophia’s question was cut off as Jake spun her in a circle, her giggles filling the kitchen.
“Dancing,” Jake replied, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “Isn’t that what you wanted?”
Sophia’s heart raced as Jake dipped her backwards, her Santa hat tumbling to the floor. For a moment, she felt weightless, suspended in his arms. Then he was pulling her upright, and his lips crashed into hers.
The kiss was electric, sending sparks shooting through her body. Sophia’s hands found their way to Jake’s hair, tangling in the soft strands. She didn’t care about the hat, or the dinner, or anything else at that moment. All that mattered was Jake’s mouth on hers, his body pressed against her.
Jake’s hands slid up Sophia’s sides, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. One hand cradled the back of her head, fingers threading through her hair, while the other settled on her hip, pulling her impossibly closer.
Sophia’s fingers tightened in Jake’s hair as he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth with a hunger that made her weak in the knees. She met his intensity with her own, kissing him back with equal fervor.
“Fuck,” Jake breathed against her lips, breaking away for a moment. “You’re intoxicating, you know that?”
Sophia’s heart pounded in her chest. “Less talking, more kissing,” she demanded, tugging him back to her.
Jake chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent shivers down her spine. “Yes, ma’am.”
As their lips met again, Sophia’s mind raced. This was supposed to be just fun, wasn’t it? So why did it feel like so much more? She pushed the thoughts aside, losing herself in the sensation of Jake’s body against hers, his hands roaming her curves.
Jake pulled back slightly, his blue eyes dark with desire as they roamed over Sophia’s flushed face. A playful smirk tugged at his lips.
“You know,” he murmured, his breath hot against her ear, “I can’t wait to unwrap my Christmas present.” His fingers toyed with the hem of her dress. “Is what’s underneath just as exquisite?”
Sophia’s pulse quickened, a delicious thrill running through her body. She bit her lower lip, looking up at him through her lashes.
“You’ll have to wait and see, surfer boy,” she purred, trailing a finger down his chest. “But I did buy it with you in mind.”
Jake groaned, his grip on her hip tightening. “Fuck, you’re killing me, little one.”
Sophia’s mind raced. She’d picked out the lingerie on a whim, thinking of Jake’s hands on her body, his eyes drinking her in. Now, the reality of the moment hit her. This wasn’t just some casual fling anymore, was it?
“Maybe if you’re good,” she teased, pushing the thoughts aside, “you’ll get to open your present early.”
Jake’s eyes lit up, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “Oh, I can be very, very good.”
Jake’s eyes darted to the clock on the wall, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. “Damn, we’ve only got fifteen minutes until dinner’s ready.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. “That’s not very long, surfer boy,” she purred, her fingers toying with the buttons of his shirt.
Jake’s hands tightened on her waist, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “You’d be surprised what I can do in fifteen minutes, little one.”
Sophia’s heart raced, torn between desire and the tantalizing smell of whatever Jake had put in the oven. She bit her lip, considering. “I don’t know… I’m pretty hungry.”
Jake chuckled, the sound sending shivers down her spine. “Oh, I’ll make sure you’re satisfied,” he promised, his lips brushing against her neck.
Sophia’s breath hitched. Fuck it, she thought. Food could wait. “Well then,” she breathed, pulling him closer, “show me what you’ve got, surfer boy.”
Jake grinned wickedly, lifting her onto the counter in one swift motion. “With pleasure,” he growled, his hands sliding up her thighs as he captured her lips in a searing kiss.