Chapter 1: Joe

“What do you want to do New Year’s Eve?”

I frowned at the strip of wallpaper I’d just torn off the bedroom wall before turning to glare at my fiancé.

“New Year’s Eve? Do you even know me?”

“I know you very well.” Cam chuckled lightly and held up a thermos in one hand and two mugs in the other. “Bailey’s and hot chocolate. Want to take a break?”

“Sure, but is it even noon yet?”

Cam shrugged. “It’s that magic time of year where I literally have no idea what time it is. Or what day it is.”

I snort-laughed as I cautiously navigated the tall ladder and hopped down. “Do you ever know the date or time?”

He intercepted my nip on his ear with a sneaky lip lock that left me reeling. And when he flattened his tongue to lick my neck, then bit me like a vampire gone rogue, I almost saw stars. No shit. I blinked, unconsciously adjusting my cock with my eyes glued on Cam’s ass as he stepped aside to set the thermos and a bottle of Bailey’s on the nearby dresser.

“I keep track of important things.” He unscrewed the top and poured two hot chocolates, adding a healthy splash of Bailey’s to both, then handed over a mug and raised his in a toast. “Cheers.”

I breathed in the scent of warm chocolate as I clandestinely observed my man. It was something I did often. Sometimes, I couldn’t believe he was mine. Smart, sexy, accomplished, amazing in bed… I wasn’t sure how I got so lucky.

Seriously. I never in a million years would have thought I’d be here—head over heels in love and engaged to be married to a man who knew me so well that—

“Hold up. Why’d you ask about New Year’s Eve?”

Cam wrinkled his nose in an apologetic grimace. “Lena texted.”

“Oh, fuck. Please tell me you didn’t agree to go her party,” I groaned.

“No, I didn’t commit. I’ve been up to my ears in research and probably wouldn’t have noticed her message if I hadn’t left my phone charger in the bathroom.” He swiped his hand through his wild mane. “Christ, why didn’t you tell me I looked like Einstein’s long lost great-grandson?”

I snickered. “I think you look hot.”

“Thanks, but I think you need your eyes checked, husband-to-be.”

I rolled said eyes and controlled the urge to gush or melt in an unmanly puddle of goo.

Cam was a sexy mother fucker any day of the week, but I had a thing for his grizzly bear look. Sure, his salt and pepper hair had been finger-combed till it stood on end and was in serious need of a cut. And I was pretty damn sure he hadn’t shaved since his family headed back to California five days ago after visiting for the holidays. None of that mattered. No one pulled off silver fox slash absent-minded professor quite like Cam.

Gray sweats worn low on his hips and a chambray shirt littered with coffee stains…sign me up. He looked as effortlessly sexy in casual writing clothes as he did in designer duds. But I knew for a fact he’d choose comfort over fashion any day.

I also knew that after a week of entertaining family and friends over the holidays, we both desperately needed peace and quiet. So I was more than a little surprised he’d entertain the notion of going to a raucous party Fallbrook-style to ring the new year with a bunch of my high school buddies and their spouses. It sounded…too sweet or something.

“I don’t like parties,” I grumbled. “Or people.”

Cam nodded like the amazing curmudgeon partner I knew and loved. “Me either. They’re the worst.”

“Right? They talk a lot and they want you to reciprocate, and chat about stupid shit, like their new favorite fucking show. And most of the time, I’m the only one who hasn’t seen this amazing show, so I stand around nursing a beer and planning my escape,” I huffed sarcastically, lifting my mug to hide my smile when Cam guffawed merrily. “You laugh, but you know it’s true.”

“Maybe, but…”

“Oh, no. Don’t tell me they got to you.” I set the mug on the dresser and turned to him with my hands on my hips, striking my best no-nonsense pose.

Cam looked more amused than anything. He set his mug next to mine, then strode across the room and slumped on the edge of mattress in a show of mock defeat.

“Yep. They got to me.”

I flopped next to him and let out a beleaguered sigh. “On a scale of one to full blown zombie takeover, how bad is it?”

Cam rested his head on my shoulder. “Well, not too bad. Like I said, I didn’t commit to anything. I told Lena I’d check with you.”

I kissed his temple. “And what did she say?”

“She said Billy and Tony were counting on me to get your ass out of the house.”

“Rude.”

He chuckled. “Nah, they’re your friends and they want to see you.”

“Meh, they like you more than they like me.”

“That’s ’cause they have good taste,” he joked, burrowing his face in the crook of my neck.

“Hmph.”

“Look, I was thinking…maybe it be fun to put in an appearance. In fact, it might be good for us. Between my aunts’ visit, research, and working on the house, I think we could use a break. I mean…do you really want to ring in the new year peeling off wallpaper in a room no one uses?”

Well…

No, he was right.

I’d spent the better part of this year overseeing renovations in the old house we shared. We’d prioritized the big stuff—like kitchen and bath remodeling, but replacing wallpaper in guest room number four hadn’t made the top twenty of shit that needed to be done…until today. And it was probably a lame excuse to miss a party.

“That’s a tough one,” I snarked. “You know, I actually haven’t been to a New Year’s party in Fallbrook since—fuck, I don’t know how long it’s been. Maybe twenty years.”

Cam cocked his head as he hooked his pinky finger around mine. “Really? I didn’t realize you were a New Year’s Scrooge too.”

“I wasn’t last year.”

“That’s ’cause we spent the entire week between Christmas and January first naked last year,” he reminded me with a Cheshire cat grin.

“We can always do that again tonight.”

“I like the sound of that,” he purred. “But…why wait?”

“Mmm.” I nudged his elbow and climbed on top of him, rubbing my beard against his as I pinned him to the mattress.

We made out for a few minutes—no hurry.

But the languid slide of tongues and the slow rocking motion of hips gained momentum and eventually kicked us into overdrive. Tender exploration gave way to feverish, sloppy kisses as we humped and clawed at each other in a desperate quest for friction.

Somewhere in the frantic maneuvering, I found myself flat on my back, staring up at my fiancé. Those gorgeous blue eyes, that beautiful fucking smile…all mine. And I was his, I mused as he unbuckled and unzipped my jeans, pulling my boxer briefs and jeans over my ass so fast, my cock popped out like a springboard.

I propped myself on one elbow, armed with X-rated instructions, but Cam beat me to the punchline. He swallowed me to the root and made a meal of my dick, sucking as he pumped my length like a pro.

I threaded my fingers through his hair and tried to fuck his mouth, but Cam made it clear he was running this show. He set the tempo and controlled the pace. I was strung out and close to begging by the time he spread my ass and lick my hole.

Licked was too tame a description. He fucking owned me, stroking my cock as he opened me up, probing my entrance with his talented tongue and his fingers.

“Tell me there’s lube in here somewhere,” he growled, unbuttoning his shirt and stepping out of his sweats.

“Uh…I—” Fuck, I barely knew my name. I wasn’t sure I knew what lube was just then.

“Never mind. Finish undressing. I want you on your knees, ass up waiting for me when I get back.”

Holy fuck.

I obeyed.

No hesitation.

No pausing to wonder how I got here.

Thirteen months ago, I would have laughed if anyone told me I’d fall in love, let alone live with him and count down the days till we’d make this thing between us legal. I loved Cam Warren. Heart and soul.

That was my last coherent thought before he returned with the lube, slicked himself up, and slowly made his way inside me.

It wasn’t one of our more romantic sessions, but damn, I loved it. He rode me hard, gripping my shoulders as he thrust deep. Precum pooled at my slit and drooled onto the mattress. I was so hard it hurt, but I knew I’d come apart the second I touched myself and I wanted this to last. 

So I held on tight, loving the feel of his hands gliding down my spine, massaging my ass as he bucked his hips double time. But when he wrapped his fingers around me, smeared the precum over my pole and whispered, “Come for me, baby. That’s it. Good boy,” I knew that was it for me.

I roared as my release slammed into me like a runaway freight train. Cam was right there with me.

Soon after, he fell asleep in my arms and yeah, that kind of melted my heart the way it always did.

We seemed to know when to give and when to take. Neither of us had to play a role. We could be ourselves. He could top me like a boss, then curl against like a cat in the aftermath or vice versa. It was…perfect.

This very moment…being here with him was perfect.

So, of course I had to ruin it.

“Are you gonna make me go to Lena and Billy’s party?”

Cam barked a laugh, a smile spread across his face as his eyes flitted open. “Make you? No. But I think it would be nice to stop by for an hour.”

We engaged in a mini stare down before I heaved a faux put-upon sigh. “Fine. One hour.”

He kissed my nose. “One hour.”

“Just so you know…they play charades at these get-togethers and other totally embarrassing games that require you to hop on one foot and rub your belly at the same. No doubt Lena will make us do Jell-O shot too. And she fuckin’ loves cheese balls—the kind covered in nuts. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” I huffed, gingerly sitting up.

“Got it.”

“Hmph. I must really love you.”

Cam beamed then wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “I love you too, baby.”

Chapter 2: Cam

Joe had warned me.

I’d consumed three or four Jell-O shots, eaten more cheese than was wise for someone who was borderline lactose intolerant, and played charades with a tight-knit group of friends—most of whom had known each other since kindergarten…and had loved every second of it.

So did Joe.

He’d probably grumble about Tony forgetting who’d thrown him the winning touchdown at the playoff game their junior year of high school and turn pink at the mention of the Halloween photos Lena had unearthed from their youth. Then he’d roll his eyes and hide a grin ’cause at the end of the day, Joe loved his friends.

I had to admit, I was a little jealous of his deep roots and the strong bonds he had in Fallbrook. I’d never known anything like it.

Sure, I had plenty of friends, but not the kind who knew my first-grade teacher’s name, what car I drove in high school, and could recite mutually embarrassing stories that made everyone cry with laughter. Call me crazy, but I thought that was pretty damn special.

I was grateful I’d been accepted as an honorary member of Joe’s circle of friends. Which was why I hadn’t turned down Lena’s invitation.

But…we were teetering toward midnight now and it was time to go home.

I found Joe in a corner, chatting with Billy, Tony, and a couple of other guys. I discretely tugged at his belt loop and angled my chin toward the door.

We said our good-byes, accepted champagne Solo cups for the walk home, and wished everyone a happy new year before donning our winter gear and heading into the night.

It was cold as fuck, but very beautiful.

The inky skies were filled with stars and moonlight glistened against the neat banks of snow along the sidewalks like diamonds. I pulled my beanie over my ears and shivered.

“It’s freezing.”

Joe snorted, reaching out to hold my free gloved hand. “Your California is showing.”

“Maybe so. I think I’m getting used to the snow, though. We probably shouldn’t have taken the champagne,” I commented, lifting my red cup.

He stopped abruptly under a bare elm tree on the corner. “It’s almost midnight. Drink up.”

I glanced at my watch. “You’re right. One minute to go. Let’s make a toast.”

“All right. Adios to this year. Let’s hope the new one doesn’t suck. Cheers.”

I caught his arm and shook my head. “No…be serious. I’ll go first. May the new year bring health, hope, peace, and prosperity. And may the next forty years be as fucking amazing as this last one. I love you, Joe. I can’t wait to marry you.”

Joe went perfectly still. For a moment, I didn’t think he’d respond. But then he took a sip of champagne and stuck his cup on snow drift. He took my cup and did the same, then held my hands and met my gaze.

“We’re already married, Cam. I mean, the rings and the legal paperwork will be a nice finish, but…here—” He set his hand over his heart, adding, “—it’s already happened. The falling, the surrender, the forever. I sound like a fuckin’ Hallmark card, so feel free to smack me upside the head if you want. I’m just…so grateful to spend every new year with you and to know we have so much to look forward to. That’s all. I love you, Cam.”

I was too stunned to speak. So I pulled him close and held on tight.

A loud cheer broke the night a moment later. I could hear an off-key rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” and laughter in the distance. It was officially a new year with a new start and a renewed sense of purpose. I was filled with love, gratitude…and hope. “Happy New Year, my love.”

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