MAX AND I HAD been texting back and forth, trying to figure out if Becky and Matthew had something going on last night. When I had asked her about it on Christmas Eve, she claimed they were just friends. Matthew was smooth and charming, just like Max. I only hoped he wouldn’t do anything to hurt Becky or ruin their friendship.

We had a wonderful Christmas at Max’s parents’ house. His parents and Matthew were a joy to be around. Carlos, their Italian chef, cooked up a delicious meal as usual, and we ate till we were stuffed. After dinner, we exchanged Christmas presents. Max and I left before midnight to head home.

“What are you thinking about, Max?” I asked, as we were lying shoulder to shoulder on the bed, too tired to even get undressed. Holding up my arm, he caressed my skin gently while moving idly back and forth, causing a tingling sensation.

Max had opened the curtain, providing us with romantic lighting. Though it was dark, the lights reflecting inside his bedroom were just enough to see each other clearly.

Releasing my arm, he turned toward me. “I’m thinking about how lucky I am. I never believed true love existed, until I met you.” His hands slowly laced through my hair as he continued. “I didn’t think it was possible to love anyone so much. You come first, Jenna. Every morning I wake up happy, knowing I get to hear your voice. I look forward to the moments I get to hold you in my arms. Sometimes I feel I don’t deserve you, but you make me want to be a better man. I’m going to show you that I can be worthy of your love, worthy of those lips.” He sensually caressed my bottom lip with his thumb. “Worthy of your smile,” he moaned as he glided his thumb to my upper lip, then ever so slowly down to the middle of my chest. My heart was thumping mercilessly from his feather-light touch, anticipating what he would do. “Worthy of this gorgeous body that commands me to do whatever it wants and needs.” Then his hand softly stroked my cheek. “I’m going to show you that I can be worthy of you every single day.”

Feeling his words fill my heart, I replied while caressing his face. “Love changes you in ways you didn’t expect, molds you to be a better person, and opens your heart to something wonderful. You are my something wonderful, Max. You have given me all that and so much more. I can’t possibly put it into words.”

“Jenna,” My name rolled off his tongue, sounding so hot and sexy. His eyes grew wicked, full of want and need. I knew that look. Oh God! I could almost feel his hands all over me, my body surrendering to him. I could practically feel him inside me, exploding with pleasure. “I’m going to show you how worthy I can be.” That was all it took for me to become completely unraveled. ‘Take me now!’ I silently pleaded.

Sliding one arm around my back, he pulled me closer. Max softly kissed my lips, taking his time as his hand explored from my neck, over my breast, down my side, and to my thigh. Lifting the hem of my dress, he tugged it upward and started to unbutton it as he continued to tease me with his tongue, licking, tasting, and savoring my exposed skin.

“I love this red dress on you, babe. It reminds me of the red dress you wore during the New York fashion show, not to mention the buttons in front give me easy access,” he mumbled as he moved his lips further down. “I like easy access,” he moaned pleasurably.

I barely heard his words; I was drowning in the pleasure he was giving me. Next thing I knew, he had completely unbuttoned the dress. “Babe, you have on another sexy layer.”

I opened my eyes and recoiled beneath him. I had forgotten I was wearing Becky’s gift. Shyly I said, “Compliments of Becky.” Then my finger went straight to my mouth as my face flushed with warmth. Before I realized what I had done, Max grabbed my finger and started to suck on it, sending sizzling heat down my arm.

“You’re seducing me, and you have no idea that you are doing it. Thank Becky for me. You are so beautiful and crazy sexy. I’m going to make you want to wear one of these every night.”

There were no words after that. Max crushed me with his mouth. He sucked my tongue so hard, I thought he was going to swallow me up. As he pulled my straps down slowly, he kissed and nipped at my exposed flesh. So sensual, it was driving me senseless. Slowing things down even more, he kissed my shoulder, and then lowered his lips to the base of my breast.

Anticipating what he would do next, I quivered and arched my back for him, letting him know I was ready as my ni**les hardened. With his tongue, he continuously swirled around my breast, teasing me, making me moan. Then finally, the wetness of his tongue brushed over my ni**les and I arched my back even more. The electrifying sensation shot between my legs so fast, I burned and ached for him.

Pulling the lingerie aside, his kisses followed down my stomach, lower and lower till I thought I’d explode when his tongue licked, flicked and stroked my clit. A whimpering sound escaped my mouth when he devoured me even more. When his finger teased my opening with fast quick strokes, I wanted to scream out loud; I was pretty sure I was drenched and beyond ready for him.

“Max,” I panted, spreading my legs further, letting him know I was anxious. Tugging his sweater, I pulled him toward me and opened my mouth to take in his lips. With my other hand, I tried to pull off his sweater. Seeing I was getting nowhere, Max lifted himself up and did what I couldn’t do. The reflected light cast perfectly on his beautiful, toned body. I couldn’t help myself as I ran my hands across the hardness of his chest.

Suddenly, Max seized both of my hands and pinned them down on either side of my head. Releasing the pressure slightly, his mouth cupped my breast and sucked until I could not handle it any longer. Screaming inside with intense pleasure, the building ache of wanting him was overpowering. “Max,” I sighed under my breath.