Deadly Christmas Read Online Free Page A

patience and filled her evening with tree trimming? James’ heart painfully rolled at the prospect. He shouldn’t have left her so close to Christmas. He’d made the happiest time of the year miserable for them both.
    When James walked into the living room he realized that the tree was bare except for the twinkling lights. There, under the tree and on top of the festive skirt they’d purchased together the previous year, James’ beloved wife slept.
    James studied her for a moment, her flaxen tresses spread out over her shoulders. She was on her side, her shoulders bare. That’s when James realized she’d wrapped herself up for him – like the ultimate Christmas gift – and she was waiting for him to unwrap her.
    She had a satiny bow tied over her breasts, although the bow appeared to have shifted in sleep and was hanging dangerously low. She was wearing a matching pair of panties and nothing else.
    Love washed over James and it was quickly followed by regret. She’d made big plans for his return and all he wanted now was to scoop her up in his arms and crawl into bed. He would finally be able to sleep if he had her with him.
    James shuffled over to the tree, being careful not to make any noise. He bent over and gently rolled Mandy into his arms, hoisting her up and cradling her close to his chest.
    “James?” Mandy forced her sleepy eyes open.
    “Hello, my baby,” James murmured, dropping a soft kiss on her mouth. “I’ve never been so happy to see anyone in my entire life.”
    “I … .” Mandy was always muddled when she first woke up. She seemed especially confused now. “What time is it?”
    “It’s after midnight, baby,” James said, carrying her out of the living room and toward the staircase. He walked past his bag, ignoring it as he started to climb the steps. Unpacking could wait for the morning. He had all he needed for the next eight hours. Check that: He had everything he needed for the rest of his life. She was warm and snuggly, and James was desperate to crawl under the covers and hold her.
    “I’m sorry I fell asleep,” Mandy said. “I had big plans for you. Just give me a second to wake up.”
    “I don’t want you to wake up.”
    “But … .” Mandy bit her bottom lip and James could read the worry there. “I thought you would want to spend time with me when you got back. I thought that would be the first thing on your mind.”
    James chuckled, the sound warm as it washed over Mandy. “I thought it would be the first thing on my mind, too,” he said. “I didn’t realize I would be exhausted because of the trip. All I really want is to go to sleep with you. We can celebrate tomorrow morning.”
    “Are you sure?” Mandy was conflicted. “I wanted to give you a great memory. I … wanted you to unwrap me.” Her smile was rueful. Sometimes it was hard for her to admit certain things because she was certain he was going to laugh at her.
    “Oh, I’m going to unwrap you, wife,” James said, nudging their bedroom door open with his toe. “I’m going to do it when I have the energy to unwrap you properly, though. My whole body hurts and I’m exhausted. You can welcome me home the right way in the morning.”
    James balanced Mandy’s small frame against his hip as he pulled the covers down. He placed her on the mattress, gave her body one more appreciative look, and then pulled the covers over her. It didn’t take him long to strip, making sure he was completely bare for the promised reunion in the morning.
    James climbed in next to Mandy, immediately sliding his arm under her waist and tugging her body on top of his. They’d been sleeping this way for more than a year now. It was their natural slumber state these days.
    Mandy slipped her face into the hollow between James’ neck and shoulder, sighing loudly as she tightened an arm around his waist. “Finally,” she murmured.
    James kissed her forehead. “I wasn’t joking, Mandy. I’m not leaving you again. My poor