A Very Merry Mistake

by Lyra Parish

Laughter escapes me. “There is no girlfriend. The only woman in my life is my cat, Tinsel. She will probably hate you, but she hates most everyone. Having to deal with an elderly cat who snubs and hisses at you is better than your other options.”

He’s the type of man you wish you could find—the kind that once you have him, you never let him go.

“You’re blushing,” he murmurs. “Didn’t realize that’s all it would take.”

I want to get to know her better, learn all of her secrets and hear about the things she loves.

As we walk up the porch, I see Tinsel in the window. She looks at me and meows, but when she spots Claire, the fur on her spine rises and she hisses. “Oh no.”

While Claire is in the living room, Tinsel presses two paws against my door and cracks it wider before prancing inside with a meow. “Yes, Your Majesty?” She walks past me, leaning her body against my leg, her tail trailing against my pants. I turn around to look at her. “Are you still mad?”

Jake is sitting on the couch, drinking a glass of whiskey. His cat is right next to him with her paws on his lap. He looks over his shoulder at me with a twinkle in his eye. “How was it?”

“I’ll protect you if a big, scary man is outside. Or a deer.” I lift a brow. “Tempting. What if I said I like to snuggle and I can’t control where my hands go?” “Tell me, is that a promise, darlin’?”

I place a can of the senior cat food in Tinsel’s bowl. She sniffs it, then blinks up at me with another meow. Shaking my head, I grab a few of her favorite treats and set them at her feet like she’s a queen. She examines them, and she strolls away without touching any of them.

“I’m sorry.” “Nah, it’s fine. It was over twenty years ago.” “So what?” I tell her. “A person just doesn’t get over it because time has passed, especially losing someone so close to you at a young age. It must’ve been hard.”

“Those glasses.” “Your kryptonite?” “Yes,” she whispers, moving her gaze away.

“At least you’ll have a fun story to tell your friends.” This makes her roll her eyes. “Corny.” “Maybe so, but you’re safe. I’m not gonna let anything happen to you.”

“If I have too much fun, I might not want to leave.” “You never know what could happen,” I say. “You’re right about that.”

“Your secret is safe with me unless I have to retaliate. Then you’re getting the tickle monster.” He wiggles his fingers and I squeal, bringing my knees up to my chest and tucking them in.

Laughter escapes her. “Oh God, no. I’ve got a thing for tall, muscular men my age.” “Lumberjacks on that list?” Claire shoots me a wink, and my heart rate picks up. “And what if they are?” “I think you shouldn’t start something you won’t be able to finish.”

“Good girl,” he says with a smirk. And he’s got those damn glasses on.

“You’re so fuckin’ wet.” My voice comes out rough as I peel the material from her body. I admire every inch of her as she lies on my silk sheets.

“No one…” “What was that?” I say, kissing down her stomach, above her belly button, and memorizing the softness of her inner thigh with my lips. She lifts herself on her elbows again and meets my gaze with hooded eyes. “No man has ever gone down on me.”

“Fuck, you taste amazing,” I murmur. If she were my last meal, I’d die a lucky man.

Then he lies beside me on the bed, brushes his hand over his mouth, and smirks. “Cleared off a place for you to sit.” I laugh. “Now, put that sweet pussy in my face,” he says, and I nervously crawl closer to him. “You’re in control.”

I stand, and he pulls my naked body against his and places a soft, seductive kiss on my lips. Then I sigh against his mouth. “I’m doomed.” He grabs a handful of my ass. “Don’t worry, darlin’. Feelin’ is mutual.”

“You’re such a heavy girl. Guess I should start cuttin’ back on those treats.” Tinsel blinks slowly, her way of telling me she loves me and knows I would never do such an awful thing to her.

“Fuck. If I didn’t have to be at work in fifteen minutes, I’d swing you over my shoulder and carry you to bed.”

“See how fuckin’ good you taste? You’ve quickly become my favorite flavor.”

Before I pull away, she whispers against my lips, “Make love to me, JJ.”

“Such a good fucking girl,” he mutters, the low timbre of his voice coming out like a growl.

“Incredible. But I can’t help thinking I don’t deserve this.” He kisses the back of my head. “If not you, then who?”

Then I realize I’m on the other side of my episode. And it’s because of this ball of fur and her persistent need to give me conflicting signals. Cats are strange creatures, but I appreciate how they decide if you’re worthy. Right now, I want to kiss her cute little face, because she saved me from myself.

“You’re so wet, darlin’.”

“Fuck, baby. You feel so good,” he groans out. “You’re mine, Claire.” “Yes, yes, yes.” I slow my pace, placing my forehead against his. “I want to be yours.”

“I need more of you,” I growl. Not sure how that’s possible, considering he’s balls deep inside of me, but it’s not enough. It’s never enough when it comes to him. He smirks, places his finger in his mouth, then reaches around and slowly slides it into my ass.

“Fuck the rules.” I climb on the bed, and she nods, giving me all the permission to give her what she wants. I place her legs on my shoulders, opening her wide, then fuck her perfect little pussy until she comes again.

As soon as we’re out of sight, he presses my back up against the wall and kisses me. I feel like I’m drowning in his touch, his mouth, his tongue, him entirely, and I want him to pull me under and take me away.

I grab her paw. “It was a pleasure getting to know you, Tinsel. I hope that in my next life, I’ll be a cat. Please take care of him,” I say, choking up.

“She’s been meowing a lot since you’ve left. I think she got used to you.”

“I can’t get enough of you, darlin’. I miss you. Tinsel misses you. Please,” he whispers. “Don’t make me beg.”

“Fuck, darlin’, you feel like home,” I say softly in her ear.

We eat family style, with all the food in the middle. The sound of chatter and forks clanking against plates fills the room, along with smiles. I wrap my arm around my girl, and my heart is so fucking full I can’t stop smiling. She’s here with me, and she’s mine.

“My Little Miss Christmas Miracle.” “My Little Mr. Make Me Come Three Times in a Row.”

“If you hurt my daughter…” “I won’t,” I tell him. “I’ll protect her from anyone who tries to, though. You included.” I’m not intimidated by him as we stare one another down.

“Fuck. I’m about to devour you like my last meal,” I tell her.

I want to experience life with you and grow old together. I’ll love you until the end of time, but I’ve just got one question. Will you be a good girl and marry me?”