She nudged the man beside her, not even noticing that her oversized robe had
fallen open.
The neckline slipped low, revealing a pale bra.
She''d worn her bridesmaid dress today, and to make sure her underwear didn''t peek out, she''d just grabbed a cheap strapless bra off the sale rack. Predictably, cheap meant trouble-the size was all wrong, way too tight.
She figured, "It''s only for one day," and couldn''t be bothered to return it.
Now, it only made things look even more suggestive.
By the time Sylvia realized she was exposed, it was already toote.
Rupert narrowed his eyes, a cold bead of sweat running down his temple, burning hot against his flushed skin.
His voice dropped an octave. "Sylvia."
Rupert had never said her name so many times in a row. She froze, answering softly, "Yeah, Uncle Rupert, you—"
Before Sylvia could finish, he leaned in, sweat dripping, and kissed her-right on her cherry-red lips.
The soft touch made everything feel painfully real.
Even as she struggled, he didn''t let go. Instead, his hand slid up and down her waist, gentle and reassuring.
Thank God-it was all just a dream.
After a moment, Sylvia''s resistance faded, her body trembling like she''d been dropped into a scorching hot bath, fighting off Rupert''s embrace.
Rupert''s hand, which had been tugging at her robe''s belt, suddenly stopped. He closed his dark eyes for a second, and when he opened them again, he carefully pulled her robe closed, covering her up.
“There''s fresh pajamas in the closet. Go change into them," he said, voice tight.
"Okay."
Freed from his arms, Sylvia scrambled off the bed and dashed for the walk-in closet.
Rupert took a deep breath, trying to calm the heat churning in his gut, then got up as well.
Noticing broken ss by the nightstand, he cleaned it up before heading to the bathroom.
When Sylvia came out, she was rolling up her sleeves, grumbling under her breath. What did he eat growing up-protein shakes and basketballs? How could anyone get so tall?
But the pajamas smelled faintly ofvender, and she had to admit, it was lovely.
Just then, Rupert came out of the bathroom. He stopped mid-towel, eyeing the pajamas she wore.
"Time for bed," he said, finally.
"Alright. I''ll wash and return your pajamas tomorrow. Good night, Uncle Rupert," Sylvia said, heading for the bedroom door.
Suddenly, a broad-shouldered figure blocked her path and gently shut the door again.
"Want me to carry you to bed?" he said, his voicezy and teasing.
Sylvia pressed her lips together, fuming as she turned away.
How
he
to, she
Chance the power even
it out of bed.
Whatever. It''s just sleep, and it''s not the first time.
She flipped the covers back and climbed in, turning her back to him.
A secondter, Rupert got into bed too. He reached for the nket,
e he could grab it, Sylvia et
bched for the nket, b
snatched it all to her si
He nced at her, then simply wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.
Sylvia stiffened, startled. "Why-why aren''t you wearing pajamas?" "You''re wearing mine."
It finally clicked-after all that time picking out pajamas, she''d grabbed Rupert''s own set.
She felt her cheeks burn, but refused to admit it. Instead, she squeezed her eyes shut and pretended to be asleep.
A few moments passed in silence, until Rupert spoke, his voice low and husky.
"Sylvia, give me some of the nket."
She ignored him, still faking sleep.
Suddenly, the nket was yanked hard, and Sylvia-nket and all-rolled right into his arms.
Before she could react, he was holding her tight.
She squirmed, but he only held her closer.
"Not tired?" His warm breath tickled her ear.
"I''m sleeping," she muttered, eyes still closed.
She''d meant it as an act, but soon enough, exhaustion took over and she really did drift off.
Rupert, on the other hand,y wide. awake
ee gently turned her to f
him, staring at her sleeping facece!
his
expression growing serious.
Who was the little girl in that dream?
And what did she mean by "Christmas"?