CAMI SITS DOWN WITH a cup of hot tea in front of her. I have a cold beer in front of me.She doesn’t waste time, and looks me straight in the eyes as she starts talking. “What embarrasses me most about that night is that I was warned, and I still walked up those stairs with you. For a long time, I looked back and kicked myself again and again. Then I realized that Joel came out of the deal. I needed to tell you that. It was stupid on my part, but I got Joel, so I refuse to take anything back.”I’ve thought about that night repeatedly, too. We were at my house and I grilled steaks. I refilled her wine glass one too many times. I wanted in her pants and I thought only with my dick. It was one night of many that I had with women. Kept having until a few months ago. No excuses. I’m a shitbag.I can’t say all this, though. “I hear what you’re saying and I know I’ve apologized before, Cami, and I know it’s not enough. I have no excuse.” I give her a side grin. “Well, you’re hot. It doesn’t

THE NEXT MORNING, I work out for two hours before showering and heading to the tavern at eleven. The first thing I notice is the transformation the place has gone through. Christmas decorations are everywhere. An enormous decorated tree stands in an alcove by the fireplace. It depresses me. Christmas always depresses me.The first Christmas after my mom died was hard. Joel and I made frozen pizza and watched games on television. No tree or decorations. My mom loved Christmas, and spoiled us no matter how old we were. Losing her in a car accident took the holiday spirit right out of us, and pizza and ball games became the norm. Joel and I kept up the “do nothing” tradition until two years ago, when Cami came into his life. I stayed in my room and let them have their holiday together, only coming down for the dinner Cami prepared. I ignored the minimal decorations that Cami insisted on, and went back up to my room as soon as I could. Last year, they invited me to their house, but I didn

I DON’T HEAR FROM Danny the whole the weekend. When I arrive at work on Monday morning, I’m in good spirits. An hour after I open our headquarters, I walk out of my office in time to see Cami carrying Lilly in one hand and a large bag in the other. Joel, holding a fake Christmas tree, is right behind her. I recognize the tree. I’d given the two of them some of Mom’s decorations when Joel moved out. The tree was the one that went in the pool house, for the winter swim party we always had when we were boys. I’m guessing it’s now the team’s tree.I walk over and hold the door wider for Joel.“Thanks,” he says after he’s inside. He rests the tree on the floor. “Where should it go?” he asks Cami.“Here, by the window,” she tells him, and places the bag on the counter. She unbundles Lilly from her pink coat and hands her off to me. I remain silent as I take my niece and give her a kiss on the cheek.Joel hefts the tree again and moves it to Cami’s designated spot. Cami opens the bag that sh

AFTER WE ARRIVE AT the restaurant, I help Danny out of the Rover and place my arm around her waist. She insisted on leaving her jacket behind, and I don’t argue. We have about twenty feet to walk and it will be warm inside. Even so, I take my sport coat off and wrap it over her shoulders. It’s not much, but I don’t want her freezing before we get inside. She’s a bit wobbly on the heels and this makes me smile. I like that she went out of her comfort zone tonight.The steakhouse is warm and Danny hands the jacket back to me. The place is decorated for Christmas and I do my best to ignore it. The restaurant isn’t crowded. I reserved a nice table in the corner, but we pretty much have our choice.“Do you mind if we sit at a table by the window? I love the snow,” Danny says as she gazes at the tables by the windows.I know she loves the snow, but I’m not sure exactly why. I’m more of a spring-summer guy. My dislike for being cooped up is one of the reasons, and the holidays are the other.

“Are you sure, Danny girl?”She nods. That’s it. She doesn’t speak. I slowly lower the bra straps on each arm and watch her eyes go soft. I step back and take the bra with me. She releases her grip on the waist of my pants. I bend slightly, and move them down until I can kick them off. My boxer briefs go with them.I move one hand to her neck and slide her hair aside, while my other goes to her breast. Both places are softer than fuck. Her eyes are large and dark, and she isn’t looking away from me. I lower my lips to her neck, where it meets her collarbone. It’s one of the many places I’ve wanted to taste all night.I breathe her in before I taste. Sweet honey and the silkiest skin I’ve ever run my lips across. “God, Danny.” I kiss the skin and tighten my other hand on her breast. At her moan, my dick hardens. A slow throb settles in my balls, pounding to the beat of my heart. Her fingers grip my arms and her nails dig in. My lips travel upward, across her jaw, and finally to her mou