Roses in Winter
Title: Roses in Winter
Universe: The Marvel Universe, specificially the Sueniverse's main branch
Pairing: Clint/Lia
Written For: dazzledfirestar
Prompt: their first Christmas together, time away from the team
Rating: adultish. some sexual overtones. possibly language. no violence or nudity
Word Count: 3221
Disclaimer: i don't own Clint Barton. he's owned by Marvel and whoever the hell else owns him. i'm simply playing with him for my own perverse purposes and will return him. eventually. please don't sue me because i got no money, dude. Lia belongs to dazzledfirestar . she's letting me borrow her on the condition she comes back in one piece.
Lia glanced around at the snow covered ground and wrinkled her nose. She was used to the cold. Growing up in New York City had taught her what cold was. But snow was something she'd never seen very much of. It didn't snow much in the city. What little of the white stuff that managed to fall usually melted away quickly. Not that they hadn't had winters where it snowed. But the amounts had been nothing like this. She was up to her knees in the cold, wet flakes. And it was still coming down.
It had been Clint's idea that they spend their first Christmas as a couple away from the rest of the team. He'd been the one to suggest a secluded cabin tucked away in the Adirondacks, someplace where they could really be alone and get to know one another. She hadn't needed to be a mind reader to know that 'get to know one another' had been a euphemism for having copious amounts of sex. She'd been skeptical at first. But, in typical Clint Barton fashion, he'd kept at her and kept at her until she'd finally succumbed to his own brand of charm and given in. She'd started rethinking the decision the minute she'd seen just how much shit he'd managed to pack into an SUV with four wheel drive.
The cabin was set at the end of a long, winding drive that had made its way between pine trees that towered over them, silent sentinels standing guard over the rustic looking building and its inhabitants. Lia could only imagine what it must be like here in the summer. There were probably all kinds of wild flowers and vivid green foliage. She suspected it was a beautiful place that was totally uncivilized without the snow. Hell, even with the snow, there was a kind of otherworldly, untouched quality to the place.
"You know." Clint's voice brought her out of her thoughts. She focused on him as he practically bounced down the steps of the cabin, his bright blonde hair hidden under a knit stocking cap that gave him a boyish look. He was bundled into a heavy winter coat, his hands hidden by leather gloves that she knew were well lined. He crunched his way across the snow covered ground toward her. "Its a shame you don't have telekinesis. You could float all of this stuff into the cabin with almost no effort."
"Well, if you hadn't packed for a blizzard, you wouldn't have need of a telekinetic." She shot him a look as he crunched past her toward the open hatch of their vehicle. "You're sure you don't want me to help?"
"No. I've got it. Enjoy the snow. I doubt you'll get to see it much." His voice was filled with lascivious intent. Lia let go a laugh and watched as he dragged out a cooler filled with the perishable items he'd brought with. Despite the burden he carried and the obvious difference in their height, he still managed to press a kiss on her as he made his way back toward the cabin. She watched as he pounded his way up the steps, knocking the snow from his boots, and then disappeared into the cabin.
She had to admit that it was beautiful, even though it was cold enough out that she could feel her toes going numb. It didn't matter that she was wearing snow boots and two pairs of thermal socks. They were up in the mountains and the air was thin. It was bloody cold. But Clint had told her to enjoy the snow while she could. He'd also mentioned, when he'd pulled the truck to a halt outside the cabin, that she wasn't allowed inside the building until he gave her the all clear. She knew that meant he was up to something and she was trying very hard not to slip into his mind and find out what it was.
Instead of standing beside the truck like an idiot, Lia decided to allow her inner child out just a little bit. Being a city girl, she hadn't really ever had the opportunity to spend time playing in the snow. Of course she'd seen images on TV of kids playing in piles and piles of the white stuff. But that had been the extent of it. She had to admit that she was curious.
The snow crunched crisply under foot as she cut a path through it. She saw the occasional tracks in the snow, marks left behind by small hooves and paws alike. Perhaps she'd see a deer before they left for the city. Clint had said they'd be staying until after New Year's Eve. The idea of seeing wildlife was kind of exciting. And as long as it didn't get too close to her, she'd be just fine.
She was some distance from the cabin when she finally gave in to the childish voice that was whispering in her ear and allowed herself to fall backwards into the snow. Flakes puffed up around her body before drifting down to land on her coat and face and the stocking cap she'd pulled over her fiery locks. Arms and legs spread, she fanned them back and forth, up and down, to compact the snow and form a snow angel. Away from the Avengers, out in the middle of nowhere, she could let go of some of her control and just... be.
Laughter bubbled up out of her throat, echoing around the clearing loudly. It was somehow both perverse and pure at the same time. And then a wicked thought came over her. She sat up and reached for some of the snow, worked it into a ball between her gloved hands, then set it aside and made another. And another. And yet another. By the time she felt him coming out of the cabin, her mind actively keeping watch for him, she had half a dozen snowballs in her arsenal. Before he could catch her, she laid back down in the snow and waited.
"Lily?" His voice echoed around the clearing. "Lily? Where are you at, babe?" There was a slight hint of concern. No doubt he thought she'd wandered off into the woods. "Lily! Come on, babe. Answer me. Where are you?"
She knew it the moment he found her footprints in the snow. Shortly after, she heard him crunching his way toward her. The concern was tempered with confusion. Finally, he was close enough to see her. Finding her flat on her back in the middle of a snow angel threw him for a loop and confusion took center stage. "Lily? What are you doing?"
"What does it look like, Clint?" She asked the question, not bothering to move. Let him come to her. He was already offering her a hand when he finally came to a halt beside her. She smiled, took his outstretched hand, then pulled him toward her. He was caught by surprise, allowing her to slap her hand and the snowball it held, right into his face. Clint spat out snow and a few curses even as Lia came to her feet and scooped up another snowball. He'd barely cleared his face when she pelted him a second time. "Oh my god! That was too easy! Imagine the look on everyone's faces when I tell them I pegged you twice in the face with a snowball."
"You're assuming that I'm going to let you live this down," Clint tossed at her, only half-joking. He was already in the process of forming a snowball. Lia shot to her feet and picked up another of her premade ammunition. She dodged his first throw, but she knew that he hadn't been trying. He was giving her a head start. As if she'd run from him. She took her stance and lifted the next snowball. His next shot caught her full on in the chest. Her jacket and shirt were open just a little and some of the snow from the ball slid into her clothing. She let go an entirely too girly yelp, earning her a laugh and a grin from him.
"Oh, it is so on now, arrow boy!" She threw one of her snowballs and watched it land harmlessly by his feet. His grin was really not very nice.
The next several minutes were spent laughing and playing. They each made snowballs, then lobbed them furiously at the other. Nearly all of her snowballs went wide. None of his did. By the time they were done, the pristine surface of the snow was gone, torn up and riddled with footprints, hand prints and small piles where the snowballs had exploded and hit the ground. He'd made a mess of her snow angel in his quest to come out the winner.
The fight ended with Clint catching her around the waist. His feet tangled in hers and, together, the two of them tumbled into the snow. He rolled them and landed so that he landed on his back, pulling her body on top of his. They were both laughing heartily even though she could tell that her cheeks and nose were going numb and red with cold. There was a hint of color in his cheeks, too. "That was sneaky, Lily. Totally unfair."
"You know what they say, Clint. All's fair in love and war." To prove her point, she grabbed a handful of snow and pressed it into his face. He sputtered, his hands letting go of her in order to wipe the white stuff away. Lia climbed off of him and regained her feet. Before he could make a move for her, she hurried for the house.
"I'll get you back, babe. Don't think I won't!" he called after her. She answered him with a laugh as she made for the cabin. Her feet pounded against the steps as she climbed up to the porch that ran around the entire building. She vaguely noted that the porch was enclosed so that one could sit on the porch in the summer months and enjoy the weather. Maybe they'd come back so she could see the colors.
Lia was already tugging her wet coat and gloves off as she stomped her way across the porch. Clint was fetching the last of their things from the back of the SUV, obviously ready to seek out the heat that the cabin would provide. He wasn't the only one. The snowball fight had been fun, but her clothes were cold and wet. She wanted to get out of them and put something warm and dry on.
It wasn't until after she'd kicked her boots off and hung up her coat that she turned and took in the cabin. And stopped dead in her tracks. A fire crackled merrily in a large stone hearth, throwing heat and light out into the rest of the room. That's all the cabin really was. One giant room that used furniture to divide it up.
There was a kitchen with a stove and cabinets and one of those old, pull handle refrigerators that had been all the rage in the sixties. There was a dining table with four tables. The surface was covered with a forest green cloth and an arrangement of white, red and green flowers in a red vase sat in the center. The ceiling was lower than on the other side of the cabin, making her think that there was a loft bedroom.
The living room furniture was old and worn and it looked comfortable. There was no television. Someone had hung an ever green garland along the edge of the mantel and a set of lights twinkled from among the pine needles. The windows were covered with heavy drapes in maroon, the carpet on the living room floor matching. The scent of oranges and cloves hung heavy on the air. Clint stepped in behind her. "The bathroom is on the back wall behind the kitchen. You'll find the door under the stairs that go up to the loft." His body was warm against her back while his hand reached out to point at the area he was talking about. "Why don't you go up and put on dry clothes? I can't have you getting sick on me while we're here. It'll make getting into your panties really unattractive."
"Gee, thanks. I'm glad to know you're looking after my welfare."
"Go. I'll put away this stuff while you change," he told her, motioning toward a bag of groceries sitting on the counter top in the kitchen area. Lia nodded at him and padded across the floor silently, her stocking feet barely registering a sound against the well aged wooden planks. She paused at the foot of the stairs and watched as Clint went about putting the food stuffs away with smooth, efficient motions. There was something so mesmerizing about the way he carried himself. He was full of fluid grace. She loved watching him move, no matter if he was fighting some villain or simply loading some boxes into the cupboard.
The stairs hugged the wall, the railing made of some large tree that had simply had its limbs and bark taken off. Many hands had obviously run up and down the length of the rail because its surface was smooth and glossy with use. Allowing the silence to soak into her, she climbed up the steps to the loft. Clint had apparently brought in their luggage and stowed it up there, which she had no problems with. But she should have at least been helping him put things away, not playing around in the snow like a five year old.
It was dark in the loft, despite the fact that there was a fire burning below and the lights were on. Frowning, she wondered why he hadn't turned any lights on up here. The cabin was part of the park system and Clint had assured her when he'd suggested this get away that there was electricity and running water at the cabin. She put her hand against the wall and moved it around, searching for the light switch. Her fingers found the plastic piece and pushed it up. The lights sprang to life and she found out just why it had been dark in the loft.
Thick, heavy curtains had been pulled across the entire front of the loft, sectioning it off from the rest of the cabin. Despite that, the bedroom area was warm and cozy. The bed was king sized, the frame made up of heavy wood. Thick pillows rested at the head, sheathed in cases of pale blue. The quilt that covered the mattress was made up of different sized squares in blues and greens. It looked as if it was handmade. A pair of roses rested on the side of the bed that Lia normally slept on. One was red, one was white. Both were perfectly formed and positively gorgeous.
Other than a pair of dressers, a pair of chairs and a love seat, there was no other furniture in the loft. But there was a tree, a large pine that filled the air with its scent. It was full and lush and covered with all kinds of Christmas decorations. Glittering garlands, twinkling lights, strings of tinsel and delicate glass ornaments covered with beautiful designs. Several gaily wrapped gifts rested under the spread boughs, on top of a white and gold tree skirt that circled the trunk in its stand. Lia's breath caught in her throat.
"Merry Christmas, baby." Clint's voice was soft and warm as he stepped up behind her. His arms wrapped around her waist and tugged her back into his chest. The first kiss ended up pressed against her cheek. The second kiss caught her lips as she turned in his arms. He crushed her body into his, though she didn't bother to complain about it. Instead, her arms climbed up over his shoulders and she molded herself to him. When his tongue touched her lips, she opened to him and allowed him to plunder the interior of her mouth. Need, hot and fiery fingers of it, raced through her body and made her thankful that the bed was nearby.
Not that it would stop them if it wasn't. But the floor wasn't as comfortable for such things as the bed was.
She pulled from him, gasping for breath. Clint stared down at her, his eyes gone dark with the things he was feeling. "You didn't have to do this, Clint."
"Of course I did. Nothing but the best for you, Lily." He held her close to him, his nose buried in the softness of her hair. "I wanted our first Christmas to be memorable. And I wanted it to be the start of something special for us. Something to look forward to." He inched closer and laid his hands to rest over her belly. "A tradition for our family."
His words startled her, prompting her to pull back from him so she could look up into his face. His eyes were gentle with sincerity, a soft smile tilting his lips up. "A family? You want a family? With me?"
"I love you, Lily. If these past months have taught me anything, its that I love you. And I want a life with you. A life filled with you and our kids. Our family. If you're willing, that is."
"I would love nothing more than to have a family with you, Clint. But are you sure? I mean... Our lives aren't easy and kids would only make things harder."
"I'm sure. But we don't need to have kids now, Lily. I just want to have kids with you someday. I want a family with you. At least think about it." He leaned down to press a tender kiss to her lips. She wrapped her arms around him once more and molded her body to his.
"Do you mean it?"
"Of course I do. I wouldn't talk about kids if..." he began, but she kissed him and cut his protest off.
"Say you love me again."
"I love you, Lily. I have for a long damn time. I want to spend the rest of our lives showing you just how much." His hands slid from her hips to her ass, cupped her cheeks and pressed her closer.
"I love you, too, Clint. And I like the sound of that." He grinned at her answer and began walking, inching her back toward the bed. Her hands moved toward the front of his shirt, fingers looking for the bottom edge. His hands were still cupping her ass. The minute her legs touched the mattress, he pushed her down and covered her body with his. She wrapped herself around him. "Clint? About that family?"
"Yes?" he asked, fingers finding the button and zipper holding her jeans closed. She grinned as he pulled the button from its hole, as he tugged the zip down.
"Can we maybe start working on it now?"
"That sounds like a damned good idea, babe." He dragged her jeans down her legs. "Merry Christmas, Lily."
"Merry Christmas, Clint." She dragged his head down so that she could kiss him. Merry Christmas, indeed.
Universe: The Marvel Universe, specificially the Sueniverse's main branch
Pairing: Clint/Lia
Written For: dazzledfirestar
Prompt: their first Christmas together, time away from the team
Rating: adultish. some sexual overtones. possibly language. no violence or nudity
Word Count: 3221
Disclaimer: i don't own Clint Barton. he's owned by Marvel and whoever the hell else owns him. i'm simply playing with him for my own perverse purposes and will return him. eventually. please don't sue me because i got no money, dude. Lia belongs to dazzledfirestar . she's letting me borrow her on the condition she comes back in one piece.
Lia glanced around at the snow covered ground and wrinkled her nose. She was used to the cold. Growing up in New York City had taught her what cold was. But snow was something she'd never seen very much of. It didn't snow much in the city. What little of the white stuff that managed to fall usually melted away quickly. Not that they hadn't had winters where it snowed. But the amounts had been nothing like this. She was up to her knees in the cold, wet flakes. And it was still coming down.
It had been Clint's idea that they spend their first Christmas as a couple away from the rest of the team. He'd been the one to suggest a secluded cabin tucked away in the Adirondacks, someplace where they could really be alone and get to know one another. She hadn't needed to be a mind reader to know that 'get to know one another' had been a euphemism for having copious amounts of sex. She'd been skeptical at first. But, in typical Clint Barton fashion, he'd kept at her and kept at her until she'd finally succumbed to his own brand of charm and given in. She'd started rethinking the decision the minute she'd seen just how much shit he'd managed to pack into an SUV with four wheel drive.
The cabin was set at the end of a long, winding drive that had made its way between pine trees that towered over them, silent sentinels standing guard over the rustic looking building and its inhabitants. Lia could only imagine what it must be like here in the summer. There were probably all kinds of wild flowers and vivid green foliage. She suspected it was a beautiful place that was totally uncivilized without the snow. Hell, even with the snow, there was a kind of otherworldly, untouched quality to the place.
"You know." Clint's voice brought her out of her thoughts. She focused on him as he practically bounced down the steps of the cabin, his bright blonde hair hidden under a knit stocking cap that gave him a boyish look. He was bundled into a heavy winter coat, his hands hidden by leather gloves that she knew were well lined. He crunched his way across the snow covered ground toward her. "Its a shame you don't have telekinesis. You could float all of this stuff into the cabin with almost no effort."
"Well, if you hadn't packed for a blizzard, you wouldn't have need of a telekinetic." She shot him a look as he crunched past her toward the open hatch of their vehicle. "You're sure you don't want me to help?"
"No. I've got it. Enjoy the snow. I doubt you'll get to see it much." His voice was filled with lascivious intent. Lia let go a laugh and watched as he dragged out a cooler filled with the perishable items he'd brought with. Despite the burden he carried and the obvious difference in their height, he still managed to press a kiss on her as he made his way back toward the cabin. She watched as he pounded his way up the steps, knocking the snow from his boots, and then disappeared into the cabin.
She had to admit that it was beautiful, even though it was cold enough out that she could feel her toes going numb. It didn't matter that she was wearing snow boots and two pairs of thermal socks. They were up in the mountains and the air was thin. It was bloody cold. But Clint had told her to enjoy the snow while she could. He'd also mentioned, when he'd pulled the truck to a halt outside the cabin, that she wasn't allowed inside the building until he gave her the all clear. She knew that meant he was up to something and she was trying very hard not to slip into his mind and find out what it was.
Instead of standing beside the truck like an idiot, Lia decided to allow her inner child out just a little bit. Being a city girl, she hadn't really ever had the opportunity to spend time playing in the snow. Of course she'd seen images on TV of kids playing in piles and piles of the white stuff. But that had been the extent of it. She had to admit that she was curious.
The snow crunched crisply under foot as she cut a path through it. She saw the occasional tracks in the snow, marks left behind by small hooves and paws alike. Perhaps she'd see a deer before they left for the city. Clint had said they'd be staying until after New Year's Eve. The idea of seeing wildlife was kind of exciting. And as long as it didn't get too close to her, she'd be just fine.
She was some distance from the cabin when she finally gave in to the childish voice that was whispering in her ear and allowed herself to fall backwards into the snow. Flakes puffed up around her body before drifting down to land on her coat and face and the stocking cap she'd pulled over her fiery locks. Arms and legs spread, she fanned them back and forth, up and down, to compact the snow and form a snow angel. Away from the Avengers, out in the middle of nowhere, she could let go of some of her control and just... be.
Laughter bubbled up out of her throat, echoing around the clearing loudly. It was somehow both perverse and pure at the same time. And then a wicked thought came over her. She sat up and reached for some of the snow, worked it into a ball between her gloved hands, then set it aside and made another. And another. And yet another. By the time she felt him coming out of the cabin, her mind actively keeping watch for him, she had half a dozen snowballs in her arsenal. Before he could catch her, she laid back down in the snow and waited.
"Lily?" His voice echoed around the clearing. "Lily? Where are you at, babe?" There was a slight hint of concern. No doubt he thought she'd wandered off into the woods. "Lily! Come on, babe. Answer me. Where are you?"
She knew it the moment he found her footprints in the snow. Shortly after, she heard him crunching his way toward her. The concern was tempered with confusion. Finally, he was close enough to see her. Finding her flat on her back in the middle of a snow angel threw him for a loop and confusion took center stage. "Lily? What are you doing?"
"What does it look like, Clint?" She asked the question, not bothering to move. Let him come to her. He was already offering her a hand when he finally came to a halt beside her. She smiled, took his outstretched hand, then pulled him toward her. He was caught by surprise, allowing her to slap her hand and the snowball it held, right into his face. Clint spat out snow and a few curses even as Lia came to her feet and scooped up another snowball. He'd barely cleared his face when she pelted him a second time. "Oh my god! That was too easy! Imagine the look on everyone's faces when I tell them I pegged you twice in the face with a snowball."
"You're assuming that I'm going to let you live this down," Clint tossed at her, only half-joking. He was already in the process of forming a snowball. Lia shot to her feet and picked up another of her premade ammunition. She dodged his first throw, but she knew that he hadn't been trying. He was giving her a head start. As if she'd run from him. She took her stance and lifted the next snowball. His next shot caught her full on in the chest. Her jacket and shirt were open just a little and some of the snow from the ball slid into her clothing. She let go an entirely too girly yelp, earning her a laugh and a grin from him.
"Oh, it is so on now, arrow boy!" She threw one of her snowballs and watched it land harmlessly by his feet. His grin was really not very nice.
The next several minutes were spent laughing and playing. They each made snowballs, then lobbed them furiously at the other. Nearly all of her snowballs went wide. None of his did. By the time they were done, the pristine surface of the snow was gone, torn up and riddled with footprints, hand prints and small piles where the snowballs had exploded and hit the ground. He'd made a mess of her snow angel in his quest to come out the winner.
The fight ended with Clint catching her around the waist. His feet tangled in hers and, together, the two of them tumbled into the snow. He rolled them and landed so that he landed on his back, pulling her body on top of his. They were both laughing heartily even though she could tell that her cheeks and nose were going numb and red with cold. There was a hint of color in his cheeks, too. "That was sneaky, Lily. Totally unfair."
"You know what they say, Clint. All's fair in love and war." To prove her point, she grabbed a handful of snow and pressed it into his face. He sputtered, his hands letting go of her in order to wipe the white stuff away. Lia climbed off of him and regained her feet. Before he could make a move for her, she hurried for the house.
"I'll get you back, babe. Don't think I won't!" he called after her. She answered him with a laugh as she made for the cabin. Her feet pounded against the steps as she climbed up to the porch that ran around the entire building. She vaguely noted that the porch was enclosed so that one could sit on the porch in the summer months and enjoy the weather. Maybe they'd come back so she could see the colors.
Lia was already tugging her wet coat and gloves off as she stomped her way across the porch. Clint was fetching the last of their things from the back of the SUV, obviously ready to seek out the heat that the cabin would provide. He wasn't the only one. The snowball fight had been fun, but her clothes were cold and wet. She wanted to get out of them and put something warm and dry on.
It wasn't until after she'd kicked her boots off and hung up her coat that she turned and took in the cabin. And stopped dead in her tracks. A fire crackled merrily in a large stone hearth, throwing heat and light out into the rest of the room. That's all the cabin really was. One giant room that used furniture to divide it up.
There was a kitchen with a stove and cabinets and one of those old, pull handle refrigerators that had been all the rage in the sixties. There was a dining table with four tables. The surface was covered with a forest green cloth and an arrangement of white, red and green flowers in a red vase sat in the center. The ceiling was lower than on the other side of the cabin, making her think that there was a loft bedroom.
The living room furniture was old and worn and it looked comfortable. There was no television. Someone had hung an ever green garland along the edge of the mantel and a set of lights twinkled from among the pine needles. The windows were covered with heavy drapes in maroon, the carpet on the living room floor matching. The scent of oranges and cloves hung heavy on the air. Clint stepped in behind her. "The bathroom is on the back wall behind the kitchen. You'll find the door under the stairs that go up to the loft." His body was warm against her back while his hand reached out to point at the area he was talking about. "Why don't you go up and put on dry clothes? I can't have you getting sick on me while we're here. It'll make getting into your panties really unattractive."
"Gee, thanks. I'm glad to know you're looking after my welfare."
"Go. I'll put away this stuff while you change," he told her, motioning toward a bag of groceries sitting on the counter top in the kitchen area. Lia nodded at him and padded across the floor silently, her stocking feet barely registering a sound against the well aged wooden planks. She paused at the foot of the stairs and watched as Clint went about putting the food stuffs away with smooth, efficient motions. There was something so mesmerizing about the way he carried himself. He was full of fluid grace. She loved watching him move, no matter if he was fighting some villain or simply loading some boxes into the cupboard.
The stairs hugged the wall, the railing made of some large tree that had simply had its limbs and bark taken off. Many hands had obviously run up and down the length of the rail because its surface was smooth and glossy with use. Allowing the silence to soak into her, she climbed up the steps to the loft. Clint had apparently brought in their luggage and stowed it up there, which she had no problems with. But she should have at least been helping him put things away, not playing around in the snow like a five year old.
It was dark in the loft, despite the fact that there was a fire burning below and the lights were on. Frowning, she wondered why he hadn't turned any lights on up here. The cabin was part of the park system and Clint had assured her when he'd suggested this get away that there was electricity and running water at the cabin. She put her hand against the wall and moved it around, searching for the light switch. Her fingers found the plastic piece and pushed it up. The lights sprang to life and she found out just why it had been dark in the loft.
Thick, heavy curtains had been pulled across the entire front of the loft, sectioning it off from the rest of the cabin. Despite that, the bedroom area was warm and cozy. The bed was king sized, the frame made up of heavy wood. Thick pillows rested at the head, sheathed in cases of pale blue. The quilt that covered the mattress was made up of different sized squares in blues and greens. It looked as if it was handmade. A pair of roses rested on the side of the bed that Lia normally slept on. One was red, one was white. Both were perfectly formed and positively gorgeous.
Other than a pair of dressers, a pair of chairs and a love seat, there was no other furniture in the loft. But there was a tree, a large pine that filled the air with its scent. It was full and lush and covered with all kinds of Christmas decorations. Glittering garlands, twinkling lights, strings of tinsel and delicate glass ornaments covered with beautiful designs. Several gaily wrapped gifts rested under the spread boughs, on top of a white and gold tree skirt that circled the trunk in its stand. Lia's breath caught in her throat.
"Merry Christmas, baby." Clint's voice was soft and warm as he stepped up behind her. His arms wrapped around her waist and tugged her back into his chest. The first kiss ended up pressed against her cheek. The second kiss caught her lips as she turned in his arms. He crushed her body into his, though she didn't bother to complain about it. Instead, her arms climbed up over his shoulders and she molded herself to him. When his tongue touched her lips, she opened to him and allowed him to plunder the interior of her mouth. Need, hot and fiery fingers of it, raced through her body and made her thankful that the bed was nearby.
Not that it would stop them if it wasn't. But the floor wasn't as comfortable for such things as the bed was.
She pulled from him, gasping for breath. Clint stared down at her, his eyes gone dark with the things he was feeling. "You didn't have to do this, Clint."
"Of course I did. Nothing but the best for you, Lily." He held her close to him, his nose buried in the softness of her hair. "I wanted our first Christmas to be memorable. And I wanted it to be the start of something special for us. Something to look forward to." He inched closer and laid his hands to rest over her belly. "A tradition for our family."
His words startled her, prompting her to pull back from him so she could look up into his face. His eyes were gentle with sincerity, a soft smile tilting his lips up. "A family? You want a family? With me?"
"I love you, Lily. If these past months have taught me anything, its that I love you. And I want a life with you. A life filled with you and our kids. Our family. If you're willing, that is."
"I would love nothing more than to have a family with you, Clint. But are you sure? I mean... Our lives aren't easy and kids would only make things harder."
"I'm sure. But we don't need to have kids now, Lily. I just want to have kids with you someday. I want a family with you. At least think about it." He leaned down to press a tender kiss to her lips. She wrapped her arms around him once more and molded her body to his.
"Do you mean it?"
"Of course I do. I wouldn't talk about kids if..." he began, but she kissed him and cut his protest off.
"Say you love me again."
"I love you, Lily. I have for a long damn time. I want to spend the rest of our lives showing you just how much." His hands slid from her hips to her ass, cupped her cheeks and pressed her closer.
"I love you, too, Clint. And I like the sound of that." He grinned at her answer and began walking, inching her back toward the bed. Her hands moved toward the front of his shirt, fingers looking for the bottom edge. His hands were still cupping her ass. The minute her legs touched the mattress, he pushed her down and covered her body with his. She wrapped herself around him. "Clint? About that family?"
"Yes?" he asked, fingers finding the button and zipper holding her jeans closed. She grinned as he pulled the button from its hole, as he tugged the zip down.
"Can we maybe start working on it now?"
"That sounds like a damned good idea, babe." He dragged her jeans down her legs. "Merry Christmas, Lily."
"Merry Christmas, Clint." She dragged his head down so that she could kiss him. Merry Christmas, indeed.