A Home For Christmas

by absurdthirst, storiesofthefandomlovers

Summary:

When you expect to get proposed and get dumped instead, you go back home. Buying an old house that needs to be restored, you hire Joel Miller to make that happen for you. Him promising you a home for Christmas.

You brush down your dress, looking in the mirror, and you inhale deeply. This is it. You're sure of it. Paul is finally going to propose. You've been together for eight years. College sweethearts. You had lost your virginity to him, your first boyfriend, first love, and hopefully, in a few moments, your fiance. You squeal and take another breath. You stand up straight and make your way back out to the table to Paul. "You okay, babe?" He asks and you nod, offering a smile. "I'm perfect." You promise and he smiles back, reaching into his pocket and you are almost shaking with excitement. "I have been thinking..." He begins and you nod, smile on your face, "...that we should-" "get married?" You finish at the same time he says "break up." You freeze, looking at him, "what - what do you mean?" You choke and he sighs, handing you a check. It's for two thousand dollars. "What is this?" You ask after he slides it across to you. "It's for the movers. I thought - I organized a moving company to come over tomorrow. Since I didn't think you'd want to hang around." He says and you are in disbelief. "I don't understand. We have been together since college. I have waited for a ring. Waited and watched everyone else get engaged, buy a house, get pregnant and I haven't given you an ultimatum once because I love you. I - I love you. Do you not love me anymore?" You choke and tilt your head and Paul sighs. "I do love you but I - there's - her name is Katie and she-" You stop listening. He's in love with another woman. He's been cheating on you. You're being kicked out of your apartment that you decorated and made a home for you and him. You only have one option now: you have to go home. You don't even think as you grab your glass of wine, tossing it in his face. He gasps and you rip the check up. "Do not come home. Do not talk to me. I - fuck you. Fuck you." You hiss as you stand up, pointing at him as the other couples in the restaurant look at you in shock. "And your inability to make me cum." You shout and spin on your heel, leaving the restaurant with tears streaming down your cheeks.

****

Joel sighs as he pulls the truck up outside an old beauty that has been sorely neglected. People who owned houses like this and let them go to rot should be shot. He checks the note he had written down for a name and rolls his eyes. The name sounds like one that would be a pain in his ass. He shouldn’t have taken this goddamn job. Tommy had taken it, right before he fucked off for the holiday season, leaving Joel alone to deal with the shit. He notices the boxes piled up on the porch and hopes that maybe the owner just bought the damn place. That might make it a little better.

The doorbell is broken and you sigh when you hear the knock on the door. The contractor. Finally. You had moved back to your hometown, and after living with your parents for way too long, you decided to buy this place. Your parents helped you with the down payment and you have enough savings to try and make this house beautiful. You walk down the hall, the floors squeaking and you sigh as you open the door to the contractor. “Hi. You must be Joel.” You smile and fuck, you sound breathless. He’s so hot. Really hot. He nods and you step to the side, “come in. It’s chilly.” You shiver as he walks into your home.

You’re younger than he had imagined and he feels a little guilty about the anger he had over the state of the house. No way you’ve owned this place for long and he has to commend you for taking on such a big project. Unless you want to take away all the gorgeous old features and make this place look like an IKEA showroom. “Feels like your furnace isn’t working.”

You nod, "and everything else. This place is gorgeous but she's going to need a lot of work." You say and watch as he starts to appraise your new home. He hums, trailing his hand over the peeling wallpaper and he sighs, "well, first things first, let's get this place warm." You can't help but groan in relief, "please. I have three pairs of socks on right now."

He chuckles, but it’s a dry, rusty sound. Like he’s not used to laughing. “Don’t think it’ll improve my reputation if I let you lose toes to frostbite.” He snorts as he looks around the room. “Where’s the door to the basement?”

You gesture to the door down the hall and Joel makes his way to it, "let me take a look and I'll get her going." He promises and you watch him walk away. He's broad and a little grumpy. You decide to make some coffee, heading back into the outdated kitchen.

“Fuck.” He nearly breaks his fucking neck on the stairs. A board is broken and his heart is racing when he finally sets his boots down on the concrete floor of the dark and musty smelling basement. At least it’s not wet, that would be a fucking problem. “Where’s the goddamn light?” He hisses, reaching for his flashlight on his lip to hopefully locate some kind of light down here. It’ll make things easier to fix if he can see more than three inches in front of him.

You pour out a cup of coffee, sighing at the warmth on your fingers and you wonder how long it will take Joel to fix the furnace. You are anxious about the furnace being able to be fixed since you have money set aside to fix this house but you aren't ready to replace the furnace.

Finally finding the light, Joel shakes his head. The furnace needs to be cleaned and serviced. It’s obvious that whomever had the house just hadn’t cared. He cleans out the nest from the rats that had made the pilot area home. That’s why the damn thing is barely running. Once he gets that clear, the furnace rumbles to life and spits out dust into his face, making him cough and curse.

You hear the rumbling of the furnace and grin, excited to finally have warmth in your new home. You sip your coffee and nearly spit it out when the contractor reappears with dust covering his face. “Oh my God. Are you okay?” You ask and he nods, “do you have a bathroom?” You try to stop your giggle as you show him to the bathroom. “Can I make you a coffee in the meantime?” You ask and he grunts, “no cream or sugar.” You leave him to clean up and pour his coffee, leaving it on the counter.

He snorts when he sees the faded mirror. Looking like a raccoon with the soot covering his cheeks. He washes his face and slicks his hair back with water before he comes out and sees the coffee waiting for him. “Thanks.” He grunts as he picks it up and takes a sip.

“I can finally feel the heat coming back into my body.” You confess with a chuckle and he sets his cup down, “you should’ve called sooner. How long have you lived here?” He asks and you sigh, tapping your fingers against your cup, “a few weeks.” He huffs and you tilt your head, “I didn’t have much of a choice. I needed somewhere to live and well, you’re here now. Thank God.”

He can sense there is a story there but he doesn’t want to hear it. It’s none of his business. “Well, the foundation is solid, and the basement is dry.” He tells you seriously. “The house has good bones and if you don’t fuck it up and strip it of all character, she will be a show stopper if you let me do her right.”

You gasp, “I would - did you see what they did to the Home Alone house? It was a travesty. I would never. I want this house to keep all of its character as long as it’s safe and functional.”

He snorts and nods. “Good, then I’ll work with you.” He decides. “Show me what you want to do, if you want any changes and I’ll see what I can to make it look like it was supposed to be that way.”

You appreciate his upfront nature and he seems to know what he’s doing. “Let me show you what needs to be done.” You say, needing a quote from him in each room so you can decide what is priority. “How long have you been in town for?” You ask, sensing an accent but it’s definitely not local and you don’t remember him and his brother when you lived here.

“ ‘m from Texas.” Joel answers, shifting slightly and looking around the kitchen as he sips his coffee. It’s not bad, but then again he’s not a coffee snob.

Your eyebrows raise, “Texas, wow. What brought you here?” You ask, curious and innocent but when he winces, you know it’s a touchy subject. “Apart from the small town charm.” You add playfully with a smile and set your coffee cup down. “Right, let’s get started.”

He’s glad you dropped it, not willing to talk about her. He follows you into the entryway and pulls out a notepad to take notes. “The windows need to be replaced.” He tells you. “Replace one, you better replace them all. They are drafty and new ones will save your heating and electricity bill.”

You sigh at the cost but know that this home is a project but you’re still excited to work on it. “Got it. New windows.” You agree and continue on following him as he scratches out his notes.

The floors need to be refinished and he recommends gap filling them, explaining how he would do that. You seem to like the idea so he adds that to the list. “Fuck, that’s a lot of paint.” He groans, looking over at the mantle and the layers of paint that looks horrible.

You nod and groan, “I don’t know who decided to paint everything millennial grey but I could kill them.” You joke, “but I know that’s gonna be a lot of paint stripper but I have a feeling it’s gorgeous under all that crap.” You say and Joel nods, “one thing I really do want is a reading book in this bay window. Just imagine sitting here reading while the snow falls.” You sigh imagining it.

Joel nods and tries to ignore how pretty you look as you imagine reading in the window seat. “You want to try to keep the radiators?” He asks seriously.

“If we can.” You nod, “unless you have another idea.” You add, wanting him to know that you trust him. You can tell he knows what he’s doing and you want to hire him for this job. He walks around and lists the things he needs to do. Things he labels as urgent. “I’ll get a quote over to you soon and we can get started so we can have this place looking liveable by Christmas.” He says and you would agree to anything honestly. He’s capable and sexy and - yeah, he’s gonna be a distraction but oh what a distraction he is. “I’ll give ya a call.” He promises and you nod, closing the door behind him. When he emails over the quote, you don’t even hesitate to agree to it.

You loved his plans for the house and quickly accepted his offer. Tommy couldn’t really help more than a few days because of a remodel he had quoted. Not that Joel minds. He doesn’t really want to hear his younger brother’s shit about how hot you are. Pulling up in his truck, he looks at the house and sees you moving through one of the windows. Those are scheduled to be delivered tomorrow and he can start buttoning the house up.

You can’t help but be excited when you hear the doorbell ring (Joel fixed that for you) and you adjust your hair as you rush over to the door to open it. “Hi. Good morning.” You say a little breathlessly and you curse yourself internally. You don’t need to be developing a crush on him and he certainly isn’t interested in you.

He wonders if you had just rushed a man out of your bed, your hair looks like you had just neatened it and he nods. “Morning.” He motions inside. “Gonna get started removing the trim from the windows this morning.”

You nod, a little dumbstruck by how good he looks in his flannel shirt after he removes his jacket to hang it up on the hook. “Oh, uh, yeah. No problem. I was just making some coffee.” You gesture over your shoulder to the kitchen, if you want some.”

“Thanks.” He nods, but he’s already distracted by his plans. The moulding around the windows is gorgeous and it also needs to be stripped back down to the natural wood. He plans on labeling each piece for the windows and putting them back once he has restored them and swapped out the old single pane windows for high efficiency ones. “Gonna start upstairs.”

You don’t answer, watching him go, and you admire his shoulders as he walks up the stairs. Shit, it’s been too long since you’ve had sex. Not that you even know what good sex is since Paul never made you cum. You sigh and head back into the kitchen to continue working. 

****

“Oh my God.” You gasp, seeing the way he has finished the floors in the living room. “That’s - you’re a genius.” You squeal, unable to stop yourself from hugging him and you surge forward to wrap your arms around him. He freezes and you drop your grip, feeling embarrassed and your cheeks burn. “I’m so sorry. I just - I’m so happy.” You rush out, “let me - I’ll go get you some coffee.” You say as you walk out the living room to the kitchen.

It’s been nearly a month, he’s been here every day. You had said he hadn’t needed to work on Sundays but it’s not like he has a life to live. Work is his life now. He sighs and reaches down to adjust since his cock had twitched and started to harden from the smell of your body wash. He’s attracted to you, and that seems to be growing every day although he tries to ignore it. The darker stain on the outside of the edge of the room had turned out beautifully and created a pattern that matches the feel of the house.

The day that really sends you over the edge is when Joel starts to work on the bathroom, and it gets really hot in there so he had taken off his sweater to be left in his T-shirt and you were practically salivating at the sight of his muscles moving under the thin fabric. You’ve never felt like this before. You feel like a teenage girl and you find any reason to check on him. “I’ve been making some cookies. Do you want one with a coffee?” You ask, leaning against the door frame.

“What type are they?” He’s been smelling something wonderful come out of the kitchen, making his mouth water. The kitchen will be the last room he tackles because you like to cook and bake so much.

You smile, “sugar cookie. Figured I would practice since it is nearly December. I’ll bring you a couple with a cup of coffee.” You wink and purposely sway your hips as you walk down the hall to the stairs.

His eyes automatically drop down to your ass and watch as it prances away in a way that should be criminal. Almost certain that you are enticing him on purpose. He grunts and shakes his head. “She ain’t for you.” He reminds himself as he turns back to the backbreaking work of laying your new tile in your shower.

When you hand Joel the cookies along with his coffee, your heart flutters as you feel like your touch lingers on his side of taking the plate from you. You stare at him for a second and smile, “enjoy, honey.” You wink and walk off, deciding to take more of a risk with him. You know he could reject you and it would make for an awkward remainder of the job but you can flirt a little.

Goddamn. He feels the heat rush through his groin as he watches you walk away. You are bold, he could see the desire in your eyes. He can tell you are attracted to him, although he doesn’t know why. He’s old and broken. He looks down at the plate of cookies and coffee and smiles. If the cookies are as sweet as you are, he is in for a treat.

You are tapping away on your laptop when Joel appears in the kitchen, setting the mug and plate down. “They were delicious.” He says and you grin, happy he enjoyed them. “Good. I need a taste tester.” You tease and he groans, “gonna make me come off this job ten pounds heavier.” He rubs his belly and you smile, “nothing wrong with that. You’re a good looking guy.” You say and he bites his lip, ducking his head, “I better, uh, I need some materials. I’m gonna - I’ll be back in half an hour.” He says and you nod, “sure thing.” You watch him go and fuck, your pussy is throbbing from the sight of him in your kitchen. You look out the window as you watch Joel get into his truck and as soon as he’s gone, you rush into the living room to your sofa, shoving your hand into your leggings. You’re soaking wet, imagining his rough hand being pushed into your panties and sliding through your folds. You moan, unable to stop yourself as you get some relief.

“Shit.” Joel slaps the wheel, irritated at himself for forgetting his notebook. It has everything that he needs written down and he won’t remember half of it if he doesn’t go back and get it. Sighing to himself, he turns around and heads back to the house that is slowly turning into a home for you. He’s proud of the work he has done and it makes him eager to wake up, giving him something to look forward to. He doesn’t pull into the driveway, just parking on the street and quickly letting himself in. Not even imagining that he would be stopped cold by the sound of a low moan of pleasure.

You don’t even notice him as he walks in, your fingers working your clit, and you sigh his name. You imagine him looming over you, touching you, making you feel things that you haven’t felt before. “Oh fuck.” You pant, rubbing your clit a little faster and you don’t even notice Joel as he steps into the room.

His eyes are blown wide, heart pounding and his cock is rapidly hardening. He shouldn’t be watching your touch yourself, even if he can’t see a damn thing since your hand is in your panties, but he can’t look away. “Jooooel.” His entire body lurches when he realises you are thinking about him as your fingers work your pussy and he snaps. Stepping over in two strides and making you squeak in surprise when his own hand drops down to slide down your sternum to dive under your leggings.

You are shocked when he looms above you but fuck, you don’t push his hand away. His thick, calloused fingers press against your clit, pushing yours out the way and you moan at the new sensation. “Oh fuck.” You gasp, chest heaving as you reach out to grip his bicep, “you didn’t - oh don’t stop.”

He wouldn’t, probably couldn’t right now. Your chest is heaving and it’s pushing your tits up. Joel groans as he slides his fingers down to feel how wet you are. “Ain’t plannin’ on it.” He promises, other hand sliding under your shirt to squeeze your breast. You moan and he slips a finger inside your wet passage and grunts in pleasure at how tight you are.

You can't believe this is happening. You've imagined him so many times at night with your fingers inside you. To have his thick digits stretching you has your eyes rolling back. Your hand pulls out of your leggings, leaving his, and you cover his hand on your tit, making him squeeze it. "So - so good. Your fingers feel so good."

He starts to pump that digit deep, twisting his wrist so he can still rub your clit with his thumb. Groaning in pleasure when you whimper and clench around him. “You gonna cum for me?” He asks roughly, watching the way you respond to him. “Soak my fingers when you cream?”

You nod, mouth open as he works you higher on his finger, his thumb pressing against your clit, and you whimper. "I'm gonna - yes. Yes. Yesss." You cry, clamping down on his digits as he watches you. Those dark eyes nearly black and you moan his name as you tilt your head back.

He squeezes your tit again, hard and aching in his jeans as he works you through your orgasm. You are beautiful as you fall apart and your walls soak his finger until it squelches as he continues to pump it into you, adding another finger just to feel how tight you get around it. “That’s it. Good girl, soakin’ my finger.”

“Oh fuck.” You pant, lost in the sensations that he’s creating. “Joel. Baby.” You whine, sliding your hand down to cup his bulge in his jeans. “Let me touch you.” You plead, “I wanna - thought about it a lot. Wanna touch you.”

Joel grunts and he knows he should say no. He should pull his fingers out of your pussy and leave. You squeeze him gently and your eyes are pleading. Begging him. He twitches under your touch and nods. “Yeah.”

You grin breathlessly as he slowly withdraws his fingers. You whimper at the loss but quickly shift to kneel on the floor, reaching for the buckle of his belt. Your eyes flick up to watch him as you pop the button of his jeans and pull the zipper down. You reach in to pull his length free of his briefs and you gasp at the girth of him. “Holy shit.” You murmur, looking up at him in shock. “You’re-” He can’t help but chuckle but he chokes when you lean forward to flick your tongue on the leaking tip of his cock.

Joel hisses when he feels your tongue, eyes dark as he watches you slowly explore his cock. It’s been a long goddamn time since he’s had a blow job and you seem especially eager. He clenches his jaw as he reaches down to caress your cheek. “No teasin’.” He begs roughly, almost making it sound like an order but his knees are about to buckle in pleasure.

You whimper at his demand, nodding as you wrap your lips around the head of his cock to take him deeper. You hum at the salty taste of his skin, your eyes fluttering closed as you want to make this good for him.

Joel groans your name, the sound almost foreign because he had never used your first name out loud. He had barely said your last name when he talked to you and now you have your lips around his cock. “It’s good.” He pants, trying not to rock his hips forward. “Show me- fuck, show me what you imagined.”

You don’t even hesitate to suck him deeper, loosening your jaw as you work him deeper down your throat until you choke. His groan has you whimpering and you sigh, caressing his thigh as your free hand grips the base of his cock.

He caresses your jaw, feeling it stretch as you take him deeper. “You like this, dontcha?” He grunts. “Suckin’ my cock. Bet your pussy is dripping again. Aching to be filled.”

You hum around him, unable to deny how good it feels to have him deep inside your throat, twitching with his pleasure. You whimper and open your eyes to look at him, choking on his length for a moment until you pull back to catch your breath.

“Don’t choke.” He warns you, rocking his hips back to give you a moment. “It ain’t worth it if you’re gettin’ sick.” His voice is rough and needy, but he lets you catch your breath.

You love the roughness in his tone and the care for your wellbeing concealed within it. Fuck, that’s sexy. You whimper and don’t give up, taking him back into your mouth with a moan. You don’t quit and you need to see him wrecked for you, because of you.

Joel groans your name when you push him deep again, feeling the back of your throat and grunting in pleasure when you swallow around him. “Fuck, that’s-“ he loses what he was about to say, lost in the sensation of your mouth as you work him in your throat.

He’s thick, stretching your jaw, but you refuse to give up. You inhale deeply through your nose as you take him deeper, able to push him down your throat. You don’t care if you choke like this. You just want to see him fall apart for you. You want to witness him as he sheds the composed exterior.

You want him to react. Rocking his hips only makes you moan around him and bob your head faster. Making him hiss in pleasure and push deeper. It’s a continuous cycle until Joel is panting and cursing, his cock throbbing on your tongue until his balls pull tight, “gonna cum,” he gasps out right before he floods your mouth with his seed.

You don’t care, eagerly swallowing down spurt after spurt of hot cum as he looms over you with a groan. Fuck, it’s hot and you love it. You really love it. You work the base of his cock, pushing him deeper until you feel him panting with overstimulation. You soften your suction, gently working him through it.

Joel sighs as he pulls back, his softening cock plopping out of your mouth as he leans forward and swipes his thumb under your mouth to get to the drops of cum that had leaked out and you lick it off his finger. “Fuck, sweetheart. I didn’t deserve that.”

You smile, pleased with his expression as you look up at him. “You do. I - God- I think you’re so hot, baby. Imagined this so many times.” You confess as you rub his jean clad thighs while he tucks his cock away.

Now is the awkward part. What comes next. He buttons his jeans back and leans down to capture your chin in his fingers. “Thank you.” He murmurs as he presses his lips to yours. He still needs to go to the store, but it would be rude to just walk out after that.

You watch him as he leans up, a little awkward in the aftermath but you know he isn’t a man of many words. “Go. Your notebook is in the hall.” You offer, honestly not wanting him to say platitudes and things he doesn’t mean because he feels guilty that you sucked him off. You don’t expect anything from him. Hell, you don’t want or need another relationship. You just want to have fun.

“Thanks.” He nods and wipes his hands on his jeans nervously. “I need to get that stuff before finishing up today.” He explains, although he knows you understand that.

You are a little disappointed that he doesn’t say anything else but you nod and watch him go, grabbing his book from your hallway table and you hear him shut the door behind him. “Fuckkkk.” You groan, flopping back on your sofa and you wonder how the hell you’re going to handle staying away from him now that you’ve tasted him.

****

Joel shuffles as he opens the door and pokes his head inside. “I’m here.” He calls out before moving to open the door wider and bring in the antique stove he had found. He had decided it was perfect for your kitchen and brought it over. Hoping it would dispel the awkwardness between you since you had sucked his cock nearly a week ago.

You close your laptop and watch him as he carries the stove into the kitchen. “Oh my God.” You gasp, pushing your chair back and you rush over to it, caressing the metal once he sets it down. “This is - this is incredible.” You grin and look at Joel, “where did you find it?”

“Estate sale.” He shrugs slightly as if it’s not a big deal. “She’s completely cast iron and look-“ a portion of the top opens up to reveal a rack to cook. “You put your sausage or bacon in here and when you close it, you can cook pancakes on top.” He explains.

You gasp, “no way. God, this is perfect. I love it so much.” You look up at him and your heart flutters. He’s so handsome and he’s moving along too fast with his work for your liking. He is on schedule to be finished by Christmas which is what you requested. “Could you, uh, help me with something else today?” You ask and he frowns, nodding, “I want to get a Christmas tree but it’s way too heavy for me to handle. I’ve been itching to put one up since you finished the living room and I don’t have a truck or the muscle to maneuver it. I know I’m asking for extra and I’ll pay you for your time.”

Joel grunts, shaking his head and your happy face drops. Believing that he is turning you down. “Oh, uh, I know you’re busy, sorry I asked.” You murmur and he huffs. “You ain’t payin’ me to go pick up a tree.” He tells you, sounding like you’re insane for thinking you would. “You gotta go now, or can I get those cabinets finished?”

"Can we go now? I want to start decorating it. I pulled the decorations from the attic this morning." You reveal and Joel tuts, "why didn't you ask me to do that for you, sweetheart?" You shrug, heart fluttering at the nickname and you are soon in the cab of his truck, pulling into the Christmas tree farm near town. "Which one do you think is best?" You ask him, resisting the urge to grab his hand as you walk through the rows of trees to find the best one.

“You want a big one.” He says as he evaluates the trees. “You’ve got that big window in the living room. It’ll be visible from the street with the curtains open. Get one like this that is tall and wide to fit the entire space.”

You nod, eyes sparkling at the thought and you definitely want it. “This one.” Joel confirms after a few minutes. It’s perfect. You can see it being displayed in the window. “Yes. It’s - yes. That’s the one.” You squeal, clapping your hands together. You pay for the tree while Joel handles getting it strapped to his truck and you smother your giggles when he curses while getting the tree into your home. When he sets the branches free, you gasp and can’t help but wrap your arms around his waist. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”

It’s awkward for a moment but then he relaxes and lets his own arms drop around your back. “You need a step stool to hang your decorations?” He asks, trying to ignore how good you feel in his arms. He’s replayed you on your knees for him so many times since that day but there hasn’t been a repeat.

“Please.” You say, clearing your throat as you step away from him. “Thanks.” You have thought about his cock in your mouth a lot. The way his fingers felt inside you - yours never reach as deep. It’s driven you crazy but it’s obvious that that night was a one off. He hasn’t even touched you innocently since that night until now. When he returns with the stool, you get to work on wrapping the lights around the tree.

He watches as you shoot him a grin and it’s such a homey moment that he wants to lean in and kiss you. “I’ll-“ he doesn’t finish the comment, but instead turns to walk towards the kitchen when he sees that you’ve stacked a couple of logs in the freshly cleaned out fireplace, ready to light. Glancing back to find you digging in the box of ornaments, muttering about lights in your own little world, he decides to light the fire to make it even more cozy for you.

You hum as you decorate, deciding to turn on some Christmas music on your speaker as you work on placing baubles and ribbons where you want them to go. The fire crackles and you wish this was an evening spent with Joel together in your home preparing for Christmas. You hear him working in the kitchen and you sigh, wishing you could talk about that night when he touched you.

In the kitchen, Joel is slowly turning your vision into reality. You love to cook and bake, so the modernisation of some things is completely needed. This has turned into a passion project for him. Spending time when he’s not here finding the perfect pieces, like the new stove, for you. He knows he should talk to you about what happened, but he doesn’t want to learn that you think that it had been a mistake. It had felt good to be wanted, needed.

You hum along to the tune as you try to place a bauble higher up on the tree. You stretch, grunting as you struggle, and you manage to hook it on the branch but you lose your footing. "Shit!" You gasp, falling back and you expect the hard floor beneath you but instead, you land in a pair of arms. He goes oof and your eyes are wide, "Joel." You stare at him, hand finding his chest.

“Need to be careful.” He murmurs softly. “Don’t want you gettin’ hurt.” You don’t say anything and he knows that he should drop his hold on you, you are standing on your own, but he can’t. You seem to want something, but he can’t imagine it’s the kiss he wants as his eyes flicker down to your lips.

It would be the ultimate romantic kiss in front of the tree with the fire roaring and music playing. You lean closer, your nose almost touching his, but you pull back. He hasn't mentioned that night and honestly, you don't want to get too involved after what happened with Paul. You clear your throat and pat his chest, "thanks for, uh, catching me." You offer with a nod and reach for another bauble.

He’s disappointed but he doesn’t hold you back when you twist away from him. Knowing it’s for the best. “Be careful.” He cautions. “You don’t want to fall and I’m not here to catch you.”

You want to make a comment but you bite your lip and refrain. Fuck, it would've been so easy to kiss him but you refuse to let another man ruin your life like Paul did. Joel definitely doesn't seem like the settling type. "Will do." You hum, placing another bauble on the tree. Joel sighs and makes his way back into the kitchen to continue his work. 

****

You look at the newspaper page, a longing glance at the print and Joel walks in, snow in his hair, and your heart flutters. "I didn't know it started to snow." You glance out the window, the newspaper still in your hand. "I didn't know anyone still bought the local paper." He retorts with a chuckle and you fluster, ducking your head. "I don't - I like reading it this time of year for the local events. There's a - a Christmas market tonight." You announce, knowing you can't go alone. Or at all. Everyone will look at you with sympathy, knowing you've been dumped by Paul. His parents live in town and you thankfully haven't seen them.

“Oh yeah?” He doesn’t really think about Christmas much. Tries to actively avoid it, bringing up to many memories. “That sounds like fun.” He offers, sensing that you want him to say something more. “What all does it have?”

“Food, of course, hot chocolate. Mulled wine. Oh games and rides and Santa. It’s - I used to go to it as a kid. And with Pau- with someone I used to know.” You add, setting the paper down, “but I can’t go this year.” You sigh and Joel tilts his head, “why not?” You bite your lip, “it’s a long story. My ex - everyone knows we are broken up and he’s engaged to a girl now. Everyone knows and I don’t want the pity looks.”

Joel is quiet for a moment before he sighs and shakes his head. “You can’t let him chase you outta anything you want to do.” He tells you but you huff. “Everyone will be feeling sorry for me and I don’t want that.” Joel snorts, thinking that everyone will be thinking that this ex is a fucking moron for letting you go. “Nah they won’t.” He promises. “And if they do, I’ll beat the shit out of them.”

You frown, “you’re going?” You ask and he shrugs, “sounds like you need support.” Your heart flutters and you bite your lip, “you’d really do that for me?” You ask and he nods. You can’t help yourself. You rush out of your chair and quickly wrap your arms around him, “thank you! Thank you!” You squeal, breathing him in.

Joel grunts as you nearly knock the wind out of him, huffing slightly but he lets himself enjoy the moment. “You’re welcome.” He doesn’t know why he would change anything, but at least you are happy. “Gonna have to shower and change.”

You nod, and step back. Your heart fluttering with excitement. Joel finishes up his work and agrees on a time to meet, he insists on picking you up and as you are getting ready, you have to constantly remind yourself that this is not a date. Even if you do put some effort into your appearance. When the doorbell rings, now working thanks to Joel, you inhale deeply and make your way to the front door to open it. You can’t help the small gasp that escapes your lips when you see Joel standing there. His hair is styled and he’s wearing a leather jacket that makes your mouth water “Hi.” You greet him softly, “let me just grab my purse and we can go.”

He has to remind himself that there’s nothing to be anxious about. This isn’t a date. You don’t really want to go with him, you just didn’t want to go alone. Still, he had trimmed his facial hair, put gel in his hair and used the cologne Tommy had given him a couple of years ago when he was trying to get his older brother laid. It hadn’t worked, but hopefully the stuff hadn’t gone bad. He watches as you grab your purse and turn around with a bright smile. “All ready.” You promise and Joel steps back as his hand goes to your back when you turn to lock your door. “You should let me install one of those keypad things.” He grunts. “Save you from diggin’ your keys out.”

“You don’t think it will ruin the vibe of the house?” You ask, knowing he’s dedicated to keeping the character. “I mean, we can find you a vintage looking one. Modern conveniences like your microwave.” He smirks and you chuckle, “true. Yeah. That would be easier. And an alarm system. It gets intense being in that house at night alone. No man to protect me.” You joke, “just me.”

Joel snorts and shakes his head. “That’s because your ex is a fuckin’ moron.” He says as he guides you down the walkway to his truck. The exterior of the house needs a little love but that will wait for springtime and he’s not a gardener. You’ve told him about what you want to do and when you get done, she will be the best looking house in town. “Why do you say that?” You ask with a frown frown. “Any man who would willingly leave your bed doesn’t have enough brains to pour piss out of a boot.” Joel answers. 

You sigh, wishing you could believe him. You step up into his truck after he opens the door. When he’s behind the wheel, you turn towards him, “I was with Paul since we were kids essentially. He was my first everything. I dedicated my life to him. I was just waiting for him to propose and the night I thought he was going to finally after years of waiting, he broke up with me. Said he’d met another woman and that I’d have to move out of his apartment. I - I gave so many years to him and he tossed me aside.  Now he’s engaged. Engaged! To this new girl. After months.” You shake your head, “and the worst part? He wasn’t good in bed. Not that I have anything to compare him to but I got used to having to fake it just so I could read my book in bed.”

Joel nearly chokes on air as he whips his head around to stare at you. “He didn’t make you cum?” He demands, almost pissed on your behalf. He knows how you sound and you damned sure weren’t faking it when you were creaming all over his finger.

“Well, not every time. I used to have to rub my - uh, I used to have to do it myself if you know what I mean.” You tap your fingers on your thigh. “He was my first. I don’t really know any different until, uh, you.”

“Goddamn.” Joel hisses, fingers tightening on the steering wheel as he imagines how you would react to him in your bed. “You deserve better than that.” He grunts. “You should be sweatin’ and exhausted, unable to move after you get done.”

You shift in your seat at the thought of him making you breathless and you bite your lip. “Maybe one day I’ll meet someone who makes me feel like that.” You murmur, despite knowing you imagine him between your thighs. “Why - why haven’t you - you’re single.” You end up saying it as a statement instead of a question mainly because you’re baffled by it.

Joel had honestly expected the question a lot sooner but he tenses slightly anyway. “Never had much luck with relationships.” He admits with a sigh. “Don’t know why, I’m such a charming guy.” He huffs sarcastically but he’s got a small grin on his face

You huff at his self deprecating nature, “you are. Just in your own way. So you’re not a hallmark movie guy who laughs at his own jokes? You’re a good man. You don’t play games and I appreciate that. Well, apart from - we haven’t exactly talked about what happened that night.”

He’s driving but he looks over at you. “What do you want to say about it?” He asks, certain that you regret it and can’t really be honest because you don’t want to lose your contractor.

You look back at him, heart pounding and you’re not sure how you summon the courage but you say “that I can’t stop thinking about it. That I wanted more but I thought you regretted it.” You confess, bracing yourself for this entire working relationship to fall apart when he lets you down and tells you it was spur of the moment and he doesn’t think about you like you think about him.

He chuckles and shakes his head. “Sweetheart, I might not be the smartest man, but I’m not a fuckin’ idiot.” He huffs, making you frown. “I didn’t regret a second of what happened. But I didn’t want you to feel like you needed to do anything you didn’t want to because I’m fixin’ your house for you.” He explains.

It’s your turn to huff and you shake your head, “and you know that I don’t do anything I don’t want to do. You know how stubborn I am based on what we have been doing with the house. I don’t regret a second of what happened.” You echo, “I haven’t - it’s all I’ve thought about. You. Touching me.”

There’s a long silence in the cab of the truck while Joel wrestles with what he wants and what is the best. He nods finally and looks over at you when he stops at the red light. “Then you can see how you feel about it tonight when I take you home.” He tells you.

You can’t stop the shiver that runs through you. “I would love that.” You promise, biting your lip as you watch him. “I still want to go to the market though.” You add and he chuckles, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, “of course, sweetheart.” 

****

“It’s gorgeous.” You gasp at the sight, enjoying the twinkling lights and Christmas decorations in the transformed town center. You can already feel eyes on you and Joel but you don’t care as you reach for his hand to drag him to the mulled wine stand. “It will keep us warm.”

He doesn’t resist, allowing you to lead him around the Christmas market. It’s cozy and happy, the lights sparkling and the crisp, cold air making it seem even more magical. It’s everything Sarah would have loved and he feels a pang of loss and sighs softly as he imagines what his little girl would have thought about this.

You can tell he’s a little withdrawn and you assume that’s because you are getting stares from people. You try to ignore them, sampling the different foods and admiring the stalls until you come face to face with Jessica from high school. She offers you a sickly sweet smile and you try to offer a sincere one even though you remember the way she bullied you back in school. “How have you been?” You ask and she continues on a rant about how amazing her life has been and her two kids. “Oh wow. That’s amazing.” You say and she hums, “so I heard about your boyfriend breaking up with you. All those years and no ring then he -” She makes a noise, “must really be a punch in the gut, huh?” She asks and you nod, “yeah. It’s, uh, been a lot but I bought my own house and Joel has been helping me fix it up.”

Her eyes turn towards Joel and she lifts a brow as she drags her gaze and up and down, assessing him. He’s used to this but he doesn’t flinch or look away when her eyes meet his. He can see the calculation in her expression and he shuffles closer to you and casually slides his arm around your waist. He doesn’t say anything, waiting for her to look away first.

She snorts, “well you’ve moved on quickly.” You smile and bring your hand up to Joel’s chest. “What can I say? I like a man who knows how to use his hands.” You tease and Joel chuckles, squeezing your waist, and it feels good. It feels right. “Of course.” Jessica offers a sickly smile, “well, hopefully this one doesn’t take ten years to propose.” She says and you hum, “he can take however long he wants. I don’t care about marriage.” You say even though you would love to be married. It’s more about the commitment than anything else. “Sureeee.” Jessica says, and you nod, “well, we will see you around.” You take Joel’s hand from your waist and guide him away from her, “sorry about that. She - she’s always been a bitch.”

Joel grunts. “I can tell.” He shrugs. “Don’t let her bother you. She’s just insecure and feels better by tearin’ others down.” He squeezes your hand. “So you want another drink or you want to shop?” He asks. “I think I smell roasted nuts.”

You are soon munching on nuts while browsing the rest of the market until you arrive at the horse and carriage rides. “Oh I’ve never been on one of these.” You confess, “Paul never wanted to.”

Joel rolls his eyes, finding this Paul to be more of an idiot every time you talk about him. “You like horses?” He asks as he guides you over to the man in a top hat who is obviously in charge of the horses. “Two tickets please.” He reaches for his wallet and shakes his head when you huff in protest. “I’m payin’ sweetheart. Can’t romance you if you pay.”

You fluster, ducking your head, “I didn’t know you did romance, Miller.” You tease, taking his hand as he helps you up into the carriage. “I can when I want to.” He reassures you and when you are seated, you turn to look at him, “and you want to?”

He tilts his head as if he’s considering it, there’s a sparkle of amusement in his eyes. “Seems like if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” He admits as he throws his arm around the back of the bench seat and inviting you into the space at his side. “You seem like you think it’s worth it.” The operator offers a lap blanket and Joel nods, knowing it will get colder once the horses start moving.

His words have your heart pounding and a grin appears on your face as you lean closer, “I do. I really do.” You reach for his free hand over the blanket and lean into his side as the carriage begins to move. “I think you’re worth it.” You say softly, knowing that he can be gruff but he’s shown you nothing but kindness.

It’s cozy, romantic. Even if Joel would rather just ride a horse, there’s something to be said about being here with you. The carriage ride takes you around the market and off to see Christmas lights. “Shit, we should have gotten hot chocolate before we got in.” Joel huffs.

You hum, “we can get one after we are done here.” You lean in to rest your head on his shoulder as you watch the Christmas lights. Joel smiles, keeping you close as you hum softly to the Christmas music playing. It’s like a movie and you are lost in the feelings this night has brought up in you. When you finish the carriage ride, Joel takes your hand to help you down and he keeps his hand in yours as you get some hot chocolate. “You ready to go home?” Joel asks, seeing the shiver when you rub your hands together. You nod and he guides you back to his truck, your stomach twisting with nerves.

“You should think about getting that wreath for your door next year.” Joel tells you as he opens the door. “I think that it would look good. Especially if you had some of those garlands with lights in them framing the door and the posts for the porch.”

“Oh yes. I love that.” You grin, “maybe you do have some Christmas spirit in you after all.” You tease and he snorts as he shuts the door. He slides into the driver's seat and you buckle your seatbelt, “you sure you’re up to putting up some lights next year?”

“Hell, I haven’t put up lights in….years.” He sighs as he remembers how Sarah would nag him until he did. He always put it off until she was begging, just to tease her. “But….I’ll do it if you want me to.”

His offer makes you smile, knowing he just kind of agreed to being around next year and your heart flutters at the thought. You can tell he doesn’t think he’s a good man but you think he’s incredible. He’s shown you nothing but kindness and he’s funny and sarcastic and - “I really hope you’re around next year.” You murmur, knowing your heart would break without him nearby, even as a friend.

He doesn’t say anything but he doesn’t need to. There’s a sense of anticipation and he knows that now isn’t the time to start making promises, even though he will still be here if you want him to be.

You don’t take offense to his silence, reaching for the radio to turn it up a little as the Christmas music fills the cab of his truck. It crackles and you frown, “oh it’s old.” Joel says, “just needs a-” He smacks it and you giggle as the radio crackles.

“Fuckin’ thing.” He grumbles, but it finally starts acting right. “It’s old. Sometimes you have to slap it around a little.” You smirk and he lifts an eyebrow at you, “that doesn’t mean I like to be slapped around.” He teases gruffly.

You giggle, “you say that now but I bet you wouldn’t say that in bed.” You joke and he huffs, flustered and shaking his head. “Besides, you’re grumpy, not old. And sexy. Very sexy.”

He chuckles. “Sexy, hmmm?” He tilts his head as he shoots you a smirk. “I think you’re mistaken, sweetheart. Only sexy one in this truck is you.” He can flirt when he wants to, be charming and right now, he wants you to know how sexy you are. “You know how many times I wish I had returned the favor that day?” He asks. “Gotten the taste of you on my tongue so I could think about it when my hand was wrapped around my cock?”

You whimper at the thought, loving the idea of him tasting you and the fact that he touched himself to the thought of you. “Fuck, I wanted more. I wanted all of you in the moment.” You promise and he groans, adjusting his hands on the steering wheel. “And now?” He asks and you reach over to place your hand on his thigh, “and now I want all of you.”

Joel hums, reaching down and taking your hand. He squeezes it gently as he glances over at you. “Tell me what you want so I can make it good for you, sweetheart.”

You look down at your joined hands, heart fluttering at the idea of telling him what you want. “I want you to show me what I’ve been missing out on after being with only one man. I want you to leave me breathless and sweaty. I want you to make me cum.” You order, feeling confident and slick in your panties when he hasn’t even touched you.

Joel chuckles, the sounds deep and sexy, “sweetheart, I’ll give it all I got, even if I die tryin’.” He jokes. “And you might just kill me.” He winks at you and looks back to the road, pressing the accelerator a bit harder. Eager to get you back to your house.

You smirk, lifting his hand to kiss the back of it and you are practically vibrating with excitement as he drives back to your house. When he parks his truck in the driveway, you turn to look at him and he doesn’t hesitate to cup your cheek with his free hand. “Have I told you how goddamn pretty you are?” He asks and you giggle, shaking your head, “no. Not until now.” He scoffs, “should’ve said it soon-” You don’t let him finish his sentence as you surge forward for press your lips to his.

His brows wing up in surprise but he doesn’t pull you away. Dragging you closer and wrapping his arms around you. He loves his assertive you are, you might have only had one lover but you are taking what you want now. Your tongue slides against his lips and he groans, letting you in and tasting the hot chocolate that lingers.

You cup his neck, caressing the skin there as he kisses you thoroughly enough to make you need to pull away for a moment to breathe. He's overwhelming in the best way. In a way you haven't experienced before. "Come inside." You demand breathily, caressing his chest.

“Is that an order?” He jokes softly, leaning in to kiss your lips once more before he is gently pushing you towards your side of the truck again. “Get your purse, sweetheart. I don’t have my keys tonight.” He has a set of keys to your house but had not felt right bringing them.

You nod, understanding him without him saying everything he’s thinking. A gift, considering he’s a closed book most days. You grab your purse and Joel helps you out of his truck and up the steps to your front door. His hands on your hips as you struggle to open the door until one hand releases your hip to take the keys and unlock it. You stumble forward, shivering but you quickly set your purse down and shrug your coat off, reaching for Joel’s.

“Are you nervous?” He asks seriously, feeling the way your fingers fumble as you push his jacket over his shoulders. “Just excited.” You assure him, making him relax slightly as he closes the door behind him and flips the lock to close you both into the house for the night. “Why don’t you show me your bedroom?” He asks, voice low. Like he isn’t intimately familiar with every part of your house.

You nod, taking his hand, and you guide him to your newly renovated bedroom. His hands have touched every surface in the room except you. You walk up the stairs, feeling his eyes on your ass, and you look over your shoulder to smirk at him. He winks and you walk across the landing to your room.

He’s honestly eager to touch you. To hear what you sound like when you fall apart on his tongue and then again on his cock. He’s jerked off enough that he shouldn’t embarrass himself. He watches as you sashay into the room, completely confident and it’s a sexy look for you. He smirks as he leans against the door jam. “Why don’t you strip for me, sweetheart?” He suggests, voice rough with anticipation.

You turn to look at him and you can’t deny the nerves swirl in your guts but you don’t want to come across as inexperienced. He knows you’ve only slept with Paul. You reach for the hem of your sweater, dragging it over your head, and you expose your bra beneath, it’s black and lacy and picked with him in mind. You smile when you see the dark look on his face and you kick off your boots before you unbutton your jeans, pushing them down.

His eyes sweep over your body possessively, mapping every spot he wants to touch, to kiss. “Fuckin’ beautiful.” He grunts as he looks into your eyes. You fluster, like you aren’t used to raw praise. “He was a fuckin’ idiot.” He snorts. “Lucky me.” He pushes off the door frame and walks closer as he starts to unbutton his flannel shirt.

You watch him with hungry eyes while he shrugs off the flannel shirt and you can’t help but whimper. Dressed in your underwear, you go to walk to him but he shakes his head, “and the rest, sweetheart.” You fluster even more as you reach behind you to unclasp your bra, dropping it to the floor moments later and you resist the urge to cross your arms over your chest.

“Fuck you have nice tits.” Joel groans as he licks his lips. “Shoulda sucked on them last time.” He smirks. “I will tonight though.” You moan softly and he nods towards you. “Panties too, sweetheart. Want to see your pussy.”

You hook your fingers into the cotton, underwear not matching and you hope he doesn’t mind as you shove them down to your legs to your ankles and step out of them. You stare at his chest, he’s broad and strong, not built, but the muscles of a man who works for living. It has you slick in your panties and you moan his name as you step forward so you can run your hands along his chest.

When you touch him, it’s like a switch has been flipped. Joel isn’t a weak man. He has hefted heavy materials, beams, cabinets and more for years. So it’s nothing to grab the back of your thighs and haul you up into his arms as his lips slam against yours in a bruising kiss.

You gasp into the kiss, wrapping your arms around his neck as you cling to him in shock. Your tongue slides into his mouth, desperate to taste him as he carries you over to your bed. He follows you down onto it and you moan when you feel the hard bulge in his jeans pressing into your thigh. “Joel, baby.” You whine when he kisses along your jaw.

“We got all night.” He huffs against your skin. “Ain’t gonna rush this.” His hands start to roam over your skin. Teasing, squeezing, weighing and appreciating your soft skin and curves. He loves a woman and it’s been a long time since he’s enjoyed himself and he wants to make sure this is good for both of you.

You feel overwhelmed already in the best way. His lips on your skin and his voice low. You turn your head to press your lips to his, your hands reaching for his belt. You want to see all of him. “Joel.” You whine when he bats your hands away and he starts to kiss down your neck and check until he is taking your nipple into his mouth. “Fuck.” You gasp, losing your mind.

You arch up into his mouth, body already begging for more. He holds your hips and suckles before pulling off and tracing around the hard bud with his tongue. He groans when you whimper softly.

Your fingers tangle in his hair as he bites down and you whimper at the temporary loss when he releases your nipple so he can swap to the other. “Oh fuck.” You gasp, tugging on his hair, and you are already so lost in the sensation. He flicks his tongue over the hardened bud and you whine when the cool air hits it while he starts to kiss down your stomach.

He’s not selfish, he’s actually more of a giver than anything. Soft with someone important and he considers anyone willing to sleep with him important. You are giving him a piece of yourself. He nips your hip, making you squeal as he chuckles, settling between your thighs.

You shift to sit up on your elbows, watching him as he lays between your thighs. His thick fingers push them apart to expose your dripping folds and you bite your lip, watching his expression darken. “Please.” You beg softly, needing to feel him in some way, any way he’s willing to give you.

He inhales your scent, the body wash and perfume that’s strategically located mixed with your own unique smell. He groans as he smirks slightly, glancing up at you and winking before lowering his mouth to your waiting pussy.

Fuck, he blows your mind. That sexy wink and then the drag of his hot tongue through your folds has your mind blown. You whine his name, hips bucking into his mouth but he grunts and swings his arm across your stomach to keep you still. “Fuck.” You squeak when his tongue flicks your clit. “That - that feels so good.” You exhale shakily, fingers gripping your sheets.

He doesn’t rush this. Taking his time as he experimentally flicks his tongue and learns what makes you squeal. Savoring the sounds and the taste of you while he devours your cunt with determined enthusiasm.

You sigh his name, falling back onto your sheets as he works you higher and higher with each swipe of his tongue. It’s like nothing you’ve ever felt before. You want him to spend all night doing this but you also desperately need him inside you. “Oh God, Jo- Joel.” You moan when he sucks on your clit. “Do - do that again.” You cry out when he repeats the action, pushed higher and you know it won’t take much to send you over the edge.

He can feel that you are just on the edge and he shifts his shoulder to push two fingers into your tight pussy and curls them deep. Feeling you lock down around his digits. Your loud squeal fills the room as he sucks on your clit.

You cry out, lost in the sensations he’s created and you tangle your fingers in his hair while your body shakes under his touch. “Joel. Joel. Joellll.” You squeal when his mouth pushes you into overstimulation and your chest heaves as he pulls back, a smirk on his shiny, and slick lips.

Joel watches as your chest heaves and you try to catch your breath. Addicted to the taste of you and just wanting to dive back in the moment you can take it. “How was that, sweetheart?” He coos smugly. “Just the first of many.”

You nod, speechless from the pleasure, and you blink slowly while you offer him a lazy smile. “That was - wow.” You giggle and he smirks, “ready for more?” He asks and you frown, “you don’t want me to - or to skip straight to sex?” You ask, knowing that Paul would’ve already been done by now and checking his emails on his phone.

Joel snorts and shakes his head, caressing your hip as he licks his lips. “We have all night, unless you plan on kicking me out soon.” You roll your eyes and he chuckles. “Then let me make you cum again. I want to see how boneless I can make you. Then I’ll fuck you.”

You gasp, almost shocked by the way he isn't rushing to find his pleasure and be on his way home. His hand slides along your thigh and you whimper as he shifts to lay beside you. You reach out to caress his cheek, leaning in to press your lips to his. You don't care about the taste of your slick on his tongue as you deepen the kiss. You are greedy. You want more from him, of him.

It’s slow, languid. The two of you take your time as you kiss and let your hands wander. He loves learning the curves he’s watched sometimes as he worked around the house. You whimper and moan into his mouth and he answers in kind. It’s a special kind of foreplay, a work up towards what will come next and Joel forgets everything but you as he kisses you.

You love how his hand grabs your ass and you slide your hand down his belly, the one that you’ve admired when he lifted something above his head and his shirt rode up. You wanted to get on your knees and kiss it. You slide your hand lower until you can squeeze him through his jeans, needing to touch him. You fumble with the button, flicking it open until you can drag the zipper down. He groans into your mouth and you smirk against his lips when you reach into his briefs to wrap your fingers around his length.

“Shiiiiiit.” The hisses curse is half relief, half pain as he twitches violently in your grip. He pants into your mouth and the way he slides his tongue against yours turns rougher, more passionate as he feels you start to squeeze and pump him.

You rub your thumb over the leaking tip, gathering the pre-cum before you pump him again, squeezing the base until you twist your wrist. "Fuck. You're so thick. Gonna stretch me out."

He grunts against your lips. He doesn’t think he’s too thick, but he’s happy to have you think so. His fingers dig into your ass and he grinds into your hand. “You’ll find out.” He promises. “Gonna make sure you enjoy yourself tonight.”

You believe him. He hasn’t given you a reason not to so far. You decide you want more of him, shifting onto your knees so you can bend down and take the head of his cock into your mouth. Your fingers grip the base of him and you moan at the salty taste of his skin.

“Fuck, sweetheart.” He groans your name as he looks down at you. “You are so fuckin’ gorgeous.” He promises as he reaches down to caress your cheek. “You must like suckin’ my cock. You want to do it every time you see it.” It’s a lame joke, but you just hum around him in agreement.

You pull off his cock to giggle, continuing to pump him in your grip, “it’s a gorgeous cock. That’s why.” You smirk and release his length so you can straddle his thighs. “But I’d much rather 

ride it.” You coo, feeling confident with the dark hunger in his eyes, “condom.” You murmur, “I don’t have any. Didn’t think - I’m on the pill. If you want-” You bite your lip, hoping this isn’t the end of him in your bed. “My wallet.” He grunts, his hands squeezing your hips and you shuffle back to drag his jeans and briefs down his legs in your efforts to find his wallet.

It’s not that he doesn’t trust you. He does, he’s seen you everyday for months. He knows what you are like and you would have been tested after your boyfriend left you, just in case. He just wants to be safe.

You know he’s trying to be considerate since you don’t know his past yet but you would love to feel him bare inside you. You don’t argue as you reach for his wallet, opening it, and you frown when you don’t find one. “Baby. There’s nothing in here.” You huff and he frowns, sitting up to take his wallet from you. “Well shit.” He hisses and tosses the wallet. You straddle him again, “I don’t mind waiting until we can get some condoms but, baby, I trust you. If you want - you can still fuck me.” You murmur and caress his chest, allowing him to consider it.

Joel looks up at you, watching as you bite your lip and he smirks slightly. “So eager to ride my cock you want to bareback.” He teases as he slaps your hip. “I’m up for it if you are. I’m clean.”

You nod, eager to have him, and you trust him. Within a moment, you’re gripping his cock to position him at your entrance. Your eyes meet his and you slowly sink down onto him. Fuck, he’s a stretch and you brace your hands on his chest.

Joel’s body lights up with pleasure as the hot, wet perfection of your pussy surrounds his cock. “Fuuuuuck” he hisses, gripping your hips like a lifeline and his legs shift as his toes curl. “Hottest, tightest pussy I’ve ever been in.”

His words send a thrilled shiver down your spine as you adjust to him. His fingers dig in hard enough to leave bruises but you don’t care. “Fuck. Never - never been so full.” You confess, leaning down to press your lips to his. His hips rock, pushing him deeper and you gasp into his mouth until you finally manage to move your hips, starting to slowly ride him.

“Take your time.” He groans, enjoying the way you slowly circle your hips as you adjust to him. “We ain’t gotta race to the finish.” After he says that, he wraps his arms around your back and drags you down to lay on top of him, holding you as he kisses you thoroughly.

Your tongue slides against his, your fingers through his hair as you moan into his mouth. He’s overwhelming and yet you have complete control right now. He isn’t in a hurry and that has your walls fluttering around him. He groans at the sensation and you smirk against his chin when you rock your hips a little harder.

You like to tease, that’s obvious as you giggle when you clench down around him a little harder. “Vixen.” He huffs, cock twitching because he likes it. He slaps your ass and chuckles when you squeal in surprise.

His touch is like a drug, your heart pounding and you're surprised he can't hear it. You moan his name when he slaps your ass again and he chuckles, making you clench around him even harder. "Thought about this - you - a lot. Even before that night."

“Yeah?” He’s thought about you too, even if he had tried not to. You were a temptation, an unreachable angel. Until you decided to come down and let him taint you with his touch. “So did I.” He admits with a smirk. “Many nights, alone in my bed.”

You moan at the thought, pushing up from his chest so you can start to rock a little harder. You look down at him, "you look so hot when you're working. Had to go into the bathroom to get off so I wouldn't try and jump you." You confess breathlessly, "made you coffee so I could watch your tongue swipe across your lips when you took a sip."

He groans as he imagines it. “Was imagining licking your pussy juices from my lips.” He teases, grunting when you clench down around him. “Plenty of times I’ve imagined laying you out on that bar and making you moan.”

“Fuck I wish you did just grab me. I wouldn’t have said no.” You promise, moaning his name when he rocks up into you. You gasp when he thrusts up even harder on the next thrust. “Baby, I need - want you to show me.” You plead, needing him to roll you over and take over.

It’s not as smooth as it might have been ten years ago, but Joel managed to slip you on your back without slipping out of your pussy. “You want me to show you what I thought about?” He grunts as he rocks slowly into you, grinding his hips.

You nod, jaw dropping as he takes over. Your hands gripping his biceps as you lift your hips up towards his. “You feel so good.” You pant, tilting your head back.

“Good.” He drops his head down and starts to kiss along your neck, grinding deep before pulling back with perfectly positioned thrusts. He’s not hammering into you, instead he’s letting you feel every throbbing vein and ridge of his cock as he works himself in and out.

“Oh my fucking God.” You moan, closing your eyes as he overwhelms you in the best way. You feel every inch of him and he isn’t jagged. He knows what he’s doing. You slide your hands up to caress his shoulders, nails digging in slightly when you lift your hips to meet his thrusts and he sinks deeper inside you. “Joel. Oh fuck.” You shake, needing him to hit that spot again. “Again.” You plead, gripping his shoulders.

He can feel how you react and he groans as he angles his hips the same way again. Wanting to hear your moan and feel your walls contract around him. It takes him a few thrusts before he gets it again and he grunts as he nips at your jaw. “There it is.”

"Oh fuck me." You cry, lost in the sensations and you barely hear him say "that's what I'm doin' sweetheart." Your eyes roll back and it only takes a couple of thrusts to push you over the edge. "Jo-oelll." You squeal in separate syllables, lost in the first orgasm you've had like this.

He hisses as you soak him, but thankfully, he just keeps rocking into you. His stamina not completely failing him as he works you through it. “So good for me.” He pants out, kissing along your jaw. “Cumin’ all over my cock like a good girl.”

There's a buzzing in your ears and you swear you hear squealing but it doesn't register that it's you. You cling to Joel as he works you through it, "oh my God." You whimper, "oh my God."

He loves that you just melt under him. Your body is going limp and he’s the one anchoring you to him. His arms are around your waist and he slows his thrusts down to let you recover. Kissing your throat and jaw and finally his lips.

You moan into the kiss, running your fingers through his hair as he works you through it, and you can’t believe he’s made you feel this way. “More. I want more.” You demand against his lips. You’re greedy now that he’s shown you how it can be. You want him to make you fall apart again.

His chuckle is low, raspy. The smugness in it is evident, but you don’t seem to mind it. “You’re gonna get more.” He promises as he kisses down your chest to lavish more attention on your tits. He doesn’t recover like he used to, so making this last is his goal.

You can’t believe he hasn’t cum yet. He thrusts a little harder, pushing deep and you gasp, wrapping your legs around his hips to push him deeper with your heels on his ass. Your fingers tangle in his hair as he bites down on your nipple.

His back aches but he loves this position. Sucking on your tits and having you arch up into his touch. He pumps into you slowly as he bites down again, loving how you whine his name like it’s the best sensation you’ve ever experienced.

You are pushed higher up the bed with his thrusts but you don’t care as the pillow bunches up behind your head. “Oh shit. Baby. I need - just - a little more.” You confess, sliding your hand between you to rub your clit.

Joel groans as he bats your hand away. Replacing your fingers with his own, wanting to be in control of every orgasm you have tonight. He lifts up, twisting his wrist to press his thumb to your clit to rub tight circles as he continues to rock into you. “That what you need?” He grunts. “Me rubbin’ your clit while my cock is buried inside you? It feel good?”

His words made you shudder and you’re close, so damn close. “Baby. Yes. Oh fuck. Jo- Joel. Just like - oh my God. Fuckkkk.” You cry out, legs shaking as he sends you spiralling into another orgasm, your nails digging into his freckled skin and you squeeze your eyes shut.

Joel pants your name, this time he is close to cumming but he manages to hold back. Stopping thrusting and instead he is just grinding his hips as your walls pulse around him. “That’s it, that’s it, cum for me.” He growls into your ear.

It's almost like you are having an outer body experience as he overtakes all of your senses. All you can smell, see, hear, and feel is him. You whimper, glad when he slows the pace a little, and you feel him twitch inside you. "Want - want to feel you cum. Wanna see it." You demand breathlessly, rocking your hips up to meet his.

“You sure?” He asks, pulling away to look up at you. Your entire face is relaxed into blissful pleasure and he smirks slightly. “I want to feel it.” You beg and he’s lost to the plea in your eyes. It’s the same look you gave him when you asked him to fix your heat for you and he had given in then too. “Need you to kiss me.” He demands before leaning in to press his lips to yours as he starts the quicker pace that will lead to his own end. 

You slide your tongue into his mouth, greedy for his moans, and you whimper at the way he pushes hard and deep into your cunt. He grunts, his hips pushing into your ass and you tangle your fingers in his hair. “Cum for me. Fill me up.” You murmur against his lips.

Joel loves the pressure on his scalp, the slight burn as you tug on his hair. He groans, the sensation sending him over the edge and his plans to make you cum one more time are ruined as he starts to pulse inside you. Pushing deep and throbbing as he paints your walls with hot ropes of his seed, kissing you while he gasps in pleasure.

You love how it feels. How he sounds when he falls apart above you. “That’s it, baby. Fuck. Feels so good.” You murmur, running your fingers through his hair as he works himself through his pleasure.

He groans as he melts against you, trying not to put too much of his weight on you but you seem to want it. “Fuck.” He huffs, kissing you again and then pressing his face into your neck to catch his breath. “You are perfect.” He whispers.

You sigh at his words, caressing his back as he relaxes above you. You have no words. Your body is buzzing with relaxation and you finally sigh his name. “So good.” You murmur, “so good.” You feel him softening inside you and you whine when he pulls out, shifting onto his back next to you and it doesn’t take long for him to pull you into his side.

“So are you disappointed?” He asks, although there’s an edge of teasing in his voice as he caresses your back. You snort and slap his chest playfully. “I don’t even want to know how long you could go ten years ago.” You huff, making him grin. “I need about an hour to recover now. Back then? Two minutes. And I was good for about five or six rounds.”

You lean in to kiss his chest, “damn, I’m kinda jealous of those women you slept with all those years ago.” You tease, “but I’m happy with what I got. It’s more than anything I have had before so thank you. For showing me how sex should be.”

He lifts a brow, wondering if this is where you show him the door. Your curiosity is suitably satisfied. “Didn’t sleep with that many.” He snorts. “Single dads weren’t really hot back then.”

You shake your head, “then they were fools. You’re a heartbreaker, Miller.” You smile until you frown, “you never mention your kid.” You realize he hadn’t talked about having a child until today.

Joel freezes slightly, surprised that he had ever mentioned her. He normally doesn’t, but he had been comfortable and relaxed with you. You shift slightly, twisting to look up at him with concern and confusion in your eyes and he sighs. “She- uh, she died.” He manages gruffly, his heart aching and shattering as he thinks about those last moments. You gasp softly, consolation and probably guilt for asking is starting to show like it always did when people found out. “Car jacking attempt.” He clears his throat. “Guy was strung out. She- she was trying to move towards me and he-he said he thought she had a gun.” He snorts and shakes his head. “I wasn’t fast enough to cover her.” The scar on his side is a daily reminder of that. Of his inability to protect his little girl. “She was twelve.” The bitterness in his voice is only covering the tears and he swallows harshly, waiting to see if you judge him like he judges himself every day.

You stare at him, at the devastation and guilt on his face, and you know he’s probably heard the words you want to say too many times so you surge forward to press a soft kiss to his lips. Silently telling him so sorry you are that he lost his little girl. That it wasn’t his fault. That you can’t even begin to understand his pain. You linger for a moment until you pull back to look at him.

He relaxes and his arms are around you, squeezing you onto him slightly. “Thank you.” He murmurs softly. He had Sarah young, he had still been in high school and had felt like he had grown up with her in a lot of ways. Still, he misses what could have and should have been.

You caress his cheek, "I won't say words you've heard a million times but know that I mean them." You murmur, wanting to convey how you feel without giving him platitudes. "Thank you for everything. You can - I would like you to stay the night. If you want."

Joel stares at you for a moment and then nods. “I’ll stay.” He murmurs softly before leaning in to kiss your lips again. “Do you need a drink or something?” He asks, knowing that you might need to pee or something and you might feel odd about him being in the room.

You nod, “some water would be good while I try to stop my legs from feeling like jello.” You giggle, “you really wrecked me baby but in the best way.” He smirks and you run your fingers through his hair. “Go on, honey. I’m gonna go pee.” You shift to stand up, legs shaking slightly as he shuffles off the bed.

He watches as you stumble to the bathroom, proud of making sure you were barely walking. Groaning as he climbs out of the bed and swipes his underwear up to slide back on and head downstairs. He will check to make sure the door is locked and everything is good.

You are shaky as you sit down to pee, a grin on your face from how good he’s made you feel and you hope he wants to spend more nights in your bed. You don’t want him to go just because the work in your house is nearly complete. You enter the bathroom after cleaning up, pulling on some panties and a tank top, and you take the bottle of water from his hand as you lay back on your mussed bed.

“House is locked up.” Joel opens his own bottle and takes a sip of water. “Think we need to install some lights on the stairs though.” He suggests. “So you can go downstairs without turning’ on every light in the place. I’m lucky I know it well enough that I didn't break my neck.”

You nod, “good idea, baby. Can’t have you breaking your neck before you fuck my brains out again.” You giggle, taking a sip of your water before you set it down on the nightstand. “So what are you doing for Christmas Day?” You ask, curious if he’s spending it alone or has other family nearby.

Joel contemplates his plans and shrugs. “My brother invited me over, but he’s got Maria - his new girlfriend and I don’t want to intrude.” He really doesn’t want to be questioned about when he’s going to get out there again, but it’s a handy excuse. “So I planned on staying home and watching tv.”

“I don’t have any plans. My parents are on a cruise - they thought I’d be spending it with Paul - so it’s just me. If you - I can cook something if you want to come over. Or not. It’s up to you.” You rush out, wanting to act nonchalant despite your heart pounding at the idea of spending Christmas Day with him.

Joel looks at you as you try to conceal the desire to have him come over and he hums as he thinks about it. “Why don’t you let me cook?” Joel asks. “I’m pretty good at smoking’ or grillin’ something. You can do the sides. What do you want to eat? Goose, lamb, prime rib?”

You grin, excited to have him joining you for Christmas Day. “Prime rib? With mashed potatoes, mac and cheese? Oh and I can do some honey glazed carrots and green beans.” You start to ramble about food until Joel leans in to press his lips to yours, “that sounds perfect.” You smile against his lips, caressing his cheek, “perfect.”

****

“Prime rib’s got about twenty more minutes.” The smoker had been set up on your back porch, brought from his house,, which prompted questions about an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area. A project that would firmly put Joel working at your house into summer. Not that he hasn't been spending every night in your bed since the Christmas festival. He drops his beer bottle in the trashcan and moves to the stove, kissing your neck and making you giggle before going to the fridge to get another beer and that bottle of wine you’ve been sipping on since you put on Christmas movies this morning.

You watch him move around your kitchen and you love how natural it feels being with him. You sip your wine and stir the red wine jus you’ve made with the same bottle. You feel almost giddy with happiness at having Joel here and you turn towards him, “merry Christmas, baby.” You murmur, leaning in to kiss him softly just as the doorbell rings. You frown, “who the hell is that?” You step away from him and Joel squeezes your hand before walking towards the front door. He opens it and you are on his heels, “Paul?” You gasp, confused by your ex standing on your doorstep.

It’s obvious that Paul had been expecting a romantic reunion, a big bouquet of flowers and a bottle of champagne in his hands as his face falls when he sees Joel. The ex boyfriend. Joel’s stomach twists when he sees how polished the guy looks. He’s obviously some kind of professional. A man who doesn’t work with his hands. While it explains why he couldn’t make you cum, Joel didn’t miss the way that you had gasped and looked thrilled to see him for a moment. “I’ll….give you some privacy.” Joel murmurs as he walks towards the porch to go back out to the smoker.

You stare at Paul, part of you thrilled he showed up, another part of you wants to scream at him and tell him to get the fuck away from your house. "What - what are you doing here?" You ask, looking over your shoulder at Joel as he retreats to the porch. "I'm here for you, silly." Paul says and you wrinkle your nose at his tone. He always did treat you like you're a kid despite being the same age. "Why? Aren't you engaged?" You huff, crossing your arms and his smile falls, "I made a mistake, baby. She wasn't - she was some fun but I couldn't - she wasn't you. She wasn't the woman I want by my side as my wife, as the mother of my kids. You are. It's always been you and I fucked up. Take me back and we can celebrate Christmas together." He offers and it's what you wanted on lonely nights just after you broke up. "I can't. I have company." You say, a frown on your face and Paul scoffs, "the old dude? Are you serious? Look, we both needed to experience different people. Now we have. Let's not fuck around. We belong together." He says and you stare at him for a moment. "No. No. We can't - I don't want you. I don't love you. I thought I did but I didn't, not really. You were comfortable but I don't want that anymore. I want to feel wanted, to orgasm for God's sake." Paul gasps at that and you chuckle, "I want - I want more." You look back over your shoulder, "so thanks but no thanks. Merry Christmas." You say and shut the door in his face, making your way through the house to the porch to find Joel without putting your coat or shoes on. You need to talk to him.

Joel’s staring at the water fountain that needs to be cleaned out and replumbed when he hears the back door open, the slight whooshing sound much better than the god awful screeching of the old doors before he had them replaced with high efficiency security doors that just looked like real wood. He can feel you staring at him and he sighs. “He propose?” Joel asks quietly, knowing he would have if he had been Paul. Motherfucker had finally come to his senses and now things will go back to lonely nights and avoiding people. “Tell him you felt bad for your contractor. Didn’t have any place to go on Christmas.” He turns towards you with understanding in his eyes. “You don’t have to tell him that we slept together. And I won’t quit working on your house, unless you want me to.”

You shiver, shaking your head as you step towards him. You reach up to cup his cheeks and he’s so confused, his brow furrowed when you lean in to press a soft kiss to his lips. A goodbye kiss, he thinks. “I sent him away. I don’t want him. I don’t love him.” You reveal, leaning back to look at Joel. “I don’t want you to leave. I want to spend Christmas with you. I want you, Joel. Not him. I don’t love him. I- I love you.” You confess softly, “and you don’t have to say anything back or feel the same way. I just wanted you to know.”

He opens his mouth to say something, but you shake your head and lean in to press your lips to his. “Not now.” You murmur, making him relax. Words are never his strong suit in situations like this, but he reaches for you to pull you closer. “He was a fuckin’ idiot.” He reminds you. “I’m not the smartest, but I’m not stupid enough to let you go unless you want to leave.” He nudges his nose against yours and feels you shiver. “Hell, sweetheart.” He grunts, pulling back to shuck off his jacket and give to you. “You shouldn’t be out here freezin’ your ass off. It’s why I built a fire inside.”

“That’s why I love you. Paul would’ve told me to stop being an idiot.” You grab the lapels of his coat to stop him from taking it off, “keep it on. I’ll go back inside to admire the fire. Come in when you want, baby.” You murmur, patting his chest as you step away to go back inside the warm house he’s renovating for you. He doesn’t need to say the words, you can quite literally touch them. In his handiwork, in the care he’s put into restoring your home.

Joel doesn’t spend much longer outside. Checking on the meat again and then glancing around the open aired porch. He feels a lot better and when he comes inside, he’s carefully wiping his shoes and he puts his hands on his hips. “I think we should add a fire pit to your outdoor entertaining idea.” He announces. “So you can drink your coffee out there.” He would be out there too, but he doesn’t say that.

You hum in delight at the idea, “I love that.” You carry on preparing the sides and you don’t want to spook him by being too gushing. Seeing Paul on your doorstep knocked some sense into you. You love Joel. You’ve been falling for him since he arrived on his first day of repairing your home, and he’s quietly let you find yourself while supporting your ideas and schemes. You don’t want to pressure him, knowing he’s had a lot on his mind and a lot of trauma. You don’t want to push him into something unless he wants it, no matter how you feel.

Both of you seem to be in your own little worlds as dinner comes together. You had wanted to have the meal laid out on the table and you snap a pic of everything after Joel carves the prime rib and you both sit down with a glass of wine. You look at him when he clears his throat and he holds up his glass. “To finding love.” He offers softly, looking into your eyes. “The best Christmas present anyone could get.”

You melt at his words, lifting your glass to clink it against his, "to finding love." You murmur, leaning across to kiss him softly and you groan at the meal, "this looking amazing." You murmur, setting your glass down after taking a sip. "Merry Christmas Joel." You smile and dig in, enjoying the food you made together. "I, uh, got you a little something." You confess, pulling a box from behind the pillow as you both sit on the sofa after cleaning up from dinner, glasses of wine on the coffee table while the fire crackles.

“You didn’t have to do anything for me.” Joel huffs, even as he is taking the box from you. Even though he had gotten you something that is in his bag upstairs. “What is it?”

You chuckle, “that’s kinda the point to opening it, sweetheart.” You nudge him and he snorts, pulling on the delicate ribbon. You watch him, biting your lip as he rips the paper and opens the small box. “A key?” He asks, frowning, and you nod, “it’s for you. For the house.” He snorts, “baby, I already have a key.” He says and you cup his cheek, “not this one. It’s - I want you to move in.” You confess, “I don’t want to live in this house without you here. I want you to be in my bed every night. If that’s - I don’t want to pressure you so you can say no but I wanted to make sure you understand that I love you and I want you. For more than your construction work.”

Joel stares down at the key, something so small and yet so meaningful. Faith in the form of a little piece of metal. Faith in him, in what you could be together. He swallows harshly and nods. “I- this place is special to me.” He admits as he looks up at you, “because you are here. This is home.”

You smile at his reaction, knowing that he’s not someone who overreacts and you lean in to kiss his cheek, “no pressure. I wanted you to have it. You can use it or not. I am just happy to have you.”

Joel chuckles, touched that you are trying so hard not to make him feel pressured. “I spend more time here than I do at my house.” He reminds you. “But I do have a lot of tools.” He hums. “Might have to turn the old garage into my workshop if I am living here.”

You grin at his agreement, “I’m sure the owner of the house will allow that.” You tease and he smirks, “she’s too generous.” You shake your head and lean in to press your lips to his, “this is your house too. You’ve touched every part of it. I’ve trusted your decisions and I want you here. I want you.” You promise and kiss along his jaw.

Joel huffs as he turns his head and kisses your chin before your lips. “Touched every part of you too.” He teases quietly, setting the box down and wrapping his arms around you.

You giggle against his lips, “yeah. That too.” You shift to straddle him, “wouldn’t mind you doing that some more.” You murmur, caressing his chest, “I love how you touch me.”

He smirks slightly as he slides his hands down to your hips. “I love touching you.” He confesses. “I love you.” The confession is soft, barely audible but he knows that you hear it.

You don’t say it back, not wanting to make it a bigger deal even if your heart is pounding in tone chest, you lean in to nudge your nose against his and you softly kiss him again. “Merry Christmas, baby.” You murmur, knowing that the greatest gift you got this year was from Paul. Breaking up with you led you to your dream home and a man who knows what it takes to please you. You love your life and you wouldn’t trade it for the world. This is hopefully the first of many amazing Christmases to come.