Nutcracker Sweet Read online

  “No.”

  Tara slipped his pants over his ankles and stared. Damn! “One rule, Jake, no sneaking out, I might get the idea that you only lied to me.”

  “But I was leaving before. . .”

  Tara walked away just leaving him sitting there buck-naked. She liked doing it back to him saying or doing one thing and then doing the opposite. Of course she knew why, he thought of her as the grieving widow. He'd flirt what he thought was too much and then didn't know if she thought it was too much. He was really trying to be considerate. The nightstand hadn't been opened in over a year, but the dates were still good on the last box of condoms Brian had bought.

  Tara walked up behind the sofa, and put her mouth to his ear. “And that, Jake, is why you’re still here.” Walking around the sofa, she straddled his lap and slipped on the condom. Not letting him enter left her breasts at his mouth again, but she lifted his head up to look at her. Tara traced the hard line of his jaw. “I might torture you two years instead of one if you waste tonight.”

  “Worth it.”

  “Worth it?” Tara whispered, the words died as Jake pressed down on her hips bringing her in contact with his cock. Putting up no resistance Tara reveled in having a man fill her again. She couldn't blame him, she'd been rather adamant that Megan not be hurt. For seconds neither of them moved; even words were beyond her ability. Tara whimpered at the sensation of him filling her. A taste of what she'd been missing, though, was too much to send away.

  Eye to eye he still didn't move. “If you're torturing me for two years I'll know you won't run away, when I call and say I can't make it for some occasion, because I have to work.”

  “Do you work a lot?”

  “Unfortunately I think it’s the case that I have nowhere else to be so I work…..” Tara clenched his cock inside her and he uttered an oath under his breath.

  “Was that Russian?”

  “No that was Spanish most the kitchen staff is Central American, I can curse quite well.”

  Tara kissed his neck as she rubbed her nipples against his chest. “And what did you say then?”

  “You're killing me.”

  Tara grinned against his neck. “Then how about we move this to the bedroom. Megan doesn't need to find any corpses when she comes to open presents.”

  Jake stood easily with her twined around him. Both silent as they passed Megan's room and closed the door firmly, but the moment that was done, he pulled her head to his and kissed her hard. He was still kissing her as she found herself on the bed.

  Tara gasped when Jake let his full weight press into her, lean and hard. Filled completely, still Tara grabbed his ass bringing him closer. Yearning need built with every thrust causing her body to shudder with pleasure. Tara couldn't even concentrate enough to kiss him back.

  Jake grinned down at her. “Now if you wanted to say I'm good I wouldn't let me get a false ego.”

  She could feel him shaking with laughter. “You're a jerk.”

  “Any man would be proud to watch that look come over a woman's face when he's barely started.”

  “You don't have to laugh.”

  Jake pulled out and turned her over. He traced her spine working his way down to her hips. Holding her, Jake pushed his way back in and bent over, bringing his chest against her back, hands caressing her breasts before he started thrusting again. Every nerve tingled as he hit them just right and then his hand slid down between her swollen lips and she started bucking again almost immediately. How could the third be even stronger than the first?

  “I would never laugh at you,” he growled before he filled her even more as his own end rushed forth. Jake shuddered, the same shudder she had thought was laughter.

  Jake lay down, after coming back from the bathroom. Still she couldn't help but touch him even as she felt herself falling asleep.

  “Mommy, why are you sleeping with the nutcracker? His sword will poke you.” Megan's voice pierced the silence.

  Tara sprang up and looked to the other side of the bed, it wasn’t Jake lounging naked, it was the three foot nutcracker from the living room. She hadn't dreamed it all, had she? As she sat up the soreness of muscles long out of use reminded her it was no dream. If it wasn't, Jake was in trouble sneaking out like that without even a word. “Let me get dressed, babe, and I'll get you breakfast.”

  “I already ate.”

  “You ate?” Images of her climbing up and almost falling filled her head. “How'd you get it down?”

  “Jake made me breakfast, he said to let you sleep. Roseanne is here with presents, too.”

  “I'll be out in a minute.” Megan ran out and Tara let out a sigh. She wouldn't even have to worry about Roseanne figuring out what she'd done the night before as he was there for her to meet. Wonderful! Pulling on her clothes, she stepped in the bathroom. That wasn't a glow was it? Hair combed, face washed, teeth brushed, all signs of the night before were gone before she wandered in the direction of coffee. To find? Jake was pouring Roseanne a glass of champagne.

  “Good morning, sleepy head.” Jake sounded far too chipper as he poured her a glass of her own.

  Tara looked at the clock for the first time. Ten in the morning!

  “Brunch should be ready in a few minutes. I ordered Jake to go get groceries the moment I found out he cooked. I was promised none of that egg baked crap though.” Roseanne piped up.

  That was it? No raunchy comments. Megan was in the bathroom now she wouldn't hear them. No calls for details. “Sounds great,” Tara muttered.

  “Presents, please, mommy!” Megan screamed as she came running back.

  “You play Santa then and hand them out.”

  Megan dragged her into the living room and Roseanne handed her a bag to add to the little pile under the tree. It didn't take Megan long before she sank into her pile and started ripping paper. Roseanne was busy opening her own gift when Jake leaned over the back of the sofa. A small box found its way to Tara's lap.

  “Something for our second date. Roseanne will watch Megan.”

  “But her dreams?”

  “New Years Eve. There's a big party at the restaurant. I'll pick you up at 11 as she should be well asleep by then.” Jake kissed her ear. “Or are you putting me back to square one?”

  “You've earned a second date, I can't deny that one.”

  “Deny what?” Roseanne asked latching on to the last of their conversation.

  Tara opened the present to avoid answering Roseanne. There lay a black leather, silver studded bra and panties. Tara slammed the lid back on the box quickly and grabbed Megan's present for her.

  “Brunch man I'm starving.” Roseanne ordered.

  Tara watched Jake walk off with a grin as wide as the Cheshire cat’s. She watched Megan playing with the things she could afford for her after Jake had been so generous to mention to a friend she could use some help. Roseanne kept looking over her champagne glass with a look saying she knew everything.

  “How long ago did you get here if Jake has come and gone?” Tara finally asked, there was no putting off the inevitable.

  “I can't come to dinner tonight, I came to tell you and do gifts instead of tonight. I don't know, eight or so. You have a four- year-old in the house. I didn't think anyone slept late on Christmas with one in the house. Jake and I had a fine talk.”

  “Of course you did.”

  Roseanne pushed some grey hair out of her eyes. “When I was your age I would have slept with any man friend or not who came and cooked me supper, especially if Megan kept me in like she does you. I hope you get rid of those widow weeds New Year’s Eve, child, I expect details. He is one damn fine man.”

  Tara sucked down her champagne so fast the bubbles fizzed in her nose.

  “Tara, do you have platters?” Jake called.

  As she rounded the corner to the kitchen, he had his ass sticking out of a cupboard. “Get out of there, you’re not even close.” She pulled them out from beside the stove by the time he stood. She pushed hi
m against the fridge and kissed him, ready to take him to the bedroom if only Roseanne wasn't there. “You lied to her, you damn sweet man.”

  “You shouldn’t have fallen asleep… I was just getting started.”

  Tara buried her face in his shirt. “I'll take a nap next time. Where on earth did you buy those? It’s Christmas morning.” He caressed her cheek tucking her hair behind her ear.

  “Your neighbor is a gossip, mine sells those things at parties. Nowhere is open after all, I got stuff for brunch at my place. Oh yeah, I had to promise you'd throw a party though. Roseanne should have fun. She sells toys too.”

  Tara felt him growing hard against her. “I have to wait a whole week for a second date?” Tara heard herself asking, as if she had no control of her own actions. He was addictive.

  “For a date yes, but I don't have to go back until Wednesday if you want a visitor. I'd put up an ad for a chef if I thought I would get to see you in that bra on a regular basis. If you're just going to torture me though. . .”

  “Let's see how the second date goes. I'd never want to commit to hiring a chef after one date. It took four for me to marry Brian, but I mean that was just him, it didn't mean hiring anyone new.”

  Jake lifted her face up to look at him. “You're a little tart, you know that.”

  “I've been told that a lot lately. I can't imagine why.” With that, she walked out of the kitchen, but a towel hit her in the head before she got too far.

  The End

  Jake's Christmas Dinner

  From www.foodnetwork.com

  Filet Mignon with Balsamic Syrup and Goat Cheese

  1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar

  3 tablespoons sugar

  2 tablespoons butter

  6 (5 to 6-ounce) filet mignon steaks (each about 1-inch thick)

  Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  2 ounces soft fresh goat cheese

  Boil the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a heavy small saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/3 cup, stirring occasionally, about 18 minutes.

  Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Melt the butter in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the steaks with salt and pepper. Cook the steaks to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer the steaks to a baking sheet. Crumble the cheese over the steaks and broil just until the cheese melts, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with pepper.

  Transfer the steaks to plates. Drizzle the balsamic sauce around the steaks and serve.

  Green Beans with Fresh Herbs and Walnuts

  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  3 pounds green beans

  3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  2 large onions, sliced thin

  2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves

  1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves

  2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

  1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

  Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add a big pinch of salt and the green beans. Cook for about 5 minutes, the beans should still be crisp, they will be cooked more in the oven. Drain them and set aside.

  Melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the onions caramelize, about 20 to 25 minutes. Add the thyme, rosemary and chives, and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the green beans and walnuts, and stir well. Season, to taste.

  Crunchy Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

  6 to 8 large Yukon gold potatoes, cut into large chunks

  4 sprigs fresh rosemary

  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  Extra-virgin olive oil

  6 strips bacon, fried and crumbled

  1/4 cup grated Parmesan

  1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

  Put the potatoes onto a baking sheet. Roughly tear the rosemary and scatter it over the potatoes; season them with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the potatoes well to mix all the flavors and put them in the oven. Remove them after 30 minutes and toss them again. Continue to roast them until they are browned and cooked through, about 30 to 40 minutes more. While hot, top with crumbed bacon, Parmesan and pine nuts. Serve immediately.

  Tequila Lime Tart

  For the crust:

  10 ounces vanilla wafers

  1/3 cup pine nuts

  1/2 cup butter, melted

  For the filling:

  2 egg whites

  1 tablespoon sugar

  1/4 cup tequila

  1/2 cup fresh lime juice

  4 egg yolks

  1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

  For the crust:

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Add wafers and pine nuts to food processor, pulse until well ground up. Pour into bowl and add melted butter. Mix by hand, with a wooden spoon, and press into 10-inch tart pan. (reserve 4 tablespoons of crumbs to sprinkle on top when done baking.) Place tart pan in the oven and bake for 8 minutes.

  For the filling:

  In a mixing bowl add egg whites and sugar, beat until there are soft peaks.

  In another mixing bowl, add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Fold in the egg whites. Pour into tart shell and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Let cool before cutting and serve with fresh whipped cream.

  http://www.jennifermuellerbooks.com

  As a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya a few years back I traveled quite a bit and now I just wish I was. A lot of the places I've written about I've been to, a lot of them I haven't. Rafting on the Nile in Uganda, living in a Montana ghost town, African safaris, European youth hostels, the Black Hills of South Dakota all fill my scrapbooks. Now a daughter takes up most of those pages, but I still travel in my head every time I write.

  My interest in writing came about simply enough, I was reading a series of books and I became fed up with them. I just pulled out a notebook and said I could write one better. That's it, I never dreamed of being a writer and truth be told for 10 of the 15 years since that fateful day I was a closet writer. No one read any of my stories, very few even knew that was how I spent my spare time.

  I love history and my stories range from ancient Egypt to modern day. They range in genre from western, mystery, suspense, spies, romance, a few erotic pop up even, you get the idea. Then in 2003, my husband said you spend so much time writing you should try to get them published. This from a man I hadn't let read anything in four or five years and just like that, I did. One of the first pieces I sent out was accepted within weeks. This is going to be easy I thought. I was wrong of course. I had one other piece that fit their guidelines so I sent it in. Not quite as quickly as the first, I got a letter saying the publisher had died and the publication was closing. Come to think of it, has that happened twice? Any way as you can see I've gotten over the problem. No one's died since.

  Her Books available now:

  * coming soon

  Red Rose Publishing

  Havana Holiday

  Ancient Walls*

  Roadside Rest stop

  The New Guy*

  The Great Southwest by Rail*

  Phaze

  What if in 39 and still holding*

  Dark Castle Lords

  Her Father's Daughter

  The Dancer’s Secret

  Crusader

  The Dragon’s Pearl

  Behind the Mask

  Lord Dronovic

  Romance at Heart Publishing

  A Little Roman Scandal

  Women of their time

  The Odyssey and Other Stories

  Writer's Block

  A Speakeasy named Hell*

  Digital Pulp Publishing

  The Wolf Within

  Till death do us part

  Linden Bay Romance

  Egyptian Nights

  Egyptian Days

  History Lessons