Chapter Seventeen - Jingle Bell Rock

"You sure you don't want to come Charlie?" Grandma asks as I'm washing up the last of the dishes.

I shoot a pointed look to the mess in my house. "If I don't tidy up now it'll take me days. You guys go ahead."

"I should help –"

"No, no, no!" I laugh as I quickly dry my hands and push her towards the sitting room. "You've done more than enough!"

"Oh alright, you're so stubborn sometimes!" She huffs before smiling brightly when Aria runs into the room all dressed. "Come on Ari, let's go."

"Have fun!" I wave from the door as they make their way down the driveway.

Sighing I turn back and rest my hands on my hips. I've got some time to clean everything and so, I get to work right away. With grandma and Aria gone to the park I can work without distractions.

Our grandmother is staying over and celebrated Christmas with us which was great. She helped me with making the food and I certainly learned a few tips and tricks. Instead of my usual rushing around it was all quite relaxed and I enjoyed every bit of it. We also spoiled each other with gifts after Aria woke us up at the crack of dawn yelling that Santa had left us presents.

The aftermath of our celebrations is a whole lot of discarded wrapping paper and ribbons, presents left everywhere, dishes, opened snacks, and so much more. I grunt as I pick up the huge bear our grandmother bought Aria and haul it to her bedroom. After putting everything back I get to cleaning until my house looks normal again.

Aria and grandma eventually come back when I'm finishing an episode of a show I've been watching on Netflix. My daughter instantly demands a Disney movie and I give in without complaints. The three of us cuddle up on the couch for the evening watching Cinderella and then Lion King.

But the doorbell ringing around five o'clock has me frowning in confusion. Getting up from the couch I go to open it and smile brightly when I see Theo. We haven't seen each other since before Christmas Eve so I've been missing him a lot.

"Merry Christmas...well, a belated one." He chuckles before hugging me tightly.

"Merry belated Christmas to you too." I grin and pull him down for a kiss.

"Who is it Charlie?" Grandma asks as she walks up behind me and Theo's eyes widen.

"Shit, I forget she would be here!" He whispers in panic as he quickly steps back.

"Calm down. It's only my grandmother." I laugh lightly before responding to her. "It's Theo grandma."

She pulls the door open and stares at his nervous self. I drape an arm over her shoulders as we look at each other. I recognize the glint in her eyes and know she's going to tease Theo a little. My lips quirk up at the corners as she crosses her arms which makes his eyes dart to me anxiously.

"Theodore Jackson right? I'm Melinda."

"Yes, it's nice to finally meet you Melinda." He smiles and shakes her hand. "You look great, my mom loves those shawls from misses Raymond too."

"Oh, thank you dear. She's very talented." Grandma smiles a little as she caresses the dusky rose shawl she has wrapped around her. "What brings you here? I thought you'd be spending time with your family celebrating the holidays?"

"I wanted to give Char and Aria their presents." He holds up the bag with a sheepish smile.

"Mum?!" Aria calls and I poke my grandmother's shoulder.

"Come on, let him in."

"You go ahead Charlie. We'll be right there." She waves me away and I mouth an apology to Theo as I leave. "What are your intentions with my Charlotte?"

I can still hear them as I make my way into the sitting room to help Aria. A smile blooms across my lips when I hear Theo's confident answer. My heart skips a beat from the sincerity of his tone.

"I like her a lot and the only way we'd break up is if she didn't want to be with me anymore. I would do anything to keep her happy and smiling. I also understand that Aria is her top priority and I care for her too." His voice shakes a little as he speaks.

"She's been through a lot Theodore. I don't want her or Aria to get hurt –"

"My intentions are nothing but genuine Melinda. I'd never hurt them...they mean so much to me." He reassures her and I smile softly.

It becomes quiet and I peek around the corner to see grandma hugging him. He smiles and pretends to wipe sweat off his brow which makes me laugh. I walk over to them and she turns to me with a satisfied expression.

"He's a keeper and a very handsome one at that!" She winks and I blush fiercely. "Come on in Theodore."

I feel him swipe my hair away from my face before pecking my heated skin. He chuckles before we make our way into the sitting room. Aria perks up in excitement at the sight of him and jumps up. He catches her with a laugh and her giggles echo in the house as he twirls her around before setting her on the couch.

"What are you doing here?!"

"Looks like Santa forgot some of your presents at my house." He replies as he pulls out two boxes.

Her eyes light up as she thanks him before ripping off the wrapping paper. She gasps at the first one which is a beautiful silver necklace with the letter A and a gemstone. The second gift is a horse-riding kit for her complete with a helmet, boots, and other gear with her initials on some.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love everything!" She shrieks happily while hugging him.

He turns to me next and hands me my first present. It feels a little soft and I rip the wrapping paper to find out he got me a sketching and painting set. I recognize the expensive brand and glance at him with wide eyes. He shrugs with a wink and I smile when I realize he remembered me telling him I needed more.

The next present truly blows me away. It's a stunning diamond set with a necklace and earrings. My gasp is almost inaudible as I trace the jewels in admiration before looking at Theo.

"Unless you don't like the design I'm not returning it." He grins boyishly which makes my grandmother laugh.

"B-But this...this is too much!" I shake my head in shock.

"I like it." Aria breathes in awe as she leans over to look at it.

"Do you like it Char?" He asks softly and I nod but still open my mouth to protest. "Then please don't tell me to return it. I put a lot of thought in it."

"Thank you Theo. It's so beautiful." I smile gently, not wanting to come across as ungrateful for a gift he spent a lot of effort, time, and money on.

He slips the box of chocolates he had bought as an extra to my grandmother with a sheepish smile. "Had I known I would meet you so soon I would've got you something too."

"Oh hush! I'm in the same boat so let's just enjoy these chocolates." She winks before we all take some.

Me and Aria give Theo his presents next which he loves. Aria grins proudly as he thanks her for the gift she spent her pocket money on with a little help from me. We chat some more, which is mostly grandma getting to know Theo, and have some leftovers from Christmas dinner.

Around an hour later his phone goes off with a notification and he checks it with a frown. "Sorry guys, I need to get back."

"I'll walk you out." I say as he hugs Aria and grandma goodbye with the promise of seeing them soon.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer." He sighs as I walk him to the door.

"That's okay, we'll see each other soon after the new year celebrations." I chuckle when he pouts.

With a soft smile he tucks my hair behind my ear. "I miss you. If it weren't so crazy back home with my brothers visiting I'd come back in a heartbeat."

"I miss you too." I wind my arms around his neck as his hands rest on my hips. "But I'll always be here with you whereas they can only visit sometimes. Cherish your time with them."

He closes his eyes with a smile and kisses my cheek. With one last hug we say goodbye before I close the door. My grandmother wiggles her brows playfully which makes me blush and I shake my head at her.

"So, you really like him?"

"Everyone in Dallas knows how much of a sweet boy Theodore Jackson is." She smiles softly as she eats another chocolate. "He's clearly smitten with you and it's nice to see that he cares about Aria, not many would be as involved from what I've heard from you."

"Yeah...he's amazing." I whisper with a nod.

She takes my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't be afraid to fall. I can tell he'll be there to catch you."

"I already have." I smile contently and her eyes light up in response.

***

I chuckle softly as I turn off the sitting room's light. My grandmother's loud snores echo in the otherwise quiet house and I wonder in disbelief how Aria is sleeping through it. The house came with some furniture and luckily a double bed in Aria's room so they're both sleeping comfortably on it right now.

I yawn tiredly as I walk into my bedroom and shut the door. Changing into my pajamas and brushing my teeth I get into bed. Although it's midnight I pick up the book I've been reading and continue where I left off since I can't go to sleep that easily.

I've only read for about fifteen minutes when I hear a knock on my window. Stiffening in fear I lay there unmoving until I hear it again at the same time my phone vibrates due to a notification.

Open the window, it's me. Theo's texted me and I let go of the breath I've been holding in.

I quietly hurry towards the window and pull back the curtains to see him standing there. He waves at me with a boyish grin and I chuckle. He climbs inside and kisses me before I close the window.

"What are you doing here?" I whisper as he takes off his coat and shoes, leaving him in a t-shirt, sweatpants and socks. He ends up jumping in fright when he hears my grandmother snore and I giggle at his reaction. "My grandma is a loud snorer. She's in Aria's room with her."

"Oh wow, I didn't expect that. Everyone went to bed early and I couldn't sleep. Thought I'd come see you." He shrugs half-heartedly before his eyes widen. "Sorry...I should've asked if it would be alright with you. I just haven't seen you in a while."

"I don't mind, come on." I guide him to my bed and we get under the covers.

"Nice choice." He hums as he glances at the synopsis of the book I'm reading. "I read it last year, it's a great thriller."

"Yeah I'm halfway and the pace is picking up." I reply and cuddle up to him, his scent enveloping me. "How was Christmas?"

"It was great like always. It was the guys turn to cook this year and we had a few disasters but managed to save it all in the end." He chuckles as he wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me close.

"You take turns to cook?"

"On all holidays yeah. Both my parents love to cook but most of the time it ends up being the girls because we mess up too much and they have to step in." He smirks when I laugh. "She teases the hell out of dad though so he's always arguing with her every holiday to let the boys cook and redeem themselves."

"When I used to celebrate with my family it would always be the women cooking but my dad and Harry took pride in their veggies though. They're always amazingly done too." I smile fondly, wishing I were still close with them.

"Did your grandmother spend the holidays here? How did it go?"

"Yeah she's going back after the new year. It was great and we love having her around. We've just been relaxing really and pigging out on food." I grin and he laughs with a nod of agreement.

"Same at my place, there's no end to the leftovers and snacks that we're helping ourselves to."

His fingers trace my spine softly with the occasional back rub. A sigh of content escapes my lips and I lean up to peck his jaw. I lose myself in his gorgeous green eyes and his touch, feeling like I'm in heaven. The corner of his lips quirk momentarily as the back of his knuckles graze my cheek ever so gently.

"Sunshine?" He calls but his voice is almost a whisper. I still detect the nervousness to it though and frown slightly. "Can I tell you something?"

"Of course...anything. What's up?" I sit up slightly and rest my weight on my elbow.

"I love you."

It's as if time stands still for just a moment. Then everything explodes. My heart races in excitement, happiness courses through my veins and I feel like I can burst from the amount of love I have for this man. I've known for a while that I love Theo and it brings me such sweet relief that he feels the same.

A wide smile slowly blooms across my lips. He looks so incredibly nervous and his eyes dart between mine to anything else around the room. I rest my hand on his chest and feel his heart thumping away faster than normal. Leaning down I kiss him softly.

"I love you too. So much."

In an instant he grins and pushes forward to cup my face. His lips meet mine in an intense yet passionate kiss, full of fire and hunger that consumes me entirely. It doesn't take me long to let him in and I moan softly as my toes curl in pleasure.

"Really?"

That makes me laugh and I nod. "How could I not? You're so sweet, caring, kind and of course cheeky. You're perfection."

He rolls over to hover above me with arms on either side of my head. I smile when his index finger swipes my hair away from my cheek. His eyes are dark and a familiar intensity I often see nowadays has returned, making me squirm in need underneath him.

"You mistake me with yourself Char. I'm the luckiest man in the world to have found you. Every moment with you feels like bliss and I've never been more content." He murmurs gently as he stares at me.

Instead of kissing me like I expect he starts peppering kisses down my neck. He reaches the top button of my pajama shirt and pauses. I glance at him to see his fingers toying with it as he waits for me to give him permission. With a shaky breath I nod and bite my lip harshly when he deftly undoes them all. I tremble at the exhilarating combination of his warm hands on my skin currently rising in numerous goosebumps.

A husky groan escapes him as he pushes away the material to expose my breasts. He licks his lips as he watches my nipples harden both from lust and the cold. My back arches involuntarily as his hands slide down to my hips. Short pants escape me as I feel him kiss his way from my abdomen to my breasts.

"Theo!" I hiss as he fondles them and nips my bottom lip harshly at the same time. "Fuck!"

He chuckles before kissing me hungrily. My whimpers and moans are swallowed up by him as he teases my hardened nubs. A soft moan escapes me when he pulls away to nip and suck on the skin of my neck before licking the valley of my breasts. His tongue drags and toys with my nipples and I can't help but writhe underneath him.

"Fuck, you're a goddess Charlotte." His voice is gruff and full of desire as he makes his way down.

My eyes snap open when his fingers hook around the waistband of my pajama bottoms. I bite my lip nervously as his eyes meet mine. Concern fills those heavenly green orbs of his and he leans over to kiss me tenderly.

"What's wrong? If you don't feel comfortable you can tell me to stop Char."

"Pregnancy scars...I'm a little self-conscious about them." I whisper without meeting his eyes.

"Okay I'll stop then if you want?"

I exhale before shaking my head. I know how he is and I trust him wholeheartedly. I know he won't hurt me. He smiles sweetly before tugging the bottoms off. I feel myself tremble again but for different reasons this time. His fingertips graze the faded scars on my lower belly before he does something unexpected. He dips down and kisses over the scarred skin and I rapidly blink away the onslaught of tears.

"They're beautiful." He murmurs after he's done and continues to trace them. "You women truly are incredible."

I laugh softly and thank him. He seems to realize my emotional state and comes back to kiss me again. My eyelids flutter shut and I tangle my fingers in his soft hair. He moans and I slide my hand under his shirt to feel his body. Naturally, he tenses before quickly relaxing and deepening the kiss.

My heart starts to pound as his fingertips trail down the center of my body. He traces my wet heat and my hips jerk upwards. I feel him smile into our kiss as he starts rubbing me, his gentle yet purposeful ministrations making me seeing stars. I groan in pleasure when he slips his finger in and begins to pump it in and out. My cheeks heat when I hear how wet I am and it doesn't take long for him to add a second finger.

"Oh god...Theo!" I break away and pant harshly as his speed increases.

I feel a knot tightening deep in my belly and I know I'm close. But when his tongue brushes my sensitive ball of nerves I slip off the edge with stars clouding my vision. I bite my lip hard to stifle my scream as I become undone over his hand. He smiles tenderly and leans over to kiss me before hovering on his knees on the bed. I gaze at him wantonly as he licks his fingers clean of my essence.

He smirks before his head disappears between my legs. I don't protest as he pulls my thighs wider before his tongue laps up the remnants of my orgasm. A pleasurable shudder courses through my body and I sigh in bliss as he eats me out. My hips seem to have a mind of their own as they rock against his face, the sensation causing my back to arch.

"Fuck!" I whisper-shout when his tongue traces my entrance before dipping inside for a taste.

His hand slides up to grip my left hip while the other fondles my breast. I gasp at the increased stimulation and fist the sheets in my hand. He keeps my hips firmly in place against the bed as he devours me fervently. I find myself getting close to the blissful high within seconds.

"Theo please!"

My eyes roll shut and my mouth opens in a silent scream when he adds his fingers. I let go intensely all over his mouth. My body relaxes once more, core throbbing from the release as he hums and licks me clean.

"You taste heavenly." He winks when he pulls away satisfied.

He lays down next to me and I turn to him with a confused frown. "What about you?"

He shakes his head with a husky chuckle. "We'd wake up your grandmother, Aria and the neighbors if we continued because trust me I wouldn't be able to stop."

My damned blush makes a return and I nod with a small smile. He grins before helping me put on my pajamas once more and pulling me into his arms as we settle down to sleep. I feel him press a kiss to the top of my head and close my eyes in sweet bliss.

"I love you Char."

"I love you too Theo." It feels so good to finally say that.

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