Noelle dropped her forehead to Miriam’s and whispered, “I certainly think orgasms are going to help someone fall asleep tonight.” Her mouth dropped to Miriam’s neck, and she breathed lightly into the crook there, then bit gently. “I really, really, really want you tonight. I mean, every night, and also all day, but…Do you? Want to?”

“Holy shit yes,” Miriam said. “Please, now.”

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Noelle

Noelle woke up in Miriam’s bed, with Miriam tracing the tattoos on her arms.

“Tell me the stories of these,” she said, her voice sleepy and sexy. “Medusa, Clytemnestra—who is this with the axe? Lizzie Borden?”

Noelle nodded.

“What’s with the deadly women? You’re not very scary, you know.”

Noelle shivered under her fingers. “They’re my protectors,” she explained. “When I got sober, I kept hearing that I needed a Higher Power, but when I prayed, I imagined these badass women who would kill to protect their own.” She ran her hand over her arm, where Miriam just had. She wanted to keep this woman in bed forever, she realized.

They looked up at the distant sound of the doorbell ringing downstairs.

“Are we expecting guests today?” Miriam asked.

“Nope,” Noelle said. “Ugh. I’ll go get it, I guess.”

“Bring me back coffee?” Miriam asked. Noelle kissed her on the nose.

She found Elijah in the kitchen, where Hannah was taking his coat.

“Aren’t you supposed to be eating breakfast with the twins? I thought they said something about Christmas pajamas, and your mother-in-law making pancakes?” Noelle asked, beginning to worry.

“Welcome to our happy chaos!” Hannah bussed his cheek before he could answer. She ushered him into the kitchen and set hot cocoa in front of him, including homemade marshmallows and a candy cane stir stick.

“We have such wonderful news, Elijah,” Hannah told him. “The livestream of the tree lighting got so many views, and people are clamoring to buy the ornaments Miri made for the tree. I think, with her here selling from the farm and the Rosensteins’ support, we have a really strong case for the bank.”

“I thought I heard your name, Elijah!” Miriam said, coming in from the dining room. “We’re glad to see you, but shouldn’t you be enjoying the break with Jason and the kids?”

“Miriam, I’m glad you’re here. Can someone find Ziva? I’m afraid I’m not here with good news.” He wrung his hands nervously. Noelle had been friends with Elijah since she moved here, and she’d never seen him this visibly worried.

“I’ll go get her,” Hannah said tightly.

“Why would you want my mom? What could she possibly have to do with—” Miriam cut herself off, cursing under her breath. “My dad. What did he do?”