New Year's Eve 2019 at Bull Tavern...

This year for New Year's Eve Luke and Laura are leaving the boys with nana and pawpaw for the whole night, it has been a while since they had a night out alone together. When Krystal asked Laura what she wanted for Christmas, Laura said a date night with Luke. So the two made arrangements and earlier that day on new year's eve, Krystal and Scott picked up their two grandsons and are spending the new year with them. Tonight Luke and Laura are meeting up at Bull Tavern with Michelle and Benjamin for a double date night to ring in 2019.
Luke stands and waits by the door as Laura gathers the last of her things so they can get on their way....

*Luke* "Let's go babe....What are you looking for?"
Laura walking into the kitchen her heels clacking against the hardwood floor. The house is quiet, no children playing, no televison 
blaring, just Luke's voice calling out to her...

*Luke* "C'mon babe..."
 *Laura* "Here it is...found it!"
Laura grabs her phone then spins around to head back towards 
Luke and the door, her heels again slapping against the hard
 wood planks. Gotta have that phone on hand now a days!

 *Luke* "What were you looking for? Your phone?"
Laura loves to get dolled up for New Year's Eve. She tries to every year, her and Luke have always gone out on most New Year's past,
 but the last few years have been busy as they added a new member to the family. Now that Fin is going on two years old this year
 they are finally hitting the town again.

 *Laura* "Yeah, I left it in the kitchen after I was
 done cleaning up...How do I look?"
Women. We can never not ask the question. We need to know their eyes are always on us. Laura knows Luke is smitten but she still likes the look on his face every time she asks. Luke's eyes move up
 and down the length of her body as he smiles.

*Luke smiling* "Like a fucking fox...You ready, Babe?"
*Laura smiles with satisfaction* "I am now...lets go."
Luke and Laura head up the sidewalk as they near the door for Bull Tavern Luke turns to look at Laura. The bar is no doubt probably already crowded with customers. New Year's Eve is always a big night for bars. It's been some years too since these two celebrated NYE
 here. Last time they did, Laura had just found
 out she was pregnant with Phoenix. 

*Luke* "Let's hurry and get inside...Looks like Hannah just cleared that booth..."
*Laura* "You sure love that booth, huh?..."
*Luke* "Of course I do babe...We have lots of memories there..."
Luke is right. They do have a lot of memories in this bar and at that particular booth. Many a evening when they were very first dating,
 Laura would meet Luke here for a late dinner after
 she was done working at Ma Cherie.

 *Luke* "It's where I realized forever didn't seem so bad..."
 *Laura drawls* "Awe....Luke...."
Luke is not often known to be the super sentimental, romantic
 type, but when he is he makes sure Laura knows he means it deep from the bottom of his heart. Laura is the love of his life after all... 
Once they get inside Luke stands and waits for Laura to slide into 
the booth. She removes her coat as Luke watches and waits. 
A smile turns up at the corner of his mouth...

*Laura* "What is it?..."
*Luke smiles* "Nothing babe...."
*Laura* "No. You're thinking about something..."
Laura steps in closer as she gets ready to slide into the booth. 
Their eyes lock and she knows what's on his mind. It's
 always on his mind. Men and their libidos. It makes Laura
 go flush in the face just at the thought of it...

 *Luke* "You're blushing..."
*Laura smiles* "Just thinking about what you were thinking..."
Luke looks down at her, his gaze darkens and he has to bite down on his lip...The urge to grab her by the hand and whisk her away is strong. Life got complicated now that it's no longer
 just the two of them anymore but his feelings aren't. That
 basic need to have her and love her is always there.

*Luke* "Sit down, Babe...before I change our plans for tonight."
Laura quickly scoots down into the booth and Luke follows in behind her. No way is she letting him drag her out of here early. She didn't get dressed to kill for the fun of it. Besides they're meeting Ben and Michelle tonight. Laura is excited to catch up one on one with her sister they didn't get to much over the Christmas holiday. 
Laura was busy being hostess and cook.

 *Laura smiles up at him* "I'm really glad we got this night out
together...I've been looking forward to it for weeks now."
*Luke* "You deserve it babe. You've worked hard this year for the holidays..."
*Laura* "I sure hope Michelle and Ben are willing to host
 next year. I could use a longer break. Maybe we could just take the
boys on a Christmas vacation instead?"
Luke smiles reaches his arm around her and rubs
 her shoulder pulling her into him.

*Luke* "If that's what you want to do."
*Laura* "Yeah, maybe...I dunno it was just a thought."
*Luke* "We could if you really want to. Just the 4 of us. I'd like that."
*Laura* "Yeah?..."
*Luke* "I say we seriously consider it..."
Meanwhile Benjamin waits on Michelle she got home late, despite the holidays she has been working long hard hours and doesn't see Benjamin till late in the evening usually. Both of them are looking forward to tonight been a while since they had a real date night as well. Michelle comes down the stairs and twirls, stopping to look up at her husband.

*Michelle* "So?..."
*Benjamin* "Absolutely perfect Darlin...You ready?"
*Michelle* "Uh huh..."
Michelle nods and then steps in closer.
*Michelle* "You look extra handsome tonight...."
*Benjamin* "Well...you know...this man is looking to get lucky tonight."

*Michelle* "Take me out first and sweep me off my feet tonight. Then
we'll see about you gettin' lucky."
*Benjamin* "You gonna make me work for it...."
*Michelle* "Always..."
While Laura and Luke wait for Michelle and Ben they 
get their drinks served to their table and continue
 to chat with each other.

*Luke* "Your birthday is in a week...You making any plans for that day."
Laura looks at him and smirks. She hasn't had time to think
 about it. They have been so busy and she'd rather just forget
 she's another year older.
*Laura* "Stay in bed all day?..."
Just then her phone vibrates with an incoming text 
message. Laura quickly picks it up to make sure 
it is not her mother.

*Luke* "Who is it?..."
*Laura tilting her phone* "It's Willow....she says happy new year."
Luke looks down at her phone and sees a pic of Willow smiling with Peter standing next to her. They look like they are about to head out for the night. Probably to the night club that Peter still manages. He looks happy, well as happy as Peter usually is. At least he has Willow he thinks...he deserves that much.

Laura types back a simple message of happy new year as well. She wishes they were here with them tonight. As much as she has disapproved of Peter in the past she knows Luke misses him but he won't ever admit it. 

*Laura* "Will you ever patch things up with Peter?...It's been almost a year now."
*Luke* "Laura...Please don't fucking go there, not right now..."
*Laura* "I'm serious Luke! You need to forgive him and your own mother. You hardly spoke a word to her at Christmas. Being a mother myself it breaks my heart..."
*Luke* "Yeah but my mom is nothing like you, Babe..."
Luke takes a long pull on his beer and sets it back
 down to look at Laura.

*Luke* "She's got no fucking morals when it comes to her love life.
Same as Pete. Where do you think he fucking learned it?"
*Laura* "I know. At least try to forgive your mom. She's your mother. She's
 all you got. It's a new year, maybe some new beginnings?"
Then Laura looks away and lets the subject end there. She grabs her glass of wine to take a sip. Luke appreciates how much she cares about his relationship with his mother. Even though it will never ever be a normal one. Luke knows she is right. He needs let it go.

*Luke kissing her on the head* "I'll try babe..."
Laura turns and looks up at him. They have been through a lot together the years have added up. And despite all the drama and all the heartache nothing is better than being in his arms. Nothing.

*Laura* "That's all I ask..."
Luke leans in and kisses her. He is starting to feel the affects of that first mug of beer already. Then suddenly a soft, familiar voice breaks the two out of locking lips together.
*Michelle* "Hey you two...it ain't midnight yet."

*Luke* "Hey! About fucking time you two made it...How's it going?"
Luke and Benjamin give each other a firm handshake. As 
the girls also greet each other hello.

*Laura* "Hey sis...You look stunning!..."

*Michelle* "Thanks...so do you. Is that a new dress?"

*Laura* "Uh huh..."

 Michelle and Ben slide into the booth across from Luke
 and Laura and begin chatting right away.

 *Michelle* "Sorry we'e so late...It took me forever to get out of the office tonight.
Poor Ben was dressed and waiting for me for over an hour..."
*Benjamin jokes* "Sometimes I begin to think she's married to her job and not me anymore."
*Michelle* "Oh stop it!...Does yours always tease like this?"
Everyone laughs they all know how much Michelle loves
 her job, but still not as much as she loves her Benjamin. Michelle sips her wine and then looks up at Laura.

*Michelle* "So any good gossip you got for me?..."
*Laura lights up* "Yes I do! Guess who is out on a date tonight?!..."
Michelle hates guessing she wants cold hard facts. She 
shrugs her shoulders and waits for Laura to continue. 
Sipping her wine in the meantime.

*Laura continues* "Mari!...."
*Michelle gasps* "Really? Is she getting back together with Shaun?..."
*Laura sighs a bit* "No...Shaun is in LA right now for the band. Some new years eve show or something. It's some guy she recently met...I dunno know his name yet."

*Michelle itching for more* "Is that it? Is that all you know?..."

*Laura* "Yeah pretty much she texted me the other day that she met some guy and was planning to go out with him for New Years Eve...I haven't heard back from her yet..."

*Luke* "So does this mean you'll stop trying to play match maker with Shaun and Mari?..."
*Laura* "Um...depends on what Mari tells me about this new guy..."
*Michelle* "I have to agree with Laura..."
*Luke smiles* "Fuck!...I feel bad for the poor bastard already..."
The girls both giggle they only want a man worthy to date 
their cousin Amari. Her happiness is important to them. Benjamin 
sits up tall and straight and tilts his hat up.

*Benjamin* "Well, Michelle and I have some big news to announce too...
Several things actually."
Benjamin decides to go ahead and take his hat off setting
 it on the table in front of him. Laura immediately gets excited.

*Benjamin* "You want to say it, Darlin...Or should I..."
*Laura* "Oh my gawd! Please tell me you're pregnant. Are you pregnant?!"
Michelle reaches up to adjust Ben's collar.
*Michelle* "I can handle it..."
Laura is on pins and needles she cannot 
take it any longer.

*Laura* "So?..."
*Michelle* "Benjamin is now head of the company. His father officially stepped down today. Tomorrow you're looking at the new CEO of Trudeau construction!..."
*Luke* "That's great news! Congratulations, man..."
Benjamin smiles and nods, thanking Luke. He has been waiting for years for his Dad to finally officially give him the title and responsibility.

*Luke to Ben* "So does this mean too the merger is finally all complete?..."

*Benjamin* "Yup!...finally."

Meanwhile the girls continue to talk to each other.

*Laura* "That's wonderful!...Man I really thought you were 

gonna announce y'all were expecting."

*Michelle* "You promise not to say anything to mom?..."
*Laura* "Wait, what?!..."
*Michelle grinning widely* "I stopped taking my birth control this week...
We plan to start trying within the next few weeks."

*Laura gasps* "Really?!..."
Michelle smiles and nods with nervous excitement all over her face. Benjamin finally wore her down and is getting a chance to 
finally start a family. Laura looks like she almost wants 
to cry she is so elated and happy. 

*Laura* "Oh my gawd this is so exciting! I'm so excited for the
both of you! You will be a wonderful Mother..."
*Michelle* "You two are the only ones who know...Please don't tell mom,
 Benjamin is worried she'll tell Erica. And we're are not wanting any of that drama."
 Benjamin is Erica Trudeau's pride and joy. She loves her grandson dearly and it shows and it is also no secret she has been 
hounding him for great grand-kids for years now.

*Laura* "Oh! Of course...definitely I understand. So does this
mean you will take a break from work?"
*Michelle* "I dunno. Ideally, I would like to keep working till the baby is born.
But first I gotta get pregnant then we'll see..."
Laura nods and smiles. Luke raises his mug for a toast. Everyone has been wondering when these two would eventually start a family. Luke was never in a hurry to before but now he understands. 

*Luke* "Here's to a new year...new beginnings...new life...and
 new parents? Congrats you guys."
Everyone clinks their glasses together and toast. They continue on through the night with dinner and drinks and talk about whatever comes to mind as the hours pass. Everyone in the bar hoots and hollers as the clock strikes midnight...

*Luke* "Happy New Year, babe..."

*Laura* "Happy New Year."

Luke steals a kiss from Laura as the noise level rises in the bar, competing with the music coming from the jukebox. They plan to leave right after the new year and spend the rest of the night at home alone, enjoying a peaceful quiet remainder to their night.

But the rooms stands still for Michelle and Ben. That last time they were here in this bar for New Year's Benjamin surprised Michelle with a unexpected kiss she had surely thought she missed out on. Now it's 5 years later and they have new reasons to celebrate...

*Michelle* "Benjamin?..."
*Benjamin* "Yes, Darlin'?..."

*Michelle* "Take me home."
*Benjamin* "You mean, I'm done working for it?..."
*Michelle* "Uh...huh..."
*Benjamin* "Git ready Darlin' cause you ain't gettin' any sleep tanight..."
*Michelle smiles up at him* "I thought you might say that."
If you want to check out the old NYE episodes then 
click here for those two links.

NYE 2013 at Bull Tavern

NYE 2013 at Bull Tavern Part 2

Happy New Year Everyone! Hope you all have had a wonderful holiday season and looking forward to 2019!
Thank you as always for tuning in. Hoping to stay on some kind of schedule for the coming weeks...
wish me luck! hehe.
^_^

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Once Upon a Blizzard...Aksel and Ember...Part Three

⤆Saturday⤇

Picking up where we left off from the previous episode it is now 

Saturday morning, Aksel and Ember are both awake. Aksel peers out the window to check on the weather and their current situation. Ember is still lying in bed under the warm covers.

*Ember* "How's it lookin' out there?"

Aksel fiddles with the blinds as he tries to wipe down the fogged up window and get a clear picture of what is going 

on outside. It's early morning and the sun is still rising.

*Aksel* "Well sweet cheeks...I'd say the outlook is not so good...."

As he speaks to her, he shifts his head side to side as he 

continues to look out the snow cast window. Ember meanwhile pops her head up off the pillow, she is no longer relaxed and 

comfy under the warm blankets.

*Ember* "What'd ya mean?!..No, surely you must be mistaken. Can't we 

open the door to check?!"

Aksel turns to look at a very worried Ember. She begins

 to kick the blankets off in very panicked and hasty manor.

 *Aksel* "Whoa! No one is opening that door! There is snow leaning against it and besides we need to keep the warm air in here as best we can.

 *Ember* "Well we can't just sit here and do nothing! I need to get to the other cabin. 

We can try to shovel it or something..."

*Aksel* We're snowed in...and the snow is still coming down....You are not going anywhere, sweetheart, at least for another day..."

Ember gets frustrated with his quick dismissal of her idea. No way can she spend another night in this Cabin alone with Aksel. Not that he is not a nice guy but this is just way too awkward.

*Ember* "No! I refuse to be stuck here...There has to be a way, even if I have to walk."

 *Aksel* "Ember, it's fucking freezing cold outside! You will never make it. 

Don't be stubborn...Cam and the other girls will understand."

*Ember* "I know! But I....I can't just..."

Aksel knows she's uncomfortable, it's written all over her face as her cheeks turn a flush pink color nearly matching the pink sweater that is draped over her shoulders. His eyes drop from her face to the white shirt underneath as he sits back down in the bed.

*Aksel* "Just what? Be stuck here with me?...Relax a little, I don't bite, Babe...

Hasn't Cam told you anything about me over the years?"

  *Ember* "Um...well...Yeah...she talks about you a lot. Cam is very proud of you, you know..."

 *Aksel smiles* "She should be, I've had to put up with her crazy ass for years. 

So I'm sure you know what I'm talking about..."

*Ember smiles* "Yes...Cambria is definitely an acquired taste, but I love her she is true 

to who she is and sticks up for those she loves no matter what..."

Aksel's laugh is deep and fills the small space.

*Aksel* "Yeah she is...Hey do me a favor, sweet cheeks...Turn on the radio maybe there is
 some news on there about the weather."

*Ember* "Oh!...uh okay...."

Ember turns the dial to try and tune into a radio station. 
When she comes across a rock song.

*Aksel* "Oooo, leave it there! I fucking love that song.."

She does and then picks up her phone 

as she gets up off the bed.

*Ember* "I'm just gonna go text Cam and see how they're holding up. Hopefully I can get through."

*Aksel nods* "Just remember....You and I are stuck with each other until further notice...

No way am I gonna allow you to head out in the cold all alone.

 So tell Cam we'll go together when it's safe."

Ember nods and agrees, he is right it is not safe to travel to the other cabin right now. Ember takes her small luggage trunk and excuses herself to the bathroom. So she can brush her teeth and hair.

⤆Sunday⤇

It's Sunday afternoon, they woke again this morning to find that the snow has still not cleared out enough for them to travel to the other Cabin. Both Ember and Aksel are beginning to get a bit of cabin fever as they are both stuck in this small intimate space together. Ember comes out of the bathroom, she went to brush and floss  her teeth after lunch which was a few chicken tenders and some popcorn. Luckily Aksel had stocked the small mini fridge well enough, but not nearly enough for two people stuck together in a snow storm...

 When she steps out she finds Aksel on the floor shirt off doing push ups.  Her hand flies up to her chest as she tries to reign in a 
gasp and mutters under her breath, Oh my! Watching the muscles in his back flex as he moves up and down. Ember's cheeks go hot at the thought of her and him in a similar way...
*Aksel*  "Am I in your way, Sweet cheeks?..."
*Ember* "Huh?...Oh! No, no you're fine."

*Aksel* "Sorry just need to blow off some steam. Feeling like a
fucking rat stuck in a cage..."
 *Ember* "It's fine...I'm just gonna text Cam see what the girls are doing..."
A short while later Aksel flops down on the bed and 
playfully tries to sneak a peek at what Ember has been 
texting with his sister Cambria. 

 *Aksel* "Cam talking shit about me?..."
*Ember* "Wh...what?! No! Why would she do that?"
*Aksel* "I saw the look on your face a few times...What is
 she saying about me? lemme see..."
*Ember laughs* "Absolutely not! And besides Cam never
 talks bad about you."

 *Aksel* "Uh huh..."
*Ember* "What is that suppose to mean?..."
*Aksel smirks* "I just know Cam. Shit, I wouldn't be surprised if she is taking this
opportunity to try and hook us up...being in the situation we're in."
Ember's eyes widen like saucers at his bold and spot on comment. Her phone dings again and she quickly turns away to look at it. This time it is not Cambria but another friend from college a guy friend 
wishing her a happy holiday. 

 *Aksel* "Is it Cam?..."
*Ember* "Not that it's any of your business but no, it's my friend Brady from school...."
*Aksel* "Ahhh....Cam didn't tell me you have a boyfriend. Is he jealous
you're stuck in a cabin with Aksel Madsen?..."

*Ember* "Euw! No! Brady is just a friend and that's it..."
*Aksel* "You mean a cute college girl like you doesn't have a boyfriend?"
*Ember blushes* "I've had boyfriends just not right now..."

*Aksel* "Lemme guess...He likes you but not the other way around..."
*Ember* "He asked me out once and I told him that I didn't want to date right
now, that I wanted to focus on finishing school...I tried to let him down nicely."

*Aksel* "Sweet heart you didn't let him down, you gave him fucking hope!"
*Ember* "No, I didn't...I said I didn't want to date."
*Aksel* "You told him not right now....That's still giving the poor guy hope!"
*Ember gasps* "Crap! You think if I text him back then he'll try to ask me out?
 But why? I'll be leaving to head back home soon..."
*Aksel* "Does he text you often?..."
*Ember* "Well yeah...but that's because we had a few classes
 together and we usually helped each other study..."

*Aksel* "Uh, huh..."
*Ember* "What?!...It's true..."
*Aksel* "Shit, Ember...this guy is fucking hung up on you..."
*Ember* "No he's not...I bet you if I text him back right now
 that is not how it's gonna go."
*Aksel* "I bet you he'll say he got a job not far from where you live
 and wants to hang out after the new year...If I'm right you have to let me take you out."
*Ember laughs* "What? are you physic now too?...Besides why would you want to take
 me out? I'm sure you could find a plethora of super models to take out on dates."

*Aksel smiles* "Because you're cute, sweet cheeks....I can see why the guy likes you."
*Ember blushes again and stutters* "Aksel....I....that's....what about..."
*Aksel* "How about this...Let's take a selfie together and if he texts you back then
 he never liked you, if he doesn't text you back then you probably just broke
 the poor guys heart.....Lemme see your phone."
*Ember* "No way...I'm not doing that!..."
*Aksel* "C'mon...it'll be fun!"
Ember rolls her eyes and tries to turn away, but she can't keep a straight face. He's right it is kinda funny, still she can't do that to Brady. She'll just sneak out and text him in the bathroom. She 
tries to turn to make an escape, but Aksel is too fast.

*Aksel* "Oh no, you're not getting away that easily...a bet is a bet sweet cheeks..."
*Ember laughs* "A bet isn't a bet unless we both agree on it...Sweet cheeks..."
Aksel's eyes light up when he hears her playful banter. 
Then Ember's cheeks blush a bright pink at the realization of 
her calling him sweet cheeks. Their conversation went from 
friendly banter to flirty in a snap. Aksel playfully tries to 
snatch her phone. As much as she'd love a selfie with 
him she's never gonna admit it.

*Ember laughing* "Aksel...Don't!....Stop it..."
Ember can't stop giggling, it feels good to finally let her guard down a bit. Aksel is definitely a good mixture of a gentlemen and a flirt. 
Plus his left hand is firmly gripped around her waist holding her in place, the touch is making her extremely giddy...
While his right hand battles for her phone.

*Aksel* "Don't stop...eh?...I could do this all day sweet cheeks...In the end
 you'll always end up like this right where I want you..."
Ember swallows hard as her body goes tense and her eyes get wide, betraying her yet again. Aksel knows it too. The thought of her and him entangled together sends a wave of heat down to her belly. Aksel takes that moment to swipe the phone out of her hand. He slides her in close and snaps a selfie with her...It all happened so fast she hardly had time to react.

✨✨CLICK!✨✨

⟽Monday: Christmas Eve⟾

After yesterday's hijinks and playfulness Ember has loosed up a lot more and so has Aksel, they have increasingly become much more comfortable with each other. They both sense the sexual tension that has built up between them and Aksel has already admitted to being attracted to her. She never sent that pic to Brady. In fact she couldn't bring herself to texting him back. She decided she'll text him on Christmas Day...
 Aksel and Ember sit on the bed and play the card game, Speed. Aksel is showing her the ropes, it's an easy game and it's fun to play.
 Anything to help pass the time. 

*Ember* "Wait a sec! Did you just put more than one card down?!..."
*Aksel* "What'd ya mean?...."
*Ember* "I saw you, Aksel! You put two cards down at one
 time! That's cheating..."
*Aksel smirks* "No I didn't..."

*Ember raising an eyebrow* "Yes you did...I'm onto you now..."

*Aksel* "I don't know what you're talking about, sweet cheeks...I'm a straight shooter."
Ember gives him a very skeptical look as 

Aksel slides out a card or two from the stack
 in his other hand....

*Aksel* "Now let's get back to the game so I can beat you again."
*Ember* "You mean so I can beat you again...Hey did
you just swipe 2 cards again?!..."
Aksel holds the cards in his hand up and 
away from Ember.

*Aksel trying not to laugh* "No...."
*Ember* "Yes you do! Lemme see."
*Aksel* "You can't look at my cards, now you're cheating."
*Ember* "Not if I accuse you of cheating first..."
Then Ember lunges forward trying to swipe the multiple 
cards she knows he is holding in his hands, as Aksel laughs.
 She is so opposite of Cambria.

*Aksel* "Whoa, what?...settle down sweet cheeks, it's just a card game."
The two quickly find themselves again a playful game of tug o war. Ember tries to grab at the cards while Aksel tries to deflect her attack.
*Ember* "Why don't you just admit you're a cheater..."
*Aksel* "Why don't you admit first you like that I'm a cheater..."
*Ember* "Huh?!..."
Aksel grabs her wrist and yanks her in closer...
Their faces now inches apart.

*Aksel* "I know you heard me sweet cheeks..."
*Ember* "Yeah, so? Still why would I admit that?..."
*Aksel* "Because sweet girls like you always want the bad boys like me."
*Ember* "Aksel...You...You're not a bad b..guy..."
Then Aksel's eyes get a deeper, darker blue as 
he stares up at Ember. 

*Aksel* "Yes I am."

Aksel then suddenly as those words barely left his own lips, lifts his head up off the bed and presses his lips to hers. Kissing Ember softly but firmly with a strong pull of desire emanating from it. 
Letting her know the bad boys like those sweet girls too...

Ember is so completely stunned by his strong advances, her first reaction is to pull away. She can't do this with him, her best friend's older brother. Even if Cambria is okay with it. Aksel is way older than her, more experienced than her, and he can easily have any girl he wants. There is no way he's really into her.

*Ember* "Aksel stop...."
*Aksel* "What's wrong?..."
*Ember* "I'm flattered really I am...but why me, Aksel? Just because we're stuck
here in this cabin together doesn't mean we have to...um you know."

*Aksel* "If Cam has ever told you an inkling of truth about me then you
know I don't just go around fucking anyone I want...I'm not that kind of rock star, sweet heart."
*Ember* "Yeah I know, but I'm not what you want."
Aksel can hear the lack of confidence in her voice. It's obvious she is not as experienced in these matters and it's making her self conscious...But the burning desire is there.

*Aksel* "How do you know you're not what I want?..."
*Ember* "Because I'm not some hot experienced super model."
*Aksel* "I don't care about that. And for the record you are hot. Sexy as fuck, hot."
*Ember blushes at his compliment* "Aksel..."
Aksel pushes up and begins to reposition 
himself over her...

*Aksel* "I'm serious Ember. I don't just go around fucking anyone. I want the whole package: beauty and brains, compassion and charisma. When it comes to those things you hold all of them. If you still don't want to I understand, but you can't deny there is something going on here between us..."
Aksel begins to get up off of the bed. He will never force himself on any woman. If Ember is not feeling the same way then that's okay. He respects her choice. Aksel always wants the feelings to be mutual.

*Ember* "Aksel wait...I do want you but I don't know if my feelings are in the right place."
*Aksel* "What do you mean?..."
*Ember* "I...I mean I've always had a crush on you, but I think it's more of
fangirl thing. I don't want to be with you either just because of that reason."
*Aksel* "You're over thinking things sweet cheeks, think about what is
happening here right now between us...Even if we only get this one moment together it's
 something I will cherish from here on out, whether we have sex or not."

Ember melts at the confession of his feelings and how spending time here with her is what has been important to him. Cambria was right her brother is a special breed of rock and roll, rock star. He has a way with words and it shows, in his music and here right now.
*Ember* "You had me at sweet cheeks..."
*Aksel* "Huh?..."
*Ember* "I mean yes, I want you too..."
*Aksel* "So you're done over thinking this?..."

Ember smiles and nods. Aksel smiles down at her then 
reaches back over his head to take off his shirt. Then he leans down over her cupping her head in his hands as he stares 
down into her big grey-blue eyes...

*Aksel* "Don't worry sweet cheeks, we're gonna take things nice
and slow, just follow my lead..."
If you would like to read Aksel and Ember's love 
scene it can be read here
OSA~Afterdark
Or continue to read on for the remainder of the story.

⟽Tuesday: Christmas Morning⟾

Aksel and Ember lay cozied up in bed under the warm sheets and blankets. The room is completely littered with their clothes, some of the pillows, and the playing cards that were on the bed last night, before their plans changed on how they spent the remainder of Christmas Eve. Aksel has his phone out and they are checking on the weather to 
make sure the roads are safe to travel.

*Aksel* "It's a fucking Christmas miracle, sweet cheeks. Roads are safe to travel again."
*Ember* "Really?!..."
*Aksel* "Yeah, which means we can head out to the other cabin and
 spend Christmas with Cam and the other two girls."
Ember feels a little sad, part of her would rather stay
 here under the warm sheets next Aksel, but she
 knows that is not an option.

*Ember* "That's wonderful news..."
*Aksel* "It is. I know Cam has missed you terribly..."
Ember thinks has she really?! I wouldn't be here in this
 cabin if it wasn't for her little white lie. 

*Ember* "I have a confession to make...."
*Aksel a bit unsure where this is going* "Oh-kay...."
*Ember* "Cam sent me to your cabin on purpose. I think
she wanted us to hook up."
She feels so relieved to have that off her chest. Aksel smiles, 
looking the least bit surprised. His voice deep 
and sultry as he replies back to her.

*Aksel* "I know. This is not the first time she's ever tried something
 like this. Only this time it worked..."
*Ember* "Are you serious?"
*Aksel nods* "Yes, just do me a favor. Please don't tell Cam. The last
thing I need is for her to get all match maker on me..."
*Ember stutters* "Oh..uh...ye...yeah...I...I didn't plan on telling her anyways."
*Aksel smiles* "Good...you can stay my dirty little secret."
Ember goes flush as the memory of last night comes back she kicks
 off the bed sheets as she looks around the room.

 *Ember* "Um...I guess I should clean up, the place looks like a tornado hit...
And we still need to get ready to leave.
Aksel slides his strong fingers up the back of Embers neck and through her hair. His touch still sending aftershocks through her body. She turns her head to look down at him. He's got that look on his face, again. Then suddenly Aksel pulls her up on top of his chest.

*Aksel* "I'll clean up..."
*Ember* "I don't mind doing it."
*Aksel* "No, you don't..."
Aksel smirks, do it they did last night, his hand moves across
 her body. He is not letting her get out of this bed till he 
has her one last time.

*Aksel* "I need one more for the road, sweet cheeks..."
*Ember* "You're an animal..."
*Aksel* "You're damn right I am, baby..."
A short while later, Aksel tidies up the cabin while Ember takes
 a bath. As he's cleaning up he finds the box of condoms that
 disappeared on him while he was making the bed.

*Aksel* "Now you choose to fucking show yourself..."
Aksel finishes cleaning up then, quietly knocks on the 
bathroom door. Ember is perched on the edge
 of the tub applying body lotion.

*Ember* "I'm sorry do you need the bathroom..."
*Aksel* "No...take your time. Just wanted to give you
 something to remember me by."
Aksel shakes the box, there are only 
a few left in there.

*Ember* "Aksel...Really I don't need anything to help me remember what
happened last night. You made sure of that..."
*Aksel* "I'd give you one of my T's but Cam might fucking notice that...."
*Ember* "How is a half empty box of condoms any better?...She'll be way more suspicious."
Then Aksel sets the box down on the sink vanity. He looks her up and down like he's taking a mental picture of her there in 
that moment and smiles.

*Aksel* "Merry Christmas, sweet cheeks...."
Then he steps back out of the bathroom closing the door behind him. Ember stares at the little blue box. Never in her life has she ever done what happened last night. She always makes a guy wait a little longer. A huge grin slowly begins to creep across her face. He's kinda right...keeping it as a momento is kinda sexy. Then she gasps oh no! What if my mom finds it while she is helping me unpack?

Ember then grabs the box and steps back out into the main room of the cabin. She notices right away that Aksel did an excellent job of cleaning up, but then again he has had years of practice cleaning up after the messy Miss Cambria Madsen.

*Ember* "Wow, you tidied up fast..."
*Aksel* "I got all your clothes laying here on the bed. You just need to pack them away..."
*Ember* "Okay, thank you..."
They both walk towards the center of the the room. 
Ember holding the box of condoms.

*Ember* "You should take these back..."
*Aksel* "What's wrong?...You don't like my gift? I want you to
 remember me, Ember..."
*Ember* "I do! I...I..I mean I will remember you...Aksel, I will never
forget the time we have spent here together. Please just keep these. I don't
 want Cam to get any ideas."

*Aksel* "Yeah...no, you're right...best if I hang onto these. I was stupid to think you should keep them. Besides, Cam is fucking nosy. I know she'll snoop."
*Ember* "She is...And it's not stupid."
Aksel takes the box from her grasp. Ember's arms find their 
way up and over Aksel's shoulders as he pulls her in closer. 
The two stare at each other for a moment...

*Ember* "Besides, I still have that selfie you snapped of us...."
*Aksel* "Oh yeah!....Did you ever send it..."
*Ember* "No! I told you I can't do that. Brady is a sweet guy..."
*Aksel* "But what about our bet sweet cheeks?..."
*Ember smirks* "I think that's kinda null and void after the 
things you did to me last night."
Aksel's blue eyes light up and he smiles. Ember is
 so beautiful inside and out.

*Aksel* "I told you I would fucking ruin you...."
Then he dips his head down to hers for one last kiss. Ember quickly  wraps her arms up around his neck and kisses him back with a passion. She doesn't want it to end. This will probably very will be the last moment they ever have like this. 

Ember never wants to forget it either. This whole experience and time she has spent here she will never, ever forget it. She hangs on as long as she can but Aksel begins to pull away ending the very last kiss for both of them. He keeps her close and kisses her forehead softly...

*Aksel* "Don't worry sweet cheeks, one day you'll find a man who loves as hard as me and can fucking commit too....Don't ever accept anything less. Promise me."
*Ember* "I promise..."

The End!
And don't forget....Please go check out Mandee's blog for the remainder of our crossover story.
Click here to take you there now!

Mandee's Blog

And as always thank you all so much for tuning in and taking the time to read. You all really do make this hobby so much better with you support and your enthusiasm of my work. 
Thank you all so very much!
Merry Christmas!