Shattered Tears

Chapter Two

As the sun began to rise on Christmas morning, its golden rays peeked through the thin curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Lizabeth and Conroy stirred from their slumber in the cozy cocoon of their bed, not wanting to leave the comfort and safety they felt in each other's arms. But the anticipation of spending Christmas with family motivated them to finally get up. The inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted into the room, tantalizing their senses and promising a comforting start to the day

The soft rustling of sheets woke Lizabeth from her slumber. Groggily, she opened her eyes to see Conroy's tousled hair illuminated by the early morning sunlight streaming through the window. His voice still thick with sleep, he spoke with a lazy smile on his face. The warmth in his half-closed eyes made her heart flutter. "Are you ready for the best day of the year?" he asked playfully. Lizabeth couldn't help but laugh as she stretched beneath the covers. "I think I'm always ready for Christmas with your family," he continued, rolling over to face her. She took in the sight of him: the way his crooked smile lit up his face and how his messy hair seemed to glow like a halo in the light. "Just maybe not the early mornings."

Lizabeth let out a high-pitched giggle, nudging him playfully with her elbow. "It's part of the charm!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with childish excitement. 

Swinging her legs over the edge of the creaky wooden bed, Lizabeth couldn't help but feel a sense of holiday joy wash over her. The cold floor beneath her feet awakened her senses and she couldn't resist taking a deep breath in, savoring the familiar scent of home. Conroy followed suit, his hand reaching for hers as they made their way to the kitchen. 

In the chaotic kitchen, half-packed suitcases lay haphazardly by the doorway, winter coats and scarves thrown over chairs, and hastily wrapped gifts piled on the counter. But in the midst of all this commotion, they found moments of intimacy. As she reached down to place a box by the door, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him. His calloused fingers traced up her arm, and with no need for words, he kissed her tenderly, savoring the brief respite from their frantic preparations for her mother's visit.

Lizabeth's heart raced, and for a fleeting instant, they were frozen in time amidst the chaos of their busy lives, their bodies melded together in a fiery embrace. His hands on her back sent shivers down her spine, and she struggled to catch her breath. They reluctantly broke apart, both wearing lopsided grins at the intoxicating interruption.

The soft light from the kitchen cast a golden glow on Lizabeth's face as she curled up in her sweater, pouring herself another cup of coffee. Conroy couldn't take his eyes off her, mesmerized by the way her hair fell in cascading waves and the way her lips curved into a coy smile. As they paused in their preparations for the trip, their unspoken desires hung heavy in the air between them. His hand grazed her thigh under the table, igniting a tingling sensation throughout her body.

Her breath hitched as she released a gentle moan.

"We could stay here," Conroy suggested huskily, his hand tracing the curves of her body.

She shook her head, "My parents are waiting for us."

Conroy's smile turned into a mischievous grin, "Then we'll just have to continue this later," I promised with a suggestive wink.

"Do you think it's safe to drive on these roads?" Conroy asked, changing the subject as Lizabeth peered out the window at the steadily falling snow. The soft white flakes danced in the chilly winter air, transforming the streets into a picturesque scene. She couldn't help but admire how the snow sparkled under the morning light.

Turning to face him she noticed the worry lines etched into his forehead, mirroring her own nervousness. "It is coming down more then the weather report said." Lizabeth whispered, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "But we can handle this. It's Christmas, and my parents are excited to see us."