He itched to throw himself in Nick’s arms once they reached the freezing storeroom, the cold air a relief after the sweltering heat of the mall. Yet he held back, watching Nick stretch his spine, his hands on his lower back and fake belly sticking out.
“Thank Christ that’s over,” Nick muttered.
“Yeah.” But what about us? Nick hadn’t said anything to make Hunter think he wanted to call it off—whatever it was—but Hunter’s mind had spun all day, taking a little thread of doubt and whirling it into a massive ball of uncertainty that now lodged in his chest.
As Nick struggled to unhook the white beard, Hunter hurried over, his heart pounding. “Here.” He went up on his tiptoes, déjà vu washing over him as Nick’s big hands came around his waist to steady him.
As Hunter unhooked the beard and freed him from it, Nick murmured, “Thanks.”
Still holding the beard, Hunter didn’t move away, gazing up at Nick, who watched him with a little frown. Was he being crazy? He should just kiss him and—
John bustled into the storeroom, and Hunter tripped away from Nick, his heart thumping rapidly. “Hi!” he practically yelled.
John burst out laughing. “Don’t worry, kid. I can handle a little PDA. He grinned. “I knew sparks were flying from the first day you two met. And don’t give me that look, Nick. Let me enjoy being right.”
Hunter tried to laugh. “I’m just not used to…” Fidgety and self-conscious, he stared at the bells on his shoes.
“It’s all right.” Nick smoothed a hand over Hunter’s back and gently squeezed the back of his neck.
Hunter exhaled, the tension easing. “Okay.”
He wouldn’t do that if he didn’t like me anymore. Right?
“This is really nice to see.” John beamed at them. “Really nice. You two make a great couple.”
“All right, all right,” Nick groused, but he was almost smiling as he unbuttoned his Santa jacket to pull out the padding.
Hunter’s heart leapt. A couple. Was that what they were? It was still too soon to really say, right? God, he had missed Nick desperately the night before. It was ridiculous since he’d slept alone his whole life, but his bed had seemed so cold and empty.
When he’d spent the nights at the farm, Nick’s big body had curled around him, warm and comforting. Even when they’d shifted during sleep, Nick had always seemed to end up with an arm over Hunter’s waist or nuzzling him close.
Had Nick missed him as much? The worry returned full force, despite Hunter’s best efforts to chill the eff out. Maybe Nick had been relieved to sleep alone again. He’d told Hunter not to masturbate last night, implying that they’d be together again Sunday night. Hunter had totally disobeyed, the urge to think of Nick and get off simply too strong. But perhaps he’d also assumed too much?
Maybe Nick had had his fill, and now that they were finished with their duties at Santa’s Village, this would be it. Maybe—
“What’s wrong?” Nick asked, brow creased as he reached out to take hold of Hunter’s shoulder.
“Nothing!” Hunter answered too quickly.
Nick’s frown deepened, but he let go, and they both turned as John swore under his breath. Nick asked him, “Everything okay?”
John sighed. “I was hoping we’d be able to use the basement over at St. Mary’s on Tuesday afternoon, but they’re booked with childcare since the kids are out of school. We had plans for Toys and Turkeys to do a charity lunch: buy a hot dog and give a family a turkey this Christmas, but the original venue fell through. We’ve had all the food and soft drinks donated, but we need a big enough space. Thursday’s Christmas Eve, so we planned a big final push for fundraising Tuesday to buy out what’s left in the stores and get everything delivered. It’ll be good for the local businesses too.”
“The mall’s already half empty,” Nick said. “Why not here?”
John scowled. “Red tape with the property management office. I’d have to get a permit. There’s no time for that.”
The perfect solution popped into Hunter’s mind, and he shoved away his worry about his relationship with Nick to focus on it. “Could you do it outside? You know, a winter wonderland thing? Hot chocolate and snowman-making contests. Crafts for the kids?” He glanced at Nick. “Maybe do a raffle, and the winner gets to cut down their own tree?”
Nick jolted at that, narrowing his gaze on Hunter. “No. Forget it.”
“Why not? You have the space and the most winter-wonderland location possible. I know most people will already have their trees, but some leave it until the last minute, so the raffle could be a big hit. And I bet people would come from all over for a one-day-only holiday charity extravaganza on a Christmas tree farm.”
“Yes,” Nick agreed sourly. “The key word there being people.” He looked to John, who grinned. “No.”
Hunter sighed dramatically, raising and then dropping his shoulders. “I guess the needy kids won’t get toys or turkey on Christmas. Sucks to be them.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Nick grumbled.
Trying not to grin, Hunter promised, “It’ll be awesome. I’ll plan it, and you don’t have to do anything.” And he would have an excuse to go back to the farm, one way or the other.
“Woo-hoo!” John high-fived Hunter. “Strong work, kid. This Grinch doesn’t stand a chance with you around.” He tapped his phone. “Okay, I’ve got to run now, but let’s talk tomorrow and brainstorm activities.” He winked at Nick. “Like he said, Hunter and I will work it all out, and you won’t have to worry your pretty head about it.”
Nick pressed his lips together. “I suggest you leave before I change my mind.”
John backed away, his hands in the air. “I’m already gone. Security will be here in a few hours to make the rounds, but for now you’re the only people left. When you go, make sure this door locks behind you, okay?” He pressed the metal bar on the storeroom door to the back parking lot, a gust of arctic air blowing in. “Toodles!”
“How did I just get talked into that?” Nick muttered.
Hunter almost said something cheeky about how Nick couldn’t resist him, but doubt bit his tongue. What if Nick really was pissed? And was Hunter going back with him to the farm? Had he overstepped?
“What’s wrong? You got your way—you should be thrilled.” Having stripped down to his white undershirt, still wearing the Santa pants and boots, Nick looked just as he had when Hunter had first seen him.
Ignoring the bolt of lust, Hunter removed his green hat, his sweaty hair probably sticking up all over. He toyed with the hat’s fuzzy white pom-pom. “Just wondering…. Am I coming back with you to the farm tonight? I mean, most of the work is done, right? So I wasn’t sure if you wanted…”
There was only silence, and Hunter had to look up, his heart in his throat. Nick stared at him, his hands held up to his sides, puzzlement plain in his expression. Shaking his head, he said, “I thought we talked about it? You said you should spend a night at home, and then I assumed you’d be coming back.” Something flickered across his face, his brow furrowing. “But if you don’t want to…”
“I want to!” Hunter exclaimed too eagerly. He huffed out an embarrassed laugh. “I’m not very good at playing it cool, as you can tell. I really want to come back. You just never said it explicitly?”
A small smile tugged on Nick’s lips. “So then you started getting in your own way.”
Hunter had to laugh. “Exactly.”
Nick closed the few feet between them, taking Hunter’s face in his rough hands and kissing him soundly. Exhaling as they parted, Hunter looped his arms around Nick’s broad back, grinning.
He likes me. He still likes me.
Nick said, “Since we’re having Christmas dinner at John and Desmond’s with your mother, I assumed it was clear that we’re… Well, that we’re continuing.” He reached up to smooth a hand over Hunter’s damp hair. “At least, I’d really like to continue. See where this goes.” He grimaced. “I know you’re going ba
ck to the city in January, but until then…”
“Uh-huh?” Hunter leaned into his touch. The thought of going back to Toronto filled him with dread, and he focused on Nick. The future could wait.
“Until then, I want to be with you as much as possible. Is that explicit enough?” Then he whispered in Hunter’s ear with a warm puff, “I’ll be more explicit from now on. Very explicit.”
Shuddering, Hunter pressed against him. “That sounds good. Really good. So…” He peered up at Nick. “This is a thing? Between us? You’re not sick of me or anything?”
Nick regarded him seriously. “Not at all. I missed you last night.” He laughed softly, like he was surprised by it. “House felt too quiet. Poor Ella is bereft.”
“Awww.” His heart swelled. “I can’t wait to see her. And I missed you too. I couldn’t get to sleep missing you, so I had to—” He broke off, biting his lip.
Nick’s dark eyebrows rose. “You had to what? Were you a bad boy, Hunter?”
Swallowing hard, he nodded. “I missed you so much. I couldn’t resist.”
“Mmm. But I told you not to touch yourself. How naughty of you.” He ran a hand over Hunter’s ass, not squeezing or slapping, but with…intent.
Desire firing through him, Hunter whispered, “I’m sorry, Daddy. Let’s go home, and you can punish me.”
Nick blinked, opening his mouth, then closing it. Hunter realized what he’d said—home—and was about to clarify when Nick swooped down and kissed him, taking his breath away with the commanding sweep of his tongue as he lifted Hunter clear off his feet.
Putting him down, both of them breathing hard, Nick muttered, “Yes. Let’s go.” Then he swore. “I forgot my thermos out there.”
“I’ll go with you.” Hunter needed to touch, and he threaded their fingers together as they re-entered the deserted, sweltering mall. He realized it was the first time they’d held hands, and he grinned to himself, loving how big and rough Nick’s hand was, and how secure his grasp.
The bells on Hunter’s elf shoes dinged merrily, echoing as they hurried over the cobblestone brick. The lights were low in the stores that were left, but the strings of Christmas lights still shone around Santa’s Village.
Nick bent by the bench, grabbing the thermos he’d tucked under it. The Santa pants hugged his ass. Standing on the curving candy path, Hunter’s throat went dry. Fuck, Nick was so gorgeous, and Hunter’s dick swelled at the promise of getting to be naked with him again soon. He pressed the heel of his hand against his junk, failing to bite back a little groan.
Turning to him, Nick’s eyes went dark. Predatory. Hunter whipped his hand back, his breath catching. He waited, watching as Nick seemed to consider. Nick’s dark hair was mussed after wearing the Santa hat all day, and the colored fairy lights caught the glints of silver on his head and in his beard. His dark chest hair shadowed the white tank top.
Then Nick’s hands moved to the thick belt holding up the red velvet pants. He unbuckled it, and Hunter’s pulse zoomed. Nick unzipped the pants and sat on the bench at the heart of Santa’s Village, spreading his legs. His black briefs were visible in the V of his open pants, but he didn’t expose himself fully.
“Come here,” he commanded.
Glancing around the narrow strip of the deserted old mall, a thrill sang in Hunter’s veins. John had mentioned the security cameras were broken, at least. “But someone might…”
“Come. Here.” Nick raised an eyebrow. “Good elves obey Santa.”
Hunter giggled nervously, his cock swelling thicker in his tights as he approached, his shoes ringing. He stopped in front of Nick and breathlessly asked, “Do I get to sit on Santa’s lap?”
Nick wordlessly patted his left thigh, and Hunter perched on it, clasping his hands together. His too-short green elf jacket rode up, totally exposing the bulge in his tights.
Nick asked, “Have you been naughty or nice?”
“Um, naughty.” He practically shook with anticipation, blood rushing south.
“Hmm.” Nick spread his hand over Hunter’s lower back, heavy and firm, his gaze focused on Hunter’s with laser precision. “What did you do?”
“I jerked off last night. Thinking of you.”
“Even though I told you not to?”
“Yes,” Hunter breathed, excitement and nerves battling.
“Show me.”
Hunter jolted. “What?” He glanced around. “You mean…here? Now? I can’t!”
“Are you going to be a bad boy and disobey your daddy again?” Nick gripped Hunter’s ass. “I’ll have to spank you.”
“That’s not really incentive to be good,” he blurted.
Nick’s face creased with a smile, and he laughed softly. “Fair point.” He breathed deeply, and his smile faded. “But I think I need to spank you anyway.”
Without any further warning, he lifted Hunter by the waist, his muscular arms flexing as he turned him over his lap. Hunter squawked, scrambling for balance, bracing his hands on the side of the bench, his stupid shoes ringing as he dug in his toes to steady himself.
He sucked in a breath as Nick spread a hand over his ass, waiting until Hunter stopped fidgeting and had himself braced. Then Nick tugged down the tights and Hunter’s boxer briefs to bare his ass.
At least it was warm given the heat of the mall, but Hunter still felt goosebumps spread over his exposed skin. The tights were caught on his junk in the front, tugging on his cock.
He waited, panting already. He dug his blunt nails into the wood of the old bench, staring at the plywood floor, painted in a candy-cane swirl. Was Nick going to say anything else, or was he—
Nick’s palm came down, and Hunter yelped, jerking. It wasn’t super hard—just enough to make a smack in the silence of the mall, the sound making Hunter’s dick swell even more.
“Naughty boy,” Nick chided.
Anticipating the next spank, Hunter held his breath. Then squirmed impatiently, his heart thudding. He whimpered, and Nick soothed his palm over his ass.
“Shh. I’ve got you. You don’t have to worry about anything. Do you trust me?”
Hunter exhaled the breath that had gotten knotted in his throat. “Yes, Daddy.”
“Good boy.”
Nick’s hand slapped down again, and again, alternating cheeks, and Hunter moaned, the anxiety melting, a sweet tension remaining as his arousal intensified. He was uncomfortable sprawled the way he was, yet that added to his pleasure at being under Nick’s power, spread over his lap and held down.
It was perfect.
The smacks on his ass had him crying out, thrusting against Nick’s lap and the answering hardness Hunter felt there. “Oh God,” he groaned. The mix of pain and pleasure whited out his vision, and he squeezed his eyes shut, abandoning himself to it.
“Do you want to come?” Nick asked in a growl.
“Yes!” Hunter humped Nick’s thighs desperately. “Please, Daddy.”
“You were so naughty. I think you have to show me what you did first.”
He opened his eyes, gripping the side of the bench and twisting his neck to look up at Nick. “Huh?”
“Bad boys need to learn their lessons.” With strong hands on Hunter’s hips, Nick lifted and turned him so Hunter sat on both his legs now, with his back against Nick’s chest.
Fully exposed if anyone did appear.
Nick slid his hand over the front of Hunter’s groin where his tights and underwear snagged on his straining cock, cupping him. “Show me,” he ordered.
“Someone could come in! John might come back.”
“Show me how you disobeyed me.” Nick’s tone was steely in his ear. “Push down your tights to your ankles. Spread your legs.”
Holy shit, was he really doing this? Legs shaking, Hunter lifted to pull down his underwear and the damn candy-cane tights to the tops of the black shoes, the bells tinkling. “I… I don’t…” Sweat rolled down his spine under his elf coat in the too-warm air.
It seemed so wro
ng to be doing this in Santa’s Village, with Christmas lights and merry gingerbread and candy decorations around them. The bench where kids had told Santa their wishes. So wrong—which of course made Hunter’s blood run even hotter as he spread his legs as far as he could, his throbbing dick standing free.
“Show me how you touch yourself,” Nick ordered, his teeth grazing Hunter’s earlobe.
Gasping, Hunter wrapped his right hand around his dick, automatically swiping the drops of precum from the tip and easing down his foreskin. “Oh, fuck,” he mumbled.
He was doing it—he was jacking himself in the middle of Treeview Mall, sitting on Nick’s lap in Santa’s Village, Nick’s hard cock nudging his ass.
“Fuck, I’m going to come so hard,” he cried, arching up into his hand, his dick leaking and flushed dark red.
“You’re so beautiful.” Nick’s whisper was hot in Hunter’s ear, his hands rough as he gripped Hunter’s hips. “You were a bad boy, but I’m so proud of you now.”
Sweat dampened Hunter’s neck, and he thought he might burst from the heat—Nick at his back and under him, the hot air of the mall, and the fire blazing through his body, centering on his cock and balls, which drew tight.
“You need it, don’t you, baby?”
“Yes,” he whined. He was so close. He strained, stroking himself faster, his gasps loud.
“Show me how good boys come for their daddies,” Nick ordered.
Whole body tensing, the bells ringing as he flexed his feet and leaned back against Nick, working himself frantically, Hunter’s cries were high and loud. He chased the orgasm that was just beyond reach, suddenly catching it, the pleasure exploding.
Shuddering on a strangled moan, Hunter came all over his green elf coat, spraying himself as white-hot bliss gripped him. It dripped down over his hand, and he milked himself, panting and whimpering as he relaxed, boneless in Nick’s strong grasp.
He was butter against Nick’s chest, which heaved with deep, excited breaths, his cock like stone under Hunter’s ass. Nick picked up Hunter’s sticky right hand, rasping, “Taste yourself.”
Gay Romance Holiday Collection Page 28