No way she was going to put her problems on the woman who was ill.
“I’m fine,” she said in a bright voice. If things weren’t great, just fake it, right?
Because that worked out well for her in the past.
“I’ll call later and check on you. If you change your mind about the soup just let me know,” Sunny told her.
“Thanks. Bye, honey.”
Feeling like she should stay but knowing she couldn’t exactly force Jewel to open her door, Sunny headed back towards her car in the parking lot.
She wasn’t sure if she wanted to stay for Jewel. Or for her.
It was only ten in the morning. She didn’t have to be at work until four. She was supposed to be getting the majority of her Christmas shopping done today. Duke wasn’t big on shopping.
Truth was, neither was Sunny. Not now anyway.
She drove to the closest mall and sat in her car, staring out. People quickly left their cars and rushed towards the doors and the warmth inside. Still, she sat there.
A knot of dread sat in her stomach. She couldn’t move.
Call Duke.
Maybe it would help her nerves. Maybe he’d forbid her to go into the mall on her own.
Either way, she won.
She got out her phone. The call went straight to voicemail. Well, shoot. He’d told her he had something to do today. She wasn’t sure why he’d have his phone off though.
Truth was, Duke was being kind of secretive lately. She wasn’t sure if it was a Christmas thing. Could be he was just trying to keep her gift from her. But it felt like it was more than that. He was working a lot too.
It doesn’t mean anything.
If she didn’t know better, she’d wonder if he had someone else. But this was Duke. He’d never cheat on her.
He loves me.
Right. Time to find some courage and get out of the car and into the mall.
“You can do this, Sunny,” she muttered to herself.
Once she was in the mall, she’d be fine. It was the getting to and from her car that was the issue. That’s why she’d hoped Jewel would come with her. Having someone by her side kept the panic at bay.
She climbed out of the car and locked it.
One step at a time.
She felt her heart race and despite the cool air, sweat gathered on her back. This wasn’t the same mall she’d been at when she was kidnapped by Forrest’s goons so they could use her to get to Betsy.
But her body didn’t seem to care about that fact.
You need to tell Duke about this.
She knew she should. But she’d been hoping it would get magically better.
“Yeah, that’s worked, Sunny,” she muttered to herself as she prepared to race inside. What she needed was Millie’s pepper spray. She should ask her where to get some.
“Go. Now.”
She ran towards the mall, her heart thundering, stomach clenched tight. She slid on a slippery patch of ice and nearly went careening on her ass.
Fudge!
Someone grabbed her arm, hauling her up.
A scream erupted and she turned, ready to fight.
Only to come face to face with Santa.
“Not the real Santa, of course,” she muttered through heaving breaths. It felt as though she’d run a marathon. Her legs trembled, her heart pounded and she swayed, feeling light-headed.
Air. She couldn’t get enough air.
“Easy,” a low gruff voice said. “Breathe.”
To her shock, he placed his glove-clad hand on her chest. But instead of feeling weirded out or uncomfortable, calmness overtook her.
Her breathing slowed. Her heart no longer felt like it was going to leap through her chest.
“Good.”
What a deep voice. She peered up at him, but it was hard to make out anything about him but his eyes, which were a kind of murky blue. Nothing that would stand out. His skin was lightly tanned, a few lines around his eyes although she had a feeling he wasn’t that old.
The way he’d grabbed her, half-lifting her, told her that he was strong despite his round stomach. That could be part of the costume, however.
“Come.”
Seemed he was a man of few words. Maybe he was tired from talking all day to kids. That could be it.
He gently led her into the mall. A few people gave them strange looks, but no one commented.
“Um, thanks for helping me. I appreciate it. But I’m gonna go now.”
“Come.” He tugged her forward.
“I really have to go do my shopping.”
He continued to pull her along.
“I’m meeting a friend. She’ll be looking for me.”
He didn’t reply.
“I have pepper spray in my bag and I’m not afraid of using it.”
Although it seemed kind of wrong to pepper spray Santa.
You don’t even have pepper spray. And he’s not actually Santa.
He led her to a coffee shop. Relief flooded her. He was just being a good Samaritan. Now, she felt really bad about threatening him with pepper spray.
“Want a coffee?” he asked.
“Oh, yes, but I’ll buy it.” It would make her feel better for threatening to pepper spray him. “What would you like?”
“Pumpkin spice latte.”
She ordered while he found a table. People gave him some odd looks but no one approached him. When she had their coffees, she shuffled over to the table he’d snagged.
“For some reason, I didn’t think you’d be a pumpkin spice drinker,” she said as she sat and handed him the large coffee. There was something vaguely familiar about him, but she couldn’t figure it out. And it wasn’t like she could see much of his face with that huge white beard. How was he going to drink a coffee with that on?
He took a big sip. “Don’t get them back home.”
She had to grin at that. “No Starbucks in the North Pole, huh?”
“Nope. And the elves broke my coffee machine.”
She gasped. “How dare they! Although I never realized Santa drank coffee. I thought he’d be a hot cocoa fan.”
“I’m sweet enough. Have you been a good little girl?”
“I’m not so little, but I think I’ve been pretty good.”
“Hmm, only pretty good? Can’t be perfect all the time, I guess.”
Sighing, she looked around. “Sometimes it would be nice to be perfect, don’t you think? To never make mistakes? Never hurt anyone you loved. Never have to keep secrets or tell lies.”
“You hurt someone? Or did someone hurt you?” he asked.
“Neither,” she said. “I know that life can’t be perfect, it’s just a silly dream. You know, I used to be scared of Santa as a kid.”
He raised an eyebrow. They were gray and bushy. Fake? Or was he older than he seemed?
“That so?”
“My mother would tell me that Santa liked to kidnap naughty children and take them to the north pole to use as his slaves. So I was always terrified when I saw Santa in the malls and on TV.”
He stared at her. “That’s an odd thing for your mother to tell you.”
“I know.”
“You know you shouldn’t run on ice, you could hurt yourself.”
“Sorry,” she said. “I’m kind of scared of malls.”
He made a humming noise as though to encourage her to talk.
“See, I was kidnapped outside a mall not long ago. These assholes wanted to use me to get to a friend. And I’m having some issues. I’m all right once I’m inside the mall, but getting to and from my car is a problem.”
“You talked to anyone? Boyfriend?”
“No, I haven’t told him.”
“You should.”
Great. Now Santa was lecturing her.
“It’s not that big of a deal. So I get a bit panicky. It’s only when I’m alone. I just need to bring someone with me.” She looked at her watch. “I better get going. I should let you get back to work. Are y
ou on a break?”
“Santa never takes breaks.”
It was cute how much he took this gig seriously. “It was nice talking to you, Santa.”
“Just remember, naughty boys and girls who lie and keep secrets get coal in their stockings.”
“Oh, I’d never do that, Santa. I’m a good girl.”
As she was shopping, she saw a sign for Santa’s grotto. She headed over to catch a glimpse and saw a line of children with their parents waiting to visit with a completely different Santa from the one she’d just met.
Huh. Weird.
* * *
Three hours later, she pulled up outside the Ink Inc and walked inside. Her gifts were safely stashed inside the trunk of her car. She was glad she’d managed to get through all her shopping today. That meant she wouldn’t have to go back.
“Hey, Sunny.”
She smiled at the guy Duke had hired to replace Rory. Jordie was young and energetic and fun. A huge change from that asshole, Rory.
“Thanks for opening up,” she told him.
“No probs. My first client isn’t due to arrive for another thirty, why don’t you go have a coffee? The boss is just finishing up with a client.”
After stashing her bag in the locker, Sunny grabbed a coffee and sat with a sigh of relief. She was adding creamer to a second cup when someone slid an arm around her waist.
“Careful,” she whispered. “My boyfriend is around. We don’t want him walking in and seeing us.”
“Your what?” Duke spun her, scowling.
She had to bite her lip to hold in a giggle at his outrage.
“What did you just say, Sunshine River Bright?”
“Nothing,” she sang.
“Do you need a reminder of who you belong to?”
Her eyes widened at the dark note in his voice. “It was just a joke.”
“Not a funny one.”
He pulled her away from the counter then bent and tossed her over his shoulder.
“Duke!” She slapped his backside with the palm of her hand. “I have to get out to the front desk. You know it was a joke.”
She couldn’t believe that backfired on her.
Then again, did it? She wanted his attention, right? Well, this was one way of getting it . . . maybe subconsciously she’d been hoping he would go all caveman on her.
Instead of moving into his office, he carried her out to the front desk.
“Hey, boss, see you caught yourself a live one.”
She gasped as she realized that Jordy was getting a prime view of her ass as she hung over Duke’s shoulder.
“Duke, put me down!” She attempted to wriggle off his shoulder and he slapped her ass.
“Sure did. Sunny’s gonna be another fifteen minutes. Can you listen for the buzzer?” When the front door opened, it buzzed out the back loud enough for the guys to hear.
“No problem. You two have fun.” There was a definite smirk in Jordy’s voice.
Urgh. She was gonna kill Duke. She attempted to shove herself off his shoulder again.
Whack!
“Stay still. You brought this on yourself.”
“I was teasing!”
“Joking about having another man is never funny.” He walked into his office, locking the door behind him then pulling the curtains over the window before he put her down on her feet, holding her steady.
“Darn it, Duke! You can’t do that at work.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and glared down at her. “I’m the boss, I can do what I like.” Stepping forward, he crowded her against the desk.
Her breath came in harsh pants. Excitement flooded her.
Cupping the side of her face, he kissed her. Harsh. Hard. Hot. Reaching under her sweater and T-shirt, he squeezed her breast.
“Fuck. Me.”
She wished she could. She really did.
“We can’t. We’re at work. Someone might hear us. I need to get to work. Your next client will be here soon.”
“I’m the fucking boss.”
Yes. Yes, he was.
“And if you didn’t want to pay the price, then you shouldn’t have dared the beast.”
Oh. Hell.
His thumb brushed over her nipple. With his other hand, he undid her jeans. Then he drew her off the desk and dragged her jeans down, cupping her pussy through her panties. Suddenly he turned her, bending her over his desk.
“Duke!” she whisper-yelled.
“Like I said, little rebel. Tease the beast, be prepared for consequences.” He slapped his hand down on her ass. Once. Twice.
Sugar! Ouch. He wasn’t holding back. Those were some strong smacks. Two more landed before he slid a finger under her panties, running it along her slickened lips to her clit. He slipped the tip of his finger over the swollen nub.
Once. Twice.
She had to muffle her groan against her arm. His fingers withdrew. He grabbed her panties, dragging them down to mid-thigh. Two more smacks. Then he pushed his finger deep inside her. Back and forth. More moaning. More smacks.
This continued for so long that her legs started trembling, her entire body was tight with pent-up need. And she kept forgetting to muffle her moans.
Another four smacks. Her ass was hot by now. Stinging.
“Come here.” He helped her stand. Turning her, he redressed her while she stood there, swaying, confused.
“But . . . but . . .”
He kissed her lightly.
“I didn’t come!”
“Yeah, that should keep your mind occupied and out of trouble.”
“I never get in trouble!”
He gave her a disbelieving look.
“This is so not cool,” she complained.
He just grinned and pulled her close. “Aww, poor Sunny. Does she need to come?”
“Yes.”
“Does she have a hot bottom?”
“Yes.”
“Is Daddy a big meanie?”
“Yes!”
“Do you still love him?” he asked.
She slumped into him. “Of course I do.”
He gently rubbed her ass. “This will just build the anticipation. When we get home, I’m gonna lay you out on the bed and eat you out until you forget your own name. Then I’m gonna fuck you until you can’t breathe.”
Well, okay then.
She couldn’t argue with that.
“Think you can wait for that? Or would you rather have two minutes of fun now?” he drawled.
Darn it. He’d trapped her nicely.
She sighed dramatically. “I suppose I’ll wait. Don’t know how I’m supposed to sit, though.”
“Punishment for teasing me. Now, get to work before your boss fires you.”
“He is a hard ass.”
Turning, he slapped her ass.
At the door, she swung back and looked at him. “Duke?”
“Yeah, little rebel?”
“Could we maybe talk tomorrow?” Not tonight, since they had other plans.
“Course, baby girl. Everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine. Just want to talk.”
She knew she’d feel much better once she got everything off her chest.
5
Abby and Kent
8th December
Abby Reynold was miserable.
Tired. Sick. Sad.
And it was totally unfair. It was Christmas. Her favorite time of year. And she could barely summon the energy to decorate. Less than three weeks until Christmas and they didn’t even have a tree.
“Abby!”
Oh drat.
Kent was home early. She needed to get off the bed before he came in and started fussing. He knew she wasn’t herself, but she’d hidden how bad she was really feeling from him. She didn’t want him to worry.
“Abby? Where are you?”
“I’m in the bedroom. I’ll come down!” she called back.
“I have a surprise for you.”
Ooh. A surprise. That made
her Little bounce with excitement. Although she wished she had the energy to actually bounce. She made her way slowly down the stairs. She was kind of light-headed, but every time she went to eat, she felt nauseous. So she’d been sticking to drinking Sprite and eating dry crackers.
“What’s my surprise . . . oh.” She smiled as she saw the most beautiful tree standing in the corner of the living room. “You got a Christmas tree.”
“Course I did. Surprised you didn’t have me out chopping it down weeks ago.” Kent winked at her.
She grinned back.
“So does it meet with your approval?” He then stepped away, staring at it critically.
“It does. It’s gorgeous.” She sniffled. Tears ran down her cheeks.
“Hey, what’s this?” Kent turned to her, looking alarmed. “It wasn’t supposed to make you cry. What’s wrong, little one?”
“It . . . it’s nothing.” What was wrong with her? Seriously? This should make her happy, not sad.
“Hey. Hey.” He scooped her up into his arms and then sat with her on his lap on the couch. “Talk to me. What is it?”
“I just . . . I haven’t even done my Christmas shopping. Nothing is wrapped. I haven’t started baking. And there are no decorations up. We only just got a tree and I don’t even have the energy to decorate it. What’s wrong with me?” It had to be something terrible. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She went into Christmas overload.
He frowned as he stared down at her. “I knew you still weren’t feeling right. Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I didn’t want you to worry.”
“That’s not your decision to make, is it?” he scolded.
“No, Daddy.”
“It’s not your job to decide what Daddy should worry about. Your job is to tell Daddy when you’re not feeling well. Or if you’re worried. Or stressed. My job is to take care of my little one and I can’t do that if she holds things back from me.”
“I’m sorry, Daddy.”
“Your little tush is going to be sorry once you’re feeling better. I’ll go call Doc.”
Her eyes widened. “I don’t need to see Doc.”
“Yes, you do. You surely can’t still be tired from doing too much for Charlie and Clint’s wedding. There’s something else going on here. And I should have been paying closer attention to see it.” She could hear the self-reproach in his voice. “I haven’t been taking good enough care of you.”
A Little Christmas Cheer Page 4