She’s quiet for a minute, as if she’s debating on it, but I think her curiosity has overcome the fear. “Okay,” she says softly.
Standing, I get into her personal space. Ever since I saw her faint, I’ve had this overwhelming desire to kiss her. It’s stupid, but for a moment, I thought I’d lose her and it scared me. “Elodie…” her teeth grip her bottom lip and I can’t help myself. Grabbing the back of her neck, I pull her to my body and meld our lips together. A heat I’ve never felt overtakes me and I’m filled with a passion I’ve never encountered before. Elodie has sparked a fire inside me and it’s consuming me now.
“Wow,” she gasps when our mouths finally part.
Chuckling, I can’t help but smile. “Ditto.” What in the world am I doing to myself? Please be who I think you are, Elodie. “Get dressed in something warm. It will be colder than you are used to. I don’t want you to freeze to death or catch a cold.”
“Okay, but don’t be surprised if I pass out again. This is a lot to take in.” Her shoulders rise and fall as she shrugs, making her already perky tits bounce and my already hard cock ache. This is going to be so much fun.
I nod, quickly exiting the room and thinking about anything but the woman who just turned my whole world on its axis with just a single kiss. I’m really fucking screwed now.
Dad has a knowing grin on his overly bright face. The man has a constant blush on his cheeks. I’m beginning to wonder if it’s because he’s wind chapped. There is no way a man can be that cheery all the time. “I think Elodie is going to fit in wonderfully around here, son.”
“So do I, Dad. I don’t know why I didn’t see it sooner.” Sighing, I run my fingers through my thick brown hair, which I seem to have gotten from Dad, before his turned white. The only one that inherited my great-great-great-grandfather’s red hair was my grandfather.
Dad’s chuckle fills my ears before his words do. “Well, it kind of hits us all. I fought it with your mother, too. Eventually, I opened my own blind eyes and I found the greatest blessing God had ever laid on me. Without your mother, the magic would have died with me. But the moment she walked into my life, I knew I would be happy forever.”
Shaking my head, I look him in the eyes. “So, that’s how you keep the magic? By happiness?”
“Not exactly.” He stands, his black suspenders hanging a little bit because he hasn’t gained all the weight back to fit into his suit this year. “You keep the magic by remembering why we do this. It’s not about the gifts, even if other people think so. Of course, I don’t want anyone to not have something under his or her Christmas tree at the end of the night, but I do it because I want to spread the cheer. I want people to smile and be happy, and for a moment in time, they can forget about the horrible things that aren’t going right.”
This is the man that I strive to be like, but my father has huge boots to fill. And I don’t mean in size, even though you could say that as well. He still has about ten years of being Santa left in him, but I have to start transitioning into it. What will I do about being the big fat guy? Do I even want to be the big fat guy with white hair? “I love being able to bring happiness to people, Dad. It’s why I’ve worked at the toy store for so long, and that’s why I use so many of the toys we make to give to the homeless in shelters throughout the year.”
He stands, waddling over to me and clapping me on the back. “I know you are, Nick. You’re carrying on the tradition that all of the Claus’ do. Give more than you receive, because the true gift is knowing you’ve given to someone. Serve and be served. The true gift is the look on the faces of all the people. It’s something you can’t explain.” There’s a tear in his eye, but he doesn’t shy from it. He never has been afraid to show emotion to anyone, and it’s something I’ve always admired.
“I know, Santa’s shown me that for years. I remember that time I went with Grandpa as his elf.” I chuckle thinking of the memory. If people only knew that my uncle was Hermie the Elf, I think they’d die. He was Dad’s younger brother and he’d gone with Grandpa to help him one Christmas, and the next year, there was a blond elf named Hermie on the television.
“Yeah, I’m surprised they didn’t make a movie about you. Oh, wait. They did. Will Ferrell was the star.”
Glaring at Dad, I can’t help but laugh as his jolly laugh resonates through the office. The man is as doubled over as his big gut will allow, and beating the desk as tears roll down his face. I’d be mad, but I can’t when he’s laughing like this. “Well, now that we’ve established my role in the movies…I’m going to go establish my role with my future wife.”
He hackles before standing up right, his blue eyes piercing my own. “That’s what I like to hear. I’m not getting any younger ya know.”
Raising my hand in the air to acknowledge him, he just laughs as I walk out the door and in the direction of Elodie.
“So, you grew up here?” My voice trembles from the cold air as my breath puffs out of my mouth. I take Nick in, actually paying attention to everything he says. Not that I didn’t before. But this is different. Since that kiss, my body is drawn to him, as if we have our own type of magic coursing through our veins now.
He chuckles, taking off his wool coat and placing it on my shoulders as we walk through the stables with the reindeer. “I did, I got in quite a bit of trouble with these fellas. Comet and Rudolph were always the instigators, but I’d often be the one going without cookies while they got their carrots.” Rudolph lets out a sphhhh as we walk by, nudging my arm, as if asking me to pet him.
Shaking my head, I place my glove-covered hand on his head, right between his eyes, and rub. “I’m still trying to process all of this. I’m not saying I never believed in Christmas, but as I got older, I just thought it was my parents.”
He nods his head, petting Dasher as we stand against the stables. “Most people did, and some parents will leave a gift under the tree, or several. But Dad still travels the world and gives toys to all that need a toy. No tree is left empty after he gets done. It’s been like that for generations, and I will continue it.” His eyes bore into mine, making my whole body light up. “But I need someone to help me. I need a good woman who believes in the goodness of people and is a nurturing soul. We have a lot of people to care for here.”
“You do?”
He chuckles, grabbing my hand off of Rudolph and clasping it between his own. “Did you think this was the end of our tour? We’ve only just begun. Come on, we’re going to take the sleigh up the hill.”
“Up?” He’s lost his mind, a sleigh can’t go up. Not without…. He leads me toward the sleigh, which has four reindeer attached, and I’m suddenly afraid, my feet digging into the ground and halting us both. “No…no…I’m not ready for that. You’re lucky you got me in that small jet!”
“Oh, Elodie. You are quite refreshing, you know.” He smirks, pulling me toward the sleigh, which has what looks to be a very warm blanket and also a small electric fireplace, and a huge touch screen GPS. Santa’s got the real deal here. “That he does. Dad makes sure he’s never stranded. Now, come…the reindeer aren’t flying us. They are going to walk.”
Oh, how I’d love to come with you.
He leans down and whispers into my ear, “Elodie, I’m almost positive you didn’t mean to say that out loud, but I can promise you that since our kiss in my bed, there is absolutely nothing I want more than to watch you come for and with me.”
“Oh.” My mouth drops open as his smoldering eyes look at my own. I’m not sure where to look, because if I keep looking at him, I’m going to embarrass myself by stripping in Santa’s sleigh and begging him to take me right there.
“Oh, is right. Now, let’s go. I want to introduce you to some of my friends and I’ve got to think about anything other than your mouth in that perfectly shaped ‘O’.”
The way he’s looking at me is making me nervous and turning me on all at the same time. I feel as if I’m the mouse and he’s the lion. Unconsciously, I bite my li
p, which drawls a growl from his throat as he helps me into the sleigh. “Sorry,” I mutter, which he laughs at.
“For what? Being a gorgeous woman? I’m sorry I didn’t take advantage of it sooner. Elodie, you’re a beautiful woman, and had I not been so stupid, we’d have been together for years now.”
I can’t help the grin that overtakes my face. I never expected Nick Claustine, my boss, to feel the way he does about me. Even if this was just a last resort, it’s as if it was meant to be. “Thank you. I’m sorry we didn’t start this years ago myself, but in a way, I’m thankful. I mean, if I didn’t know you like I do, I may think you were certifiably insane.”
“If you’d have said you were taking me to Santa’s workshop, I’d have thought the same. I know this is strange to imagine, but I don’t think there is anyone else I’d want to share this with.” His face lights up as he continues to talk, and the sleigh we’ve just sat down in begins to move.
Nick is still talking, but the view has taken my attention away from his words, as if it commands my attention. The smell of the pine is overpowering and comforting all at the same time, and the snow blanketing the trees is beautiful, but what captures my sight is the village of small houses shaped in all types of ways. I don’t even know how some of them are standing. They remind me of the homes in WhoVille. Oh my god!
“Nick!” He jumps a bit as my voice echoes over the hills. “Is the Grinch real?”
“The Grinch?” He looks startled for a moment before he laughs loudly, clenching his belly as his body shakes with laughter. “No, but Jack Frost is.”
“What on God’s green Earth is so dang funny?” I want to punch him in that perfectly sculpted jawbone. Arrogant asshole.
He stops laughing, watching my reaction before slowly wrapping an arm around me, almost as if he’s afraid to touch me. Good thing. I’d be afraid if I were you. “I’m sorry, Elodie. I forget sometimes, but that was funny. The Grinch is really folklore. But some of them really do exist. Like, for instance…Hermie. He’s actually my uncle, Phillip. He was with Grandpa one night for Christmas and was spotted and someone created a whole story off of the blond headed, blue eyed elf with Santa.”
“It’s not polite to laugh,” I grumble, but lean into him, welcoming the warmth of his body. I’d imagined this happening so many times that I’m not sure if I’m dreaming or not. I’ve never felt this on fire in my dreams, though, and I know there is no way in hell I could dream up something as crazy as this. “Where are we going?”
“To the workshop. I’d like you to meet some friends. The elves…this is their home. They live in this village and there are several different jobs. Like that pink building there…that’s Harriet’s home, she makes the best pies. The blue building over there, that’s Ernest’s home, and he makes all the shoes and clothing for everyone. Of course, not alone.” His face lights up as he points out house after house and people come to the windows and wave. This truly is a village and it’s full of people. Not like I’d imagined, thanks to the television. They are just normal people, but they are so happy and their cheeks are rosy, just like Santa’s.
“Nick! You’re home!” A small boy and girl come running out of a house and climb right up on the sleigh and into Nick’s lap. “And he’s brought a girl!”
The little girl climbs over Nick and into my lap, looking at me with a huge grin, showcasing the two missing teeth right in the front. “Hi, I’m Ainslee and this is my twin brother, Carlisle. You’re pretty.”
Laughing softly, I squeeze her to me. She can’t be more than six years old. “Well, thank you. I’m Elodie.”
“That’s a beautiful name. Would you like to come see the workshop?” Her brown eyes light up, and I couldn’t say no, even if I’d wanted to.
Pushing her button nose softly, I can’t help but smile. “Only if you’ll be my tour guide.” Nick is laughing with Carlisle, but he couldn’t mask the smile at seeing me interacting with his ‘people’. I’m sure he was weary at first, but I felt in my heart that I belonged here. From the moment I woke up in his bed, I’d had this feeling that this was home. I couldn’t imagine anything else now that I’d been here.
Seeing Nick in his element made me realize something I’d been hiding from myself for over a year. I loved him. I was in love with Nickolas Claustine. Ainslee grabs my hand, helping me from the sleigh before we are pulled off into the direction of the workshop. Seeing it all come alive before my eyes, I can’t help but be awestruck. All of the production lines and things, no wonder Claustine’s Toy Store is so lucrative.
By the time we make it back to the sleigh, I can barely keep my eyes open from the jet lag and the excitement I’ve experienced. The last thing I can remember is Nick whispering in my ear how glad he was that it was me.
Our time was slowly coming to an end and we would be making our trip back to the city tomorrow. I was sad, but I knew we couldn’t stay here forever, even if I wanted to. We had a job to do and sadly, it was in Colorado.
A knock on the door interrupts my thoughts as I pack my suitcase. “Hi, I was wondering if I could bother you for a moment.” The burly voice wraps around my body in a warmth only he can bring.
“Not at all, Santa.” I smile when I see Nick’s father standing in the door.
His boots resound off the floor as he walks toward the bed before having a seat. “Elodie, you’re the best thing that has ever happened to my son. I’ve never seen him this happy. He may not tell you that, but I know you do.”
“Well, thank you. He makes me happy as well. I never knew how much I didn’t know about him until now.” Smiling, I think of all the things he’s opened up to me about, and I’m thankful for the time I’ve had here. “It’s been so nice here. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“You are always welcome here. I wish you both didn’t have to go back, but I know we have to keep our cover.” He smiles before standing. He actually looks a bit sheepish as he hugs me. “I was sent here to tell you that Nick was waiting for you outside. He said to follow the lights, but I just had to tell you that I’m thankful for you before you leave in the morning.”
I’m sure my face looks like that of a child in a candy store, but I can’t find an inkling of care inside me. I’m happy and I don’t mind the world knowing it. “Thank you.” I smile, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him on his very rosy cheeks.
“Go on. He’s waiting with some kind of surprise.”
Practically running outside, I wrap my scarf tighter around my neck and pull the white knitted hat Mrs. Lizzie made for me down on my head. My hair whipping in the wind as the snow starts to fall. The twinkling lights come into view. There’s a path winding through trees full of twinkling lights, and my heart is racing in my chest as I follow it. This can’t be what I’m thinking it is. This is too soon. Too soon, Nick!
Relief overtakes me as I see him sitting beside the frozen pond with a basket and a blanket, and a fire going. His blue eyes boring into mine as I clear the path of the trees. I watch as his eyes rake over my body. He’s come to know every inch of it in the last two days, and I’m not the least bit saddened by it either. He stands, grabbing my gloved hand with his very own as I take in the fitted pullover and tailored to him jeans. The man is fine as hell, and I don’t know what on earth made him decide to be with me. It had to be fate because there was no way I’d get this man if it wasn’t.
“Elodie, I was hoping we could enjoy each other’s company tonight before work gets so busy that we lose time with each other.”
Gasping as he pulls me to him and starts to swirl us around, I can’t help but smile. “I will always, always have time for you.”
“I hope like hell that’s true. Because I’m positive I’m falling in love with you.”
Did he just say he’s falling in love with me? Oh my! “I’m one hundred percent sure I’m in love with you.”
The smile that takes over his face shows me exactly what type of magic this place contains. I’m not even sure it’s magic anymore, I th
ink it’s just happiness. Everyone here is so happy, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I wouldn’t trade this moment in time for anything in this world.
If there is anything I’ve come to know, it’s that sometimes our paths are meant to lead us to one special moment, and for me…it’s leading me down the road to loving my boss and all the titles that loving him will bring to me. As for tonight, I’ll remember it every time I look at a snow globe of people ice skating on the pond…because that’s exactly what Mr. Claus had in store for us.
Heading back to the store and real world is sad, but knowing that I’ve found the one for me in Elodie is all that matters. I’m not saying a week together will determine if we will make this work for us, because there is just something about being here, that’s…as cliché as it sounds…magical.
As the week ended and I said goodbye to Mom and Dad, I realized just how much I truly missed the ranch. It was really hard to get on that plane and to go back to Colorado. I’ve always enjoyed working at the store, but maybe it was time to hand that over to one of the other family members to run and get back to the ranch to help Mom and Dad. Maybe I could convince Elodie to go there with me on a permanent basis, because she seemed to love this week as much as I did. I just wasn’t sure if she’d go for it. We’ve only been dating for a week, but for me, it’s felt like eternity. Nick, you’re losing your guy card.
Before this week, I wasn’t looking for more from anyone, but thanks to my father for meddling in my life, in a way only he could, I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Christmas is always the most magical time of the year, but having a beautiful woman to spend it with makes it even more magical.
So, whenever Santa passes over your house, remember that he’s just a man spreading good cheer. Our family is here to make other families feel something they may not the rest of the year, but for as long as we have love and compassion, there will always be a Santa to bring cheer.
Mrs. Claus Page 3