by Sarah Bale
“Going for a ride?”
“I am.”
He says, “You haven’t been on a ride in a while.”
What he means is I haven’t been on my bike since my ex left. I shrug.
“Things change.”
Jack looks around to make sure we’re alone.
“Did you look at that app last night?”
I nod and he laughs so loud it booms off the walls.
“Fuck me. That’s what this attitude change is, isn’t it? You got off last night.”
This time I check the room to make sure we’re alone. I don’t want my staff to know what I was up to last night.
“Jesus, man! Keep your voice down. To answer your question, I did check out the app. Where on earth did you hear about it?”
“The Easter Bunny told me about it,” he deadpans. Then he asks, “So, who’d ya get?”
This makes my stomach churn. Obviously what happened last night is part of Candy’s job. But I don’t want to think about her and Jack sharing a similar experience. That would be too much.
“Candy.” I finally say.
“Sounds like a stripper. Never talked to her, though. I usually get Vixen, who lives up to her name, or Holly. Vix is my favorite, though. Real good with her words.”
“Candy doesn’t look like a stripper. She’s fucking beautiful, in a classic way.”
Jack snorts. “No offense, man, but you probably haven’t been to a strip club since they were called saloons. Like you’d know what a stripper looks like.”
“Whatever.” Switching gears I ask, “Are you coming to the shop today?”
“Yeah. I don’t have anything coming up for a few days and you’re behind schedule.” At my look he says, “Come on, Nick, you know I’m the guy they go to when you’re not around.”
I grumble, but can’t deny how much Jack saves my ass.
“Let’s go then. I’m feeling very productive.”
Jack slaps my back and we go outside. He gets in his sporty car and takes off. I’m right behind him on my bike. Riding on the snow is generally not a good idea, but my ride has been altered to suit my needs. In fact, I can drive it anywhere in the world.
Cold air blasts against my face as I pass Jack. Prick. He loves his little tricks. But today I don’t mind.
For the first time in a very long time I feel happy.
Working for a company like Jingle Belles requires a lot of personal maintenance. Hair. Nails. Waxing. I personally hate it, but it’s part of the job. The only upside is I get to see my best friend on spa days.
Vix is already in the salon chair with her feet soaking. I kiss her cheek before settling next to her.
“Hey, babe. You’re late.”
“I know. I overslept.”
She eyes me. “Slow night?”
I shake my head. “Surprisingly it was a good night. A really good night.”
This makes her turn toward me.
“New client? Is he hot?”
I nod. “Yes. He’s so sexy, Vix. Like panty-melting sexy.”
“Girl, those are the best.”
Vix and I keep a busy clientele, but she seems to have a bigger turnover than me. I suspect it’s because she drops them when they begin to bore her.
She goes on, “I was hoping Frost would call last night, but he didn’t.”
She gives her clients nicknames. Frost got his because she said he could be a frosty dick. But she keeps him around so he must be doing something right.
“Isn’t he the one who said his work gets crazy this time of year?”
“Yeah, but it still sucks. He’s so good on the phone that I’ve thought about meeting him in person.”
This makes me gasp. While Jingle Belles doesn’t have a specific policy on meeting a client in person, it is generally frowned upon.
“Damn, girl.”
She sighs. “I know. Enough about my night. I want details. Did you text or chat?”
“We started out texting. After I sent him a bra pic he wanted to video chat.”
“Was it the red bra?”
I nod and she slaps her knee.
“Aren’t you glad I talked you into buying it?” Her eyes light up. “We should hit the lingerie store today. Get you some more goodies.”
“I was actually thinking the same thing.”
This leaves Vix speechless. I normally hate shopping for lingerie.
She recovers quickly and says, “I’m liking this client more and more. How old is he? What’s his name?”
“His name is Nick Holiday, which is probably fake. His profile said he was thirty-eight, but his hair is silver.” I think on it. “His body was smoking hot, though.”
“Maybe the silver hair runs in his family.” She bounces in her seat. “Candy, I’m seriously glad you found someone to take your mind off things.”
This makes me frown. Yeah – I’d had a shitty run of luck lately.
She touches my arm. “I didn’t mean to-”
“It’s fine.”
I know she didn’t mean to bring my mood down, but she did. I sigh. Things took a dive at the beginning of the year when I was laid off from my very respectable job and never recovered.
But maybe my luck was about to change?
Chapter 5
Vix and I leave the spa a few hours later freshly buffed, tweezed, waxed, and dyed. We make our way down the snow covered sidewalk to our favorite lingerie store where the owner greets us by name.
Dash grins, hugging each of us. “Candy. Vixen. It has been too long.”
Vix laughs. “Dash, we were in here last week.”
“But I didn’t get to see my favorite girls.”
I ask, “How was your vacation?”
Dash’s green eyes sparkle as he says, “Don, that sneaky boy, surprised me by taking me to the Bahamas. He basically reenacted our honeymoon trip. Such a softie.”
Don hears his name and pokes his head from the back storeroom.
“Are you talking about me, love?
“I am. I was telling Candy and Vix what a romantic fool you are.”
Don steps out with fabric draped around his neck. “But I’m your fool, love.”
They stare at each other until Vix clears her throat.
“Enough of the love show, you two. My girl needs to new threads.”
Dash turns to me. “Did you meet someone?”
I hate to crush the hope on his face, but here I go…
“It’s work related.”
“But, she really likes him,” Vix adds.
Dash sighs. “It’s a start. You haven’t bought anything new since that red piece.”
“But that red piece got the job done last night.”
Literally.
Don walks over and says, “You know, I have something that would look great against your skin.”
He goes to the storeroom and comes out with a box. When he lifts the lid, I gasp.
“Don, it’s stunning.”
Dash pats Don’s arm. “My Donner is the best.”
I had to agree.
Vix grins. “Go try it on, Candy.”
I step into a fitting room put the new piece on. Holy crap. Suddenly I can’t wait for the evening to get here so I can talk to Nick.
My employees can’t hide the shock on their faces when I walk in, whistling. I greet everyone and head to the second floor, to my office. Jack is right behind me. I groan when I see the stack of papers on my desk.
“Sorry, man,” Jack says as he flops down on my red velvet couch. “There’s only so much of your job that I can do and this isn’t part of it.”
“I know. And I appreciate everything that you’ve done.”
He smirks and I know what’s coming next.
“Enough to-”
“Don’t even ask. Besides, you know I wouldn’t tell you, even if I could.”
“Yeah, yeah. What’s the point of having all this power if you can’t even drop your friend a bone?”
I laugh and put on my r
eading glasses.
I look over the rim and say, “I believe you get to enjoy other perks of my power.”
“True.” He stands. “I’m going to run. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He leaves with a wave of his hand. I shake my head and reach for the first stack of paper. Dipping my quill in the inkwell I begin my work. Jack is right – my funk has put everything behind schedule. Without looking I know there is only a week left to finish the lists. Otherwise-
“Sir?”
I glance up. “Hello, Peppermin. What’s up?”
Next to Jack, Peppermin helps keep things running at the shop. He serves as a liaison between the other workers and myself.
“Welcome back. I can’t tell you how happy we are to see you.”
“I’m happy to be back.” I have to know, “How is the morale in the workshop?”
Peppermin never minces words. “They were starting to get worried. Some even questioned if you would be back.” He gestures toward the paperwork in front of me. “But now they will have tasks to look forward to.”
I put my quill down. “I’m sorry for putting everyone in a state of unease.”
I truly was. In a million years I never thought my ex would leave me, causing this turmoil.
Peppermin’s face softens, as if he knows where my thoughts have taken me.
“Sir, the main thing is you’re here now and you’re happy. I can’t tell you how uplifting it was for everyone to hear you whistling. You haven’t done that in a long time.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
Peppermin hesitates before adding, “She called today, asking if she can stop by to see some of the staff. I told her now isn’t a good time.”
My heart slams against my ribcage. I shouldn’t be surprised that she wants to see her friends, but it still makes me angry. She is the one who chose to leave!
“You did the right thing by telling her no. If she shows up, please let me know.”
He nods. “I will. I’ll let you get back to work. I know you have a lot to do.”
When he’s gone I stare out the window, my mood turning dark. We were together for so long, but I wonder if I really knew her at all. And she never fit in, not really. I rub my temples and turn back to my work. I won’t waste anymore time dwelling over her.
I make my way through the list. Midway through I notice some pages are missing. I call Peppermin.
“I’m missing some of the J’s and most of the K’s.”
Peppermin grumbles. “It’s that new printer. I swear they don’t make them like they used to. I’ll look into it and have the pages sent to you.”
I hang up and glance at the clock. Seven o’clock. I’ve put in a full days work and now it’s time to go home. I tidy my desk and grab my jacket before leaving my office. Candy’s face crosses my mind and my pace picks up. Oh, yeah, I’m looking forward to hearing her voice. Among other things.
Chapter 6
At home I grab a quick bite to eat in the main kitchen before going to my private rooms. Again, I lock the door ensuring I won’t be bothered. I glance at my bed, wondering if I should sit there tonight. Instead, I sit in the same chair as last night and dial her via video chat.
She picks up on the first ring with a smile.
“Good evening, Nick. How was your day?”
“Busy. How was yours?”
She shakes her head and laughs a little. “My friend and I went shopping. It was quite the experience.”
“Oh? Shopping for anything in particular, or holiday gifts?”
I swear she’s smirking at me as she replies, “Just a few little items.” She leans forward and asks, “Are you wearing a moto jacket?”
I look down. I hadn’t taken my leather jacket off in my hurry to talk to her.
“Yeah, I rode my bike today.”
“I love riding. It’s so freeing.”
“Do you own a bike?”
She shakes her head. “No. But I’m a great passenger.”
Warning bells go off in my head. She’s on the Naughty List! Nothing good will come from this. I should end the video chat now. But then an image of her holding onto my waist flashes through my mind and I don’t care about the rules for once in my life.
I find myself asking, “Ever have sex on one?”
She chuckles. “Why Mr. Holiday, usually I’m the one asking questions like that. But no, I haven’t. Have you?”
“Not sex, but I’ve been jacked off while riding.”
She makes a sexy sound. “I’m jealous. I’d love to give you a hand job while taking the curves on the road.”
Oh, yeah. I’d like that, too. That little statement seems to steer us in the direction I’ve been looking forward to all day.
I lean back in my chair. “Show me what you’re wearing under that sweater.”
She stands and twirls in a circle. I can see now that her sweater is actually a dress. It hugs her curves and the deep red makes her skin look flawless.
“So you want a little show, Nick?”
She’s still smiling as she tugs the dress upward, causing it to inch up her thighs. I sit back and watch as she tugs it high enough that I catch a glimpse of a garter.
“I thought about answering the phone nude.”
“Oh? What stopped you?”
She replies, “This. I like watching the lust in your eyes. It’s kind of an ego boost.”
I chuckle. “You most definitely have my attention, Candy.”
She reaches up and frees one of her arms through the neck of the dress. I’m becoming a fan of this stretchy material.
“You asked what I was buying today. Well, I’m wearing one of the purchases now. When I saw it, I knew it was something you would like.”
My cock twitches and I adjust myself. “You bought something with me in mind?”
“What can I say? You’ve inspired me, Mr. Holiday.”
His eyes are bright. “Show me.”
“This is a two-way street. You have to get naked, too.”
He stands and removes his clothes, tossing them to the side. I laugh at his enthusiasm. But when he fists his cock, I moan.
“Candy?” His gaze meets mine. “Your turn.”
I pull my other arm free and let the dress slide down my body. Nick looks me up and down and I know I’ve made the right choice. The one-piece garment is made out of a dark red silk that is cool against my skin. The sweetheart neckline is trimmed in white lace.
“Do you like it?”
I do a little twirl.
“Is that supposed to be a sexy Santa suit?” he asks.
“I believe it’s actually a sexy Mrs. Claus, but close enough.” I reach for the hat that came with the outfit and put it on. “There.”
He stares at me, several different emotions crossing his face. Suddenly I wonder if I’ve made a mistake.
“I thought it was fitting with the holidays being so near. And because your last name is Holiday.”
Shit. I have made a mistake.
“Nick, I’m sorry…”
I don’t even know what I’m apologizing for. All I know is that I hate the sad look on his face.
“Nick?”
He blinks and smiles.
“You look stunning, Candy.”
“We can do this another time. I don’t want-”
“No, I’m fine. It’s nothing. Just a long day at the office.” He makes a motion with his free hand. “Spin. I want to see you again.”
I do as he says, still feeling like we need to talk more.
“Bend over. I want to see your pussy.”
My entire body flushes. We can talk later.
I bend over and he hums in the back of his throat.
“Nice. Very nice. You’re wet again, aren’t you?”
I am.
He says, “Get your vibe out. I want to see you fuck yourself.”
I go to my nightstand and pull out the vibe I used last night. I turn it on and settle onto my couch.
“Do you ever do t
hese sessions in your bed?”
His question takes me by surprise. I don’t. Ever. But for him I just might.
Chapter 7
I shake my head and his lips lift in a smile.
“No matter.” He sits back in his chair. “Touch yourself.”
I untie the strings on the side of the outfit leaving myself bare from the stomach down. He’s right – I’m already wet. Which is silly, right? I mean a guy I just met shouldn’t have this kind of effect on me.
“Candy. I want to see you fuck yourself. Now.”
I tease myself with the vibe before slowly sliding it into my pussy. Oh. So damn good. My hips buck when I use my other hand to toy with my clit.
“My naughty girl likes that, doesn’t she?”
I nod and rub over the sensitive bud again.
“I wish you were here,” I breathe out.
He doesn’t answer, but groans as he pumps his cock. I work the vibe in and out of my pussy, fucking it as if it were Nick. When I come, I cry out his name. He pumps himself a few more times before coming as well.
I lean back, my chest heaving.
“Let me see your pussy,” he orders.
I turn toward the camera and spread my legs.
“Beautiful.”
I run my finger through my folds and drench my digit in the process.
“Lick it off.”
I give him a saucy look before slipping my finger between my lips. My arousal is salty and I moan a little.
“I’ve never tasted myself,” I admit.
“That makes two of us.”
I laugh. “Maybe we can change that.”
Holy shit. What am I offering?
He smiles. “I’d like that. I’d like that a lot, Candy.”
Her cheeks are flushed and she looks dazed. Maybe she’s having second thoughts?
“Only if you want to, of course.”
She sighs. “I’m not supposed to meet clients in real life. It complicates things.”
“Oh. I see.”
My words sound dumb to my own ears, but what else can I say.
She nibbles on her bottom lip. “Maybe we can meet for coffee. I assume you’re local or Jingle Belles wouldn’t have matched us.”
I’m not sure about that. It is very unlikely she lives in my city. We would have run into each other before now.