Temporary Home

by Aliyah Burke

  “You, too.” They shared a smile and he wanted to talk to her now. “Roxi.”

  “That’s our cue,” she murmured, tugging on him.

  He’d not even heard it. With one more deep breath he went with her and stepped out into chaos.

  Roxi stood to one side of the chair in which her temporary husband, Santa Claus, sat on as he listened to each child tell him what they wanted. The room was packed with children. She noticed the Marines who were by other piles of toys. Her gaze skipped over the one named Tracey. Now wasn’t the time to get pissy.

  Past the chair, she watched Laila as she joked and had a grand time with the children. She looked so cute in her little elf costume. And what do I have to wear? This…whatever it is. This one she’d agreed on, for it covered more than the previous one. And she wasn’t about to look like Santa’s naughty little helper for a bunch of kids. From the flare of heat in Sam’s eyes, however, he liked this one just as much as the other.

  She cut her gaze to the left again and smiled at the sight of a little girl sitting on his lap. He looked at her and winked before putting all his attention back on the girl. Her belly clenched and she wished she were anywhere but here.

  Roxi had tried to get out of this, but Laila hadn’t let her. She’d even gone so far as to play the ‘what if’ game with her. What if this were Dean’s last Christmas? Surely she wouldn’t want to miss that.

  So she’d caved, much like she’d believed she would do anyway. And here she stood in this outfit. Then there was the adult party after. As a thank you to those who supported these places throughout the year. Child after child went to sit on Santa’s lap, then she watched as some of the women began to make their way up.

  She edged closer to the chair as the final few children scrambled up for their picture with him. Sam got to his feet and the kids fell silent as he adjusted his belt.

  “The toys are split up based on ages. You’ll see the signs by each Marine. Remember, no pushing. There are enough for all. So get your present and enjoy the cookies and drinks.”

  His voice was so deep she smiled. It wasn’t like him at all. She was amazed he’d done so well at this.

  “I’d like to thank my elf”—he gestured at Laila, who took a well-deserved bow—“and of course, my wife.” He looked at her, beckoning her closer. “She stands by me through it all without fail, and never forgetting how much she means to me.”

  “Kiss her!” The cry rang out in a voice which registered as Laila’s to her, only to be picked up by everyone else. It soon became a chant.

  He glanced at her, his eyes twinkling. “Come here, Mrs Claus.”

  Her belly quivered even as her legs propelled her forward. She wanted to refuse, knowing each time he kissed or touched her, she fell deeper for him. He’d made it clear. She was good enough to sleep with but nothing else. And while it was fine for a while, that wasn’t the type of woman she was. She was a long-haul kind of person. She needed a man to take home to her mom and dad. Raise children with. Have a future with. Not just a few weeks. No matter how amazing they had been.

  “Mrs Claus is shy,” he said, drawing her closer to him until they were belly to padding. Didn’t stop the fissure of heat which exploded up throughout her at the contact. His callused hand skimmed lightly up her side away from the crowd while his other settled along her cheek.

  He leaned in and she stood as still as possible, trying not to even breathe for fear of embarrassing herself by doing something like…oh, jumping on him. His blue eyes held her prisoner as he lowered his mouth to hers. Light, feathery touches grazed along her lips and her lids fluttered shut. When she opened on a sigh, he pressed his advantage and slipped his tongue in.

  It didn’t take any more than that and her world had shrunk to just the two of them. He kept his touch and exploration gentle. The hand on her hip tightened and she shuddered, well aware of what he did to her body with something to simple as a caress. She held onto his arms as the kiss continued. Her whimper was eaten by him and when she didn’t think she could stand it any longer, he drew back.

  Slowly, all the cheers sank in and she realised what had just occurred. His eyes were dark and there was a wealth of heat in their blue depths. He turned his hand, which had been on her face, and stroked down her cheek with his knuckles.

  No will power. That was what it was. Zero flipping will power. She took a deep breath before plastering a smile on her face and facing the room. I need a moment to regain my senses.

  As if hearing her silent cry, Laila came and split the two of them, whirling her off to mingle with the children who were gathering their gifts and treats. So she walked among them, chatting and relaxing as the evening wound on. The kids finally left and those who lived there had gone to the other part of the building and headed for bed.

  She stood with Laila in a small room, changing from her costume to her dress for their party. Sitting on a chair, she released a groan as she massaged the bottom of one foot.

  “You all right over there?” Laila asked over her shoulder while she shimmied into her tight little sequined dress.

  “Tired.”

  Laila faced her and tugged down the hem of her dress as she moved. “Let me do your hair.” She went to her bag and withdrew a pair of hair sticks which took Roxi’s breath away.

  “Oh, Laila, those are beautiful.”

  They were bone, crafted into elegant twists and painted a satiny, pearlescent white, covered by a protective and glossy enamel. At the top were light Siam red crystals set in silver-plated filigree bead caps. They also boasted garnet-red beads and Siam crystals that dangled from three spots on a star-shaped, silver-plated filigree. They sparkled with each movement and she was truly touched by the gesture.

  “I was going to give them to you as a present but when I saw your dress, I knew it would be perfect.”

  She sat still while Laila did her thing. It wasn’t hard to figure out that Laila wanted to talk but gratefully she kept silent. When her friend had finished, Roxi got to her feet and moved to the mirror.

  “Wow, Laila, that’s…I don’t know what to say.” She reached up to almost touch the upstyle.

  Her friend appeared beside her. “You look beautiful.”

  Roxi had to admit it, she did look pretty damn nice. She wore a red dress with silver strands shot through it, to make it shimmer when she glided. It was a deep V halter evening gown with a high leg slit and full, flowing skirt. The bodice had a beautiful centre detailed brooch. It screamed ‘sex’ without being a micro mini or having her breasts hanging out. She liked it. A lot. The elegant classical look made such a statement.

  Laila had put her hair up in a loose bun, allowing for two sections to fall free around her face. Turning her head to the side, she could see the sticks and knew they were perfectly poised to gather all the light and add more of a sparkle to her walk.

  “Thank you, Laila.”

  She brushed a kiss over her cheek. “Come on, let’s get our shoes on and go mingle. I can’t wait to dance with some of those handsome men I saw.”

  Roxi laughed as she put on her stilettos. She loved these shoes—they were silver and had clear rhinestones which wrapped all around her leg. She knew they would draw attention when she moved, given the slit in her dress. But more than that, these were comfortable.

  “Let’s go, you crazy, horny woman.”

  She watched her friend. Laila looked stunning in her dark green dress, long sleeves hugged her upper arms while being offset from her shoulders a bit. It stopped mid-thigh, showing off her nice, long legs. Laila put a Santa hat on and flipped the end over so it dangled over one bared shoulder.

  “I think I’m ready.”

  Pushing to her feet, Roxi paused a few seconds then advanced to her side. They opened the door and were swamped by the sounds of the party. They were the only ones who’d had to change. Other than Sam. She shook off that thought, thinking of him naked or changing wasn’t going to help her in any way, shape or form. She assumed he’d jus
t shucked the Santa gear and was out there in a nice suit.

  She paused at the edge of the room and just took a moment. Amazing how many people there seemed to be, even without the children. Laila hesitated briefly before she headed off into the crowd. Despite the smile on her face, Roxi hurt inside. She was saddened by the knowledge Sam would be leaving tomorrow.

  The gift she’d got for him rested beneath the tree at her house. She’d give it to him either tonight when they got home or in the morning. Home. Look at me thinking like it’s his home as well.

  It was. No matter what else could be said, her place was part his. His soul and presence had settled into the walls and the very fabric of it. She would always feel him there.

  “You played a pretty good Mrs Claus,” a voice said from beside her.

  She exhaled on a long sigh when she noticed who had spoken. Tracey stood in a dress instead of her Marine uniform. A black, slinky number which was ultra-low cut in the front, halter top, side slits, sequin detail beneath her breasts, and when Tracey walked from one side to the other of her, Roxi could see the low cut in the back that stopped right above her ass.

  “Thank you. That’s a lovely dress you’re wearing.” Small talk. She wasn’t interested in trying to be polite with this woman but for the sake of the evening and the season, she would play along.

  Her blinding white smile almost made her wince. “Thank you. It’s Sam’s favourite. It was the dress I wore our first night together”—she lowered her voice—“if you know what I mean by together.”

  She skimmed her teeth with her tongue and nodded. “I get the picture.”

  “So he didn’t want me in uniform since then we would have to be a lot more professional.”

  Tracey kept right on rambling and Roxi gritted her teeth. Nearing the end of her patience, she gave a smile which was more of a grimace and said, “If you will excuse me, I see someone I need to say hi to.” Roxi walked away without waiting for any kind of response.

  Dean was making his way slowly along the edges of the crush and she stopped by him. “Master Guns.”

  “Roxi.” He released a whistle. “Look at you. That man isn’t going to know what hit him.”

  She leaned in to place a kiss on his cheek and ignored his other statement. This was the time to be reinforcing her walls, for she knew he would be here. And she had to not act like a fool.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Good. It did me a lot of good being here.”

  She studied him and agreed. He did look really well. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

  “Why are you here with me instead of out there, dancing with any number of cute men?”

  She had no explanation so she shrugged. He wrapped a hand around her wrist and squeezed.

  “Listen to me, Roxi. Don’t give up on him.”

  “Nothing to give up on, Master Guns. He made his decision. Tracey did enough to him that no one else will have a shot at getting close. Or at least not now, not while I know him. Maybe later on in his life he’ll be willing to do so.”

  “You have already gotten in close, Roxi.”

  “Not really. I needed more. It’s okay, Master Guns, it wasn’t meant to be.” She ignored the shaft of pain which pierced her heart at that admission.

  “I’m telling you, Roxi. You mean the world to that man.”

  “I’ve seen the way he stiffens up when he feels he’s let me in too far. Besides, Laila said after Tracey he’d never let another woman in like that again. And I know that woman still affects him, I watched them together when I came here and dropped off the presents.”

  “That girl doesn’t know how to mind her own business.” He shook his head. “This isn’t my place to say, all I know is I’ve never seen him so happy as when you came into his life. That boy and I have had lots of talks, Roxi. He’s my son and I know him better than anyone. Yes, he’s stubborn as all get-out, but he’s a good man. And he loves you. Don’t give up on him.”

  “I can’t wait forever for him to figure out what it is that he wants, Master Guns. I just can’t.”

  Although he nodded, she could see the sadness in his expression.

  “I’ll get us something to drink.” Roxi waited for his nod of agreement then wove through the crowd to follow through on her word.

  * * * *

  As Roxi twirled around on the floor with one of the Marines, she laughed at what he said. He was a joy to be around. And he was a great dancer.

  “Hey!” the shout carried over both music and conversation, gathering everyone’s attention. “It’s snowing!”

  The room they were in had a large side door that someone had rolled open, allowing everyone the chance to see outside. Sure enough, large white flakes fell, fast and furious. The ground was already covered.

  Laila appeared at her shoulder, in another’s arms. “We’re going to have a white Christmas after all, Roxi. Look at that.”

  Stepping away from her dance partner, she linked arms with her best friend. “I think it’ll be a great Christmas this year.”

  “Laila Richardson!”

  They both jumped slightly and turned at the sound of her full name. Ritchie stood there in a tuxedo.

  “Ritchie,” she whispered, even as Laila said it louder.

  Her brother opened his arms and Laila flew into them. Without any hesitation. Roxi whistled and cheered right along with everyone else as they kissed. When they stopped, she moved up to give her brother a hug.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, doing her best to not be jealous at the look of pure contentment on both of their faces.

  “It’s Christmas. We didn’t want to be away from you.”

  “But, Mom and Dad? And where’s Eric?”

  “At your house with your mother,” another man spoke.

  She turned to find her father there. “Daddy!” She hugged him hard and blinked back tears of joy.

  “Hey, baby girl. You look gorgeous. Come dance.”

  She couldn’t refuse and soon she moved with her father across the floor. At the end of their dance, he stopped and frowned at something behind her. She turned to see what he was looking at and her breath caught in her throat.

  From where she stood, she could see out into the large back lot of Second Chances. A solitary figure strode towards the door. The tightening in her stomach told her who it was. Ramrod straight, this person moved with coiled precision and purpose.

  Sam. Dressed not in a suit or tuxedo but in his blood stripes. Snow dotted his uniform but he didn’t seem to care. He paused right before he entered the building and removed his cover.

  She stared, unable to move. His chest was full of ribbons and medals. Roxi barely noticed when Laila came and led her father away. Bit by bit, the room fell quieter until the music which played overshadowed what little din there remained from people.

  His gaze locked on hers and her heart paused before thundering twice as hard. He came towards her, only he didn’t make it. Tracey stepped into his path. When he lowered his head and stopped, her heart shattered. That was it. No more. She couldn’t take it any longer. Whirling around, she slipped away into the crowd and made her way to the door.

  Chapter Twelve

  The blonde woman wearing a slinky dress was the last person he wanted before him. Sam wasn’t happy.

  “Whatever it is, Tracey, it can wait,” he bit off.

  “Sam, don’t you remember this dress? How much fun you had removing it that first night?”

  “I don’t. Get out of my way.”

  She placed her hand on his arm, nails digging in. “Come on, Sam.”

  He scanned the group and swore when Roxi was no longer visible. “Let go and step out of my way, Corporal.”

  She stiffened but did as he’d ordered. The second she did, he forgot about her. One thing and one thing only on his mind. Roxanne ‘Roxi’ Mammon.

  “Marines!” he bellowed out.

  “Yes, sir, Gunnery Sergeant!” came the hollered answer as one, eas
ily identifiable over the noise the music had been making.

  He moved deeper into the room. Talking again fell to a minimum and even the music had been turned down. His sharp gaze spotted his target on the other side of the room. She was trying to leave but thankfully his Marines had remembered what he’d asked of them. She was faced with Brent and he knew the man wouldn’t let her go.

  He almost grinned when she whirled around, frustration on her face. But it didn’t come to fruition for he recognised the sadness there. She faltered the instant she spotted him. Not for long, but he noticed it.

  Sam moved towards her, walking slow, taking his time and enjoying how beautiful she looked. He stopped with three feet or so between them.

  “Hello, Roxi,” he said.

  Her gaze travelled up and down his uniform. “Sam.” She couldn’t hide the appreciation.

  “Leaving already?”

  Her brown eyes narrowed. “You know damn well I can’t. Not until you call off your Marines.”

  “Will you stay and hear me out?”

  She frowned and he shook his head.

  “Then they remain.”

  “Not really fair to them, is it. I mean, this is a party…they should be able to party.”

  “They don’t mind. It’s for a good reason.”

  “And what’s that? Making sure one person doesn’t leave?”

  “No. Making sure the woman I love doesn’t leave before I get the chance to tell her.”

  The hope flashed in her eyes before she could mask it. “I think you already passed Tracey.” Her tone was cold and clipped.

  “Really?” he replied drolly. “You think I’d go through all of this for Tracey?” He stepped closer and dragged a knuckle down her cheek. “For her?”

  “How the hell would I know? You don’t let me in, and from what she’s told me, you love that dress she’s in. Had a great time that first night she wore it.”

  “Did you know your eyes sparkle when you’re mad?” He tried to keep his mind on the matter at hand. “Are you jealous, Roxi?”

  “No.” The word was gritted out.