by Pixie Chica
Chapter 4
Brandie
REACHING FOR TWO COLD waters, I return the bottle I had earlier, and place a new one on the back of my neck, hoping it’ll cool me off. It’s just not logical that it's the middle of winter and eighty degrees, but I guess that’s Florida for you. Then again, that’s not the real reason I’m overheated. That has everything to do with Grace. She looked so cute in her little hoodie, even if it’s out of place for this weather.
Disappointment filled me when I’d woken up alone and I couldn’t get back to sleep. I was used to seeing magic happen, but it was nothing compared to the bewitching way she’s already seeped into my heart. Which, if I’m honest, is fucking with my head. I’m a practical woman, no overwhelming emotions nor butterflies in my stomach. Well, the bastards are there now, fluttering to the point I’m worried I won’t be able to function.
Maybe the run will help me put all this in perspective and I can chalk it up to being so sheltered at the North Pole. My resolve comes crashing down when I step back out and see her. Nope, you’re a fucking goner for the Christmas Princess. Oh, the irony!
“I’m ready!” She beams at me and I try hard not to laugh at her Star Wars Christmas shorts, matching T-shirt, and tube socks. I’m not sure she understands the idea of running gear, but at least she has the right shoes on.
“You certainly are,” I agree, not wanting to burst her bubble. She matches me step for step as we speed down the stairs, and my competitiveness kicks in. Not one to back down, I watch as she puts her all into keeping up with my pace, and a different feeling takes over. I fucking want her. I need to find out how compatible we are under the sheets. My imagination goes wild as I peek at her. Would she be like this in the throes of passion? So, dedicated to what was going on? Each of us fighting for domination? These questions plague me as we continue.
“OH, MY GAWD! I’M GONNA die!” Grace screams as we hit the halfway point. She’s currently bent over, hands on her thighs, breasts heaving as she tries to catch her breath.
Stopping to circle back and run in place, I stop in front of her and ask, full of concern, “Are you okay?” I can’t help but feel bad for pushing as hard as I did.
“This body wasn’t meant for running unless it’s to my bed. I’ve never done this on purpose, that’s for people getting murdered in horror films.”
“Then why did you ask to join me?”
If looks could kill. “Because I want to spend time with you. Isn’t that obvious? No wonder you’re so fucking fit. I’m pretty sure my soul gave up about five blocks ago. That bitch abandoned ship.”
“Oh.”
“Exactly. And now I’m gonna walk home and keep an eye out for my feet. They fell off at some point. You go on without me.”
“I can do this tomorrow,” I offer, unsure as to the right protocol in this situation. I’m not the best at reading people, so I don’t know if I should do as she said or go with her.
“No, it’s fine. Finish your run. I’m gonna eat a cookie or three with extra sugar. Maybe some frosting,” she tells me, then waves bye and heads once more in the direction we’d come. I want to follow her, but decide to let her have the space she requested. My cell starts ringing and I answer it via Bluetooth as I resume my run.
“Where the hell are you? Things are fucked up,” John Alexander says.
“Hi, how are you? How have you been? I’m good, thanks for asking,” I reply sarcastically. We haven’t talked since I left, and while some of that is on me, it’s on him, too.
“You don’t get to play the victim. The phone works both ways, and you’ve been on vacation while everything has gone to shit.” I roll my eyes at his dramatic statement; sure, everything is fine. And if not, it’s no longer my problem.
“I’m sure he has it under control.”
“Your parents sent your brother to find you. They were so pissed you left, and Joe seemed upset himself. I almost felt bad for the guy until he punched me when I wouldn’t tell him where you are. Not that I know.” Needing more about that, he admits that he took a swing at Joe when they crossed paths after I got on the trolley. He missed, but Joe’s connected.
Turning back, I switch to a full sprint and tell him, “Give me twenty minutes. I’m out for a run and need to get my head together for this conversation.”
“Don’t forget. I feel neglected.” I promise I won’t, then speed home. Grace is with the duo from yesterday at the end of the hall, so I sneak into my apartment. I’d rather go to her, but I need to deal with this first. He answers on the first ring and I ask what’s happening. Apparently, Joe was told not to return unless he and I are together. Yeah, that’s not happening. I may be worried about our parents, but I have my pride and need to take a stand. If the North Pole isn’t burning, I’m not making peace with him, but it doesn’t stop me from feeling shitty and a bad mood from falling over me.
When I hear my doorbell, I yank the door open, pissed off and a part of me expecting Joe to have already found me. “What?” I yell, causing three pairs of eyes to widen.
“This is the misunderstood, sweet woman you were talking about?” Kent asks Grace with a glare at me. “This is the same grouch who slammed the door in our face.”
“Girl, you need to stop trying to find the good in the world. Let’s go,” the other woman says as she pulls at Grace’s arm.
“Grace wait, I...”
“You what?” She wants to know, trying to hide the hurt my reaction caused. Maybe it’s for the best since I’m not good with people.
“Nothing. Sorry for screaming at you.” Then I close the door and spend the rest of the day on my couch.
Chapter 5
Grace
I’m starting to believe the saying that love is a form of insanity. Why else would I be at Brandie’s once again? As much as I wanted to stay mad for the way she’d acted yesterday, I couldn’t because I realized the other half of my soul is trying to hide from the world, including me, and I can’t have that even if it meant knocking on her door until it I break it. However, I don’t get the chance because it swings open before my fist can land on it.
“Eight o’clock tonight, nothing that includes Christmas carols or anything related to the holiday.” Vulnerability is pouring from her as she stands there in her pjs and messy bun.
“About time you came to your senses. And we’ll see about the Christmas stipulation.”
“Fine, but I’m warning you, I can be a scrooge.”
“Nothing a little mistletoe can’t fix.”
“I just need you,” she admits as she grabs my hips and pulls me closer. “Been wanting to do this since you pushed your way into my life.” Then she lowers her head, her tongue teasingly licking my lips until I open for her. Her hold tightens as it slips inside, as if she’s worried I’ll escape. Her hot mouth plays mine like a fiddle, and I want to stay this way forever.
Unfortunately, the need for air has us separating, and when I gaze into her eyes, I see the same heat I feel reflected in them. She’s gasoline and I’m the match ready to burn us in flames of passion. I want Brandie and I will stop at nothing to get her to fall in love with me. I was there the moment my eyes landed on her, so she needs to catch up.
After a few seconds, I excuse myself as I need to get to work and she gives me a quick kiss before she lets me go. The fact I can taste her has me grinning, and I know it’ll last all day.
MY PLANS WENT SOUTH rather quickly. It’s close to seven-thirty and there are customers still in line. I’m close to tears knowing I’ll have to postpone our date. I text, my heart hurting as I explain the situation, then put my cell away, not sure if she’ll be mad or ignore me. When it pings few minutes later, I almost drop it in my eagerness to see what she said. Excusing myself a second, Kent takes over and I head to the back. If this is going to destroy me, I’d rather it be in private, but hope roars back when I read it.
Sexy Grump: Where are you? I’ll come there.
Jumping up and down, I practically squeal a
s I send her the address, then return to the front and finish helping. As the last customer leaves, Brandie comes around the corner, appearing confused at the building. I’m sure she’ll have something to say about it since the outside is painted to resemble a winter wonderland. She shakes her head and comes in, and her impact on me makes me lightheaded. I don’t think that’ll ever change, especially when she’s wearing those ass-hugging jeans and a crop top that shows off her abs.
An ache begins in the pit of my stomach and I want to have my way with her now. I’m already addicted to her lips, and can only imagine what’ll happen when I get her naked. Fuck. Just the thought of kissing every inch of her bare skin makes me shiver.
As if she can read my mind, her hand runs possessively up my spine, holding me upright as my knees buckle when she kisses me. I instantly grab her hips for balance as she deepens it, her sinner’s mouth stoking my need to a fever pitch. She’s ruined me for anyone else, not that I want another after meeting her.
“Why does it not surprise me that you work here?”
“She owns the place, “Kent gleefully tells her, then asks, “Are you in a better mood today, Ms. Crabby Ass?”
“Yes, I’m sorry I was a Class A Bitch, and that I took it out on you. I’m dealing with some family problems back home, not that it’s an excuse for my behavior.”
“Hmmm... There might be some hope for you still. You take good care of her, otherwise, I'll sic Crystal on you.”
“Who?” She asks and I hear the jealous bite in her question. Welcome to my world.
“She’s our friend and his roommate. The other girl you were an ass to.”
“Shoot, seems like I owe her an apology, too. Good first impressions aren’t my thing lately,” she confesses, her tone and expression sincere.
“Why don’t you two come to Sashay Queens tonight? Crystal will be there as well, and I’m the DJ. I’m only doing it because it’s for charity since I hate all that loud noise and drunkenness. I do love my drag queens, though. They make it worthwhile.”
“Doesn’t she have that date with the guy she met a couple days ago?”
“She’s playing hard to get, but between you and me, I think this might be the one. You know she never gives men a second glance, but this guy is persistent. She even has that same dreamy look you’ve got going on when no one is watching.”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure if Brandie would...”
“As long as you’re with me, I’m game,” she says, and I want to melt into a puddle.
“Then it’s settled. Let’s go love birds, I’m gonna be late.”
“How about we meet you there? I want to go home and change,” I tell him, and he nods. Once he’s gone, I lead Brandie outside and lock up, asking, “You okay with that? I’d rather not wear something I’ve had on all day.”
“I’d wait forever for you,” she states, lifting my hand and kissing the back of it and I find myself hoping it isn’t a line to impress me. I don’t think I’d survive Brandie breaking my heart, and she has the power to do it. I intertwine our fingers as we head down the street, but she soon pulls hers away. Thankfully, before my mind spins out of control on the possible reasons why, she slips an arm around my waist, telling me, “I wanted to get a little closer, if you don’t mind.”
“That sounds fantastic,” I reply, ready to jump her here and now. The silence is comfortable as we head home, as if we’ve done this a million times, but I still hesitate before unlocking my door. She’s against all things Christmas, but that’s a huge part of who I am. “I have to warn you that you might not like what you see in here.” My words cause her brows to furrow and I confess, “It might as well be the North Pole.”
She mumbles something I don’t quite understand, but it sounds like she said, “I doubt you can top the real thing.” When she doesn’t continue, I shrug, then step out of the way, only to have her exclaim, “Holy fuck, you weren’t kidding!” I’m sure the pink creeping over my cheeks is clearly visible. It’s a Christmas wonderland with two, yes, two, massive trees in the living room and a toy train that circles the entire apartment, each part strategically placed to create the optical illusion of what I deem my personal North Pole. It’s second nature to me, which often makes me forget not everyone feels the same. And it’s this way all year, just like my store. “I’m sorry. I know you hate Christmas, but it’s who I am. I...”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me,” she assures me with a peck on the cheek.
“One of these days you’ll have to tell me why you hate it so much." Heading straight for my closet, already knowing what I’m going to wear, I can only hope she isn’t too uptight to appreciate it. I’m putting all my cards on the table.
Chapter 6
Brandie
What the hell have I gotten myself into? I’d chosen to leave all this behind, yet I’m falling for a girl that lives it every day. She’s a Christmas nut to her very soul.
That one day without seeing her was enough to make me come to my senses. I’d been watching the door, pacing, hoping to catch her as she went by, but I kept missing her. When I heard her door close, I ran to the peephole and pulled my own open so fast I about gave myself whiplash. I’m done playing it safe, hiding how I feel about her. It may seem fast to some, but it’s not fast enough for me. At this point, I’ll show her the actual North Pole to keep her happy. The woman owns me, and she doesn’t even know it.
I have to laugh as I take everything in because she may be more infatuated with the holiday than the workers we employ – combined. Grace knows her stuff, and I can appreciate the amount of work she put into creating such a beautiful set up. A lot of it looks handmade with materials of the highest quality. There are even a few antique pieces that I’ve seen in our own hallways that’d been given as gifts years ago. Grace is definitely on the nice list.
Spotting the large walk-in closet, I discover it’s been converted to hold boxes upon boxes of ornaments. I pick one and almost drop it when I realize Grace is the shop owner who sent the special design that compelled me to spend our whole budget on an order. It really was destiny.
“Hey there, pretty lady.” Looking over my shoulder, I see Grace dressed like Christmas Sin. Her breasts are about to pop out of a candy-cane striped tank top and her flared mini-skirt is making me moan as it displays the legs, I can’t wait to have wrapped around me covered in knee high stocking and red heels on her feet. Fuck! This is the best fucking gift I’ve ever gotten. Mind made up, I tell myself to survive this outing, then I can live out every fantasy I have. Returning the treasure in my hand, I close the gap between us and embrace her, dropping a kiss on her forehead. “Do you like it?” She whispers.
“A twirl will help.”
“By all means then.” She spins like a ballerina, making me lose my mind, and her to frown. I need her smile back. “Is it too much?”
Not wanting her to ever second guess herself around me, I take her hand. “Hmmm... I don’t know. You look great, but I am tempted to have you change...into say...nothing at all.”
“You ass!” She says as I smirk.
“Can’t blame a girl for trying. Now come on or we’re gonna be late. The sooner we leave, the sooner I can bring you back home.”
“Trying to get rid of me already?”
“No Grace, I’m trying to get you in my bed, all night, naked and moaning.”
“Fuck... I don’t think I want to go now. I’d rather do your thing.”
“You and me both, but we gave our word. Let’s make this quick.”
“I THOUGHT YOU HAD A hot date?” Kent asks as he takes a break and sits with us.
Crystal, who is the opposite of my Grace and shares a unique stance on Christmas, just stares at her watch, totally ignoring the question.
“Hello, earth to Crystal!” He says louder, snapping his fingers to get her attention
“Shhh, I’m about to get rid of someone. He has ten minutes to get here, then I can finally call him on his bullshit. Fuckin
g Santa Claus my ass,” she mutters, almost causing me to burst out in laughter. She’s convinced it’s a made-up holiday. If she only knew how wrong she was, but who am I to tell her any differently when I ran from the place myself?
“What are you trying to do to that poor man? He showed up at our door yesterday at two in the morning with a one of a kind dessert from Mr. Donatello’s that has a waiting list of three months. You got a whole damn cake in under an hour.”
She shrugs as if it’s not a big deal, making me pity the poor fool. He’s in love with a hellion. A victorious, and mischievous, smile is on her face as she shouts, “Yassss! I am going to fucking win. Ten, nine, eight...” As she hits the last few seconds, the lights go off and the stage lights up to show the drag queens standing in a circle as Santa Baby starts to play.
“Crystal Sugarplum, there’s nothing I won’t do for you, including stealing Cupid’s bow and arrow,” a voice says from above. As my gaze follows everyone else’s, I can’t believe what I’m seeing.
“Are you fucking kidding me?! How the fuck did he find me?” Crystal stomps her feet, but I don’t miss the glint of amusement in her eyes. Meanwhile I’m trying not to choke because there, crossing the stage, is my brother in nothing but heart covered-boxers and suspenders with our cousin, Cupid’s, tools of the trade. I don’t even want to think of what he had to promise to borrow them. For a second, I actually laugh at the absurdity as he has never shown an ounce of interest in women, so I’m definitely intrigued to see him this invested in one.
“That’s Mr. Hot Shot? Girl, you need to get on that,” Kent advises as he returns to the DJ booth. Joe starts singing, very off key, the lyrics changed to what I can only assume is all the stuff Crystal has asked for. The list is so ridiculous the crowd is loving it. Even I’m laughing hysterically at how bad he is. It ends with him on his knees belting out the last note and Crystal shaking her head at him with a huge grin on her face.