Page 3 of Santa's Coming

I want to turn back. I didn’t think he would talk to me. Especially not with that insanely deep, drool-inducing voice. It’s just one photo. That’s all.

“If it’s all right with you, for the photo, can I …” I cannot believe I’m about to ask this. “Can I straddle you and then be looking back at the camera like I was just caught with Santa?” I propose, surprising even myself with the bold suggestion.

Santa smirks, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Best idea I’ve heard all night.”

Inhaling sharply, I summon the courage to carry out my impromptu idea. Straddling him, I feel the strength in his thighs and the warmth of his embrace.

Fuck, why is Santa so hot?

He grabs my wrists and places them over his shoulders. My heart rate soars. His powerful hands squeeze my hips, and he pulls me closer to him.

His low moan of, “Perfect” sends shivers down my spine as the camera flashes, capturing a moment of unexpected connection.

“Naughty list, for sure,” he rumbles, and I swiftly dismount.

I head back to my friends, cheeks flushed with exhilaration. I don’t look back. That was too intense, and I can’t believe that I was turned on by Santa.

“Oh my God, that was fucking hot!” Rachel exclaims, laughter bubbling between her and Sarah. “He was super into that too.”

I roll my eyes in disbelief. “That Christmas rite of passage is complete. On to the next bar,” I encourage my friends and put my coat on for emphasis.

“Leaving?” I hear his deep voice over my shoulder.

“This elf has lots of work to do,” I nervously ramble. Get a grip, calling myself an elf?

He grumbles deeply. “Let me buy you a drink first?”

“No, that’s okay.”

“Em, don’t be a Grinch.” Rachel nudges me playfully.

“I bet Santa hasn’t had this much excitement all night. Let the man buy you a drink." Sarah squints at me.

It feels like an ambush, yet I slide off my parka and sassily remount my barstool.

Santa grins. It’s unnerving to be lusting over Santa. “I’m getting an old fashioned. What would you like?” he asks.

“No festive drink?” I raise my eyebrow.

“I’ve had enough holiday cheer for one night,” he gruffs with a wink.

“I’ll have the same.”

He nods at the bartender and then puts up two fingers. The bartender begins working on the old fashions. Santa must be a regular here. There’s something familiar about him, but we’ve certainly never been introduced before.

“What’s on your Christmas wish list this year?” he asks, swiping his finger across my arm. The small gesture sends another shiver through my body.

“Oh, you know, the usual.” I hesitate, regaining my composure. “A good night’s sleep and a great foot massage.”

Santa raises an eyebrow. “Foot rubs, huh? That’s a new one. I might need to check the elves’ manual for that request.”

Laughing, I shrug. “Well, Santa, a girl can dream. What about you? What’s on your wish list this year?”

“The usual.” The golden flecks in his amber eyes nearly flicker. Everything about him is smoldering. “Cookies, milk, and maybe a bit of mischief.”

“Mischief?” I grin. “I never expected Santa to be a troublemaker.”

He leans in with a sly smile. “Well, Emily, Christmas is all about spreading joy, and sometimes I have to be a little naughty to do so.”

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