Page 14 of Babygirl for Christmas

When we get there, I move to unbuckle, but Nick gives a low growl and wordlessly gets from the truck and circles to my door. He unbuckles my belt and kisses me sweetly as he helps me down from his truck. Two things I can definitely do all on my own, but two things I’m willing to let him do if it means that I get kisses like this.

Nick walks me to the front door and kisses me again before leaving for his own job, but not before securing that he’ll be coming back for me at seven o’clock sharp. No overtime for me tonight. I don’t mind though because I’d much rather spend time with him than at work.

The day passes in a blur of hair dye and split ends. It’s nearly four o’clock when a delivery comes for me. Sam announces that I have a package, and my stomach does a little flip in excitement. I practically rush to the reception area to see if it’s another gift from Santa.

It is.

I quickly open the wrapping and find a luxurious pale pink scarf, gloves, and hat. They aren’t just pink; they are the exact shade of pink, that’s my favorite. The card reads, “Stay warm. -Santa.”

“How many is that?” Sam asks.

I think for a second… the cookies, the bubble bath, the Christmas tree, the movies, the turtle doves, and now the hat, gloves, and scarf. “This makes six,” I say with a goofy grin.

“Someone has a crush on her Santa,” he singsongs.

I think for a moment and realize he’s not wrong. A little wave of guilt slivers over me at the thought. How could I start something so amazing with Nick and have a crush on some stranger that’s leaving me gifts? Then I start to really think about the gifts… they had to come from someone who really knows me.

Could Nick be my Secret Santa? Would he do something like that? As soon as I ask myself the question, I know the answer is a resounding yes. Then I remember this morning how he frowned when I said I didn’t have a hat… Pieces start clicking together, and before long, I’m convinced that Nick is my Santa.

I decide I’ll let him continue playing the game. I’m sort of curious what the end game is with it though. I shrug it off and decide to just go with the flow, no longer feeling guilty that I might be growing a crush for some random person while my old crush is right here, giving me everything I could want and then some.

Seven comes faster than ever before. For once, I’m locking up the doors at the same time as the rest of the stylists leave. I adjust my hat, looking around for Nick’s truck. A huge smile splits my face when I see Nick sauntering up with his heavy winter coat. Excitement tingles down my spine, and I can’t hold back… I throw my bag over my shoulder and run to him.

His eyes grow wide as I slip and slide on the icy parking lot, but I don’t lose my balance until I’m just a foot in front of him. Of course, he catches me and then gives me a disapproving look.

“What were you thinking? You could’ve been hurt,” he growls lowly, scolding me.

I might get a little indignant at his words, but I can sense his worry and hear the fear for my safety in his tone. “Sorry… I wasn’t thinking,” I say, looking down at my boots. “I was just excited to see you.”

He puts a finger under my chin and lifts my face up so I’m looking at him again. “I’m glad you’re excited to see me, babygirl, but please be careful with yourself. You’re immensely precious to me.”

I look around and see that everyone is already in their cars, and we are alone. “I’m sorry, daddy. I’ll be more careful, promise.”

Nick kisses me lightly, and I melt into him. I can’t explain how good it feels to be wrapped in his arms. I feel small and protected. Cherished even. There isn’t even the slightest hint of the loneliness that’s been plaguing me these last several months. If I’m honest the last year. Even though grandma was still with us, she was unwell and losing herself bit by bit until our roles were reversed. She was no longer the strong woman that took care of me. It was me taking care of her. It wasn’t until Nick that I realized how very much that impacted me.

Once again, he helps me into the truck and buckles me in. This time I let him with a small smile on my face. I’ve decided to let him dote on me, and in return, I’ll be the best little girl he’s ever seen.

“Where are we going?” I ask when we don’t turn towards my house but in the opposite direction.

Nick smirks at me. “It’s a surprise.”

“You know, I’m really starting to like surprises.” I find myself smiling again at the thought of him being my Santa and doing so many thoughtful things for me. Each thing bringing me closer to my love for the holidays while at the same time making me feel special. The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that my Santa is Nick.

He has to be.

A giddiness rushes through me when we pull up to the park where they’ve set up an ice-skating rink. “Are we going ice-skating?!” I ask, practically bouncing in my seat.

He gives me a soft smile and nods his head. “Yes, babygirl. Are you excited?”

“Duh! I love to ice-skate. It’s been so long though. I’ll probably bust my rump.”

Nick growls low in his throat. “Only one person gets to bust that sexy little ass of yours, and that’s me. I won’t let you fall.”

And for some reason, I believe him. He won’t let me fall. Something tells me he’d move Heaven and Hell to ensure that nothing bad ever happens to me again. It’s a heady feeling having someone so hellbent on my wellbeing.

I’m so excited that I’m beyond impatient to rent our skates and put them on. The two minutes it takes for him to secure first my skates on my feet—something else he wouldn’t let me do myself, claiming once again it’s his job to take care of me—then his has me chomping at the bit to get out on the ice. In fact, I do my best to convince him to let me go ahead of him, which earns me a disapproving look and a resounding ‘no.’

Finally, we are out on the ice, and I’m having so much fun the smile that splits my face hurts. I don’t think I’ve smiled so much in years. Nick just makes me happy. I’ve cried more in the past week than I have in years too, but he was right there, comforting me and being my safe place to let my emotions flow.

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