Page 31 of Santa's Pretty Helper

I kiss his cheek. “Thanks, Dad. And I know he’s a little older than me, but…”

“But you love him,” Dad finishes easily. “He’s older, but you could do a lot worse than Gabe Mitchell. The most important thing is that he’s good to you. He is, right?”

My cheeks go warm, and I nod. “He is.”

“Then I approve.”

Dad saunters into the kitchen, and I feel off-kilter. That was…so much easier than I’d anticipated.

Dinner is served and we all settle in around the table. I’m able to snag the seat next to Gabe, and I can’t describe the relief that settles over me at being close to him again. It was torture sitting across the living room from him all afternoon.

The food is delicious, as always. There’s roast beef, cheesy rolls, cabbage salad, garlic mashed potatoes, Eric’s legendary stuffed red peppers, roasted beets, and Gabe’s famous mushroom risotto. It’s an absolute feast, and there will be leftovers for days. Throughout the meal we laugh and talk, and Gabe’s hand finds its way to my thigh, resting there possessively. I can’t seem to stop myself from looking at him, and every time I do, I blush. I blush at how handsome he is. I blush remembering the filthy things he’s said to me. I blush remembering how good he feels moving inside me with his thick cock. I blush remembering his face between my thighs as he devours me.

I look away from Gabe only to notice my mother watching me with a knowing smile on her face. She glances between me and Gabe, then shoots me a little smile.

Oh, crap.

Apparently, I suck at concealing what’s going on, because I have the feeling Mom just figured us out. I then watch as awordless conversation takes place between her and my father, with her tipping her head in our direction and raising her eyebrows in question and my father nodding, and then tipping his head in Eric’s direction and giving his head a subtle shake.

With the main meal finished, we set up dessert in the living room so that we can nibble while we exchange small gifts. There’s a gorgeous pavlova that Gabe made yesterday, decorated with pistachios and raspberries for a festive look, my mom’s famous ginger spice cake, a chocolate tart courtesy of Eric, and peppermint chocolate chip cookies.

The gift exchange begins, with everyone handing out the small presents we open on Christmas Eve. I’m surprised when Gabe slides a small package into my hands.

“You got me something?” I ask quietly, hoping that everyone’s attention is focused elsewhere.

“Of course I did,” he murmurs. “I do every year.”

This is true, but this year is different for obvious reasons.

“It’s just something small, sweetheart,” he says, even quieter. “Open it.”

“You first,” I say, grabbing a package from under the tree and handing it to him.

His eyes are bright as he opens the gift, tearing the bright red wrapping paper. Inside is a pair of Japanese thread scissors.

“For the herbs you grow on your terrace,” I say quietly. “These scissors are delicate and won’t damage the plants.”

He grins at me and starts to lean in but then quickly catches himself, clearing his throat. “Thank you, Bella,” he says, a little too loudly. “These are great.”

I glance over at my family and see Eric watching us with an unreadable expression on his face.

“Your turn,” Gabe says, nodding at the present beside me. I pick it up and unwrap it, revealing a pair of very thick, very fluffy elf-themed socks.

“Oooh, they’re so soft and cozy,” I say, running my fingers over the plush fabric.

“I know how cold your feet get at night,” he says quietly, but not quietly enough because suddenly Eric is there, hovering over us, arms crossed.

“And how would you know my sister’s feet get cold at night, Gabe? Hmm?” Gabe and I exchange a quick glance, and I nod. So much for keeping the cat in the bag.

Gabe stands and faces Eric. “Because Bella and I are dating, and have been for several weeks. We didn’t tell you because we weren’t sure how you’d react and we thought it might be better to wait until after the holidays. But, I don’t want to lie from you and keep secrets.” He looks at Eric, my parents, me.

“You’re dating Bella?” Eric asks, his lip curling slightly. “What the fuck, man? You’re almost twice her age! She’s a kid!”

I stand at that. “I’m not a kid, Eric. I’m twenty. I’m young, but I’m more than capable of making my own decisions. The truth is, I’ve had a crush on Gabe for a long time. Being with him is what I want. I know he’s older than me, but that doesn’t change anything. I…I’m in love with him.”

Gabe slides his arm around my waist and tucks me against him, and it’s the best I’ve felt all night despite the conflict currently unfolding.

“I should punch you in the face,” Eric says, but I can tell that his anger is already fading. “My little sister? Come on, man.”

---