Page 89 of Hot Zone

A few minutes later, Andy and Jesse showed up with Mika in tow. I greeted them all at the door and told them to put their gifts under the tree.

Andy handed a small package to Jesse. “Will you put this one under the tree for me?”

“Sure thing, Slugger.” Jesse took the package and walked off.

“Now this doesn’t go under the tree.” Andy grinned at me. “This one is just for you. I know it’s against the rules, but it couldn’t be helped. Youhaveto have it.” He held out something about the size of an album.

“I don’t even have a turn table,” I said.

“Well, I’m sure Cody will be happy to fix that. His store re-opened last week, you know. But this isn’t a record. Take it and open it.”

I reached out my hand and took it. I could tell right away he wasn’t kidding. It wasn’t an album. It was too bendable to have a record inside. “You want me to open it now?”

“Yeah.” He waved over to where Keith, Kevin, and now Robert and his girlfriend were standing. “They’ve all already seen it.”

Okay. Like that wasn’t concerning. I cautiously unwrapped the gift. As soon as I saw what it was, a smile spread across my face. “Oh, wow, look at that.”

It was a Vesper Fire Department calendar for the next year, and the cover was a group photo with all the guys holding puppies.

I laughed when I spotted Andy in his cute little bunny ears. “OMG, let me guess, you’re Mr. April.”

He gave a dramatic bow. “That would be me. But take a look at Mr. December.”

I froze and looked up at him. “No way?”

“Yes, way.”

I flipped quickly through the calendar to December, and there he was. My very own Santa Daddy. He wore a red hat with a fluffy white ball on the end, a pair of red suspenders, no shirt, and he was sexy AF.

“This is the best gift ever,” I said, laughing. “I can’t believe he didn’t tell me about this.”

“About what?” Steven asked.

I flipped the calendar around to show him and Roxy, and the look of horror on his face was priceless. “No, just no.”

But Roxy was laughing. “That…that is perfect.”

“It’s not perfect, it’s—”

She started singing. “I saw Marsy kissing Santa Claus…”

“Oh my god, just stop.” Steven covered his ears.

We were all laughing when a strong pair of arms snaked around me from behind.

“What’re you all laughing at,” Samuel asked.

“Steven’s reaction to seeing you as Santa Claus.” I held up the calendar so he could see it.

He groaned and shot Andy a glare. “I suppose I have you to thank for this?”

“Just doing my part to try to save the puppies, Chief,” Andy said with a grin.

“I think it’s amazing. As a matter of fact, I have a feeling it’s going to be Christmas all year long in this house.”

The back door opened, and a group of guys who’d been out in the backyard came inside.

“Who’s that?” Mika hissed.

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