Page 3 of Santa's Little Helpers

“I wanna talk to Uncle Jared!” Sadie whined. I wished I could let her call him, but handing over my duties to the boss’s wife was not advisable.

“We can call him again later,” Derek told her, soothingly. “This call is about business.”

With a sigh, I dialed the number on the card and held my breath.

“Okaaaay.” Her footsteps faded as she left the office, and the first ring of the phone sounded in my ear. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to calm my pounding heart in an effort to keep my voice from shaking.

The lines of the deposition before me bled together as I stared at my scribbled notes. Work felt like the same thing every day, even though it was a new client and a new case. The mundane pattern made concentrating difficult, and I had long since lost the fire and passion for my cases. Retirement was looking better and better each day, and I quickly approached retirement age.

I decided to pack up for the day just as the phone at my desk rang. I looked skeptically at the caller ID, wondering if I should let it go to voicemail, but when I saw Derek’s number, I couldn’t help but grin. The man had impeccable timing.

“Stark,” I answered, out of habit. The sultry voice on the other end of the line shook.

“H-Hello, Mr. Stark. This is Erika Lane. I’m calling on behalf of Master Derek. Would you mind if I put you on hold while I transfer you?”

“Hello, Erika. How are you, little squirrel?”

“Me?” her voice squeaked.

“Yes, you. Is there someone else on the line I don’t know about?” I grinned. The little submissive fascinated me in a way no woman had in a long time. I loved to catch her off guard and listen to her stumble over her words or watch her squirm in her seat.

“N-no, Sir, I’m doing well. Thank you for asking. I, um, Master Derek would like to speak to you. May I transfer you?”

“Trying to get rid of me so quickly?” I leaned back in my desk chair and crossed my legs, getting comfortable for the best conversation I’d had all day, or all week for that matter. Erika was adorable, and she flipped all my dominant switches.

“N-no, Sir. Of course not. I-I’m just doing my job.”

Her voice shook with nerves, and I would bet my paycheck she was wiggling on a sore bottom as she practically begged to pass me off to Derek. I sighed. I could listen to her voice all day, but I didn’t want to stress her out. She had always been a timid little thing. “Okay, little squirrel, go ahead and transfer me.”

Her audible sigh of relief made me laugh out loud. “Thank you, please hold.” A small click sounded, and the line went silent for a moment before Derek’s drawl carried through the earpiece.

“This is Derek.”

“It’s Jared. What can I do for you, old friend? Need a lawyer for something? One of those nice mix-and-match couples suing you for everything you own?” I joked, knowing that wasn’t the case. Derek was very good at what he did.

“Very funny, old man. You know my clients are all happier than most traditional couples.”

“I know, I know. You are the best. What can I do for you, then?”

“Have any Christmas plans?”

I gave the calendar on my desk a blank stare. “Is it December already?”

“Uh oh. Are you losing your marbles, old man? Do we need to get you into a home?”

“Very funny, junior. This year passed by a little quicker than I realized. I have no plans as of yet. I have a feeling that is about to change?” I couldn’t help the hope in my voice. Time off and a vacation at the only BDSM ranch in the country sounded like exactly what I needed.

“You got that right. I need a Santa Claus, and you just got nominated.”

I bolted upright in my chair and frowned at the phone. “Santa Claus? Are you kidding me? That’s a little outside of my personality.” It was a lot more suited to Derek’s than mine. “What’s wrong? All your other prospects turn you down?”

“Ha!” Derek scoffed. “No one turns me down. Haven’t you figured that out by now? No, you are my first and only call. Sadie asked for you specifically.”

I growled. “Low blow. You know I can’t say no to that little wife of yours.”

“Indeed I do.” I could tell he was grinning even through the phone. “So, when can you fly out? I will send my plane.”

“Let me finish up the week, and I’ll let you know,” I sighed. There was no use arguing. I needed a change of scenery, and Derek really did not take no for an answer from anyone.

“Sounds good. Better start practicing your Ho ho ho.” Derek’s laugh boomed before the line went silent.

Shaking my head, I hung up the phone and gathered my papers. I could finish the case at home.

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