Page 44 of Here Comes Santa Paws

“Fuck! You’ve got good aim, you furry little shit.”

Elias bit his lips but a laugh burst through. “Jump on laps. Now you know how he got his name. Nutcracker, let’s go outside.”

I rubbed my aching dick as Elias led his dogs to the back door. No damage. I wasn’t about to let it get in the way of getting off.

Chapter 19

Elias

“You’ve had dinner,potty, and I’ll give you treats. In exchange, I need you to give Roman and me some space, okay?” Tinsel and Nutcracker wagged their tails and stared at me as I closed the back door.

On my way back to the couch to finish the fun we’d started, I saw the gift bag sitting on the counter that I’d forgotten to give to Roman. I hooked my finger through the handles and sauntered into the living room. “I have something for you.”

Roman adjusted himself and smirked at me. “So do I.” His expression shifted into a frown when he clocked the bag.

I dropped onto the couch and tucked my legs under me as I handed it to him, biting back a laugh at his dubious expression.

He grasped the straps with his fingertips and held it in front of him with the same enthusiasm one might give a ticking bomb. “You got me something?”

“Just a gag gift.”

“A gag gift.” His eyebrows lifted as he peered into the bag.

“Yes. It’s a human custom that occurs when people share an inside joke, and you buy something in reference to that inside joke.”

He looked at me with wide, startled eyes. “We have an inside joke?”

I tried to stop myself from fidgeting. “I’m sure it’ll make sense when you open it.”

I mimed removing the tissue paper and tried to ignore my stomach plummeting. Maybe I shouldn’t have done this. I’d thought we’d crested a hill in our relationship—friendship—and he might think it was funny.

I would’ve yanked the tissue paper and let it fall to the floor, but Roman carefully moved it to the side.

Roman removed the nutcracker in scrubs and studied it. His silence made my skin itch.

“I know you decided not to buy it at the fair, but it’s perfect for you. You know, to add to your enormous collection of decorations.” I flashed an angelic smile. “But seriously, you can donate it. I know your stance on Christmas decor, and you don’t like clutter. Mmph.”

I fell back against the couch as Roman’s body slammed against mine, lips muffling my words. His strong arms wrapped around my waist. I looped my arms around his neck and gave as good as I got. I needed to see the stoic Roman fall apart from my touch. Even though I knew this wasn’t going to end well for my heart, I didn’t care. How could I with Roman’s lips on mine?

My dogs jumped on the couch and tried to climb Roman. He dropped his forehead against mine.

“Bedroom?”

“We can close the door, but they’ll whine. Your place?”

“Fuck yes. Let’s go.” He stood and tugged me to my feet.

My heart galloped as Roman paused to gently place the nutcracker back in the bag. The hurried pace resumed as we shoved our feet in our shoes. I skipped the jacket and raced over to his place.

Once we got inside, I laughed at the sight of Carol sprawled across his couch. The fact that she didn’t immediately hop off after getting busted told me he hadn’t been as rigid as he claimed about his furniture policy.

He gave me a “don’t say a word” look before telling Carol to stay, then dragged me to his bedroom. He closed the door behind us and stalked toward me with fire in his eyes. “What do you want?” He held my hips in a vise-like grip.

I swallowed. “To get my hands on your cinnamon stick.”

Roman groaned. “Festive innuendo is not as hot as you think it is.”

I stepped closer until we were connected from chest to thighs. “Don’t worry, I’ll get your bells jingling.”

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