Page 80 of Here Comes Santa Paws

“Holy shit. You really wanted to get back here.”

“I really did.” I pulled him close.

Chapter 32

Elias

Upbeat Christmas musicplayed through my Bluetooth speakers while the television showed birds enjoying trays of seed in the snow. I could’ve sworn the lights on my tree twinkled extra bright. It was the perfect Christmas so far. I’d woken in Roman’s arms and had a litter of puppies to ooh and ahh over.

Roman came through the front door carrying the green bean casserole he’d cooked at his place since my oven was full.

“Have I told you today how hot you look?”

He glanced down at the green sweater with an elf’s body placed so his head was in place of the elf’s. His expression was unamused when he raised his head. “Do you have an elf kink?”

I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around his waist. “No, but Idefinitelyhave a Roman-in-festive-clothing kink.”

Roman couldn’t contain his laugh. “Pretty sure I picked up on that when you dropped to your knees and sucked me off as soon as I put it on.”

I bit my bottom lip. “I’m lucky you accept all my quirks.”

He cupped the back of my neck and kissed me deeply. I wasn’t sure how to remain upright under that kind of assault. “I’m lucky you trust me enough to share your quirks.”

“Lucky for me, I was able to procure a matching sweater at the last minute.”

“I still don’t understand how you did that.”

I booped his nose. “I’ve got a lot of connections in this town.”

Roman shook his head.

“You love it.”

His eyes softened. “I do.”

Before I could drop to my knees again and reward him for being so free with his emotions, there was a knock at the door.

“Ready?”

Roman let out a breath. “Ready.”

I opened my front door to let Gramps and Nancy in.

“Can we see the puppies?” Nancy asked by way of greeting.

“Merry Christmas.” I kissed her cheek and took the insulated casserole bag from her hands while Roman unloaded the bags hanging from her arms.

Her cheeks reddened. “Sorry. Merry Christmas.Nowmay I see the puppies?”

I laughed. “Let me set this down, and I’ll take you in.”

“Got your camera, Roman?” Gramps asked.

Roman turned toward Gramps after setting Nancy’s bags under the tree. “I can grab it. Want me to take your photo?”

Gramps unzipped his coat to reveal the sweater I’d given him years ago. It was similar to Roman’s and mine—both with elf bodies—except Gramps’s had Santa’s body.

“Nancy has the Mrs. Claus one. We need a family photo.”

---