“I want to. Remember what I said?”
 
 No.
 
 My thoughts centered on one feeling. I lied, nodding, and he chuckled while trailing his fingertip along the inner edge of my thigh.
 
 “I said I’d take my time with your sweet pussy, Emerald. And when I say I’m going to do something, I always follow through.” He nuzzled my neck, brushing soft kisses toward my collarbone and over the peaks of my breasts. “This little dress will need to go. But not yet.”
 
 I settled my forearms on the bench and leaned back just as his hands encircled my thighs. Instinctively, I lifted my ass and he slid my panties down my legs. His burning gaze studied my body and I’d never felt such fierce need in my life.
 
 “Please,” I murmured, scooting closer to the edge of the bench.
 
 “Please, what? What does my little plaything want?” He teased while grazing his fingertips so close to my pussy I wanted to scream. He seemed to love toying with me this way.
 
 “Eat my pussy. Make me come,” I whined.
 
 He didn’t waste another second before pushing my thighs wide open and delving into my core.
 
 “Holy shit.” I bit my lip to keep from crying out any louder than I already was. I had no idea what he was doing with his tongue but it felt incredible. I focused on the climbing sensation within my body, each muscle tightening while he devoured me. Gripping the edge of the bench, I ground myself against him, chasing my release.
 
 “Yes. Oh, fuck. Please, don’t stop.”
 
 He slid a finger inside me, curling it and rubbing my walls in the perfect spot. My mind cleared and I succumbed to the waves of pleasure that coursed through me.
 
 Moaning and bucking against him, I rode out my release. Finally, when I couldn’t take another minute of pressure against my sensitive clit, he sat back on his heels with a smug look on his face as he licked his bottom lip.
 
 I had no idea who this man was, but he ate pussy like a god.
 
 This was the moment where things could get awkward. I smiled and adjusted my dress, still panting like I had run a marathon. My mystery man leaned forward and pushed a piece of hair behind my ear.
 
 “Come upstairs with me?” He pleaded. “I want to take care of you.”
 
 Maybe I was an idiot, but looking at his genuine expression, I couldn’t find a reason not to agree. Plus, I was still so turned on, a light breeze could bring me to the edge again.
 
 No, I wasn’t done with this stranger. Not in the slightest.
 
 WhenIsnuckoutof his suite at three AM, I thanked the Christmas fairies that Melvin was alone in the lobby. He tipped an invisible hat to me and continued reading what looked like a folded up newspaper. The air was frigid as I rushed to my car, trying to avoid patches of black ice. Running in heels was not recommended, especially here at The Ridge where men like Darius were in charge of salting the parking lot.
 
 I’d have a few hours to rest and get cleaned up before my shift at the front desk. On top of that, yesterday Gary pulled me aside to tell me he had a top secret special assignment for me. Whatever that meant. With Gary, it could be anything from cleaning the restrooms, to taking a VIP guest on a scenic tour of town.Be grateful.I was lucky to have snagged this paid internship and it could be so much worse. At least my fellow receptionists were nice, most of all Penny, who’d taken me under her wing the past few months.
 
 I felt awful when I told her I wouldn’t be able to make it to her Christmas Day wedding. I had volunteered to work the desk so my co-workers who had kids and families could enjoy the holiday. The highlight of my day would be my foster sister calling me to go on about her latest boyfriend drama. We’d say Merry Christmas and promise to call each other soon. It never happened and I wasn’t mad about it.
 
 Maybe I’d treat myself to a nice bottle of wine and a sappy Hallmark movie after work. Or maybe… my mind trailed toward thoughts of the man on the top floor, the way he commanded my body. I’d never come so hard in my life. But he’d probably be gone by the time I got back. A guy like him surely had a life to get to for the holiday. A shimmer of hope sparked even though I tried to squash it down. Maybe he’d still be there, alone and wanting company. We never specified that our time together was a one time thing. We didn’t exchange many words at all, come to think of it. The only thing he told me was that his name was Saint Nick. I laughed and shook my head, telling myself I’d check his reservation later.
 
 After the world’s best shower and nap, Kiya woke me up by arguing with her boyfriend loudly in her bedroom next to mine. Once I finished school, the first thing I’d do is find my own place. I had to give her props though, she didn’t take his shit. I hoped this time she’d dump him for good.
 
 I ignored them and went about getting dressed for work. My thoughts drifted back to my mystery man and my nipples tightened beneath my button down. How was I stillthisturned on after spending hours with him? Did he awaken a part of me I never knew existed?
 
 I poured myself a bowl of cereal and checked my messages. My heart jumped when I saw the red banner I’d assigned to my advisor earlier in the semester after one of her messages got lost in my inbox.
 
 Ms. Handler,
 
 I wanted to wish you a happy holiday before I’m out of the office for a few weeks. I’m looking forward to our meeting with your boss, Mr. Woods, after the new year. If all goes well, you’ll be on track for graduation in May. You didn’t hear it from me but a little birdie let slip that the recruiter from R.W. saw your ecotourism paper and loved it. Keep up the good work.
 
 -Ann O’ Donnell
 
 My chest filled with pride. I was actually doing it. All the steps were falling into place. Years of scraping by and putting school above everything would finally pay off. All I needed was the thumbs up from Gary, which wouldn’t be difficult. I’d been a good employee and he seemed to like me well enough. Maybe this special job would be what I needed to impress him even more.
 
 I walked into work feeling like I’d just left. Cheery Christmas carols lifted my already elated mood. The lobby was filled with a kinetic energy as couples and families bustled around hauling shopping bags and wearing festive outfits. As soon as I logged in on the computer I clicked on our reservations list and searched for Saint Nick. He wasn’t kidding. Right there, listed under his suite number was the ridiculous alias, and if this was correct, he had the suite booked until after the new year. Curiosity piqued, I glanced toward the staircase with heated cheeks, almost expecting to see him walking down the stairs.