Page 51 of Santa Has a Six-Pack
At that exact moment, Matt saunters out of the Santa House, his red coat open to reveal his chiseled abs underneath.
Holy shit.
No more spandex and cotton balls for this guy.
He looks good.
After much discussion about possible costuming for this insane experiment, we decided it was best to go with a classic Santa suit, but without the fake beard or white hair. That way, he could look cozy and respectable with the kids, then we could open the coat to sex it up just a little bit for the “adult hours.”
I catch my breath.
I did not expect to be so… affected by the sight of him in this suit.
All morning, I’ve been avoiding looking directly at him. But suddenly I can’t look away. His hair is loose again, like it was on Thanksgiving. It dusts his broad shoulders. With his coat open, it’s clear how low the velvet pants sit on his hips, showcasing a hint of that V-shape that travels down and disappears behind his belt. I can’t decide if I love or hate that thick black belt he’s wearing. I can’t stop my brain from imagining what it would feel like to unbuckle that leather strap and?—
“Penny?”
“Penny!” My eyes fly to Keira’s. “That’s me, yes! I’m Penny.”
She chuckles. “We, um, I think we’re ready to get started.”
“Right. Yes, let’s get started.” My gaze locks on Matt’s for just a moment before I tear it away.
Did he catch me staring?
Matt winks and takes his seat.
He definitely caught me staring.
For the next forty-five minutes, I watch woman after woman sit on Matt’s lap and whisper their Christmas wishes into his ear.
It’s torture.
For me.
Matt, however, is in his glory, laughing, smiling, flirting… He’s certainly giving these ladies their money’s worth. He’s giving Herald’s their money’s worth too. We have a whole display of Kingpin Fitness equipment set up to the right of Santa’s Village with sales associates on standby, ready to assist customers who are suddenly inspired to purchase fitness equipment. And from the look of the line forming, plenty of people are feeling inspired.
When we near the hour mark, I decide I can’t watch it anymore. I pull off to the side and busy myself on my phone. I tell Dottie I’m “putting out a work fire,” but that’s a lie. The only fire I’m trying to douse is the jealous one flaming in my chest.
What is wrong with me?
I don’t want to be the one sitting on his lap. Do I?
“Hey Penn, could we get you sitting on Matt’s lap?”
Keira’s voice startles me. I look up to see Matt saying goodbye to the last group of ladies. They point and giggle at their new photos as they walk away.
I’m frozen in place.
Keira continues, “Before we break for lunch?”
“Why would I sit on his lap?” I finally speak.
“For more social media engagement?” she asks in her “please do me a favor” voice. “I’ve been posting clips from your Bossfit workout the other day, and everyone’s shipping you!”
“They’re ‘shipping’ me?” I ask, confused.
“You and Matt.” Keira cocks her head to the side. “Girl. Don’t tell me you don’t know what shipping means. You and I both need to get out more. Anyway, everyone thinks you two look super cute together and have lots of chemistry.” She hands me her phone. “Here. Scroll the comments.”
