Page 179 of Santa Daddies
“I need to sort something out first.” I’m going to have to talk to Kace–figure out if Bellamie is anything more than fleeting fun for him.
She scoffs. “Then why are you keeping me from getting to work?”
The sound of the shower door closing and the flow of water being disrupted by her naked body are my signs to get my shit together, and fast.
Chapter Twelve
Bellamie
Steaming a blouse to get it ready to be put on display, I’m thankful my boss, Debbie allowed me to come in today, and agreed not to ask questions. She was happy for me to relieve her from prepping the store for the big holiday push.
Time alone is the last thing I thought I’d be asking for today.
She knew about the auction and left me off the schedule indefinitely since I was supposed to be whisked away by my knights in shining armor. Instead, I'm surrounded by family drama.
Loren didn’t even have the decency to leave when I asked him to, so I snuck out the back door. He made it clear that he’d fulfilled his contractual obligation. There’s nothing else to explain.
Dressing the mannequin, I congratulate myself on breaking the auction’s streak. I texted Jolene, Starla, and Molly earlier to find out how it went for them and haven’t heard back yet. I’m guessing Starla and Cullen will work out. Jolene and her brother’s best friend are also a possibility. Molly might evenstand a chance with her stepbrothers. Hers was the only part of the auction that worked out as everyone would have expected.
Admiring the outfit I pulled together for the mannequin, I confide in her that I doubt my backup plan will even work. She stares at me blankly, letting the joyful sounds of Christmas music remind me I usually love this time of year. Oh to have the mannequin’s life… All she has to do is be present and let people dress her in fabulous clothes.
I’d like a little more out of life than that, but question my silly dream that the auction would be magical enough to land me a group of men who want nothing more than to dote on me.
Returning to the back of the store, I pull out the packing slip for the next box to see if it’s something we’re supposed to put out now or save for later. It's a last-minute box of Christmas t-shirts I remember Debbie saying she picked up for next to nothing.
She’s going to use them as super cheap items to get people in the door. I’ll put them on the discount table that’s between the dressing rooms and the register. Methodically opening the box, I pull out the first one, hold it up, and almost drop it. The image of Krampus is surrounded by words that read:Krampus wants to jingle your bell.
Is that a sign?
I dig through the box. Plenty of shirts with Santa, reindeer, elves… but that is the only Krampus shirt.
With nothing to lose, I text Kace, letting him know I’m all in for a date. The message immediately shows that it’s been read, but he doesn’t reply. There could be a million reasons why. Not all of them are because he had no intention of coming back. That’s just the one that speaks loudest.
Steaming and folding each t-shirt, I try to harness the joy of the season. I’d been so set on the auction, I hadn’t even started my countdown to Christmas. Twelve days. There, I have something to look forward to now.
My phone buzzes. My heart stops. And I curse myself for being disappointed that it’s a text from Jolene.
Jolene
Sorry it didn’t work out for you, Belle.
Me:
Tell me you have good news.
Jolene:
I’m not going to be a single mom!
I send back a flurry of heart emojis as does Starla who also shares her good news.
I send more heart emojis then add a response.
Me:
I’m not a virgin anymore, and I found out I like being spanked.
Jolene sends a smiley face.
