Page 6 of On Santa's Lap

Ignoring the finicky cat, I go back to my food and enjoy the tasty meal while it’s still hot. With the cold weather, it really hits the spot.

My phone rings this time, but I let it go to voicemail because I don’t have any interest in speaking to Ryan and I’m afraid that it’ll be him. It rings again, so I let it go until I finish my food. Once I get done with my meal, I find I was right. It was Ryan calling and obviously a very pointless call because there’s nothing that needs to be said after our texts.

My phone rings in my hand and I lose it, answering it with an angry “What?”

“Sorry, chickee. I was just seeing how you were doing after your busy day.”

“My busy day? You’re the one working in the mall of madness right now.”

“Yes, but you had a run-in with the boss and then you’re babysitting.”

“Actually, I’m home with Jinx, being absolutely lazy. I didn’t have to babysit after all.”

“Well then, I’m sorry for bothering you. Get some rest because I have a feeling Mr. Nicholas isn’t going to give you any rest once he gets his hands on you.”

“Whatever. I’ve got some cleaning to do now that I have some free time.”

“No, you need to relax. Do you know how to do that?”

“Like you’re one to talk.” I hear commotion in the background.

“Sorry. I’ve got to let you go. Issues as always. See you tomorrow.” I ended the call with my sister and then let out a massive sigh. All I can think about is seeing Trent tomorrow, so instead of wasting my time watching the clock, I get to cleaning my house.

It takes until seven to get it spotless and then I collapse on my sofa, feeling exhausted. “Jinx, why didn’t you tell me to stop before my arms were noodles?” I ask my cat, who barely lifts his head from his perch on the arm of the sofa.

My front window shines brightly with my Christmas tree and lights, but I can see that the snow has fallen. With a sigh, I get up and head into the kitchen to make something small for dinner. After cooking a quick one-pan chicken and rice dish, I plop down on my couch with my legs crossed and turn on the television. I select one of my Christmas favorites and then sit back and enjoy my food.

My dinner makes me sleepy, so I set my plate on the coffee table and cover myself with the blanket on the back of the sofa. Slowly, I fall asleep, missing the rest of It’s a Wonderful Life.

My phone rings in the silence, shocking me to sit up straight. Picking it up because it’s probably my sister or mother at this hour, but it’s neither. Smiling like a fool, I answered it. “Hello.”

“Hello, beautiful. I hope I’m not bothering you so late.”

“You’re not,” I answer with a yawn.

“I’m sorry I woke you up, baby, but I’ll have to cancel our morning breakfast.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not, Lola. The thought of missing out on time with you actually pisses me off, but today’s meeting didn’t go as planned and the only way I can make it work is going to a morning meeting to follow up.”

“I understand. We’ll see each other tomorrow, and then you can take me to dinner to make it up to me.”

“That is perfect, my love.”

“Good. Now go back to bed, my sweet Lola and I’ll see you tomorrow.” We hang up and I fall back asleep, enjoying dreams of Trent until my alarm goes off.

Chapter Three

Trent

I’ve thought about her all day and it killed me to not call her again, but restraint was a must. Dennis reminded me of my obligations to the town and the mall. I had to consider the event tomorrow, and the ramifications if I ruined the visit with Santa by pushing Lola too soon, too fast. The change in plans gave me a brief chance to call her, even though it took away from our morning together. After it’s over, I won’t stop until she comes with my name on her lips.

Lola’s reaction to my attention had matched mine, so I know she feels the hunger. All I need to do is make her realize that it’s not just driving me and that I want more than to be inside her tight, young body. I want to possess her for the rest of our days. She’s a Christmas gift I’ll cherish forever.

“Are you ready to head to the mall?” Dennis asks, smiling from ear to ear as I slide into the back of my SUV.

“Stop that. You look like a mental patient.”

---