Page 8 of Jingle all the Way

I stroke my hands through her chocolate-colored hair. “Of course, you have. You are always a good girl.”

She beams. “Does that mean Santa will bring me my ride on unicorn?” the excitement in her voice makes me chuckle.

I nod. “I am sure he will baby.” I drop a kiss to her forehead.

She sighs before repeating. “Mommy?”

I bite back a laugh. My little girl is full of questions tonight. “Yes?”

“Ben is all alone next door and that’s not very nice at Christmas. Can we invite him to have dinner with us?” my eyes nearly bug out of my head at her question. I sometimes forget how intuitive Myla is. Nothing gets passed her.

After today, and what he witnessed me doing to thoughts of him, I don’t know how I am ever going to face Ben again. My cheeks heat at the memory and I try to shove it down. Now is not the time to be remembering that when my six-year-old daughter is asking innocent questions. “Sweetheart, Ben may have family he visits at Christmas.”

Her brows furrow before they even out. “But if he doesn’t, can we ask him? Please. I like Ben.” She says, her tone almost pleading.

Wrapping her in my arms I pull her close. My sensitive, compassionate girl. It would be easy to say no. But then what would Myla think. I have always taught her that Christmas is a time for giving, and now I need to show her it by doing the right thing. As much as I am humiliated about what happened, it’s not like I can hide from him. He does live next door. “Of course, baby.”

She grins up at me, then settles back on my lap. We watch the rest of the movie in silence and eventually Myla falls asleep. Carrying her upstairs, I put her in bed and drop a kiss on her head before heading back downstairs to work.

* * *

The next morning, me and Myla are walking down the sidewalk when she excitedly shouts out. “Ben”

I cringe inside, not wanting to see his face right now. Myla tugs on my hand, trying to free herself, but I don’t let go. Blowing out a breath, I plaster on a big smile and spin to face the man who caught me pleasuring myself. He strides towards us, his eyes bright as he looks at Myla and then to me. Something flashes in his eyes, before he clears it.

Dropping to his haunches in front of us, he speaks to my daughter. “Hey little cake pop. How you doing today?”

Myla giggles as she sways. “Good. Mommy is taking me to school. It’s my last day before the holidays.” She tells him.

He smiles. “That’s good. I guess I will be seeing more of you over the next couple of weeks then.”

“Will you have Christmas dinner with us?” she blurts. Bennett’s eyes shift to me, and I blush at the intensity in them. “No one should be alone at Christmas.” Myla finishes.

“Baby girl, Ben might have other plans.” I say so he doesn’t feel pressured to join us.

“Oh,” she says, lowering her gaze, her lip popping out in a pout.

Bennett, grins, shooting me a wink before chucking Myla’s chin. “It just so happens; I had no plans this year. I was just going to grab a takeout and watch Netflix. I would love to join you cake pop.”

Myla squeals, bouncing up and down. “See mommy. We did a good deed. Ben was going to be on his own and now he isn’t.” she singsongs.

I can’t help but chuckle but it’s cut off when Bennett rises to his full height and my breath hitches. He smirks down at me, and I know with everything in me he is remembering yesterday. I clear my throat. “Come on baby, we are going to be late for school.” I say, tugging Myla towards the car.

Bennett chuckles, the sound going straight between my thighs. “I will catch you later cupcake.”

I don’t look at him just carry on to my car. “What about me?” Myla shouts.

Bennett chuckles harder. “And you little cake pop.”

Pulling the door open, I get Myla situated in her booster seat, making sure she is buckled in properly and then shut her inside. My gaze snaps up on its own accord, landing on Ben. He winks, his tongue darting out and running across his full bottom lip.

My stomach tightens in need as a pulse starts in my pussy. As if sensing what he is doing to me, he grins harder and pins me with a look so hungry, I feel it in every fiber of my body. His gaze rakes over my body making me shiver and then he spins on his heel and heads back towards his house.

Climbing in my car, I blow out a breath as I fall back against the seat.

I am so screwed when it comes to that man.

Literally and figuratively.

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