Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

Bea

“The last thing I want to do after teaching kids all day is go play Mrs. Claus and take pictures with more kids,” I whined to my close friend and fellow kindergarten teacher Zoey after a particularly long day.

I pulled out the snow brush from my trunk and began cleaning my car off. “Okay, that sounds way worse than I meant it to.”

Zoey laughed as she swiped at the snow on the roof of her small car. “No, I totally get it. We’re wiped by the end of the day. But remember all the extra money you’ll make. You’ll have extra money for shopping and to add to the Hawaii dream vacation fund. Also, you never know, but maybe Santa will be hot.”

“Hot? Really? Isn’t it usually an older guy?”

“I would think so, but who knows. I haven’t been to Appleridge’s Christmas village since I was a kid. Maybe one of the hot mountain men floating around town will be inside the Santa suit.” Zoey wiggled her eyebrows, and I tossed some snow at her.

“I’m not looking for love, Z, you know this.”

“Yeah, yeah. That’s what we all say when we’re single.” She walked over to me and pulled me into a hug. “Listen, go have fun. Flirt. Laugh. Flirt some more. No one said anything about love. Make your money and be out. Now promise me you’re coming over for Christmas Eve dinner.”

I rolled my eyes sarcastically. “Okay, okay. You’re too good to me.”

“Possibly. But Dave and I want you there. No one should be alone on Christmas.”

“You know I don’t mind. You both have your own families and?—”

“Shh! None of that. You’re coming. And when you find your person, he’ll come too. Now go be the best Mrs. Claus Appleridge ever saw!”

I was still laughing as I pulled my car into the snowy parking lot a half an hour later. I lived in the next town over, Apple Falls, but I didn’t mind the drive. It was pretty this time of year.

The flakes had slowed down for now, but more was expected tonight. Thankfully I had snow tires put on my car last month, which helped ease my nerves. As did laughter. And Zoey was always good for that.

Now, here I was, having walked in on a Santa with his pants down, but I can’t say I minded because, for some reason, he seemed to have very sexy legs. Muscular and thick.

And if the bulge in his boxers was telling me anything, he wasn’t lacking in the size department.

Behave, Bea! Since when are we looking at dicks of guys we don’t know?

Since now, you horny bitch!

I couldn’t stop smiling like a little girl with her first crush as he introduced himself.

Maybe this little job would turn out to be fun after all.

When I heard the cheers as I finished putting on the last of my costume, a swarm of butterflies took flight in my belly and caused a storm of epic proportions. This Santa was popular. And he was most definitely flirting with me.

I walked out with a tray of cookies and a big smile on my face. And from that point on, the night went on without a hitch.

We laughed with the kids, listened to their wishes for Christmas, and took picture after picture. When we finally took a break halfway through the night, Luke removed his wig, hat, and beard, and wow —I was not expecting him to be so damn handsome.

My eyes dipped lower, and my imagination ran wild at what his chest and stomach must look like, his forearms and biceps, muscular and fit, and deliciously sexy. I wondered if he had any tattoos, and I itched to see him naked.

“Are you checking me out?” Luke smirked before taking a swig of his water.

“Huh? No…of course not.” I tried to shield my eyes and hide my grin, but I failed miserably.

“Ha! Yes, you were. Can’t say I blame you, though.” Luke winked, and I squeezed my legs together. He sat across from me at the table and pushed a cookie toward me. “Have one, they’re delicious.”

I bit into the chocolate chip cookie, more like chocolate chunk, the thick pieces of chocolate melting on my tongue amid the soft, chewy cookie. “Wow, that’s a really good cookie.”

“Ruby’s bakery in town is to die for. If you think her cookies are good, wait until you try her muffins. She even does deliveries.”

I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. Between the animated way he talked and the most amazing cookie I’d ever had, how could I? “Deliveries, hmm? Even to Apple Falls?”

“You live in Apple Falls?” Luke asked. “No wonder I’ve never seen you around town. I’d definitely remember a face like yours.”

I blushed, the heat creeping up my neck. “You know, Luke, I wasn’t expecting to have this much fun tonight. So, thank you. I was afraid it would be a bore, but I needed the extra money for some gifts and to save for a gift to myself.” The words just flew out; I hadn’t meant to reveal so much to him. “Sorry, I’m rambling.” I shoved the rest of my cookie in my mouth to keep the words inside.

“You’re not rambling. I love listening to you.” Luke’s smile matched my own. “I’ve had a lot of fun tonight, too.” He leaned closer, and my breath caught in my throat. “I’d love to maybe…” His mouth moved closer and closer…

“Looks to me like Mr. and Mrs. Claus are getting a little too close over there.” A woman’s voice broke through our bubble. I jumped back, startled by the interruption, and when I looked up, I saw that the camera woman stood there with her eyes narrowed and her hands on her hips. “I doubt Marty would like it.”

“Don’t worry about it. Break’s almost over,” Luke called over his shoulder, never breaking eye contact with me. He made a face and rolled his eyes, and I snorted while trying to hold back a laugh. He made me feel like a little kid getting in trouble.

I watched as the woman took a sip of water, shot us a nasty look, and then disappeared. “I guess Mr. and Mrs. Claus aren’t allowed to be affectionate?”

“Apparently not. But isn’t it more fun to piss off the elves?” Luke smirked, and the urge to kiss him was strong.

“You’re right, it is. Let’s go piss them off some more.”

Luke stood and slid his Santa beard back on. “I’m down. Time to have some fun.”

He held out his hand, and I took it, because why not?

Nothing was wrong with being flirty and having some fun, even if others didn’t like it.