Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36118 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36118 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“You did it at work. And you didn’t have to decency to spill the luscious and juicy deets while we had dinner. Not sure I like you anymore.” She stuck out her lower lip. “But then, you hit that and I can’t blame you. So I’ll love you again, but you have to tell me everything!”
Rayla flushed grateful one more time for her darker skin tone even know she had no doubt there was some evidence of her embarrassment on her face. “Don’t you have like an elf cost them to get into or something like that?”
With an arched eyebrow, Krissy Mae shoved down her Daisy Duke-esque jean shorts and pulled on the red and green striped elf tights from the pile near them. Without missing a beat, she then reached for the longsleeve crop top that match the tights pulling on over her bikini top. To finished off she plunked the fuzzy cap on her head with a flourish. Then she waved her hand in front of her face and bowed before shoving her feet somehow devoid of the four to six inch heels that she always wore into the waiting elf slippers with the curly toes and bell at the tip.
“I’m ready.” She narrowed her eyes and poked her in the shoulder. The same one she just punched. “Don’t think you can keep details for me. I will find out if not from you I’ll ask Santa.”
As her friend flounced away Rayla realized coming from her that was no idle threat. Krissy Mae wanted the gossip she would find a way to get it. Thankfully, she didn’t have long to dwell on that bit of unfortunate information as she hurried to change before the main doors opened and the children streamed in, putting her to work.
Like always it was busy and she was running back and forth making sure the presents remain stocked, Santa and his elves had water, and photos were given to the parents. Not wanting to become more of a spectacle even though she completely enjoyed being in his arms, Rayla remained busy while he got his break. Only once he was back in his chair she take hers.
Unlike the first day when they had a longer hours for seeing Santa. Weekdays were shorter hours now so they didn’t have to stay as long, however, it remained incredibly busy. When the door closed behind the last child and her family the entire room released a collective groan of relief.
A few moments of silence that were quickly broken up when the music turned up in the dancing started. That’s how it always was part of the reason she still stuck around here doing this, waiting for her friend and avoiding her parents. This atmosphere, this collective feeling of being part of something greater than herself.
Rayla laughed as she watched Krissy Mae strip off the hat and top of the elf costume only to dance around swinging it with the bottom half still on. Her friendship made Rayla happy. Krissy Mae shook, she did things Rayla had no idea what it was but she enjoyed herself as she crossed the room.
“Today was a good day, mama.”
They walked to a changing area where Rayla made short work of exchanging out her holiday costume for her far more comfortable light outfit.
“Agreed. Busy but good.”
Krissy Mae nudged her shoulder as they reentered the main room.
“Are we hitting June Bug’s tonight? Or do you have dirty nasty plans with hunky Santa that you’re not telling me about?”
His presence gave him way before he even said a word. His heat his scent all of it just surrounded her bringing with it a sense of familiarity and comfort. The moment he was behind her he slid an arm around her waist and tucked her against his chest before resting his chin on the top of her head.
His large hand spread over her belly moving in small circles which to the casual observer may appear as a calming soothing touch, but to her it was nothing but foreplay. Making her want the brush of his calluses on her skin the feel of his strength as he touched her with such care.
“Apologies, Krissy Mae, I’m stealing her away she has dirty nasty plans with hunky Santa she’s not telling anybody about.”
It wasn’t a lie she kinda did have plans of things she wanted to do to him.
* * *
Ryker wanted nothing more than to tuck this woman away from the rest of the world and keep her all for himself. As he walked through town he continued to observe her. She was still holding back from him and he didn’t know how to fix it or rather how to change that.
“Are you hungry, baby?”
“I’m sure you can tell by looking at me I don’t say no to food. Given I just ran my ass off and there while you were sitting on yours. yes, I’m a bit hungry.”