Santa Baby

A Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

Santa Baby ISBN # 978-1-907280-57-3 ©Copyright Lexie Davis 2009 Cover Art by April Martinez ©Copyright December 2009 Edited by Jess Bimberg Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2009 by Total-E-Bound Publishing 1 The Corner, Faldingworth Road, Spridlington, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 2DE, UK.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.

Christmas Crackers

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

Dedication To Darcy

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Toys ‘R’ Us: Geoffrey, LLC Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mirage Studios Volvo XC 90: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC BMW: BMW of North America, LLC Wii: Nintendo Montblanc pen: Montblanc Louis Vuitton: Louis Vuitton Malletier S.A.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

5

Chapter One

She wanted his touch. He knew it, and knew she knew he knew it. But she had her reservations. After all, she was his boss. A thousand and one things could go wrong with the scenario, if he didn’t play his cards right. Luke McGraw studied Lani Mitchell as she gave the board her presentation. She tried not to look at him during her speech, but he caught her gaze roaming in his direction. He wondered what kind of panties she wore beneath that tight, expensive suit she favoured. Would they be a bold, sexy colour like red or black? Or something in the pastel family that was dainty and feminine? She wore thigh high stockings that made his mouth water. He loved women who wore stockings. Especially if those stockings were accompanied by a garter belt. His cock hardened at that image playing through his head. Maybe he should forget the whole boss-employee circumstance and just fuck her on the boardroom table? That would definitely shock a lot of the stiff old men in the room, and probably even a few of the ladies as well. He tapped his pen against his paper and raised his hand, like a good little boy, to interrupt her speech. Now she has to look at me. “Luke?” Lani said, a bit breathless. “I know you said that Mitchell Cosmetics chose the orphanage for this year’s annual charity, but what exactly are you planning on doing for them?” “We’re hosting a Christmas event. Mitchell Cosmetics will buy Potter Children’s Home gifts for each child. We will also deliver a full Christmas meal for them to enjoy.” Lani’s eyes met his. He licked his lips. A moment passed between them and Luke could have sworn her eyes screamed ‘fuck me’ at him. He grinned. He wanted to, if his cock had anything to say about it. “Are there anymore questions before I continue?” she asked, averting her attention from Luke. Luke raised his hand. He almost laughed when her eyes met his for a second time. “When you say ‘we’ you actually mean us as a company, right? Not ‘we’ as in we have to be there to hand deliver the presents and feed the kids.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

6

He thought it was a decent question. Granted, he felt bad that the kids didn’t have parents or a place to call their own. But he, like most everyone else, had family events to attend. He held her gaze. He knew Lani didn’t have family, and what friends she did have had their own families. He understood why she’d want to do something like that—she was an orphan herself—but did she have reason to drag them along with her? “I was hoping a few people would volunteer. I’ll be there, of course. I’ve learnt over the years these kids really don’t care that much about the gifts. They simply want someone’s attention, even if it’s only for a night.” The room fell silent. Luke watched as his co-workers debated their options, and shook their heads in disapproval. “I’m not asking for you to be there the entire time. Just an hour.” She looked so pitiful, how could they not give in? Excuses started flying from people’s mouths. He wished it was any other time but Christmas Day. Maybe if he switched his family dinner to the day before, he and Lani could take care of it. It didn’t look like anyone else would bother volunteering. “Don’t worry about it,” Luke spoke up over the commotion. “Lani and I can handle it.” Her shock was evident. He didn’t comment anymore and wrote a note to himself on his legal pad before him. Lani so owes me for this.

**** “Luke?” Lani called when the meeting had been dismissed. “Can I speak with you for a moment?” She waited until most of the people cleared the boardroom, busying herself with cleaning up her presentation materials. Luke stood beside her, waiting. Where did she even begin? “Thank you for volunteering,” she started, still avoiding his eyes. “I know you have family events to attend, but I appreciate you committing to spending an hour or two with the orphans on Christmas.” He squeezed the back of the leather chair in front of him. “No problem.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

7

“Uh, I sort of have another favour to ask of you.” She took a deep breath. “I was planning on hiring a Santa Claus to hand out the presents, and well, I was thinking since you volunteered to help me and you’re a guy that maybe you could dress up in the red suit?” “Hell no.” Her gaze finally met his. “Why not?” “I don’t play dress up, unless I’m getting sex. That’s why.” Lani stared at him. She didn’t even want to go there. Okay, maybe she did, but it was highly inappropriate no matter how great he’d look dressed as a fireman or cop. Santa really didn’t turn her on in that sense, but she couldn’t help the smile creeping across her face. “You think that’s funny?” She chuckled. “Amusing, yes. What’s your preference? Fireman? Cop? Soldier coming home from war?” To her surprise, his cheeks tinted pink. She’d embarrassed him. For the first time since she hired him, she had one up on him. It was a good feeling. “Anything but a damn Santa costume.” She tried to regain her composure. “Please, Luke. I don’t ask for much from you. It would be a great help and the kids would love it so much. At that age, Santa is like a hero to them.” He huffed a breath and ran a hand over his face. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” She reached out to touch his arm. “All you have to do is deliver the presents. Maybe let them sit on your lap.” He frowned at her, narrowing his eyes. He couldn’t be more adorable. Lani rubbed his arm and smiled, hoping to ease his reservations. She could picture him wearing the costume, and a million others, but it was inappropriate to let her thoughts go there. He was her employee and any chance of a relationship between the two had gone out the window the day she had hired him. “Really? Are you going to sit on my lap too?” To her surprise, Luke pulled her to him and pressed her body between his and the leather chair he’d been leaning on. His heat surrounded her, his scent nearly making her moan. She bit her lower lip to keep her reaction to herself, but the fire in his eyes revealed that he saw. He was nothing but a walking wet dream and every woman knew it.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

8

“Is that what it’ll take to get you to wear the Santa suit?” She should push away from him. Being that close, surrounded by him, was dangerous territory. “That and much more. You owe me for this. And I mean big time.” His warmth wrapped around her like a snug cocoon. She wanted to move a bit closer. Wanted to press her lips against his and taste him. “Name your price.” He laughed. “I’m pretty sure you don’t want me to voice it out loud.” “Am I going to regret it in the morning?” His hand came up to brush a knuckle against her cheek. “Not if I do everything right.” She could imagine him doing many things the right way. Everything the right way. Lani swallowed, frozen in her place while he touched her, his finger lingering along her cheek. God, what was wrong with her? If she didn’t move away soon, she might actually voice a few things running through her mind, like where she’d rather have him touch her. “Is that confidence or arrogance shining through?” she asked. He smiled and withdrew his hand. “Isn’t that the same?” “Depends.” She moved away from him and busied herself with stacking her presentation papers. “Are you all talk? Or can you actually follow through?” He laughed. “I guess if you make me wear the damn Santa suit, you’ll find out, won’t you?” “We’ll see.” She picked up the papers and her coffee mug. She had no doubts about him, and the more she thought about it, the more her need to remain professional lessened. Her body still tingled from his touch, every nerve ending awakened. She headed to the door, needing to put some space between them. His scent alone was intoxicating enough. “Lani?” She stopped, keeping her back to him as he continued. “You won’t be disappointed this Christmas. I am confident of that.” She turned around slowly. His smile had faded and a more serious expression crossed his face. He knew her, possibly better than anyone else. A whole array of emotions came over her when she realised how true she wanted his statement to be. For once, she didn’t want to be disappointed during one of the biggest family holidays celebrated. All she could do was nod in response.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

9

**** Lani dragged two shopping carts through Toys’R’Us, selecting toys from the orphan kids’ wish lists. In her heart, she knew picking the orphanage for the annual charity was the right thing to do. She didn’t even want to think about what those kids went through every day, though she sympathised. She’d lived that life many years ago and had longed for the day the social worker said she was adopted. But it never came for her. Her cell phone rang in the middle of the boys’ toys aisle and she paused in her shopping to glance at the read-out. She smiled and answered. “Hello?” “We’ve got a little situation.” Luke huffed a breath. “I got a call from David, the head developer in the lab, and it seems the product line for the new teen cosmetics won't be ready by Christmas.” Lani groaned. “You’ve got to be kidding me. We’ve already filmed commercials. The ad campaign is set for the next couple of weeks. What date did he give?” “February at the earliest, but even that is sketchy.” “February!” she shrieked. Several women stared at her. She grabbed the carts and pushed them towards the book section. “We can’t do that, Luke. February is too late. We’re set to make the commercials live the week before Christmas. Why on earth is production holding out on us now?” Luke sighed. “He gave me some bullshit about firing one of the scientists and they’re shorthanded on techs. I don’t know. He had a laundry list of things that were holding him back. Where are you?” She stopped in front of the books and smiled despite the stress of the holidays. “I’m shopping for the kids.” “Are you coming back to the office?” “Maybe, after I drop off all the items at my house. I still have to wrap them which will be a chore.” She pushed the carts forward with her cell propped between her shoulder and her ear. “Why? Do you need me?” “Probably not in the way you’re referring to.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

10

Lani stopped and stared at a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure. There was something about Luke’s voice that made her body tingle. Her nipples beaded beneath her shirt. She inhaled a deep breath and let it out before speaking again. “You should really cut back on the suggestive banter. We work together and really don’t need to converse like that.” Normally, she’d let it go. She liked his flirtatious attitude and honestly wanted him to say dirtier things to her. Not that she’d ever admit that to him. He was her employee. They needed to remain strictly professional. The line fell quiet. Maybe she’d offended him? God, that was the last thing she wanted to do. “I don’t mean to offend you, Luke. If we didn’t work together, if I wasn’t your employer…” “I’m not offended.” She heard his chair squeak on his side of the line. “You and I both know if we never said another word to each other again, suggestive or otherwise, it wouldn’t to change anything. I like you and you like me. There’s something between us and I want to explore it, even if you are my employer.” “There’s nothing between us.” “You can keep denying it, sweetheart, but it doesn’t make it true. I need to go. I’ll catch up with you later at your place.” “Wait.” She went into a sudden panic. “Why are you coming to my place? I don’t know when I’ll be home.” He chuckled. “Let me clarify. I’m going to figure out what to do about this ordeal. You said you had to wrap presents so I naturally assumed you’d be at your house. I’ll meet up with you later to report what I find.” He hung up before she could respond. What on earth was he up to? Pushing aside thoughts of Luke, she was intent on focusing on shopping. All the other stuff could wait. After travelling all over the city, shopping a week before the holidays, she finally pulled in her drive and hit the garage door remote. She had a carload of presents as a result of her adventure, and her feet were killing her. But she felt good. Christmas was definitely looking up this year. She pushed her sunglasses on top of her head and climbed out to undo the back end of her Volvo XC-90. She hadn’t even grabbed the first package before Luke pulled into the driveway and parked his BMW. Her stomach did a flip flop when she saw him, his boyish

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

11

good looks enough to make any woman with a pulse swoon. He was dressed in an impeccable black suit and looked pretty damn good. “Okay, here’s the deal.” Luke held up a piece of paper. “I talked with production. The thing that is keeping them is the flavour craze lip gloss. Something about the colours not mixing well with the flavours. Sandra said once they put the concoction in the container it turns a mouldy colour that is obviously bad for business. Anyway, I got them to push up the products ready to go, and they’re working their asses off on fixing the other.” Lani took the paper and read over the items listed. Everything was set to be shipped to the stores on time. The only thing missing was the lip gloss. “You’re a saviour, Luke.” She smiled and, on impulse, wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms immediately went around her waist and held her close. He smelt good and she allowed herself the pleasure of holding him a bit longer than necessary. When she pulled away, she met his eyes and swallowed hard. His lips were inches from hers, and she wanted desperately to taste him. To kiss him and lick him and suck him. “Did you finish your shopping?” His voice pulled her out of her daydreams. “Uh,” she stepped back, “yeah.” She turned and sorted through the bags. She tried to force herself to completely ignore her reaction to him. He was her employee but Luke McGraw was also the very type of man she dreamt of at night. He made her wet in business meetings much like he was making her wet now. He was also her knight in shining armour. He was always saving her, subtly of course, in his own way. In the short years they’d known each other, he’d come to mean so much more to her than a simple employee. “You need some help?” Luke’s hand lingered along her back, sending shivers down her spine. “If you wouldn’t mind. My car is packed.” He squeezed her shoulders and leant in to press a kiss to her cheek. The more she tried to ignore it, the more her body heated. It was nearly forty degrees outside and she felt warm enough to throw on a bathing suit. She swallowed hard and gathered a few bags to hand to him. She grabbed some herself and led him to the door. She had no idea where she’d put all the gifts or if they’d fit even in her car after she wrapped them. Why on earth didn’t she take them to the orphanage and wrap them there?

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

12

“Just set them anywhere.” She dropped her bags next to the couch. She watched him while she kicked off her shoes. “Do you think these gifts will fit in my car after they’re wrapped?” He laughed. “I doubt it. I can take some if you need me to.” She bent to pick up her shoes. “Great. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She left him to return her shoes to her room and take a breather for a moment. She licked her lips as she stared at her reflection in the dresser mirror. Her cheeks were flushed. She pulled her sunglasses off and laid them on the top of the dresser. She quickly changed into a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt before returning to help him unload her car. “Wow.” She glanced around her living room. “Are you done?” “Just one more trip.” He winked at her. While she let him get the last of the bags, she started sorting through the ones in the living room. With her wild schedule at work and the upcoming new line of cosmetics, she hadn’t even gotten her Christmas decorations down from the attic. Thankfully, she’d bought paper and bags to wrap the gifts in. “Okay,” he said, entering the room. “Last of the bags.” He dropped three plastic sacks on the love seat and held her purse out to her. She smiled and took it, tossing it to the coffee table. “Can I get you something to drink?” “Nah.” He moved the presents beside her and sat. “One of my requests for payback to me is you attend my family gathering. Non-negotiable.” “What? Why?” He rubbed his hand on his thigh. “Because. It won’t kill you to meet my family. The gathering is on Christmas Eve so you should be good. I don’t want you working this holiday anyway.” He met her eyes. “The rest of my requirements can wait.” She stared at him. “Why do I get the feeling you’re talking about sex?” He grinned. “Because you have a dirty mind.” He extended his arm on the back of the couch and turned his body towards her. He was right. She did have a dirty mind and in her fantasies he was the star. It was completely wrong on so many levels. She tried not to picture him in the role-playing costumes she dreamt up, but the ideas kept coming. He could dress up as a pirate or maybe a cowboy. The thought of tight leather chaps moulded to his well-toned thighs definitely made her mouth water.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

13

“Why do I get the impression that beautiful mind of yours is at work right now?” She glanced up at him and he grinned. Her cheeks heated. “I need to get these wrapped and out of my house, to the orphanage before Christmas.” He leant in to kiss her forehead. “You’re adorable when you blush.” That was the second time his lips touched some part of her body and she couldn’t stop the reaction her body felt. Heat sizzled through her veins. Desire so raw and intense came over her and she acted on impulse. She swallowed hard, staring into his eyes, before she leant in and pressed her lips against his. His hand came up to cup her cheek. She parted her lips, and his tongue slipped between. A little moan escaped from her as she kissed him back. Relief when he didn’t push her away swept through her. His hand slid into her hair and fisted the silky locks. She wanted his touch, wanted his hands caressing every inch of her body. She should probably pull away, and in the back of her mind, she considered it. A million and one reasons popped through her mind of why she should stop, but the need, the passion won her over instead. Her body wanted so much more and Luke sat beside her, willingly conceding. She moved closer to him, straddling his thighs. Her heart beat rapidly as the temperature in the room spiked a few degrees. His body heat surrounded her, made her ache to feel him inside her. She reached for his fly. “Whoa.” Luke pulled back and grabbed her wrists. “Slow down, sweetheart.” Lani stared at him. “But I thought…” He smiled and brushed her hair away from her face. “You thought right, but what’s the rush? You got somewhere to be?” She reached up to brush his lips with her finger. “Maybe. You never know. I am a busy woman.” His fingers slipped beneath her shirt. “Then I guess we can't waste the time we have, huh?” She stood and held out her hand. She didn’t plan on wasting anything where Luke was concerned, even if all she could allow herself was the one afternoon.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

14

Chapter Two

Luke followed Lani into her bedroom. He liked the soft tones she’d chosen to decorate in. Everything about her house was feminine and completely her. Her queen bed was neatly made with a turquoise comforter and soft, fluffy pillows. He pulled her to him and kissed her, unable to resist the urge. If she had doubts about this, he’d shoot himself. He backed her against a nearby wall and tugged her sweatshirt up. He wanted her, had to have her. He tossed the shirt to the ground and groaned at the sight of her in a sexy bloodred bra. He pressed his mouth against hers. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted to get you naked?” He held her hands above her head, pushing his body against hers. “Ever since my first job interview. I heard you were a badass, that didn’t take shit off anyone, but I sat there in front of you wanting to know what colour of panties you wore under those tight little suits you favour while you chewed me up and spit me out in my interview.” He kissed her again, harder than before. A little moan of delight rumbled in her throat. He pulled back and stared into her eyes. She was so damn beautiful, it took his breath away. “Do you like my choice of colour?” He smiled and brought her hand to his crotch. “What do you think?” She smiled. “I actually bought these with you in mind.” His cock pressed against his fly. “You’re beautiful.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, and they stumbled to the bed. She peeled her jeans off while he stepped away long enough to work on his suit. He’d left the jacket in the living room while he unloaded the SUV so one article was out of the way. He paused in unbuttoning his shirt when Lani tossed her jeans to the floor. She climbed on the mattress and lay back against the pillows, waiting for him, watching his every move. He shrugged out of his shirt and reminded himself to slow down. He really didn’t want to screw things up before they even got started. Lani smiled and crawled towards him. “Like you, I’ve been wondering what was hidden beneath your impeccable suits.” She scraped a nail down his chest. “I’m wearing black boxers.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

15

She laughed. “Not what I meant.” He leant in and pressed his lips against hers. Four long years of waiting, and finally, they were going to be together. Her hands worked on his zipper as he cradled her head between his hands. He couldn’t stop kissing her. Didn’t want to. She slipped his zipper over his erection and pushed his pants off his hips. Luke kicked them to the side and crawled over her, pushing her back against the mattress. “Luke?” She ended the kiss and stared into his eyes. “I don’t have any protection.” Her statement hit him like a large bucket of ice water. His condom-in-the-wallet days were over. Shit. He sat back and contemplated his next move. He always took women to his place—where a drawer full of every kind of condom on the market happened to be. What the fuck was he going to do now? “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it until now.” She brushed her hand down his chest. Luke wanted to shout his frustrations but instead, kissed her forehead and rolled to his side. “It’s not your fault. I wasn’t planning on sex with my boss this afternoon or I would have bought every damn box a nearby store had.” She kissed his chest. “Maybe we could do other things…things that don’t need condoms.” He lifted his head, intrigued, and met her eyes. “What do you have in mind?” She grinned and moved away. He watched with curiosity as she entered her bathroom and closed the door for a moment. When she came out, she had a bottle in her hand. She climbed in bed beside him and tugged his boxers off his hips, tossing them to the floor. Lani wrapped her small hand around him. “A friend coerced me to buy this stuff from a sex shop we visited in Las Vegas and I had no idea what I’d do with it until now.” He smiled, though surprised. Straight-laced Lani went to a kinky sex shop in none other than Sin City itself. “You visited a sex shop?” Her thumb brushed the tip of his cock. With as much innocence she could muster, she said, “Do I not look like the sex shop kind?” He laughed. “No, not really.” The imagine of Lani in a room full of sex toys entered his mind and made him impossibly harder. God, he would have loved to have been there, picking out items for them to try together. He hadn’t even fucked her yet and his mind pictured a million different things he wanted to experience with her, only her.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

16

She shook her head with a grin. “Okay, you’re right. I did learn a thing or two though.” She leant down and kissed the tip of his cock. He hissed air between his teeth and shut his eyes. Her soft lips anywhere near his cock was enough to make him come. Hell, the thought was enough, much less the action. He opened his eyes and watched. She circled the tip with her tongue, once then twice, before closing her lips around him and sucking lightly. Each pull of her mouth tested his control, brought him to the very edge. Lani’s hand wrapped around him as she took him deeper, bumping his cock against the back of her throat. “Oh, fuck. That’s good.” Of all the damn times for him to forget protection. This was his one chance with her, and like a horny fool, he’d have to settle for a blowjob at best. Lani pulled away with a snicker. He watched as she reached for the bottle and popped the top. She upended the bottle and poured a generous amount of oil on his stiff dick. She recapped the bottle and set it to the side. “Spread your legs.” Her voice was low, sexy even, as she gave him the command. When he complied, she moved between them. Her touch was light, gently rubbing the oil over his cock and balls. Luke watched her work him, her breasts swaying with her movements. She still wore her red panty set, something Luke regretted not making her take off. He wanted to see her naked, wanted to be buried inside her. He wrapped his hand around hers and squeezed harder, guiding her along his shaft. He needed the release. It’d been too damn long, and Lani was here with her hand on his cock, pumping him. He didn’t bother holding back any longer. She leant down and flicked his balls with her tongue, giving him that final push. He clutched the sheets at his sides. Hot jets spurted onto his belly as pleasure shot through him. After the last pulse passed, she ran her tongue along his shaft. He opened his eyes long enough to see her take his cock into her mouth. She felt too damn good surrounding him, making him want her all over again. Her tongue caressed him, teased as she swirled it along his dick. He was still half hard from the first time, and she wasn’t about to quit sucking him any time soon. “Take your panties off, Lani.” His voice was thick with arousal. “I want to taste you.” She pulled back, still stroking his cock. “But I’m not done with you yet.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

17

“Honey, you can suck my dick until your jaw is sore. I don’t care.” He waved her over. “I want you to straddle my face and let me tongue-fuck you.” She leant back enough to lift her hips and slide her panties down her legs. Luke groaned in sweet agony as he stared at her bare pussy, licking his lips in anticipation. She sat up with her feet planted on each side of his thighs and undid her bra. “I’m all yours.” If that were only true.

**** Hot water sprinkled down on her naked body, relaxing her. They’d probably ruined her sheets with the oil, rolling around like two greased pigs, but the climaxes and the smile on her face made it worth it. Luke was worth it. “Be careful,” Lani warned when Luke climbed in the oversized shower stall behind her. “When the oil washes off, it makes the floor slippery.” He gripped the door handle and stepped closer to her. “We did overdo it a bit, huh? I think we used the whole bottle.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He was warm despite lying naked with her, playing in body oil. Most of the spray hit her back, wetting her body instead of his. She moved away and pushed him at an arm’s length, staring. Toned abs seemed darker with the light sheen of oil covering him. She’d massaged his whole body, giving herself the pleasure of touching every single inch of his skin. Somehow, they’d refrained from actual fucking, but all the orgasms they’d given one another didn’t lessen her desire any. “I don’t know.” She tilted her head to the side. “It’s not a total waste. All that oil makes me want to run my tongue all over you.” Luke gripped his cock and started a slow stroke to the hardening length. “You really need to keep some emergency condoms in the medicine cabinet.” She snorted and turned. The water splashed in her face and drew her back to reality. One time with him would never be enough. She closed her eyes. Luke had always been so much more than an employee. And he was way more than a friend. He slipped a hand between her legs, surprising her when his finger brushed her clit. She leant back against him allowing him to kiss her neck. She wanted him inside her. Just his

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

18

fingers or only his tongue wasn’t enough. She spread her legs wider, pressing her ass against his cock. She wanted him to enter her and fuck her senseless. “Baby, we can’t.” His tongue slithered up the side of her neck. “God, I want you, but we can’t.” Condoms. She nearly groaned with frustration. Crazy as it sounded she was almost willing to risk it just to feel him inside her hot pussy. Lani blinked her eyes open. Where did that come from? Luke squeezed her breast, pinching her nipple as his other hand continued to play. She needed more from him, and she needed it now. Lani turned around and kissed him. She nearly tackled him to the shower floor, straddling his hips, feeling his hot cock between her legs. God help her, she knew this was completely insane. She may have known him four years, but he was still practically a stranger in many ways. “I need to taste you,” he whispered against her mouth. He scooted down while she shimmied up, until his hot tongue lapped at her folds. A strangled cry left her lips as he pushed inside her. She held onto the wall with him holding onto her thighs and rocked against his probing tongue. His tongue swirled around her clit, giving her that final push. She gasped and leant forward, hardly able to hold herself up as her orgasm came over her. She barely even registered he’d had come too. Luke lifted her off him and pushed her down his body while he did his best to sit up. “That was…wow.” She stared at him, the warm water of the shower hitting her back. His smile was contagious. She bent forward and kissed him, feeling a sense of emotion she couldn’t quite name. She loved being in his arms, didn’t quite understand why she’d kept away from him for so long. Luke pulled back. “We’re almost out of hot water and we haven’t even washed all the oil off yet.” Lani reached for the body wash and loofah. “We can’t have that now, can we?” After squirting a bit onto his stomach, she started to wash him.

****

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

19

When Luke finally decided to leave, he promised to come back with condoms next time. Lani smiled and kissed him. He had no clue how much he meant to her, and truth be told, she didn’t realise it until that day. Their romp may not mean anything to him, but it meant a lot to her. “I’ll see you tomorrow okay, baby?” He wrapped his arms around her waist. “I promised I’d help wrap the gifts, and we can take them to the orphanage afterward.” She nodded. “Thank you for helping.” He kissed her forehead. “Don’t look so sad. I promise I’ll be at your doorstep first thing.” She laid her cheek against his chest. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She loved him. How had she fallen in love with Luke? Maybe it was the consistent way he always picked her up before she fell down. She loved that about him. For much of her life, she couldn’t depend on anyone, but Luke walked in and everything changed. He made her feel appreciated and sexy. He made her crave to be around him. He even invited her to his family’s Christmas gathering because he knew she’d spend the holidays alone. How could she not love him? “Lani?” He pushed her back and she tried to hide her tears. “What’s wrong, sweetie?” “Nothing. It’s just the cold.” His quizzical expression stated he didn’t buy it. He pulled her against him and held her close. “If something’s hurting you, I want you to tell me.” “I’m fine.” She sniffled. “You can go home.” He didn’t budge. “Sweetie, you can tell me what’s wrong.” No she couldn’t. “Nothing. I’m fine.” He nuzzled her cheek. “Do you want me to stay with you? I can go home grab some clothes and some condoms and come back.” “I’m fine.” She held more confidence in her voice, hopefully convincing him what she said was true. If she let him back in, she might never let him go again. God, what was wrong with her? She’d known she liked Luke from the moment she’d met him. She liked his kindness and generosity. His intelligence and his sexy body. A long moment of silence passed between them. She shouldn’t have let things get personal between them and needed time to figure out what the hell was going on. They hadn’t even had sex and yet she was blubbering like a fool in love. Emotions were tricky things and hers were screwing with her.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

20

“Did I tell you I got you a Christmas present?” Luke asked, trying to brighten her mood. “Two actually.” “No.” She rubbed her cheek against him, breathing his scent in. “You didn’t have to get me anything.” “I know that. I did anyway.” He pulled away. “Will you spend the night at my house on Christmas Eve? I want you to open it first thing Christmas morning.” More tears gathered in her eyes. She was a complete emotional wreck. She nodded in answer to his request. “Honey, what’s wrong?” He looked pained. She shook her head. “Nothing. I need to get out of the cold. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She kissed his cheek and went inside, closing the door behind her. This was the first Christmas in her life that actually felt like she dreamt it should be. Making plans for the holidays that didn’t include work but being with someone she cared about. Planning a night of hot sex and lying around the house cuddling all day afterward—simply because they could. She wanted that. It was a good feeling, yet confusing at the same time. Lani went into her bedroom and lay across her bed. She’d changed the sheets, but Luke’s scent still lingered in the room, bringing on more tears. She couldn’t handle it if he didn’t feel the same way. She’d never been in love before, never even thought about it, really. But she loved him and didn’t have the slightest clue as to what she’d do about it.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

21

Chapter Three

Luke didn’t understand women. Lani ignored him nearly the entire time he was at her house the next day. He tried to get her to talk. She wouldn’t. He joked around. She ignored him. Luke sighed and finally minded his own business. The week passed much of the same way. She avoided him at all costs in the office and he’d had enough. He tapped on her office door and barged in, finding her on the phone. She narrowed her eyes and ended the conversation before turning to him. “Can I help you?” She glanced up annoyed. He shut the door and locked it. “For starters, would you mind telling me why you are avoiding me like the plague?” “I’m busy.” “Cut the bullshit, Lani. You haven’t been the same since you cried on me. What the hell did I do wrong?” Frustration filled him. One moment she was loving and perfect in his arms then she did a complete one-eighty and went cold on him. “Nothing!” she pleaded. “Then what the hell is going on with you?” He sat in the empty chair in front of her desk and faced her. “I have a million things going on with me right now, mainly launching a new product line right before Christmas.” She folded her hands calmly in front of her, almost as if it were a practiced motion. “So I repeat, I’m busy.” “That’s not what I mean and you know it.” She huffed and turned away from him. “I’m your boss right now, Luke. The office is hardly a place to talk about personal issues.” He literally felt his heart breaking in two. “Fine. When you want to talk about it, you know where to find me.” He left her office and locked himself away in his corner of Mitchell Cosmetics. The woman was infuriating. He spent hours working on the upcoming project before he realised he’d stayed two hours past closing time. He was beat and ready for bed. Maybe he’d have a beer first to unwind.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

22

He said goodnight to the security guard on duty and headed to his car. It didn’t take him too long to get home. He pulled in his drive and hit the garage remote. If Lani didn’t want to be with him then fine. He wasn’t wasting any sleep over it—or her. People in the corporate world didn’t call her a bitch without reason. He just wished he didn’t get his first taste of her bitchiness after he’d been with her. He stopped dead in his tracks as a new pang of awareness came over him. Damn, it’d been good with her. What they did was barely even called sex, and yet, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. The way she tasted when he slid his tongue along her folds. He closed his eyes a moment, reliving it. Her body was perfect. He’d wanted to know what colour panties she wore and the red ensemble was hot. Even when they’d gone back to work, he found himself still wondering what colour she’d chosen today. He climbed from the car and went inside. His house was quiet. He grabbed a beer from the fridge and set it on the coffee table. He tugged at the tie around his neck, pulling it free. If she’d only talk to me. He undressed to his boxers, settled before the TV, beer at hand, and flipped through the stations. Nothing even remotely interested him. His cell phone rang and he groaned. Reaching for his discarded pants, he pulled the small device out and read the caller-id. It was Lani’s cell. Taking a wild guess, he figured she hadn’t changed her mind about talking to him except for work-related things, and he didn’t have the energy to deal with more work tonight. “I’m off duty, so if you called about work, I don’t want to hear about it.” “That’s not why I called.” Lani sighed. “Can I come over?” “Depends. Why?” He took a sip from his beer. “We need to talk.” Okay, maybe he was wrong. “Fine. I’m at my house.” “I know.” The doorbell rang and Luke set his beer down to answer it. Lani waited on the other side, phone still pressed to her ear. Both hung up as they stared at each other. “I’m sorry.”Tears gathered in her eyes, though she tried to hold them back. He pulled her inside and into his arms. “Lani, tell me what’s wrong.” “I’m…” She moved back. “It doesn’t matter.” “Yeah, Lani, it does.” He leant down and kissed her. “Spill it.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

23

She licked her lips and walked into the living room. “Why did you invite me to stay with you on Christmas?” Luke closed the door and locked it before joining her. “I invited you to stay with me because I knew you usually spent Christmas alone. I wanted to invite you the first year I worked for you, but I figured it be completely unprofessional so I kept my mouth shut and my hands to myself.” “Isn’t it still unprofessional now?” She took a seat on the couch and folded her hands in her lap. She couldn’t quite meet his eyes. He walked around the couch and sat beside her before picking up his beer. “Yeah, but I like you. That outweighs professionalism.” “You like me?” He groaned. “I thought that was pretty obvious.” “Do you love me?” She whispered it so softly, he barely heard her. He paused, beer halfway to his lips. “I don’t know. I don’t really sit around, thinking about my feelings.” She licked her lips and nodded. “That’s what I needed to know.” He groaned and rubbed his eyes. “Lani.” “I need to go.” “Not until you tell me what you came here to tell me.” “It’s nothing.” Luke reached out to grab her arm before she could get away. He pulled her on top of him and held her. “You keep way too much bottled inside. Tell me what made you cry.” She wiggled on his lap and his cock responded. Shit. He tightened his arms around her, refusing to let go. She smelt so damn good, reminding him of the many hours they spent in her bed and her shower giving each other pleasure. “I can’t.” He kissed her shoulder. “Do you trust me?” She nodded. “Then you can tell me.” “I love you.”She stared at her lap, fighting her tears he was sure. The room fell into silence. Luke didn’t know how to respond, didn’t even know where to begin. He struggled to find the right words, even though he didn’t know what the hell was

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

24

going on inside him. They’d spent a few hours together. He wasn’t stupid enough to confuse love with sex, but he had lusted after her since day one. Damn, he didn’t know where to go from there. She was unlike any other woman he’d ever been with—ever known—and he cared for her. But was caring for her the same as love? She pulled away from him and he let her go. “I cried on you the other night because I realised that I loved you and I can’t handle it if you don’t love me back.” She turned away from him. “My parents gave me up when I was four. They told me they were going on a cruise, that they’d be back a week later. I waited for years, wishing and praying, but they never returned. I grew up in several foster homes and orphanages until I turned eighteen and somehow landed a great job as an intern at a high profile company in Chicago. My first real boyfriend was the CEO and I thought he cared about me. That ended the moment his wife found out. I didn’t even know he was married.” She turned towards him. “It seems like every time I open up, I get hurt and I can’t do that again. I don’t want to do that with you.” Luke didn’t have the words to comfort her. He knew her life hadn’t been the greatest, but she never talked about it with anyone. He also couldn’t tell her he loved her back—not until he knew for sure without a single doubt. Instead of speaking, he stood and held out his hand to her. It took her a moment before she finally reached out and clasped his hand. He held her, closing his eyes as he laid his cheek against the top of her head. “I don’t want to lose you, Luke. If you don’t care about me, fine. But I don’t want sex to interfere with us if all we’ll ever be is friends.” He rubbed her back. “We’re more than friends.” He kissed the top of her head. “Do you want to spend the night? My family thing is tomorrow anyway. You’re still going with me, right?” She shrugged. “Do you want me to?” “Yes. I want you to.” He kissed her forehead then led her to the bedroom, wishing he had the answers to make her pain and fears go away.

**** Lani lay in the middle of Luke’s bed, wrapped around his warm body. It was nearly ten in the morning and she didn’t want to leave his embrace.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

25

“Are you making me breakfast this morning?” She lifted her head to see the smile on his face. “How’d you know I was awake?” He opened his eyes. “You squeezed me tighter, as if I were going somewhere.” She pressed her lips against his chest. “Maybe I was afraid you would.” He rolled her to her back and pinned her to the mattress. “I’m not going anywhere.” His lips pressed against hers, and her whole body responded to his tongue sliding against her own. She wrapped her legs around his waist and felt his cock brush against her core. She lifted her hips and pressed herself harder against him. “I have condoms,” he whispered against her lips. He kissed her, a quick brush of his lips against hers. “Lots and lots of condoms. Every kind you can think of.” She chuckled. He didn’t bring up sex the night before, choosing instead to share his bed and hold her tight all night long. Lani couldn’t believe how well she’d slept, comforted by his warmth and presence. She kissed his shoulder. “What’d you do? Rob Trojan?” He grinned and rolled off her to pull out the nightstand drawer. “Nah. But I am their number one customer now.” He grabbed a box and opened it. He pulled out two and tossed the box back in the drawer. Lani reached for the rubber and tore open the package. “We have to be at your parents’ house around one.” “How long will it take for you to get ready?” She sat up and glanced at the clock. “An hour or so. All my stuff is at my house.” He groaned. “Then I guess this will have to be a quickie.” He kissed her and pushed the covers out of the way. Luke tugged at the shirt he’d given her to sleep in and pulled it over her head. She moved to straddle his hips, rolling the condom on his thick shaft. Lani whispered, “You’re extremely sexy in the morning.” He pulled her head down to kiss her lips and ran his fingers through her hair. “I’ve been hard for you for four years.” His lips moved to the side of her neck. Lani closed her eyes. She’d pictured this moment too many times in her mind, especially after the afternoon spent fooling around in her bed and then again in her shower. “Ride me, baby.” He pressed open-mouthed kisses along her shoulder. His hands cupped her behind and brought her pussy against his cock. “Fuck me.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

26

She positioned his cock at her entrance and lowered herself onto him. Every thick inch stretched her to capacity. Luke gripped her hips and lifted her off completely, only to pull her down again. She closed her eyes, engulfed in the sensations overwhelming her body. It felt amazing. Each time he slid deeper, making her wetter, until she rocked her hips the last few inches and took him completely. Lani cried out. Nothing felt more glorious. Luke sat up and took her breast into his mouth. Her head dropped back as Luke guided her hips, taking it slow at first. She closed her eyes and focused on the sensation of his cock inside her, the way his wet mouth felt sucking her breasts. He was big. Definitely larger than any other man she’d ever been with—not that that list was long. Luke reached between them and touched her clit. He kissed her, absorbing the sounds she made as he thrust harder inside her. His cock bumped that one spot and Lani screamed, her pussy clenching around him as she came. She fell into his arms, completely sated. Luke chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead before gently lifting her off of him to dispose of the condom. When he came back, he pulled her into his arms again. He cradled her face with one hand and lowered his lips to her temple. “If we didn’t have this family thing, I’d keep you here all day.” Luke lay on his side, facing her. “What time should I pick you up?” “Twelve-thirty?” He glanced over at the clock. “I think we’re running late.” “I know.” Lani kissed him. “I wonder why?”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

27

Chapter Four

“Welcome, welcome, welcome!” Luke smiled as his mother greeted them. At fifty-five, Leslie McGraw looked great for her age. She was a fitness instructor who had a body most women would kill for. He stepped in first and pulled her into a hug. “Hey, Mom. Merry Christmas.” He kissed her cheek and turned towards Lani. “This is Lani Mitchell.” “I’m so glad you’re joining us. Lucas has told us so much about you. Please come in.” His mother stepped to the side. Lani entered first and Luke pulled her against his side, seeing her discomfort. “Lucas, take Lani’s coat and put it in the hall closet. Your father is around somewhere. Probably getting in his morning game of tennis. That man, I swear, ever since our grandson, Jason, showed him the Wii, that is all he wants to do—play video games like he’s fifteen again.” She shook her head. “Are Nate and Gwen on their way?” “Should be. Jason and Zachary can’t wait to see you.” Leslie smiled. “They love their uncle Lucas.” “Nate’s my brother,” Luke explained to Lani. “And Gwen’s a saint to put up with him.” Lani smiled. “How old are your nephews?” “Ten and six.” He kissed her temple. “Come on. We’ll deposit our coats in the hall closet and I’ll show you around the place.” He led her down the hall and opened the large walk-in closet his parents used to store the guests coats. Lani fidgeted beside him while he hung their outer garments up, and nibbled her lower lip. “Are you nervous?” “A little.” She gave him a small smile. “Your mother seems nice.” “She’s cool. My dad’s not bad either. They’ve been looking forward to meeting you.” He rubbed her arms. “Relax, baby.” She nodded, and he kissed her lips. “Come on. Let’s go find my dad. He’ll probably try to con you into playing a game on the Wii with him.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

28

As the hours passed, Luke noticed Lani becoming more comfortable around his family. His mother and sister-in-law practically considered her a McGraw. Luke settled in the living room while the women were in the kitchen entertaining the boys. Nate and their father, Jeffrey, followed him, both with smiles on their faces. “So you finally convinced her to come. Does this mean you’re serious?” Nate sipped hot cider from his mug. “It’s complicated.” He frowned, thinking about what Lani had told him the night before. He couldn’t imagine what she’d gone through as a child. His family was close, always had been. Even if he and Nate fought—which they did quite frequently, even as adults— there was nothing he wouldn’t do for him. There was nothing their parents wouldn’t do for any of them. “Simplify it.” Jeffery handed him a mug. “I can’t. She told me personal stuff about her life last night. I want a relationship with her, but I don’t want her to think it’s because I feel sorry for her.” “Why would she assume you felt sorry for her?” Nate asked. “I can’t say.” Luke sighed. “Just drop it.” He watched her for a moment as she played with his nephews like she’d known them forever. It didn’t really surprise him that she was good with kids, but he was amazed at how quickly they’d bonded with her. “She gets along great with the family.” Jeffery stared at Luke. “I know your mother and I like her. The boys seem to like her.” I like her, Luke added silently. He rubbed his eyes. “We’re going to the orphanage tomorrow. I’m dressing up as Santa and handing out toys to the kids.” Nate laughed. “Tell Lani to take some pictures.” He snorted and glanced up to see Zach wrap his arms around Lani’s neck and kiss her cheek. Watching her with his family cleared up a lot of the confusion he’d felt. He could picture their life together, maybe a kid down the road. God, she’d be a great mother. A great wife. She was a dynamic businesswoman who had such strength and determination. She deserved to be happy. He wanted to make her happy. He pushed his thoughts aside and noticed his father and brother staring. “What?” “You look like a man falling in love,” Nate commented.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

29

“Maybe I am.” “Luke?” Lani came to the doorway of the living room. Zach was in her arms, twirling his finger in her hair. Jason stood beside her, holding her hand. “The boys wanted me to ask you if you’d play Punch Out with them on the Wii.” Nate smiled at her. Luke groaned. “I guess.” The boys cheered. Zach slid out of her arms and did his best karate move towards his brother. “But Lani has to play with us,” Luke said. “She can’t. She’s a girl,” Zach remarked. Luke smiled at his nephew. “Gender has nothing to do with how you play the game.” He and Lani played four games with the boys, battling it out for the title while the rest of the family cheered them on. She looked like she enjoyed herself, completely comfortable with the boys whispering in her ear and tugging on her hand. She smiled at Luke from time to time, and his heart melted. It was definitely one of the best Christmases he’d ever had. “Okay, clean up your mess so we can open presents,” Leslie stated after Luke lost another battle to Zach. Luke collected the remotes and put everything to the side as the family gathered around the Christmas tree. He sat on the floor with his back against the sofa and pulled Lani onto his lap, kissing her cheek. “Lani, this is from us.” Jason brought a present to her. “Momma, let me pick it out.” Zach smiled. “It’s really cool.” Tears filled Lani’s eyes. “You guys bought me a gift?” “Of course we did.” Gwen wrapped her arm around her husband. “Open it.” Luke’s fingers lingered along Lani’s spine. She glanced at him and he nodded towards the present. Lani unwrapped the present and when she saw the bath set his sister-in-law bought her. It was her favourite brand in her favourite scent with accessories in a wooden bucket container. “I picked the bucket one,” Zach said. “Jason wanted the boat but I liked the bucket. You can build a sandcastle with it and everything!” “I would have been happy with either.” She hugged the boys to her. “Thank you so much. I love it.” “You’re welcome.” Gwen smiled at her.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

30

“Okay, now you can open ours.” Leslie pulled two bags out and handed them to Jason who brought them to Lani. “More?” Lani chuckled. “Well, you are pretty special to our son.” Leslie glanced at Luke before meeting Lani’s eyes again. “Anyone he finds special has a place here with us and our family loves to give out presents.” Lani paused a moment and Luke rubbed her lower back in reassurance. She was special to him. He never brought women to meet his parents, and the moment he spoke to his mother after landing his job, the words ‘you’ve got to meet her’ had slipped out. She was all he talked about and he was too foolish to see it until now. After they opened presents, the family gathered around the table for Christmas dinner. It was safe to say the McGraw family adopted Lani Mitchell as one of their own. Luke propped his arm on the back of Lani’s chair and watched as she helped Zach cut his piece of ham. Luke’d never had any doubts on how great she was with kids, but he loved watching her with his nephews. “Okay, boys,” Gwen said, trying to round them up after dinner. “You need to tell everybody goodbye so we can go home and go to sleep. Santa comes tonight.” Luke hugged his nephews and stood to help his brother carry their presents to the car. “I really like this girl, Luke.” Gwen elbowed him when they were outside. “Will we be hearing wedding bells in the future?” Wedding bells sounded pretty fucking fantastic with the way he felt. He chuckled at the irony of it. “We’ll see.” He said his goodbyes and headed inside to find his mother entertaining Lani. They’d opened a bottle of wine and settled in the living room chatting about the project at the orphanage tomorrow. “I actually grew up in an orphanage,” he heard Lani say. “I spent many Christmases wondering why no one cared about us. We rarely got new things, but when we did, we treasured them. I just wanted the kids at Potter’s to know that even when it doesn’t seem like it, there are people out there that care about them.” Luke rubbed a hand over his face. How could he not see that? He entered the room and sat beside her on the couch. “You ready to go?”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

31

“In a moment, Lucas.” Leslie refilled Lani’s glass. “Were you ever adopted by a family?” Lani stared at her drink. “No. I lived in several foster homes and orphanages, over the years, but that’s it.” Luke placed his hand on her thigh. What was he supposed to say to her? He knew her history, yet he didn’t know how to comfort her or reassure her or even if she wanted comfort and reassurance. “It wasn’t so bad though. We had fun most days so I can’t complain.” Lani smiled. “Who else gets to grow up with twenty brothers and sisters, right?” Leslie smiled. “I can’t imagine. I’m an only child.” Luke groaned. “It was bad enough with Nate. He blamed me for everything growing up.” “He still does,” Jeffery added. Lani laughed. They left his parents’ house around nine and drove back to his house. Luke hoped she’d had a good time. He unloaded their stuff and set everything in the dining room to be sorted through later. “Hey, Luke?” She reached inside her purse and pulled out a small box. “I want you to open your gift.” He frowned. “You didn’t have to get me anything.” “Open it.” She handed it to him. Luke took the package and pulled the top off the box. Inside was a black and white Montblanc pen. His jaw dropped as he took it out of the package, examining it. “You got me a six-hundred dollar pen?” “Yes.” She shrugged. “Hannah told me you wouldn’t shut up about this pen so I bought you one. Now you can stop annoying my secretary.” Luke pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “You know this only gives me bragging rights now. Damn. Thank you, sweetie. I love it.” She ran her hand along his chest. “You’re welcome.” He held her tighter. “You don’t get yours until morning.” “That’s not fair.” Her hand brushed against his stomach. “You said you had two presents for me. I can have one now, and the other in the morning.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

32

She cupped his crotch and met his eyes. Luke couldn’t help smiling. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. His family loved her, and if he was completely honest with himself, he did too. He was in love with her. They shed their clothes with record speed. Lani reached for the condom next to her pillow and Luke squeezed her hand. “Wait.” He moved slightly, pulling the nightstand drawer out. After he selected what he wanted, he handed it to her. She glanced at it and looked up at him, eyebrows arched. “A candy cane condom?” He shrugged. “I told you I had all kinds. Plus, it’s Christmas.” She studied the package. “It says it tastes like peppermint.” “Peppermint is an aphrodisiac.” She laughed and shook her head. “I love you.” Luke moved between her legs. “I love you too.” He kissed her, preventing any possibility of a response. He didn’t want to deal with their feelings. He moved back to roll on the condom and stared into her eyes. All traces of laugher were gone as she looked up at him. Her eyes were glossy as if she were fighting her tears. He gripped his cock at the base and guided it to her entrance. He pushed inside her, leaning over her body to lick the tip of one of her breasts. Her pussy opened for him, accepting him with wet warmth. God, he loved being inside her. He loved the feel of her hugging him so tight his head could explode. She hooked her legs around his thighs and held on to his sides. If he had his way, he’d keep her in bed until they were due back to work in January. “Kiss me, Luke.” He lifted his head and did as she asked. He struggled to keep control as her tongue touched his. She tasted like the wine his mother had given her. He could try the rest of his life to get his fill of her, but he’d never get enough. Lani clenched around him, arching her back of the mattress as pleasure came over her. Luke pulled back just in time to watch the transformation. Her nails bit into his back, leaving light scratches where her hands laid. Her lips parted, a small cry leaving them as he thrust inside her, giving her exactly what she needed. She was beautiful in that state.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

33

Their eyes met. He couldn’t hold back his own pleasure any longer. He rolled her over and thrust one last time inside her, spilling his come into the rubber sheath. Lani cupped his cheek and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I think this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.” He smiled. No words could convey how happy that statement made him.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

34

Chapter Five

“Wake up.” Luke pressed a tender kiss against her lips. Lani groaned and rubbed her eyes. “What?” “It’s Christmas.” Luke laughed. “Here. You finally get to open your present.” “I liked the present I got last night.” She pushed up from the mattress, a bit sore from the previous night of sex. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so damn good in her life and it was on a holiday. “What else did you get me?” He reached for a box beside the bed and handed it to her. She arched an eyebrow at the size of the package. It was far bigger than the little gift she’d gotten him. She lifted it and shook it gently, making him laugh. “Open it.” Lani ripped the red and green paper and pulled the box free. She lifted the top off and smiled at what was inside. Louis Vuitton was a genius and Luke knew she loved his products. She lifted the purse out of the box and her grin widened. It was the new bag she wanted from the fall line. “How did you know?” He laughed. “Powers of observation.” “But I never mentioned it.” She hugged the leather purse to her body. “Maybe not with words. Subtle hints were everywhere though.” He tossed the box to the floor beside the bed. “And Hannah said that was at the top of your list.” “Thank you so much.” He leant over to kiss her. “You’re welcome, sweetheart. Merry Christmas.” Lani wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close as tears filled her eyes. He pushed the box out of the way and pulled her onto his lap, kissing her cheek lightly. “You deserve to be happy, Lani.” She moved back and wiped her tears. “I am.” He watched her a moment while she collected herself. “I regret not asking you out right after our interview four years ago.” She laughed. “I would have said no. I might have even fired you on the spot.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

35

“Nah.” He brushed his lips against hers. “You would have said yes, and we would have gone back to my place and had amazing sex all night long.” “You’re so sure of that?” “Definitely.” He wrapped his arms around her and lay back against the pillows with her on top of him. “We would have moved in together after a year of having a hot love affair. Maybe we’d have gotten married.” “You’d have to get me a big diamond ring for that to have happen.” He chuckled. “Fair enough. You’d have to give me a raise, though, to afford it.” She smiled and skimmed her fingers along his chest. “Where would we be now?” “Oh, I don’t know. It’s a toss up of spending night after night having wild, steamy sex or parenthood. It could really go either way or both ways, even.” She propped her head up and stared at him. “Do you want kids?” “You gonna have them?” His expression was so serious it made her heart skip a beat. “Uh, not this second, no.” She pushed up from his warm body, straddling his hips. “I’m kind of enjoying your entertaining condom stash right now. I never know what you’ll come up with next.” His cock pressed against her and she wiggled on top of him. Luke groaned and squeezed her hips. “Grab one and fuck me.” She reached for the nightstand drawer and pulled it out. He didn’t joke when he said he had all kinds. She laughed and sorted through them, finding the one she wanted. “How long do you think it’ll take for us to use up all of those?” Luke sat up and kissed her. He took the condom and undid it, rolling it on himself. “I don’t know.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted her hips. “You planning on buying more, or having that kid you talked about earlier?” He pushed up inside her. “We’ll see.”

**** Going to the orphanage was a hell of a lot easier to deal with, with Luke by her side. The kids were extremely happy somebody new came to see them. Lani remembered that feeling and squeezed Luke’s hand for reassurance. He was there for her in all the times she’d needed him in the past, and he was there for her now.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

36

“You okay?” he asked. “I’m fine.” She stared at the kids playing in the main room. “It brings back memories.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him. “You’re an amazing woman.” She glanced up at him. “Why do you say that?” “Because.” He avoided her eyes, “after all you went through, you still hold your head high. Many would spend their time having pity parties for themselves, but you sponsor an entire orphanage just because you don’t want them to feel what you felt. That’s pretty amazing.” “Wouldn’t you do the same?” He finally met her eyes. “Truthfully, probably not. I didn’t even want to come here tonight, remember?” “Why did you then?” “Because I wanted to be with you.” He kissed her forehead. “And if that means pulling on a Santa suit and saying ‘ho, ho, ho’ to a bunch of snotty-nosed kids I don’t know, then I’ll do it.” He did it for her. She couldn’t possibly love him anymore than she did at that moment. When Luke sneaked away to get dressed, Lani settled with the smaller kids; building towers out of blocks with the boys and trying to entertain the girls with books. “Hey, Lani.” Chuck from accounting waved at her as he entered the main recreation area. His wife and daughter were by his side. “Hey, Chuck. What are you doing here?” He smiled. “I came to pass out Christmas presents.” She glanced toward the door as the board members entered, each bringing some of their family members along. They all said their hi’s and joined in, playing with the kids. Her throat tightened with emotion as she glanced around. For the second time that day, she battled her tears and lost. It meant a lot that her employees came to support her cause. “Ho, ho, ho.” Luke came out in full Santa gear and sat in the provided chair. The kids cheered and lined up to each take their turns sitting on Santa’s lap. Lani wiped her wet cheeks and watched him with a smile. It was definitely the best Christmas she’d ever experienced.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

37

“You look happy, boss.” Rafe, chairman of the board, grinned as he came up beside her. “Did Santa make your wishes come true?” She laughed. “You have no idea.” They stayed until it was time for the children to go to bed. Lani thanked her staff for taking the time to join her in uplifting the kids’ spirits for Christmas. She stood in the main recreation room with a garbage bag at hand and cleaned up the discarded paper. “Are you Mrs. Claus tonight?” She laughed, keeping her back to Luke. “Nope. I’m not married.” He wrapped his arms around her waist. “Santa’s naughty mistress then?” She closed her eyes. Luke gave her everything she wanted. She turned in his arms to see him smile at her. He’d lost the beard, but kept the rest of the garb on. She cupped his cheeks and kissed him. “What was that for?” He smiled. She shrugged. “Santa’s pretty hot.” “Actually, Santa’s cold. He needs to share body heat with a sexy woman to stay warm.” He nuzzled her neck. “That was my plan going into this anyway.” “I have wicked, wicked plans for you later.” “You do?” he arched an eyebrow. “After we get done here.” She kissed him again. “I can’t wait.”

**** Luke unlocked his front door and flipped on the light. It had taken them two hours to clean up the mess, and they’d spent another hour talking with the staff at work before they finally called it a night. “You can now have your wicked way with me.” He fell onto the couch and grinned at her. Lani undid her jacket. “I need to set up a few things. Stay in here.” Luke watched her leave the room, heading down the hall towards his bedroom. What could she possibly have to set up? He propped himself up with an elbow against the back of the couch, staring at his bedroom door.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

38

She’d been so happy tonight. He knew seeing her staff there helped. They were practically the only family she knew and it meant the world to her that they took time out of their lives to assist. And that’s why he’d bargained with the devil to get them there. He sighed. He did it for her though. And the smile on her face all night long was worth it. He stood and walked down the hallway. Having her here felt right. He knocked on the door and twisted the door knob. Lani stood next to the bed while she rolled on red stockings and clipped them to her garter belt. He damn near fainted. The corset she wore was red and laced up the front with white fur covering the cups. He leant against the door and let his gaze slid down her body, taking in the red garter belt and cute little satin thong. His mouth watered. “Did you buy that for me?” She swivelled around. “You’re supposed to be waiting in the living room.” “Why the hell would I wait in there while you’re wearing this in here?” He took a step forward. “Damn, you look sexy.” She sucked in a breath, almost as if she was unsure whether to smile or scold him. “You ruined my surprise.” “I doubt that.” She rolled her eyes. “I was going to do a striptease for you.” He moved even closer to her. “Do it for me now.” “It’s not the same.” She pouted and looked too damn cute. “Maybe I should make you do the striptease.” “Cue the music.” She reached the remote and turned on the radio, which had played a variety of Christmas music all day long. From the speakers played ‘Santa Baby’. He started with his shirt and pulled it over his head, without much finesse. He threw it at her. She giggled and caught it, watching his every move. He worked his jeans next and tossed them to the side. He wore red boxers in spirit of the holiday and propped his hands on his hips. “Your turn.” He climbed in bed and sat against the pillows, making himself comfortable. She crawled towards him. “Did you buy any toys when you stopped off at the sex shop?” She laughed. “Uh, no.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

39

“Why not?” She straddled his thighs. “I was there on business.” Luke thought back to when she took a business trip to Vegas. “You bought the oil during the convention?” Her cheeks tinted pink. “Oh, honey. I was just in the next room. You should have called me to come over and play.” She shook her head at him. “We weren’t involved then.” He leant in to kiss her. “I’m still not sure how we’ll go back to work after the holidays. Things have completely changed.” He pressed a finger against her glossy lips. “We’ll talk about that later. Right now, you have my full permission to do naughty things to me all night long.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and leant in to kiss him. Luke pulled her closer, gripping her firm ass in his hands. The tips of his fingers slipped beneath the scrap of fabric between her cheeks. She moaned against his lips, running her fingers through his hair. “You want to know something?” Luke asked before placing a kiss against her neck. “Corsets, stockings, and garters get me hot. And you just happen to be wearing all three.” He touched her wet pussy with the tip of his finger. “I need to be inside you.” He rolled her to his side so that she lay on her back. He kissed the swells of her breasts. Carefully, he undid the snaps connecting the stockings to the garter belt. He bent down and traced his tongue along the inside of her thigh. He kissed the scrap of fabric coving her mound while hooking his fingers in the sides of her panties to tug the down her legs. She smelt like pineapple, a fragrance he’d grown to love. His mouth watered when he pulled back, spreading her legs wider so he could fit between them. “You’ve got a beautiful pussy.” He kissed the bare skin between the garter belt and the bottom of the corset. “A delicious pussy that I can’t seem to get enough of.” He spread the wet lips with his fingers and smiled. “Perfectly pink and completely mine.” Lani opened her mouth to say something but whatever had been on her mind was never voiced. Luke plunged his tongue inside her, ceasing any and all potential conversation. He sucked her, flicking his tongue as he lapped up her sweet juice. She lifted her hips, grinding against his mouth. There were many things men liked in life, and Luke’s ultimate favourite was burying his face between a woman’s thighs. And not just any woman. Lani. He cupped her ass. He flicked the stiff little bud with his tongue, giving her just enough stimulation to push her over. She moaned and arched off the mattress.

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

40

He bit the inside of her thigh lightly before pulling away to dispose of his boxers. He needed inside her and wasn’t about to wait a moment longer. “Luke…” “Hold on, sweetie.” He leant over her to grab a condom from the nightstand drawer. He plucked up the first packet he touched and ripped the package open. He rolled the thin rubber down his shaft and bent to kiss her. He pushed his cock inside her slowly. She took his breath away. Her arms came around his neck as she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer. He moved inside her. Lani was it for him. He couldn’t imagine anyone else. “I love you, Lani.” He kissed her, angling his hips so he hit that one spot that gave her pleasure. She clung to him, refusing to let him go. He’d wanted her the very moment he laid eyes on her, yet it had taken him years to finally get her in his bed. He reached between them and brushed his fingers against her clit. He loved making her come. He loved watching the pleasure cross her face as she gave into it. Her pussy rippled around him and her mouth formed a slight ‘O’. Luke thrust hard, clenching his teeth as the pleasure nearly forced him to lose control. She scraped at his back, crying out. His heart threatened to pound out of his chest as he fought to remain in control. Being with Lani was heaven. He closed his eyes, angling his hips to drive harder, deeper inside her. When the second set of contractions came, right on the heels of the first, Luke didn’t bother to hold back any longer. He erupted inside her, giving into the sweet massage of her pussy contracting around him. He ground his teeth, in an effort to keep his eyes on her, to watch her take her pleasure and, in return, give him his. He collapsed on top of her and nuzzled her neck. “I told you that outfit makes me hot. Give me a few seconds and I’ll be ready to go again.” She kissed his forehead. “Thank you.” “For what?” He pushed back, propping himself up on his arms. He pulled out of her and disposed the condom. She pulled him to her and kissed his lips. “You have no idea what this holiday has meant to me. And it’s because of you. You made this Christmas the best I’ve ever had.” “Hopefully, there will be a lot more Christmases for us to share together in the future.”

SANTA BABY

Lexie Davis

41

Lani brushed her finger over his nipple. “You want a real relationship with me, no joke? I mean, ‘cause we joked about it earlier, you know, what would happen if you had asked me out four years ago.” He chuckled. “Of course I want you. And I wasn’t joking. I regret not asking you out the day I met you. We could be married by now, perhaps with a kid or two. We wasted so much time alone when we could have been together. Just think of what could have happened if you’d invited me to play when you bought that oil. Damn.” She pushed against his chest and stared. “Can we still work together?” “Ooh. I don’t know about that. It’s going to be pretty damn hard for me to keep my hands to myself now that I know what you keep hidden underneath those business suits. I never told you this, but I get off on you bossing me around. I can’t count the number of hardons I’ve had in board meetings. I wanted to bend you over the table and fuck you from behind.” She slapped his stomach and he laughed. She rolled over to pin him to the bed. He kissed her once, then again, simply because he wanted to. “And just think about all the fun we can have on business trips.” Luke reached to undo the strings of her corset. “The next time you go to a Vegas sex toy shop, I’m coming with you. There’re definitely some things in there that I want to try out.” She laughed as he pulled the corset away. “I’m not into kink.” “So you think.” Luke cupped her breast and licked the tip. “With me, baby, you’ll be into everything.” Lani smiled and cupped his cheek. “Do you really love me, Luke?” He knew she needed to hear it, more than he was likely to say it. He wasn’t a mushy guy. He didn’t express his feelings often and didn’t say ‘I love you’ every second of the day. Even if he did feel it. “Yeah, baby. I do.” He met her eyes. “You may not have had anyone to depend on growing up, but you’re stuck with me now, sweetheart. I love you, and I’m going to prove it to you every chance I get.”

About the Author Lexie’s love for writing began when she wrote her first play in fourth grade. With a big imagination and love for creating worlds, she wrote several more scripts that have placed first in contests. She loves to read but didn’t pick up a romance novel until high school and fell in love with the genre. Now she writes steamy stories, with heartfelt characters, letting her imagination take her where it may go. Email: [email protected] Lexie loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

Also by Lexie Davis Deceived Forever Yours Naughty Rendezvous Darkfever: It’s Been Awhile Darkfever: The Sweetest Sin One Night Only Going Down Undeniable Picture Perfect Amuse Me Rain Fell Down Cupid’s Kisses: Dirty Cupid Heatwave: Exotica

Total-E-Bound Publishing

www.total-e-bound.com Take a look at our exciting range of literagasmic™ erotic romance titles and discover pure quality at Total-E-Bound.