Christmas With Kris Kringle

Chapter 14

The date with Belen was more than I could have hoped for. Normally, I don’t like entertaining people in my space, because after a few hours I start to get claustrophobic and search for solitude. As you can guess, I’m a lot of fun at parties. But Belen was intoxicating, down to earth, and sexy as fuck. Based on appearance alone, the embroidered cardigans and pencil skirts, you would assume she’d be conservative in the bedroom, but that assumption would be wrong. She had some spice and I was jonesing for another hit.

I’m not going to make statements like “The perfect package” or “Woman of my dreams,” but she held my full attention. Which is probably why I invited her to Canada. Weird? Maybe. Moving too fast? Probably. But when it came to romantic partnerships, I didn’t need months or weeks to figure shit out. I think too many people ignored what their heart told them, opting instead to listen to their head which ordered them to slow down, don’t be too eager, and whatever you do never show you care.

I was more of an all in type of guy. Belen and I shared an undeniable connection, and I was interested in seeing where that led. But did I have to invite her to meet the parents? If I’m being honest, I didn’t really think that one through. My mouth was making the ask before my head or heart had a chance to object. In my defense, listening to her describe her lackluster Christmas plans tugged at my heartstrings because, in my opinion Belen deserved the world, not a lonely day filled with sadness.

The cardinal rule in my household was don’t introduce my mom to random women. When each of us started dating, she informed us she and my father did not have to meet the flavor of the month. Was that what Belen was? Belen was less of the flavor of the month and more like the entire ice cream shop.

Meeting your significant other’s parents after dating for over a year was momentous. But meeting the parents after just weeks was foolhardy. Christmas was a few weeks away. Did I really expect Belen to jump at the chance to spend the holidays with my family after a first date? Maybe I should secure a second date to ensure this wasn’t residual sexual euphoria and my feelings were coming from a real place. And more importantly, suss out whether Belen was feeling me just as much as I was feeling her.

Entering the mall through the west entrance, I was greeted by Tyler. Tyler was a standup guy with kids and a wife whom he adored. He liked sports and video games and our conversations were never heavy because he kept me laughing. Tyler was like the class clown all grown up. I enjoyed his company so much in fact, that we’d watched basketball games together and I’d even been to his house for dinner, meeting his wife and kids.

“You didn’t have to bring me coffee.” Tyler pointed at the two coffee cups in my hands.

“I didn’t. This is for Belen.”

“You know you’re a bad friend, right?”

“Because I didn’t buy you coffee?”

“No, we were supposed to hang out on Sunday, grab a few drinks and watch the Timberwolves whoop the Ramblers’ ass.”

I cringed. “My bad. I totally spaced.”

“Well because of you, our team lost and you had me on pins and needles waiting for the date deets.”

I rolled a thick shoulder. “There isn’t really much to tell. We went snow tubing, she seemed to like it and then we just had a nice Italian dinner and did the whole first date getting to know you thing.”

“Did you smash?”

“No.”

Tyler raised a challenging eyebrow. “Did you rub on that ass at least?”

“Nope.” What happened between Belen and I was just that, between Belen and I. I’d never been one to kiss and tell and I had no plans of transforming into a sportscaster to provide Tyler with a play-by-play.

“So you miraculously managed to land a date with fine ass Belen Goodwin, and all you two did was talk and eat stromboli?”

“Actually, it was chicken parm.”

“Did you get a goodnight kiss?”

I clipped my head in a swift no.

“Wow, so essentially you had a foodie call.”

“What?”

“Belen went out with you for a free meal. You pay for everything and she kisses you on the cheek at the end of the night while chucking up the deuces.”

“I didn’t know that was a thing.”

“Oh yeah it’s all over the internet. Foodie calls, white clawing, cookie jarring.”

“Cookie jarring?”

“Yeah, that’s when the person you’re dating … in your case, Belen, has no intentions of settling down. But she keeps you around as a backup plan. Like a cookie in a jar.”

“How do you know all this stuff?”

“My wife buys all those women’s magazines, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Oprah . I read them while I’m taking a shit. And with my PHD in what women want, I can safely declare you’ve been friend zoned. I’m sorry it happens to the best of us.” Tyler clapped my back with his hand as we traversed the mall.

“It was a first date. You can’t be friend zoned after a single date.”

Tyler’s eyebrow climbed his forehead. “The hell you can’t.”

I left him at the information center and headed to the administrative offices. I wanted to personally deliver the drink and get my morning fix of her smiling face. You know you’re in trouble when you miss seeing someone and it hadn’t even been twenty-four hours. I found her in her office with a ton of pink and red swatches strewn across her desk.

“What’s all this?” I asked, hanging back at the door, waiting for permission to enter.

Belen looked up from the mess on her desk, a smile growing on her face. I would eagerly open my eyes each morning if it meant her beautiful face was waiting for me on the other side. “Valentine’s Day planning. I’m swimming in hearts and naked chubby-faced cherubs.”

“Ahh, well I won’t keep you. I stopped at Bean There Done That and I got an extra hot chocolate and I thought maybe you’d want it.” I tried my best to keep my tone casual even though I’d gotten up early to make sure I had enough time to order a peppermint hot chocolate with oat milk and brown sugar, which was her favorite.

“Yes, I’m always down for something sweet.”

The effort of driving miles over the speed limit and narrowly rear ending a Tesla was all worth it when she flashed her perfect row of teeth. She had a hint of a dimple on her left cheek and it would be my undoing. Handing the cup over to her, our fingers touched briefly and all the rehearsed dialogue I’d planned went right out the window as I was transported back to the naughtier portions of our overnight date. The good thing about having a beard is it concealed the warm rush of blood that was coloring my face.

“When can we see one another again?” I whispered, mindful of the staff buzzing about.

Belen stood, brushing past me to close the door.

“Kris—”

“Oh my God. Are you cookie jarring me?”

“Cookie, what?”

“Cookie jarring … when you’re not interested in a relationship but you enjoy the foodie call, so you just hold me captive in this cookie jar just to keep me close.” Damn Tyler and his collection of women’s magazines.

“Wait a second, are you interested in a relationship?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes grew wide. “With me?”

“No with Cindy Lou Who … of course with you.”

Her eyes studied my face like she was scanning me internally for fuckboy DNA. “What did you have in mind for this second date?”

“I was thinking maybe you and Celeste would want to drive around and check out the Christmas lights with me. I know this great neighborhood that puts on a show. Music, flashing lights, reindeers … the plastic kind.”

Belen tugged on my beard, pulling my face closer. Her mink eyes settled on my features. Raising to her tiptoes, she kissed my lips. It was the sweetest kiss I’d ever received.

“What was that for?” I asked when she stepped back.

“For including my sister in your plans.”

“Of course.” I examined her desk to determine if it was sturdy enough to hold our body weight. At any second, I was prepared to sweep the contents on to the carpet and plant her on top.

As if reading my mind, Belen pressed her hand against my chest, slowing my momentum. “Celeste has been saying it doesn’t feel like Christmas since I haven’t had a chance to decorate. I bet she’ll be down for checking out the lights.”

“It’s a fun way to spend an evening. Win, win for everybody.”

“Okay, my social calendar is pretty empty, so just let me know.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yeah, is that too soon?” I asked in between a trail of kisses leading from her earlobe to her neck.

“No … it’s perfect,” she agreed breathlessly.

“Awesome. I’ll pick you up at your place at six.” Opening the door, I walked out of her office on a natural high. My back was straighter, and there was a bit more swagger in my stride.

“Oh Kris,” Belen called.

I spun on my heels, lightweight hoping she’d run into my arms and kiss me one last time.

“Twin City News will be here at five o’clock. They’re doing a piece on the Christmas display and they might want to interview you. Just wanted to give you a heads up.”

“Got it. I’ll be there with bells on.”

Belen backed up, bumping into the door jam. “Have a holly jolly day.”

I cringed. “Uhm …really?”

“Shut up,” she warned.

Belen

Right before five o’clock, the epicenter of the mall, the Christmas display, was abuzz with activity. Camera crew, lights, and a crowd of Pavilion Grand shoppers gathered around to witness the filming with the hopes of possibly seeing themselves on television. I changed into a festive sorrel red cardigan with embroidered poinsettias running up the sleeves. The broadcast was live and I was expected to provide a tour of the display and answer a few questions. Then they planned to interview Kris.

“Okay Belen, we’re all set,” the production person said. “Remember what we talked about, be natural. This is just a conversation, no need to be nervous.”

I nodded while fidgeting with the hem of my skirt.

The production gal turned away from me, calling out, “Where’s Sterling?”

Looking at Kris on the Santa throne, he was busy with a young boy who was talking with animated hands on his lap. I remember the first day we met and wanting to shit can him for a more age-appropriate Santa. Boy was I glad that plan fell through. He was great with kids and practically a baby whisperer, the way he could magically soothe even the fussiest infant. He was also the Belen whisperer, the way he kept my pussy humming.

Earlier in my office, I wanted to slip in a quickie. But the walls in the administrative suites were paper thin and it would be difficult biting back a scream when he was moving deep inside me. Since our last time together, all I could think about was the next time. And since his visit this morning, my mind was fixated on his interest in a relationship … with me. I never expected our mutual flirting to turn into anything long term. There was just something about Kris. He was intentional with his actions and words and it was hard to know how to react to that. I practically had a master’s degree in deciphering the body language of the twenty-first century male because most men weren’t as straightforward as Kris.

Sure when they were interested in sex they made that crystal clear, but when it came down to long-term relationship goals, things would become foggy. I’d lost count of the number of times I’d heard things like, “I just want to take it slow” or “I don’t believe in titles.” And my personal favorite, “We don’t need labels when we both know what this is.” For the record, I never knew what it was. Clearly most men wanted all the benefits of a girlfriend … sex, attention, nurturing … without the pesky committed and monogamous stage.

Kris seemed different. He wanted to see me again and he made a plan. No games. No ignoring me for a week, pretending he wasn’t interested. Including my sister because he knew how important she was to me. Which made my heart melt and vagina moisten. And then there was the Canada invite, I still didn’t know how to receive that. While leaving Minneapolis for a Christmas holiday in Ottawa was most likely going to be a no for me, it was still nice to entertain the possibility.

“Belen is that you?” I turned around to find Sterling of Sterling and Melodie from yesterday’s cookie decorating class.

“Sterling, what are you doing here?” I blinked rapidly as I tried to process the sight of him standing in front of me in my mall.

“I’m Sterling Shepherd with Twin City News.” His voice took on a distinct news anchor quality before breaking into a laugh.

Shit. My deer in the headlights stare rendered me speechless.

“Small world,” he added.

“Miniscule.” My voice was shaky and the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end. My nerves had nothing to do with being on television and everything to do with the silly lie Kris and I told the day before. The last thing I wanted was for Sterling Shepherd to ask me about my husband, live for the whole of Minnesota to hear.

After a countdown, Sterling began his introduction about the joy of Christmas and the VIP guest who was in town from the North Pole. “And now let’s talk to one of Santa’s extra special helpers, Belen Goodwin. Now, Belen you’re the event coordinator here at Pavilion Grand, is that correct?” He pointed his microphone at my face.

“Yes, I am.”

“And you worked to make this space special for the arrival of the jolly fella.”

“Yes, when the North Pole called saying Santa wanted to visit the children in our city, we got right to work putting this all together.”

We walked around the space and I pointed out the spectacular tree and animatronic elves that twisted and turned in the life size toy workshop windows.

“This is quite the display. Are those dancing elves over there?”

“Yep, we have dancing elves, a candy fun land, build a toy station, and of course the main event, Mr. Claus himself.”

“Do you think that we could say hello?”

“Su … Sure,” I stammered before waving Kris over, trying to communicate that the jig was up with only my eyes. Kris’s jaw slightly unhinged when he recognized Sterling and he stopped in his tracks.

“Don’t be shy big fella. Come on down,” Sterling insisted. I silently pleaded with Kris to not fuck this up.

“Wow he’s tall, and it looks like Santa has trimmed down quite a bit.”

“He’s been getting in his steps.” I smiled at the camera.

“Well hello there Santa, welcome to town. How are you liking the weather here in Minneapolis?”

“I love it, not as cold as the North Pole,” Kris said in his fake Santa voice. “I feel kind of bad for the elves stuck at home. I’m sure they’re freezing their jingle balls off.”

Sterling laughed extra hard.

I chimed in reminding myself this was all about promotion. “Santa, do you want to tell them about the toy drive?”

“Yes, thank you Belen. When you stop by to see me make sure to bring a toy for a child in need.”

A man in the crowd yelled out. “Isn’t that your job?” And a smattering of laughter erupted.

Kris shot the man a glaring eye. “Yes, it is my job, but even Santa can use a few helpers.”

Agreeing, I backed him up. “That’s right, so please help Santa to make every child’s Christmas a merry one.”

“Well thank you to the both of you.” Sterling turned back to the camera, continuing. “Fun fact Aileen, my wife and I met Santa and Belen yesterday at a cookie decorating class. It was nice for once not being the only husband in attendance at one of those things.”

There was a moment of silence while Sterling listened to the newscaster in the studio.

“Yes, that’s right Aileen, Belen is indeed Mrs. Claus.” Sterling chuckled followed by another pause. “Yep, I’ll ask.” Sterling thrust the microphone in my face. Aileen would like to know how you stay so youthful?”

Beads of sweat dotted my edges. “Uhm … well you know … the North Pole is really cold and that helps to keep things preserved. So I guess the cold weather and good skincare.” All I could think about were the thousands of viewers that now believed I was married. Not to mention my co-workers who would surely pepper me with questions about the nature of my relationship with Kris after this airing.

“So tell us what it’s like working with your spouse every day?” Once again, all eyes were on us. I spotted Chloe in the crowd of mall shoppers and lookie loos. Her eyes narrowed and head tilted in an attempt to grasp what she was hearing. I tugged on the sleeve of Kris’s jacket hoping he’d speak up.

“Working with a spouse definitely has its challenges but there are also benefits. You can carpool, you have a lunch buddy.” How he was unflustered I would never know because my hands were clammy and my stomach was churning. I was thankful for his generic answer. He didn’t double down and assert we were married. By leaving it open, we could claim it was all a misunderstanding, nothing more.

Once again turning to the camera, Sterling signed off. “That’s it from here Aileen. I’m Sterling Shepherd reporting from The Pavilion Grand Mall. Back to you.”

Kris

With the news crew gone and the line to see Santa whittled down, Belen asked if I could help her move the giant teddy bear they’d brought out for the news piece back to storage. I hoisted the oversized bear over my shoulder and followed her to the storage room.

“I knew Sterling looked familiar at the bakery,” Belen said.

“What are the odds, right?”

“Now everyone in the city thinks we’re married.”

“I could think of worse things to be known for,” I added, before nearly colliding into a wall. This overstuffed bear made it difficult to see what laid ahead of me.

“I’m just glad that’s over. Thanks for being a good sport.” Belen stopped to enter a code into a key panel.

The enormous bear and I pushed our way inside.

“You can just drop it in the corner,” she directed.

Plopping the bear down as instructed, the clicking of the storage door lock brought my attention back to her. “You know Santa, I’ve been a bad girl all year. But I’m willing to do anything to get on the nice list.” Belen flipped her hair over her shoulder and thrusted her breast forward while licking her lips.

“Yeah right, maybe I should bend you over my knee and spank you,” I joked, pushing away a long strand of tinsel hanging from a shelf.

Her smile was filled with mischief. “I think I’d like that. And we are married after all.”

I coughed out a dry laugh. “What are you doing?”

“I believe the kids still call it role playing.”

My eyes took up half my face. “Role playing? Belen we’re at work.”

“Exactly … it’s naughty.” There was a spark behind her eyes.

“Yeah, well if you keep talking like that, I will blow your fucking back out on the storage room floor.”

“That’s what I was hoping for.” She undid the first few buttons on her cardigan.

“Hold up. You’re trying to fuck in the mall storage room? What if someone walks in?”

“Well then you better be quick.”

“With you? Never.” Scanning the room, I located a long metal candy cane and hooked it through the door handles for added security.

Turning my attention back to Belen, I said, “So tell me more about this naughty girl shit.”

“Well it started with an oral fixation. I just can’t seem to keep thick and long things out of my mouth.” Belen’s fingers rimmed her plump lips.

“If I provide something that fits the bill, could you show me?”

Belen removed my oversized belt buckle, freeing the padding from against my torso. Dropping the pillow onto the ground, she kneeled on top of it. From this vantage point, she could make out the bulge in my red pants begging to be unsheathed. She teased me with her delicate hands, stroking my dick. When she finally wrapped her lips around me, I had to grab hold of a nearby shelf, fearing my knees would give out.

I took mental pictures as she moaned over my length. Nice Belen was cool, but naughty Belen was my favorite. “You are so good at this,” I managed to eek out. “I love watching you take that dick.”

As she slurped, spanked, and licked my member, I was transfixed. Nice women who were undercover freaks were the best type of women. It was like she and I shared a secret. On an average day, people assumed Belen was a nice girl who followed all the rules. Returning her grocery cart after transferring the bags to her car, helping elder people cross the street, and always tipping generously at the end of a meal.

But in private, she was far from nice. She was the woman who took to her knees and sucked me dry, the woman who teased her clit while I licked her pussy, the woman who took every single thrust like a pro because she craved my dick. Belen was the good girl and I was the nice guy, but behind closed doors we were on demon time.

Belen undid the remaining buttons on her cardigan, revealing a lacy, pink bra.

“I don’t know Mrs. Claus, what if the elves hear?”

“I’ll be quiet. I promise.”

That wasn’t possible but I was more than willing to shove my tongue, fingers, or something more substantial in her mouth if needed. I pulled her to her feet and unzipped her skirt, stepping back to watch her step out of her panties. Using the enormous stuffed bear as a mattress, I dropped to the floor and beckoned Belen to take a seat on my stiff dick. Her breath hitched as she lowered down on it. With her back to my chest, our bodies took over, moving in unison.

Each stroke sent mini tremors up my spine. Belen bounced on the dick but still wasn’t satisfied. She shifted her weight until only her ass was air born. “Fuck me deep,” she cooed.

Being the nice guy that I am, I did just what she asked. Claiming hold of her waist, I performed long exaggerated strokes that left her whimpering. I closed my eyes, steadied my breathing, and swam the length of her pussy with my dick. Belen clawed at the carpet while egging me on. “Is that all you’ve got. I want all that dick, give it all to me.”

Her mouth was reckless and she needed to be taught a lesson. “Be careful what you wish for,” I grunted.

“I wish you’d stop talking and destroy this pussy.”

Not going to lie, hearing my sweet Belen talk to me that way had me momentarily clutching my pearls, but I quickly recovered and after three quick pumps, I slapped her ass cheeks which forced her to release a satisfied grunt. Wrapping my hand around her neck, I continued with the onslaught, lifting her body upward so we could share a kiss. Belen’s tongue explored my mouth, and I could feel her smirk against my lips. “Do you feel that?” I asked after a deep stroke. “What about this?” I sandwiched my free hand in between her pussy.

“Please,” she sputtered.

“Please what.”

“Keep it up.”

The corners of my mouth pulled into a smile. Before kissing her, I whispered into her ear. “You make me feel so good. This is my pussy, but I think you already know that.” Belen’s hand landed on top of mine and we pleasured her clit together. I matched my tempo to hers and her legs trembled, threatening to buckle. Her fingertips grazed against my shaft as I slid in and out.

Belen’s body grew tense as she announced, “I’m about to come.” She shook and convulsed until her body was still, occasionally shaking from the aftereffects. Belen’s release was all I need to spur on my own orgasm, I grunted into her hair, her sweet floral scent pulling out every drop of me.

Settling in on the floor next to Belen, I reached for her hand. “Damn I’m going to have to add this as an honorary mention on our sex bucket list.”