Here Comes Santa Paws (Christmas Falls: Season 2)

32. Elias

Chapter 32

Elias

Upbeat Christmas music played through my Bluetooth speakers while the television showed birds enjoying trays of seed in the snow. I could’ve sworn the lights on my tree twinkled extra bright. It was the perfect Christmas so far. I’d woken in Roman’s arms and had a litter of puppies to ooh and ahh over.

Roman came through the front door carrying the green bean casserole he’d cooked at his place since my oven was full.

“Have I told you today how hot you look?”

He glanced down at the green sweater with an elf’s body placed so his head was in place of the elf’s. His expression was unamused when he raised his head. “Do you have an elf kink?”

I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around his waist. “No, but I definitely have a Roman-in-festive-clothing kink.”

Roman couldn’t contain his laugh. “Pretty sure I picked up on that when you dropped to your knees and sucked me off as soon as I put it on.”

I bit my bottom lip. “I’m lucky you accept all my quirks.”

He cupped the back of my neck and kissed me deeply. I wasn’t sure how to remain upright under that kind of assault. “I’m lucky you trust me enough to share your quirks.”

“Lucky for me, I was able to procure a matching sweater at the last minute.”

“I still don’t understand how you did that.”

I booped his nose. “I’ve got a lot of connections in this town.”

Roman shook his head.

“You love it.”

His eyes softened. “I do.”

Before I could drop to my knees again and reward him for being so free with his emotions, there was a knock at the door.

“Ready?”

Roman let out a breath. “Ready.”

I opened my front door to let Gramps and Nancy in.

“Can we see the puppies?” Nancy asked by way of greeting.

“Merry Christmas.” I kissed her cheek and took the insulated casserole bag from her hands while Roman unloaded the bags hanging from her arms.

Her cheeks reddened. “Sorry. Merry Christmas. Now may I see the puppies?”

I laughed. “Let me set this down, and I’ll take you in.”

“Got your camera, Roman?” Gramps asked.

Roman turned toward Gramps after setting Nancy’s bags under the tree. “I can grab it. Want me to take your photo?”

Gramps unzipped his coat to reveal the sweater I’d given him years ago. It was similar to Roman’s and mine—both with elf bodies—except Gramps’s had Santa’s body.

“Nancy has the Mrs. Claus one. We need a family photo.”

I pressed my hand to my chest as emotion threatened to overwhelm me. It’d been me and Gramps against the world for far too much of my life. Now, our family had doubled in size. Gramps’s had grown even more because Nancy had taken him to Christmas Eve dinner with her family.

The dogs—wearing on-theme sweaters with reindeer bodies—sat patiently at Gramps’s feet with their tails betraying their calm postures. Krampus’s glower wasn’t as serious as usual as she watched us from her perch. She refused the sweaters but compromised with reindeer antlers. Why she allowed those instead of a sweater, I’d never understand.

Roman grinned. “I’ll go get the camera and tripod while you two see the puppies.” His expression turned serious. “Carol is still exhausted, so we should probably minimize the disruption.”

Nancy turned toward me and gave me a knowing look. I winked. Roman had turned into quite the protective dog dad, and it was one of the sexiest things about him.

Roman pulled his shoes on as I took Nancy and Gramps to Carol’s room. Even with Roman home, we decided to keep her here for the time being to minimize distress. He was happily sleeping in my bed to stay close to her, and he’d only minorly grumbled about the dogs sleeping at our feet.

I’d wanted this for Christmas but had never expected to get it.

“Hey, girl. We’re popping in to check on you,” I said in a soft voice to Carol. Two puppies were feeding while the other three were fast asleep under the heat lamp.

Nancy gasped quietly. “Look at them.” Nancy kept her distance, but I could tell she wanted to scoop them all up.

Gramps moved to her other side. “So Roman came back for Christmas, huh?” Gramps’s words dripped with smugness.

“He did.”

“Well…”

With all the meddling Gramps had doled out over the past month, I could make him work for the info.

“Roman got here in time to be with Carol while she gave birth. I think that gave her comfort.”

“I’m glad he did.” Gramps smiled at Nancy, who was clearly working overtime to refrain from bundling all the puppies in her arms. “Is there a reason you’re holding out on me?”

My shoulders shook with silent laughter. “Just making you work for it.”

I heard Roman’s familiar steps move toward the spare room. He eased the door open and stepped in, promising my eager dogs they’d get to visit Carol another time. My heart pitter-pattered in my chest.

He wrapped his arm around my waist. “What?” He looked between me and Gramps.

“Gramps was just asking about you returning early.” I smiled at him.

Roman’s eyes twinkled before he kissed my temple. “I had to see how bad this one’s Christmas fever got.”

Gramps’s smile grew. He looked pointedly at Roman’s sweater. “Guess the fever’s contagious.”

“You two are so cute.” Nancy beamed from her spot on the ground.

“We are, aren’t we?” I wrapped my arm around Roman’s waist and squeezed.

“You are a we ?” Gramps’s bushy gray eyebrows rose.

I shook my head. “You’re angling for credit, aren’t you?”

Gramps shrugged. “I did push you two together. I wouldn’t mind some recognition for your happiness.”

“We knew each other before Roman became your PT.” I raised an eyebrow.

“And you wasted two years being stubborn knuckleheads. It took me to get your heads out of your asses.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re not wrong, but that’s all you’re going to get from me.”

Gramps clucked his tongue.

Roman removed his right arm from my waist and held his hand out to Gramps. “Thank you for helping me pull my head out of my ass. You and your grandson have a special talent for that.”

Guess Roman’s the favorite now.

Gramps pulled Roman into a hug and clapped his back several times. He winked at me over Roman’s shoulder. Those two would be thick as thieves, and I couldn’t be happier. I wanted everyone to love Roman like I did.

My feelings had grown even stronger since he’d returned yesterday morning. It wasn’t only seeing him with Carol and how he treated me. It was all the conversations we’d had about our hopes, dreams, fears, what we wanted from a relationship, and what we wanted from our future. All the conversations we’d dodged while trying to keep things casual.

“Shall we let the pups rest? I’ve got food for us.” I turned toward the door and ushered my dogs away to let the others out.

“I’ll help you in the kitchen,” Nancy said.

I heard Roman and Gramps talking about their favorite scenes from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation as I checked the ham in the oven.

“What can I do?”

“There’s a cheese plate in the fridge. Can you pull that out and add crackers from the container next to the fridge?” I basted the ham with juice from the pan, then stirred the baked beans.

“You got it.” As she pulled the plastic wrap off the cheese plate, Nancy turned toward me. “So. Big developments for the holiday.”

I moved a colander of potatoes to the sink. “You mean you and Gramps?”

The rosy blush on Nancy’s cheeks darkened. “Are you okay with that?”

I turned toward Nancy. “Are you kidding? I’m thrilled! You two are perfect for each other. I couldn’t be happier. Honestly.”

Nancy let out a relieved breath, then flashed a wry smile. “Speaking of heads in asses, took him long enough to pull his out.”

I laughed and pulled her into a hug as soon as she finished placing the last crackers. “It sure did. I think your little matchmaking venture didn’t hurt.”

She squeezed me tight, then pulled back enough to look into my face. “That was the plan. Though, if you know any singles, it’s a great service.”

“I’m not in the market anymore, but I’ll keep an ear to the ground.”

“He’s good for you. You’re always lively, but you’ve seemed more fulfilled this past month.”

I pressed my palm to my chest. “You’re so right. That’s how I feel.”

She patted my cheek with her warm hand. “It’s a good look on you.”

I smiled at her, then carried the cheese plate to the living room. Gramps sat next to Roman on the couch, huddled close as they studied Gramps’s phone.

“Whatcha looking at?”

I set the plate on the coffee table, then sat in the recliner so Nancy could sit on Gramps’s other side.

“I wanted to show Roman those dolls made of yarn. The Clark and Eddie ones.”

I laughed. “The crocheted doll of Eddie emptying his sewage in his bathrobe?”

“That’s the one!”

Roman shook his head, laughing, when Gramps handed him the phone.

It was the best Christmas I’d had in years. I couldn’t remember the last time there’d been so much laughter within the walls of my home. Roman fit into our little family. So did Nancy.

We made a huge dent in the food and devoured dessert before Gramps declared it time for presents. Nancy had brought treats from Hank for all the dogs and a catnip banana for Krampus. I gave Gramps an old-school handheld fishing video game I found on eBay. He gave me a custom pet portrait of my critters in royal clothing. The gemstone eyepatch on Nutcracker was the perfect touch.

I retrieved my gift for Roman and handed it to him. They were two boxes wrapped in red paper covered in white snowflakes with a green ribbon tied around them to hold them in a tidy stack.

“You got me something?”

I shrugged as I returned to my seat. “I always like to be prepared.”

I saw a glimpse of little Roman as he eagerly ripped the ribbon off and unwrapped the smaller box. He let out a sharp laugh when he removed the lid. I smiled innocently at him.

“Bit presumptuous, don’t you think?” Roman pulled the royal-blue collar with a bone-shaped tag hanging off it that had Carol stamped on one side and Roman’s name and phone number on the other.

“I’m good at my job and can tell when someone’s ready to adopt.”

He shook his head and opened the second box. All trace of teasing left as he stared inside. A small, pleased smile played on his lips. “It’s perfect.” He locked eyes with mine. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He pulled the salt-dough ornament with Carol’s pawprint from the box and let it dangle from his finger. I’d chosen a royal-blue glitter to match the collar. Nothing too festive.

“You really went all-in on me adopting the dog, huh?”

“I had a backup gift.”

“Oh yeah? What was that?”

I grinned. “Guess you’ll have to find out next year.”

Roman carefully set the gifts on the coffee table and stood, dropping a kiss on the top of my head as he passed en route to the tree. He retrieved a gift bag and brought it to me.

“Merry Christmas.”

“Thanks.”

I had no chill as I yanked the tissue paper out to reveal a picture frame. It was the gaudiest, tackiest, most festive candy cane-covered thing I’d ever seen. It was perfect, and the photo inside was even better. A picture of me, Roman, Gramps, Nancy, and our furry clan with Santa. The photo and frame exuded the kind of festive chaos that spoke to me on a spiritual level. Krampus trying to scramble out of my arms, Carol looking like she was sleeping, Tinsel’s tongue millimeters away from Gramps’s face, and Roman staring at me with one of his private smiles. A tear splashed on the frame’s glass.

“It’s perfect. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Gramps and Nancy shared a look and soon made their excuses to leave, but I made them wait while I packed leftovers. I didn’t want them to go, but I was also ready to be alone with Roman.

I cracked a bottle of wine, and we snuggled on the couch, admiring the twinkling tree. I was, anyway. I didn’t expect Roman to love Christmas all of a sudden.

“This was a great Christmas,” I said.

“I’m glad you’re happy.”

I turned toward him and puckered my lips. He kissed me without hesitation.

“I couldn’t be happier.” I dropped my head on his shoulder. “You’re sure you’re okay with turning down that job?”

He was silent for a moment. I didn’t panic though. I’d learned that sometimes he needed to gather his thoughts. “I am. There’s freedom in breaking the cycle of moving. Staying in one place is a new adventure.”

“I like the sound of that. Is there any chance you can get a promotion at work?”

“I don’t know, but I’m going to talk to my boss about it.” He groaned. “Anisha is going to be insufferably smug.”

I shifted to straddle his lap. “Thanks for taking a chance on us.”

Roman hooked my waist in his arms and pulled me close. “Thanks for taking a chance on me.”

I melted into his kiss. I wasn’t sure how much time passed as we made out like horny teenagers on the couch, but when two dogs tried to wiggle between us for cuddles, it was time to take this show on the road.

I raced Roman to the bedroom, which wasn’t the wisest idea because it excited the dogs, and they beat me there.

“Want to go outside?”

They froze at Roman’s words, then turned and retreated toward the back door. He’d picked up a lot of tricks over the past month.

I closed the door, then took the opportunity to strip and climb under the toasty bedding. Roman returned a few minutes later and closed the door behind him.

“They didn’t try to follow you in here? Are you a dog whisperer?”

“I pulled out a few of the treats Nancy brought for them.”

I pressed the back of my hand against my forehead. “You just earned yourself an epic blowjob for your clever thinking.”

Roman tugged his sweater by the back of the collar and pulled it off. His undershirt went with it to reveal his broad, muscled chest. What a Christmas gift. I’d get to keep admiring that chest for the foreseeable future. Maybe forever if I played my cards right.

I’d just started gawking at his biceps when he shed the rest of his clothes and climbed into bed beside me. He reached for me and pulled me to him, but I hissed.

“You’re cold. ”

His grin was evil. “I let the dogs out.”

I half-heartedly tried to squirm out of his grip. “You close the door while they’re out back, not stand in the cold with them.”

“The trash bins needed taking out, so I wheeled those to the curb while they were doing their business.”

I bit my lip. “Oh. Well. That was kind of you.”

Chuckling, he kissed my shoulder and then carved a trail of kisses along the column of my neck until he reached my lips.

My body took over, and I let my mind hang out in the backseat. It was a new experience getting to touch Roman without a lingering worry that it might be the last time. Instead, I wanted to treat his body like my dissertation and learn everything there was to know about it and what he liked.

As I delivered the promised blowjob, I teased my fingers behind his balls and worked them toward his hole. His legs fell open, and soon, he nudged me with a condom and lube.

How can this Christmas keep getting better?

I wanted to make him quiver beneath me. Or next to me, on top of me, in front of me—I wasn’t picky.

“You might need to go slow. I haven’t bottomed in a while.”

He turned his head and pressed his cheek into the pillow as I rubbed lube around his hole.

I leaned forward between his legs and turned his head toward me with my lube-free hand. “Slow is my middle name. Well, technically, it’s Jimothy.” I tried to kiss him as I eased a finger in, but he pulled back and laughed.

“Hold up. Jimothy? Does ‘othy’ mean grandson of Jim in some secret family language?”

I huffed. “It means my parents thought they were fucking hilarious. I swear Gramps put them up to it, or they lost a bet, but he denies it. Enough family talk.” I pushed my fingertip inside.

Roman grinned but managed to mime zipping his lips. I kissed those zipped lips and thanked the universe for my stubbornness. If I hadn’t persisted in getting to know this man, and if he hadn’t let me, I wouldn’t be here having the best Christmas of my life, with the future looking brighter than my Christmas lights.

Roman shifted onto his knees, and I did go slow. Each measured push of my cock inside him was the sweetest torture. It took a bit for him to adjust, but when he did, he was ready . Roman turned onto his back, and I held one of his legs wrapped around my waist and arched over him as I thrust inside, chasing pleasure for both of us. I wasn’t going to last long with Roman falling apart under me. He mumbled unintelligible words as he scratched his stubby nails along my back.

“I need more.” Roman’s eyes were wild and sweat dotted his forehead.

“Roll back over.” As soon as he did, I pulled him onto his knees and pushed inside him with a grunt. I wasn’t a big guy, but going by the sinful sounds coming from Roman, I was the right size for him.

I gripped his hips hard enough to leave marks.

“Yes! Yes! ” Roman growled into the pillow. His elbow bounced as he jerked himself off.

“I’m so close. God, Roman. You’re so—” My thrusts stuttered as my orgasm approached. “So perfect. For me.”

Roman grunted and collapsed onto his stomach. I followed him and plastered my body along his, thrusting. He reached back and cupped my head in his wide palm.

“Come for me, Elias. Give it to me.”

With one last thrust, I pushed deep inside and came in an explosion that had my vision blinking out and my limbs turning to wet noodles.

After cleaning us both up, I snuggled against him under the covers.

“Got any plans for New Year’s Eve?”

He kissed my forehead. “Nope. What are we doing? I’m sure there’s some sort of party in town.”

“There is, but we don’t have to go to it. We can celebrate at home together.”

He pressed his finger under my chin, tilted my face, and gently kissed me. “I appreciate that, but I’m comfortable with a party. You do enough talking for both of us.”

“Hey!” I pinched him.

He laughed. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to those coming more freely. The laughs and the smiles.

“But seriously”—his tone was thoughtful—“you make me feel included without forcing me to be someone I’m not.”

“That makes me so happy, but promise you’ll tell me if you’re ever uncomfortable. You’ve got a reputation to uphold as a grumpy bastard, and I don’t want to ruin it.”

“I’m your grumpy bastard.”

“Aww. Stop it. I can’t go again, so don’t try sweet-talking me.”

More of that cherished laughter.

After cuddling for several minutes, Roman shifted. “I should check on Carol and make sure the puppies are okay.”

“Good idea. Then maybe we can watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. ”

“Now that’s a Christmas movie I can get behind.”

About ten minutes later, we had the movie started and were cuddled on the couch with a plate of Christmas cookies between us.

“You’ve sure taken to the dog thing pretty quickly.” I snuggled in close under his arm.

“I suppose a childhood of wanting one paid off.”

“Kind of funny to think you went from no dog to agreeing to short-term fostering to adopting a dog and dealing with mine to helping care for five puppies for the next two months. We are so outnumbered.”

Roman straightened and gawked at me. “ Two months? ”