Santa Loves Curvy Girls

14. Belle

14

BELLE

A s we walked out of the movie theater, I finally allowed myself to wonder what I’d been pushing to the back of my mind for a solid week now.

Was my Christmas wish really coming true?

It had been a big ask to be sure, but here I was, hand in hand with an amazing guy. Sure, I had no idea who he really was behind that suit, but my hand was wrapped in his and there were definitely sparks in the air.

I couldn’t believe this was actually happening to me, even if I ached for my friends to experience the same thing.

Santa led me to a quiet place behind the movie theater where we could sit and take in the view of a good part of Garland. I could almost see the light of the star on the tree.

“I had a really nice time,” I told him, wondering what his name was.

He sat down next to me. “Me too.”

I shivered a little, and he scooted closer, wrapping his arm around me to warm me up.

Who needed a fireplace when you had a cute guy to keep you warm?

“Just a couple more days,” he said, breaking the silence. “And then work at the mall will be done.”

I looked at him. “I won’t miss the chaos. Or that elf costume.”

He smiled. “I will. I’ll miss some other things too.”

Butterflies filled my stomach as I wondered what he meant by that.

“Once you’re out of that costume, how will I know who you are?” I asked.

He thought for a second, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll have to find you, huh?”

That would be weird, especially if I didn’t know him in “real life.” Or would it?

He went on. “Hopefully, you’ll still like me when I’m out of this Santa suit.”

I laughed. “It might be a dealbreaker; I don’t know,” I teased.

We grew silent again, both of us clearly with a lot on our minds.

“And then what? What happens after that?” I asked him quietly, kind of mesmerized.

“And then,” he added, his voice also quiet, “I’m sure I’ll do something I’ve been thinking about doing for a while now.”

My breath hitched, completely transfixed by his bright blue eyes.

I hardly noticed, but snow began falling all around us, just like in the movies. Slow, soft, and white. It was like we were suddenly surrounded by the perfect Christmas backdrop.

Santa looked at my lips like he very badly wanted to do something, but also knew he couldn’t.

Something like daring rose up in my chest, and before I could talk myself out of it, I looked at him and said, “I won’t look.” Then I closed my eyes. This was the only way.

Slowly, I felt for his beard with my hand, tugged it down, and leaned in, eyes still closed.

I felt his hand hold the side of my face, and a second later, his mouth met mine, closing the gap between us.

Kissing him was better than anything I could’ve imagined. His nose pressed against my cheek, a little cold. My heart beat like a wild horse on the run. And he tasted like peppermint and Christmas.

After a minute, we pulled apart, and I felt him tugging his beard back on. Slowly, I blinked opened my eyes.

I had no idea who this boy was, but one thing was for sure. I’d never think about Christmas again without thinking of him.