Santa’s Coming (High Five Novella #1)

Chapter 2 Tacky Christmas Wonderland

Saturday, December 14th

With my son spending the weekend at his dad’s, it’s time to take advantage of a rare night out. Our first stop for the evening is High Five, a local dive bar. Draped in an oversized light-up sweater adorned with bells and tinsel, complemented by leather leggings, chunky boots, and an elf ears headband, I feel a mix of festive excitement and a hint of recklessness as I step into the bar. Sometimes—well, most of the time—I feel like a caged animal because I so rarely get to go out anymore. So, I remind myself not to overindulge.

Depending on your viewpoint of the holiday season, this place is either a garish Christmas-themed nightmare or the pinnacle of festive exuberance. As for me, I can’t quite decide this year; the sensory overload is, at the very least, undeniable.

The dive bar, notorious for its sticky floors and drunk college kids on regular nights, now sparkles with extravagant holiday lights, festive drinks, and Christmas-themed snacks. It’s a desperate attempt to cover up the usual grunge with tinsel and glitter. They had outdone themselves this time, bringing in a real Santa and setting up a photo booth for patrons to capture their forced merriment. Maybe I’m feeling a bit grinchy?

Upbeat Christmas remixes fill the room, and I savor the reprieve from my ever-growing Christmas to-do list.

My friends and I sit at the bar and look over the holiday drink menu.

“You’re looking fit.” Sarah nods at me.

“I’ve been streaming some strength classes the past few months.”

Rachel winks. “You’re looking very, very fuckable.”

I shake my head at them. “I’m not getting lucky if that’s what you’re both getting at.”

“You’re working out just because?” Sarah squints her eyes.

I laugh. “People work out for health benefits.”

“I keep hearing about these people. I didn’t know they existed.” Sarah smirks.

“I work out to look good naked.” Rachel smiles.

“We know too well how much you love to be naked.” I nudge her. “Please keep your clothes on this evening.”

“Good evening, High Fivers,” a man’s voice says through the speakers. “It’s time to take your photos with our very own Santa Claus.”

I look over at the photo booth and see a guy dressed as an elf with a microphone next to Santa.

All I want for Christmas is to be railed by Santa, I think, staring at the broad-shouldered, bearded, unbelievably good-looking man wearing a Santa suit. What a depraved thought. I laugh and sip my candy cane martini. I hadn’t set high hopes for the night, but at least I have a scandalous mental image to entertain me later.

Observing the look of lust in my eyes, Sarah elbows me. “Girl, it’s time you got back in the dating game. When was the last time you went out?” she teases, her smile carrying a playful hint of optimism.

“Seriously, Em, it’s been forever. Take some time for yourself,” Rachel adds, her eyes glinting with mischief.

I chuckle, attempting to deflect the conversation. “Come on, guys, you know I have no free time. The dating scene can wait.”

Sarah rolls her eyes. “Sure, but a little flirting with Santa won’t hurt. It’s the holidays! And girl’s night. Live a little.”

I sigh. “Twenty dollars to take a photo with Santa is obscene.”

“When Santa looks like the cover model for a Christmas romance novel, I think he’s worth every penny.” Rachel laughs, clinking our drinks.

“Seriously.” Sarah rubs her hands together. “I wouldn’t mind sitting on his lap … even for just one photo.”

We all laugh, finishing our first round.

“I’ll buy the next round and the photo with Santa if Emily straddles him,” Rachel insists.

“No! No way!” I shake my head.

“That would fill my heart of coal!” Sarah winks, punctuating the moment with an eye-roll-worthy pun.

I hesitate. He’s attractive, unlike the typical jolly old men dressing up as Santa. He’s buff, and there’s surely no belly hiding behind that jacket. He’s like a stripper cosplaying Santa more than anything. Sitting there, brooding … but why not? I’ll never see him again.

“Fine, fine, but let’s not make this a big deal,” I concede, trying to maintain a veneer of nonchalance while my heart quickens.

When was the last time I sat on a guy’s lap? A long time ago, that’s for sure.

My eyes widen at the sight of him as I approach the photo booth. Unlike the usual mall Santas with fake beards, this one has a perfectly shaped salt-and-pepper beard, exuding a sense of charm and sophistication.

“Go get on that naughty list, Em!” Rachel yells, and I cringe.

My initial intrigue immediately morphs into mortification.

As I approach, the twinkle in Santa’s amber eyes does little to ease my discomfort. Something about his face makes me think he likes the naughty list idea.

“What a festive elf,” he growls disarmingly.

He’s probably forty. I note the small crow’s feet around his eyes and sexy, sexy broad shoulders. A damn good-looking forty.

I want to turn back. I didn’t think he would talk to me. Especially not with that insanely deep, drool-inducing voice. It’s just one photo. That’s all.

“If it’s all right with you, for the photo, can I …” I cannot believe I’m about to ask this. “Can I straddle you and then be looking back at the camera like I was just caught with Santa?” I propose, surprising even myself with the bold suggestion.

Santa smirks, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Best idea I’ve heard all night.”

Inhaling sharply, I summon the courage to carry out my impromptu idea. Straddling him, I feel the strength in his thighs and the warmth of his embrace.

Fuck, why is Santa so hot?

He grabs my wrists and places them over his shoulders. My heart rate soars. His powerful hands squeeze my hips, and he pulls me closer to him.

His low moan of, “Perfect” sends shivers down my spine as the camera flashes, capturing a moment of unexpected connection.

“Naughty list, for sure,” he rumbles, and I swiftly dismount.

I head back to my friends, cheeks flushed with exhilaration. I don’t look back. That was too intense, and I can’t believe that I was turned on by Santa.

“Oh my God, that was fucking hot!” Rachel exclaims, laughter bubbling between her and Sarah. “He was super into that too.”

I roll my eyes in disbelief. “That Christmas rite of passage is complete. On to the next bar,” I encourage my friends and put my coat on for emphasis.

“Leaving?” I hear his deep voice over my shoulder.

“This elf has lots of work to do,” I nervously ramble. Get a grip, calling myself an elf?

He grumbles deeply. “Let me buy you a drink first?”

“No, that’s okay.”

“Em, don’t be a Grinch.” Rachel nudges me playfully.

“I bet Santa hasn’t had this much excitement all night. Let the man buy you a drink." Sarah squints at me.

It feels like an ambush, yet I slide off my parka and sassily remount my barstool.

Santa grins. It’s unnerving to be lusting over Santa. “I’m getting an old fashioned. What would you like?” he asks.

“No festive drink?” I raise my eyebrow.

“I’ve had enough holiday cheer for one night,” he gruffs with a wink.

“I’ll have the same.”

He nods at the bartender and then puts up two fingers. The bartender begins working on the old fashions. Santa must be a regular here. There’s something familiar about him, but we’ve certainly never been introduced before.

“What’s on your Christmas wish list this year?” he asks, swiping his finger across my arm. The small gesture sends another shiver through my body.

“Oh, you know, the usual.” I hesitate, regaining my composure. “A good night’s sleep and a great foot massage.”

Santa raises an eyebrow. “Foot rubs, huh? That’s a new one. I might need to check the elves’ manual for that request.”

Laughing, I shrug. “Well, Santa, a girl can dream. What about you? What’s on your wish list this year?”

“The usual.” The golden flecks in his amber eyes nearly flicker. Everything about him is smoldering. “Cookies, milk, and maybe a bit of mischief.”

“Mischief?” I grin. “I never expected Santa to be a troublemaker.”

He leans in with a sly smile. “Well, Emily, Christmas is all about spreading joy, and sometimes I have to be a little naughty to do so.”

Hearing him say my name sends every kind of bad idea through my head. I can’t relish in the flirtation, though, because how does he know my name?

“Your friends are loud,” he says, likely seeing the panic on my face by the use of my name. “And how could I not pay attention to the prettiest woman to walk into this bar all night?”

I’d like to swoon, but instead, I deflect. “What will Mrs. Claus think?”

“There’s no Mrs. Claus,” he says before sipping his drink.

Should I ask for Santa’s real name? No. This is just silly bar banter. As I swirl my drink, the festive spirit of the holidays mingles with a pleasant buzz. He keeps staring at me like I’m the only person in this crowded bar. It feels so good to be looked at in that way.

“If you’d be interested in more than just a photo, how about my number?” he asks, low so only I can hear.

Living in the moment, I slide my phone along the bar to him. "Make sure to report back on the North Pole’s foot rub protocol."

He laughs in the most Santa way while tapping away at my phone.

“Back to work.” He winks, then places a soft kiss on my cheek before sliding a candy cane toward me.

The cute gestures make me smile like a fucking schoolgirl, filling me with excitement for the unexpected turn the night has taken. My thoughts are solely focused on the mystery and intrigue of Santa, no longer reciting my never-ending checklists leading up to Christmas to make it the most magical time of year for my son. Maybe I’ll get my Christmas wish this year?

“So, what’s Santa’s story?” Rachel asks.

“I don’t know,” I say, still reeling from that exchange.

“If I were you, all I would want for Christmas is that man and his hands all over me.” Sarah winks.

Blushing, I chuckle. “Oh, please. Santa isn’t on my Christmas list.” After I say it, it feels like a lie.

I unlock my phone and see that he saved his contact as Santa. I huff a laugh, seeing he texted himself, This is your naughty elf Emily . Officially succumbing to the bit of Christmas magic in the air, I consider Sarah’s suggestion and add Santa’s hands all over me to my Christmas wish list.