Santa’s Pretty Helper (Cam Show Crush)

15. Bella

Fifteen

Bella

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, and the events of the past few weeks have only cemented that for me. From the Christmas tree decorating party to discovering Gabe on OnlySantas, to dressing up in my festive lingerie to confess my feelings for him, to getting the biggest and best gift I could’ve ever hoped for—finding out Gabe’s just as nuts for me as I am for him—this is by far the best Christmas of my entire life.

Gabe and I arrive at my parents’ house together under the guise of him picking me up because it’s on the way. I mean, it sort of is, but it’s not the truth because I practically live at his place now. I’m not sure what my parents and Eric would think if they knew how quickly we’re moving, even though we’ve both had feelings for each other for a long time now. And I know that today isn’t the day to tell them. I don’t want to make today about me. We’ll tell them about our relationship after the holidays.

Gah, we might be engaged by then, seeing as Gabe wants to go ring shopping on Boxing Day.

How is this my life? Six weeks ago, I was Bella Holland, the shy girl with a crush on her older brother’s best friend. And now, Gabe and I are in love, talking about getting engaged, and having all kinds of filthy sex on the regular. Honestly, if this is a dream, no one pinch me because I never ever want to wake up.

The house is lit up with twinkling lights on the outside and glowing warmly from within. The sky is a light gray, and small, delicate flakes are floating down. The air is cold and fresh, and the world feels quiet. Gabe’s hand is warm on the small of my back as we make our way up the steps to the porch, our arms full with food and bags of presents.

The door is unlocked, and we step inside without knocking. A sparkling garland winds its way up the staircase, decorated with more twinkling lights and red bows. The house smells like cinnamon and sugar, and I can hear Frank Sinatra crooning his Christmas waltz from the living room.

We quickly kick off our boots and toss our coats over the banister before making our way into the kitchen.

“Merry Christmas!” Mom says when she sees us, making a beeline for me. She cups my face in her hands and plants a kiss on my forehead. Then she steps back, hands still in place, to scrutinize me. “You look…different,” she says, one eyebrow arching up.

“I do?” I ask, panic flickering to life inside me. Gabe’s movements slow as he puts food into the fridge.

“You do. You’re glowing. You look…you look really happy, honey.”

“Oh. Well, thanks. I am.”

“School must be going well,” she says, returning to arranging cut vegetables onto a tray.

“It is.” I meet Gabe’s eyes over her shoulder and he winks at me.

Scoundrel.

God, I love him.

We move into the living room, where the tree looks magnificent. It’s beautifully decorated—I can tell Mom rearranged some of the ornaments after the party—and my eyes snag on the sparkling crystal snowflake. The memory of Gabe lifting me up to put it on the tree comes rushing back, and I find myself blushing, even though the moment itself was pretty innocent. But that was the night everything started. When he was so wound up over wanting me that he moaned my name while camming, giving me the courage to shoot my shot, so to speak.

A fire is crackling softly in the fireplace, giving the room an even cozier glow. Presents crowd around the tree, all wrapped in festive paper and ornate bows.

My family has always celebrated Christmas over the course of two days, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve we spend the entire day eating and drinking, and when night falls, we go for a walk through the neighborhood to see all of the lights. Then we come home and have a lovely dinner, open a few small gifts, and watch Christmas movies. On Christmas morning, we do our big gift exchange, eat a three-course breakfast, and spend the rest of the day lounging and relaxing, eating and drinking whatever we want.

I glance over at the stockings hanging from the mantle above the fireplace, my stomach churning slightly at the sight of Eric’s name. How will he react when he finds out about me and Gabe? Will he freak out? Will it cost Gabe Eric’s friendship? I bite my lip, tension gathering in my neck and shoulders.

“Merry Christmas, honey,” says my dad as he returns from the backyard with an armful of logs. He carefully loads them into the brass holder beside the fireplace and then wraps me up in a hug. He smells like snow and pine, and he’s wearing the most ridiculous sweater. It’s got an enormous reindeer on it with a flashing red lightbulb nose.

“Merry Christmas, Dad,” I say, stepping back. He shakes Gabe’s hand and claps him on the shoulder, and again, I can’t help but wonder how he’s going to treat Gabe when he finds out that he’s my boyfriend.

Gah. Gabe Mitchell is my boyfriend. I don’t even need any Christmas presents this year. Not if I get to have Gabe.

The front door opens, bringing an icy gust of wind with it, and Eric steps inside. I lick my lips and swallow, heading to the kitchen for a glass of wine. I’ll need something to calm my nerves if I’m going to make it through today.

Maybe waiting to tell them was a mistake. Maybe we should’ve come clean weeks ago.

Too late now.

Eric shuts the door behind him, and I see Gabe heading towards him as I duck into the kitchen. There’s already a bottle of white open, so I pour myself a small glass and take a healthy sip.

“There’s eggnog, too, honey,” says Mom, putting the finishing touches on a mouthwatering charcuterie board. She picks it up and takes it into the living room, leaving me alone in the kitchen. I take a moment to gather myself, take another gulp of wine, and then follow her.

Gabe and Eric are chatting, and Eric pulls me into a hug, crushing me against his sweater and then looping a heavy arm over my shoulders. “Merry Christmas, Bella,” he says, giving my shoulder a squeeze. Then, he gives me the same assessing gaze that my mother did. “You look…”

“What?” I ask, my heart pounding in my chest. I feel like there’s a neon sign glowing above my head flashing with the words “Your Best Friend Took My Virginity.”

“You just seem really happy. You have, like, this glow about you.”

I glance up and meet Gabe’s eyes, and his mouth turns up in a soft smile that makes butterflies flap in my stomach.

“It’s probably just the wine,” I say, trying to step out of the spotlight.

“Yeah. Maybe.”

Thankfully, he drops it, and we all settle into the living room, drinking and eating and talking while Christmas music floats on the air, mingling with the soft pops and crackles from the fire. I’m sitting on the sofa next to my mom, with Gabe seated beside Eric on the loveseat opposite. Dad is in his usual armchair near the fire.

I glance at Gabe over the rim of my wineglass, shooting him a small, secret smile, my cheeks feeling warm from the fire and the wine and from looking at the man I love. He smiles back at me, and for a moment, our eyes hold across the living room. It’s like the entire world disappears and it’s just the two of us.

Until my father clears his throat and I realize that the other three people in the room are staring at me.

“I’m sorry, what?” I ask, blushing furiously.

“Dad was asking about your exams,” said Eric, frowning slightly. He glances at Gabe, then at me, then shakes his head. “How much wine have you had?”

“It’s her first glass,” says Mom. “Anyway, honey, how did your exams go?”

I answer and the tension in the room seems to melt away. Meanwhile, Gabe and I can’t seem to stop sneaking glances at each other. He just looks so sexy in his off-white sweater and dark jeans, the firelight catching the bits of bronze in his hair. I melt a little every time he smiles and those little lines fan out around his eyes.

I need to stop. I’m going to give us away.

I head into the kitchen for a glass of water and a breather, leaning against the counter. Gabe enters the kitchen a moment later, and I’m again reminded of the day of the Christmas tree decorating party. Except this time, he doesn’t stay on the other side of the island. This time, he crosses the kitchen, plants his hands on my hips and kisses me softly.

“Being in the same room with you and not being able to touch you is torture, sweetheart,” he whispers, and I shiver, my nipples beading to hard points.

“I know. I can’t stop looking at you and wishing I could sit next to you, curled up against you.”

He huffs out a breath and then kisses my forehead. His lips are warm and firm and god, do I wish we were alone.

There’s a shuffle of feet behind us and we spring apart just as Eric enters the kitchen, holding a mostly empty serving tray. He eyes us warily, his steps slowing.

“Whatcha doing?” he asks, his words casual and his tone anything but as he shoots daggers at Gabe with his eyes.

“Talking,” I say simply, rolling my eyes. “You don’t need to hover.”

Eric narrows his eyes at me, then at Gabe. “Maybe I do. What’s up with you two?”

“Nothing,” I say a little too quickly, taking another step away from Gabe. “Don’t be a weirdo.”

Eric’s eyebrows inch up his forehead. “Oooooookaaayyy, then,” he says, drawing out the word. He looks at Gabe, who rubs a hand over the back of his neck.

We head back into the living room, but I’m unnerved. Gabe gives my shoulder an affectionate squeeze as he passes, and when I sit back down next to Mom, everything seems to be normal again.

We eat and drink and talk some more, then go for a walk around the neighborhood to look at all of the lights. I walk beside Gabe, our hands brushing occasionally, sending electricity dancing up my arm. At one point, I slip on a little patch of ice, and he catches me, and for a brief moment, I get to feel his body against mine.

By the time we return, we’re pink cheeked and chilled through. Eric and Gabe help Mom finish up dinner while Dad and I help ourselves to the mulled wine.

“You know…” Dad says, rocking on his heels, gazing into the fire. “He’s a good man, that Gabe.”

I sip my wine and nod, making a completely noncommittal sound. What can I say?

“He’s a little old for you, but…if you’re happy, then that’s all that really matters.”

I sputter and choke, spices invading my sinuses. “What?” I manage.

“I know you think you’re being subtle, but…” He shrugs. “I could tell. The way you keep looking at each other across the room. The little smiles, the pink cheeks. How closely together you were walking just now. The way you look at him speaks louder than any words. Are you seeing Gabe?”

I inhale a shaky breath and then glance towards the kitchen. My heart is going a mile a minute. “Okay, yes. I’m dating Gabe, and it’s pretty serious, and…Yeah. We…we’re in love.” My voice is a frantic whisper. “But please don’t say anything to Mom and Eric yet, okay? I don’t know how Eric’s going to take it, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to tell him.”

Dad tilts his head, considering. “He may not like it at first, but he’ll come around.”

I wish I had his confidence.

“Still, we’re keeping a low profile because we didn’t want it to seem like we’re making the holiday all about us.”

Dad pats me on the shoulder, a rueful smile on his face. “Well, that’s very selfless, but unnecessary in my opinion. But, you’re a grown woman now, and you get to make these choices for yourself. So I won’t say anything.” He lays a hand over his heart like he’s taking an oath. “Promise.”

I kiss his cheek. “Thanks, Dad. And I know he’s a little older than me, but…”

“But you love him,” Dad finishes easily. “He’s older, but you could do a lot worse than Gabe Mitchell. The most important thing is that he’s good to you. He is, right?”

My cheeks go warm, and I nod. “He is.”

“Then I approve.”

Dad saunters into the kitchen, and I feel off-kilter. That was…so much easier than I’d anticipated.

Dinner is served and we all settle in around the table. I’m able to snag the seat next to Gabe, and I can’t describe the relief that settles over me at being close to him again. It was torture sitting across the living room from him all afternoon.

The food is delicious, as always. There’s roast beef, cheesy rolls, cabbage salad, garlic mashed potatoes, Eric’s legendary stuffed red peppers, roasted beets, and Gabe’s famous mushroom risotto. It’s an absolute feast, and there will be leftovers for days. Throughout the meal we laugh and talk, and Gabe’s hand finds its way to my thigh, resting there possessively. I can’t seem to stop myself from looking at him, and every time I do, I blush. I blush at how handsome he is. I blush remembering the filthy things he’s said to me. I blush remembering how good he feels moving inside me with his thick cock. I blush remembering his face between my thighs as he devours me.

I look away from Gabe only to notice my mother watching me with a knowing smile on her face. She glances between me and Gabe, then shoots me a little smile.

Oh, crap.

Apparently, I suck at concealing what’s going on, because I have the feeling Mom just figured us out. I then watch as a wordless conversation takes place between her and my father, with her tipping her head in our direction and raising her eyebrows in question and my father nodding, and then tipping his head in Eric’s direction and giving his head a subtle shake.

With the main meal finished, we set up dessert in the living room so that we can nibble while we exchange small gifts. There’s a gorgeous pavlova that Gabe made yesterday, decorated with pistachios and raspberries for a festive look, my mom’s famous ginger spice cake, a chocolate tart courtesy of Eric, and peppermint chocolate chip cookies.

The gift exchange begins, with everyone handing out the small presents we open on Christmas Eve. I’m surprised when Gabe slides a small package into my hands.

“You got me something?” I ask quietly, hoping that everyone’s attention is focused elsewhere.

“Of course I did,” he murmurs. “I do every year.”

This is true, but this year is different for obvious reasons.

“It’s just something small, sweetheart,” he says, even quieter. “Open it.”

“You first,” I say, grabbing a package from under the tree and handing it to him.

His eyes are bright as he opens the gift, tearing the bright red wrapping paper. Inside is a pair of Japanese thread scissors.

“For the herbs you grow on your terrace,” I say quietly. “These scissors are delicate and won’t damage the plants.”

He grins at me and starts to lean in but then quickly catches himself, clearing his throat. “Thank you, Bella,” he says, a little too loudly. “These are great.”

I glance over at my family and see Eric watching us with an unreadable expression on his face.

“Your turn,” Gabe says, nodding at the present beside me. I pick it up and unwrap it, revealing a pair of very thick, very fluffy elf-themed socks.

“Oooh, they’re so soft and cozy,” I say, running my fingers over the plush fabric.

“I know how cold your feet get at night,” he says quietly, but not quietly enough because suddenly Eric is there, hovering over us, arms crossed.

“And how would you know my sister’s feet get cold at night, Gabe? Hmm?” Gabe and I exchange a quick glance, and I nod. So much for keeping the cat in the bag.

Gabe stands and faces Eric. “Because Bella and I are dating, and have been for several weeks. We didn’t tell you because we weren’t sure how you’d react and we thought it might be better to wait until after the holidays. But, I don’t want to lie from you and keep secrets.” He looks at Eric, my parents, me.

“You’re dating Bella?” Eric asks, his lip curling slightly. “What the fuck, man? You’re almost twice her age! She’s a kid!”

I stand at that. “I’m not a kid, Eric. I’m twenty. I’m young, but I’m more than capable of making my own decisions. The truth is, I’ve had a crush on Gabe for a long time. Being with him is what I want. I know he’s older than me, but that doesn’t change anything. I…I’m in love with him.”

Gabe slides his arm around my waist and tucks me against him, and it’s the best I’ve felt all night despite the conflict currently unfolding.

“I should punch you in the face,” Eric says, but I can tell that his anger is already fading. “My little sister? Come on, man.”

My mom steps forward and puts a hand on Eric’s shoulder. “We don’t choose who we fall in love with, dear. Gabe is your best friend. You know him better than most people. Do you think he’s a bad person?”

Eric shakes his head. “Of course not. I respect him and look up to him. He’s smart and hardworking and a good guy. Fuck, he got fired for standing up for me.”

“So why wouldn’t you want your sister to be with a man like that? Who you respect and admire? Who you think is a good man?”

Eric frowns down at Mom. Silence stretches for a beat before he sighs. “Why do you have to make so much sense?”

We all laugh tentatively at that.

“I love Bella, Eric,” says Gabe, tightening his arm around me. “I think she’s an amazing woman, and you have my word that I’ll treat her like a princess. In fact, if I ever hurt her, I’ll hold still while you flay me alive with those fancy Japanese knives I got you last year.”

Eric’s shoulders deflate. “You’re really in love?”

We both nod. “I love Gabe,” I say. “We’re serious about this, Eric. This isn’t just a fling or something. We want a future together.”

Eric tilts his head and blows out a puff of air. I can tell that he’s rocked but doing his best to come around. “Well. I did always see you as a brother. I guess if you two got married, you’d actually be my brother in a way.”

Mom pats him on the shoulder. “There we go. Now, can we get back to opening presents?”

Eric nods, then looks at Gabe again. “You hurt my sister, I hurt you. Understood?”

Gabe nods. “Understood.”

But I know it’s an empty threat because Eric loves Gabe, and Gabe loves me.

We finish unwrapping our small gifts and then settle in to watch White Christmas , my mom’s favorite. Outside, snow is falling in steady, thick flakes, and inside the fire is crackling while the tree glows softly. It’s peaceful and cozy, and I’m blissfully content. But the best part of all is getting to snuggle up next to Gabe on the couch, no secrets, hiding nothing, our love out in the open and accepted by my family.

My heart has never been so full, and I owe it all to porn.

Kidding!

Mostly.