Page 81 of Sexted By Santa
She shook her head, and my heart sank. “All right. I know you usually save up your leave for this time of year, and that you’ve had extenuating circumstances. But just this once, Jax. I won’t be so accommodating next time.”
I blew out a gusty breath. “Okay, I understand. Thank you.”
“And don’t leave it so late to figure out a plan. I don’t like being put in this position.”
I nodded. “No, you’re right. Absolutely. I was in denial, hoping a magical solution would present itself.”
Her look softened. “I know what it’s like to be a single parent. My mother was a lifesaver for me when Brady was younger, and even then…I can’t imagine how hard it is without that support.”
“I’ve been lucky to have such a helpful neighbor, but she has her own life, and I know I can’t rely on anyone but myself. I’ll do better.”
Doris’s brow creased. “Everyone needs a support system, Jax. Relying on yourself is well and fine, but what happens when you run out of energy?”
I smiled wanly. “I find more somehow.”
She shook her head. “Well, even if you’ve got an endless store of it, which I’m sure you do not, you can’t be in two places at once. Figure something out, for your own well-being, all right?”
“I will.”
“Good. Now, get out of here and take your lunch.”
* * *
My phone buzzed with a text from Christian.Have you taken lunch yet?
No. Just going on my break now.
Meet me in the staff lot?
Okay…
Curious, I tucked my phone away and went out the side entrance to the staff parking area. Christian’s car was easy to spot, being a flashy red. I approached, opening the passenger door. “What’s up? I only have thirty minutes and…” I trailed off as the aroma of spicy marinara, beef, and cheese wafted out.
Christian held out a foil-wrapped sandwich. “Join me? I got your favorite sandwich from Slater’s Deli.”
I had a couple of ham sandwiches stashed in the break room refrigerator, but they couldn’t be less appealing now. I slid into the car, snatching the sandwich from his hand like a starving man. “Hot damn, you’re officially the best boyfriend ever. What do I owe you?”
“Boyfriend,” Christian said softly.
I paused in the act of unwrapping my sandwich. “What?”
“You called me your boyfriend.”
“Well, yeah…” I hesitated. “Is that not okay?”
“No, it is.” He chuckled, sounding a bit embarrassed. “It’s just new, and it hasn’t felt so official because Tori doesn’t know, and we’re sort of sneaking around.”
I winced. When he put it that way, my actions didn’t seem as noble as they had in my head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to create doubt.”
“No, I know. We’re taking it slow, which is fine. But it’s nice to know you think of me that way. That this is real, and not just for me.”
I leaned over and pecked a kiss to his lips. “It’s real.”
He smiled then, and goddamn, Christian Kringle was a gorgeous man. So often he held himself stiffly. Women were sometimes accused of having a resting bitch face, but Christian had a resting stern face. But when he smiled, it softened his features and brought out the crinkles around his eyes.
“What?” he asked as I stared.
I shrugged a shoulder, uncaring that I’d been busted. “Just admiring my great boyfriend who brings me lunch. How did you know the spicy meatball was my favorite?”
