Page 45 of Courting the Krampus
“Natalie. They’re amazing. You’re amazing,” Jasper says and pulls her into a hug.
“I just… I want…” she mumbles against his chest, eyes also getting teary now.
Jasper draws back and frames her face. “Whatever you want, it’s yours. But I’m telling you, each of your drawings is a story in itself. They’re so inspiring to me that I can imagine a whole story and happy ending for each of them.”
My mouth curves up into a smile when the best idea strikes me. “Didn’t you say you wanted to become a tattoo apprentice? If you’re staying, I can put you in contact with my artist. I would love to have this sketch of Jasper tattooed on me.”
Natalie’s eyes light up. “Really?”
I nod. “Yeah. And if it’s okay with you, I’d like you to draw one of yourself. I want to add you, too.”
Blinking rapidly, Natalie pauses before saying with pure shock. “You want to getmetattooed onyou?”
I incline my head in a nod, and tap a finger to her chest to emphasize my point. “And I’d likeyouto do the tattooing. If you’re okay with it, of course.”
“I— Yeah.”
I realize the room has gone silent and, simultaneously, we turn to see what’s going on. Wide eyes and grinning open mouths greet us before they all quickly return to work, pretending they weren’t watching us.
Tinker joins us again and places a hand on his heart. “Here, we love love, and celebrate it in all its forms. And you three are giving us enough fuel to last until Christmas.” In a lower voice he adds, “I’m sorry if that moment was meant to be private, but the elves are very curious to have you here. We don’t have these big ears for nothing.” He winks at Natalie and she lets out an adorable giggle.
“Now,” Tinker continues, “let me walk you through the system, from when we receive Santa’s designs until they’re finished and sent back to Joulu for packaging and storage.”
Chat Log
Cole: Hi Nick. We visited your Puutyöt workshop yesterday. It’s really something special.
Nick: Do you think so? The elves are so nice there.
Cole: VERY nice. Especially to me. Did you have something to do with that?
Nick: Not really. Just told them you were coming. Their niceness is all their own.
Nick: Find any inspiration for a replacement?
Cole: Not yet, but it’s still early days.
Nick: Make sure you enjoy yourselves too. Have fun and relax.
Cole: Thanks, Nick. Will message when we get to Pehmolelu.
Nick: I look forward to it.
Chapter twenty-two
Natalie
The next day, we return to the workshop, and the next. We spend a full week in Puutyöt.
We visit with the elves, we learn how to carve toys, learn about how each elf chooses their favorite design. We visit the tea shops, the bakeries, we try all the food, and we fall in love.
Not just with the village and the elves, but with each other. Deeper and deeper, every day.
I thought I was in the North Pole for a good time, an adventure, but I had no idea how life altering it would be.
I am utterly besotted with Jasper and Cole. If I thought we were insatiable before, it is nothing compared to how it is now. Every moment we can, we have our hands all over each other. Early mornings, lunchtime, before dinner, during dinner, all night until we’re so tired we just need to sleep.
They explore my ice kink, doing delectable things to my body that I can’t wait to repeat. We take turns being in charge. We try every position and combination we can think of. Cole and Jasper have moments with just the two of them, sometimes I watch with a very happy smile, and sometimes I excuse myself to go draw instead.
