Page 7 of A Little Christmas: Rivi
Briar
As soon as I accepted Trent’s invitation to his country estate, I started to think about what I might take. Kink-wise. But also, what sort of gift did you get for a guy who had everything?
Wine was the most obvious, but he’d have the best most expensive wine anyway. That was out. A Christmas bouquet arrangement? A fruit basket? A BDSM basket? Damn, this was ridiculous.
Only his most trusted friends were ever invited to stay at the estate. Everyone else attending the big events were commuters. There would be the Christmas Tree lighting and decorating contest the day before Christmas Eve, of course. That would include outdoor activities, if the weather cooperated, including catered food, games, a maze. But the more discreet parties were very private. The Saturday after Christmas was the kink-exclusive party that would run all night.
Fun times.
If I stayed through New Year’s, it meant I’d be Trent’s guest for over ten days. Luckily, Club 99 would be closed for the holidays. I had paid vacations and holidays. Happy holidays to me.
The estate was like an enclave, a beautiful resort. I’d never be bored. But I would be alone. I was used to that, but a man could have some dreams left even in his thirties, couldn’t he? Maybe I would meet someone new. Maybe I could hang onto hope through yet one more Christmas season.
The next nightat work was Santa night. One of two special times Santa made an appearance at the club with a whole production of decorations and gifts. What kink clubber didn’t love the idea of getting to sit half-naked on Santa’s lap and whisper secret things they might want to find in their stockings on Christmas Day?
It was a moneymaker event. The turnout was record-breaking. The bar was drowning in cash and credit cards.
I helped Colin vet the crowd at the door for a couple hours. Colin was the head bouncer and had worked at the club about as long as I had. He had a steady little named Maddy. I couldn’t help but be envious.
I knew Colin had a good standing with Trent, so I let a few hints drop about the estate party.
“Yeah, Maddy and I will be there,” Colin hesitantly admitted.
Talking about private invitations and discreet parties thrown by Trent was frowned upon. Even within the club. Plus, this year’s party invite came with an NDA. Trent was nothing if not careful.
“It’s my first holiday there. I’ve been to the estate but that was years ago. At least I know there will be someone there I know.”
Colin grinned. “I’m surprised you haven’t been to any parties there before. You and Trent are good buddies.”
“I just never had the time.”
“Maddy and I got your back. But come on, you’re a seasoned player.”
I winced. “Just feeling my age.”
Colin frowned, looking me up and down. “For what it’s worth, you never looked better. But I think I can relate. Working at the club leaves little time for play.”
“Yeah. Because it’s the job.”
“It’s good you’re putting yourself out there and going to the estate. Christmas is the best time of the year for it. Spirits are high. People are happy, in party mode. Just take a look over there.”
He nodded at the club’s central dance floor. Santa was seated on a fancy red and gold throne looking more authentic than probably the real deal—if he actually existed. The guy was good. Patient and outgoing. The line to see him reached all the way to the first corridor and disappeared beyond the bend leading to the kink rooms.
“People get very excited,” he whispered in my ear. “They’re up for anything.”
“Sure looks like it.” I hoped my men were keeping things in order beyond where I could see. So far, no emergencies had called for me or Colin to brandish our muscle.
“People are also happy here because they have found families.”
“True.” My parents were divorced and remarried, both living in other states. My older brother and I rarely spoke once he found out I was gay. My friends were my found family.
“So, what are you getting him?” I asked.
“Him? Who?”
“Trent. I don’t want to show up empty-handed.”
Colin laughed. “The eternal dilemma. What do you give someone who has everything? But if you read the party contract carefully, it says no gifts.”
