Page 12 of The Santa Rules
He raises an eyebrow at me, but I offer no further explanation. “I know there’s more I probably forgot that Lydie did. I’m not completely inept, but I worked a lot, practically living at my old station. I don’t know how she did everything she did, she just took care of everything, and I guess I figured she’d always be around to do it.”
“Moms make magic,” I say, offering him a small smile as I place my hand on his, squeezing gently.
Our eyes drop to our hands as warmth spreads along my skin everywhere it touches his. I can tell by the way he shifts in his tiny seat that he feels it too.
“I just want to make sure that she has the perfect Christmas this year. I’m willing to do anything it takes, I just need some guidance in the right direction. We’ve been through so much and I know she misses her mom, and maybe if I can get this right, it’ll be like she’s still here with her.” His voice breaks at the end, and I can tell he’s trying not to cry, but I can see how misty his eyes are as he blinks rapidly. “I want her to believe in Santa. Maybe if she does, she’ll stay my little girl for a little longer. She’s had to grow up so much the past two years without her mom.”
“It’s not dumb, and it’s okay if she doesn’t believe in Santa. Lots of kids don’t,” I assure him.
“That’s just it. Shedoesbelieve in Santa. She just thinks Santa doesn’t love her. I know it probably has something to do with her losing her mom and the misplaced feelings are now on Santa.”
“I would be happy to help with that in any way I can.”
“Would it be weird to ask you to ask her everything her mom did so I can know? Like, be discreet about it and talk about everyone’s favorite traditions and then report back to me.”
“I can absolutely do that, but I can also do one better. If you thought this PTO meeting was wild, you should come to the after-hours one.”
He looks at me quizzically, cocking his eyebrow as he tilts his head.
“Sorry, I made the connection in my head, and I realize you didn’t follow my train of thought. Some of the moms get together and have a private PTO meeting with booze. And for some odd reason, lots of dick jokes. But I’m sure they’ll tone it down in mixed company. You should come.”
He shifts in his seat, rubbing the back of his neck, and I can tell I’m losing him. “I don’t know if that’s my scene.”
“Oh, it’s your scene, trust me. It’s full of moms, and we can fix this little problem of yours.”
“How?”
“By teaching you The Santa Rules.”
CHAPTER 4
HARDY
It’s been a few days since the PTO meeting, and I’m packed into a circular booth with four moms. One of those moms is incredibly fucking hot. That same mom is also my kid’s teacher and is off-limits. So tell me why I volunteered to help with Santa’s Workshop? Clearly, my dick is the one calling the shots here.
Picking at the label on my beer, I try to focus on their conversation, but Bella was right. There are alotof dick jokes. I want to join in, but part of me is worried about offending them, and I really need their help, so I refrain.
After a quick round of introductions— Lucy is the other blonde, Raven has black hair and a permanent scowl, and Summer is the brunette who keeps nervously looking around anytime someone in the group makes a too loud dick joke—I try to get the ladies to focus on the task at hand.
“I don’t want to be a dick?—”
“He said it, everyone drink!” Bella shouts, and the ladies all take a swig of their drinks.
“Are you gonna drink every time I say dick?” I ask.
“Yup,” Lucy says as she downs another shot and the rest follow suit.
I blink at them, half-shocked and half-impressed. These women could keep up with most of the guys in my battalion.
“I think we broke him,” Summer says as she waves a hand in front of my face.
Shaking my head, I look around the table. “Definitely not broken. I can assure you every part of me is in working order.” I say the last part to Bella, nudging her leg under the table.
The flustered look on her face is adorable as she reaches for her cider and misses, knocking it over. Lucy swoops in to catch it before it spills. The move seems almost choreographed, like it’s not the first time it’s happened.
“So you don’t need help with a certain appendage?” Lucy asks teasingly as she moves her eyes from my face to my crotch in rapid succession as Bella lifts her drink to her lips.
“Depends on who’s offering.” I look at Bella and smile when I see her comically large swallow. It has all sorts of dirty thoughts running through my head.
