Page 56 of The Santa Rules
When she pulls back, I stare into her grey-blue eyes, feeling seen, feeling wanted, her desire evident on her face. Reluctantly, I pull out of her and remove the condom, tying it off and throwing it in the garbage can nearby.
“Oh my God,” she says, her voice sounding panicked asshe looks down at the throne. “I squirted all over Santa’s chair!”
I can’t help it. I throw my head back in laughter. It’s probably a dick move—she looks genuinely horrified—but I can’t hold it in.
“This isn’t funny, Hardy. What if I ruined the chair?” she says as she starts pacing. “Amber is going to have a field day with this. She’ll probably kick me out of the PTO.”
“No one is getting kicked out of anything. I’m sure we can clean it.”
“How? It’s not like we can take it to a dry cleaner!” She’s still pacing, and I grab her, pulling her into me as I stroke her back. “How do I always fuck things up?”
“You didn’t fuck anything up. You’re the farthest thing from a fuckup. You’re a great mom, a wonderful teacher, and the best Christmas coach I’ve ever had.”
“I’m the only Christmas coach you’ve ever had.”
“Seriously, Bella, you’re incredible. There’s no way I could do everything you do, but you inspire me to try. I could never repay you for the things you’ve done to make this holiday a memorable one for Avery and me.”
“You’re pretty incredible yourself. Most guys I know wouldn’t jump through all these hoops just to keep Santa alive for their kid.”
Our eyes lock as I run a hand up her spine, relishing the way she shudders at my touch.
“But I seriously made a mess on that chair. Amber’s going to tell everyone I screwed up again.”
“So what if the mean girl that runs the PTO thinks you’re a screwup? I know you’re not, and so does everyone else that matters.” I kiss her forehead and breathe in her soft minty scent. She’s already helped me so much. I’m determined to show her how amazing she is, regardless of what Amber thinks.
“What’s left on our list? Just the shopping and wrapping,right?” She nods against my chest. “Perfect. I’m taking you out shopping. You can drag me anywhere you want, and I won’t complain. And it’s on me. You’ve done so much, it’s my turn to take care of you.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“It’s my turn now. If you weren’t here, I’d have to do it on my own. But I’m very glad you are here. I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else,” I say, kissing her forehead.
CHAPTER 18
BELLA
We’re in Hardy’s truck headed for Denver, and I cannot stop thinking about the things this man did to my body. It was everything I was looking for the night we met; I just didn’t realize then that I was with the wrong man. But if it hadn’t been for that coward Brody calling 911, I wouldn’t have had this mind-blowing experience with Hardy. How perfect he felt thrusting inside of me, the rough way he manhandled me exactly how I like, and the way he made me come on that chair.
Oh fuck, the chair.
“We should pick up some cleaner while we’re out,” I say.
He just shakes his head and smirks. “We got this,” he says, reaching over to squeeze my thigh.
I place a hand on top of his, forcing him to leave it there. “We? Is there a we now? Are you finally ready to admit that I wore you down?” I wiggle my eyebrows.
“I tried to fight it, but it’s useless. I’m drawn to you. Your humor, your heart, your…”
“Hot pocket?” I offer.
His laughter is infectious. “Hot pocket?”
“You had a whole H theme going there, I figured you were looking for another word for my lady parts.”
“You’ve got a great one. Best I’ve ever had, but I’m not really into reducing women to their reproductive organs despite the dirty shit that comes out of my mouth in the moment. There’s so much more to you than really good sex.”
“I think that’s the nicest thing a man has ever said to me,” I admit softly. Why is my voice so quiet? Am I going to cry? Holy shit, I’m going to cry.
“That’s the bare minimum, Bella. What kind of fuckwads have you been with that don’t recognize how incredible you are? Actually, don’t answer that. It doesn’t matter who treated you badly before me. I’m here now, and I’m going to try my best to give you everything you deserve.”
