A Chance Encounter

But before we could go, Kendall insisted on that tiebreaker. She and Easton sang the lyrics, word for word, except for one line. It’s obviously ‘I’m looking for a love…’ because why the hell would a grown man be looking for a dove, but Kendall disagrees, and it’s kind of hilarious to listen to them argue over it.

When we step up to our front door, Easton stops in his place. “Just for you, I’m going to sing a special version where he’s looking for a dove.”

Kendall rolls her eyes. “He is looking for a dove.”

Easton laughs and shakes his head but doesn’t argue. “Make sure you get to sleep fast so Santa doesn’t skip your house.” He playfully ruffles her hair. “Have a good night.”

“Wait,” Kendall says. “You have to stay. I made the baby a special present and you have to see it too.”

Easton’s eyes go wide. It’s clear he doesn’t know how to say no to Kendall, so I’m going to have to be his backup. “Sunshine, it’s Christmas. Easton has his own family to celebrate with.”

“Actually, I don’t have any plans,” he says.

Kendall jumps up and down. “You can watch me open my presents, but you’re too big, so you don’t get any. Mommy is too big, so she doesn’t get any either.” She turns to me. “Can he stay, Mommy?”

“Sure,” I tell her, opening the door. “Go get your pajamas on and brush your teeth. Quick.”

She runs inside and goes straight to her room. Once she’s gone, I turn to Easton. “You’re on the couch tonight, and since you’re here you get to help me put the toys together.”

“Isn’t that Santa’s job?” Easton jokes.

“It sure is, and tonight, you’re Santa.”

“Hmm… And what do I get out of this?”

“The same thing Santa gets…” I step close to him, so our faces are almost touching. “Milk and cookies, and the satisfaction of knowing a little girl will be extremely happy on Christmas morning.”

Before I can back up, Easton snags the bottom of my shirt and pulls me toward him, until our bodies are almost flush with each other. “As Santa, it’s my duty to make sure everyone is happy. Tell me, Dash, what is it you want for Christmas?” I roll my eyes at his damn nickname for me.

“For Kendall to have a good Christmas,” I answer without thought.

He shakes his head. “I asked you what you want. What will make you happy?”

I swallow thickly at the heavy-ass question now resting between us. It’s been so long since I’ve thought about myself. I go to school, work, take care of Kendall. All things that make me happy but aren’t necessarily done for me. They’re done for us, for our future, so I can provide for my daughter. Give us a stable home. But I can’t remember the last time I did or bought something to make me happy.

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly.

“Then that’s something we’re going to have to work on. After all, I am Santa.” He smirks playfully. “Which means it’s my job to make sure you get everything you want.” He leans down and softly presses his lips against mine. I’m shocked at first—it’s our first kiss since I’ve agreed to see how things go—but within seconds, my head catches up and a swarm of butterflies explode in my belly.

“So fucking sweet,” he murmurs.

“It’s probably the candy cane I ate,” I say dumbly.

“No, it’s all you.” He kisses me one more time, this time his mouth lingering a little longer on mine. “And if I recall correctly, your lips aren’t the only sweet part about you.”

At his words, the apex of my thighs clench in anticipation.

Without waiting for me to respond—which is good since he’s stunned me silent—he saunters into the house, not even looking the least bit affected by that kiss or his words.

“I’m ready!” Kendall yells. “Can we put the cookies and milk out for Santa now? I wonder how many he’ll want. Two or three?”

“I have it on good authority,” Easton says, glancing back at me with a mischievous grin. “Santa loves sweets. I’d say give him three.”

“Okay!” Kendall runs into the kitchen to grab the cookies we made and set aside for Santa.

After setting out the milk and cookies, Kendall goes to bed without issue, since she knows Santa won’t come until after she’s asleep. Once I know she’s asleep, I grab the wrapped presents from my closet and bring them out with Easton’s help, setting them under the Christmas tree.

Then I have him help me grab the three unwrapped boxes. “These are the things we need to put together.”

Easton grabs the first box. “What’s this for?” He eyes the vanity with a stool and mirror on the box.

“So she can put her makeup on and do her hair and paint her nails.”