“For including my sister in your plans.”
“Of course.” I examined her desk to determine if it was sturdy enough to hold our body weight. At any second, I was prepared to sweep the contents on to the carpet and plant her on top.
As if reading my mind, Belen pressed her hand against my chest, slowing my momentum. “Celeste has been saying it doesn’t feel like Christmas since I haven’t had a chance to decorate. I bet she’ll be down for checking out the lights.”
“It’s a fun way to spend an evening. Win, win for everybody.”
“Okay, my social calendar is pretty empty, so just let me know.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yeah, is that too soon?” I asked in between a trail of kisses leading from her earlobe to her neck.
“No … it’s perfect,” she agreed breathlessly.
“Awesome. I’ll pick you up at your place at six.” Opening the door, I walked out of her office on a natural high. My back was straighter, and there was a bit more swagger in my stride.
“Oh Kris,” Belen called.
I spun on my heels, lightweight hoping she’d run into my arms and kiss me one last time.
“Twin City News will be here at five o’clock. They’re doing a piece on the Christmas display and they might want to interview you. Just wanted to give you a heads up.”
“Got it. I’ll be there with bells on.”
Belen backed up, bumping into the door jam. “Have a holly jolly day.”
I cringed. “Uhm …really?”
“Shut up,” she warned.
Belen
Right before five o’clock, the epicenter of the mall, the Christmas display, was abuzz with activity. Camera crew, lights, and a crowd of Pavilion Grand shoppers gathered around to witness the filming with the hopes of possibly seeing themselves on television. I changed into a festive sorrel red cardigan with embroidered poinsettias running up the sleeves. The broadcast was live and I was expected to provide a tour of the display and answer a few questions. Then they planned to interview Kris.
“Okay Belen, we’re all set,” the production person said. “Remember what we talked about, be natural. This is just a conversation, no need to be nervous.”
I nodded while fidgeting with the hem of my skirt.
The production gal turned away from me, calling out, “Where’s Sterling?”
Looking at Kris on the Santa throne, he was busy with a young boy who was talking with animated hands on his lap. I remember the first day we met and wanting to shit can him for a more age-appropriate Santa. Boy was I glad that plan fell through. He was great with kids and practically a baby whisperer, the way he could magically soothe even the fussiest infant. He was also the Belen whisperer, the way he kept my pussy humming.
Earlier in my office, I wanted to slip in a quickie. But the walls in the administrative suites were paper thin and it would be difficult biting back a scream when he was moving deep inside me. Since our last time together, all I could think about was the next time. And since his visit this morning, my mind was fixated on his interest in a relationship … with me. I neverexpected our mutual flirting to turn into anything long term. There was just something about Kris. He was intentional with his actions and words and it was hard to know how to react to that. I practically had a master’s degree in deciphering the body language of the twenty-first century male because most men weren’t as straightforward as Kris.
Sure when they were interested in sex they made that crystal clear, but when it came down to long-term relationship goals, things would become foggy. I’d lost count of the number of times I’d heard things like, “I just want to take it slow” or “I don’t believe in titles.” And my personal favorite, “We don’t need labels when we both know what this is.” For the record, I never knew what it was. Clearly most men wanted all the benefits of a girlfriend … sex, attention, nurturing … without the pesky committed and monogamous stage.
Kris seemed different. He wanted to see me again and he made a plan. No games. No ignoring me for a week, pretending he wasn’t interested. Including my sister because he knew how important she was to me. Which made my heart melt and vagina moisten. And then there was the Canada invite, I still didn’t know how to receive that. While leaving Minneapolis for a Christmas holiday in Ottawa was most likely going to be a no for me, it was still nice to entertain the possibility.
“Belen is that you?” I turned around to find Sterling of Sterling and Melodie from yesterday’s cookie decorating class.
“Sterling, what are you doing here?” I blinked rapidly as I tried to process the sight of him standing in front of me in my mall.
“I’m Sterling Shepherd with Twin City News.” His voice took on a distinct news anchor quality before breaking into a laugh.
Shit.My deer in the headlights stare rendered me speechless.
