“No, I love this house and your family is amazing. I just had a temporary case of the holiday blues. This is actually on trend for me. Without fail, I cry every Christmas Eve. Usually, I don’t have an audience.”
“Understood, but if you want anything … If I can do anything to make your stay here better just let me know. I’m right here whenever you need me.”
“I know and I appreciate that. Just being here watching me ugly cry is enough.”
“Actually, you’re really cute when you cry. Your lip trembles and then there’s the snot. So much snot.”
We shared a laugh.
“Hey,” he whispered, his eyes hooded. “I love you … so much.”
“I love you too.”
Kris scooped my face in his hands, kissing me softly. What was intended to be a sweet kiss lingered, transforming into a longing desire to be fucked in the powder room. Kris dropped down onto the closed toilet, pulling me on top of him. His hands traveled from my face, groping my breast and thighs over my clothes. It didn’t matter we were in his parents’ house. I was trying to figure out the quickest way to get just naked enough so I could feel him pulsate inside of me. Apparently, Kris wanted the same thing as he undid the buttons on my cardigan.
There was a knock on the door which caused us both to freeze. “Belen, they brought out dessert. There’s two types of cake and a pie. And Kris’s mom said I can have ice cream on top of my pie,” Celeste called.
Snow softly fellin the early morning of Christmas Day. Belen lay next to me, dead to the world, her arms and leg intertwined with mine. Brushing the dangling end of her head scarf from her eye, I watched her sleep, mouth half open, snoring softly. With a kiss to her forehead, I proceeded to extract my body from her limbs without disturbing her. Two minutes later I was completely out of breath but finally free.
After a quick stop in the bathroom, I poured myself a hot cup of coffee. In the family room, I found my mother fussing with the Christmas tree. All her kids were grown but she still worked herself into a state trying to make the day perfect for us.
“Morning,” I whispered.
“What are you doing up?” She was on her knees rearranging the boxes and packages.
“I could ask you the same thing?”
“Just checking on the presents Santa left behind.”
I held out my arm so she could grab hold and bring herself back to standing. “Mom?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know how to break this to you, but I don’t believe in Santa anymore. I haven’t for a while.”
She swatted at me playfully. We both moved to the couch, taking a seat. “How’s Belen?”
“Sleeping.”
“Is she okay … really? I could tell she was putting on a brave face during dessert.”
“Yeah, she was just feeling a bit overwhelmed. And the holidays are difficult for her.”
“How long has she been taking care of her sister?”
“All her life, but without help for the past few years.”
“I’d imagine that is the bulk of her stress.”
I offered a clipped nod. “She’s been handed a lot of tough breaks around the holidays. I just think being surrounded by all of us was a lot.”
“The Kringle crew is an acquired taste.”
“She likes you guys, but I think it just stirred up feelings about what her life could’ve been if her parents were still alive. I don’t know what I’d do without you and Dad. I mean who would break up the fights between Rayna, Matthew, and me?”
“I would hope you three would have better sense than to quarrel after your dad and I are gone.”
“Have you met us?”
