I was stuck.
A second before the baubles descended on my head, I heard a pair of heavy steps behind me, then a deep, masculine voice said: "Alley-oop..."
I clenched my eyes shut, waiting for the baubles to crash. But they didn't.
I opened my eyes. There were no shiny shards scattered on the floor, and both me and Rudolph were unharmed.
"Are you all right in there?" the same cool voice asked. He sounded like a movie star.
I withheld a groan. Great... Not only did I just cause a ruckus, but I did so with my butt sticking out for this stranger to see.
"I'm okay," I called back.
"Need some help shimmying out of there?"
Mortifying as it was, I couldn't afford to refuse. I might've caused an even bigger problem if I tried escaping on my own.
"Yes, please," I said meekly.
When the stranger scooted Santa's chair slightly to the right, I said, "Ah, wait! Don't try to move that on your own, it's way too heavy."
He sounded amused for some reason. "Hm, all right. Can you try wriggling out now?"
I tried. Unfortunately, the holiday treats had gone to my lower half. My plump bottom was still stuck between a Christmas tree, Santa's chair, and a total stranger.
This was not how I expected today to go...
"Ah, I see where exactly you're caught," the deep-voiced stranger said calmly. "I can get you out, but I'll have to touch your hips. Are you comfortable with that?"
My cheeks burned. Now the man with the sexy voice wanted totouchme?
"S-sure," I said in a squeak.
"All right. Let me know at any point if you want me to stop."
My heart sped up in anticipation. The man's large, warm hands gripped me gently by the hips. A full-body blush spread over my skin. Was this really happening? Maybe a baubledidcrash on my head, propelling me into an unconscious dream.
Calm down, Angelo. He's only helping you out of a bind.
Reminding myself to be professional on the job, I shut my eyes and steadied my breathing as the man eased me backwards. I felt a pressure release—my pants must've been stuck on the corner of Santa's chair. Then, freed from my trap, I stumbled back...
Right into the arms of the man who'd saved me.
"Feeling better now?" he asked.
I felt the deep rumble of his chest behind me as he spoke. It sent a shiver down my spine.
"Yes, much," I said breathlessly. Was I dizzy because I'd been stuck, or because this man smelled amazing up close?
I gathered myself and stood up straight, ready to see him face-to-face. When I did, I became breathless.
Although his appearance matched his voice in sexiness, the man was not what I expected. His musky scent and deep voice implied he was an alpha, but seeing him for myself confirmed it. That was where my guesses ended.He had long, thick brown hair that reached his waist, and his body was clad head-to-toe in black leather. A string of silver chains was hooked up to his belt. His black boots were so heavyset that they resembled hooves.
As if reading my mind, the alpha smiled wryly. "Not what you expected from the new Santa, am I?"
I reeled. "Wait...You'rethe new Santa?"
He chuckled. His husky, deep voice sounded even better when he laughed.
