“You’re not getting a man-scape?” she asked wide-eyed.
“I believe some call them that,” he replied testily.
“A man-scape,” she hooted, trying not to laugh. She’d heard of them, but never actually met a man who got them. “Isn’t that like…waxing?”
“Sort of…I’m not exactly sure. This is my first time.”
“So… not something you typically do. What brought this on? Why now?” she asked truly curious.
“To be honest, there’s this adorable little elf I’ve grown fond of and I want to look my best, just in case,” he stated no longer seeming embarrassed at all.
“I see. So you’re thinking there’s a chance that you and said elf might be getting intimate in the near future?” she drawled.
“That’s my plan.”
Merry began to laugh.
“And you’re sure this plan of yours is going to work out?”
“Yes,” he insisted. “I am. I see no reason for it not to. I know she’s attracted to me as well, even though she won’t admit it yet.”
Reaching up she patted his cheek and smiled broadly.
“Well then, if you’re really sure, you should go and get your man-scape,” she advised him cheerfully.
Bartlett grinned back, his satisfaction clear. Leaning down he pulled her close for a quick kiss.
Merry’s smile faded for a moment, and then flashed brightly as she put her hands on his chest and eased herself out of his arms.
“There is one thing you should know,” she whispered, lifting her eyes to meet his gaze.
“What’s that?”
“Waxing hurts like hell,” she happily informed him as she scooted away leaving him standing on the walkway wearing a worried frown.
Bartlett heardher laughing as she walked down the snow-covered pathway in the direction of the shops. He paused staring thoughtfully at the salon before squaring his shoulders and marching forward.
After all, how bad could it be? Women did it all the time. Turning the knob he entered the salon. Two hours later he nearly limped out. Damn! She’d been honest. It had hurt like hell and he doubted it was anything he’d ever do again. Right now all he wanted to do was go home and soak in a soothing tub.
The attendant had advised him to use plenty of lotion for a couple of days but he hardly believed it would help. Hell, they should warn a man before they yank that strip that removed the hair and probably a good bit of skin from his privates! Once started, he had no choice but to continue and it took all of his willpower not to squeal like a pig. He should have listened to Merry.
Merry returned homeand put away her groceries. She could only imagine the pain Mr. Bright was suffering and she couldn’t conceive of whatever had given him the idea that getting a man-scape was necessary or even something a female would require.
As long as a man was clean and well-groomed most women were satisfied with that. If he happened to look like Bartlett Bright, well then he should have no problem getting his elfin partner to bed.
Unfortunately, she knew she was the elf in question and she had no intention of jumping into bed with anyone, extremely handsome and freshly man-scaped or not. So what if his threats to spank her excited her. What did it matter if being near him made her heart beat faster? He was trouble, a manly sort of human who would be hard to manage at best.
He liked things his way and so did she. They were a recipe for disaster. Both were stubborn and determined, both refusing to give an inch. It would never work, which was a real shame as she found him incredibly appealing, physically.
As she finished up in the kitchen she began to feel sorry for him. Glancing at the clock she figured he’d been tortured for at least an hour now. He would not like it and she pitied the poor elf who gotten him for a customer. He’d be lucky if he didn’t end up with a black eye.
On impulse she decided to take pity on Mr. Bright. Most likely he would return home sore and feeling poorly used. Putting her coat and boots back on she headed out. On the way she stopped at The Dancing Snowflake and picked up dinner for two and a bottle of wine. Then she flagged down a sleigh and gave the driver Bartlett’s address on Fruitcake Lane. Grinning she decided it was a fitting place for him to live after what he’d voluntarily put himself through today.
Merry paid the driver and let herself into his cabin. Crime was unheard of in the North Pole, at least the crimes people could be prosecuted for. What Bernard and Ginger had done, while contemptuous in her opinion, was not a chargeable offense.
Making her way to the kitchen she turned on the oven and placed the foil covered containers inside to keep warm. Then she found an ice bucket and put the wine to chill. Opening cupboards she found dinnerware and set the table. Dropping to the couch she put up her bare feet, admiring her freshly polished toenails.
She should have changed, she decided. Jeans and a sweater were all right for going to the salon, but she should have put on something a little more appealing before going to his place. Instantly she was appalled at the turn her thoughts were taking. Jumping up she opened the wine and poured a glass. She’d come to offer some comfort she assured herself as she stood before the fireplace. It wasn’t to entice him or to satisfy any craving she herself was struggling with. No, it was simply the right thing to do, something she would do for any living creature who was suffering as she was sure he would be.
