Phoebe
“Alright.”Islapmythighs and lurch to my feet. “Let’s get out there.”
I leave Archer sitting on the floor beside my bed and head to the door. I throw my shoulders back and plaster a confident, but fake, smile on my face.
Okay. This is no big deal. So I thought butt plugs were Christmas ornaments. Who could blame me? They’re too pretty for anyone’s first guess at what they are to be their intended use. Yeah. That’s it. Why are they so cute if they’re not meant to be shown off?
Oh, who are you kidding? Now that you know, it’s impossible not to see it.As pretty as they are, they are definitively, one hundred percent no doubt about it, butt plugs. And that doesn’t mean the right person wouldn’t want to show them off.A blush creeps up as I recall that’s exactly what Archer thought I was going to do with them. You know, since I said I was taking pictures after setting them up.
I groan and drop my head to the door frame, my bravery leaving me in a breath.
“You got this.” Archer’s hands grip my shoulders, and he massages my tense muscles, causing my blush to deepen.God, that’s good.“I made them promise not to say anything.” I snort and laugh and he chuckles. “Yeah, I doubt they’ll keep their word. But hopefully, they’ll try.”
I shake my head, take a deep breath, then open the door. “Let’s get this over with.”
Strong hands spin me in place. “Hold on.” Archer wraps his arms around me and my breath catches.
His biceps bunch as he pulls me close, and I instinctively wrap my arms around his waist under the velvet jacket of his Santa costume, breathing in his masculine scent like I have a right to. Like he’s mine to touch like this. He smells delicious. I want to bathe in whatever cologne he’s wearing, but only if it also smells like his warm body. I spread my fingers on his back, loving the feel of his bare skin beneath my hands.
I wonder what his abs would feel like? Taste like?
“Wha…what are you doing?” I stutter when I finally pull myself out of the stupor his nearness puts me in.
“A hug for luck,” he says, giving me a squeeze, pulling me tightly against his bare chest. “They won’t be cruel, but…yeah. They’re in the mood to tease you a little, I’m afraid.” He chuckles again. “I’ll take as much attention away from you as I can. I’m a gentleman like that.”
I laugh and push him away. Just in time, too. My thoughts were taking a side for the naughty, like they often do when I let myself get too close to Archer. I was about to bury my face in his chest and inhale deeply enough to embed his scent in my nose to stash it away for later. And that was only the start of the fantasy.
“Yeah. ’A gentleman’ says the guy who crushed me to his bare chest with no warning.”
“Shit. Right. Sorry about that. I guess. I should…” He jerks a thumb behind him. “I’ll get dressed and meet you out there? Or do you want to wait for me?”
YES! I’ll watch. Go ahead and strip that Santa suit off nice and slow. I want to get reacquainted with what you’ve got going on under it.
“Oh, uh…” My face is burning at the turn of my thoughts.
“No, never mind. Wait for me in the hall? I’ll be quick.”
I nod and step into the hallway. “Sure. Yeah. That sounds good.”
Does it sound good? Or do I only want to spend a little more time with him alone?
I groan internally when I remember I shouldn’t want to spend time alone with him. And I won’t get to, anyway. I told him to invite his girlfriend for dinner. I imagine she’ll be here soon, if she’s not out there already.
“Ready?” Archer steps up beside me and puts a hand on my shoulder.
I nod. “Best get this over with, I guess.”
He drops his hand and we walk down the hallway side by side, our shoulders brushing with every step. He gives me a slight nod before we step into the living room. We’re only a few steps in before Webster calls out.
“Archer. I’m going to need more than the one set Frederick asked you for.” He gestures to the Christmas trees that started this whole mess. “I can’t get over how pretty they are. We would love a set to decorate with too.”
“Yes, me too,” my mom says, nodding her head in agreement. “I have the perfect spot for them next to the nativity set.”
I choke on a laugh. “Mom. I’m pretty sure the church would consider it sacrilege to put butt plugs near the nativity.”
“Pssh,” she scoffs, waving a hand. “I’m sure none of our friends will even know what they are.” She gives me a small smile. “And they’re too pretty forthat, anyway.”
Gavin snickers. “I don’t know, Mom. Some people likethose thingsto be pretty, you know.” He laughs harder when she blushes.
