Part 4

"You invited who?" I asked, my heart picking up speed.

"Pond slept here," he blurted.

I blinked. "Oh... okay."

"We didn't sleep in the same bed, we barely even slept," he said, realizing how it must sound. "We watched a series almost all night, then we fell asleep on the couch," he clarified quickly.

I smiled and hugged him.

"You're not mad?" he asked.

"No. I trust you. I trust Pond," I said.

"Phuwin knew, but we agreed not to tell you. I didn't want to worry you or affect your work," he explained.

"It's okay," I repeated with a smile.

"It looks good on you," he said.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"A smile. It looks good on you. I like when you smile. I like when you're happy. I like that we can talk about anything," he said, pulling me into his arms.

Santa's arms wrapped around me again, his cheek pressed against my shoulder. I felt his breath on my neck, warm and desperate. His fingers dug into my bare back like he was afraid I'd vanish if he loosened his hold.

"Santa..." I whispered, lips brushing his jawline. "I'm right here."

He pulled back enough to look at me, pupils blown wide, chest rising fast. His stare dropped down my already naked torso.

"You look so good..." he breathed, palms sliding over my chest, my hip tattoo, mapping the muscles like he needed to relearn all of them.

I gripped his hips and lifted him onto the bathroom counter in one smooth motion. He gasped, legs instinctively wrapping around my waist.

"You missed me that much?" I teased, kissing under his ear.

"You have no idea," he whispered. "I can't sleep without you. I can't think."