Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Allnames,characters,businesses,places,eventsandincidentsareeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorusedinafictitious mannerandarenottobeconstruedasrealinanyway Anyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,actualevents,locales,ororganizationsisentirelycoincidental All trademarkedmarkeditemsareassumedtobethepropertyoftheirrespectiveownersandareusedonlyforreference
CuffedforChristmas
PublishedbyhotRompublishing
105PorcupineTrail
OttawaOntarioK0A1T0
Canada
ISBN#978-1-990789-21-2(ebook)
ISBN#978-1-990789-22-9(print)
CoverbyBlueMoonCreativeStudio
Authors Note: This story was first published in the Let’s Get Naughty 2, a Limited Edition Romance Anthology
Little did Iknow, fate has anintriguingtwistinstore for us. He turns outto be mySecretSanta, surprisingme witha tantalizinggift fluffypinkhandcuffsthatawakendesiresIneverknewexisted Butjustasquicklyasheenteredmylife,hevanished.
This long-distance office romance unfolds over computer screens, testing the boundaries of virtual connections Can sparks ignited in the digital realm evolve into a lasting flame that defies all odds?
Chapter 1
Kris(November)
Iwalkintotheexecutiveconferenceroom alreadypackedwithemployees andstraightenmytie,thenbrushahandover my hair to smooth it down I used to hide at this time Getting teased for my name throughout school put the Grinch in Christmasforme.But,onceIenteredtheworkingworld,Iignoredanyribbing,hopingadultscouldbehavelikeadults. KismetPublishingmaynotbeaslargeasthebig-fivepublishinghouses,butit’sgettingthere.Onthetopfloorofouroffice buildinginSanDiego, witha wall ofwindows facingthe Pacific, several ofmycolleagues are standing, some clustered in little groups, some taking chairs at the conference table. It’s always nerve-wracking when your CEO calls an impromptu meetingandprovidesnocontext
I’ve worked atKismetfor almostfive years, the lasttwo as anacquisitions editor. Iinterned here duringcollege as an editorialassistant Iwaspleasantlysurprisedwhentheyofferedmefull-timeemploymentupongraduation However,whileI loveSanDiego,IhopetoonedaymovetothemainofficeinNewYork,homeofallthemajorpublishingcompanies.Although Ienjoyediting,mypassionliesinproductionormarketing.
I’ve dabbled at writing but discovered I’m full of clichés and have limited creativity for world-building I’m well acquainted with my weaknesses and learned to leverage my strengths long ago. I’mhere in the California office until the perfectopportunitycomesalong
Iscantheroomagain;thistime,myattentioncatchesandstopsonaparticularwomanwhojustenteredtheroom.Myeyes follow her as she joins some womenonthe other side ofthe table She’s gotshoulder-lengthred hair, brushed straightand partedofftotheside.Herhazeleyes,moregreenthanbrown,sparkle.Andshehascurvesamancanholdontowhilehe’s “You’redrooling”
Whileherbosslookedonwithdisapproval,Joywavedhimawayandbentdowntohelppickthemup Igotanexcellent glimpsedownherblouse lacypinkbra,creamysmoothflesh andIstillrememberthelightfloralfragranceofhershampoo. Ialsorecall how horriblyembarrassedIwas,andsince thatday,anytime Igetnear her,mypalms sweat,andmystutter makes an appearance. A stutter I worked hard to fucking beat as a kid. It’s almost non-existent now. But occasionally, especiallyduringextremestress,Iknowit’stryingtorearitsuglyheadwhenwordsgetstuckonmytongue Ican’tpassthem overmylips,nomatterhowhardItry.
I quickly avert my eyes, hoping she missed me staring. But when I chance another peek, to my surprise she’s looking
Nobody’s wastingtheir time lookinginmydirectionother thanJoy, so Ithinkwe’re safe This time myheartdefinitely beginstorace,andIcanfeeltheheatrisinginmycheeks.God,geekoutmuch?IthoughtI’dputtheawkwardkiddaysbehind meyearsago
There’s a shuffle atthe doorway, and the senior leaders enter the room. MartinCalvin, Senior Executive Officer ofthe CaliforniaofficeofKismetPublishing,isinthelead,andmakeshiswaytothefront,takingapositionbehindthelargeblack leather chair at the head ofthe table Fromwhat Iunderstand, he’s the youngest ofthree He and his two brothers ownthe company, inherited fromtheir father and grandfather before him. Todd runs things inNew York, and Wes handles things in Texas
Mr. Calvin rests his hands on the back of the chair and addresses everyone gathered. “Thank you for joining us this afternoon I'llbebrief Iknowyou’reallbusy First,Iwanttosaycongratulationsonarecord-breakingthirdquarter Wemore thansurpassedourprojections.Greatjob,everyone.I’malsohappytoannouncethatwe’reintheprocessoffinalizingplans for our annual holidayevent. As a thank-youfor all ofyour hard work, this year’s Christmas partywill be fullyfunded by Kismet”
“Unfortunately, withthe seasonclosinginfast, the hotels are beingbooked quickly. Nextweekend is the onlyavailable date.Iknow thatdoesn’tgiveyoumuchtime,butI’msureyou’ll findsuitablegifts for your peers.Remember,theideais to havefun.”
“Hey,man Wanttohitthemallafterworkandgetthisoverwith?”HenryappearslessimpressedwiththeassignmentthanI feel. I don't enjoy these events. I despise networking in any form, but being more outgoing will help me make a good impression.
Anhour later, I’msittingat Mom’s bedside inthe hospital, holdingher hand as the doctor updates me and Dad onher condition Shehadastroketwomonthsagothatlefthertotallybedridden I’dhopedforweeksthatshe’dimprove,butwe’re beingtoldnowthatthelikelihoodofthathappeningisslim.
IglanceoveratDad.Hiseyesareblurrywithunshedtears.“I’ll help,Dad.Wecanmovehertoahomewhereshe’ll be morecomfortable Wecanarrangeforphysicaltherapy”
“My parents never miss a company party” I turn and lean my hip against the counter “When I was a kid, I spent one Christmaswithchickenpox.Myparentsstillwenttotheparty.”
“Notyet” Kris Nichols is the adorable guythatIraninto onmyfirstday Well, he raninto me inthe hallway WhenI stoopedtohelphimpickupthepileofbookshe’ddropped,Icouldsmellcinnamonrollsonhim.Ithoughtitwasstrange,until I heard he has breakfast at the corner coffee shop with a mid-morning coffee. I can’t fault a guy for enjoying sugar and cinnamon
I’mjustsurprisedsomebodywouldlike me enoughtogetalldiscombobulated.Hisneckandthetipsofhisearsturnred, andhestrugglestotalktome Ithinkhemightstutter That’swhatIheard,andIwonderifhethinksI’dlaugh,butI’dnever I understandthefeelingofbeingscornedforsomethingbeyondyourcontrol.AndItrynottobecruel.
WhenHumanResources gottagged to organize the Christmas party, Suzie suggested a SecretSanta exchange, and Iwas thrilled.IloveSecretSanta.WhenIwasakidandwelivedclosertomycousins,weusedtodoagiftexchangeeveryyear.
But then my parents moved us here to California, and my one uncle moved his family to Texas. The family get-togethers unfortunatelydriedup.
Thistime,though,IfoughttoothandnailandmanagedtorigthegamejustabittogetKris’sname Butunbeknownsttome, themorningofthatmeeting,Suzieadmittedthatshetookitonestepfurtherandsomehow arrangedforKristogetmyname.I don’tknowwhatshedidorwhoshebribed,butIrememberthelookonhisfacewhenhereadmynameontheslipofpaper It madeeverymomentofthesubterfugeworthit.
Inside, a photo boothis set up inthe corner withprops like reindeer antlers and Santa hats. Against the far wall near Santa’sthroneisahugemajestictree,itsbranchescascadingoutwithamixofshimmeringsilver,white,andredornaments Smaller trees stand regallyinthe corners indifferent color schemes. Elegant draperies entwined withdelicate white fairy lightsflowfromacenterpointintheceilingouttotheedgesoftheroom.Theunmistakablescentoffreshpinefillstheroom.
Watchingpeople getcalled up to receive and opentheir gifts is more funthanIexpected Some gifts are obvious jokes, whileothersareverytastefulandthoughtful.Afewareontheedgeofracy,butonlyafew.IwonderwhatKriswillthinkofhis gift Mostly,Iwonderwhathegotforme
“Kris Nichols.” Santa calls out his name, and I perkup, tryingto spot him. Finally, staff members are shiftingnear the tablesattheback,andheappears.
Oh,my Iswallow hard He’susuallypolishedinhisbusinesssuits Tonighthe’sinallblack,witharedtie,andhe’sleft hishaircasual.Holysmoke,he’sgorgeous.HeglancesaroundtheroomalmostshylyasheapproachesthefronttomeetSanta. “MerryChristmas,Kris”Santa’sdeepvoiceresonatesthroughtheroom
Mylaptop chirps, and Iread the pop-up reminder onmyscreen: fifteenminutes until myworkcall withHenry, my new boss, sincehetookthepositionIdeclined Stillpissesmeoff IgrumbleasIadjustmywebcamandopenthemeetinginviteto ensureIhavetheproperlink.
I’mstillangrywithhimabouttheChristmasgift,too.AfterIexplicitlyinstructedhimtopurchaseatastefulgiftforJoy,the asshole got her a set of fluffy pink handcuffs. God, it mortified me when she lifted her finger with the cuffs dangling for everyone to see and laughat. How could Iface her after that? Encouraged byHenry, Ileftthe holidaypartyearlyto avoid embarrassment
Ican’thelpbutthinkofJoy.IfeelbadabouthowIleftwithoutspeakingtoher.BetweenfindingaplaceforMom,having her moved,andscopingoutapartments for Dadandme,Ijustranoutofhours intheday.Evenwithhours ofphysical miles betweenus,IwishIcouldtalktoher.
After the New Year, she’d sentme animage ofa stuffed hedgehogwearingher handcuffs Icouldn'ttalkto her then, too embarrassed.Butnow,thinkingbackonit,I’mregrettingmydecisionnottoreachoutandapologizeforthegiftandmyhasty departure
“Welcome, everyone,” Henry begins once everyone has identified who they are and what part of the company they represent."Fileupdatesfirst,thenI'llintroduceanewprojecttoKris."Heupdatesaswejotnotes,leavingmecuriousabout thenewtask ItrytokeepmymindfromwanderingbacktowardJoyagainwhileIwaitforhimtogettome We'veeachhadourturnandnowwe'rebacktoHenry. “Wehaveanewproject,whichI’massigningtoyou,Kris.” I dislike Henrybeingmyboss, but I canrespect his position I straighteninmychair “Not a problem Who will I be workingwith?”
“How aboutthedayaftertomorrow?Wecangettheball rollingonafew items”Anditwill givemetimetocool down andprepareforournextcall.
“Soundsgood”Joydropshergaze,liftsherhead,andlooksstraightatme Sheleansforwardabitandlowershervoiceas thoughshe’s whisperingto me, and me alone, eventhoughnobodyelse canoverhear us talking. “I’mthrilled to be working withyouonthis,Kris.I’vemissedyou.”
I’mstaringintentlyatmycomputer screen, butI’mfocusingonKris’s face as we discuss the projectwe’re workingon. I can’thelpit Iwanthimsomuch Wecan’tbeinthesameroomtogether,soI’mhungryforwhateverIcanget
Allofmyotherprojectspaleincomparisontothisone.We’vebeenmeetingatleasttwiceaweekforawhilenow,and things are movingalongnicely, but eachtime we talk, I get distracted. He looks thinner fromthis angle. I know he’s been worriedabouthismother Isurehopehe’stakingcareofhimself HishairisalittlelongerthanwhenIsawhimlast,thetips grazinghisshoulders ithasatousled,sexylook.Likehejustcrawledoutofbed.
I’mdesperatetobelievehe’sstillassingleasIam Aseachdayandweekpasses,Ifallforhimevenmore,knowinghe’s theoneforme.I’mthinkingthestoriesmyfatherandgrandfathertoldmemightbetrue.I’veonlyexperienceditwiththemenin the family thatfeelingofwhenyouencounter ‘the one’, youjustsense itwitheveryaspectofyour being, withall ofyour heart andyourecognizethere’snootherindividualforyou
Hisbrowneyesappearwarmer;Icouldjustmeltunderhiswatch.Andthewayhetalkswithsuchinterestintheproject… He justmakes mystomachflutter He cares aboutthe author’s experience duringthis launch it’s notjusta job to him He mentionedoncethathewantedtobeinmarketing,butIthinkhe’dmakeafantasticagent.
Ijustwishhe’dreciprocatemyfeelings.ButconsideringhowquicklyheescapedthenightofthecompanyChristmasparty and thenmoved to Reddingbefore the holidays were evenover, Ibelieve he’s notinterested or doesn’thave the time for a relationship.
“Notatall.”Ieagerlytuckmyhandsintothewaistofmyleggingsandpushthemdownovermyhipsandlegs.Istepfree andkickthemaside.Iaddmyunderwear,since Ihope thatwill be his nextrequest.WhenIsitagainandglance backatthe computerscreen,Iseehe’ssmilingandlookingmuchmoreconfident.“Nowwhat?”
“Don’tworry,I’musingmypersonal monitor andIhave a separate camera.” Ireachuptotipittowardmydiningroom tableI’musingasmyoffice
“More.IwantitangledsoIcanseeyourcrotch.”
Okaythen.IplayarounduntilIfindthecorrectangle,andthen,forgoodmeasure,andtomakesureheseeseverythinghe wants, Iadjustmychair and scootmybuttforward to the edge Iliftmylegs to restmyfeetonthe table ThankGod Ilive alone.Notthemostcomfortableposition,butI’mabouttogiveKrisashow.
Ido Ipullmyfingersoutandthenplungethembackin “Icanhearhowwetyouare.Ohfuck.IwishIwerethere.” Iknow he can’t see myface, but he canhear me. “What would youdo, Kris? Ifyouwere inmykitchenwhile Ifinger myself?”
“I’ve got my notes here, just a second.” She flips through her notebook. “I, ah, I just need to check with the bloggers scheduledfornextweek Andthatpromotourcompanygotbacktome Ithinkwecanusethemforthelatterhalfoftheevent Ormaybewecanhavethemfocusonsomethingnew.”
“I’ve looked, Kris Ithoughtmaybe he wentbackto his old apartment, so Itried there first Butthe new tenants haven’t seenhim.I’vecheckedwitheveryoneinthebuilding.”
“He’sprobablyscaredandhiding.”
“Whatifhegotoutsidewhensomebodyopenedthedoor?”
“I’msurehe’llcomeback.”Damnit,IwishIcouldbethereforher.ButevenifIleftrightnow,itwouldbeatleastnine hoursuntilIreachedher Bythen,hecouldhavereturnedonhisown “I’vebeenallovertheneighborhoodandnothing.”Shecries,andmygutclenchesbecauseIcan’tcuddleherandcomfort her
“Youknow thatKismetemploys a group ofagents, right? They’re ina subsidiarypartofthe company. Kismetgets first rightofrefusalonanyprojectstheypickupfortheirauthors,buttheyaren’tcommittedtoonlyworkingwithKismet” “Ido.”TherearecurrentlymoreoptionsavailableinNewYork that’swhyit’salwaysbeenpartofmyplan. “DoyoustillhavethegameIgaveyou?”
“Nobodywill care, trust me. You'll feel better if yougo out. It will help pass the time until Kris makes it backto San Diego When’shesupposedtoarrive,anyway?”
Suzie has beenlisteningto me lament about a guyI haven't evenkissed. But onmore thanone occasion, I’ve stuckmy finger,ortwo,intomyvaginaandfuckedmyself.I’vetweakedmynipples.I’veevenputacucumberbetweenmybreastsand pretendeditwashimwhilehejerkedoff.Okay,thatwasalittleweird.Butitworked.
At the far end of the room a red carpet leads to a platform holding Santa's throne, a fake fireplace, and a decorated Christmas tree.Jingle Bell Rockis playingonsomebody’s phone.The womenaheadofme are gigglingaboutthe Christmas
Joyblinksupatme,herdeepbrowngazebrimmingwithsurpriseandexcitement “What’swrong?”sheasks Ineedtocomposemyselfbeforethenextwomansitsonmyknee.HavingJoyinmylap,hervoiceinmyear,herbreathhot onmyneck,IwishtheworldwouldevaporatesoIcouldstripawayherclothes,layherunderthattreeoverthere,andspend thenextfew hours gettingtoknow her bodywithmylips,myfingers,and mycock Iwanttowrap myarms around her and devourher.“Wehaveanaudience.”
I nod as I take another bite and reachfor a second cookie before I answer. “He is. The progress she’s makingis very promising Ifitcontinues,there’sthepotentialshecouldleavethehome”I’vegotmyfingerscrossedforthat Mydadislost withouthiswifearoundeveryday.
She’s chosen a pale green knit with a snowscape on the front Snowmen, reindeer, and gifts are haphazardly splashed acrossthefrontofit.Itmakesnosensebutobviouslyfitsthetheme.“Ihopeyouwon.”
Anhourlater,we’remakingoutinherapartment.CartonsofChinesetakeoutarecoolingonherkitchentable.I’msittingon her couchinSanta’s pants, and she’s still wearingher uglysweater and panties. Still, the rest of our clothes are scattered
Sheleansinandsmasheshermouthovermine,shovinghertonguebetweenmylipsandkissingmedeeply I feel myself losing control; I let my hands roamover her body, down her thighs, up beneath her sweater to palmher breasts,exploringeveryinchofher
Itake her hand and follow her to the bedroom, anticipationbuilding. WhenIcross the threshold,I’mhitwitha scentof vanilla Istopwhileshecontinuesacrosstheroomtoherdresser
Thewallshavebeenpaintedarichdeepred,almostburgundy,likeabowlofdarkcherries.Thebedhassatinsheetsand velvetythrow pillows invarious pinks, reds, and purples Ahodgepodge ofruffles, tulle, lace, scarves, fishnets, and other feminineitemsarestrewnabouttheroom.
Openingthe top dresser drawer, she pulls outa red velvetSanta hatwithwhite fur trim. “Igotthis for you,” she says, handingittome “ThoughIdidn’tanticipateyoucomingwithyourown”Shegrinsbackatme “Putiton,Santa”
Confused,Iopenitupandfindasmallvelvetpouchinside Curious,Iopenthebag,slipmyhandinsideandpullout a pairofhandcuffs.Apairoffluffypinkhandcuffs.Ilookupinsurprise.
Myheartis poundingas blood rushes throughmyveins because I’ve beendreamingofthis momentfor so long. I knew he was the one whenwe collided inthe hall at worka year ago. I’ve always beenskeptical ofmyfamily’s uncanny abilitytoknowwhentruelovestoodbeforethem Or,inmycase,kneeledatmyfeet Igetitnow
Heshakes his headandgrowls as heleans inandbrushes his lips againstmine.His touchtilts myworldonits axis.He runsthetipofhistonguealongthefoldofmylips,slippingbetweenthemanddeepeningthekiss.Heexploresmymouthwith gentlestrokes
He rips offthe beard,andIfinallysee his entire face I’ve seenitcountless times onmycomputer screen I’ve seenhis expressionschangefromserioustoeageraswetalkedaboutwork.I’vewatchedhiseyesdarkenandhisnostrilsflareaswe pleasureourselvesinfrontofeachother,alwaysremotely.
Iquiverwithanticipationasheshiftsandmovesdownthebeduntilhe’slyingbetweenmylegs,mythighstighttohisears, hisgazehungryonmypussy.Hiseyesneverleavemineasheleansin,hisbreathhotonmyskinandzerosinonmyclit. Oh, sweet lord. Iarchmybackas Igo fromzero to sixtyinno time. Whenhe adds his fingers, Igasp, his exploration sendingwavesofrapturethroughmybody
The morningofour lastworkdaybefore the holidays, Iwake up feelinghappyand content. Isleptlittle, anticipatingthe long-awaitedtogethertime Christmasisfastapproaching,andJoyandIplantomakeupforlosttimeinbed Asidefrom familyobligations,I'mlookingforwardtospendinglazydayswithher.
Ismile at her, relieved that she’s so understandingand supportive Thoughwe’ve onlybeentogether for a few months, beingapartfromJoyhurtsmemorethanIcaretoadmit.
Snowflakes are dancingoutside one ofour enormous windows one ofthe manyreasons Ilove this apartment It’s cozy andromanticwiththebestview.Krislovesit,too.Weluckedoutfindingthistwo-bedroomapartmentontheUpperWestSide. Rightplace,righttime,anditbecameoursjustafewdaysafterwestartedlooking.
We’ve made much progress over the past year in our new jobs Kris is creating a name for himself with several very successful launches,andIlove myeditorial job.Plus,I’ve gottenclose to mycousins Todd, Thea, andTomas again.Todd’s wife,Felicity,islovely Ihadn’tseenherorToddsincetheirwedding WhileImightnotseemyparentsasoftenasI’dlike,my auntandunclehavetakenmeundertheirwingasifIwereoneoftheirown.
Kris’s parents are doing well. We spent three weeks in California with them over the summer. His mother has made impressive leaps inher rehabilitation.She’s now usinga walker togoshortdistances aroundher andher husband’s home.I stillrememberthetearsinKris’seyeswhenhesawherthatfirstday,andshewalkedtogreethim.
My mind drifts to our many heartfelt conversations, the laughter, the moments of pure joy. I think about our passionate lovemakingandhowhealwaysmakesmefeeldesiredandcherished
“Ididn’texpectthis surprise, though.” He takes myone hand and twirls me around before yankingme hard to his chest. “Sexy”Helowershisheadandsmasheshislipsagainstmine
