(I'm No) Saint Nick: Stone Bros. (Pure Escapes) Read online

  I’m No Saint Nick (Stone Bros.)

  Pure Escapes

  Kit Kyndall

  Amourisa Press

  Contents

  Blurb

  1. Nick

  2. Holly

  3. Holly

  4. Nick

  5. Holly

  6. Nick

  Epilogue

  About Kit

  Blurb

  The moment I saw my elf, I knew I was going to keep her.

  Nick

  Bah, humbug. It’s a cliche, but I don’t care. I have little use for the holidays, even though my birthday falls on Christmas, and I don’t care if the employees in my dad’s company love me like they did him before his retirement. It’s not a requirement of the job. So how do I find myself stuffed into a padded suit and playing Santa at the corporate Christmas party?

  I don’t mind that much when I meet Holly, my volunteer elf for the evening. She’s sweet and sassy, with curves in all the right places. All it takes is one look to know she’s mine, and I’m going to keep her.

  Holly

  St. Nick sweeps me off my feet, and I start to fall for him. That’s great until I learn he’s the one trying to move our daycare. How can I love a man with a grinchy soul? Is there more to Nick than that? One thing’s for sure. He’s no saint.

  Pure Escapes are steamy novellas that get right to the point. They offer crazy insta-love, heart-pounding desire, and improbable scenarios. They’re pure escapist fantasies. Enjoy!

  1

  Nick

  “Hell, no.” I state that firmly as I look at Kathy, shocked that she could come up with such an idea. “Do you honestly think I’m going to climb into a fat suit and let other peoples’ kids sit on my lap all night?”

  Kathy frowns at me. Her iron-gray curls don’t move, plastered against her head in a style that defies even one hair to slide out of place. She is militant in most approaches, but she keeps me focused and does her job well. She used to be my father’s executive assistant, and I kept her on in the position when I took over for him.

  Most the time, she’s right on target with everything, but this suggestion is ludicrous.

  “Mr. Stone, do I need to remind you that nobody likes you?”

  Did I mention she’s blunt as hell too? I shrug a shoulder. “I don’t need to be liked to run the company effectively.”

  She frowns at me. “Of course not, but it helps if people actually tolerate you. Did I tell you about your image from the quarterly briefing being used as a dartboard in the breakroom?”

  I shrug, mildly annoyed by that, but unable to summon true outrage. “Employees need a way to blow off steam. I might as will be the scapegoat.”

  Kathy snorts. “You’re not just a scapegoat, Mr. Stone. You have a completely different style than your father. People love and admire Aiden, but you haven’t really made any effort to get people to warm up to you since you took over the CEO position three months ago.”

  “I wasn’t aware that was in the job description.” I can’t keep the biting sarcasm out of my tone.

  Her eyes narrow. “You’ve made a lot of changes rapidly, and while the company will probably benefit from them, employees are having a hard time seeing anything but you disrupting everything. It would behoove you to endear yourself a little to them. All I’m saying is, since Jerry isn’t feeling well and won’t be able to play Santa, it couldn’t hurt you to get a little goodwill currency built up by taking on the role yourself.”

  “I’m not putting on a ridiculous Santa Claus suit for the Christmas party. It’s not happening, so forget it, Kathy.” My tone is resolute, and the discussion is over.

  So how do I find myself putting on the padded suit later that evening in a utility closet tucked away outside the largest multifunction room available in the building? Kathy has a way of wearing me down, but also, I suspect she’s right. I’m aware no one really cares for me being in a position of control in the company.

  When people have problems, they always go to my brothers before me. Oz and Noel are both more approachable people, but they also aren’t quite as good at keeping it all together. That’s why Dad named me to take over for him when he decided to pursue an early retirement. The employees should know my father well enough to understand he had good reasons to name me his successor and respect that, but I’m clearly expecting too much.

  I’m still not entirely sure how Kathy convinced me to do this as I slip on a fake white beard and long hair, along with a faux fur-trimmed hat that makes my head sweat right away. “Twenty minutes, and I’m out of here.”

  Kathy nods. “Of course, Mr. Stone.”

  “I guess you might as well call me Nick,” I say with a slight twitch my lips. Kathy’s insisted on calling me Mr. Stone since I took over, but she calls my father by his given name. Right now, Nick is appropriate enough, considering I’m dressed like Santa Claus. I certainly bear no resemblance to the saint part though.

  That’s immediately obvious to me as I step into the room and see the Santa dais. I approach and find a sexy little elf waiting to help. Of course, she’s not really an elf. She’s just a young woman, at least ten years my junior, dressed in a green and white dress at least a size too small.

  She has generous curves, and I can’t help appreciating the shape of her legs in the white and green striped stockings she wears. Gold boots on her feet curl at the toes, and she has jingle bells sewn onto them. Her hat is green and white, also with jingle bells, and she looks like the quintessential elf.

  She also looks completely fuckable.

  “Nick, this is Holly. She volunteered to be an elf.” Kathy makes the introductions before she nods to both of us and moves away, clearly planning to make sure everything else is in place for the party before the doors open in a few minutes, allowing the employees of Stone International to cut loose for an evening of family fun centered around the holidays.

  Bah, humbug. When I see it, I can’t help thinking how expensive all this is, and what little use it is as well.

  Then I look at Holly in that slightly too-tight elf costume, and I’m glad I’m wearing baggy red pants that hide I’m suddenly as hard as can be. Maybe there’s an upside to this event. I move closer, compelled to smell her hair. It’s a rich brown shade, with curls spilling out of a loose ponytail at the base of her neck. Scent has always been a big part of attraction and arousal for me.

  When I step closer, her scent of cinnamon and orange hits me, and she’s like a holiday treat just waiting to be unwrapped. I practically salivate at the thought, and my cock is harder still. As I get closer, her scent and my awareness of her overwhelms me. It doesn’t matter that I don’t know her and haven’t even talked to her yet. I’m determined Holly’s coming home with me tonight. I’ll unwrap her like a gift and enjoy her all night.

  She smiles at me, looking a little uncertain. Is she shy? She seems to be, or maybe she’s just shy with me, because when the other elf shows up a few minutes later, they’re soon giggling and talking like old friends.

  I bide my time, waiting until she’s alone again before I get closer. “So, you’re Holly?”

  She nods. “I guess you’re St. Nick?” There’s a twinkle in her eyes as she asks the question.

  I smirk a little. “You should know I’m no saint, Holly.”

  She winks at me, so maybe she’s not shy. “And I’m no elf, St. Nick, but here we are.”

  I nod, stepping closer still. Just a few inches separate us now, and it takes everything I have not to reach out and put my hands on her hips, wanting to pull her against the hard length of my cock pressing against the Santa pants. I have to g
ain control of that, because the doors are opening, and kids are already starting to line up to meet St. Nick.

  Rather than bring myself closer to temptation, I content myself with another deep inhalation of her unique scent before moving over to sit on what looks like a gold spray-painted throne. There are gifts all around, and the tree has been expertly designed by a no doubt expensive designer.

  It’s monochrome silver, and I can’t help thinking it doesn’t really scream festive, at least for children. I make a mental note to ask Kathy to ensure next year’s tree is more childlike and homier. Then I brace myself for the inevitable tide of other peoples’ children.

  Kids are fine in small doses and from a distance, but I’m not a child person. I’m certainly not the type to enjoy personal interaction with them or having them climb on my lap and ask for things. Still, I grit my teeth and try to get through it, reminding myself these are my employees’ children, and Holly’s look of approval directed my way sometimes certainly helps ease the discomfort of playing Santa.

  At least no one pees or pukes on me as the kids start coming in waves. Before I know it, I’m actually relaxing and sort of enjoying the experience. Most of the kids are greedy little butt-faces, just like I was as a kid, but there are a few sweet exceptions.

  About halfway through, a little girl sits on my lap and asks for her brother to come home from the NICU safe and sound, and Holly and I exchange a glance. I can see the devastation in her expression, and my chest pangs for a moment as well. As soon as the little girl is off with her mother, I gesture for Holly to come over.

  She does, bending down. I try not to notice a hint of cleavage revealed by the too-tight dress as she does so. “Ask Kathy to find out what we can about that family and see what we can do to help them have a happy holiday.”

  Her eyes light up with approval, and she licks her lips as she grins at me. “That’s a great idea, St. Nick.”

  I assume her nickname is a teasing attempt to get me into the holiday spirit, and while I’d find it irritating from other people, I don’t mind hearing it on her lips. There’s a lot I’d like to do with her lips, and it extends well beyond hearing her call me by my first name without the honorific of Saint.

  2

  Holly

  I’m smitten with St. Nick. I can’t really see his face beneath the beard and the hair, but his eyes are a warm green, and every now and then, they are so tender that it makes my eyes burn with unshed tears. He’s clearly out of his element with all these children, but he also seems to be doing his best.

  I see some moments of gentleness in him, and he doesn’t even seem to be aware of how good he is with the kids, or how well they’re responding to him. Even the worst of the kids, who are just there to ask for presents, seem to buy him as St. Nick. I’m buying him in the role too.

  I reach for one of the gaming systems that a boy asks for, wondering how much the owners of the company sank into the presents. They’ve certainly gone all-out in this regard, so I can’t help wondering why they’re so Scroogey about keeping the daycare in the building.

  I try to dismiss that thought quickly, not wanting to dwell on the Stones, and how things have changed since Mr. Aiden Stone left the company. That’s a worry for another time, and I want to make sure I’m having a good time, so the children can as well.

  The little boy who asked for the present rips it out of my hand and runs over to his family. His dad seems preoccupied with his phone, and his mom looks tired. I wonder what’s their story, but I don’t ask. I just keep doing my job, or in this case, my volunteer service as an elf.

  Penny joins me then, reaching for a package I know holds an American Doll. I don’t know which one she’s giving the little girl who’s currently sitting on St. Nick’s lap, but I’m sure the child will like it.

  Penny and I spent a good part of our afternoon wrapping these gifts, and most of them are little kids’ dreams. The kids whose parents work at Stone International are certainly lucky, not least of all because they get to sit on St. Nick’s lap.

  I can’t help thinking about sitting on his lap, though in a wildly different context, and it makes me even hotter. I’m already feeling overheated in this scratchy wool dress, and I pause for a moment to fan myself with my hand.

  “Did you figure out where you’re sleeping tonight?” asks Penny softly, since there’s a lull between children.

  I shrug a shoulder, trying not to worry about it too much at the moment. “Maybe my car.” I could get a hotel room, but I really don’t want to dip into savings I’m putting aside, because it’ll take that much longer before I can afford an apartment of my own.

  Penny frowns. “I’m so sorry that you can’t stay on my couch for the next few days.”

  I wave a hand. “You’ve been more than generous, Penny.” I spent the last four nights on her couch, and she’s only asked me to leave because her family is in town for Christmas, and she needs the sleeping space. She’s clearly feeling guilty about it, but I truly harbor no ill will. She’s been amazing, especially since I found myself homeless on short notice.

  After that, the kids return again, coming in clusters. We have a little downtime between each wave of children, but not much. What was supposed to be twenty minutes stretches into two hours, and I’m starting to feel exhausted by the time the last child slips through, has a brief sit on St. Nick’s lap, and accepts what I know is a coupon book for three free riding lessons when she asks for a pony. Considering how generous the company was with presents, I’m almost surprised they didn’t have ponies under the tree as well.

  Once it’s clear every child at the party has seen Santa, Kathy puts up a velvet rope that closes off the Santa area, and St. Nick disappears out the side door. I follow him, as does Penny. We have our clothes in a supply closet making do as a dressing room for tonight.

  Penny and I change quickly. She chooses a Christmas dress, clearly planning to join the festivities. I brought a holiday dress with me, but I don’t feel like partaking in the party now. I’m just tired, and I just want to slip away early. Slip away to where, I don’t know.

  As though she reads my thoughts, Penny says, “I had a thought.”

  I look at her. “What’s that?”

  “It’s an idea that pops into your head,” she says with a smartass grin.

  I roll my eyes. Penny’s become a close friend during the two years we’ve worked together at the daycare center, and I’m used to her sense of humor. “Funny. What’s your idea though?”

  “You can stay in the daycare center over the weekend. It’s closed until Monday, and there are plenty of nap mats you can stack together to get comfortable. There’s the fridge and the hotplate in the kitchenette.”

  I nod. “You’re a genius, Penny.” I bite my lip temporarily. “Do you think I’ll get in trouble if I get caught?”

  Penny hesitates for a moment and then shrugs. “You’re not too likely to be caught by anyone besides the director. I can’t imagine Angela would give you any problem, since she knows the situation. Security isn’t going to be checking the interior of the daycare with no one there, so I don’t see it as a big risk. They’re not going to fire you. That place can’t run without you.”

  I laugh. “You’re sweet, but no one’s indispensable.” It’s a small risk, but I decide to take it. It saves me the expense and bother of trying to find a hotel room, and maybe I can have a place of my own by next payday, if I can find someone who’ll work with me on a deposit.

  With a plan in mind, I slip on leggings and a tunic instead of the fancy party dress I’d brought too. I feel a moment of regret for not wearing it and partaking, but I’m just worn out after the last few days. The situation with Peter has left me emotionally overwrought, and the whirlwind of being the elf and seeing a parade of children, some happy and some sad, was enough to completely finish draining me.

  I part from Penny and head out of the building. There’s a side entrance not too far from the multifunction room, and I head for it.
I’m almost there when I hear someone say, “Hold the door.” I position my badge over the reader, and the door opens. I look up, recognizing the voice and not at all surprised to see St. Nick approaching.

  Without the beard, wig, and fat suit, St. Nick is a whole lot hotter. His eyes are just as green and mesmerizing as they were, and the rest of the package is damn fine as well. He makes my mouth water.

  He indicates I should go first, so I step through the door. It closes behind me automatically, apparently as a security feature, and there’s no holding it after all. He flashes his badge, and I see it’s black. That means he’s on the executive level, which puts him about a million paygrades above me.

  As he steps out into the cold night air, I snuggle into my thick winter coat. With the temperature in the tens, I’m glad I’m not sleeping in my car after all.

  “Let me buy you dinner.”

  My eyes widen at the unexpected invitation from St. Nick. “I… That’s kind of you, but I’m pretty tired.”

  His expression is open, bordering on vulnerable. He seems eager to spend time with me. “Please? It’s the least I can do for my most helpful elf.”

  I am tired, but I’m also intrigued by this man, and I’d like to get to know him better. “I guess, if you tell me your real name.”

  He grins. “I told you, I’m no saint, but I am Nick.”

  I shake my head, not believing him. “How convenient. You just happen to have the same name as Santa Claus?”

  He chuckles. “You can thank my mom for that. I was one of a set of triplets born on Christmas Day. She gave us all festive names.”

  Now I know he’s full of it, and I laugh. “Of course, you are. Well, Nick, why don’t you buy this elf a gigantic steak?” It’s audacious of me to suggest, but with his black badge, I’m sure he can afford it, and he did issue the invitation.