Page 166 of Santa Daddies

Studying the bracelet, I notice the very specific knot that leaves both ends of the rope loose. “Looks like we both have a thing for rope and knots.”

She giggles nervously. “It’s hemp cord.”

I tug the ends of the cord, snugging the bracelet to her wrist and gently pressing the Krampus charm into the soft skin of her wrist. “Keep me with you until I get back.”

She nods and swallows, distracting herself by grabbing her phone.

“Still no name?” she asks. “Krampus it is.” She adds it to the contact entry.

“You work on your secret. I’ll work on mine.”

She smiles curiously. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’ll tell you Sunday.”

Chapter Eight

Bellamie

My colorful bins of sequins, beads, and felt are spread across my parents’ kitchen table as Jolene, Starla, and our other close friend, Penny, help me with the last few stockings I promised to make for the foster kid agency.

Spending time with Krampus left me scrambling to get them finished. But a text to my besties brought them rushing to my rescue. That’s what friends are for–and hopefully talking Penny into taking my place in the auction.

As added incentive to show up, I made the crowd-pleasing tater-tot taco casserole so they could have a meal too.

“Four days until the auction. So exciting!”

Jolene ties the last gold bead onto a felt reindeer’s neck and gives me a pensive glare. She knows I’m up to something, but focuses on the fun. “Any of your stepbrothers give a hint they know about the auction yet?”

No luck for any of us, even Starla, although my stepbrother’s such an overprotective jerk sometimes, maybe that’s for the best.We’d all hoped our stepbrothers would win us, but definitely won’t be upset if other guys do.

Starla sews silver beads onto a felt snowflake. “I checked the weather and it’s not supposed to snow Friday.”

Jolene whoops. “Good thing. I’d lose my mind if we got snowed out like the virgins from last year.”

Penny attaches reindeer Jolene passed to her onto a felt stocking. “I can’t believe the waitresses stepped up to help. That would be too much for me.”

This is my segue. “Do you regret turning the invitation down, Penny?”

Penny pauses her sewing. We give her a second. “I don’t know how they chose who to send invitations to. Why me? I’ve thought about it so many times–how simple it should be to get on stage, let the men bid, and find a happily ever after.”

“I bet you could still do it.” Jolene grabs her phone.

Penny moves her hands to her lap.“I said it would be simple, not easy. I get anxious just thinking about stepping on stage, presenting myself to the bidders.”

Her breathing heightens, so I rub her shoulder, consoling her as much as my own hopes. “It’s okay, Penny. No one will force you.”

Jolene grins at me. “She’s right, Penny, there’s no pressure for you to participate in the auction if you don’t want to. But–”

A buzz from Jolene’s phone draws her attention, but she taps the screen and continues playfully. “But, I think it’s time we force Bellamie to tell us why she couldn’t finish these stockings last night.”

I set my sewing down and steeple my fingers in front of my mouth. “I took your advice and went out with Krampus.”

“You did?!” Jolene is far too surprised.

It would be pointless to hide what happened, so I explain that he thinks kids are awesome and wants to go on another date Sunday. “I think there’s something real between us.”

“It’s called lust,” Starla says. “You can work out the sexual frustration on Friday.”