December, 2007

“We wish you a Merry Christnas!”  Sam Koenig sang as he jumped up and down on the stairs.  “We wish you a Merry Christnas!  We wish you a Merry Christnas and a Snappy New Year!”

Tori, at age six, was indignant over her little brother’s mispronunciation.  “It’s Christmas, Sammy, not Christnas.  Daddy!  Make him say it right!”

John laughed as Helena headed up the stairs, lifting Sam over the banister to her husband.  “Here, Sam. Let your Daddy tie your tie.”

“It’s ‘Christmas’, Sam,” John corrected his son.

“I know, Daddy,” Sam whispered.  “I just like to make Tori mad.”

“Kiddo, you’ll get along a lot better with women if you don’t try to make them mad.”  John stood his son on the hearth and knelt in front of him to work on that tie.

“Tori isn’t a woman.  She’s my sister!”  Sam replied, indignantly.

John heard a roaring sound outside and looked out the sliding glass door.  “Helena!  It’s starting to rain.”

“Good,” Helena replied, coming back down the stairs with Tori.  “It’s been so hot and muggy I was having a hard time believing it’s almost Christmas.”

There was a pounding on the front door.  Helena rushed to open it, and Robert and Susan hurried through.  Susan was holding a magazine over her head.

“Grampy!”  “Grammy!”  The children dashed toward their grandparents.

“Oh, don’t you two look wonderful!”  Susan exclaimed.  Tori’s hair was swept up on top of her head, then curls tumbled down from a red ribbon.  Her dress was red velvet with white lace trim.  Sam looked like a miniature of his father in dark slacks, white shirt, and black tie with little reindeer on it.

“I thought we were going to beat the rain,” Robert said as he kissed his daughter.  “Another two minutes and we would have.”

“We were worrying that you wouldn’t make it.”

“And miss Sam’s first Christmas program?”  Susan said.  “We wouldn’t possibly miss it.”

“Is everyone all packed?”  Robert asked.

Tori put her hand in her Grandfather’s and looked up at him.  “We’re both packed.  Mama helped Sam, but I packed all by myself.”

“Did you pack warm clothes, Tori dear?”  Susan asked.  “The weather report on the radio said that once this rain moves through, the temperature is going to start dropping.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Tori nodded vigorously.  “I packed my new pink corduroy overalls and my bunny sweatshirt and my red sweater with the Scottie dogs on it.”

“And you’ll need a forklift to get the suitcase in the trunk,” John said quietly to Robert.

Robert gave a low chuckle and put his hand on John’s shoulder, drawing him away from the others.  “Thanks for letting us take the kids.”

“We should be thanking you, Robert.  You sure you want to take all five of them on the plane?”

Robert nodded.  “Couldn’t leave any of them out.  Even Susie is old enough to get her feelings hurt if we leave her behind, now.  We’ll be fine.  Susan is in heaven.”

Robert had called John right after Thanksgiving and recruited him to lobby Helena and Melissa to come to Texas for Christmas.  No matter what was going on in their lives, Susan had always been at home for Christmas.  Melissa had suggested the grandparents come to Florida this year, and Susan was devastated.  She wanted the family at home together for Christmas and for her, home was, and always had been, Miller’s Bluff. John knew quite well, that no matter how hardnosed Robert was with anyone else, he made sure that Susan Thompson always got her way.

They had finally worked out a plan that Robert and Susan would spend most of December at their condo in Vero Beach, then, once the children were out of school they would leave for Texas, taking the kids with them.  Helena had ER duty from midnight to eight a.m. on Christmas Eve, then they could fly to Texas.  Alan, Melissa and John could work next week until Christmas Eve too.  They would then take the week between Christmas and New Year’s off.

Susan handed Helena a card.  “Here’s the phone number of the hotel we’ll be at tonight and tomorrow night.  And the flight information for Saturday.”

“Thanks, Mom.  Let’s get raincoats on everyone and get going.”

“Where are the kids’ bags?”  Robert asked.

“I put them in the garage,” John said.  “Let’s get them in your car.”

“I rented a Suburban this time.  Only thing big enough to haul all the kids.”

“Minivan?”  John smirked.

“Don’t be insulting, boy.”

“Can I ride with Grampy?”  Sam asked. 

“Of course, you can,” Susan assured him.  “Just get your raincoat on.”

In short order the kids were belted into the Suburban and they were headed to the elementary school where Sam and Tori, as well as their cousins Geoff and Robbie would be performing.  Susie sat on her Grandpa’s lap in the audience, the only child in the clan not yet in school.  The play was short, the music charming.  None of their kids forgot their lines, although Robbie did spot his grandfather and wave at him when they first assembled on the risers.  Alan was equipped with a digital still camera and a digital camcorder.  Helena and Melissa sat on either side of him offering advice on what to film. 

After the play, they added the Carter kids’ bags to the Suburban while Alan secured Susie’s car seat in the middle seat.  Melissa held Susie, saying goodbye to the kids.  She seemed a bit reluctant to let her go. 

Goodbyes finished, Robert and Susan drove away and Alan asked if they wanted to meet somewhere for drinks.  John exchanged a look with Helena and interpreted correctly that she wasn’t interested in going.  They parted ways and drove home.

The rain had stopped but the streets were still wet, reflecting the Christmas lights on the homes in their neighborhood.  The jazz station Helena preferred was playing Christmas songs by Kenny G.  Helena leaned over and put her head on John’s shoulder.  He put his arm around her, glad they had taken her Volvo rather than his Corvette, which would have required him to shift.  They drove slowly around the neighborhood enjoying the various light displays before returning home.  John noticed the temperature on the car’s external thermometer.

“That cold front must have gone through.  The temperature has dropped nearly ten degrees since we left home,” John said.  “Did you turn the heat on before we left?”

“No, it was in the mid seventies then.  I didn’t think about it.”

“I’ll put the gas fireplace on.  With just the two of us, we don’t need the upstairs heated anyway.”  The garage door opened, John drove in and stopped.  “Just the two of us.  What a rare occurrence.”

Helena smiled.  “How about some of that brandy Guido sent you?”

“Sounds good, I’ll fix it after I light the fire.”

“I’m going to go change out of these dress clothes,” Helena said, flipping the switch in the study.  Instead of the light by John’s chair coming on, the Christmas tree lights were now attached to the wall socket controlled by the switch.  Twinkling multicolored lights, reflected off of the glass balls and other ornaments on the tree, lit the room. 

Helena moved to turn on another light but John put out his hand.  “Don’t.  It’s pretty like this.”

“Yes,” she agreed.  “It is, isn’t it?”  She smiled at him.  “I’ll be right back.”

He nodded, moved to the fireplace to light the fire.  He remembered the first time she had brought him here.  It had rained then too, and the lights went out.  He lit a series of candles on the mantle then he turned on the stereo, tuning the radio from the Disney station the children favored to Helena’s jazz station.  Michael Franks was singing “The Christmas Song” with a decidedly tropical laid-back beat.  He moved to the bar and poured brandy into two small crystal snifters.  He brought them both back to the end table and sat in his favorite chair. 

He leaned back, half dozing, enjoying the twinkling lights and the taste of the very fine brandy.  He didn’t see Helena lean over his shoulder and pick up the remote from the stereo, but he opened his eyes when the music stopped and a disk began to play.

Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me
I've been an awful good girl
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Helena moved into his view and at first he thought she was wearing a sable coat. Then she turned and the silk robe reflected the candlelight and the lights from the tree, making the patterned silk shine like a peacock’s feathers.  The robe was trimmed with black ostrich feathers.  She shrugged the robe off of one shoulder, bare skin gleaming in the soft light.  

Santa baby, an fifty-four convertible too, light blue
I'll wait up for you dear
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

She blew him a kiss and let the robe slip from her other shoulder.  He could see black ribbons held up something, but it was short.  Her legs were bare.  The look she gave him seemed to warm the room faster than the gas logs in the fireplace.

Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed
Next year I could be oh so good
If you'd check off my Christmas list
Boo doo bee doo

She sauntered closer and loosened the tie he was wearing. 

It was a black teddy.  The breasts were covered with lace and there was netting that seemed to hold the lace together.

Santa honey, I wanna yacht and really that's
Not a lot
I've been an angel all year
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

She pulled away from him, taking his tie with her.  The robe slipped down her arms.  Oh, man, she had a beautiful body.  Even after all these years he was still stunned by the sight of her. 

Santa cutie, there's one thing I really do need, the deed
To a platinum mine
Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight

She winked and blew him a kiss, then slowly dropped the robe to the floor.  She continued to dance lazily around the room, pausing to pick up her brandy for a sip.

Santa baby, I'm filling my stocking with a duplex, and checks
Sign your 'X' on the line
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

As she moved by him again, she unbuttoned his shirt.  Her eyes moved to his crotch and he knew it was no secret that she was having quite an effect on him.  She stood in front of him with her legs spread wide.  Slowly, she drew her hands down his chest, past his hips and down his thighs. 

Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany's
I really do believe in you
Let's see if you believe in me
Boo doo bee doo

She leaned down; giving a little shake that jiggled her breasts, almost making him lose control.  He tried to reach for her but she stopped him.

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
I don't mean a phone
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

She reached to his belt, drawing her finger across the buckle, then pausing at the clip that held his phone.  She took it from him, turned the phone off and placed it on the table.

Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight

Slowly, so slowly, she unfastened his belt and his pants.  With a twinkle in her eye, she spread his legs apart and knelt between them.  She looked into his eyes and smiled, then as the player moved on to a soft jazz version of “All I want for Christmas is You” she leaned down and took his hard member into her mouth.

He gasped with the pleasure.  He could no longer hear the music that was playing or recognize it.  He nearly dropped the glass he was holding in one hand.  He’d forgotten it was there.  He put it on the table and ran his hands through her silky hair.

“Helena—“ It was his last coherent thought for a while.  He gave up trying to touch her or caress her.  He no longer seemed to have any coordination.  Her lips, tongue and fingernails were creating his entire universe.  He leaned back in the chair, his eyes rolling back in his head; almost unconscious with the incredible sensations he was receiving.  Suddenly they had gone from Christmas to Independence Day.  Christmas lights became fireworks.  Christmas carols became the Hallelujah Chorus.  His breath came in gasps as he peaked, surging into her in a wave that felt as if it would never end.

She moved back slightly.  He wanted to pull her to him.  He could barely breathe.  She smiled a triumphant smile and he was completely under her spell.  She sat in his lap, reaching for her drink.  He picked up his own and took a sip, feeling the fire spread down his throat, a pale echo of the fire he had just experienced.

She leaned her head against his shoulder.  He felt completely drained, and completely relaxed.  He could barely lift his drink.

“The whole weekend to ourselves,” she murmured.  “Whatever will we do with all that time?”

“I’m sure…” he said, moving his hand up and down her body.  “We can find some way to occupy the time.”

The alarm rang rudely.  John reached out a hand and flipped the switch, turning it from buzz to radio and the news station they listened to in the morning came on. 

The tune ran through his head unbidden.  Oh, man!  Last night….  He turned over and looked at Helena, still asleep beside him.  She was so incredible.  He reached out, wanting to return the favor.  He had been incapable of doing so last night; Helena had been so completely thorough.

Her eyes popped open as the radio announced the time.  “Did you change the alarm?”

“I didn’t think we had to get up quite so early since we didn’t have to get the kids off to school.”

“True, but I planned to work on that journal article.  My deadline is mid January.”  She rolled away from him after kissing him quickly. “I need a shower.” 

Before he knew it she was gone.

He lay in bed listening as the water was turned on in the shower, the song still running through his head.

“John?  Will you put a poptart in the toaster for me?”  Helena called from the shower.

“Sure, honey.”  John got up.  Tonight, he promised himself. 

He got to work before Melissa and Alan.  They arrived hand-in-hand, looking more like lovers than co-workers.  Melissa kissed her husband and headed for her office.  Alan peered over John’s shoulder at the plans he was working on today.  “Mel was a little nervous about sending Susie with the others last night, but I got her mind off of it. You should have come with us.” 

John grinned.  “Helena wasn’t in the mood for a crowd last night, if you know what I mean.”

Alan chuckled.  “Good for her.”

John leaned back and shook his head.  “She was… absolutely incredible.”  He was about to continue when his phone rang.  “Later,” he promised Alan as he reached for the phone.

Alan nodded and left with a wave.

“John?”

It was Helena.  “Good morning, baby.” 

“Honey, I just got a call from Peter Hankel.  My editor?”

“Yeah, I remember Peter.  We met him last year when we were in New York.  When you signed the contract for these books you’re writing.”

“He’s in Florida—or will be, this afternoon.  He wants to take us out to dinner tonight.”

“What did you tell him?”

“That I had to talk to you.  He’s on the other line.  I know we intended to spend the evening alone, but …”

John smiled sadly.  “But it wouldn’t be hospitable, would it?”  He knew her well.

“Thank you for understanding.  He doesn’t come down often.”

“Where are we going?”

“I was thinking of that new place over on the Beach.  The one with the great view?”

“Think we can get in?”

“I’ll call for reservations.”

“Okay.  I’ll be home around 5:30.  What time do you want to meet him?”

“I’ll try for reservations at 7:30.  That gives us a little time for us.”

“I like that,” John said.  “See you then.”

The song ran through his mind throughout the day. 

He hummed it all the way home, thinking about Helena waiting for him.  She was still at her computer when he came in the house.  She waved to him and said, “I’m in the middle of something.  Just give me a few minutes.” 

He nodded and headed to the kitchen.  There was a hors d’ourves tray in the refrigerator and a pitcher of sangria.  Peter must be coming by here first.  John headed for the shower, hoping that Helena might join him.

As he stepped out of the shower, still humming, he heard the phone ring.  He shaved and dressed and found Helena curled on the sofa in the living room with the phone.

“Here he is.  You can tell him yourself,” Helena was saying.

“Who is it?”  John asked, hoping to get rid of them quickly.

“Your daughter,” she smiled and handed him the phone.

All hopes of a quick conversation were dashed, but still, John was pleased.  “Hi honey,” he said.

“Hi Daddy!”  Tori began her nonstop rundown of the day, from breakfast in the hotel where Mickey Mouse actually came and sat at their table, to the electric boat parade they would be going to see soon. 

She finally passed the phone to Sam who told him about all the same things, although Sam added with disdain that Grammy had taken them all shopping because she was worried that they didn’t have enough warm clothes.  “Daddy,” Sam complained.  “We could have ridden Space Mountain five more times instead of going to dumb old Downtown Disney.”

“What kind of clothes did she buy you?”

“I got a Buzz Lightyear sweatsuit, and a jacket with Kermit the Frog on it,” Sam said with more enthusiasm.  “Then Grampy took us boys to the Lego store.  Daddy, they had an Eagle kit!  You should have seen it.”

“That sounds great, Sam.”  John was pretty sure if the boys liked it, Robert bought it and it would be under the tree on Christmas morning.  “Did you get to talk to your mother?”

“Not yet.”

John gave the phone back to Helena who listened to all the things Sam had to say and motioned for John to get things out of the refrigerator.  Sam evidently gave the phone back to his grandmother because when he returned Helena was having a discussion about clothes and the weather with her.  Then talk turned to the Christmas menu and John knew there would be no time alone with Helena before their guest arrived.

Peter Hankel arrived just after Helena hung up with her mother.  He arrived with a lovely young brunette on his arm that he introduced as his new wife, Clara.  Peter was a pleasant fellow, very knowledgeable about the publishing industry, and his specialty was medical texts.  Helena’s popular accounts of their travels sold exceptionally well, but her heart was in the journal articles, scholarly papers and medical texts she had been writing.  She took them very seriously and John knew she saw them as the most logical extension of her career, sharing her expertise with others. 

John and Clara found themselves making small talk while Helena and Peter talked shop.  The earliest reservation Helena could get was eight-thirty.  The temperature was still dropping, since a second cold front blew through that afternoon.  They couldn’t eat on the deck, so had to settle for a table at the window. 

Peter and Clara were due to leave on a cruise in two days and they planned a trip to Disney World the following day.  When they headed to their hotel at a little after ten, John was relieved.  He drove home, anticipating some time with his wife.  After all, it wasn’t that late, and they didn’t have to get up in the morning.

He set a sprinkler to spray water between their two small citrus trees.  That would keep the cold from doing so much damage.  He and Helena turned off lights and headed for the bedroom.  Helena was describing the things she had discussed with Peter, thinking them over out loud.  John didn’t really have an opinion as to what chapter should go first, veins or arteries, pulmonary artery or the various heart chambers, he simply listened and agreed with her.  He was already lying down by the time she finished in the bathroom, and didn’t even hear her come to bed.

The following morning, Helena rolled over and cuddled up to him.  “It’s cold,” she murmured.

“I’ll check the heat,” John said with a sigh.  Helena rolled over into the warm spot he vacated.  John checked the thermostat in the living room and noticed the thermometer on the porch by the pool.  It read twenty-five degrees.  He frowned.  That was unusual.  He looked outside and could see the two small orange trees covered in a coating of icicles.  He returned to bed.

“Everything all right?”  Helena asked. 

“Yes, the heat is on, but these heat pumps they sell in Florida aren’t really designed for serious cold.  It’s twenty-five outside and fifty-five in the house.  The heater is pumping out heat as fast as it can.”

“Then we should just stay in bed for a while and find a way to keep warm,” Helena suggested.

“Oh, I can think of a way to keep warm,” John said.  He moved his hand down her body and pulled her closer.

“I like the way you think, Commander.”

“I’m not a commander anymore.”

Green eyes met his.  “I’m yours to command.”

John chuckled.  “Darling, I couldn’t command you even when we were on Alpha.”  Before she could respond he placed his lips over hers, commanding her with his body rather than verbal orders.

His hand found its way between her legs and pulled up her nightgown.  She clung to him, encouraging and inviting him.  He rolled on top of her.

The phone rang.

John barely glanced at it.  “Ignore it.”

Helena glanced at the phone too, then raised her eyebrow.  John acknowledged her silent protest.  Yes, it could be the children.   He sighed and nodded, but did not roll off of her.

“Hello?”

He placed his ear to the phone too and Helena shifted slightly.

“Cake!  There’s a great sale at the bike store this morning.  How about we pick you guys up and go get the kids bikes.  Then we can get breakfast.”  It was Melissa.

“We’ve already got their Christmas presents.  And I’m not taking bikes to Texas anyway.”

“But their birthdays are coming up fast.  They have that little pink bike that Tori was wanting for half price.  I tell you, Cake, the prices are so good for this sale, we’re going to get a couple of bikes for us too.  We can take them on that new trail the county just finished along that railroad right-of-way.”

“Mel,” John growled.  “You’re cutting into my personal time, here.”

Melissa just laughed.  “Come on, John.  Just give her a quickie and be ready to go in twenty minutes.”  A click ended the phone connection.

John looked down at Helena as she turned off the phone and put it back on the nightstand.

She smiled up at him.  “John, I don’t want a ‘quickie’.”

He sighed and rolled off of her.  She was up quickly.  “I’ll fix some coffee while you get dressed.”

“Your sister has the world’s worst timing,” John grumbled.

Helena laughed as she pulled a warm robe from the closet.  She remembered hearing her father grumble that on more than one occasion.  It hadn’t occurred to her then that this was what he meant, but now she understood.

Alan and Mel arrived in fifteen minutes, not twenty.  They accepted covered cups of coffee and they all left in the Carter’s Navigator.  John and Helena shared the back seat, pushing aside small cars and Star Wars figures left behind by their nephews.  Helena and Melissa talked about their plans to visit the hairdresser this afternoon.

“You won’t be home?”  John asked.

“No, I’ve had this appointment for ages.  There’ll be no time to get my hair done before we leave if it’s not done today.”

“I’m going to get a bit of shopping done,” Alan said.  “Want to go with me?”

Shopping sounded like a good idea, but an idea was forming and he turned Alan down.  “I think I’ll strike out on my own.  Thanks, anyway.”

Alan nodded and they pulled into the parking lot of the bike store.  John leaned over to Helena.  “I’ll take care of supper tonight.”

“Oh?” she asked.  “Where are we eating?”

“At home.  I can cook.”  At Helena’s skeptical look he added, “Really!  I can.”

“Okay.  I’ll be home around four and am all yours for the evening.”  Helena smiled.

“I’ll take that as a promise.”

“It is,” she squeezed his hand and they headed into the bike store.

It was a good sale.  They bought bikes for everyone and made arrangements for assembly and delivery.  After a late breakfast Alan dropped the girls off at his house first to pick up Melissa’s car, then dropped John off.  Alan was headed to a jewelry store in Vero Beach.

“Aren’t there jewelry stores around here?”  John asked.

“We like this place.  She knows Mel’s sizes and preferences and that makes it easy for me to shop.”

John shrugged and headed inside.  He had a lot to do before four this afternoon.  He got the Corvette out of the garage and headed first to the mall, then to the grocery store.  He hoped Helena explained to her sister that they didn’t want interruptions tonight.

He went to the mall first.  Instead of the lingerie shop Helena usually used he went to the other place that had a slightly more risqué reputation.  He was pleased with his selections.  They had exactly what he wanted. But it was still cold outside and he knew the heat in the house was not designed for this kind of weather.  There had been a sale flyer from a department store in the paper this morning.  He’d seen it at the restaurant this morning.  They had the perfect thing.  He headed down the mall to the Beall’s store.  His and hers matching robes, in plush red with white collars.  He compared the red to the trim on the outfit he had already purchased.  Helena would notice whether or not the colors matched.  He was quite pleased with himself.  At the last moment, a pair of red satin pajamas caught his eye and he selected a robe for himself as well as the pajamas.  As he walked by the housewares section a set of dishes caught his eye.  They had a Santa in a sleigh.

He had to get them.  He also picked up a set of satin sheets in a deep burgundy for their bed.  He could hardly wait to get home.

On his way out, he stopped at the jewelry store.  There was already something wrapped and in his suitcase for her, but a pretty diamond pendant caught his eye in the window and he made a quick purchase. 

Next was the grocery store.  The meat department had a terrific seafood section.  They would even prepare certain items for you.  He ordered four steamed lobster tails and went to select the rest of dinner while waiting for the lobster. He selected a nice corn salad from the deli and grabbed some crisp green beans as he circled produce.  On the way back to the seafood counter, he encountered a woman giving out samples of chocolate covered strawberries.  He tried one and immediately knew Helena would love them. Grabbing a dozen, he rounded his cart and headed back retrieve the lobsters.

As he exited the grocery, he spotted the spirits store. He sent the bag boy to this car with the keys.  Quickly, he selected a California white wine to go with the lobster and a desert champagne to compliment the strawberries.  He made it to the car just as the bag boy was closing the passenger door.  He tipped him a five and jumped in his car.

John drove down the interstate practically at mach one.  He hoped to beat Helena back home and set his plan into action.  However, three miles from home, he encountered a holiday traffic jam.

“Damn.”  He swore under his breath. He sat in the traffic impatiently tapping his fingers on the wheel to some of the Christmas carols that were playing on the radio.

Brrrringggg

“Hello.”  John said into his cell phone.

“John, where are you?”  Alan asked.

“Stuck in traffic.”  John pulled the Corvette sideways in his lane in an effort to see what was holding things up.

“I just talked to the bike shop.  They can’t get that bell or those Barbie spoke covers that Tori wanted.  He said for you to check HouseMart.  He thinks they carry them.”

“Housemart?”

“Yeah, there’s one close to your house.” 

“Okay, I see it.  It’s at the next ramp.  I’ll stop and see if I can find some.”

“Alright, do you and Helena want to meet for dinner?”

“I think we’ll stay in tonight.” John said casually.

“Alright then.  See you in the morning Mate.”

“Alan?”

“Yeah.”

“Do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Don’t call us.” 

“Don’t call you?”  Alan could hear the grin in John’s voice.  “OH! Don’t call YOU!”  He said with a laugh.  “Okay,  I get the picture.  See you in the morning.”

“Thanks.” 

John hung up the phone and pulled off the highway at the next ramp.  He quickly found a parking spot and headed into HouseMart with a new spring in his step.  Even if Helena didn’t take care of her sister, Alan would.  A young man wearing a HouseMart apron pointed John in the direction of the Barbie spokes. He found them in the bike department and headed to the front of the store. 

As he neared the cashier’s stands, a woman’s voice came over the loud speaker and announced a sale on the fresh Rosemary Christmas trees in the Garden Center.  John grinned.  He knew Helena loved the smell of fresh Rosemary.  He headed to the Garden Center to select a tree.

The rosemary trees stood three feet tall and were planted in decorated buckets.  John eyed them carefully, trying to pick the best one.  They were adorned with red bows and small Christmas balls but did not have any lights.  There was a stand containing small lights near the trees.  He selected his tree and sat it down beside him.  Then he turned his attention back to the light display.  He knelt down and fingered the light packages.

“I think you should get two packs.” A soft sultry totally feminine voice came from behind him.  John glanced up and found himself looking at a very long elegant set of legs.  The legs were covered with sheer black stockings that John knew probably only reached to her thighs. He followed the legs up to a short leather skirt.  The skirt led up to a tightly fitting beige cashmere sweater.  Across the arm that hung closest to him, a black fur coat dangled.

John stood.

“I have one of these trees in my bedroom and they most definitely need two packs of lights.  The lights really give off a soft romantic glow.”  The tall brunette woman flashed him a wide white smile.

“Really?”  John replied with a smile, his ego kicking into high gear.

“I’m Sheena Bakerfield.”  The leggy brunette extended her hand. 

“Hello,  Sheena Bakerfield.  I’m ….”

“Alan Carter.  I’ve seen your picture on television.” She said with a purr. “I’ve heard about your wild side. You’re even more handsome in person.”

John’s smile faded.  “Actually, I’m not Alan Carter.  My name is John Koenig.  Alan is my brother in law.”

The brunette blushed.  “I’m sorry.  You do look familiar though.  Are you in the space program too?”

John smiled politely. “I was on the same mission with Alan.”

Sheena’s face lit up.  “You’re the one.  You’re the Commander. The Space Hero.”

John shrugged.  “I was the Commander of Alpha but not any more.”

“Oh John, you must forgive me.  I do know who you are. I just called you by the wrong name.”  Sheena gently touched him arm.   

“Excuse me, folks.” A HouseMart worker brushed be carrying some fresh Christmas wreaths.

“Well that’s okay. I’m sure Alan’s had the same thing happen to him.”  John said, although he doubted it.

Sheena blushed.  “Well, thank you for being so understanding. You really are an incredibly handsome man, John.”

It was John’s turn to blush.  “Thank you.”

“You have wonderful eyes and a great smile.”  Sheena’s painted red lips cooed.

John blushed a brighter shade of red.

“No need to be shy, John.”  Sheena’s batted her eyes.

John’s gaze was drawn to the red lips and he briefly wondered what Sheena would look like in the outfit he had picked up for Helena.  Helena! The reason he was looking at the trees!  John turned his attention back to the lights.

“So two packs of lights huh?”  John leaned forward and reached for two packs of miniature white lights.

“Oh yes, two provides the right amount of glow for grand love making.”  Sheena’s leaned forward and whispered into his ear.

John stood abruptly and cleared his throat.  “I’m sure that will be fine with my wife.”

Sheena’s perfectly shaped eye brow rose.  “You’re married?”

“Very.”  John removed her hand from where it rested on his arm.

“Then why did she send you to the store looking so positively yummy?” Sheena licked her lips.

“Actually, she didn’t send me out.  I left on my own.”  John looked around.

“She’s a brave woman.  I mean, you look good enough to eat with a spoon,  John Koenig.”  Sheena purred.

John cleared his throat.  “Well, thank you.  I guess.”  John looked around again.  “I hate to run but my wife is waiting for me at home.”

Sheena reached into her purse and removed a card.  “Well,  if you ever get lonely and want to talk trees or lights,  give me a call.”  Sheena winked as she stuffed her card into John’s coat pocket. 

“Have a good holiday,  Sheena.” John said quickly as he turned to walk away. 

“You too, John.”  Sheena whispered just as she reached out and pinched John’s lower cheek.

He made his way to the checkout counter with a satisfied smile. He still had it when it came to women.  However, he did remove Sheena’s card from his pocket.  He would drop it in the first trash can he passed.

He arrived home with an hour to spare before he expected Helena.  He unpacked the car, placing groceries in the kitchen and heading to the bedroom with his other purchases.

He placed the little tree on Helena’s dresser and quickly wound the lights around them.  The effect when he plugged them in was very nice.  Next the sheets.  He put their other sheets in the laundry and spread the new sheets on the bed, then pulled up the comforter and pillow shams.  She wouldn’t see those until later. 

He put his own pajamas in his closet along with his robe, hanging them up so he could slip into them quickly.  He had a plan. 

Helena’s new outfit he also placed in his closet with a smile.  He closed the door firmly and headed to the kitchen.

The steamed lobsters he placed in the oven on warm inside their protective box.  He found the wine chiller and filled it with ice for the Champagne.  The green beans were quickly cut, cleaned and placed in the steamer.  He found two cans of clam chowder from Chalet Suzanne, a little gourmet restaurant over in the hills near Lake Wales.  Helena loved their soups.  He placed that in a bowl to be microwaved.

The table had a Christmas cloth and decoration on it, including red tapers.  He unpacked two place settings of the new dishes and placed them on the table.  He added silverware, then looked down at the soup bowl.  It was a bit dusty.  He quickly picked up the new plates and bowls and took them to the sink.  After washing them with hot soapy water and drying them he placed them back on the table with a sense of satisfaction.  They looked great.  

There was a crystal dish in the china cabinet that Helena used for deviled eggs.  It had little indentations for the eggs.  He pulled it out and placed the strawberries on it.  Then he added some whipped cream to the center.  He set that in the refrigerator.

It was almost time for Helena to come home.  He checked the heat and turned the thermostat up higher.  The temperature outside was in the mid sixties, cold for a mid-afternoon temperature in Cocoa Beach.  He returned to the bathroom and started a hot bath for her, adding a Jasmine-Vanilla bath oil that she liked.  On the label in fancy script it indicated this was the scent for seduction.  He smiled.  That was certainly his aim.

Santa baby…

He went back to the kitchen and poured a large glass of Helena’s favorite white wine.  He set it on the side of the bathtub just as he heard the front door slam and he headed for the hallway.

Helena was just pulling off her heavy fur coat.  “It’s really windy out there, and the temperature is already falling.”

He took the coat.  The brown and golden fur accented her hair.  It matched her even better than that black coat Sheena had been wearing.

“Well, I’ve got some plans to keep you warm tonight,” he said, giving her a sweet kiss on the cheek.  “I’m filling the tub right now.”

“Mmmm.  You’re too sweet,” she said with a smile.  “And you’re fixing me dinner too?”

“Yes, ma’am.  It’s all under control.”  He took her arm and walked her to the bathroom.  “Your hair looks great.”

Helena laughed.  “You’re such a liar.  You can never tell when I’ve gotten my hair done.”

“That’s because you always look beautiful to me.”

Helena laughed again.  “Oh, John!  What a beautiful little tree!”

“I hoped you would like it.  I had to stop at Housemart and get those Barbie spoke covers for the bike and when I saw these I thought of you.”

“It smells lovely.  Thank you.”  She reached up and gave him a soft kiss. 

Although he wanted to put his arms around her, he stuck to his master plan.  Pulling back, he gave her a push toward the tub.  “Your bath is waiting.”

“Thank you.”  She headed for the bathroom and noted the glass of wine.  “Why Commander Koenig.  Are you trying to seduce me?”

“I assure you, Doctor.  I’ve only just begun.”  They exchanged warm smiles.

As she slipped out of her clothes he removed the white fluffy bath sheet from the rack and headed out of the room.  He stopped by his closet and pulled out his robe as well.  He took both out to the dryer, turned it to its warmest cycle and headed back in to check on supper.  He turned on the chowder, checked the beans and lobster, and returned to the bedroom with his own glass of wine.

He quickly pulled off his own clothes and donned the Santa hat he’d purchased.  A glance at the shelf in his closet and the wooden box of cigars caught his eye.  He didn’t smoke often.  Never in front of the kids, and rarely since Victor died.  On the rare occasions when Cellini would visit they would take a few cigars and head for a bar where they could talk and drink and smoke.  He grinned and pulled one of the cigars from the box.  He stepped to the bedroom door and watched Helena.  Her eyes were closed.  She was leaning back in the tub, sipping her wine.

“Ho, ho, ho,” he said softly.

“Well Santa I can see that you're up to your old tricks again!” she chuckled.

“Care to be a little naughty with Santa, little girl?”

She patted the edge of the tub.  “Why don’t you come over here and tell me what Santa wants for Christmas.”

He joined her, sitting on the edge of the tub.  “Santa’s getting exactly what he wants right now.”

She reached out a hand covered with bubbles and stroked him.  “No blue pills needed here,” she teased.  She reached up and took the unlit cigar from his lips and put it to her own.  Her gaze wandered over his body.  “Aren’t you a bit chilly, Santa?  Perhaps you should join me in here.”

“I would… but dinner is already cooking and I guarantee it would be very, very late if I join you in the tub.”  He took the cigar from her mouth and returned it to his own.

“Later, perhaps?”  She asked hopefully.

“Oh, I have all sorts of activities planned,” John said with a mischievous grin.  “I’ll go get your towel.”

She drained her glass and watched him leave.  He pulled on his own red robe, laid out her new outfit on the bed and headed to the dryer to retrieve the warm towel and robe.

He placed the towel by the tub.  “I’m going to put dinner on the table.  I’ve laid out something for you on the bed.”

“Is that a new robe?”

“Why, yes it is.  Do you like it?”

“Do I get one too?”

“It’s warmed and waiting for you.”

She smiled and stood.  He helped her from the tub and wrapped her in the towel, then headed quickly for the kitchen.  They had all night and he didn’t want to blow dinner and all his plans by getting distracted.

When she joined him in the dining room he was just putting the lobster on the table. 

“So, Santa.  Is this what you had in mind for me?”  She was wearing the new red robe pulled tightly around her.  “Or this?” she asked when she had his attention.  She let the robe hang loosely.  Red spaghetti straps held up a sheer babydoll top with red bra cups trimmed in white fur.  The sheer white fabric that hung from the bra was trimmed in red and tied with red ribbon that ended with jingle bells.  White lacy underpants were trimmed with red and a tiny green wreath. She also wore white thigh high hose with lace tops, red ribbon and jingle bells.  She had added a pair of red mules with a sexy narrow heel and a red satin santa cap.  She sauntered to the table, pulled out a chair and sat, leaning forward just a bit to emphasize her cleavage, legs spread to show the slit in the crotch of the panties.

John swallowed hard.  He wanted her now!  How would he make it through supper?  “Oh, baby, that’s exactly what I had in mind.”

She smiled, enjoying a seduction that had become mutual.   “Mmmm, champagne.  That looks good.”  She cut her eyes at him and he came back to life with a start.

“Oh, yes.  I’ll get it opened.”  He wrapped a towel around the bottle and twisted the wire cage.  There was a muffled pop and he turned to find Helena standing very close, holding the champagne flutes.

“New plates?”  she asked as he poured.

“Do you like them?”  He asked anxiously.

“They’re lovely.  You’ve really gone all out.  The lobster looks fantastic.  And chocolate strawberries for desert!  With,” she dipped a finger in the center of the crystal dish.  “Whipped cream?”  She put her finger in her mouth, sucking the whipped cream from it.

The temperature of the room seemed to increase as he watched her.  She smiled again, dipped her finger in the cream again and offered it to him.  He took her finger into his mouth, barely tasting the sweet substance on it.

“Good, isn’t it?”

“You’re good,” he said as she slowly pulled her finger from his mouth.  “You’re the most delicious thing I’ve ever encountered.”

“Really?”  She dipped her finger in the cream again.  This time she dabbed it against the satin over her nipples leaving two puffy white peaks that absolutely mesmerized him.  “Oh, how careless of me,” she said without any sign of regret.

“Let me take care of that for you,” he said, his voice coming to his ears as if from afar.  He could barely breathe, much less talk.  He reached over and lifted her gently onto the bar.  This placed her breasts just on level with his mouth.  He leaned forward and gently licked the cream from each nipple, leaving two tiny damp spots on the fabric.  He parted the sheer white of the skirt and moved his hands down her body.

“Is Santa interested in unwrapping his present early?”  Helena said with amusement.

“Oh, Santa is very, very tempted,” John said, voice husky with desire.  He kissed her neck and trailed kisses down her chest, burying his face between her breasts.  She smelled of the jasmine vanilla bath and he wanted to taste her.

“John,” she whispered into his ear.  “I want you.”

It was all he could do to pull back from her.  He met her gorgeous green eyes.  Soon.  He would have her soon.  But not quite yet.  “Dinner before desert,” he said firmly.  He lifted her down from the counter and held out her chair for her. 

The song was still running through his mind as they ate each course.  He had placed a stack of disks in the stereo and they were playing Christmas music softly.  The lobster was perfectly cooked, the beans and the salad were just right to complement them.  He refilled their champagne glasses and toasted his beautiful wife.  He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her and she seemed to be looking at him every time he looked at her. 

When she had finished, he picked up a berry and leaned across the table to feed it to her.

“Mmm, delicious.”  She smiled at him.

“You are delicious.”  He stood and picked up the plates.

“You don’t have to do that.  I’ll take care of it later.”

“No,” John said with a smile.  “Remember that magazine you were reading the other night?  I noticed that one of the ten sexiest things a man can do is clean the kitchen without being asked.”

Helena laughed as John continued to the kitchen.  “You don’t need a list of things to do to be sexy,” she said, resting her elbow on the table and her chin in her palm.  “You just are sexy.”

“Never hurts to take a few pointers.  This won’t take long.  Why don’t you pour us some cognac?”

Helena moved to the bar, jingle bells from hose and nightie tinkling.  John enjoyed the view as she walked across the room.  “You are definitely trying to get me drunk,” she accused.

“I am definitely trying to take advantage of our rare time alone in the house.”

“It doesn’t happen often,” she admitted.  She returned to the table with the cognac.  The only thing left on the table was the dish with the berries.  “I’m not finished with those yet,” she warned.

“I didn’t think you were,” he smiled.  “Are you going to share?”

She selected a berry, dipped it in cream and brought it to her lips.  “I’ll share anything with you.”  She licked the cream from the berry suggestively as her eyes locked with his.

Fire spread from his head to his toes.  He turned back to the kitchen, determined not to leave the job unfinished.  She joined him, sitting on the counter, arranging her legs so that he had an incredible view of her beautiful legs.  He noticed that the lace in the crotch of the panties had parted and blonde curls were peaking out.  She dipped another berry and again licked off the cream before eating it.

“We’re going to need more cream,” she told him as he put the last dish in the dishwasher.

“I’ve got more right here,” he told her.  He opened the refrigerator and pulled out the little white tub.  He heaped up the cream in the center of the dish.  “What are you planning to do with all this cream?” 

“Oh, I think we can be a bit creative,” she said casually.  She handed him his glass of cognac and moved gracefully from the counter.  Taking the bowl of berries she led him to the bedroom.

It was lit solely with the light from the little rosemary tree and the colored lights from the Christmas tree in the next room.  She sat the plate and her glass on the nightstand while John pulled back the comfortor.  The sheets gleamed in the low light.

“New sheets!”  She said with surprise.  She sat down and  ran her hands across them.  “Satin.  Santa, you naughty boy.”  John turned to his dresser, parted his robe and quickly tied a bow around his hard shaft with a red ribbon he had left there for just this purpose.

“Merry Christmas,” he said turning.  “Ho, ho, ho.”

She smiled, noticing the bow.  “Can I unwrap it now, or do I need to wait for Christmas?”

“Oh, I think this one should be opened immediately.”

“Then come on over here.”

He moved across the room and leaned down to kiss her.  He felt her reach into the whipped cream and dab the cool sweet stuff on him.  It did nothing to cool the fire within.  He kissed her more deeply and she slid the robe from his shoulders.

He stood up, letting the robe drop, now adorned in only Santa cap, bow and the white cream.  She leaned forward and carefully licked all the cream from him as she gently untied the bow.  He dipped a strawberry and offered it to her, but she took his hand and guided it do his mouth.  She licked her lips and watched as he bit into it and ate the sweet berry, then she took his hand and tugged him onto the bed beside her.

“You are so beautiful,” he said, running his hand underneath the sheer skirt of the nightie.  She lay on her side next to him, and they touched each other, simply exploring each other, as if they didn’t know each other’s bodies by heart.

He untied the ribbon with the jingle bells on it and pulled the satin away from her breasts.  He caressed each breast reverently and leaned down to kiss each nipple.  Her breathing told him that she liked that.  His fingers parted the lace in the panties and he reached through to caress her.

With a jingle of the bells on her nightie and stockings she rolled on top of him.  He moved his hands down her thighs, enjoying the sight above him.  “This is exactly the way Santa likes his stockings filled,” John said.

“I’m glad.”  She kissed him softly and guided him inside her.  They joined together, moving against each other as if they were parts of one whole.  “Come on, Santa, baby.  Fill me up.”

Fill her up.  That’s what he’d wanted to do all weekend.  With another thrust he began to fill her up, pumping deep inside her to the accompaniment of her sighs. 

“Yes, John, yes!” 

He loved the fact that she was now calling him by his name, not Santa.  He loved the way she said his name when they made love. He watched her above him as she arched her back.  She was so incredibly beautiful.  He reached up to caress her breasts and she pressed against him.  He moved one hand down to caress her, prolong her orgasm.  She gave a long low moan.  “John...”  Then she moved to lay against him. 

The bells on her thighs jingled again softly as she shifted.  He held her tightly.  “The first time we made love in this room.  Do you remember it?”

“Mmm, after the dance, when Victor thought he was introducing us.”

“Yes.  You called my name like that while we were making love.  It makes it so special.”

She rolled off of him, jingling again, then cuddled against him.  “It’s always special when we’re together.”

“Yes.  But it’s nice to be home for the holidays.”

She ran her hand down his chest.  “Yes, it is, Santa Baby.  It certainly is.”

Maureen J. Long

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