A Lucky Christmas

by Lexie Davis

  After piling everything in his SUV, he drove toward Lucky. Nothing seemed different when he got there. He decided to go to Rowdy’s house with the intention of wrapping all the presents.

  Misty stood outside with Easton when he pulled in the drive, both looking at him curiously. Julian parked his SUV and smiled at them.

  “Ho, ho, ho.”

  Easton shook his head. “I don’t even want to know.”

  Misty walked over to him. “What did you get?”

  “Probably more than I should have.” Julian closed the door. “Will you help me?”

  She grinned. “You know I will. I love wrapping gifts.”

  “Good.” Julian unloaded everything and Misty’s eyes widened. “You bought that two-hundred-dollar fire truck?”

  Brandon walked toward them, his eyes lighting up when he saw the fire truck. “Damn. That thing is cool.”

  “You’re too big for it,” Misty commented.

  He ignored her. “I wanna play.”

  Julian pocketed his keys. “It’s from Santa.”

  “I still want to play.” Brandon lifted the box and carried it into the house while Misty, Easton, and Julian grabbed all the other bags. When it was all said and done, he’d filled their living room like London had filled hers a few nights ago. Okay, he did go overboard with presents. Sue him.

  “I got him this, too.” Julian pulled out a fireman costume complete with a hat, badge, and a jacket.

  Brandon smiled. “Can Santa come here? I want to see his reaction.”

  “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Luna.”

  “She doesn’t even have a tree in her house,” Misty commented. “Santa has to put stuff under the tree. Of course Santa will come here.”

  “Where are we all going to sleep?” Julian asked.

  “There are six fold-out beds.” Misty sorted through the toy bag. “Plus, we got him gifts, too.”

  “You’ll have to convince Luna.”

  Misty held out her hand to Easton. “Give me your phone.”

  He handed it to her, and she dialed what he assumed was Luna’s number. Julian sorted through the gifts, doing his best to keep theirs hidden. He also wanted to keep Luna’s out of their sight, too.

  “What the hell is that?” Rowdy came around the corner and stopped, staring at the fire truck. “Brandon, it’s too small for you.”

  Brandon flipped him off. “It’s not mine.”

  Misty hung up the phone. “Luna said she wasn’t even coming to dinner tomorrow night. I swear, I want to wring her neck sometimes.”

  “She’s having a hard time.” Julian dumped a bag of stuff he’d gotten for the Pattons. “Cut her some slack.”

  “Hard time? I keep inviting her to be with us, and she keeps shutting me down. Our shopping trip was a disaster.”

  “It’s because she doesn’t have money.” Julian found the Christmas bags he’d purchased and started filling them with gifts. “Without Tom’s income, her and Danny’s finances are tight. She’s been working her ass off with extra shifts at the grocery to cover all their bills.”

  Misty blew out a breath. “And she couldn’t tell me? I would help her out. She knows that.”

  He glanced up. “She didn’t even want to tell me, but she was crying in the driveway when she came home from your shopping trip. She effectively hates Christmas for more reasons than one.”

  Misty dialed another number on Easton’s phone, and Julian frowned at her.

  “Don’t be spreading stuff around.”

  She waved him off. “Hey, it’s me. We’ve got a situation. I’m calling it Operation Scrooge.”

  Julian stared at Rowdy.

  “Don’t look at me. That woman has a mind of her own, and when you get them all together, no one in this town can stop them. They’re like a hurricane force. Massive destruction awaits.”

  “I heard that!” Misty called out from the kitchen.

  Brandon and Easton laughed.

  Julian finished wrapping most of his gifts and stuck them under the tree. He included Luna, Danny, and Zane on the name tags, as well. It didn’t matter if they were temporary or permanent, it was the first Christmas he felt normal. No one felt sorry for him and his lack of family. He had a great group of people that he loved and wanted to be around. It made sense.

  “Are you going to leave it in the box or open it so he can start riding it?”

  “Open it,” Brandon commented. Rowdy, Easton, and Julian glanced toward him. “It would make things easier if you have to assemble something on it.”

  Rowdy shook his head. “You’re not right in the head.”

  “What?” Brandon shrugged. “It makes sense.”

  Julian rolled his eyes. “I think I’ll open it if Luna wants to stay here. But if not, I’m going to leave it in the box.”

  He carried his bags upstairs and worked on wrapping the other gifts he’d purchased in his room. He wondered if Luna would be mad at him for buying her something expensive, but at the same time, he really didn’t care. He wanted to buy it for her, so he did. He wrapped her gifts and kept them with his stuff. All the others, he took downstairs to put under the tree.

  “Tell your girlfriend she’s coming to dinner tomorrow night, and she’s spending the night. The Pattons are coming over as well as Katy and her men. Alisha is coming, and I’ve even invited Kai and Dash, too. Everyone is going to be here, and she doesn’t have the option to mope about by herself at home.”

  “All those people are staying the night?” Rowdy asked.

  “No.” Misty laughed. “Just Luna, Danny, and Zane.”

  Julian shrugged. “I don’t know. We’ll see.”

  “I will drag her by her hair and chain her to the kitchen table. She doesn’t have a choice,” Misty commented. “Tell her that.”

  “Okay.” Julian laughed. “People always shoot the messenger though.”

  “You’ll be okay.” Misty blew out a breath. “Now, I need to get started on this dinner.”

  * * * *

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  Luna paused from stocking the shelves of the store and turned. Julian smiled at her, walking down the aisle toward her. “What are you doing here?”

  “Well, Danny told me you were working late tonight and I didn’t really want to wait that long before I got to see you and kiss you.” He leaned in to kiss her. “I missed holding you last night.”

  She smiled. “I doubt that, but the sentiment is nice.”

  “Baby, if you only knew.” Julian slipped his hands underneath her shirt. “I love your sweet kisses.” He nibbled along her jaw. “Mmm. The way your pussy feels around me. Slick and hot.”

  Warmth filled her, pooling low in her belly. She gripped his shirt as he slipped his hands into the waistband of her shorts. Luna saw someone come around the corner and pushed him away.

  “Misty said you didn’t want to go to Christmas dinner.”

  “I’m working.” She pulled out her box cutter and opened a box. “I took on another shift.”

  The store was closed on Christmas, so she didn’t have an excuse for that. She’d planned to spend the day with Danny and Zane doing whatever they wanted. She didn’t expect Julian to join them, but if he did, that would be nice, too.

  “Stop and look at me.”

  Luna stopped. “I’m working.”

  Julian blew out a breath and grabbed her waist. He pulled her around to face him. “I think I have some solutions for your financial predicament.”

  She frowned. “I’m not taking money from you.”

  “I didn’t offer any.” Julian lifted her chin and kissed her. “I talked this business venture over with Micah. We’re going to do it. We’re making changes, and Micah is coming here after Christmas to look everything over, but we are considering making Lucky our headquarters. If that happens, you can work for me.”

  “Work for you?” She glanced around. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes.” Julian brushed her hair from her face. “I’m a p
retty good boss. All kinds of perks.”

  She smiled. “I bet.”

  “Stop fretting over money.” Julian kissed her forehead. “Nobody in Lucky is going to be grocery shopping because half the fucking town is going to be at Misty’s.”

  She pulled boxes of macaroni out to put on the shelves. “Does this mean you’re moving to Lucky? Even though the strip mall is a bad investment?”

  “Moving to Lucky is difficult.” He reached in the box to hand her the noodles. “I travel a lot. I’d like to find a place to call home though.”

  Luna’s heart skipped a beat. “You have a nice home in Austin. You want to give that up for…”

  “You?” Julian handed her a box while meeting her eyes. “I don’t know where your heart is about us, but I want to give it a shot. I like you. I like Danny. Zane’s had me wrapped around his finger since day one.”

  Luna thought about what he’d said. She had to admit when Julian was around, the weight on her shoulders lessened. She didn’t worry so much about every little thing. She smiled more. She thought it was temporary, but he made her life easier.

  “Danny’s waiting on me, so I’m going to go.” Julian kissed her. “Don’t wear yourself out too much, beautiful. That’s my job.”

  He winked at her and Luna felt giddy. She loved his flirting. Could she and Danny really build a relationship with Julian? The thought lingered in her mind, but she didn’t know the answer.

  By the time night rolled around, she worked her way back to her cashier post and scanned the items for Helen, a retired resident of Lucky who spent most of her time traveling the world with her two men instead of staying at home knitting all day. She apparently was back in town for Christmas, and Luna did her best to be sociable.

  “Hi, Ms. Mumford. Did you find everything you needed?” Luna asked her.

  “I suppose.” She glanced up from bagging her own groceries. “You’re quite chipper today. What gives?”

  Luna smiled. “I’m just happy.”

  “Oh, yeah? Did you finally get over Tom’s death?” Helen snorted. “You were a blubbering mess for a while. I swear, I don’t know how Danny put up with you. There were a few times when I wanted to slap some sense into you myself.”

  Luna stared at the woman like she’d grown horns from her head. “What a mean thing to say to someone.”

  “Oh, I didn’t mean anything buy it. No need to get your panties in a wad. You’re not going to start crying, are you?”

  Long after their conversation ended, she went home to find Danny and Julian sharing a beer while arguing over something on TV. She sat her stuff on the counter and walked over to Danny, leaning in to kiss him before crawling onto his lap. She hugged him tight as she laid her head on his shoulder.

  “Hey, baby.” He smoothed his hands along her back. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” She closed her eyes and pretended the rest of the world didn’t exist.

  “I’ve got you.” His hand rested on her ass while the other kept her legs from sliding off his lap. “Did you have a bad day?”

  Luna sat up and faced him. “I’m sorry I’ve been a pain for you to deal with these past eight months. I don’t know why you put up with me, but I appreciate it. I appreciate you and all you do for me and Zane.” She stroked his cheek. “You’re a good man and I love you. I’m sorry if you ever had to question that.”

  Concern filled his face. “What brought this on?”

  “Nothing. I’m just tired.” Luna stood. “Is Zane asleep?”

  “Since eight thirty,” Julian commented.

  She nodded. “I’m going to kiss him goodnight and go to bed.”

  “Hey.” Danny stood and walked over to her. “You’re not a pain to deal with. I’ve never thought that about you. Tom may be gone, but you and me—we’re still the same. I love you, Luna. Nothing is going to change that.”

  “We almost broke up.”

  “We were never going to break up.” Danny wrapped his arms around her. “Where is this coming from? Did someone say something to you?”

  “No.” She clung to him. “I’m just sorry for acting the way I did.”

  “It’s okay, babe.” Danny kissed her. “I’ve got you. It’s okay.”

  She gave him a tired smile. The emotional roller coaster she seemed to be riding took its toll on her in the middle of the canned food aisle. Not only did she miss Tom, but she missed the way things had been. The partnership they had. The way each of them had a role that they played well in their relationship. That was the real kicker. Her life had flipped upside down with Tom’s death, and she struggled so much to stand up on her own two feet again. Not only did that missing piece create a huge hole, but she didn’t know how to fill it. Julian’s promise of a job felt like charity, but she wasn’t going to turn it down. She picked up every shift available and worked herself to death, and it still wasn’t enough. She needed something better.

  “I’m going to bed.” Luna rubbed her hand along his chest. “Goodnight.”

  She left them in the living room to check on Zane. After covering him up, she kissed his forehead and went to her room. She didn’t know where the sudden remorse came from. She took one look at Danny and simply need to hug him. Her mind was fucked up, and it wasn’t going to get any better.

  Julian came in the bedroom as she pulled the last article of clothing off her body. She stood before him naked, waiting for his next move.

  “Get on the bed.”

  Luna frowned. “I’m not—”

  Julian didn’t say anything as he took a step toward her. Danny came in next, casually taking in the scene. Luna’s pulse sped up as she thought about what they wanted to do with her. It’d been a long time since they brought bondage into the bedroom. Maybe they’d tied her up and spank her ass.

  “You’re ours tonight, buttercup.” Julian glanced down at her body. “All ours.”

  Julian brushed the backs of his knuckles against her hard nipple, and Luna glanced over at Danny. Both men wanted her. The desire shining bright in their eyes was prominent and inexcusable. The ménage relationship that they started had been simply that. Both men fucked her and left her well beyond satisfied. Now she wondered if it would become more. Did Julian like bondage? Would they tie her up and relieve some of the stress taking over her mind?

  Luna bit her lip and met Julian’s eyes. “Only if you agree to tie me up.”

  His eyes widened slightly as a smile slowly spread across his face. “I think we can do that.”

  Danny had already moved to the locked cabinet in the far part of their room. Anticipation built inside her as she waited for Julian’s next move. Instead of saying anything, he leaned in to kiss her. Ever since Julian entered their lives, she felt more alive. It wasn’t that he replaced Tom, but he completed their unit. Luna clutched the back of his head as she opened her mouth to him. Julian accepted them. She had been crazy on a good day and lost on a bad one. He didn’t seem to notice or care.

  Julian pulled back and motioned to the bed. Danny had grabbed a blindfold, binds, and riding crop. Luna’s excitement increased. For once, she could simply let go and enjoy something again. Danny’s masterful tying had her bound within seconds. He covered her eyes with a silky scarf and reached out to pinch her hard nipples. She felt Julian beside her, taking in the scene. Danny was most familiar, but nothing felt awkward with Julian. In some ways, she felt like she’d known him for years.

  She bent over the edge of the bed with her ass sticking out, vulnerable for their taking. Danny connected her bound arms to the hooks in the ceiling. Her arms were outstretched with her feet planted on the ground. They could do whatever they wanted, and she was helpless to stop them.

  Someone shifted to her side, and tight pressure squeezed her nipples. Luna hissed at the pain, though she liked it. When they’d played with bondage in the past, her two men left no part of her body untouched. A soothing caress brushed along her thigh. Their hands were everywhere, building anticipation and heightening h
er desire. They never left her to wonder what was going on around her.

  “You have a perfect ass,” Julian whispered in her ear. A hand squeezed her ass cheek before smacking it. “Do you want my cock there?”

  “Yes,” she responded.

  His fingers slid between her cheeks and brushed against her anus. Luna clenched her fists as she dropped her head forward. She wanted him everywhere. A warm wet tongue flicked her clit. She gasped at the pleasure of it, loving how both men simulated her, prepared her for their cocks. Julian kissed her shoulder, nipping and sucking the skin before he pulled away. Instantly, she missed his touch. Danny’s warm mouth sucked and teased her clit. She closed her eyes and forced her brain to turn off. Nothing else mattered at the moment.

  A harsh whack of the riding crop smacked her ass. She stumbled and for a moment feared she’d fall. Danny gripped her hips, holding her up while his mouth continued to pleasure her. Another smack came and then another. The harsh fire left behind made her toes curl. Julian heated her ass up before taking a break and squeezing her abused cheeks.

  “Damn, you’re so fucking perfect.” A moment went by before a soft, wet tongue touched her sensitive behind. Julian worked his fingers inside her as he scraped his teeth along her fleshy ass cheek. With one man in front of her sucking her clit and one behind, she gasped, tugging lightly at her binds as pleasure rushed through her.

  When Luna cried out, she shook. Danny moved from his position and rubbed the blunt tip of his cock along her slit.

  “Do you like the thought of us taking you at the same time?” Danny asked her. He held her thighs open, supporting her weight while his cock brushed along her soaked folds. “Two hard cocks all for Luna’s pleasure.”

  Her body tingled. “Fuck me.”

  “We will,” Danny promised. “I think you need a little more build-up though.”

  Warm wet lips surrounded her toes. She moaned into the silent room. A soft caress stroked along the back of her calves while she grinded her pussy against Danny’s cock. She needed him inside her and dropping her head back, she rocked against him. He ignored her neediness and unclamped one of her nipples, drawing the sensitive peak into his mouth.