We both sort of stand there awkwardly for a beat after Enzo’s mention of love. We haven’t been seeing each other that long and neither of us has said that word to the other or even suggested it. But I’d be lying if I said that’s not the direction my feelings are tipping as of late.

I introduce Andrew and the chef, then I drag Andrew out of the kitchen and, after making sure none of the kids are around, down to the guest room. As soon as the guest room door is closed, I whip around, wrap my arms around Andrew’s neck, and kiss him.

“Thank you so much. I owe you big time,” I say when I pull away.

He slides his hands around and grips my ass. “Yeah, and don’t forget what you owe me.”

“Just consider me Santa’s little helper.” I wink, and he groans.

“All right, stop with that, or I’m going to be Santa sporting a hard-on all night.”

I laugh and walk over to the closet where I hung the Santa suit in a garment bag earlier. “Everything you should need is in there, even the belly. Hopefully the boots will fit.”

He unzips the garment bag and shakes his head. “I can’t believe I’m doing this. Things have really gone full circle.”

I place my hands on his chest. “You’re going to be great. Now I have to go make sure everything is set. You’re up before dinner, and we can leave together afterward. I’ll meet you downstairs in the condo lobby.”

His eyes widen. “Wait. You mean I can’t come back in here and change?”

I shake my head. “No, you have to leave as soon as you’ve handed out all the presents, otherwise the kids will know you aren’t actually Santa.”

“So I have to go home like this?” He gestures to the garment bag on the bed with the bright-red velvety fabric poking out.

I cringe. “I’ll bring your stuff down with me. I guess we could ask the concierge if you can use the restroom to change.”

He shakes his head. “Actually, I think I’ll stay dressed like this. No one will be able to tell who I am, but you’re the one who will have to walk beside me.” He grins.

“As if I care if I have to walk with Santa.”

He rolls his eyes playfully. “That’s right, it’s probably foreplay for you.”

I chuckle. “I’ll have you know, I’ve never wanted to bang Santa in all my life, regardless of how much I love Christmas.”

“Well, you’ll be banging him tonight, so you better get used to the idea.”