Secret Santa
by Melinda Barron
© Melinda Barron and ABCD Webmasters, 2005
“I hate this. It’s like we’re back in grade school buying
small presents for everyone in the class, except now we have to do it for
five days.”
“Oh come on, Kris, where’s your Christmas spirit? Hee-hee-hee, and
ho-ho-ho and all that?”
“Bah humbug,” Kris replied. “And you know, I don’t see
you jumping for joy over this. If the women want to do it, let them, and leave
us out of it.”
Marsh Beaufort stared at his friend, and then shook his head. “What a sexist
remark. I’m going to have fun with it. A lot of fun, and you should do
the same.”
“I’m going to draw a name, and then tell my assistant to go out and
buy five small gifts, and be done with it.”
“Scrooge.” Marsh laughed, and then stepped toward the desk where
Veronica Simmons sat.
“Male or female,” she asked with a smile.
“Female,” Marsh replied. “Buying a male Secret Santa gifts
would be too weird.”
“Well, on that we agree,” Kris said as he nodded at Veronica and
said, “I’ll take a female, too.”
Veronica took a large box with a hole in the top from under the table. She shook
it at them and giggled. “Here you go, each of you take one name. And remember,
you’re not supposed to tell anyone. It’s supposed to be a big secret.”
“Right,” Kris said, sticking his hand in the box. “National
security and all.”
He pulled out a slip of paper and unfolded it, his eyes widening at the name
printed on the slip.
“Want to trade?” Veronica asked, her eyes wide.
“No,” Kris said. “This one is fine.”
Marsh took his slip and nodded. “OK. I’ll take this one, too.”
They started to walk off and Veronica stopped them. “Wait. I have to write
the names down.”
“Why?” Kris turned back to her. “I thought it was supposed
to be a secret.”
“Nobody will know but me.”
“And whoever looks at your notebook,” Marsh replied.
“You have to play by the rules, boys, or Santa will put you on his naughty
list.”
They handed her their slips one at a time and she dutifully noted names next
to theirs, making sure to cover each one as she wrote so neither of them would
see it. Then she handed the slips back to them.
When they were away from her, Marsh leaned over. “Who did you get?”
“Nonya.”
“Who?”
“Nonya, as in none of your business. It’s supposed to be a secret,
remember?”
“We’re insurance salesmen. Since when is anything a secret?” Marsh
stepped in front of his friend. “Spill it.”
“Nope. I’m thinking you just might be right. This could be fun.” Kris
moved into his office, and shut the door on his friend. Then he looked at the
slip of paper in his hand and laughed. Santa had definitely given him a present
tonight.
He moved toward his desk, singing under his breath.
“Here we come a spanking among the leaves so green…”
*****
Carol Gahlin worked furiously to complete her part of the Dickson application.
The family had completed all their paperwork, and taken all the necessary physicals
and been approved. Now Carol had to make sure the paperwork was filed by midnight,
so the insurance would go into effect first thing in the morning.
She’d just put the date on the last piece of paper when her office door
opened.
“Hey, Ms. Workaholic. Today’s the last day to draw for the Secret
Santas. You are participating, aren’t you?”
“Of course.” Carol put the last piece of paper in the envelope, licked
the flap and folded it over. “I’m ready. I just have to stop this
by the mailroom.”
“OK. Then let’s go.” Blair Tyler moved into the office and
shut the door. “Who knows, maybe Santa will bring you a paddle for Christmas.”
“Would you stop that! I’m sorry I ever told you.”
“Why? I’m your best friend, and best friends tell each other everything!
That means you should have told me sooner that you yearned to be spanked.” She
drew out the word yearned, then acted like she was swooning.
“OK, Scarlet O’Hara. Knock it off.”
Blair sat down in an empty chair. “I’m just giving you a hard time.
I mean really, it’s too good to pass up. How many people do you know who
actually want to be spanked?”
“More than you might realize. I looked it up.”
“Really? Do they have statistics? Has there been a poll taken by SpankMe.Com?”
“Yeah, well one of these days I’m going to find a man who will do
it for me.”
Carol shivered, but so did Blair, Carol in delight, Blair in disgust.
“You might like it, you know,” Carol said. “Didn’t your
mother tell you never to stick your nose up at something you’d never tried?”
“My mother also told me that liver was good for me, but you didn’t
see me trying that, either.”
Carol burst into laughter and Blair joined her.
“You’re so strange, Blair.”
“Sorry. Now, let’s go and see who we get.”
After stopping by the mailboxes, they found Veronica sitting in conference room.
When she asked them which box they wanted to choose from, both of them said it
didn’t matter.
“Good. The men only want to pick women, so I need people to pick the guys.”
They each took a slip and Carol looked at hers and frowned. “Marsh Beaufort?
I have no idea what to get for him for five days?”
“Remember,” Veronica said, writing the name down. “You can’t
spend over twenty-five dollars for the five days, so it’s small gifts.
Candy, that type of thing.”
“Candy for a guy?” Carol shook her head. “Guys don’t
like to get candy.”
“Sure they do,” Blair said as she waved her slip. “I got Thurman
Fletcher. Yeehaw! Gag gifts here I come. He loves to laugh.”
“Hush,” Veronica said, looking around. “It’s supposed
to be a secret.”
“Right,” Blair replied. “Like nobody tells their friends.”
“I’m going to tell everyone,” Carol replied. “I’m
posting a notice on the bulletin board in the break room.”
At Veronica’s stricken look she laughed. “I’m kidding. Relax,
Veronica.”
The two friends moved out of the room and Blair made a funny face. “She
takes everything so seriously.”
“Yeah, somebody should buy her a whoopee cushion.”
Blair laughed and nodded. “Let’s go shopping tonight. How does that
sound?”
“Sounds great to me. Let’s get them all done and then store them
in our offices so we don’t forget them each day.”
“Perfect.”
They went to their respective offices to finish the day’s work and when
Carol passed Kris Kleper’s office she thought about stopping in, to ask
him for ideas on what to get his friend for the Secret Santa days. Then she sighed.
It was supposed to be a secret, so she couldn’t just stop by and ask for
ideas.
She went to her office and sat down, punching up her voice mail and writing down
messages. She had work to do. She’d deal with the Secret Santa problem
later, at the mall.
*****
In his office, Kris feverishly worked on rhyming words for poems he would send
to Carol. He had a list of things that rhymed with spank. Tank, frank, swank,
plank, drank, flank, prank. Some of the things would repeat themselves during
the week, but that would be all right.
He wrote his first rhyme and laughed. Now he needed to go and buy a little gift
that matched the saying. Lucky for him he’d been on the floor in the parking
garage, fixing a flat tire when Carol and Blair had walked by, stopping by Carol’s
car to discuss something that made Kris’s nerves jingle with glee.
He closed his eyes as he recalled the words coming out of Carol’s mouth.
“That’s right, I want to be spanked, what’s the big deal? It’s
been a fantasy of mine for years, and I’m ready to act on it. Damn, I’m
almost thirty. I deserve to act out a fantasy or two.”
Listening to them had made him feel a little guilty. Just a little. It had also
made him incredibly horny. Carol Gahlin was sexy, nice and sweet and curvy. She
had gorgeous dark eyes and beautiful dark hair. He’d thought about asking
her out before, but it was his experience that office relationships usually ended
very badly.
But hearing that she was interested in spanking made him sit up and take notice.
Not many women he’d met were interested in the activity, something he loved
dearly. A good erotic spanking got his juices flowing
He put the finishing touches on the second note and took out a sheet of paper
to make a list of the little things he would have to buy to go with the notes.
It took him an hour, that he wasted of company time, to finish everything. He
put the notes in his briefcase and the list in his pocket. He would go to the
mall this weekend to get everything he needed.
Then on Monday, little Miss Gahlin would be surprised when she got her first
Secret Santa gift. And later in the day, she would be thrilled. He went back
to work, deciding to put in an extra hour after everyone was gone to make up
for the time he’d wasted during the day. It also gave him a chance to see
who stuck around late, and who was gone. That would help him with time frames
for the spankings.
By six the office was mostly empty. He had the two weeks before Christmas to
deliver five spankings. And he planned to make the most of each one.
*****
“So, you’re going to get him chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.
I hope he’s not a diabetic.”
Carol gasped and stared at her friend. “Do you think he is? He’s
so trim and fit.”
“So, that doesn’t mean anything. Before you buy five gifts of chocolate
I think you should consider other things. Playful things. Like a set of marbles.”
“Marbles?”
“Yeah, it would remind him of his childhood. Think of it. He’d have
a great time playing marbles. Or buy him some plastic soldiers, or other toys.
This is just supposed to be fun gifts that make people laugh and enjoy the holidays.”
“So, little memories of childhood would be good,” Carol said. “What
do boys play with? Marbles. Toy soldiers. Snips and snails and puppy dog tails?”
“No. That’s what they’re made of. They like to play with little
girls, remember?”
“So, should I go to the local sex shop and buy him a blow-up doll? He doesn’t
have a girlfriend, does he? One gift for all five days?”
“Please, you think you could get a blow up doll for twenty-five bucks?” Blair
stared at her. “What planet do you live on?”
They laughed loudly, attracting attention from several shoppers who stared, and
then shook their heads.
“OK. Marbles would be cool. And maybe some toy soldiers. We need to find
a toy store.”
“Now you’re talking,” Blair said with a grin. “Let’s
go.”
She picked up the hand buzzer, and other joke gifts that she’d found in
the novelty shop they were in and headed into the crowded mall.
“Ah, Dallas in December,” Carol said. “It’s seventy degrees
outside and there’s almost no chance of a white Christmas.”
“Kinda sucks, doesn’t? Maybe we should go somewhere cold. Wanna go
skiing?”
“No. I’m going to my parent’s house. In Florida there’s
even less chance of a White Christmas.”
“When do you get back?”
“Not until the twenty-eighth. And I have no more vacation time to extend
over New Year’s. Sorry.”
“That’s OK. Maybe I’ll go by myself and see if I can find a
male snow bunny.”
“Or you could come with me to my parents’ house, since yours are
in Europe. What do you say? My parents love you. It’ll be a surprise for
them.”
“Sure, if you think they won’t mind.”
“Not at all. We’ll just make sure we stop at the liquor store and
buy lots of rum for the egg nog when we get off the plane.”
*****
The next Monday morning, Carol came into her office early, thinking she would
put Marsh’s first gift into his box before anyone showed up for work. She
flipped on the light and stopped to stare at the object on her desk.
It was a plastic toy sword, a swashbuckling sword like a pirate would use. She
laughed, and then read the note that accompanied it.
Santa knows you have a thirst to quench
And that you’re a little Wench
So before he makes you walk the plank
Your bottom he is going to spank
She stared at the note and picked up the sword, her eyes wide in wonder.
Her breathing become more rapid, and her palms began to sweat. How did someone
find out? Or was this…”
“Blair!” She screamed the word out, wondering if her friend had
already come into the office.
She stepped outside, sword in hand, only to look up and down a mostly empty
hallway. Some people had arrived already, but most of her co-workers were
not there yet. Those that were nodded at her and walked by without saying
anything. Of course most of the offices near hers were empty anyways, the
result of downsizing.
Joey Lightly stared at the sword in her hand and snorted. “Planning
on taking over, Gahlin?”
“What? Oh, no, it’s just a joke.” She pushed the sword behind
her back and looked around, seeing if anyone was paying particular attention
to her. No one was, so she went back into her office and shut the door.
She read the note again, then turned it over and read the back.
Your office. Seven p.m. tonight. Don’t be late. Have the lights off
and a candle burning on your desk. Be ready to be spanked. Your Secret Santa.
She plopped down in her chair and read both sides again, then swallowed.
Blair was behind this, she was sure. She thought it was a big joke, and she
was making fun of her for wanting to be spanked.
Carol picked up the phone and dialed Blair’s extension. After a few
rings it went to voice mail. She listened to Blair’s spiel about waiting
for the beep and such. When it had sounded, she said, “Very funny.
Do your work, wench, instead of playing jokes on me.”
When the note and the sword were safely tucked into her desk she booted up
her computer and focused on her day’s tasks. About thirty minutes later
Blair hurried inside.
“What joke?”
“The note and the sword? Please.”
“What are you talking about?” Blair held up her hands and shook
her head. “Honestly, I don’t know what you’re saying.”
“I’m talking about the note from my Secret Santa, saying I was
going to get spanked?”
Blair’s mouth dropped open and Carol’s eyes widened. “You
didn’t send it?”
“No! Let me see.”
Blair’s eyes widened even more as she read the note, then she snorted
in laughter.
“Oh my stars. Someone wants your bottom.” She laughed loudly and
jumped up and down in glee.
“Who did you tell?” Carol slammed her fist on her desk.
“No one!” Blair held up her hands in surrender. “I swear
it. How could you think I would tell someone?”
“I’ve never told anyone else Never! How else would they find out?”
“I can’t believe you would accuse me of this.” Blair took
a step back and Carol shook her head.
“I’m so sorry. I’m just so freaked out. I don’t know
what to do.” Carol sat down and stared at the wall.
Blair came around the desk and propped herself up on the edge.
“Isn’t this what you wanted? Don’t you want to be spanked?”
“Yes, but who knows who this is. It could be a woman.” Carol stared
at her friend with an open mouth.
“Doubt it. Let’s go through the candidates.” She held out
her hand and grabbed a finger for each name she thought of. “Jeffrey?
Steven? Henry? Jonathan? Yuck, by the way. Marsh? Kris? Um, who else?”
“This is going to drive me nuts. I can’t just wait here in my office
tonight and let somebody spank me.”
“Why not? It sounds wonderfully erotic. I thought it was a fantasy for
you?”
Carol shook her head in disgust. “Are you the same woman who told me
I was weird for wanting to be spanked?”
“Yes, but I’m telling you, it’s way cool to have this kind
of note appear. Very sexy.”
The room suddenly seemed very warm. Carol hugged herself and exhaled loudly.
“Yes, it is. But it’s also more than a little scary. Do you think
I should do it?”
“Hell yes. This is a fantasy come true for you. If you don’t do
it, you’ll be kicking yourself in the ass.”
“You’re right, as always. OK, Seven o’clock tonight. But
do me a favor today.”
Blair’s smile brightened. “What’s that?”
“Help me watch our male co-workers and see if any of them look at me
strange, or just a little too long.”
“Will do. This is so cool. You have to promise to tell me who it is.”
Carol pursed her lips. “I don’t know. Maybe?”
“Maybe my ass. You’d better tell me. Or I just might wait around
until seven and see who shows up.”
*****
From his office just two doors down, Kris watched Blair exit Carol’s
office and stare at every male in the hallway. A smile lit his face.
“She told,” Marsh said with a grin. “Shame on her.”
“Yup, she’s going to be on Santa’s naughty list now.” Kris
laughed, and then turned a scowl on his friend. “But then again I told
you, didn’t I? Against my better judgment I might add.”
“Yes, you did,” Marsh replied. “But only because you needed
help delivering packages without getting caught.”
“Yeah, and I knew you’d read the notes. Weasel.”
“Damn skippy.” Marsh laughed and wiggled his eyebrows. “So,
are we delivering the blindfold at lunch?”
Kris’s evil laugh filled the office. “Why yes, we are. But make
sure that I’m with her when you do it. I don’t want her to know
it’s me.”
“I can do that, but how are you going to disguise your voice when you
talk to her?”
Kris reached into his drawer and pulled out a bright red bandana. “She’ll
be blindfolded, and I’ll be wearing this like a bandit’s mask.
She’ll be more than a little disoriented, and won’t be able to
tell who’s talking to her.”
“You are evil.”
“I’m determined. I’ve had a damn woody for that woman ever
since she said she wanted to be spanked.”
Marsh’s eyes widened. “You’re not going to nail her here,
are you?”
“Give me some credit. I’m taking enough chances just spanking her
here. Trust me, when this Secret Santa has played his role, she’ll want
me as much as I want her. I can guarantee you that.”
*****
At lunchtime, Carol headed for the break room, taking advantage of the lull
around the mailboxes to put Marsh’s bag of marbles into his box with
a note from his Secret Santa. Her note wasn’t near as creative as the
one she’d received that morning.
It simply said, “Take a trip back to yesteryear and enjoy finding your
marbles again.”
She’d wanted to think of something that would sound better, but she
just couldn’t. As she moved across the room, she surreptitiously watched
her co-workers to see if anyone was watching her.
Since that didn’t seem to be the case she strolled into the break room
and found Kris eating a sandwich.
“Hey Carol. Been busy this holiday season?” He grinned and sang, “Here
we come a caroling among the leaves so green.”
“Very funny, Kris. Received many requests for gifts?”
“All the time,” he replied. “I’m making a list and
checking it twice. Have you been naughty, or nice?”
She laughed and moved to the refrigerator to take out her lunch.
“I’m always nice. Very nice.”
“Really? Well, I know that sometimes people say that, but it’s
not true. So you’d better be truthful to me.”
Carol sat down and opened the plastic container she’d packed her lunch
in. She limited herself to eating out for lunch once a week, mainly because
of the expense. Downtown Dallas could be pricey in the dining department.
She unwrapped her sandwich and looked at Kris. “So do you have a hotline
to Santa?”
“Santa and I go way back,” he said with a smile. “How do
you think I got my name? Kris Kringle and all.”
Carol laughed around her bite of food, putting her hand in front of her mouth
so she didn’t show him what she was eating. Then she swallowed quickly.
“I’ll remember to watch my ps and qs around you during the holiday
season.”
“You do that young lady.” He finished his sandwich and wadded up
his paper, throwing it in the trash. She thought he would leave, but he didn’t.
They talked for a bit about mindless office politics while she finished eating
and Carol felt butterflies grab her stomach.
It was Kris. It had to be Kris. That’s why he was eating with her.
He’d waited in here for her to come in so they could eat a meal together
and enjoy each other’s company, so she would be more at ease for tonight’s
spanking.
Relief flooded her. He was so handsome, not too buff and not too skinny.
Just right, and just the right age, too, at a little over thirty. He had
dark hair and dark eyes, just like she liked in a man. She decided to feel
him out, just a bit, to see if he would give himself away.
“So, are you doing the Secret Santa thing?”
“Nope. I’m too busy, and I’m not very good at picking out
gifts for people I don’t know.”
Her stomach dropped, but then she smiled to herself. She knew he was lying,
just to throw her off guard. He’d never been this friendly with her
before. The only reason he was doing it now was because he was her Santa,
and he’d left her the note, and the sword.
“That’s too bad,” she said softly. “I think it’s
a lot of fun. You can really get to know someone by being their Secret Santa.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” he said with a grin.
She threw away her trash and they started toward the wing where their offices
were. She winked at Blair, who had been in a lunch meeting with some of the
higher-ups. Blair smiled and mouthed, “Call me,” to her.
He walked her straight to her office and her smile increased. It disappeared,
however, when she saw the small package on her desk. He stood in the doorway,
talking about a client he had while she rounded the desk and examined the
latest leaving.
This one was in a sack.
“Secret Santa gift?” He stepped closer to the desk and she shrugged.
“I don’t know.”
“Well, open it.”
She did so, her eyes widening when a small sleep mask fell out. Taped to
the mask was a note.
“Wear this tonight.”
She quickly tried to hide the mask when he neared the desk.
“What’s that?”
“Nothing. Just a joke from Blair. She’s got a weird sense of humor,
you know.”
“Yeah, she’s a live one.” He winked at her. “OK, I’m
off. I’ve got a ton of work staring me in the face and it’s not
getting done by me standing around.”
“See ya.” She sat down hard in her chair when he was gone. “Well,
crap. I’d hoped it was Kris.”
She stared at the mask, wavering between staying, and leaving, tonight. She
was pretty sure she’d change her mind more than a few times before
the afternoon was up.
Still, it was a thrilling idea that her Secret Santa, whoever he was, was
willing to go to such lengths to bring her a gift that she wanted.
Now she just had to decide whether she was going to accept it, or try to
return it.