The little minx behind the counter just stared at him, speechless. He towered over her, a petite redhead dressed in a tight fitting red sweater that left little to his overactive imagination. He couldn't see much of the black slacks she had on, but if the rest of her looked as good, he was in for a treat. The waves of lust emanating from her were like a homing beacon to the gnawing hunger in his gut. He felt it burn through him while he was basking in the glow of the holiday lights. The force of feeling behind her emotion was staggering, and he held onto the counter with a death grip to avoid leaping over it and taking her right there. The sound of holiday carols playing in the background mixed with the heady scent of baking cookies and spiced cider made his heart happy.
"Is it for sale?" The smile in his eyes burned bright with a sensual flame. He notched it up a little, just to see what she would do. The game was on.
"What?" A squeak emanated from her and a half smile trembled over her lips. "The tree? Oh, um. Let me ask. Gracie would know."
The redhead looked around and called out to a black haired beauty that emerged from the back of the store.
"Gracie!" Red motioned her over, her relief palpable.
"Yes, sir. How can I help?" Gracie made her way to the register, setting down the tray of cookies she had been carrying.
Jonas motioned to the front window with a wave of his hand. "I am in need of a holiday tree. Is this one by chance for sale?"
She broke into a friendly smile. "Of course. Or I can have Holly come out to your home and set up a new tree with whatever theme you'd like." She held out the tray and offered him a cookie.
Gingerbread. Delightful. He took two.
"Thank you." He bit into one and had to stifle a moan. Delicious. How long had it been since he had tasted something that felt like home? Too long. He needed the warmth in his life. Especially now. "Who did this one?" He caressed the tree with his eyes.
"Holly, you can fess up." Gracie beamed.
Holly sputtered and turned a perfect shade of red.
"How wonderful." The glow of his smile was directed at them both, but the heat of it was sent to Holly. He took out his credit card, deliberately not looking at her, and laid it on the counter.
"Money is no object. I would like to hire you to decorate my home. Tomorrow night would be the most convenient. I will be having guests for the holidays." Would he ever. A few demons. A new soul to send to Hell and maybe Lucifer himself would pop over to give him his get out of jail free card. As long as that bastard Baal stayed out of his way, things would be fine.
-- from "Holidays in Hell" by Erzabet Bishop
