- Do you think that I want this? said Mike. Do you really think I'm ENJOYING the idea of spending our first Christmas together, as husband and wife, away from you?
Belinda knew that Mike didn't like being forced by hiss boss to leave town on a business trip anymore than she did; but she was hurt and disappointed and didn't feel like being supportive.
- Darling, I promise I'll make it up to you, said Mike, and shut his packed bag.
- You CAN'T make it up to me, said Belinda, pouting. All I want is for you to spend Christmas with me, and you can't do that. So, there's nothing you can do to make it up to me.
Mike gave his grumpy wife a hug.
- You know I'd much rather stay home with you, he said. Drink eggnog in front of the open fire...
He kissed her neck.
- Open presents... he continued, and untied her negligee. Get into the Christmas spirit...
He gently licked inside her ear. Belinda melted. She turned around and put her arms around his waist.
- How about giving me a little to hold me for the days that you're gone? she said.
* * * * * *
- Now remember, said Mike, as he was about to board his plane. You must open the big, red present at precisely 6 pm tonight.
- I promise, said Belinda.
After a rather desperate kiss, Mike had to get onboard the plane. Belinda drove home to decorate the tree and fix something to eat.
After she had had a very lonesome and self-pitying lunch, Belinda took a long, hot bath, picked out her nicest underwear and her sexiest dress, a short, red number with long, tight sleeves and a deep cut, showing a lot of cleavage. She fixed her hair and put some make-up on. Why should she sit and feel sorry for herself in her sweats? It was Christmas, for crying out loud! She was going to enjoy herself, and she was going to look good doing it!
As she rumbled through her and Mike's video tape collection, contemplating if she should watch a comedy or something with a little more action in it, there was someone at the door. She went to get it. It was Roman, Mike's best friend, a handsome young guy with a great sense of humour.
- Hi, Belinda! he said. Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas, Roman! said Belinda. Come in! But if you're here to see Mike, he's out of town for the holidays. Business.
- I know, said Roman, and closed the door behind him. Mike called me and asked me to come over and keep you company. Between you and me, I think he didn't want to leave his beautiful wife all alone, with no-one to protect her.
- How sweet! said Belinda. Take a seat, I'll get us some coffee!
Ten minutes later, they were sitting in the living room, filled up by large chunks of fruit cake, warmed up by several cups of coffee, and giggly from a couple of spiked eggnogs. They had curled up in each corner of the sofa, and talked and joked and laughed. Belinda caught a glance at the clock on the wall and jumped to her feet.
- It's five minutes to six! she said. Mike made me promise to open the big, red present at precisely six o' clock.
She reached under the tree and gave Roman the present she and Mike had bought for him. Roman gave her a flat present that was addressed to her and Mike. They opened their gifts. Roman lit up when he saw the nice sweater he'd got, and Belinda laughed when she unwrapped a porno movie.
- For a rainy, boring day, said Roman grinning.
Belinda opened the big red present, and gasped, her whole face shining. It was a video camera.
- Wow! said Roman. Nice model!
- Here's a card, too, said Belinda.
She picked it up and read it, while Roman inspected the camera.
- Oh! said Belinda.