Love and War: Short Story Collection

A Christmas Spark - Diana Noire

A Christmas Spark - Diana Noire

“Mommy, where’s Santa?” A child tugged on her mother’s coat sleeve; her little mouth downturned.

“He needed to use big boys’ room. He will be back soon, princess.” I tried to reassure her, though truthfully, I had no idea where the big fat fart had disappeared to.

“You said that twenty minutes ago.” The mother frowned, her gaze laden with judgment. Behind her, the long line of other parents stood, their glares carrying the same hint of deep dissatisfaction. I felt the weight of their impatience and disappointment. I was clearly failing at keeping their holiday spirits high because they had to listen to their children’s whining.

Straightening my comically short skirt, I mustered an awkward smile and excused myself, hurrying inside the shopping mall. Stanley the Santa must have left for a restroom break, or so I hoped, and that’s were my feet took me. The skirt of my red dress fluttered with every step, barely offering modest coverage. Supposedly, I was Mrs. Santa Claus, but my costume resembled more of a something one might expect in an adult-themed movie than a family-friendly event.

Working at Santa’s Workshop in the local shopping mall was far from glamorous, but with student loans and the rent for my absurdly small apartment to cover, I took whatever job I could find. The demands of the nursing program at the university left me with little room for a conventional job, and desperation had led me to this less-than-ideal gig.

“Stan! Come out! Customers are waiting.” I rapped on each of the stall doors. His hat and fake beard sat on the sink, a clear indicator that he was inside. Ignoring the curious glances from passing men, I persisted.

“Ellie,” the stall door swung open, narrowly avoiding my face. “Entering the gentlemen’s restroom, huh? You naughty girl.”

Stan greeted me with a sly grin, adjusting his trousers as he struggled to accommodate his ample stomach. My own stomach churned with disgust. He was the supervisor of our small team of three, yet he was the least responsible one.

“Where’s Tonya? We are supposed to sing ‘Jingle Bells’ together.”

Tonya, my colleague, had reluctantly taken on the role of the Christmas elf, despising the job even more than I did.

“Oh, Ellie, you can jingle my bells if you’re so eager,” he stammered, using the stall door to regain balance again. Behind him, a beer bottle rolled, clicking against the tiled floor. I released a sharp sigh, realizing he had come here to secretly drink.

“Answer my question. Where’s Tonya?” My tone grew more impatient. I didn’t have time to deal with this clown.

Stan pointed a sticky finger at me. “Don’t mention that uptight b***h again. I fired her.”

“You did what?! Why?”

“We don’t need her, Ellie. You can sing the carols, and I’ll listen to those spoiled brats.”

This had quickly turned into a bad joke. I couldn’t decide whom to be angrier with –Tonya for abandoning me without a word, or this rude, sexist pig for making my work life difficult. As he walked past me to grab his hat and beard, I noticed two more beer bottles behind the toilet. Next to them lay red, striped stockings. So that’s how he smuggled alcohol to work, using the decorations from Santa’s Workshop. I feared three bottles wasn’t the final count, and the way he slalomed through the room was clear evidence of his drunken state.

“Dammit, Stanley! How many did you drink? You know very well that it makes Comet restless when you reek of booze.”

“I don’t give damn about that oversized goat.” He grunted, putting on the beard and hat.

“It’s a reindeer.”

“Rain, dear? Huh? It’s not raining today, Ellie. You’re not very smart for a future doctor.”

God, please spare my suffering soul! I wasn’t aiming to become a doctor. If Stan had ever been sober, he would remember that I was pursuing a career as a nurse.

When we returned to our spot in the outdoor plaza of the shopping mall, the line to meet Santa had tripled. The festively adorned Santa’s Workshop featured twinkling lights, a Christmas tree emitting scents of pine and cinnamon, and a charming display of holiday scenes. In one corner, a red and gold sleigh, laden with beautifully wrapped presents inside, and a live reindeer added to the enchantment. Though, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the poor animal.

Comet shifted nervously on his hooves, after hours of being poised in the confined space of one square meter. Squealing kids eagerly took their turns on the sleigh, their parents taking pictures of them, the reindeer, and Mrs. Santa Claus.

I hate this job and I’m freezing in this stupid dress, I reminded myself, forcing yet another bright smile. Pressing my stiff back against the pile of Christmas presents, I counted down the minutes until the end of my shift, each passing minute feeling like a small victory in the sea of holiday chaos.

Stan decided to ruin my mood again, hiding behind the sleigh and lighting up a cigarette.

“Are you mad?” I hissed at him, my arm swaying above his head and unintentionally hitting the white pom-pom. That was a mistake.

My action elicited a startled reaction from the drunken man. His limbs shot up in the air, and the lit cigarette flew out of his fingers, landing in my lap. I yelped and swiftly tossed it away, rubbing the tiny embers off my skirt. But that was my second mistake.

My hands fisted into balls, and I took a deep breath, trying hard not to make a scene in front of all those families. Meanwhile, a thin wisp of smoke emerged from the pile of Christmas presents, and within seconds, the paper wrap and elegant ribbons set on fire one by one. I screamed, attempting to slide off the sleigh. And that was the third mistake.

My shrieking scared Comet, and with a range of sounds, including snorts and grunts he started to jump around. He kicked Stan, who ended up on the ground with a loud thud. Stan’s left black boot kicked the brake, a sturdy block that had been securing the wheels of the heavy sleigh—yes, the sleigh was on wheels for easier manipulation.

To my misfortune, it allowed Comet to run as if his life depended on it, pulling the burning sleigh along with me still inside.

Comet propelled the blazing sleigh out of the plaza, careening through the pedestrian area surrounding the shopping mall. My urgent shouts “Watch out! Move!” echoed among the unsuspecting people.

I grasped the reins, but the wild reindeer couldn’t be halted. Burning presents tumbled out of the sleigh, endangering everyone in its crazy path. Panic gripped me, and in a reflexive attempt to save those around me, I let off the reins and reached out to catch the flying presents, only to burn my hands in the process.

Ellie, you indeed aren’t smart for becoming a doctor.

And then it got worse.

Comet dashed onto the road, dragging us through the midst of traffic. I cried desperately, as we weaved between driving cars, the sleigh careening dangerously. The unexpected spectacle caused drivers to slam on their brakes, horns blaring in protest. The sides of the sleigh collided with a few unfortunate cars, creating a symphony of screeching metal.

“No! Enough! Please!” I begged, finally regaining control of the reins and pulling with all my might. But Comet, being no trained horse, ignored my attempts to stop and instead veered sharply to the right, making a beeline for the nearby parking lot. As if it wasn’t terrifying enough, the seat cushions in the sleigh caught fire, leaving little room for comfort.

“STOP!!!” I roared in desperation, flinging the reins aside.

Finally, luck seemed to be on my side in this surreal predicament, as Comet stumbled over his own legs. The sleigh slid to the side at a swift pace, and the straps connecting the reindeer to the sleigh snapped. The animal, now free, swiftly fled the scene, while the blazing sleigh continued its uncontrolled journey until it collided with parked cars, wedging itself between two in a free parking spot.

“f**k, f**k, f**k, f**k, fuuuck!” Gone were my good manners and pretended Christmassy spirit. I swore like a sailor, my frustration and disbelief finding voice in a torrent of colorful expletives.

Swiftly, I escaped from the hellish vehicle. Shock and confusion replaced the earlier state of anxiety and fear. Questions raced through my mind – what should I do? How could I extinguish the fire before it spreads to the parked cars?

My heart pounded against my ribcage, as if trying to break free. Determinedly, I seized the edge of the sleigh, pulling it out of the parking spot. The burns on my palms screamed in pain, but I pushed through it.

Behind me, the wailing of sirens signaled the arrival of the firefighters’ unit. I sighed in relief. It was the most welcome sound to my ears. A small advantage of living in a small city—the rescue usually came within couple of minutes.

“Miss, step away from the fire!” A deep voice resonated from behind, sending shivers down my spine. Spinning around, I sought the source of that captivating tone, akin to a superhero determined to save the world. And oh, how desperately I needed saving. The approaching figure, cloaked in a thick firefighter uniform, seemed to emerge in slow motion, a veritable tower of muscles.

Surrounded by the grotesque scene of his colleagues chasing burning Christmas presents across the parking lot, our gazes locked. In that surreal moment, heat pooled within me, strangely concentrating at the wrong place—my butt.

My skirt! It dawned on me with horror, that my costume had caught fire when I spun around earlier. Panic surged, and I screamed.

But there came the hero, a stunning firefighter, determined to help the damsel in distress. His goal was to tame the flames dancing on my body. Literally.

Holding a hose in his firm grip, he unleashed a stream of water.

Ever been hit by high-pressure water? Trust me, it’s no joyride. Within seconds, I found myself rolling on the ground, drenched and disoriented. When he finished with me, the hose pivoted toward the blazing sleigh, its powerful stream determined to quench the festive inferno.

The drama had only just begun. The police car parked nearby. New wave of agonizing fear washed over me when I calculated the approximate damage. What if they arrest me? I could get kicked out of the nursing program.

“Hey, are you alright?” The firefighter redirected his attention to me after successfully dealing with the sleigh, taming the blaze.

“What do you think? Do I look like I’m alright?” I chuckled sarcastically, hugging myself around the knees.

The man squatted before me, removing his helmet. “I’m sorry. But you were on fire, and saving a life is the priority. Are you hurt?”

“If you mean my pride, then yes. It got crushed.” I had never been more embarrassed in my life.

“You must be cold. Here. Take my jacket.” He removed the heavy piece of uniform, and as he handed it to me, I caught a glimpse of warmth in his eyes. Like two dark embers, igniting a comforting glow that momentarily eased the humiliation of my recent predicament. I wished I could simply erase the current backdrop and replace it with a more pleasant one, perhaps a tranquil beach or a charming picnic in the park.

As I reached for his jacket, my palms reminded me of their injury. Hissing, I pulled away, but he gently grabbed my wrists and observed the mild burn of my skin. It wasn’t severe, but it would still need a bandage.

“Medics will be here shortly and treat your wounds. In the meantime, let me help you, okay?” The firefighter put the jacket around my shoulders and carefully lifted me up. I didn’t mind being embraced by this hot Guardian of Flames. Now his bells I would definitely jingle if given the chance, a naughty thought crossed my mind.

“What’s your name? Or should I call you Mrs. Claus?” He asked, a playful smile tugging on his lips.

“Please don’t.”

“Fiery Spark then?”

If only he could delve into my thoughts, he’d realize the spark was already kindled. In the blink of an eye, my disastrous workday transformed into a scene straight out of a romantic comedy.

“If you insist on nicknames, I’m going to call you The Blaze Tamer.”

“I actually like that very much. Taming wildfire is my specialty.”

Heat gathered in my cheeks. A wild fantasy assaulted my mind—him carrying me in his strong arms back to the fire station, where a sense of adventure unfolded as I steadied myself against the fire pole.

I flinched as we were abruptly interrupted by a cough. The police officer shot us a stern glare, his brows furrowed in disapproval. Much to my disappointment, the charismatic firefighter withdrew, muttering something about the urgency of assisting his colleagues.

Uneasiness squeezed my chest as I was left alone with the officer and the unamused look on his face. My only solace lay in the hope that they wouldn’t hold me accountable and blame me for the chaotic situation. But before the interrogation could even begin, another man’s voice thundered from somewhere behind us.

“Who’s responsible for this?!”

I tensed as I locked eyes with a pair of furious orbs. The man already stood beside me, his imposing figure accentuated by thick thighs encased in tight jeans and broad shoulders casually draped in a leather jacket. Snowflakes delicately descended from the bright sky, melting as they got ensnared in his messy black hair. Isn’t he freezing? I wondered internally, my gaze drifting to his loosely worn shirt. A tattoo teased at me, and I found myself musing to what extent it covered his chest.

Enough with such thoughts, Ellie!

“Detective, I thought you were off duty today,” surprise etched across the officer’s features. The sentiment mirrored on my face.

A detective?! I gulped hard. Undoubtedly, the notion of this peculiar case requiring the attention of a detective struck me as an unusual turn. Sure, this must have been the most bizarre case of the year, not something one would have anticipated. But was it necessary to involve such experts and investigators?

“Indeed.” He grunted; bags full of Christmas presents swaying in his hands. “But that’s my f*****g car!”

Glancing over my shoulder I checked the damaged vehicle—a result of sleigh’s vicious parking technique. Well, s**t.

“I’m so sorry. I tried to stop the reindeer but—”

“There’s a reindeer roaming the streets of our city?” He cut me off before I could finish my apology.

I hurried with an explanation. “Yes. His name is Comet. Normally he’s very calm and harmless, but he got startled by the fire.”

The intensity of detective’s stare made me uncomfortable. The awkward silence was intermittently interrupted by the officer’s pen, documenting the oddness I had just recounted. And to further complicated the matters, someone decided to crash this gathering.

“Ellie!” Stan huffed, leaping towards us with difficulty. “You let Comet escape! Dumb cow.”

The detective sulked over Stan’s rude words. “Sir, what’s your involvement in this? Do you know this woman?”

“This annoying klutz? I’m her supervisor. It’s her fault that the sleigh was set on fire.”

“That’s a lie!” I erupted with anger. “It was an accident. His cigarette landed on my lap while I was in the sleigh. I brushed it off, but it got caught among all those paper wraps.”

“Oh, yeah?” Stan sneered, “Get ready to start job hunting! When the boss hears about this—”

“We can guarantee your employer will hear about this.” The detective’s authoritative voice drifted through the tense air. He exuded dominance, making everyone in the vicinity feel small. Even while holding a bag containing stuffed teddy bear and a Barbie doll, his presence was commanding.

“Good. Because Ellie and her insufferable attitude—”

“I’m curious about what your employer will think of a supervisor endangering subordinates with a lit cigarette.” He interjected into Stan’s tirade once again, though his eyes remained fixed on me, anchoring me to the ground. Like a tiger, he seemed to be hypnotizing his prey before striking.

“What?” Confusion tinged the fat man’s voice. “No, you’ve got it wrong.”

“Sir, have you been drinking?” The detective shifted his focus back to Stan, adding to his bewilderment.

“Why? Is that a crime?”

“You drove here, didn’t you?”

A smirk played on my lips as I extended my neck, spotting Stanley’s old blue Volvo. He stammered, hastily concocting inconsistent excuses, but the man of law paid him no attention anymore. Instead, he turned to the one wearing a uniform.

“Officer, can you handle this gentleman?”

I watched the officer guiding Stanley for a breathalyzer test. A minor pang of satisfaction filled my heart.

“Driving lessons should be in order.” He remarked when we remained alone.

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Excuse me?”

The detective gestured towards his car, the entire side bumped and scratched. “Your parking skills suck.”

In embarrassment, I lowered my head. “I’m truly sorry for all the damage.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He assured me, waving off my concerns. “The insurance will cover it.”

His sudden nonchalant demeanor contrasted with his earlier firm tone, leaving me slightly perplexed. I couldn’t pinpoint what it was about this man, but a sense of intimidation emanated from him, sending shivers down my spine.

Shivers. Damn, was it freezing! My teeth began to chatter. The firefighter’s jacket proved inadequate to shield me from the cold, especially with my clothes completely soaked.

A petite brunette paramedic approached us.

“I was told you need medical attention?” She asked, quickly observing my hands.

“I might have burned my ass as well.” I whispered almost inaudibly, feeling ashamed.

“She needs to come to the police station with me.”

The paramedic didn’t appreciate the detective’s commands. She snapped back. “Can’t you see her hands are injured? Your interrogation can wait.”

“Hey, what was your name?” He shouted after me as I was dragged to the ambulance car by that tiny but unexpectedly strong woman.

“Eleanor Bell.”

“I’ll pick you up from the hospital, Eleanor Bell.”

Didn’t he mention being off duty today? What more did he want from me? Despite my inner turmoil, I couldn’t muster the strength to protest. I reluctantly muttered, “Okay.”

“It’s not funny,” I scoffed as Shantal bandaged my hands. We met during the nursing program, but she had already completed it and begun working full time at the university hospital. She couldn’t contain her laughter at my crazy and quite unbelievable story.

“Girl, I’ll never stop teasing you. This is the kind of story I’ll one day share with your grandkids. Now, lie on your stomach so I can take a good look at your butt.”

I was grateful for the coincidence of Shantal having the shift. Couldn’t quite imagine someone else tending to my buttocks. She was a good friend. She even lent me her spare clothes.

“So, you’re good to go.” She announced with a cheerful tone. “This juicy ass should avoid spanking for a couple of days. It also needs someone to apply the soothing balm onto the skin in a very slow and tender motion.”

I rolled my eyes at her mockery. “I think I’ll manage.”

“I wasn’t talking to you, Ellie, but to The Blaze Tamer.” My face flushed red and I swiftly shifted on the hospital bed, covering my half naked bottom. “I must see another patient. See ya!” Shantal chirped and vanished.

“Hey, Sparky. I’m flattered that you’re already gossiping about me with the nurses.” The insanely handsome firefighter grinned at me.

“Uhhh…” If the earth ever decided to crack open and swallow me, now would be the best time. “Why are you here? Has your shift ended already?”

“No. But you have my jacket. Even though it looked really good on you, and I’d love for you to keep it, it’s part of the uniform.”

I pointed at the jacket hanging over the chair next to my Mrs. Santa Claus costume. As he grabbed it, he tilted his head, his eyes meeting mine.

“As per the nurse’s instructions, you need assistance with your—”

“No!” I declared; my cheeks tinged with crimson. “I’m fine.”

The smug smile never left him, almost as he considered our encounter amusing. “Truth be told, I came to apologize in case the hose incident caused you any distress. Trust me, that is not how I usually impress women.”

“How do you impress them, then?”

“I’ll start with a dinner invitation. Are you free tomorrow?”

My heart pounded madly in my chest. Did I want to go on a date with a hot firefighter? Hell yes!

“Maybe.”

“Give me your phone.” He instructed, and I figured he wanted to type his number. But to my astonishment, he sat next to me and snapped a quick selfie of us.

“Whoa, what are you doing?”

“Capturing the first day we met. A precious memory. You don’t want to forget it.”

How could I ever forget all this craziness? Or him. It was impossible.

“That’s a bit creepy, considering where we are.” We should be capturing our first moment in a scenic meadow, bathed in the hues of a sunset painting the sky in red and pink—not in a hospital with my hands bandaged and my hair a fuzzy mess.

“It’s authentic.” He winked and sent the picture to his own cell. “I’ll call you, Sparky.”

He departed before I had a chance to ask for his name. However, within seconds, my phone beeped, and I read the incoming text message:

>> This is Mitch. The one who tamed your fire and got you wet.

I fumbled with my phone, typing being a challenge in my condition. One thing remained certain—more flames would require attention before long.

>> This is Ellie. Thx for putting out my hot mess. Getting sprayed with your hose was a blast!

I thought my departure from the hospital would mark the end of my unexpected and eventful day. I was exhausted and already pictured myself curled up in the bed. But as I walked through the hospital doors, my eyes met an unexpected sight—the detective, leaning casually against the wall.

“Eleanor Bell.” His tone was strict and commanding.

Clad in a leather jacket and jeans, a mysterious allure radiated from him, catching me off guard. Also, part of him terrified me. The dimmed lights cast a subtle glow, emphasizing the rugged contours of his silhouette. His presence held a certain intensity, a captivating contrast to the sterile hospital environment I was leaving behind.

“Why so tense? I told you I would pick you up.” He drew nearer.

The snowfall had intensified, thick flakes blanketing the streets in a pristine white carpet. Despite the wintry scene, an inner heat enveloped me, as if I were once more aflame.

I cleared my throat. “It’s late.”

“I thought you’d be pleased to hear that the reindeer was apprehended and safely returned to its owner.”

That was indeed a fantastic news. I was relieved, knowing Comet was out of harm’s way.

“Right. Thank you for informing me. Is that all?”

His piercing eyes rooted me to the spot. As if I was paralyzed by some spell he had cast on me. I couldn’t help but feel intrigued as he approached me, stopping mere inches away from me. We stood so close that our breaths, forming soft clouds of mist, intertwined in the chilly air.

“No. Let’s have a coffee.” That wasn’t a proposal. It was a statement—a request, expected to be obeyed.

My brows arched high. “Is that a good idea?”

“Eleanor, it’s just a coffee. I’m not going to kidnap and chain you. Besides, you destroyed my car. You owe me at least this.”

“You said the insurance will cover it.”

Ignoring my comment, he changed the subject. “Do you like pancakes? I happen to know a perfect place, which is still open at this hour. Come on! You must be starving.”

The weight of his stare held me in place, trapped. On top of that, I had a sweet tooth. Hence, I caved. “Alright. A cup of coffee and that’s it. I need to get up early and find out whether I’m unemployed or not.”

“You don’t need to worry. Your boss is mainly upset about the incredible Santa. Stanley Smith is spending a night in jail.”

“What? You can do that?”

“Never drink and drive, Eleanor.” He said in all seriousness, not a single muscle moving on his face.

His face was quite good-looking. He possessed a rough yet refined charm, his chiseled features accentuated by a strong jawline and a well-defined chin. A prominent nose added character to his face, and full lips completed the overall appeal of his manly countenance. Though it was his confidence mixed with overwhelming dominance that made him sexy as hell. I found myself unintentionally ogling him and mentally scolded myself.

Upon reaching the coffee shop and ordering pancakes adorned with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and liquid chocolate, I discovered his name was Jack.

Jack clarified that the Christmas presents he had carried earlier in his shopping bags were intended for his nieces. He did not have children on his own yet. He was currently single.

Is his relationship status that important to you, Ellie? You should focus on your upcoming date with Mitch.

“Why aren’t you eating?” Jack confronted me when I didn’t touch the cutlery and just kept observing my plate.

“I would but…” A tired sigh escaped me as I lifted my hands. I had not realized my temporary handicap when placing an order.

Jack, wordlessly, moved his chair closer to mine. Seizing my fork and knife, he proceeded to cut my pancakes. My eyes widened as he placed a forkful before my mouth.

“Stop. You can’t feed me like I’m a child.”

“Why? I don’t see a problem with helping you, especially since you’re injured.”

“It’s inappropriate. We don’t know each other.” I argued.

“Then don’t use your hands.”

“What?”

“Eat with your mouth only.”

I let out an awkward chuckle. “I won’t behave like a cavewoman. There are people around.”

“And it’s inappropriate.” He added.

“Exactly.”

“Who gives a f**k what strangers think?”

I gaped, unsure what to respond. Jack didn’t mince words. He pulled his plate closer, buried his face in it, and took a big bite of pancake and a strawberry.

“Yum. You’re truly missing out.” He remarked casually.

“You are a mad person.” I concluded, scanning the surroundings for any odd looks. Surprisingly, no one paid us much attention.

“Do it. Be a little bold. Show some guts. You rode a blazing sleigh today, goddammit.” He challenged.

Goddammit, he was right! And so, I did it. I slammed my face into the pancakes and ate like a savage. I stopped worrying. I stopped caring. As strange as it was, this little act helped me to relax.

“Detective, you’re insufferable.”

“And you have a gorgeous laughter.”

Was I laughing? I must have been. Jack took a tissue, rubbing the whipped cream from the tip of my nose and my cheeks.

“Tell me something, Eleanor Bell,” In a husky voice he spoke, immobilizing me under the force of his intense gaze. I felt powerless yet wonderfully enchanted. “Is cleaning your chocolate mouth with my tongue also inappropriate?”

Another spark ignited today. A Christmas spark indeed.

***

Diana’s work on Dreame:

Pen name Diana Dee B.

Completed books:

The Blind Bond

The Return of the Prodigal Alpha

Alpha King & his Trophy

His H(a)unted Mate

Diana’s publications on Am.azo.n:

Pen name Diana Noire

Available on presale from: Masked Temptation

3 books planned to be self-published in 2024

Diana’s socials:

FB group: Diana’s Ink & Insights

Inst.ag.ram: author_diananoire