Kristen’s eyes grew wide, a smile stretching across her face. “How romantic!” Her head tilted as she considered me with a sparkle in her espresso depths. “It was really sweet of you to go along with it.”
I neglected to mention that I did it grudgingly, not wanting to be a part of anything festive. “They are actually using it again this year. It’s become kind of a tradition for them. You should come with me and we’ll take a ride”—the double entendre wasn’t intended, but the idea took root. Yeah, she’d be riding more than my sleigh tonight, I vowed—"before we drop it off.” A thought suddenly crossed my mind, immediately irritating me. “Unless you have plans. With your family or a boyfriend?” If she said yes to having a man in her life, I was likely to lose my shit. I wouldn’t put it past myself to tie her to my bed and tell the fucker to get lost because she was mine now.
Mine? I’d met her only a few minutes ago but as the word rolled around in my head, I knew it was true.
Chapter Two
Kristen
It was hard to think with Grant glaring at me like I’d just kicked his puppy or something, especially since I was distracted by the magnetic pull of my attraction to him. He wasn’t anything like I expected when my boss assigned me the task of doing our due diligence into SWS for a possible acquisition. As the team member who was most familiar with the chain of Holiday Cheer stores SWS owned, I was the logical choice. After working there for a few years, everyone at Denning & Co knew how obsessed I was with Christmas. I’d shopped at Holiday Cheer stores ever since I was a little girl, and I kind of expected the owner to be more...Santa-esque. Older. Less physically fit. Definitely not able to melt my panties right off my body with one smoldering look from his dark eyes.
Shaking my head in an attempt to clear the sensual fog hanging over it, I asked, “Are they borrowing it tonight?”
He nodded and growled, “Yes.”
“Nope. No plans.” My answer made me a little sad because I wasn’t used to being away from my family over the holidays, but it wiped the scowl from Grant’s face.
A lock of dark hair fell onto his forehead when he leaned back. The change in position made the material of his button-down shirt stretch over his broad shoulders and chest, and his biceps flexed as he gripped the arms of his chair. “Did I ruin your plans by requesting we meet today? Working in retail, it’s hard to remember that everybody else isn’t necessarily used to seeing Christmas Eve as a regular business day.”
I shrugged, trying to play it off so he wouldn’t feel guilty. “My mom, dad, sister, and her family all live in Seattle. I usually fly out there for the holidays, but it’s not possible this year because of…well, you.” Well, that didn’t work once I opened my big mouth. He flashed me an apologetic smile, and I hurried to explain, “I didn’t mean that quite the way it sounded. It’s just that my boss made it clear to me that since the holidays are understandably your busiest season, I should expect to be busy with this project at least until the start of the new year. So no big trips for me to see my family until next year.”
His dark eyes narrowed. “What about your boyfriend? Is he busy tonight?”
“Boyfriend?” I echoed, shaking my head. “I don’t have one.”
His lips kicked up at the edges in a pleased grin. “Good.”
“Good?” I was a people person and rarely found myself tongue-tied, but I couldn’t seem to stop repeating what Grant has said. How was I supposed to represent Denning & Co when I sounded like a freaking parrot around him?
His smile widened. “Better than good because it means there’s nothing to stop you from coming with me tonight.”
I squirmed a bit in my chair at the thought of spending time with him outside of the office. “Except for, um, the fact that my boss would probably not be happy about me spending the holiday with you while I’m the one responsible for completing our due diligence before Denning & Co makes a formal offer to purchase Santa’s Workshop.” I grinned at the adorable name.
He stood and pressed his hands against the top of his desk. My eyes ate up the six feet plus inches of his lean muscular frame as he growled, “Leave your boss to me, kitten.” I melted a little at the cute nickname.
“Leave my boss to you?” What did that even mean? And why was I repeating what he’d said yet again?
“Getting on my wrong side is no way to start the negotiations between our companies”—he rounded his desk to stand in front of me with his strong arms crossed over his chest—“and I’m more than willing to make it clear to your boss just how much interfering in my personal business would piss me off.”
Wow. Talk about ramping up the panty-melting factor by about a thousand degrees. I shifted in my seat, my legs rubbing together and drawing his attention to where my dress hit mid-thigh. His dark eyes heated as they trailed down to the knee-high, black leather boots I’d picked out this morning because they helped keep my legs warm since it was so cold outside. Seeing the masculine approval on his handsome face, I was doubly glad to be wearing them.
A part of me loved the idea of Grant Calvin knocking my boss down a peg or two, but this was the first time I was the lead on a project this size and I didn’t want to mess it up. “Or we could just not mention it to him.”
“Is that a yes?” I nodded and he held a hand out to me. “Then that’s what we’ll do...for now.”
I was too distracted by the feeling of our palms sliding against each other to question what he meant by the implied time limit at the end of his statement. He helped me up and tucked my hand in the crook of his arm before leading me over to the small table on the other side of his office. After he got me settled on one of the two chairs, he stalked back over to his desk and stabbed a finger at his phone. “You can bring in the food now, Grace.”
“I have it right here,” she called out, pushing open the door and rolling in a vintage, red serving cart with two silver dome covered plates on the top shelf, a pitcher of drinks and glasses on the second, and a tray of Christmas cookies on the bottom.
“Thanks, I’ve got it from here,” Grant said as he went over to her and took control of the cart. He smiled sweetly at her and kissed her cheek, making me even more gooey inside.
“Enjoy!” She winked at me and backed out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
Grant moved everything from the cart to the table and took the seat across from me. When he lifted the domes and set them on the cart, I gasped in surprise at the tenderloin medallions, green beans, and au gratin potatoes on my plate. “Wow. When you said food, I was thinking a sandwich and chips or something like that.”
He grinned at me and explained, “I wish I could take credit for wining and dining you in style, but we do a big spread for all the employees every Christmas Eve. It’s a tradition my dad started years ago, and Grace has taken care of all of the details for me ever since I took over the business.”
The light in his dark eyes dimmed, and I reached out to wrap my hand around his. “I heard about what happened to your parents. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” He flipped his hand over and laced his fingers through mine. “I still miss them, but enough time has passed that it doesn’t hurt quite as much anymore.” He lifted my hand and brushed a kiss over my knuckles. “And I have a feeling that for the first time since I lost them, I’m actually going to enjoy the holidays this year.”
My cheeks filled with heat that had nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with the need coursing through my veins at the brief touch of his lips against my skin. I’d come to SWS for a business appointment, but it had turned into something that felt like a date instead, and I didn’t regret it. Not even a tiny bit.
We spent the next hour eating and sharing stories about our lives. By the time he led me to his car so we could go to their flagship store to do a walk-through together, I felt like I’d known Grant for weeks and I was looking forward to my assignment—and my first Christmas away from my family—more than I ever expected.
Chapter Three
Grant
My gaze lingered on Kristen’s legs when her skirt rode a little higher as I helped her into my SUV. When I dragged my eyes up, they locked with hers. The brown irises had darkened to espresso, and I licked my lips at the desire swirling in them.
Fuck, I wanted her. Knowing she was attracted to me as I was to her was like an aphrodisiac. I’d practically dragged her out of my office because it had been all I could do to keep myself from throwing her down on the table and eating her for dessert.
Taking a deep breath, I winked at her and closed the door. Then I loped around to my side and climbed into the driver’s seat. Tiny white flecks began to land on the windshield as I pulled out of the parking lot.
Kristen’s face lit up like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, and her dimple deepened, taking me from hard to fucking steel. She was incredibly beautiful, but I was also drawn to her sweetness and enthusiasm. She was clearly smart and dedicated, except she hadn’t become jaded by the corporate ladder.
Keeping a watch on the road was easy, knowing heaven was just beside me. “I am truly sorry you won’t be with your family for Christmas”—I reached over and settled my hand on her thigh, my fingers flirting with the hem of her skirt—“but I can’t say that I regret it.” I stole a brief glance her way. She was watching me curiously, but I’d clocked her tiny shiver when my thumb brushed against the soft skin under her skirt. “Because now I get you all to myself for Christmas.” And I intended to unwrap my present as soon as possible.
My hand slid up until I was touching the edge of her panties. I put the slightest bit of pressure on her inner thigh and almost growled in satisfaction when she widened her legs just a little. The heat from her pussy sent tingles up my arm and when I brushed a finger over the fabric at her center, she gasped. The sound sent a wave of pleasure straight to my dick, causing it to leak. I clenched the hand on the wheel, turning my knuckles white, and tried to contain myself so I wouldn’t explode like a fucking teenager.
I couldn’t remember the last time I was with a woman, but I instinctively knew that my lack of control had nothing to do with my celibacy and everything to do with Kristen.
I slipped my finger under her panties and it was immediately soaked. “Fuck,” I groaned. “You’re drenched.” Kristen moaned when I pressed between her lips and I was about thirty seconds from pulling over and fucking her until I realized we’d arrived at our destination.
As I navigated to the parking lot behind the store, I lifted my hand to my mouth and licked it clean. “I knew you’d taste sweet,” I murmured. Once I’d parked in my designated spot, I turned to face her. With a hand behind her neck, I brought her close and crushed my mouth onto hers. Her lips parted in surprise, and I pushed my tongue inside so she would taste herself.
It wasn’t enough. I managed to move my seat back without releasing her lips and then I grasped her hips and dragged her over to straddle my lap. I ravished her mouth for several minutes until I finally slowed things down and nibbled the corner of her lips. “I have a feeling I’m already becoming addicted to your sugar, baby.”
We were both breathing heavily and Kristen’s tits were rubbing up and down my chest while her pussy moved restlessly over my hard cock. I grasped her hips and raised her up, then gave her a quick peck before setting her back in her seat. She looked at me with a dazed expression and I leaned in, resting my forehead against hers. “Later,” I promised in a low growl. “Now move your pretty little ass, kitten. Before I lose all control and fuck you right here in the car.”
She smiled shyly, but there was a sassy glint in her eyes when she opened her mouth. I gently pinched her lips shut and gave her a stern stare. “Let’s at least get a little work done so you can report back to your boss that it was a productive meeting.”
Her eyes danced with laughter and lips tipped up at the sides, popping out that damn irresistible dimple again. When I let go, they stretched into a full smile. “Good thinking.” I exited the vehicle and jogged around to the passenger side. The snow had turned into big, fluffy flakes and when I opened Kristen’s door, she was practically bouncing in her seat. She took my hand and jumped down, letting her head fall back so the wet flakes landed on her face which made her laugh with delight.
Her excitement was infectious and for the first time in many years, I saw the beauty in the falling snow. Kristen started to spin but it was slick from the moisture and she slipped. I caught her before she went down and dragged her body tightly into mine. “I’ve got plans for this body later, baby. How about you try not to break anything?”
Her cheeks were pink from the cold, but the color deepened. She was so damn sweet, I was almost consumed with my hunger for her. Her head bobbed up and down. “Lead the way.”
When she looked up at the building, her brown eyes sparkled with as much joy as they had when she was playing in the snow.
As we entered the building, we were in the delivery area, then continued onto the back offices and stock rooms. Instead of appearing bored, she looked around eagerly and hung onto my every word as I spoke about the business. My fascination with her grew stronger, and I anticipated her reaction to the actual store.
Despite the manners my mother had taught me, I entered through the door first, then held it open so I could watch her face. Her smile was so big, it looked like it might break her face. She was almost vibrating with her excitement. “I haven’t been back to this location in years,” she said as she began to wander. The store had closed at Noon, so we were alone in the Christmas wonderland. “It’s just like I remember.” She turned toward me with an inquisitive expression. “You haven’t changed a thing.”
I scanned everything around me thoughtfully, then shrugged. “I guess we haven’t.” I canted my head to the side, observing her with a similar look of curiosity. “Why do you mention it?”
“Your other stores. They aren’t as”—she stopped and her nose scrunched a little as she considered her words. It was fucking adorable—“personable, I guess. Not as unique. They’ve become a little more mainstream.”
I glared at her playfully as I stalked over to where she stood by Santa’s Village. Grasping her hips, I brought her body flush with mine and enjoyed another one of her sweet, pink blushes when my erection pressed into her stomach. “Baby, are you calling my stores boring?” I asked with a cocked eyebrow.
“Well…” she hedged. “If the big, red suit fits…”
I threw my head back and laughed. It felt almost foreign, and I realized it had been startlingly absent from my life until now.
Kristen’s eyes filled with wonder and joy as she looked around again and right then, I vowed to put that expression on her face every day for the rest of our lives. Perhaps selling my legacy wasn’t the answer to finding happiness. I suspected that Kristen was what, or rather who, I’d been looking for all along.
“What would you do to the other stores?” I asked, genuinely interested.
Her eyes lit up and she tapped her lips, momentarily distracting me. Then her expression turned a little sad before she quickly replaced it with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “My bosses want to—”
“That’s not what I asked, Kristen,” I interrupted. “If I gave you free rein and told you to make every store as successful as this one, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
Her eyes widened and her smile became genuine. “Well, if it were up to me…” she trailed off, seeming a little uncertain.
“Don’t think about Denning & Co”—I released her waist but took her hand and led her over to Santa’s large, wooden chair. As I sat, I tugged her down with me, so she ended up on my lap—“We’re just playing a little game of what if.”
Kristen’s shoulders relaxed, and she launched into an explanation of what she would do and why. She spoke with her hands, and they waved about as she got more and more enthusiastic over her ideas. I hung on every word and was even more convinced that I was making the right decision. I
was keeping SWS...and I was keeping Kristen.
“This is like a movie!” Kristen exclaimed gleefully. She clapped her mitten-covered hands and started singing Sleigh Ride in a sweet but slightly off-key voice.
We’d brainstormed at the store for quite a while, but eventually, I had to get the horse and sleigh ready. My friends lived about a mile from the farm where I kept a few horses and stored the sleigh, so it was easy to let them use it, versus having to tow it and a horse trailer. It was also the perfect excuse to cuddle up with my girl.
I laughed at the picture she painted, in full agreement that this moment could be scripted from a movie. But, she was wrong about one thing. No movie could ever capture her perfection or the desire that pulsed between us. My chuckle caught her attention and her eyes affixed to my mouth, hunger sparking in the chocolate depths. Just like in the car earlier, I was right on the precipice of pulling into a dark spot and sinking deep inside her, when we arrived at our destination.
Before I could even get a word out, the front door of the house flew open and a pregnant woman came jogging toward us. “You better not be running in your condition!” A deep voice hollered from inside. “Of course not!” she called back without slowing down. I climbed down from the sleigh and walked around to meet her. Before she reached us, she stopped suddenly and just stood there, gaping at me. Her expression of shock was almost comical.
“What happened to your face?” Harley asked before she turned and yelled, “David! You have got to see this!”
I felt all around my face but didn’t find anything. Glancing up at Kristen, she studied me for a heartbeat then shrugged. “I have no idea what she’s talking about,” she murmured. “You look as sexy as you did earlier.” The smile on my face grew wider and I winked at her before pivoting back to Harley who was now joined by her husband, David.
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