by penny watson
He almost laughed out loud. Why the hell would he be interested in a woman like her? He was never interested in women like her. He wouldn’t even know what to say.
For the first time in forever, he felt a stab of fear. Would she reject him? See through his charade?
He suddenly became aware of Sven and Wolf prodding him toward the bar.
“Want to join the bachelor crowd for a stronger drink?” Wolf asked.
Gregor reluctantly pulled his gaze away from her. “Sure. Sounds good.”
He and his brothers refreshed their beverages and meandered back to the party. Wolfgang lifted his glass. “To the Klaus Brother Bachelors. An endangered species.”
Sven smiled. “The Klaus brothers appear to be dropping like flies. Hard to imagine, but Nicholas and Oskar seem to be adjusting well to family life.”
Wolf sighed. “If I slow down my work schedule, maybe I’ll find time to date. As it stands now, I’m buried in events and planning.” He took a long drag of his drink. “Speaking of that, I see a big donor at the bar. Let me say hello. I’ll catch you guys in a few.”
Gregor’s attention had returned to the woman across the room. She and her companion were still alone, no dates in sight.
Sven elbowed him. “What’s up?” He arched a brow as he followed Gregor’s line of vision.
“I want to meet her.” Gregor’s hand barely trembled as he set down his drink.
She was alone. And sweet. And beautiful.
And he wanted her.
Sven laughed. “She caught your fancy, did she?”
Gregor didn’t answer. He just nodded.
Sven glanced back at the two women. “Why don’t we go over with some champagne and greet them? They’re all alone.”
Gregor gestured to a waiter. “Excellent plan. Let’s go.”
For the first time in months, he felt a flash of fire inside of him.
He embraced it.
“Wow. It looks so beautiful. It’s like magic.” Hannah could barely contain herself. The New York Public Library had been transformed into a fairy tale. Flickering lights and lush floral garlands lined the stairs and hallways. A quartet played in the foyer, and lines of people stood in front of an enormous bar. Christmas decorations were everywhere—trees heavy with velvet ribbon and ornaments suspended from the ceiling. The scent of roses and evergreens filled the air, and the trill of laughter made Hannah’s heart race.
This was the magical moment she needed. The moment she would never forget.
She turned to Andi and saw her sister scowl. “Hey, Grumpus. Let’s try to enjoy the party. You’re the one who convinced me to leave the apartment tonight.”
Andi rolled her eyes. “It’s just . . . all these people. All these irritating people.”
“Be nice,” Hannah said. “You look so beautiful in that dress. If you try smiling, someone might ask you to dance.”
Andi barked out a laugh. “Me? Sure. I’m not the one who looks like a princess. You are. I’m so happy I managed to get you out for a night.” Andi winked at her. “And if anyone can throw a fabulous party, it’s Klaus Enterprises. A family that rich and powerful can afford the best of everything. The best champagne. Gourmet food. Hoity-toity music.”
Hannah giggled. “The flowers are stunning, too. And so are all the Christmas decorations.” She clasped her sister’s hand. “Thank you. I needed this. More than you could ever know.”
Andi’s expression softened. “I know, hon. Things are tight right now, especially with Christmas around the corner. But I have some extra money coming in, so don’t worry about the holidays. We’ll be fine.”
“I’m earning good cash with the term paper job. Students always need help during finals. Please don’t worry about us. I just want you to enjoy Christmas for a change instead of being such a Grinch,” Hannah said.
“Okay, Miss Martha-Stewart-Christmas-Lady. I still don’t get why you love this holiday so much. But I promise to stuff the stockings and bring over some candy canes. And wine. How about that?” Andi leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “In fact, I could use some more wine. Should we go for a refill?”
Hannah turned toward the bar, and suddenly the back of her neck got hot. Someone was watching her. She swept her gaze around the foyer. Past the women in their designer gowns, past the men roaring with laughter, past the waiters bustling about with platters of food and champagne.
He watched her from across the room.
He was tall, formidable in a severe black tux. There was no softness in his expression, no warmth. His face was starkly beautiful, all hard angles with a masculine beard and somber countenance.
His intensity was ice cold and intimidating.
She shivered under his scrutiny.
Was he really looking at her?
“Oh my goodness. I think that’s Gregor Klaus.” Her voice shook.
“Seriously? He can’t be that spectacular.” Andi craned her neck to see. “Is that the Klaus family? All of them? They’re giants.”
Andi was right. Hannah recognized the group from photos in the paper. The silver-haired father was fit for his age, a competitive athlete. The sons were all well over six feet tall and imposing in stature—broad shoulders and barely concealed strength. But the one who stood out was Gregor. The others laughed and chatted with each other, which made them seem more approachable in spite of their intimidating size. Not Gregor. He stood slightly off to the side of the group, and his face was still as stone. Only his eyes blazed. And Hannah could swear—even though he was too far away to be sure—that his gaze was on her.
She exhaled a slow breath. She would die if he spoke to her. A man like that? She wouldn’t know what to say. David had been a cupcake . . . sweet and silly with her. His emotions had always been an open book. Gregor looked like he didn’t have a silly bone in his body. He was the last sort of man she would ever get involved with.
So why did his gaze make her shiver all over?
“Hannah!” Andi elbowed her in the waist. “Hannah. Hannah!”
“Hmm.” Hannah pulled her attention away from Gregor. She felt herself blush. Ugh! How embarrassing!
“What?” She smiled at Andi, trying to hide her discomfiture.
“Oh, no. Oh . . . no. Gregor Klaus? Have you lost your mind? You haven’t left your apartment in months. Why don’t you find a nice nerdy accountant and make a nice safe date. Okay? Do you hear me?” Andi sounded panicked.
“Okay,” Hannah whispered.
“You’re not listening, are you?” Andi’s voice rose.
“Champagne?” The voice snapped her out of her daze. A voice that was deep and rough . . . almost a growl. She looked up. And up. And up. He was there. Towering over her, offering her a glass of sparkling wine.
Her hand shook as she took the cocktail and nodded her thanks. She was afraid to speak.
Gregor Klaus was a million times more intimidating up close. His clothes were impeccable. A high-end tuxedo over a crisp white shirt. Gold cufflinks at his wrists. His Rolex watch glittered in the candlelight. He oozed power and authority. There was not one spark of humor in his expression. No warmth at all. But something about him was so utterly enthralling, she could barely breathe. He looked . . . needy? For something. She had no idea what. But the cold desperation etched on his face made her want to touch him and offer solace. It was the strangest thing.
“I’m Hannah,” she said softly. “And this is my sister, A—”
“Andi.” Andi interrupted her with a funny look on her face. Her sister’s gaze bounced back and forth between Gregor and . . . Sven?
Hannah was almost sure the blond giant standing next to them was the toy designer for Klaus Enterprises.
“Thank you for the champagne,” Andi said.
Gregor kept his eyes glued on Hannah. “Nice to meet you. I’m Gregor Klaus. This is my brother Sven.” His deep raspy voice gave her goose bumps.
She smiled, valiantly attempting to hide her nerves. Gregor didn’t blink once.
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He took the champagne glass from her grasp and set it on a nearby table. Then he captured her hand and refused to let go.
She wanted to die with embarrassment. Could he feel her trembling? He must have, because he squeezed her hand gently, as though trying to reassure her. He led her onto the dance floor without another word.
She felt like a rag doll with no mind of her own. Why was she letting this man make her so nervous?
And then he slid his arms around her waist, and every rational thought flew out of her head. Strong, heavy arms, anchoring her in place. Pulling her close, too close, but not close enough. He was all power and strength.
Just one night.
That’s what she wanted, right?
Hannah surrendered and melted into his arms.
Chapter 3
Her eyes were hazel and gold. Huge, luminous, framed with long black lashes.
Shining with an innocent sweetness.
He knew he was scaring her. She looked completely overwhelmed. He tried to soften his grip on her waist, but it was difficult. He really wanted to pull her closer. She smelled like sunshine, and the tremble he sensed was turning him on.
He was a bastard. That shouldn’t get him hot, but he convinced himself she was aroused, not afraid. It could be true.
“Hannah. Your name is Hannah.” He repeated it to himself. As if he would ever forget.
“And you’re Gregor Klaus,” she whispered.
“Yes.”
“I’ve seen photos of you and your family in the paper. In the society page.” Her voice was hesitant. Shy.
He wanted to scoop her up, take her home, and never look back.
He was a bastard.
“Don’t believe everything you read,” he said. He could hear the irritation in his voice. He could only imagine the shit they printed in the society page.
Hannah bit her lip. “I don’t. But your family is hard to miss. Five giant brothers running a huge company. You sort of stand out.”
He nodded. “Fair enough.”
He tightened his fingers on her back and she gasped. He couldn’t help himself.
“You’re here with your sister?” He needed to make sure she was alone. He was uncomfortable poaching on another man’s territory. He was feeling possessive in a way that troubled him.
“Yes, we got tickets from my late husband’s law firm. We normally don’t attend fund-raisers like this.” Hannah darted her gaze away.
“Why not?” He didn’t understand her embarrassment.
“We don’t typically . . . mingle with the rich and famous. Our big night out is at Gino’s Pizzeria on Fridays. With my twin boys. Nothing this exciting.”
She was a widow. With children. His protective instincts reared up. If she was trying to deter him, it wasn’t working in the least.
Gregor was dying to kiss her. Her lips looked soft and welcoming. And he hated the embarrassment in her voice. “I love Gino’s.” His voice sounded raspy and harsh. He hoped he wasn’t scaring the wits out of her.
“You do?” She peeked at him shyly.
“I do.” He didn’t mention he’d saved Gino’s with a “gift” from Santa. That the old man had almost lost his business due to a gambling problem. She didn’t need to know that.
She smiled. “I take the boys on Friday night, and then we bring take-out to my mom’s place. She’s blind, and my dad is in a wheelchair, so it’s just easier that way. And Uncle Dominic . . .” Her voice trailed off.
“Uncle Dominic?”
“He’s autistic. He gets uncomfortable in large crowds, so it’s better for him to stay home.” She drew in a shaky breath. “I’m babbling. I’m sorry. You probably aren’t interested in hearing all this stuff about my family. I’m just nervous and babbling.” Her face flushed, and she stared at the floor.
Gregor gently nudged her chin up with one finger. “I don’t mind. I have a big family, too, with quirks and eccentricities like you wouldn’t believe.”
“You’re just trying to make me feel better,” she said quietly.
“No, I’m being honest. Let’s see . . . my youngest brother Oskar wears a Dr. Seuss hat and dyes his hair green. It’s painful going out in public with him.”
Hannah laughed. “Really? That . . . is unusual.”
Gregor could feel her body starting to relax within his arms. “Nicholas stops speaking to us when we’re eating and starts taking notes about the food. He’s a baker and he can’t help himself. One time I said, ‘Nicholas, what time is our meeting tomorrow?’ and he answered ‘Two cups of sugar.’”
Hannah giggled.
She was utterly adorable.
“What about your other brothers? I hope Andi is okay with Sven . . .” She glanced around the room. “They’re dancing, too. Is Sven a good guy?”
“Sven is our resident toymaker and lumberjack. If Andi likes wood-working, they’ll have plenty to talk about.”
“Uh-oh. I don’t think she knows too much about that topic.” She gripped his arms tighter as he twirled her in a circle on the dance floor. She melted against him.
He needed to do that again.
“Believe me, she’ll be well-versed in carpentry by the time they’re done talking.” He splayed his fingers on her back, and she swayed in his arms.
“And Wolfgang is the host tonight, right? He organizes the charity events?”
Hannah’s tiny hand pressed against his chest, and he stopped breathing. The heat of her touch seeped right through his shirt. He hoped he wasn’t sweating.
“Uh . . . yes. Yes. Wolf manages our philanthropic projects. He travels a lot. Last week he was in Guatemala, finishing up a new school.”
She sighed. “Your family lives a very exciting life. Travel and galas . . . It must be wonderful.”
“This is wonderful.” Damn. That just popped right out. He sounded like an idiot.
But Hannah didn’t laugh. She nodded. “It is. Thank you so much for dancing with me.” She bit her lip again. “It is wonderful.”
He couldn’t help himself. He pulled her tighter. The lights were dim. No one would notice. She rested her face against his chest as they swayed to the music, and Gregor prayed this song would last for hours.
Every point of contact sizzled with electricity. Could she feel it, too? She was still trembling in his arms. He nuzzled the top of her head and smelled sunshine and flowers. He relished her scent.
And then the ballad ended, and the band struck up a fast number. Gregor almost swore out loud. Hannah looked at him expectantly.
“How about a drink and something to eat? I know for a fact the menu is superb tonight. Nicholas and his wife, Lucy, planned the whole thing.”
She nodded. He slipped his fingers through hers, locking them together.
He had no intention of letting her go anytime soon.
Hannah was walking with Gregor Klaus. Holding his hand. And he was staring at her with the intensity of a tiger spotting its prey. It was a miracle she wasn’t shaking like a leaf. She’d embarrassed herself with nervous babbling on the dance floor. But he’d been gracious and kind, sharing stories about his own family.
Could this really be happening to her?
She was spending the evening with Gregor Klaus?
She glanced at him, wondering if his interest was starting to waver. If the throngs of beautiful women around them were capturing his attention.
His eyes were focused on her.
Only on her.
My God. He was so gorgeous, she felt light-headed. His hair was a rich chestnut, thick and wavy. His beard was perfectly groomed, but not fussy like some other men she knew. The elegant tuxedo couldn’t hide his impressive physique—wide muscular shoulders and a broad chest. But his eyes were the most intense part of him. The color of dark molasses—somehow they flashed cold and hot at the same time.
“Would you like something to drink? Champagne? A glass of wine?” His voice was deep and rough and ridiculously masculine.
She took a sha
llow breath and tried to pull herself together. “Is that eggnog? That’s my favorite holiday drink.”
He smiled. “You would fit right in with my family. Our eggnog recipe is a special Klaus tradition. Generously spiked with bourbon.” He handed her a mug.
“I make it, too. With lots of milk for the kids, and alcohol for the grown-ups.” Hannah blushed. “I sort of have an embarrassing addiction to Christmas.”
When she glanced up, she found Gregor staring at her with an amused expression.
“You’re addicted to Christmas? You would fit in with my family more than you can imagine.”
“Really? I guess Christmas is important to you since your business is toy-making.”
He shot her an enigmatic look. “You could say that.”
“My sister makes fun of me for being overly enthusiastic during the holiday season.”
His gaze raked over her face. “Why is that?”
“Oh, she thinks I get too sappy. She’s the cynical, practical sister. I’m the sister who wants to adopt all the puppies at the shelter. I guess I get carried away with the whole Christmas thing.”
Gregor’s expression turned somber. “The world needs more people like you. Especially in Manhattan. The city is dripping with tacky Santas and holiday anxiety. Sometimes it’s hard to see past that.”
“Oh, I don’t have any trouble. The boys and I love Christmas in Manhattan.”
“Really? How do you celebrate?”
“Are you kidding? There are so many fun things to do. First, I take the boys to Fifth Avenue so we can look at the holiday windows and Christmas trees. Then we attend Handel’s Messiah at the Church of the Heavenly Rest. We spend some time volunteering at the pet shelter and the community food bank. And the week before Christmas we pick up a tree at Joseph’s Tree Emporium around the corner. We make ornaments, bake cookies, and decorate our apartment. My all-time favorite activity is attending candlelight mass at the Church of St. Paul. It’s magical.” She paused and looked at Gregor, who had a half-smile on his face. “I—I’m sorry. I’m babbling again, aren’t I? Do I sound ridiculous?”
“No. You sound genuinely enthusiastic. You really do love Christmas. Good for you. I feel like the big bad Grinch talking with Cindy Lou Who.” He raised a self-deprecating brow.