Copyright © 2016 by Laura Dunaway
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner.
Cover and Interior Design by Shannon Passmore with Shanoff Formats
Editing by Hilary Suppes, with Social Butterfly PR
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Books by Laura Dunaway
About the Author
Usually an author has one person, or group of people, they dedicate their book to. This time, I have two very special people, who don’t know each other but who own equal pieces of my heart, who deserve this so so much.
To Shannon and Karyn: my life would be forever empty without you two in it. You each bring me such peace, joy, and laughter. You both have such unique and amazing talents, one being listening and supporting me. I know I’m not always the most calm and easy-going person out there. ;) Never have I met two more loyal friends than you. I’m a lucky girl to call you my dearest friends. xoxo
PROLOGUE
DAVIS
I held onto my mom’s hand as she guided me inside the mall to where Santa was. All of the lights and Christmas decorations had me in a kind of trance; it was like walking into a whole other world. I was now eight years old, and even though I was growing up, Christmas was still the most awesome time of year.
Mom had let me in on a little secret this year too. She told me she knew I was growing up quickly, and that I was old enough to handle what she was going to tell me. She then looked to her left, then her right, and told me my dad was Santa Claus. My eyes grew wide, and my jaw dropped. Before I could ask her the million questions running through my head, she tossed her bronze colored hair behind her shoulder and told me that he wasn’t the Santa, but one of his helpers. She went on to explain that poor Santa could not be in more than one place, so how could he be at all the malls and parties across the world at the same time? She said that a lot of daddies and even men who weren’t dads volunteered to help him out by playing him, so all the kids could have a chance to see him each year. When she told me that my dad was the Santa at the mall, I felt really proud. My dad was super busy with his job, so to also volunteer every year to play Santa? That was just super cool in my eyes.
“One more thing, Davis,” mom continued. “You can’t tell anyone, not even your friends. This is a special secret between you and me. You don’t want to risk disappointing anyone if they knew that it wasn’t the real Santa they were seeing.”
I tugged on my lower lip with my finger, thinking over what she said. I really wanted to tell my buddies, but I didn’t want them to feel bad either, so I told her I’d keep it to myself. She gave me a big smile and said she knew I would.
So when we got to the mall and I saw my dad playing Santa, I instantly knew that one day, I’d be doing that too.
CHAPTER
ONE
What’s that phrase parents always like to tell you? Another day, another dollar? Yeah, that’s what keeps going through my mind as I walk into the changing room for employees at Hart Department store. At first, it was weird for me that there was just one changing room, meaning men and women had to share. But, at least we had separate stalls, and so far no one had walked in on me. After working here a while though, I got used to it and barely thought about it anymore. Pulling out my red and green top, green tights, elf hat, and shoes, I sigh as I sit down on the little bench.
Ever since my mom left us eight years ago, my dad has done his best to keep it together. He always stresses education first, but as the oldest child, the need to help out was too great. I held after school jobs until high school graduation, then took full-time work after.
Every Christmas I also work part-time at the mall. As one of Santa’s elves, I guide the children through the line and place some on his jolly old lap. It’s certainly not glamorous, but the mall discount I get helps dad out tremendously, so it’s worth it to me.
Once my costume is on, I look in the mirror and place the little striped elf cap on my head. Brushing through my long, dark mahogany waves, I feel sufficient enough to head on out and play my part. The whines and wails of the children are loud today, reminding me, once again, why I’m here.
Another day, another dollar.
Just as I’m about to turn a corner, the sound of a locker slamming shut making me pause and look in the direction of the sound.
I notice a man shuffling through his gym bag, muttering on his phone, clearly frustrated. I pause for longer than necessary, taking him in; tall, lean and wearing jeans that hug him in all the right places. The way his gray shirt clings to his abs does funny things to me. If only I could see the face that goes with this body, I know it would be unforgettable. Not wanting to cause myself any embarrassment, I move forward and head out to the sound of happy, and some not so happy, children.
Only once I reach the middle of the center court where “Santa’s Workshop” is, there’s no Santa. No wonder the kids are so antsy, pulling on their mother’s legs asking where he is. Mr. Rush, the sweet old man who is usually Santa, is never late. Climbing the stairs to my post right next to Santa’s throne, I look left and right, trying to see if Mr. Rush is rushing toward us.
A Santa is rushing towards me, but it’s obviously not Mr. Rush because this one is practically jogging, something Mr. Rush cannot do. As he approaches, some kids spot him. Some jump up and down, while others start to cry. Knowing there’s no time to ask him who he is, I feel my hair suddenly swing against my back in the breeze from him rushing by to sit down on his chair. As soon as he’s situated, he belts out a loud and deep, “HO, HO, HO., Meeeerry Christmas!”
That deep, sultry voice sounds much like the man from the locker room. His voice, warming me all over and causing my heart to beat faster. I know he didn’t see me, whoever he is, but that does nothing to change my reaction. Luckily, the stampede of kids interrupts my thoughts and forces me to do my job.
As I watch child after child sit on his lap, telling Santa what they want for Christmas, it doesn’t escape my notice how patient and sweet he is toward them. Even the difficult ones, screaming and crying, earn his gentle demeanor. Never once does he roll his eyes, or quickly push them off his lap. He always speaks soft and kind, making a few of the agitated ones calm down and look into his eyes with wonder.
Whoever this guy was, he was amazing. He had me looking at him with wonder too. Even sweet Mr. Rush didn’t have this kind of affect on all of the children.
Throughout my part-time shift, there was never one moment to catch my breath. Kid after kid came through the line, making it seem like they’d never stop. This Santa and I exchanged general words about the children and who they were, but other than that, no time for anything else. It was all I could do to sound relaxed with him, my heart still racing being so close to him because by n
ow, there is no doubt this is the guy from the dressing room. It seems so silly that he is having such an affect on me. But, I know it’s because of his magnetism, his allure. He oozes seduction and sex, and it has hit me with force. This has never happened to me before, not like this. No guy has ever come close to making me feel the heat of attraction for him like this stranger right next to me.
While one nervous little girl sat on his lap, I was finally able to quickly take off my cap and smooth my hair back. It seemed hotter in the mall today, and the feeling of some of my hair sticking to my forehead had really been bugging me. The stupid fleece tights I was wearing weren’t helping things either.
As the evening wore on, the more enamored I became of this Santa. Mr. Rush was always patient as well, but come on; no way was I crushing on him. This guy, this Santa, however, was another story. Everything about him screamed young, hot, and more importantly, patient and kind.
Closing time eventually came, and the mall finally emptied out. The only noise you could hear were the Christmas songs being regurgitated on the mall’s sound system. Completely curious, but too shy to ask, I avoided looking into Santa’s eyes. Instead, I pretended to busy myself with cleaning up.
When I heard his footsteps coming down the few steps behind me, my palms began to sweat. Just knowing he was coming close had me sweeping a mile a minute. Expecting him to keep walking by, my eyes widened when not only did I hear him stop, but also when his deep voice spoke.
“Wow, what a night. Sorry, I’ve been wanting to introduce myself but couldn’t until now.”
Even though my heart was racing, and my palms kept sweating, my daddy taught me to always be polite. Feeling foolish, and convinced he would somehow be able to see my heart practically beating out of my chest, I turned around to face him.
And, oh my, holy hell.
It was a good thing I had the broom to hold onto, because the man from behind had nothing on the man in front. He was beyond beautiful, and he was smiling, at me. He’d removed his fluffy white mustache, beard, and wig, but was still in his jolly red suit. Knowing there was no way I could talk, I stayed silent, just looking at him.
Luckily, he didn’t seem to notice. He stuck his large hand out for me to shake with a grin on his face, completely oblivious that it horrified me. My hand was extremely sweaty; there was no way I wanted him to feel that. But how do I not shake it, without appearing weird or rude? Deciding to quickly rub it up and down my thigh, I softly grasp his hand.
I’m sure it won’t come as a shock that when that happened, bits of electricity traveled from our grasped hands all the way up my arm.
“Hi,” he told me, his voice quieter than before. “I’m Davis.”
Still unable to speak, I just kept staring at him. Dark blonde hair, cropped short on the sides, and wavy on top, penetrating aqua-blue eyes surrounded by long, thick, dark lashes, a strong sculpted jaw, full pink lips, and my most favorite of all, darker blonde stubble peppering his face, making my fingertips scream to touch it.
At the sound of him clearing his throat, I was finally jerked back to reality. Feeling the blush come over my face, I looked down in an attempt to gather some composure. I was completely embarrassing myself, and it made my voice shaky when I finally opened my mouth.
“Uh, sorry,” I squeaked out. Shaking my head a little, I forced myself to look at him. “My name is Elin, and it’s very nice to meet you.”
It’s very nice to meet you? Who says that anymore?
Apparently me.
The corner of his mouth turned up, amused. Feeling like an idiot, I quickly pulled my hand out of his grasp and started sweeping the last of the filth on the floor. Anything to keep me busy so I wouldn’t continue to act like an idiot.
He stayed right where he was, watching me. “It’s nice to officially meet you Elin. Thanks for all of your help tonight. I had such a good time, I love these kids. They really bring out the magic of Christmas.”
His voice was so hypnotic, so rich and deep. It should be heard reciting audiobooks, or the phone book. I wonder if he knew how amazing he sounded.
I didn’t comment on what he just said. Instead only asking:
“Where’s Mr. Rush?”
He gave a low chuckle, and ran a hand through his hair, making it stick out even more. “Well, now that Christmas is getting closer, there’s going to be more of a demand for Santa to be around more here at the mall. Obviously Mr. Rush can’t be the only one, so here I am.”
Thank you, Jesus.
“I hope that isn’t a problem for you,” he finished, making me whip my head to face him.
“Oh uh, no, not at all,” I stammered. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound rude, I uh, just hadn’t heard Mr. Rush wouldn’t be here tonight.”
“Well, he’ll still be here, just sharing the schedule with me.”
That slight turn of his mouth had turned into another grin, and it was doing all sorts of topsy-turvy things to my stomach. I guess it’s that whole butterflies theory. They were definitely in there, flying around, really really fast.
“Well, welcome to Santa’s Workshop,” I tell him, my voice finally sounding stronger.
“Thanks,” he replied. “When do you usually work?”
Propping the broom up under my chin, I ran my hand through my hair, placing some behind my ear. “I only work a few nights a week here. I have a full-time job during the day.”
That made him smile even more. “Yeah? Well looks like we’ll be working together a lot then.”
Swarm!
Those pesky butterflies.
“Really? You’re working nights too?”
He nodded. “Mostly. Like you, I have a full-time job during the day, as well.”
This made me giddy, but I wouldn’t show it. I wanted to ask him where his day job was, but didn’t want to pry. We had just barely met.
“That’s cool,” was all I could think of to say.
That made him let out a sharp laugh, and take a step closer to me. “It is, it’s very cool.”
The sound of a cell phone ringing made us both take a step back. Knowing it wasn’t mine, I watched as he took his out from one of the big pockets in his Santa pants. The smile on his face immediately disappeared when he saw the name of who was calling, making me wish it were back. When he looked up at me, he gestured to the phone.
“Sorry, I have to take this. It was great meeting you, I’ll see you at our next shift.”
And with that, Santa, aka Davis, turned and walked away…
And I was left there holding a broom, staring after him.
CHAPTER
TWO
“Miss Elin, can I have another donut?”
I looked down at the sweet little face of four-year old Tommy, one of my charges at the daycare center where I worked full-time. His dark brown eyes looked up at me, full of want. I’d never tell anyone but he was my favorite. His white blond hair and dark eyes, with his chubby cheeks had always melted my heart, not to mention his sweet little lisp. If there was any way I could provide them, he could have all the donuts in the world. Unfortunately, Sierra only brought enough for the kids to just have one, to celebrate her turning five.
“I’m so sorry, buddy,” I said kneeling down in front of him. “Sierra didn’t bring enough to have more than one, but hey, one is better than none, right?”
He gave a little frown, then nodded, and ran off to join his buddies. He always made me laugh, providing a bright spot in my days at WonderKids Daycare Center. If only all of the kids could be as good as little Tommy.
Hearing a loud sigh behind me, I turned to see Jane, the daycare center owner. By the look on her face, it was obvious something was making her unhappy. My heart sank because it most likely had something to do with the kids.
“Hey Jane, what’s going on?” I asked.
“I just got a call that the Santa we’ve had every year broke his hip. Needless to say, the poor guy is laid up and won’t be able to come for Santa Day next week. I have no
idea what to do because every Santa is booked by now. Unless we find a volunteer, we’re out of luck.” She looked around the room at the kids, her face showing her stress.
“Oh man, that sucks,” I replied. The kids were so excited for Santa Day; there was no way it couldn’t happen. There had to be somebody who’d volunteer to help us out.
“I’ll ask my dad when I get home from the mall tonight, but with his two jobs, the chances are slim. Maybe one of the dads could do it? Or a boyfriend or husband of one of the staff?”
That would not be me, as I was very single at the moment.
She nodded, looking down at some paperwork. “Yeah, I’ll see what I can do. Thanks for asking your dad, Elin, let me know tomorrow what he says.”
“I will, and don’t worry, it’ll work out. No one will allow our kids to not have Santa Day. That’s just wrong.”
That brought a small smile to her face as she brushed a few blonde strands out of her eyes. “It is wrong. Sorry I’m not being positive, this was just something we obviously didn’t expect. Someone will help us out.” She glanced up at the clock on the wall, then back to me. “Speaking of the mall, Elin, it’s almost time for you to get on over there.”
I mimicked her and looked at the clock as well. Sure enough, it read four-fifty. My shift ended at five, and my job at the mall started at five-thirty. “You’re right, I’m going to grab my stuff in a few and take off.”
“Sounds good. Thanks for always being so great, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
I smiled and gave her a one-arm hug. Jane had owned the daycare center for over twenty years. She was a petite woman, but usually so full of life. She was also one of the kindest women I knew.
“You know I love ya, and my job here. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I told the kids good-bye, and to behave, blowing them all a big kiss after grabbing my stuff. They all returned the kiss, loudly, making me laugh as I walked out the door. They always had a way of making me smile.
Falling For Santa Page 1