“Something like that.”
“It’s kind of cute, don’t you think? A middle-aged guy lives in Gingerbread and decides to take on the persona of Santa Claus. It’s like the role players in old Western towns like Tombstone.”
“Guess so.”
“You don’t seem to appreciate the charm of it, my friend.”
Cole took a deep breath and looked over at her. “I’d forgotten that your brain is always analyzing, always evaluating, sifting and cataloging.”
“Of course. So’s yours.”
He flicked on a turn signal and pulled up to a wrought iron gate with scrollwork incorporating an elaborate E. “I’m going to ask you to focus all that brainpower on the Evergreen database. Pretend you have blinders on and ignore everything else.”
“Sounds like censorship, Cole.”
He touched a button on the dash and the gates swung open. “That’s because it is.”
“For the love of God, what’s going on in this building?”
Pulling into a parking space labeled with his name, he shut off the engine and turned to her. “I promise you that what goes on in this building is benign. There are no criminals here, no terrorists and no drug dealers. Nothing bad happens here, Taryn. Can you accept that and just do your job?”
“If it’s nothing bad, why can’t you tell me?”
“I can’t tell you because...” He looked into her eyes and his throat moved. When he spoke, his voice was husky with emotion. “I can’t tell you, not ever, and I really wish I could, because...”
“Because why?”
“Because I love you.”
She gasped, shocked that he’d said it, but thrilled, too. “But I love you, too! And people who love each other share things they wouldn’t tell anyone else.”
“Not in this case.” His gaze searched hers. “I need you to analyze the database. You’re the person for the job—maybe the only person who can do what I need done. Will you do that for me?”
“Yes, I will.” He hadn’t asked her to promise she’d wear those blinders. Maybe he secretly wanted her to find out what was going on.
Whether he wanted her to find out or not, she intended to. This was ridiculous. They belonged together, and she wouldn’t let him throw their future away, at least not until she knew why he was so intent on doing it.
The lobby was decorated for Christmas, which she would have expected. A blue spruce that had to be thirty feet tall stood in the center of the two-story vaulted ceiling. Evergreen ornaments hung from every branch. Many of them gave off that mysterious glow she’d noticed in hers.
Display cases filled with ornaments lined the walls, and each ornament was labeled with the year in which it was manufactured. Taryn didn’t have much time to look, but she’d swear at least one of them dated back to the 1600s. “Cole, some of those ornaments are really old.”
“The company’s been around a long time.”
“Did it originate in Europe?”
“Yes, it did, in fact. Let’s get you signed in.” He guided her toward an ornate desk that looked as if it might have been imported from Versailles. Behind it sat a sweet-faced woman who could have been anywhere from fifty to seventy. She wore a red velvet dress, and the nameplate on her desk identified her as Jolie S. Garland.
Taryn wanted to ask her, with a wink, if that was her real name. But something about the woman’s calm gaze kept her from doing that. Taryn suspected it was her real name, and she’d be insulted if anyone suggested otherwise. Whether she’d found her perfect job or the job had found her, she’d discovered the right spot for a person with that particular name.
Smiling, she handed Taryn a gold pen. “Sign here, Miss Harper, and I’ll give you an access card.”
Jolie reached into a drawer and came up with a sparkling gold card with Taryn’s name embossed on the front and a magnetic strip on the back. “This will allow you to board the elevator, which will take you to the IT center on the twelfth floor. If you need anything, please come back to the lobby and I’ll assist you.”
“Thank you, Jolie.” Taryn returned the woman’s genial smile, but she had the distinct impression she’d been given a ticket to the IT floor and nothing else. Once she and Cole were inside the shiny gold elevator, she confirmed it with him.
“That’s all you were hired to do.” He unbuttoned his coat and loosened his scarf, but he stood on the opposite side of the elevator.
She found that significant—depressingly so. “I thought you might give me a tour of the building while I’m here.” She hadn’t really thought that, but it was worth a shot.
A ghost of a smile touched his lips. “Would you settle for a tour of the IT department? It’s my favorite floor.”
“I’m sure it is. But your parking space said you were the CEO. Who’s in charge of IT?”
“I am, for now. I haven’t found anybody I’d turn it over to, so I’m doing double-duty.”
“That can’t be easy. This looks like a huge operation. How can you handle the IT department when you’re supposed to be the head honcho of Evergreen?”
“Obviously I’m not doing a very good job of it. You hacked in.”
“You shouldn’t let that bother you. As I said before, I know your MO. The average hacker wouldn’t have nearly such an easy time of it.”
“Nevertheless, you exposed my vulnerabilities. I want those protected.”
That, too, was a telling statement. She was the woman who knew too much. He’d hired her to barricade him against future invasions, both business-related and emotional, and then leave.
The elevator came to a smooth stop on the twelfth floor. It hadn’t stopped once since they’d left the lobby. Other people had to be working in this large building, and yet she’d never know it. Jolie S. Garland was the only employee she’d met. That was spooky.
“I gave the rest of the IT staff the day off to go Christmas shopping,” he said. “I wanted you to be able to work undisturbed.”
That meant he didn’t want her talking to anyone. He’d done his best to isolate her from the rest of the workers at Evergreen. After they’d gotten so close at MIT, he should have realized the more he tried to deny her access to information, the more determined she’d become. If she hadn’t believed her investigative plan was for his own good, she’d feel disloyal. But he’d refused to give her all the facts, and without those facts, she couldn’t make an informed decision. Maybe, once she knew what the issues were, she’d agree with him that they had no future.
She seriously doubted that, though. Every problem had a solution. He’d been conditioned to believe this particular problem couldn’t be solved. That wasn’t a failing. Everyone had blind spots. Because she loved him, she would help him to overcome his.
After they left the elevator, he led her past several offices, but the hallway was ghost-town silent.
At the end of the hall, Cole opened a door into a larger office. An L-shaped dark walnut desk held multiple monitors, a top-of-the-line keyboard and a mouse pad in the shape of a round Christmas ornament. A Santa mug sat to the right of the keyboard, but that was it. No framed pictures, no flowering plant, no cluttered in-basket.
She glanced around. “Is this your office?”
“Used to be. I still work down here when I need to.”
“Where’s your regular office?”
“Fifteenth floor.” He seemed reluctant to share that information. “Let me take your coat so you can have a seat and get started.”
“Fine.” She put her messenger bag on his desk and instantly the work space looked more welcoming. As she started to shrug out of her parka, her hands bumped his. He was helping her take off her coat. She froze. “I can do it.”
“Right.” He backed away. “Sorry. Habit.”
Slipping off her coat, she turned to him. He
looked positively miserable. “You can leave,” she said. “I know how to turn on a computer.” She smiled. “And I already know your password.”
He laughed at that, although it wasn’t a happy laugh. “So you do. Then maybe I will leave you to work for a while and I’ll check on you later. I...uh...didn’t realize that giving the IT staff the day off would have an unintended consequence.”
“That we’re all alone up here?”
His green gaze burned with frustration. “Exactly.”
“Then go, before one of your siblings shows up and catches us in a compromising position.”
Heat flared in his eyes. “I’ll come back and check on you. Is there anything you need?”
“Besides the obvious?”
“Stop.”
“Okay. I would love a good cup of coffee sometime in the middle of the morning. Is that possible?”
“I’ll make it happen.”
“Thanks. See ya.” She made a shooing motion with both hands. She hoped his siblings did pop in to see her. She’d figure out a way to make that work to her advantage.
Chapter 7
Cole barreled down the hall and waited impatiently for the elevator. When it came, he was glad it was empty. He used his card and punched the number for the fifteenth floor. How could this have become so complicated? He hadn’t factored in the possibility that she’d be as hot for him now—hotter, in fact—as she’d been before. And still in love with him, as he was with her. What a disaster!
Ethan got on the elevator as Cole got off. “Is Taryn in the building?” Ethan asked.
“Yes, and I hope you’ll leave her alone to work.”
Ethan laughed. “I will, for now. I have to deliver some ornaments to the Denver Chamber of Commerce. Their president read Lark’s damned book, and the cheer level of their Christmas display is way down. But if Taryn’s here when I get back, I’ll stop in and introduce myself.”
“Don’t hurry home.”
“I love you, too, big brother.” The elevator door closed, obscuring Ethan’s grin.
Cole blew out a breath and started down the hall. Then he remembered Taryn’s coffee request and stopped at Belle’s office.
She glanced up from her computer. “Is Taryn here?”
“Yes, and she’s a coffee drinker.”
“Cool! I like her already.”
“She asked for a good cup of coffee mid-morning, and I thought, since you always go to Cup of Cheer around ten, you could bring back something for her.”
“Uh, sure.” Belle’s gaze flickered. “I have some errands to run in town, though, and they could take a while.”
Something was going on with her and these errands, but this time of year, Cole knew better than to quiz his family when they acted mysterious. For all he knew, she had been planning to buy his present that morning.
“How about this?” Her expression brightened. “She can walk down there with me. I’ll buy her coffee, and then I’ll send her back here while I run my errands. That way she can see what they have and get the flavor she likes. Will that work?”
“Guess so.” Cole wasn’t crazy about the thought of Taryn on the loose in Gingerbread. But he also wasn’t ready to be alone with her again.
“Then we’ll do it that way. I look forward to meeting her.”
“You’ll watch what you say, though, right?”
Belle’s green eyes widened innocently. “You don’t want me to tell her how destroyed you were when you had to break up with her ten years ago?”
He scowled.
“Don’t worry, big brother. Your secrets are safe with me.”
“Thanks.” He remembered he wanted to mention seeing Kris. “Our wayward Santa was out jogging when we drove past. Taryn decided he’s some guy who’s into role-playing.”
“That’s good. Excellent. And I’ve been meaning to tell you that Louie, one of our elves, has designed Spit-Up Baby Susie. He thinks it’s more realistic and should go into production ASAP.”
“Have him send the prototype to me.”
“You’re not thinking of approving it, I hope!”
“No, but I’m curious to see how it works.” Any distraction, including a vomiting baby doll, would be a good thing.
* * *
Taryn needed caffeine. Mrs. Gustafson’s brew had worn off, and while Cole’s whimsical database with its dopey categories like “Lots of Toys for Girls and Boys” was entertaining, Taryn needed hot coffee, and she needed it now.
When a green-eyed blonde wearing a trench coat tapped on the open door, Taryn hoped her visitor was there on a mission of mercy for the caffeine-deprived.
“Taryn, I’m Belle.” Smiling, she hooked her purse more securely over her shoulder. “Cole said you drink coffee.”
“I do. Is there a pot brewing somewhere in the building?” She wondered if Belle might give her access to a different floor. That would be exciting.
“Not really. Get your coat and I’ll walk you down to Cup of Cheer. They make the best java in Gingerbread.”
“I’m all over that.” Taryn saved her work and powered down the computer. “I was about to send out an SOS.”
“Trust me, I understand. Don’t bother bringing your bag, though. This is my treat. Just make sure you have your access card.”
“It’s in my coat pocket.” Taryn took her parka from the coat-tree in the corner. “Sounds like the Evergreen coffee room isn’t up to your standards.”
“There is no coffee room. Just a cocoa room.”
“You’re joking.” Taryn followed her out the door. “Who doesn’t have a coffee room?”
“Evergreen Industries.” Belle headed briskly down the hall. She could walk fast for a short person.
Taryn had trouble believing the building had no coffee available. “Don’t the employees complain?”
“Just me. Everyone else is fine with the cocoa. So I make the trek to Cup of Cheer every morning.” She swiped her access card through the reader and the elevator opened.
“Thanks for inviting me along.” Taryn noticed Belle’s access card was the same as hers and Cole’s. The only difference was in the coding and the name embossed on the back. What Taryn wouldn’t give to have possession of that card for thirty minutes.
“I’m glad to do it. I’d walk back with you, but I have some things that require my attention in town. I’m sure you’ll find your way back okay.”
Taryn laughed. “I can’t imagine anyone getting lost in Gingerbread. Hiking around Mistletoe Mountain could be a different story, but I don’t plan on doing that.”
“That’s good.” They reached the lobby and Belle waved at Jolie S. Garland, who was still on duty. “That’s a treacherous mountain. I’d stay away from it if I were you.”
“I didn’t bring my hiking boots, anyway.” Taryn zipped up her parka as they started down the sidewalk that led to the heart of town. “What’s your job at Evergreen?”
“I’m in HR.”
“So you’re in charge of the elves.”
Belle’s head whipped around. “What?”
“I figured you knew, but maybe not.”
“Knew what?”
Taryn thought it was strange that Belle actually seemed upset. Maybe she was the sort of person who didn’t like being the last to find out what was going on in the company. “Cole’s put all sorts of goofy names in the database. It fits because you’re a Christmas ornament manufacturer, but I had to laugh. HR is titled ‘Elves,’ and customers are listed under ‘Naughty or Nice.’ Like I said, goofy.”
“Oh.” Belle let out a breath. “I guess I did hear something about that system. Leave it to my geeky brother.”
“He’s one of a kind, all right.”
“He is. Gotta love him.”
Taryn thought it wise not to respond to that comment.
Belle switched the topic, which was probably a good idea. “You’re from Seattle, right?”
“I am.” For the rest of the walk, Taryn answered questions about her native city, one Belle had never visited. Cole’s name didn’t come up again.
The coffee shop seemed even busier than it had when Taryn and Cole had driven by first thing that morning. She and Belle had to stand in line, and Taryn took that opportunity to scan the extensive coffee menu. Belle kept looking around the shop, almost as if she were expecting to see someone. She seemed agitated.
The line moved slowly, and Belle continued to glance over each time the door opened. “Do you know what you want?” she asked as she continued to survey the crowd.
“I’m getting an extra-large eggnog espresso. That should do the trick.”
“It should.” She looked away again. “Aha. I just saw someone I need to talk with.” She fished in her purse. “Here’s my wallet. Order me a large double-shot peppermint latte, and I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.” Taryn’s heart began to pound as she realized the opportunity she had. What she was about to do was wrong. When she was caught, and she would be, she’d have no excuse other than the fact that she was doing it for love. But if she didn’t overcome her scruples immediately, she’d lose her chance.
Opening Belle’s wallet, she took out the golden access card and replaced it with her own. Then she tucked Belle’s card in her pocket. Her heart was racing so fast she felt light-headed. Belle hadn’t returned by the time she’d ordered and paid for both drinks. She walked over to the window where the orders were coming out, and she waited. The crowd was so dense and Belle was so short that Taryn couldn’t see her.
Taryn’s coffee came up first, and right after it did, Belle appeared, her cheeks bright red. “All set?”
“I have mine.” Taryn handed her the wallet, which by now felt like a ticking time bomb. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Listen, you don’t have to stay. I have to go in the opposite direction, anyway.”
“If you’re sure.” Taryn could hardly wait to get out of there.
Jingle Spells Page 6