Santa's Executive

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  “Hot cocoa?”

  “Yes, it's my favorite drink.”

  He held back a laugh. God, she was an elf in every sense of the word with her green dress, her giggling, and the fact that she loved cocoa. It really was the cutest thing.

  “Are you about to laugh over the fact that I like hot cocoa?” She scrunched her face, and her little cheeks blushed.

  “No, well, a little.” He had the grace to duck his head and feel slightly ashamed. “It just sounded like something an elf would like to drink.”

  She blinked at him, threw her head back, and laughed. Relief flooded through him that she didn't hate him or anything over the fact that he had been rude.

  “Yes, I guess that is an elf thing to drink. My hobby is baking cookies, just FYI. Oh, and I do giggle, own pointy shoes, can sing any Christmas carol that you've ever heard of and most that you have never heard of, I have a fabulous fruitcake recipe that even the most ardent Christmas hater would enjoy, and I'm great at giving gifts. Just don't ask me to wrap them. I hate wrapping.”

  He started laughing, and tears streamed down his face as he held his side. “Oh, God, I don't know why that's so funny.”

  She joined in his laughter, making him feel like less of an ass. “You just don't know any other elves, at least none that you know of. But don't freak out, I'll tell you everything you need to know.”

  When they settled down, he led her to his car and they drove toward the diner. Holiday was a small town with only one really decent place to eat—the town diner. Even though it should have been an old greasy spoon, it wasn't. The food was fabulous, and when his friend, Ally, was working, the company was nice.

  They shuffled through the light dusting of snow and walked through the doors. He pointed out how empty it was. There wasn't a single other soul there except his brother, Matt, and Matt's fiancé, Jordan.

  Matt raised an arm and called out. “Hey, Justin, come and join us; bring your friend.” His little brother grinned, and Justin held back a groan. Great, as soon as someone saw him with Rina, the whole town would think he'd found a new girlfriend. Okay, maybe he did want to sleep with her and find out everything about her, but that did not make her his girlfriend.

  Sure, keep telling yourself that.

  He ignored that inner voice that sounded annoyingly like his brother Jackson and looked down at Rina. “Do you mind if we join them?”

  “No, not at all. Actually, I think it's a great idea. Since there’s really no one else here, we can talk freely. I think it would be a good idea if your family knew everything that’s going on, especially since they’ve had dealings with the paranormal.”

  Justin looked at her and frowned. “How do you know that?”

  She bit her lip and blushed. “The North Pole has a file on all executives and their families. I know it's intrusive, but they have to know what you’re dealing with so they keep everything online. It is a business after all.”

  “I don't think I like the fact that you know so much about my family and me, and I know next to nothing about you.”

  “You can ask me anything you want, and I'll tell you. I know it's odd that I seem to know so much, but it's really just because of your job. It's magic, and they know a lot. I’ll fill you in, and maybe you won't feel so nervous or whatever it is you're feeling.”

  He looked down at her big blue eyes and nodded. “Okay, let's go get something to eat, and then you can tell me what it is about my family and the supernaturals.”

  “Oh, it’s not just your family. It's more like the whole town.”

  He froze. “Okay. You're going to explain what you just said to me in front of everyone.”

  He put his hand on the small of her back and guided her toward his brothers table. He didn't care about the knowing glance Matt gave him at the placement of his hand. He just really liked the feel of her small body pressed against his and the heat radiating from her. He liked it a little too much.

  “Matt, Jordan, this is Rina.” She gave a little wave, and Matt and Jordan nodded, clearly interested in finding out who the blonde at their brother's side was. “She's here to help me with… I guess a job that I have to do?”

  “That sounds mysterious,” Jordan said. “Take a seat. Ally is the only one here, so we have free rein of the place. That way you can tell me just what you are, Rina, dear.” Jordan sounded protective of him and just a little too mean toward Rina for his taste. He wrapped a protective arm around Rina’s shoulders, but she didn't move.

  “I'm an elf, and thanks for being rude about it.”

  Jordan's eyes widened and she had the grace to blush. “I'm sorry. I just didn't know what you were and why you’re with Justin. I know I’m protective of him and his brothers, but that didn't mean I should ask like that. I'm just very momma-witch with the Cooper men.”

  “Uh-huh. Maybe next time just wait for someone to introduce herself. Oh, and don't worry, I know you're a witch.”

  Justin squeezed her shoulder as he watched the two of them go at it. “Okay, this isn't going as well as I’d hoped. But, let’s just get it out in the open, shall we?”

  The door opened, and Abby, one of his elementary teachers, and a friend of the Coopers, walked in. “Hey, I didn't know you guys would be here.” She stopped halfway to the table and took in the scene. He knew what she was seeing, two couples sitting at a table. She was so painfully shy sometimes when it came to men that she really had no idea what it meant to be on a date, and he felt sorry for her. Not that he would ever say that to her.

  “Join us, Abby; we’re just meeting Justin's friend, Rina,” Jordan said.

  Just then, Ally, the diner's best waitress and another family friend, walked toward them from the back of the restaurant, a tray of waters in her hand. “I saw Abby drive up, so I got everyone water. If it's all right, I'm going to join you since I'm starving. I haven't had a chance to eat today. I know it's not usually appropriate, but no one's here and y’all are my friends.” She set the last of the waters down, then bit her lip and looked around. “And I just invited myself to lunch. I'm sorry about that. I'm going to go to the back and crawl under the oven if that's okay with you.” She tucked her tray under her arm and tried to step back.

  Rina stood up quickly, and he immediately felt the loss of her heat next to him. This couldn't be good. “No, join us. I know you're all friends, and it's okay if you guys hear what I have to say. I think it concerns you all anyway.” Abby and Ally frowned but walked closer.

  “Okay,” Ally said. “Why don't I get your food first and then I’ll sit?”

  Justin glanced at the menu and smiled. “How about you just get us all the stew, some of that crusty bread I know you make, and whatever soda you feel like. We’re not picky.”

  “Sounds great to me,” Matt said. “Can we help, Ally?”

  She waved her hand and shook her head. “No, you can’t go in the back. That's against the health code. I'll be back quickly. The stew is already made. All I have to do is serve it up.”

  While she did that, they all sat down in an awkward silence after introducing Rina to Abby. As soon as Ally came back with the stew, Matt stood up and helped her serve it, and then they ate and waited for someone to start.

  “Okay, Rina, how about you start with why this whole paranormal thing is about the town rather than the Cooper family.”

  “What?” Matt asked.

  “Well, Justin had said that something must be up with the Coopers, with what had happened to you, Matt, and the fact that you're now going to marry a witch. Oh, and the fact that Justin is one of Santa’s executives.”

  “Santa’s what?” Jordan asked.

  Justin quickly explained that Christmas Eve night so long ago and the weird feelings he'd been having. “We'll get to exactly what that means for me in the future in a minute, but first I want her to finish talking about the town.”

  “Holiday, Montana, was given that name for a reason,” Rina began.

  “I thought it was because of Doc Hol
liday,” Abby interrupted.

  Rina shook her head. “No, it's actually because this town is a siphon of holiday supernaturals. You see, each of the holiday myths, which are assumed to have been contrived in order to make children happy, are actually based on real supernaturals and real events. So, there are leprechauns, cupids, and even elves. You already know about ghosts and witches, and there are a few more. But those things are drawn to Holiday. I don't know exactly why, I'm sure there's a reason, but all of those things are real, and over time, they like to congregate here.”

  “How come no one ever knew that?” Jordan asked as Justin just sat there and tried to take it all in.

  “I'm not sure. Maybe people just forgot or didn't want to know. Even though people in this town know witches, and maybe even ghosts are real, it doesn't mean they want to believe it. Not many other people around the world really know the true reason behind holiday supernaturals and this town, so maybe something was lost over time.”

  “Okay, but how do I fit in?” Justin asked, still reeling over the fact that the world was much bigger than he had thought.

  “You are going to be an executive for Santa,” Rina answered. “Christmas is as much a business is anything. Yes, it is commercialized, but our business isn’t about making money. It’s about remaining magical and always having the same essence infused into the holiday even if no one wants to think of it. Your job will be spreading the Christmas cheer and goodwill to all children. Kids still believe in Santa, and that helps Santa keep his magic. Without his magic, he couldn't go to each house in every culture’s home the world over and leave the presents.”

  “You're saying Santa is real?” Justin asked.

  Rina let out at annoyed breath and gave a small growl. Very cute. “Yes, I thought it was understood by now that Santa is real and he does give gifts. However, most of the time, people don't realize it's him. Parents don't believe in Santa, so the magic allows the parents to think they were the one who bought the gifts that Santa brings. It's really annoying. You would think that the parents would just be okay with Santa and having help with the Christmas holidays, but no. They want to be the ones who give their child the favorite gift, so Santa lets parents believe that.”

  “You're telling me Santa has mind control powers?” Justin asked dryly.

  Rina laughed, and the others at the table joined in. “I wouldn't call it that. If anything, you're going to be the one who has mind control powers.”

  “Huh? Like a superhero?” That would be cool. As long as he didn't have to wear the tights. That would not look good on him.

  Rina snorted, and Matt threw a roll.

  “Hey, no food fights. I don't want to have to clean up.” Ally scowled.

  “Sorry,” Matt grumbled.

  “No, not like a superhero,” Rina said as she patted his hand. Tingles shot up Justin’s arm, and he wanted to pull her closer. Not a good time for that, maybe later. “Your job is to be in charge of the district. I have the information back in my room, but with you being in town and helping where needed, the magic will pour out of you, and it will all work out. It's quite handy.”

  “Why can’t Santa do that?” Justin asked, feeling like this was all too much.

  “Because of the amount of kids and parents in the world. There's only one Santa. However, he has thousands of executives, and these executives have assistants that help. It's all an amazing system if everything works out. It's just someone dropped the ball and didn't train you. That's why I'm here.”

  Justin let out a breath “But what if I don’t want to be an executive?”

  “You don’t have a choice.”

  “So, Santa gets cheap labor?”

  “Your life isn’t cheap, and you were an exception. Most people want to be one of Santa’s executives. But I'll help you.”

  “Will I have to live at the North Pole?”

  “No, your job is going to be to live here in your district. If you want to move, then it may take some shuffling with the other executives, but it does happen. You may have to go to the North Pole sometimes for meetings, but that's not very often.”

  “I just take a flight to the North Pole? Because that happens every day.”

  “No, you'll take a snow globe. That's how we travel. Each snow globe goes from one Santa-approved place to another. I'll show you how they work.

  “Wow,” Matt whispered, and he tugged Jordan closer. Abby and Ally looked to be in a trance with all the information being spread. They each knew about Jordan and what Matt had been, but this had to be a whole new thing for them. It sure was to him.

  “I don't know if I can do this,” Justin said.

  “I'm here to help you.”

  “Because you're my assistant?”

  She blinked then bit her lip. “No, you'll get an official assistant later.” A guilty look spread over her face, and his disappointment grew. She was leaving? He wasn't gonna work with her? Why did that make him feel as though he were losing something he didn't even know he’d wanted? And why did Rina look so guilty?

  Chapter 4

  Rina stared at ceiling above her bed and held back a sigh. She didn't want to get out of bed. She was so warm and comfortable, but her job awaited. She winced. No, not her job, the job she'd stolen.

  She was not really good at this whole bad-elf thing. Though the lunch with Justin and his family and friends had gone well, she still felt like a fraud. She wasn't an assistant, not yet. She might know exactly what Justin needed to do and could make lists of how to help him succeed, but that didn't make it her right.

  She didn't want Justin to get in trouble for something she had done.

  She got out of bed and blushed, remembering the way Justin had touched her in small ways throughout the day. He’d led her through doors in two places, guiding her with his hand on the small of her back, and he'd repeatedly put his arm around her shoulders, whether it was for comfort or protection, as it had been with Jordan’s scrutiny. She liked it oh-so-much every time. Each time he touched her, she'd wanted to sink into him, inhale his crisp scent, and close her eyes. Thankfully, she hadn't. That would've been embarrassing.

  But, she couldn't keep on lying to him. It wasn't fair to anyone. She'd been selfish, stupid. With a new determination running through her veins, she quickly showered and got ready for her day. As soon as she tightened the last bit of her bun, she nodded at her reflection. A bittersweet feeling filled her. She might have been ready to help Justin, but her conscience wouldn’t let her go. She needed to tell him everything, yet she couldn’t. What if she lost him and the job? What if she hurt him? God, lying sucked. She wasn't going to do it again.

  She walked down the stairs and into the small dining room of the inn. No one else was residing, and she felt as if she were a guest in Connie's home rather than in a public place.

  “Well, hello, darling,” Connie said with a bright smile as she walked into the room. “Good to see you up and about on a Sunday morning. Are you going to eat something before you head off to Justin’s?”

  Rina laughed. “You really are closer to a fairy godmother than an innkeeper. Are you going to get me some glass slippers?”

  Connie snorted and set up Rina with a plate of pancakes and sausage. Rina’s stomach rumbled, and she blushed. “Why would I get you glass slippers? They’d just pinch your feet and then you’d break them somehow and end up with bloody feet. Never made any sense to me why that girl had them. It must've been lost in the translation at some point.”

  Rina just shook her head and bit into the fluffy pancake. Oh, goodness, she was going to have to jog or something or she was going to gain a lot of weight. Like all people from the North Pole, she could have a lot of sugar and her waistline would still be okay, but this was getting ridiculous.

  Rina finished up her breakfast just as her cell phone rang. Connie left the room with the dishes, giving Rina some privacy. Without bothering to look at the caller ID, she answered.

  “Hello?”

  “Rina?�
� a deep happy voice answered.

  Oh. God. It was Santa. The Santa. Not that there was more than one or anything.

  “Yes, Santa, it's me.” God, she was going to be fired and lose everything she'd ever known. Why had she been so impulsive?

  “I'm glad you recognize my voice. You know why I'm calling you, don't you, dear?”

  She nodded, swallowing the fear down, and then remembered he couldn't actually see her. “Yes, I know. I'm sorry, Santa. I didn't mean to do something so impulsive. This is so unlike me. I don't know why I didn't, I mean… I'm sorry.”

  “I know you are, dear. We’re going to talk about that in a minute, but first, let's talk about Justin as an executive. I didn't realize he didn't know anything. Everything in his paperwork said he knew. I don’t know who wrote in that they told him, but I'm gonna find out that for sure. Justin is going to need you. I can't afford to let anyone else go down there and help him out, and I know you can do it. Don't think I haven't noticed the fact that you’ve been keeping up on what the assistants do. I know you are quite capable.”

  Then why haven't I been allowed to be an actual assistant? She bit her tongue before she actually said that aloud. It wasn't the time; it might never be the time.

  “Rina, you shouldn't have run off. It wasn't very responsible of you, and we’re going to have to talk about it when you get back, but now is not the time. I know you’ve been unhappy, Rina. Some things are going to have to change around here. I don't know what, but we'll figure it out. Just take care of Justin, and I’ll take care of the rest later.”

  Was Santa really saying everything would be okay? Hope filled her, but she didn't say anything. She wasn’t willing to break the mood and ruin it.

  “Rina, the reason I'm calling you personally is because I wanted to let you know you are valued.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, I wish you’d known that. It's just that, for some reason, Jack wanted to keep you where you were. I know that man as if he was my own, but I don’t understand why he would do that. It's something to think about, but not for you to worry about, dear. Do what you can with Justin, and then we'll figure out what to do about you and your happiness. Because you will have to be reprimanded in some fashion. I promise, though, it won't be too bad. You broke the rules, but without you, Justin would have been lost on the most important date of the year.”