“Elodie, can you come in here please?” Nick’s voice booms from his office, in the way that it always does. With authority.

“Yes, sir, I’ll be right there!” Jumping up from my desk, my palms slide over my bright red pencil skirt. Walking swiftly into his office, which is directly across from mine on the bottom floor of Claustine’s Toy Emporium, one of the world’s biggest toy retailers and manufacturers, I can’t help but have my breath stolen from my lungs.

Nick Claustine is a man to be admired, with those amazing bright blue eyes, perfectly styled chestnut brown hair, and a beard he started growing for no shave November. The man was a sex symbol and made my lady parts tingle every single time I got near him. 

“Good morning, Elodie. Christmas season is upon us, which means that Santa will be coming around Thanksgiving. Everyone in the store knows that Santa really comes here, so I’ve got to keep the hype up.” His eyes look down at the desk, then back at me. He looks as if he’s sad, but I can’t really tell. “So many people are forgetting the magic of Santa Claus, but we’ve got to get the momentum going again.”

Sitting down in the chair across from him, my eyes scroll over my iPad. He’s always so adamant on the magic of Christmas and making sure so many children believe in the power of Santa, I wonder what he really has up his sleeve. I’ve never met a man more giving than Nick. Just last month he loaded up three eighteen wheelers and brought them all over Colorado for the children in orphanages and shelters.

His fingers tap on the desk as he thinks, trying to come up with some sort of idea to help the magic of Christmas continue to thrive here. I’m sure it takes a lot of that to drive the toy sales. But it seems like it means so much more to him than it does anyone else. He truly loves the season, and for him, it’s special. I wish more people saw that when they viewed the world. He may be a millionaire, but the man wants more happiness than he wants money.

His blue eyes look up at me, sending a wave of heat rushing to my cheeks. I’ve been caught. “Elodie, can you make arrangements for a flight? I’d like you to go with me if you can. I need you to see something so you understand why this is so important to me.”

Did I speak that out loud? Oh, dear...I’m losing my shit with him. It’s got to be that beard. “Yes, sir. If you’ll send me the information, I’ll get it booked. I don’t have any plans, so I’ll be good to go. I’ll just see if my sister can watch the cat for me.”

“Great, we’re going to head to the north to see my father. I’ve got some business to attend to up there and he’s requesting I bring you. He has to approve of you helping me run the family business.”

I look at him in shock, my mouth opening and closing like a fish as I think of what the heck he’s talking about. Finally it opens, and I ask, “Run the family business? I’m only you’re secretary, not your partner.”

“Just talk to the man. He has to believe you believe in Christmas and Santa as much as everyone else. He’s a bit of a vigilante when it comes to that kind of stuff.” Nick runs his hand over his beard before he smiles, his dimples showing on his cheeks. “So, my beard, you like it?”

My eyes go wide, my body goes rigid. Shit, I said that out loud, too. I’m going to just go die in my office of embarrassment now. “It’s very fitting for you, Nick. It brings out the blue in your eyes. I’m sure Macy will enjoy it when she gets home from Paris.”

“She’s been back, we aren’t talking. We haven’t talked in a year. Stop making excuses for admiring me.” His eyes trail over my body as he stands slowly. “Dad wants us to come see all the stuff he’s thinking of adding to the business, and he’d really like to meet the person who helps me. That’s all this is, Elodie. Think of it as a paid vacation to the far north.”

“Is it going to be cold?” My nose scrunches as I think about all of the snow that’s on its way here. I hate the snow, but I love fall in Colorado.

“I can’t tell you exactly where we are going, I just need you to let Tripp know that I’m going to need him to bring me home. And yes, you need to pack for cold weather.” His smile continues to grow as he thinks of home and it makes me smile. He stands swiftly, grabbing a piece of paper off the desk, hiding what I now know is an erection in his pants.

No way! I’ve worked for him for four years and he’s never once came onto me. What the hell is going on around here?

“Can you make sure this order is sent off today? Clive was supposed to come pick it up, but I’m worried the old man is just getting too old to remember anything, and I sure as heck wouldn’t want the kids to be upset that their favorite toy isn’t in the stores.”

Snapping out of it, I grab the piece of paper, our hands touching and I swear I feel a jolt of electricity shooting through me. But this isn’t how our relationship works. I’m not into my boss, even though he is very handsome. “Sure thing, Nick. I’ll get that ready and I’ll let Tripp know he’s needed. When should I plan for us to be gone?”

“Tonight if you can make it happen, if not, first thing in the morning. It’s kind of imperative that I get Dad’s business model going. Christmas is in ninety days, as it would have it. He’s stressing out and Mom says the only way to get him to stop is to go up there and try to get him to let me go ahead and take it over.”

“Take it over? I thought you did all the running as it is.”

He smiles that devilish smile before he taps me on the nose. “You see, Elodie...you have a lot to learn about this business. But there are things I can’t tell you about, you have to see them for yourself.”

Rolling my eyes, I look out the glass window to see Sarah sitting at her desk on the phone. “You act like you’re Santa’s son or something with how secretive you’re being. You planning on bringing me to the North Pole?” I can’t help but giggle after saying that with a straight face.

He coughs a little, his hand sliding over my shoulder. “I suppose, Elodie, you’ll be surprised when we get to where we are going, won’t you?” His eyes have a twinkling of playfulness in them, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I like this side of Nick Claustine.

The next morning, I don’t know what the heck I’m thinking as I board the small plane, with Nick at my side. It’s not that I don’t trust Tripp and his flying ability, but I know we are going to be on this tiny plane for over ten hours, and I just worry about its ability to keep me safe.

Nick grabs my arm in a reassuring squeeze, causing me to look up at him and see the beautiful blue of his eyes, and his lips are upturned into that smile, the one that makes my knees go weak. “Are you afraid of flying, Elodie?”

“Not really of flying, but this plane, yes.”

He nods his head as his hand grips mine while we taxi down the runway of the private airstrip. “I’ve been on many trips with this plane, but I prefer flying in the family one. You’ll see it soon enough. This one may be small, but you will be safe. I promise.”

Nick starts talking about himself, and he has me captivated. His eyes light up as he talks about home, all of the traditions he has with his parents. It makes me wonder why he lives so far from them.

My head cocks to the side as I think about what all he’s saying, trying to figure out the reason he moved all the way out to Colorado. “Why didn’t you stay with your family if you love it so much there?”

“You’d think I was crazy if I told you the truth before you got there to see it for yourself, Elodie. Just trust me. You’ll love it there, too. There’s just something about the ranch that makes you happy.”

The ranch? I did NOT take Nick as a cowboy. “Ranch? Nick, no offense, but I don’t see you in Wranglers and cowboy boots.”

He looks at me with a shocked look on his face before laughter fills the small cabin of the plane. I’m beginning to think he’s lost his mind, but he finally speaks through the laughter. “No...I don’t...I mean...it’s a ranch...but not the type you’re thinking of.”

“Well, if you wouldn’t be so dang secretive and tell someone some details, I wouldn’t be the laughing stock of the plane.” I huff, turning to look out the window at all the scenery that’s passing below us. This country truly is a beautiful place to be, and it’s even more beautiful as we get farther north. The ground turns from beautiful red, orange, and brown leaves in the trees to sparkling white.

He is quiet for a good bit before grabbing my shoulder again, causing me to gasp when a jolt of electricity courses through my veins. The heat I’m feeling could probably melt every inch of snow covering the mountains we are flying over right now. “I didn’t mean to laugh at you, I hope you’re not upset with me. I just...I’d rather you be surprised and get the full experience of where we are going rather than me tell you. You may think I’m crazy if I told you the truth.”

I huff, sitting back in my seat. “My gosh, Nick. You’re acting like we’re on our way to see the North Pole and Santa Claus.”

His back goes ramrod straight, his eyes falling to the ground before he turns his ice like stare at me. Gone is the sweet and playful boss I’ve known and now, there is a man I’ve never seen before. “Maybe I underestimated your belief in magical things, because, Elodie...that’s exactly where I’m taking you. My father is St. Nick. But I see I’m not the best judge of who believes in him.”

My mouth opens and closes like a fish as I try to put together the words swimming in my brain. I’m pretty sure Nick has lost his mind. No, maybe aliens abducted him and they’ve replaced him with a robot. Or maybe he’s taking me out here to kill me. I didn’t take him as a crazy ass man. Oh shit. I’m in trouble.

“Elodie, I can see the wheels turning in your head. I’m not lying, and I’m definitely not going crazy. I truly am the son of St. Nick. How do you think I’ve been the major retailer for so long? When your business relies on the toys, you kind of have to stockpile them.” He gives me a small smile that lightens the coolness in his eyes, but it’s still not enough for me to not be on guard. “You’re just always so excited when Christmas rolls around. I thought I may have actually found someone who loved it as much as I do. It’s kind of my life.”

My voice shakes as the words come from my mouth, “I don’t really know what you want me to say here, Nick. Even if this is true, it’s kind of a big thing to lay on someone in a matter of moments.”

He nods in agreement before looking out the window with a huge smile on his face. “Well, it looks like you’re about to get the experience of a lifetime, Elodie.” He points in the direction of a huge wooden house with a white fence surrounding the property. There’s a huge red barn full of what looks to be reindeer and down in the distance is a big green building that I can’t really make out. Over the fence, there is a huge iron gate that reads North Pole. “Welcome to Santa’s Wonderland,” Nick says with excitement in his voice.

I’m left speechless as I take in my surroundings. I can’t believe this is actually a real place. What in the world am I getting myself into? Why in the world did he believe that I would be okay with this? I mean, Santa really is a real person? How old is he? And how old is Nick? Information overload, I’m about to pass out. Oh, dear Lord.

“It’s beautiful,” I say in awe as the small plane makes its decent into the craziest dream I’ve ever had. This has to be a dream. Only this time, Nick isn’t naked and inside me.

He chuckles beside me, his face back to the old carefree Nick I know. “You aren’t dreaming, and as for the last part, Elodie, I’d be a very lucky man to be naked and inside you.”

“Oh, my god! I’m going to die of embarrassment now.” I can’t believe I said that out loud. My face turns red. I can feel the heat burning all the way down my neck and onto my chest, and it is definitely not the kind of heat I was feeling earlier when Nick touched me.

He grabs my hand to help me out of the chair and my breath catches. He looks me right in my green eyes and smiles brightly. “This week is going to go better than I planned.”

Two Weeks Earlier

“What do you mean?” My voice shakes with fury as my father relays the message. If I was being honest with myself, I would have realized that this day would come. I was thirty-eight, and not getting any younger. My father was getting older as the days went by. His father was long gone and while we carried on this family tradition, it wasn’t supposed to be my time any time soon.

My dad’s jolly voice comes through the phone, sounding a little less jolly than I’ve ever heard it. “Nickolas, I never wanted to force you into settling down, son. But our traditions rely on your ability to find love. Your sister can marry, but her husband would never be able to become what a true Claus can. I know it seems like a lot, my boy. But I have to have a legacy to leave behind, and neither of us is getting any younger. Besides, if your momma doesn’t stop baking all these sugar cookies, no amount of magic will help me squeeze down a chimney this year.”

His chuckle comes through the line and my mind is brought back to the reason of Christmas. My family has known the real reason of Christmas from the beginning, but my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather saw the children who didn’t get gifts on our Savior’s birth, and he wanted to do something about it. So he created Claustine’s, a store in England that still stands to this day. He worked around the clock to make sure that children whose families couldn’t afford a toy would get a toy. It started a tradition that now requires a lot more to run, but because of our good deeds, we were rewarded with magic to help us get around quicker.

Sighing as I run my hand through my hair, which I’m surprised hasn’t started going white by now, I think of what to say. “Dad, I don’t really know anyone that’s even remotely interested in me for me, and not for my money, or our family traditions. I keep my head in this business, which makes it hard to even get out and truly find someone.”

“Son, I know how hard it is, but I promise, she will stumble into your life without you even realizing it.” Just as he speaks the words, the one woman who’s caught my attention, but is off limits, walks by my door with a smile on her face. She waves at me through the glass of my window. My breath catches in my throat as my assistant, Elodie, walks by in a bright purple dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, and it has a zipper all the way down its back. The woman really doesn’t know how attractive she is.

“I may have someone in mind, Dad. But I haven’t ever pursued it because she works for me.”

“Elodie Masters?”

I chuckle slightly because, of course, my father would know. He’s Santa for crying out loud. He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so you better be good for goodness sake. Sometimes I really hate that part about his gift. “Yes, Dad, Elodie.”

“Bring her with you when you come in two weeks. Share your life with her, son. She’s a good girl, and even if she doesn’t think she believes in the magic of Christmas, she does. I know it in my heart.” He’s about to speak again when I hear someone holler his name in the background and he’s rattled. “I’ve got to go. One of the elves has hurt themselves. Call me tomorrow. Love you, son!”

“Love you, too.” I hold my phone, realizing I’ve said it to a line that isn’t even live anymore. My father has the world on his shoulders right now, but I help him by keeping toys in stock and manufactured here as we continue to grow in popularity every year.

My mind begins to spin with all the thoughts of what I am going to do, because there is no way I can make Elodie just fall in love with me. I don’t even know if she looks at me romantically. Some of the things Dad has said to me have me on edge. I’ve got to have a legacy to leave this to. Does that mean I have to have a son? What if I only shoot Xs and no Ys? I mean, this is a lot to take on. And what if I can’t find someone who wants to be with me? Dear Lord, I’m in major trouble.

“Um, Nick. Are you okay?” Elodie’s voice comes into my mind, stopping all of my thoughts in my tracks as she stares at me with concern evident on her face. “I’m afraid if you pull your hair any harder while pushing your fingers through it, you’ll be bald before Christmas.”

I can’t help the laugh that comes from my mouth as I stand, leaning my hip against the desk as I notice her eyes rake down my body. Oh, Elodie. Mission accepted. Dad, I’ll give you a legacy. I just have to find a way to make her get on that plane with me. “I’ve just got some family stuff I have to take care of, just stressful. Dad’s going through that whole settling down stage.”

She nods her head as if she’s agreeing. “The whole I’m not getting any younger and you should be having kids for me to spoil speech, eh?”

“Exactly.” I smile, willing my damn dick to stay down in my slacks. That’s the last thing I need today. A libido that won’t settle down while I’m trying to woo a woman who will think I’m insane when I tell her I’m Santa Claus’ kid.

She bites her lip, giving me a nervous smile. “Well, I hate to bother you after the whole talk you’ve had with your father, but...”

“Yes, ma’am?”

Her eyes go down my body again, her stance taking on a different vibe as she appreciates what’s in front of her. “Yvette called from Hasbro, they were wanting to see about making a deal with you for some toys this year.”

“With me? They have their own people.” Sitting on my desk, I can’t help but look over Elodie’s features. Her strawberry blonde hair is pulled back in that classic ponytail she wears all the time, which only shows off her beautiful facial features she tries so hard to not accentuate. Her button nose is slightly turned up and her lips, they could send an angel to hell with how perfect they are. Plump in the right places, just like the rest of her delectable body. Well, hell. If I keep this up, I’ll be giving Dad his legacy sooner rather than later.

She bites her lip, which puts me on edge. I know she’s doing it because she knows I won’t like what she has to say, but I’m on edge because her biting her lip makes me want to bend her over my desk. These thoughts have always crossed my mind, but now that Dad’s called and told me that I need to get my shit together and get ready to take over the business, it’s like I’ve been hit by a freight truck.

“She wants to talk to you about a partnership with Hasbro to put their toys in Claustine’s, and also maybe put some of your toys in their stores as well.” She rolls her eyes, letting me know exactly what she thinks of the idea of us doing that. Little do they know that we already have their toys in all of our stores because all the toys come from the same place...Santa’s workshop...which also happens to be run by none other than...my dad.

“I’ll shoot them an e-mail. I’m going to be leaving here in a couple of weeks to do some stuff with the family, and get things in order for the upcoming holiday season.”

She smiles softly. “I love that your family is so supportive and active in the decisions. I don’t know how you all do it. My family can’t even be in the same room to eat dinner. They start fighting over who gets what first. It’s ridiculous.”

My head goes back as laughter overtakes me. It’s refreshing, and knowing she likes the fact that my family is close, means that maybe...just maybe she will be interested in becoming a part of it. “Well, it sounds like family functions can be a great laugh for you.”

She scoffs, her beautiful green eyes rolling back into her head. “Sure, if you love Uncle Jimmy yelling because they gave the baby the turkey leg.”

“Oh my, this I have got to see one day. It sounds like WWE with food instead of trash talking wrestlers.”

Her eyes go wide with shock. “Oh no! You can’t go there, I would be mortified!”

Holding my hands up in surrender, I smile reassuringly. “Okay, I won’t do that. But if you wouldn’t mind telling Yvette that I’ll be in touch, I’d greatly appreciate it. We have a lot to do before Christmas, so let’s get things going!”

She jumps slightly, making her breasts bounce right in my view, and it takes all the self-control I have to make sure I don’t stare at them like a pervert. Billy Bob Thorton in Bad Santa comes to mind, which makes me feel disgusting. “I’ll get right on that, Nick. If you need anything, just buzz. I’m going to go down to the factory to check on things there, too.”

“Thank you, Elodie. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Her face reminds me of a child with a puppy. Maybe I should compliment her more often. Do I not show her how much I appreciate her working for me? Note to self, give her a pay raise and tell her I appreciate her more. “You’re welcome, Nick. It’s kind of my job.” She smiles that kind smile I’ve always found comforting...if I was being honest, it was the main reason I hired her. Her smile always made me feel like there was nothing wrong in the world, and everyone wants to have that in their lives.

Watching her walk out of my office, I know that she’s going to be the one...Dad may have set the plan in motion, but I’ve got to make it happen without her knowing that’s the reasoning behind what I am about to do. “Looks like it’s time to plan a trip to see Santa, and this time, it will be with someone who could change my life.”

Stepping out into the snow, my eyes can’t believe what I’m seeing. I feel like I’ve been put in one of those snow globes that Hallmark sells at Christmas. You know, the ones with Santa’s workshop inside it.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I jump when I feel the heat of his breath against my ear. My body leans into him as the sound comes over me, as if it has a mind of its own. Great.

Looking around the place, turning in a circle as I take in everything. “It’s incredible. I can’t believe it’s real.” I know I probably look like a little kid experiencing the magical world of Disney for the first time, but this is so enthralling that I can’t look away, even if I wanted to.

“Elodie! What a surprise it is to see you here!” A booming voice makes me look toward the right. I see Harry walking toward us wearing a pair of red trousers with a pair of black suspenders over a white, long sleeve thermal shirt. His beard has gotten longer and his hair has, too, but the one thing that sticks out is those bright blue eyes.

“Wait...Harry...he’s your dad?” My mind is reeling from the information overload clouding my brain. The eyes, that should have been a given for me. But I never really paid attention to Harry’s eyes.

“Actually, Elodie. I’d like to formally introduce you to my father, Nicholas Claus the fifth. But he goes by Harry at the store.” Nick smiles hugely as he introduces me to his father, even though I’ve seen Nicholas several times before. “Or if you want to take it a step further, he answers to Santa, too.”

Harry, or Santa, or Nicholas...whoever he is, smiles with a chuckle. His rosy cheeks getting redder by the second. “So true. I’m a man of many names, but it’s part of the job description.” His hands pull me into a hug before he lifts me up and spins me in a circle.

“Dad, put the girl down!” Nick laughs as I squeal. “I know you’re excited, but let’s not run her off please.”

Run me off? What the heck is that about? “I’m fine, thank you, sir. I enjoy being swept off my feet every now and then.” I laugh softly while I straighten my clothing.

“Come on in. Lizzie is in the kitchen making sugar cookies and hot cocoa for everyone. You’ll know her as Mrs. Claus, but just call her Lizzie, she likes that so much more.” Nicholas smiles as he claps Nick on the back. “Your momma is going to be excited that you’ve brought a girl home, finally.”

He looks at me, his eyes wide as he mouths ‘sorry’, but I just shrug it off. I’m sure they know by now that I’m nothing but his assistant. He grabs my bag, smiling when something comes flying over my head. I squeal out as I see a reindeer land right in front of us, with a nose so bright it really does glow...I can’t believe this is real, this can’t be real. I’m feeling dizzy.

I watch as who I think is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and my boss play around as if he’s a five-year-old boy with his pup. I thought Sven and Kristof had a strange relationship in Frozen, but this...it takes the cake. The last thing I remember is the worried look on Harry’s face right before the darkness takes me over.

“I mean, I knew she’d be shocked, but I didn’t think she’d actually pass out from shock. I guess Rudolph and that bright nose of his was a little too much too soon, but Momma, he doesn’t see me enough.” Nick’s voice covers me like a warm blanket before another voice comes into my brain. I can’t open my eyes, but I’m aware that they are there.

“I know. He’s always been one of your best friends. He’s a bit overwhelming, though, but the snow broke her fall and she’s going to be just fine.” The woman’s soft voice is like a bell ringing in the distance. She’s got such a soothing tone that I know this must be his mother. “She’s very beautiful, too. Is she the one for you?”

Am I the one for him? What in the world? I’m his assistant. Why can’t I wake up!

“I think if I truly had to settle down and find someone to be with, that it would be Elodie. She’s great with kids, she treats all of our employees like gold, and she’s simply stunning.” He chuckles before grabbing my hand and sending a shooting heat through my body. Maybe this place really is full of magic. “She took my breath away the first time I met her. I can remember it like it was yesterday.”

So can I. It was mortifying for me, but let’s hear his side of the story.

He lets out a small laugh before rubbing my arm with his hand. “Well, I’d just placed the ad for the assistant position when all of a sudden the door opens and in walks this woman, soaked from head to toe because the bottom fell out of the sky and she’d forgotten her umbrella. She was wearing this bright red dress with green and white polka dots, and looked like a Christmas dream, even with raccoon eyes.”

It was horrible. I remember that day so vividly. I’d seen the ad in the paper and I knew in my heart that I was going to get that position. After getting there, the bottom had fallen out of the sky and there wasn’t a parking spot for miles. I knew I had to speak to them right away, but I surely didn’t think I’d actually speak to Mr. Claustine himself. I was a blubbering fool when my body came into contact with the man. He was wearing a dark gray button up shirt tucked into black slacks that fit him like they were made for him, and his blue eyes were filled with amusement and what looked to be pity.

“I’m here for the job you have listed in the paper. Please excuse my appearance. My umbrella must have fallen out of my purse.” Nope, I just realized I gave it to the homeless woman at the park a couple of weeks ago, with a reminder to get myself another one.

He chuckles and the sound sends a small tingle of pleasure right through me. “You gave your umbrella to a homeless woman?”

“Uh! I think out loud when I’m really nervous.” My body cringes as I realize I’m dripping water all over this very nice business. I look around, taking in the elegant details of the office, including the man in front of me. The big mahogany desk sitting in the middle of the room makes itself known from the second you walk in. It’s a beautifully elegant piece that has minimal materials on the top, just some papers and a cup with some pens, as well as a huge Mac computer.

The man is looking at me with either a look that is wondering just how crazy I truly am, or maybe a look that is making him think how crazy he is about to be. His hand grazes mine as it takes the soggy folder out of my hand and flips it open to reveal my résumé. I’ve got a very extensive portfolio, so I know that I am able to do the job he’s got in the paper.

“Ms. Elodie, your résumé shows that you have a lot of potential, and your rambling shows me that you’re not only a great worker, but a compassionate person. Which happens to be the one thing I am looking for. Can you start tomorrow morning?” He gives an eager look as he hands me back my folder and leans his hip onto his desk, making my eyes travel down toward the package in his pants. “I’ll give you a salary of fifty-five thousand a year.”

I suppose the look on my face made him question my answer, so money was his next viable choice. “Yes, I would love to be a part of your company, Mr. Claustine.”

“Please, call me Nick. Can I get you something to wear so you aren’t stuck in wet clothing?”

If you’re going to look at me like that, then I’d gladly keep my wet clothes on. “Yes, that would be great. If you have some extra clothing lying around.”

He nods before walking toward his desk, opening a drawer and pulling out a black tee shirt and a pair of red running shorts. They will most likely fall off of me, or encompass me, but at least they will be dry. “Thank you.”

His smile, which takes over his face, makes me want to explode with giddiness, like a kid with a schoolgirl crush. “Thank you, for coming in here a sopping wet mess and making an impression that will last me a lifetime. I believe you’re going to do just well here, Elodie Masters.”

If I was being honest, walking into that office four years ago, dripping water all over the immaculate floors was the best thing that ever happened in my life. I mean, how many people could actually say they got to experience the real magic of Santa Claus? Hell, half the people in the world didn’t even believe that there was a Santa Claus.

Mom looks at me with this knowing gleam in her eye just before Elodie groans, making us both stop in our tracks and glance over. She looks around, taking in the bedroom I grew up in. It’s changed a good bit, considering I’m not a ten-year-old boy who plays with reindeer and bakes sugar cookies with my mother. I try to take the room in through her eyes. The walls are painted a light gray, almost like the clouds right before the snow starts to fall, and the comforter is a navy blue against the walnut-colored bed Dad crafted with his own hands.

“What happened?” Her voice shakes a little as she sits up, trying to figure out where she is.

“Hi, sweetie...you passed out with all the excitement. Don’t feel bad, I did it, too, when I first met Rudolph.” Mom chuckles softly as her hand covers Elodie’s. “He’s quite the character, that Rudolph. He knows how to make an entrance.” Yep, it was actually Rudoph!

“Elodie, you’ve met my mother, Lizzie. She’s been to the store a few times.” Grabbing a glass of water, I rise to my feet to see if I can help her. “Would you like something to drink? Or maybe some of Mom’s famous cookies?”

She eyes me, almost as if she’d much rather have me than the glass in my hand, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I liked it. The way her eyes trail down my body, I could take and die a happy man. “Um, the water would be nice. I’m feeling a little parched.”

Momma laughs, shaking her head and clapping me on the back. “I like her, Nick. She’s going to be a wonderful addition around here.”

“Way to talk about her like she’s not here, Mother.” Grumbling, I try not to stare into Elodie’s face because I know she has no clue what the heck is going on here. Mom just chuckles as she walks out of the room. “I’m sorry about that.” Rolling my eyes, I turn my attention back to the woman in my bed. God, she looks amazing there.

Her nose scrunches in that adorable way it always has since the first day I met her. “I don’t know what the heck is going on here, but you better get to spilling, Nickolas.”

I’m taken aback by the way she speaks, I’ve never heard her so stern. She isn’t playing around. “Fine, I’ll tell you.” Taking a deep breath, I grab her hand, surprised when a small shot of electricity courses through my veins. I didn’t expect it.

“I felt it, too.” She sighs softly as she shakes her arm to dispel the electricity. “I’ve felt it since the first day, if I’m going to be honest.”

“Elodie, I brought you here because...” I take a deep breath, not sure how to continue. I rub my hands on my jeans, trying to rid them of the clamminess I feel. “Well, Dad’s not getting any younger. He’s told me for years I’ve needed to settle down and show him that I am serious about running this business. That I need to find a wife and have kids eventually so our family can continue to grow. So the magic of Santa Claus never dies.”

“And? You think I’m the woman to do that for you?” Her chest is heaving up and down, almost as if she’s about to go into cardiac arrest. I’m worried I’ll kill her, and then I will be back at square one.

“I’ve always thought you were beautiful, Elodie, but I couldn’t pursue you because of the fact that you were my employee.” Way to go, ass, she’s still your employee, so why is it any different today? “But I never could find anyone else to pique my interest. I’ve thought about you since the day you walked into my office, but I didn’t really think of it until Dad called. He told me I had to wake up and find someone. He was getting older and needed to retire. He actually dropped the hint of you. He told me to bring you with me up here. He was right all along, but he usually is.” Running my fingers through my hair, I pray that I’m not sounding like a complete asshole to her.

She cocks her head to the side, looking at me almost as if she’s a lost puppy. It’s cute. “So, wait...” she pauses, her eyes moving back and forth in her head, a sure sign that she is calculating her words before she throws them my way, “you’re saying, you want me to what? Marry you?”

“Well, I’m saying I would like us to spend this week getting to know each other on a different level, and if something were to happen, then yes, I would love to take you as my wife.” I’m surprised at myself and how calmly I’ve just said those words. I’d been alone so long due to work and not wanting to let the family secret slip out, it’s actually a relief to tell someone. “I truly believe if anyone can make this family business better, it’s going to be you. You have a way with people that makes them feel special, and watching you with the kids in the store, you are great with them.  You’re going to be a great Mrs. Claus one day.”

She’s lying in my bed, shaking her head as if she doesn’t know what’s going on. “Nick, this is just too much. I mean, I just found out that the legend I came to know as Santa Claus is actually very much real. And now his son is asking me to step into the family and help it grow.”

Raising my hand up to stop her from speaking more, I know she’s worried and afraid. It’s a lot to take in and I don’t really know how to make it not seem as crazy as it actually is. I just know now that I’ve considered it, there is no one else I want. “Elodie, I’m going to give you a bit to shower and process all of the things I’ve told you today. You know how I get when there is something I want. Right now, that’s you. I want you, Elodie.” Her eyes go wide and her body reacts. She wants me, too. Good. “I’m going to go meet with Dad. Take a shower and get ready. I’ll show you around the grounds after I talk to him.”

She’s quiet for a minute, as if she’s debating on it, but I think her curiosity has overcome the fear. “Okay,” she says softly.

Standing, I get into her personal space. Ever since I saw her faint, I’ve had this overwhelming desire to kiss her. It’s stupid, but for a moment, I thought I’d lose her and it scared me. “Elodie...” her teeth grip her bottom lip and I can’t help myself. Grabbing the back of her neck, I pull her to my body and meld our lips together. A heat I’ve never felt overtakes me and I’m filled with a passion I’ve never encountered before. Elodie has sparked a fire inside me and it’s consuming me now.

“Wow,” she gasps when our mouths finally part.

Chuckling, I can’t help but smile. “Ditto.” What in the world am I doing to myself? Please be who I think you are, Elodie. “Get dressed in something warm. It will be colder than you are used to. I don’t want you to freeze to death or catch a cold.”

“Okay, but don’t be surprised if I pass out again. This is a lot to take in.” Her shoulders rise and fall as she shrugs, making her already perky tits bounce and my already hard cock ache. This is going to be so much fun.

I nod, quickly exiting the room and thinking about anything but the woman who just turned my whole world on its axis with just a single kiss. I’m really fucking screwed now.

Dad has a knowing grin on his overly bright face. The man has a constant blush on his cheeks. I’m beginning to wonder if it’s because he’s wind chapped. There is no way a man can be that cheery all the time. “I think Elodie is going to fit in wonderfully around here, son.”

“So do I, Dad. I don’t know why I didn’t see it sooner.” Sighing, I run my fingers through my thick brown hair, which I seem to have gotten from Dad, before his turned white. The only one that inherited my great-great-great-grandfather’s red hair was my grandfather.

Dad’s chuckle fills my ears before his words do. “Well, it kind of hits us all. I fought it with your mother, too. Eventually, I opened my own blind eyes and I found the greatest blessing God had ever laid on me. Without your mother, the magic would have died with me. But the moment she walked into my life, I knew I would be happy forever.”

Shaking my head, I look him in the eyes. “So, that’s how you keep the magic? By happiness?”

“Not exactly.” He stands, his black suspenders hanging a little bit because he hasn’t gained all the weight back to fit into his suit this year. “You keep the magic by remembering why we do this. It’s not about the gifts, even if other people think so. Of course, I don’t want anyone to not have something under his or her Christmas tree at the end of the night, but I do it because I want to spread the cheer. I want people to smile and be happy, and for a moment in time, they can forget about the horrible things that aren’t going right.”

This is the man that I strive to be like, but my father has huge boots to fill. And I don’t mean in size, even though you could say that as well. He still has about ten years of being Santa left in him, but I have to start transitioning into it. What will I do about being the big fat guy? Do I even want to be the big fat guy with white hair? “I love being able to bring happiness to people, Dad. It’s why I’ve worked at the toy store for so long, and that’s why I use so many of the toys we make to give to the homeless in shelters throughout the year.”

He stands, waddling over to me and clapping me on the back. “I know you are, Nick. You’re carrying on the tradition that all of the Claus’ do. Give more than you receive, because the true gift is knowing you’ve given to someone. Serve and be served. The true gift is the look on the faces of all the people. It’s something you can’t explain.” There’s a tear in his eye, but he doesn’t shy from it. He never has been afraid to show emotion to anyone, and it’s something I’ve always admired.

“I know, Santa’s shown me that for years. I remember that time I went with Grandpa as his elf.” I chuckle thinking of the memory. If people only knew that my uncle was Hermie the Elf, I think they’d die. He was Dad’s younger brother and he’d gone with Grandpa to help him one Christmas, and the next year, there was a blond elf named Hermie on the television.

“Yeah, I’m surprised they didn’t make a movie about you. Oh, wait. They did. Will Ferrell was the star.”

Glaring at Dad, I can’t help but laugh as his jolly laugh resonates through the office. The man is as doubled over as his big gut will allow, and beating the desk as tears roll down his face. I’d be mad, but I can’t when he’s laughing like this. “Well, now that we’ve established my role in the movies...I’m going to go establish my role with my future wife.”

He hackles before standing up right, his blue eyes piercing my own. “That’s what I like to hear. I’m not getting any younger ya know.”

Raising my hand in the air to acknowledge him, he just laughs as I walk out the door and in the direction of Elodie.

“So, you grew up here?” My voice trembles from the cold air as my breath puffs out of my mouth. I take Nick in, actually paying attention to everything he says. Not that I didn’t before. But this is different. Since that kiss, my body is drawn to him, as if we have our own type of magic coursing through our veins now.

He chuckles, taking off his wool coat and placing it on my shoulders as we walk through the stables with the reindeer. “I did, I got in quite a bit of trouble with these fellas. Comet and Rudolph were always the instigators, but I’d often be the one going without cookies while they got their carrots.” Rudolph lets out a sphhhh as we walk by, nudging my arm, as if asking me to pet him.

Shaking my head, I place my glove-covered hand on his head, right between his eyes, and rub. “I’m still trying to process all of this. I’m not saying I never believed in Christmas, but as I got older, I just thought it was my parents.”

He nods his head, petting Dasher as we stand against the stables. “Most people did, and some parents will leave a gift under the tree, or several. But Dad still travels the world and gives toys to all that need a toy. No tree is left empty after he gets done. It’s been like that for generations, and I will continue it.” His eyes bore into mine, making my whole body light up. “But I need someone to help me. I need a good woman who believes in the goodness of people and is a nurturing soul. We have a lot of people to care for here.”

“You do?”

He chuckles, grabbing my hand off of Rudolph and clasping it between his own. “Did you think this was the end of our tour? We’ve only just begun. Come on, we’re going to take the sleigh up the hill.”

“Up?” He’s lost his mind, a sleigh can’t go up. Not without.... He leads me toward the sleigh, which has four reindeer attached, and I’m suddenly afraid, my feet digging into the ground and halting us both. “No...no...I’m not ready for that. You’re lucky you got me in that small jet!”

“Oh, Elodie. You are quite refreshing, you know.” He smirks, pulling me toward the sleigh, which has what looks to be a very warm blanket and also a small electric fireplace, and a huge touch screen GPS. Santa’s got the real deal here. “That he does. Dad makes sure he’s never stranded. Now, come...the reindeer aren’t flying us. They are going to walk.”

Oh, how I’d love to come with you.

He leans down and whispers into my ear, “Elodie, I’m almost positive you didn’t mean to say that out loud, but I can promise you that since our kiss in my bed, there is absolutely nothing I want more than to watch you come for and with me.”

“Oh.” My mouth drops open as his smoldering eyes look at my own. I’m not sure where to look, because if I keep looking at him, I’m going to embarrass myself by stripping in Santa’s sleigh and begging him to take me right there.

“Oh, is right. Now, let’s go. I want to introduce you to some of my friends and I’ve got to think about anything other than your mouth in that perfectly shaped ‘O’.”

The way he’s looking at me is making me nervous and turning me on all at the same time. I feel as if I’m the mouse and he’s the lion. Unconsciously, I bite my lip, which drawls a growl from his throat as he helps me into the sleigh. “Sorry,” I mutter, which he laughs at.

“For what? Being a gorgeous woman? I’m sorry I didn’t take advantage of it sooner. Elodie, you’re a beautiful woman, and had I not been so stupid, we’d have been together for years now.”

I can’t help the grin that overtakes my face. I never expected Nick Claustine, my boss, to feel the way he does about me. Even if this was just a last resort, it’s as if it was meant to be. “Thank you. I’m sorry we didn’t start this years ago myself, but in a way, I’m thankful. I mean, if I didn’t know you like I do, I may think you were certifiably insane.”

“If you’d have said you were taking me to Santa’s workshop, I’d have thought the same. I know this is strange to imagine, but I don’t think there is anyone else I’d want to share this with.” His face lights up as he continues to talk, and the sleigh we’ve just sat down in begins to move.

Nick is still talking, but the view has taken my attention away from his words, as if it commands my attention. The smell of the pine is overpowering and comforting all at the same time, and the snow blanketing the trees is beautiful, but what captures my sight is the village of small houses shaped in all types of ways. I don’t even know how some of them are standing. They remind me of the homes in WhoVille. Oh my god!

“Nick!” He jumps a bit as my voice echoes over the hills. “Is the Grinch real?”

“The Grinch?” He looks startled for a moment before he laughs loudly, clenching his belly as his body shakes with laughter. “No, but Jack Frost is.”

“What on God’s green Earth is so dang funny?” I want to punch him in that perfectly sculpted jawbone. Arrogant asshole.

He stops laughing, watching my reaction before slowly wrapping an arm around me, almost as if he’s afraid to touch me. Good thing. I’d be afraid if I were you. “I’m sorry, Elodie. I forget sometimes, but that was funny. The Grinch is really folklore. But some of them really do exist. Like, for instance...Hermie. He’s actually my uncle, Phillip. He was with Grandpa one night for Christmas and was spotted and someone created a whole story off of the blond headed, blue eyed elf with Santa.”

“It’s not polite to laugh,” I grumble, but lean into him, welcoming the warmth of his body. I’d imagined this happening so many times that I’m not sure if I’m dreaming or not. I’ve never felt this on fire in my dreams, though, and I know there is no way in hell I could dream up something as crazy as this. “Where are we going?”

“To the workshop. I’d like you to meet some friends. The elves...this is their home. They live in this village and there are several different jobs. Like that pink building there...that’s Harriet’s home, she makes the best pies. The blue building over there, that’s Ernest’s home, and he makes all the shoes and clothing for everyone. Of course, not alone.” His face lights up as he points out house after house and people come to the windows and wave. This truly is a village and it’s full of people. Not like I’d imagined, thanks to the television. They are just normal people, but they are so happy and their cheeks are rosy, just like Santa’s.

“Nick! You’re home!” A small boy and girl come running out of a house and climb right up on the sleigh and into Nick’s lap. “And he’s brought a girl!”

The little girl climbs over Nick and into my lap, looking at me with a huge grin, showcasing the two missing teeth right in the front. “Hi, I’m Ainslee and this is my twin brother, Carlisle. You’re pretty.”

Laughing softly, I squeeze her to me. She can’t be more than six years old. “Well, thank you. I’m Elodie.”

“That’s a beautiful name. Would you like to come see the workshop?” Her brown eyes light up, and I couldn’t say no, even if I’d wanted to.

Pushing her button nose softly, I can’t help but smile. “Only if you’ll be my tour guide.” Nick is laughing with Carlisle, but he couldn’t mask the smile at seeing me interacting with his ‘people’. I’m sure he was weary at first, but I felt in my heart that I belonged here. From the moment I woke up in his bed, I’d had this feeling that this was home. I couldn’t imagine anything else now that I’d been here.

Seeing Nick in his element made me realize something I’d been hiding from myself for over a year. I loved him. I was in love with Nickolas Claustine. Ainslee grabs my hand, helping me from the sleigh before we are pulled off into the direction of the workshop. Seeing it all come alive before my eyes, I can’t help but be awestruck. All of the production lines and things, no wonder Claustine’s Toy Store is so lucrative.

By the time we make it back to the sleigh, I can barely keep my eyes open from the jet lag and the excitement I’ve experienced. The last thing I can remember is Nick whispering in my ear how glad he was that it was me.

Our time was slowly coming to an end and we would be making our trip back to the city tomorrow. I was sad, but I knew we couldn’t stay here forever, even if I wanted to. We had a job to do and sadly, it was in Colorado.

A knock on the door interrupts my thoughts as I pack my suitcase. “Hi, I was wondering if I could bother you for a moment.” The burly voice wraps around my body in a warmth only he can bring.

“Not at all, Santa.” I smile when I see Nick’s father standing in the door.

His boots resound off the floor as he walks toward the bed before having a seat. “Elodie, you’re the best thing that has ever happened to my son. I’ve never seen him this happy. He may not tell you that, but I know you do.”

“Well, thank you. He makes me happy as well. I never knew how much I didn’t know about him until now.” Smiling, I think of all the things he’s opened up to me about, and I’m thankful for the time I’ve had here. “It’s been so nice here. Thank you for your hospitality.”

“You are always welcome here. I wish you both didn’t have to go back, but I know we have to keep our cover.” He smiles before standing. He actually looks a bit sheepish as he hugs me. “I was sent here to tell you that Nick was waiting for you outside. He said to follow the lights, but I just had to tell you that I’m thankful for you before you leave in the morning.”

I’m sure my face looks like that of a child in a candy store, but I can’t find an inkling of care inside me. I’m happy and I don’t mind the world knowing it. “Thank you.” I smile, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him on his very rosy cheeks.

“Go on. He’s waiting with some kind of surprise.”

Practically running outside, I wrap my scarf tighter around my neck and pull the white knitted hat Mrs. Lizzie made for me down on my head. My hair whipping in the wind as the snow starts to fall. The twinkling lights come into view. There’s a path winding through trees full of twinkling lights, and my heart is racing in my chest as I follow it. This can’t be what I’m thinking it is. This is too soon. Too soon, Nick!

Relief overtakes me as I see him sitting beside the frozen pond with a basket and a blanket, and a fire going. His blue eyes boring into mine as I clear the path of the trees. I watch as his eyes rake over my body. He’s come to know every inch of it in the last two days, and I’m not the least bit saddened by it either. He stands, grabbing my gloved hand with his very own as I take in the fitted pullover and tailored to him jeans. The man is fine as hell, and I don’t know what on earth made him decide to be with me. It had to be fate because there was no way I’d get this man if it wasn’t.

“Elodie, I was hoping we could enjoy each other’s company tonight before work gets so busy that we lose time with each other.”

Gasping as he pulls me to him and starts to swirl us around, I can’t help but smile. “I will always, always have time for you.”

“I hope like hell that’s true. Because I’m positive I’m falling in love with you.”

Did he just say he’s falling in love with me? Oh my! “I’m one hundred percent sure I’m in love with you.”

The smile that takes over his face shows me exactly what type of magic this place contains. I’m not even sure it’s magic anymore, I think it’s just happiness. Everyone here is so happy, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I wouldn’t trade this moment in time for anything in this world.

If there is anything I’ve come to know, it’s that sometimes our paths are meant to lead us to one special moment, and for me...it’s leading me down the road to loving my boss and all the titles that loving him will bring to me. As for tonight, I’ll remember it every time I look at a snow globe of people ice skating on the pond...because that’s exactly what Mr. Claus had in store for us.

Heading back to the store and real world is sad, but knowing that I’ve found the one for me in Elodie is all that matters. I’m not saying a week together will determine if we will make this work for us, because there is just something about being here, that’s...as cliché as it sounds...magical.

As the week ended and I said goodbye to Mom and Dad, I realized just how much I truly missed the ranch. It was really hard to get on that plane and to go back to Colorado. I’ve always enjoyed working at the store, but maybe it was time to hand that over to one of the other family members to run and get back to the ranch to help Mom and Dad. Maybe I could convince Elodie to go there with me on a permanent basis, because she seemed to love this week as much as I did. I just wasn’t sure if she’d go for it. We’ve only been dating for a week, but for me, it’s felt like eternity. Nick, you’re losing your guy card.

Before this week, I wasn’t looking for more from anyone, but thanks to my father for meddling in my life, in a way only he could, I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Christmas is always the most magical time of the year, but having a beautiful woman to spend it with makes it even more magical.

So, whenever Santa passes over your house, remember that he’s just a man spreading good cheer. Our family is here to make other families feel something they may not the rest of the year, but for as long as we have love and compassion, there will always be a Santa to bring cheer.

So, in saying that...Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

About the Author

Amanda Lanclos is a small town girl from Louisiana who has a passion for love and books. She is the author of the Wounded Souls Series, the Unwavering Faith Series and the Garrison Brothers.

When she isn’t being a mother of two children and a wife to her amazing husband, she’s often found on her computer or with a nose in a kindle or book. She has always had a fascination for books and doesn’t believe that will ever go away.

Books by Amanda Lanclos

The Wounded Souls Series

Irreparable

Inconsolable

Unbelievable

Undeniable

Unexpected

Inevitable (Coming Spring 2018)

Untamable (Coming Fall 2018)

The Unwavering Faith Series

Guided by Faith

Saved by Grace

Broken Together (Coming Summer 2018)

The Garrison Brothers

Who I am With You

High on Loving You (Coming Spring 2018)