T ravel writer Tandy Lee has come to California to interview a gorgeous but eccentric billionaire, Wylder Mohsen, who has built the world’s first amusement park entirely dedicated to the holiday season. She finds a sweet-hearted and fun-loving man, and is immediately attracted to him .

But when a woman is brutally murdered on the opening night which falls on Halloween, everything falls apart for Wylder, but Tandy is suspicious of Vonne’s behavior and discovers he hired someone to kill the girl to shut down the park and claim the insurance money. Will Wylder see through his old friend finally, in time to save the woman he is falling in love with ?

T andy Lee almost purred when she stepped off the plane into the Southern California heat. She’d been on assignment in a cold and frigid London for a month and so now, feeling the warmth seep into her bones, she smiled to herself. One last foreign assignment before she could go home to Italy and settle in for the holiday season .

“Speaking of which,” she murmured to herself as she got her papers out for the immigration officers. She pulled out her notebook to look through while she waiting to be let into the country. She thought this assignment would be little more than a puff piece. A rather eccentric young billionaire called Wylder Mohsen was about to open America’s first theme park based entirely around the Fall/Winter holidays. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year. Tandy had no interest in amusement parks – she loathed rollercoaster rides and ghost trains and haunted house bullshit. But the fact was she was doing a favor for an old friend by covering the opening – Tandy’s travel writing was more hard-hitting, going to places off the beaten track. But when Greta, her colleague, and friend at the magazine, had come to her and asked to do the piece because Greta had just discovered she was pregnant, Tandy shrugged and said okay. She did love California, its sunny outlook, its beautiful coastline. Thankfully, at least for Tandy, she would be traveling to just outside San Francisco rather than staying in LA .

She passed through customs without a problem and went to the car hire place. In an hour, she was on the 101 north, top down on the convertible and headed towards San Francisco .

T he theme park entrance was a huge wrought iron gate, decorated with cast iron ivy and holly, dusted with white and silver and Tandy grinned. Nice touch. It gave the entrance a slightly spooky feel as if she were going back in time. She announced herself, and slowly the gates creaked – they actually did creak, Tandy laughed to herself – open. She drove in and immediately entered a different world. A winding drive led past woods so dense that she shivered a little, fake fog being pumped into them to make them look forbidding and murky. Occasionally she would see small fairytale cottages, lit up and welcoming, or dark and foreboding dotted between the trees. Despite herself, Tandy grinned. She realized Wylder Mohsen had put a lot of time and effort into making this an entire experience. She passed into a clearing where she saw large haunted houses dotted around a square and lit up, almost Dickensian in nature. She stopped her car alongside some others and stepped out to explore the place. Soon she realized these houses were the attractions – step through the door of each and find something different. If this was just the Halloween part of the part, the place was massive. None of the attractions were up and running yet – opening night was in two days – Halloween night .

“What do you think ?”

Tandy shrieked as the voice came from behind her and startled her. Behind her stood a grinning man. “Sorry,” he said, not sounding sorry at all, “I couldn’t resist .”

Tandy knew from his photo that this was Wylder Mohsen himself, but as she recovered her composure, she realized the photograph had not done him justice at all .

Tall, about six-feet, dark brown hair and beard, bright blue eyes, and a mischievous grin that made Tandy’s belly flutter. His body was well-sculptured underneath his dark red sweater and chinos. He was gorgeous. Tandy drew in a deep breath and smiled. “Sorry, hey, there Mr. Wylder. Tandy Lee from Domani magazine .”

“I know,” he said, his tone chatty and friendly. “I looked you up. Love the hair, by the way .”

Tandy put her hand up to her bright blue hair, so long now she had to stick it up in a bun. “Matches your eyes,” she said and then blushed. What the hell? But Wylder grinned, easing her embarrassment .

“So it does. Do you think I could pull blue hair off ?”

Tandy couldn’t help but grin back. He was so warm that she liked him immediately. “Nah, keep the dark, dude. It’s working for you .”

Wylder laughed. “Glad you think so. Well…welcome .”

He shook her hand, holding for a beat too long, his eyes twinkling. A flirt , she decided, not that she minded. “Tandy, would you like a tour of the place? Then I thought we could chat over lunch .”

“Love to.” In truth, she had just come to check the place out before she interviewed him properly, and the jetlag from the flight was catching up with her, but now she’d met him, she decided, she would be damned if she’d say no to spending time with him .

“Let’s golf cart it, to begin with,” he said as she followed him out of the haunted house, “then perhaps we can go back to the places you find more interesting later .”

In the golf cart, they sat unnervingly close in the tiny vehicle, and Tandy could feel his body heat and smell his scent, a subtle cologne of spice along with freshly laundered linen. She breathed a deep in, letting the heady scent tingle in her senses. Wylder smiled at her. “So, obviously this is Halloween…we set this up mainly for kids, but there are a few houses that we only let adults in, where we can go a little darker if we like. Murder-mysteries that they can solve etc. We have a cast of actors who perform jump scares and dress up and perform skits, for all ages and of course, we have a ghost train .”

“No rollercoaster ?”

Wylder grinned. “Impatient .”

Tandy laughed. “I just always expect to see one in one of these places .”

“Fair enough, but we will get to that later on. In each of the themed spaces, we also have hotel rooms for people to stay in. The Halloween ones we expect to be most popular .”

Tandy was surprised. “ You do ?”

Wylder winked at her. “They find the horror sexy .”

Tandy laughed. “These young kids today .”

“Pesky young kids…if it hadn’t been for them …”

They both laughed. Wylder steered the cart along a long-paved driveway into the next scenes. “Ah,” said Tandy recognizing the scene immediately. “Thanksgiving .”

“Of course.” Wylder stopped the cart, and they got out. A large ship, a copy of the Mayflower dominated the square which was based on Plymouth where the Pilgrims had landed, then smaller dwellings housed museums and amusements. “This has been our most challenging part of the park, after all, this is actually based on American history, and we’ve had to be careful to honor both sides. There were ninety Wampanoag Native Americans at the first Thanksgiving, but still, some see it as exploitative of their culture, a whitewashing of history. So, it’s a delicate balance. This is really the reflective part of the park; it’s too calm down, get some food and think about what Thanksgiving means, really. We also provide food for local homeless shelters too, and on Thanksgiving Day, we have our own parade .”

As he talked, Tandy studied him. He looked far too young to be in charge of this project, far too fun-loving to have built all of this from nothing. She knew he had a business partner but she would bet all her money, he wouldn’t be as visionary as this young man .

When he drove to the Christmas area, Tandy felt herself get excited like a child. Covered in fake snow, it was straight out of a Christmas card, and finally, she saw the park’s immense rollercoaster. “Oh my,” she said and laughed, shaking her head, “It’s Santa’s sleigh .”

Wylder grinned. “Would you like a spin on it? We’re running ti each day to make sure it’s fully operational before the opening .”

For a moment, Tandy felt nervous – she hated roller coasters – but this one was so magical, sweeping across the top of snow-capped houses, she had to nod. “Let’s do it .”

Wylder sensed her trepidation and offered her his hand, and they were strapped in at the very front of the ride. “Ready ?”

She gripped his hand tightly . “No .”

He laughed and kissed the back of her hand. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, you got me with you .”

Tandy didn’t have time to catch her breath before the ride started and they were swept skyward, dipping and spinning like crazy. Tandy let out a banshee scream, her adrenaline rushing through her system. She looked over at Wylder who was grinning at her .

“ You like ?”

“No! And yes!” She screamed again as they suddenly dropped down a sharp incline, but as they ascended again, Tandy felt all of her tiredness slip away, and she yelled with joy now as the car flew over the wintry scenes below. She smiled widely at Wylder. “I’m starting to believe you are actually Santa.” She had to yell to make herself heard over the whooshing of the ride, but Wylder nodded, laughing loudly .

“I am…I’m actually wearing Spanx to cover my big belly,” he shouted back, with a wide grin. Tandy giggled .

“Do you shake it like a big bowl of jelly ?”

“Of course, it’s the only way .”

She loved his silliness, his humor, his beautiful blue eyes. You’re here to interview him, she warned herself silently, he’s putting on his best face . But somehow, she didn’t believe there was any artifice in this man .

He took her to the main offices of the park, a huge mansion-like building straight out of an Austen novel. He winked at her as she looked around. “I know, a fool and his money are soon parted .”

“Seriously, how on earth did you even think all of this up ?”

Wylder led her into a dining room, where a feast was laid out for them. He invited her to sit next to him at a long table, and they helped themselves to the food, eschewing servants much to Tandy’s relief. Wylder smiled at her as they began to eat. Tandy found she was starving, and mostly listened as he talked, only prompting on the rare occasion her mouth was empty .

“The reason for all of this was simply…. I love the holidays. Love them. I spent fifteen years working in finance in New York, made billions of dollars, but I was miserable. So, I was home with my folks one Thanksgiving and my nieces and nephews were running around, exhausting me and I thought screw New York. Screw finance. I want to do something fun .”

“And this was the answer ?”

“Listen, it’s California…when do we get the Winter Wonderland we’re promised so much in the movies or on Christmas cards? My brother’s kids have never even seen snowfall .”

Tandy grinned. “So, you did this for your nieces and nephews ?”

Wylder chuckled. “And for me. I’m a big kid. And maybe someday my own kids will enjoy this as much.” He smiled at her and Tandy couldn’t help squeezing his hand .

“They will love it. So, you did this on your own ?”

Wylder shook his head. “I have a business partner, Vonne Corre. We were at Harvard together, and we kept in contact, both of us working in the city. At drinks one evening, I mentioned the idea, and he seemed keen to invest. His involvement grew way past that, and now he’s a fifty-percent owner. Couldn’t have done it without him; his business nous is unmatched, and he reigns in some of my more outlandish ideas .”

“ Good guy ?”

“I think so. He makes sure the place is up to regulation and well-insured. We don’t always see eye-to-eye, but it’s worked so far .”

“I’d like to meet him, for the article, you understand .”

“It’s no problem. He’s out today, but he’ll be back in the morning.” He studied Tandy. “You look exhausted – beautiful – but exhausted. Did you fly in yesterday? I know you were in London .”

“This morning,” Tandy admitted, and now that the adrenaline had gone from her system, she felt herself flagging. “I’ll admit, I came to scope out the place before meeting you tomorrow. Not that I didn’t have a great time,” she added hurriedly and Wylder touched a finger to her cheek .

“I get it, but I’m sorry I didn’t realize sooner. Where are you staying ?”

“I admit, I don’t know yet. I was just going to book something online for this evening .”

Wylder sat back. “Stay here. Be our first guest to try out one of the cottages. Any one you like. Unless you feel uncomfortable…there’s plenty of security guards around if you need a chaperone.” He looked embarrassed, obviously not wanting to think he was a creep. That was the furthest thing from Tandy’s mind, and their gazes locked for a long moment .

“I don’t think I need a chaperone, Wylder,” she said softly, “And yes, I would love to stay .”

He looked delighted . “Good .”

T he cottage she chose was one straight out of a Thomas Kinkade painting. “Cheesy, yes,” she said, “but what a fairy tale.” The cottage with a bedroom, bathroom, and open plan living room and kitchen was tiny, but outside, a little old-fashioned street lamp was lit, and a small brook babbled alongside it. Wylder brought her case in for her and set it down in the bedroom. He looked around. “I hadn’t actually seen the inside of this one. Huh, it’s kind of sweet .”

“It is,” Tandy smiled at him. “Thank you so much .”

“It’s yours for as long as you want it. I hope you’ll stay for the opening ?”

Tandy considered. After this assignment, she was a free agent – and plane tickets could always be changed. Not only that, but she wanted to talk more to this fascinating man who still had the wonder of a child in him. “I will, thank you .”

Again, there was that atmosphere between them, and for a moment, Tandy thought he might kiss her. He leaned in slightly, then smiled ruefully .

“Listen, Tandy…would you have dinner with me later? I mean, if you’re feeling up to it .”

“I’d love to. Just let me get a nap in, and I’ll be raring to go…um, I mean, er…” She flamed bright red, and Wylder laughed .

“I understand,” he said, and she was grateful he let her off the hook. “ Later , then .”

“Later .”

W hen she was alone, Tandy stripped off and stepped into the shower in the bathroom, grateful to get clean. Thankfully, she always carried a toothbrush and paste in her carry-on – regulations permitting, of course – and so she hadn’t choked him on her morning breath. Still, she felt so much better when she got clean, and after she’d slept for a couple of hours on the insanely comfortable bed .

Wylder came for at eight, and she admired the fact he’d changed for dinner into a dark grey, impeccably tailored suit. Tandy had dragged her one dress from her case and steamed it in the shower to get rid of wrinkles. She knew it looked good on her, the dark gold complimenting her olive skin and dark eyes. By the admiring look in Wylder’s eyes, he thought so too .

He drove her into the city to one of the restaurants there, and soon they were enjoying fresh lobster and a wonderful white wine, and chatting as if they’d known each other forever. Wylder told her more about his large family of five sisters and one brother, his mom, and poppa, as he called them, his adored nieces and nephews. Tandy told him about her life in Italy, how she’d grown from an intern on a prestigious, if now defunct magazine to a freelance travel writer, to the head travel writer for Domani. “If I’m honest,” she told him with a smile, “I’m still not sure if that’s because I’m good at my job, or my boss Elli - who’s also my best friend – is playing favorites .”

“Why can’t it be both?” Wylder asked with a smile, scooping up the last of the meringue dessert and popping it into her mouth. She smiled at him gratefully as she swallowed the sugary treat .

“God, that’s good. My family? Well, as you can tell I’m half Italian, half Japanese and my family is scattered across two continents. My elder sister, Paloma, works in Tokyo, my mother lives in Florence and my dad in Hong Kong. We’re that weird kind of close that we love each other, but don’t need to see each other all the time .”

“But you live in Italy ?”

She nodded, smiling. “I do. My friends are there, scattered across the country. Another friend lives here; Vivienne Marche, you may have heard of her ?”

“She’s married to the Congressman for Washington, right ?”

“That’s her. She’s Superwoman basically, brain the size of New Mexico. Anyways, she and Elli became my surrogate sisters a long time ago .”

“It’s the 21^st Century family, now,” Wylder said, nodding. “More water than blood, but still as strong as hell .”

Tandy tapped her glass against his. “Word, brother .”

He grinned. “I have to say. You’re not the kind of journalist, I expected .”

“What did you expect ?”

He considered. “More critical, more distant .”

“More professional ?”

“Absolutely not,” he said, quickly, obviously afraid he’d offended her. “I mean, friendly .”

Tandy grinned at him. “I was kidding. And anyway, today, I’m not a journalist, Today, I’m just Tandy, off the record, hanging with a new friend, I hope .”

“Off the record ?”

“ Oh , yes .”

“Then would it be inappropriate to do this?” He leaned in and brushed his lips quickly against hers. Tandy smiled .

“Not inappropriate at all…while we’re off the record .”

“When do we go on the record ?”

Tandy pretended to work it out on her fingers. “Well, it’s ten o’clock at night now, so I would say we have to be professional…in no less than twelve hours .”

Wylder grinned, enjoying the game. “Twelve hours , huh ?”

Tandy pressed her lips to his. “Think you can keep up for twelve hours, Mr. Mohsen ?”

W ylder took her back to his surprising modest but elegant apartment. Tandy, never shy when it came to sex, shimmied out of her gold dress and walked slowly to his bedroom in her underwear. Wylder followed her, pulling his tie off and shrugging out of his jacket .

In the bedroom, Tandy turned to him, and they kissed, softly at first, then as the heat grew between them, their mouths found the others hungrily as they began to strip the remainder of their clothes off. Wylder took her nipple into his mouth and teased it until Tandy was gasping, her hands stroking the hot length of his cock until it stood proud against his belly, bobbing under its own weight .

Tandy lay on the bed, grinning up at him, spreading her legs wide so he could see her swollen ready cunt as he slid a condom down over his rampant cock. “Put that inside me,” she purred then giggled as he launched himself on top of her and thrust deep inside her. Tandy moaned with pleasure as they move together, unable to stop kissing his perfect mouth, or staring into those warm cornflower blue eyes .

Wylder kissed her tenderly as they made love. “I’ve never had this instant connection before,” he said, breathless as his pace quicken, “never .”

Tandy couldn’t speak then as they moved together towards a shattering climax and her back arched and she tightened her legs around him as she came, shuddering and panting as his body spasmed and jerked with his own orgasm. They collapsed together, panting and laughing. Excusing himself to go take care of the used condom, when he returned Wylder kissed her tenderly. “Well, now that’s out of the way …”

Tandy laughed. “I have to admit, I’ve been thinking about what fucking you would be like since we met .”

“Ditto.” He stroked his hand down her slender body. Tandy grinned .

“Skinny, I know, but that’s because I’ve been traveling. I always put on ten pounds the minute I get back to Italy – Elli cooks like a dream .”

“Your body is perfect,” Wylder said, and she saw the honesty in his eyes. “Never think otherwise. God, I’m a lucky man, or rather, not to be presumptuous I was a lucky man .”

Tandy giggled and smoothed her hand down his cheek. “Be presumptuous. Let’s always assume, when we meet, that we can be presumptuous .”

“Deal.” Wylder grinned. “God, I love how you don’t play games .”

“Never have, never will. I wanted you, I had you,” Tandy said, shrugging good-naturedly. “And any minute now, I’m definitely thinking about having you again .”

Wylder laughed loudly. “Damn, that’s a good idea.” Tandy rolled him onto his back, her small breasts bobbing with her movements. He cupped them and stroked his thumbs over her nipples. Tandy straddled him, sliding a fresh condom down over his huge cock. “ Big boy .”

Wylder grinned as she guided him inside and rode him, gently this time, taking her time as he caressed her body. His big, warm, soft hands felt so good on her skin, the desire in his eyes exciting and thrilling. They made love for what seemed hours, talking softly as they did, so comfortable with each other. Eventually, exhausted, Wylder wrapped his arms around her, and they slept until late morning .

“S o, what’s happening today?” Tandy asked him as they walked around the park, seeing more people this time. They didn’t hold hands; Tandy had insisted that while she was interviewing, they weren’t lovers, hook-up partners or whatever it was that they were becoming. Wylder agreed – with a mischievous grin, but so far, he had behaved himself .

“Well, the final safety checks, cleaning, all that boring stuff. Also, the actors will be running through their roles. Wanna swing by the murder-mystery hours ?”

Tandy’s eyes lit up. “ Hell , yes .”

They watched the actors run through the first scenes and the actual murder. After they’d finished, Tandy and Wylder applauded them and the ‘victim' who was a gorgeous African-American woman, who sprung back up to her feet, still covered in fake blood and came over to them. She high-fived Wylder and grinned at Tandy .

“Tandy, this is Selena Miles – we poached her from a very promising Hollywood career to come play our murder victim .”

“On alternate days,” Selena corrected with a laugh. She nudged Tandy conspiratorially. “They kill a guy the other days .”

“Good.” Tandy grinned. She felt a little weird joking about murder, even if it was fake and Wylder seemed to notice .

“ You okay ?”

She nodded, and Selena smiled at her. “He poached me from a bit part on one of those hideous bar-set reality shows and a fifty-hour week of waitressing and auditions. Wylder’s one of the good guys .”

“I paid her to say that,” Wylder said quickly, embarrassed and the women laughed .

“It was great to meet you; I think they want me back there. Laters.” Selena disappeared into the house with a wave .

“She’s nice,” Tandy said as they walked out of the house, but Wylder stopped her .

“Seriously, you looked upset in there. Are you okay ?”

Tandy drew in a deep breath. “It’s just…seeing murder played out as entertainment. And I know it’s a thing that people enjoy in the abstract, but Elli was stabbed and nearly died a few years ago. I mean, her attacker butchered her, and we nearly lost her. Now, I guess, I’m a little sensitive about it .”

Wylder’s usually merry eyes were troubled. “I’m so sorry, Tandy. I didn’t know, or I would never have suggested we watch that .”

Tandy shook her head. “It’s okay, Wylder. I thought maybe I could handle it after all this time – it’s not like I haven’t seen a myriad of movies and tv shows with worse .”

Despite their agreement to keep things professional, he took her hand, and she didn’t pull away. “Look, let’s go to the Christmas park. No monsters and bad memories there .”

“Unless you have the Krampus .”

“You had to go there,” he sighed in mock-resignation .

“I have the Krampus every month,” she said, enjoying joking with him, trying to lighten the mood again. Wylder didn’t need to know her damage, and he certainly didn’t need to apologize for how this park was run .

Over lunch, she interviewed him properly, asking in-depth questions, listening to him talk about his passion. She studied him intently as he talked, and after a while, he broke off and smiled at her. “You keep looking at me like that, Ms. Lee, and this interview is going to end with you naked on this table .”

Tandy smirked. “Well, Mr. Mohsen, you sound like a man with a plan.” She very deliberately closed her laptop and leaned over to kiss him .

“Wylder ?”

They heard the male voice calling from inside the office and Wylder sighed. “Raincheck, beautiful? That’s Vonne .”

Vonne Core didn’t knock, just strode into Wylder’s office. He was sharply dressed, a preppy-type, his hair brushed back neatly. He didn’t even glance at Tandy, just waved a folder at Wylder, his handsome face humorless, his blue eyes such a light color they were almost silver .

“Hey dude,” said Wylder easily, “this is Tandy Lee .”

Vonne slid his eyes over Tandy’s body. “Pleasure.” Tandy didn’t smile back at him. He obviously thought she was just one of Wylder’s women, she realized. It hurt to think that Wylder had other women, that he made the same moves on another girl .

“Tandy’s from Domani magazine, Vonne.” Wylder’s voice had an edge in it, and Vonne’s manner changed immediately .

“Sorry, for some reason I thought you were one of the actors. Sorry, welcome, Ms. Lee.” All charm and smiles now. That’s what he meant with his dismissive look at her. Tandy shook his hand and got up .

“I was just finished, actually. I’ll write my story and come back to clarify some facts later, if I may, Wylder .”

“Please don’t go on my behalf,” Vonne Corre said, sitting down, brushing non-existent fluff off his trousers. Man, this guy was a jerk .

“Tandy’s staying for the launch, and I gave her the Kinkade cottage to use.” Wylder’s voice was tense and Tandy sneaked a smile at him, meeting his gaze. I’m okay, dude, don’t stress. He smiled back at her .

“That’s fine.” Vonne smiled without warmth at Tandy. “As long as we have it back for the weekend .”

“Oh, you will. I’ll see you later, Wylder.” Tandy left the office, feeling dismissed by Wylder’s business partner. She was at the elevator when Wylder caught up to her. Pulling her into an alcove out of the way, he kissed her .

“Don’t pay any attention to Vonne. He’s an arrogant s.o.b. but he’s a genius at business .”

Tandy stroked his face. “Don’t sweat it, dude. I’ve dealt with ruder folks than him .”

“I could come by in about an hour?” Wylder looked adorably hopeful, and Tandy chuckled .

“Give me two to write up the first draft. Then I’m all yours, all night long.” She snaked her hand down and squeezed his cock through his jeans. Wylder moaned and kissed her fiercely .

“Tease .”

“You know it. Later, dude.” He watched her get into the elevator, and as the doors closed, she flashed a breast at him, hearing him laugh and curse as the doors closed .

W ylder went back to his office, still smiling. Vonne looked up and studied him. “So, you’re fucking that journalist ?”

“Back off, dude.” Wylder hated fighting with Vonne; Vonne always got nasty and Wylder didn’t want anything to ruin his happy buzz that he’d felt since he met Tandy. Was it really just yesterday ?

“Well, leaving that aside, we have all the checks in place now. Everything is signed off, and we’re ready. The question is, are you ?”

Wylder felt stung. Vonne always managed to make him feel like a little kid. “Of course, Vonne. This park is my baby, my legacy .”

“Our legacy.” Vonne sighed, relenting. “Sorry, Wylder, it’s just…I don’t want anything to go wrong .”

“It won’t, buddy,” Wylder smiled confidently at his friend. “Tomorrow is going to be phenomenal .”

W ylder slowly slid his hands down the length of her naked body before burying his face in her belly, his tongue flicking around her navel, dipping into it, rimming it. She felt Tandy shiver beneath him and his mouth curved up in a smile. He slid two fingers into her sopping wet cunt and caressed her clit with his thumb. “God, you’re beautiful, Tandy Lee,” he murmured against her skin, “I want to fuck you every day until I die .”

Tandy, gasped and bucking against his hand and his mouth, gave a long moan of desire as she came, Wylder feeling her cunt flood with her juices. He sat up, stroked a condom onto his straining cock and plunged into her as she arched her back and pressed her belly against his, wrapping her long legs around him. “God, fuck me hard, Wylder, hard, deeper, bury that magnificent cock deep inside me …”

Wylder thrust hard, almost violently as Tandy clawed at his buttocks, wanting him deeper and deeper. Wylder crushed his mouth against hers as they fucked, almost animal in their desire for each other. Tandy came again and again, and when his own orgasm crashed over him, Wylder felt the heady, ecstatic release in every cell in his body. God, this woman …

Tandy gave a long moan of release and kissed him passionately. “Dear god, Wylder, what you do to me …”

He laughed, tightening his arms around her. “Right back at you, cutie. Listen, I know we started this thing, and it was going to be for a few days while you were interviewing me, but, god, Tandy…this is more, isn’t it ?”

She smiled at him. “I would like to think so. I would like to try and see if it’s more .”

Wylder kissed her. “It all comes down to geography , baby .”

“It does, and that’s where we might run into trouble. I’m due to fly back to Italy in a couple of days, and I do need to go. It’s going to be Christmas before you know it and I have pseudo nieces and nephews to see .”

“Your friend’s kids?” Wylder always seemed so genuinely interested in her life, and it touched Tandy’s heart. She nodded .

“Well,” Wylder said, “I understand that, but for me, I can’t be away from the park just as it opens .”

Ignoring the flash of pain that shot through her, Tandy smiled. “Then we compare schedules, see where we are. We’re modern kids, Wylder, we can do this .”

“Yes, we can…and can I make a request, if it fits with your calendar ?”

“Go for it .”

He lifted her hand and kissed it. “Spend Thanksgiving with my family and me. Now, I know, Thanksgiving isn’t an Italian – or Japanese – holiday, but it would mean a lot to me .”

She kissed him. “Then how could I say no ?”

O pening day and Tandy was amused to see Wylder as nervous as a bride on her wedding day. She teased unmercifully until he got his revenge by having her behind one of the haunted houses. Tandy giggled as he yanked her panties off and thrust into her, gasping his name quietly, not wanting to get caught by the crowds who had flooded into the park, or by the many journalists and news teams there to cover the opening .

When Wylder and Vonne were snagged by the journalists, Tandy took the opportunity to walk around the park, drinking in the atmosphere and people watching. She saw how much people were enjoying the different attractions and it made her glad for Wylder – his dream had come true .

She noticed one man, however, who didn’t seem to fit in with the wonder-filled faces. She guessed he was in his fifties, scrawny, bedraggled. The thing that Tandy saw in his face was sorrow, utter sorrow and it was so the total opposite of everyone else’s expressions, that it was searing. He looked up to see Tandy watching him, and slipped away into the crowd. Tandy wondered what his story was, and she found herself coming back to the memory of that pain in the man’s face again and again as she walked around the park .

“Hey, Tandy .”

She looked around to see Selena grinning at her. “Hey,” Tandy smiled at her, “how’s the murder room ?”

“Exhausting…for everyone else,” laughed the other woman, “I just get to scream, and then lay down for an hour. I’m on a break. Want to come grab a drink with me ?”

They went to one of the bars in the Christmas zone. It was half-full with adult visitors, chatting and laughing and Tandy was glad to see that even the staff looked like they were having a great time .

“Wylder’s knocked it out of the park, hasn’t he?” Selena tapped her glass against Tandy’s. “He’s a good boy .”

“He is…where did you meet him ?”

Selena grinned. “To answer your real question, no, Wylder and I were never involved. I’m so very, very gay, Tandy, in fact, I think Wylder’s more worried I might seduce you .”

Tandy laughed. “Bring it, baby, he’s way too confident .”

Selena studied her. “You really like him, don’t you ?”

“I admit I do. I don’t usually find this kind of connection so quickly with someone .”

“Well, he’s a good guy. Unlike the creeper he’s in business with .”

Tandy’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, so you’ve noticed too? Yeah, Vonne Corre is a snake .”

“Ain’t that the truth? I never could stand him, couldn’t understand why Wylder went into business with him. He’s not a good person .”

“Can I ask why you say that? With me, it’s instinct, a gut feeling. Do you know something about him ?”

Selena sighed. “He treats the staff like crap, as beneath him. Money is his god; he loves it almost as much as he loves himself .”

Tandy grinned. “Wow, you really don’t like him, do you ?”

“He has trouble with the word ‘no’ when it comes from someone else.” Selena looked away, and Tandy felt a pang of unease .

“Selena…he didn’t …”

“Oh, no, not that. He just gets…angry sometimes .”

“I think you’re probably due back at work now, don’t you think ?”

The voice made both women jump in their seats. Behind them, Vonne Corre stood, his face set with anger. The way he was looking at Selena made Tandy’s skin prickle with unease. Selena shrugged, kissed Tandy’s cheek and disappeared back to work, turning and giving Vonne the finger when he couldn’t see her. She grinned and winked at Tandy before she went .

Tandy glanced back at Vonne, who met her gaze with a cold stare before turning on his heel and stalking out. Tandy shivered. Selena was right. Vonne Corre was a creep .

T andy was still thinking about what Selena had said about Vonne when her cell phone rang an hour later as she walked back through the crowds towards her cottage. “Hey, gorgeous, where you at ?”

She grinned; Wylder sounded overexcited. “On my way back to the Kinkade,” she said, “are you done with the press ?”

“I am…I’ll be with you in two minutes. You’d better be naked, woman …”

Tandy laughed. “Dirty boy.” But when she got back to her cottage, she stripped and stepped into the shower. A few moments later, she heard him open the stall door and slide in beside her. Wylder pressed his lips to her shoulder, and she turned to face him, he smiled at her .

“Hello, beautiful .”

His hand slipped between her legs and stroked her clit as she kissed hi, her tongue exploring his mouth, caressing his tongue. She stroked his cock until it was ramrod hard, then Wylder lifted her from the shower stall onto the bathroom floor, hitching her legs around his waist and rolling a condom down his straining cock .

He gave Tandy a mischievous grin. “How much of this do you want, pretty girl ?”

Tandy wriggled impatiently. “All of it, give me all of it right now, Wylder …”

He thrust hard into her, making her gasp, and her legs tightening around him as he pinned her hands to the floor. “Fuck me hard,” Tandy gasped, “I want you so much .”

“I’ve been thinking about your perfect body all day,” he murmured, “Every time someone asked me a question, I wanted to reply that all I dream about is kissing your soft mouth, burying my cock deep in your silky cunt, tasting your exquisite flavor, biting down on your breasts .”

Tandy moaned with desire at his dirty talk. “ More …more …”

“I’m going to ream you into next week,” he growled, thrusting his pelvis so hard Tandy thought she might split in two, “So hard, so deep, so long , baby …”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Tandy came, her back arching up, her belly pressing against his and Wylder bit down on her nipples, prolonging her pleasure until she was a trembling, tearful wreck .

“God, Wylder…where did you come from?” She said, breathlessly as they collapsed against each other. Wylder stroked her damp hair away from her face. His blue eyes were serious now, soft with affection .

“Tandy Lee…I’m falling for you, and I don’t give a crap it’s been two days…fuck time…fuck what people think. I’m falling for you so damn hard .”

Tandy crushed her lips against his. “And I for you, baby, so hard.” She grinned as she felt his cock stiffening again. “Talking of hard …”

They made love again, then dressing, they decided to go grab a pizza at one of the park’s concession stand .

A s they walked through the park, Wylder nodded to the Murder Mystery House. “That’s been one of the most popular attractions, Vonne tells me. All down to the casting, I say. Wanna drop by and see a performance? Or will it upset you ?”

Tandy smiled. “No, I’m good. I know it’s fake, and I want to be supportive of Selena .”

They went into the house just as the players were beginning another mystery. Tandy and Wylder stayed at the back of the crowd that was watching, and as the play progressed, Tandy got into the drama. When Selena staggered through the door, clutching her stomach, fake blood soaking her shirt, her hands, Tandy could almost believe it was real, instead of fake .

But then she saw something in Selena’s eyes; they were whirling about in her head, panicked, confused. Tandy pushed through the crowd just as Selena collapsed to the floor and to Tandy’s horror, she realized there was nothing fake about the blood. Selena was struggling for breath, and as screams went up as they realized the actress was actually badly injured, that someone had stabbed her for real, Tandy dropped to her knees beside the stricken woman .

“Call 911,” Tandy screamed as she tended to her friend. Selena’s body spasmed twice as Tandy tried to stem the gushing of blood from Selena’s abdomen, but then Selena went still, her eyes wide and staring. “No, no, no, no…stay with me, Selena, please .”

Wylder, pale and shocked, started to control the small audience. “Please everyone, could you move outside, but don’t go too far. Steve,” he shouted at a shell-shocked member of the cast, “get help now. Steve, wake up, come on man, let’s get Selena some help .”

Tandy, tears rolling down her face, knew it was too late. Selena had been stabbed multiple times, the brutal wounds jagged and vicious. There was too much blood, and although Tandy tried to give Selena first aid, she knew it was too late .

T he police came, and the park was closed, but all of the visitors were kept there, each being questioned by a detective or police officer. Wylder made sure they were all taken care of, food and drink provided free, places for those in need – or in shock – to rest. Vonne too was directing the staff to help out the visitors, turning on the charm. Tandy saw him talking to the sad-faced man she saw earlier. The man saw her watching them and nodded at her. Vonne turned and gave her a chilly smile, a definite look that said ‘mind your own business.’ Tandy turned away, to see the Medical Examiner’s people pulling up to the murder house. After photographing the crime scene, Selena’s body was taken away, and Tandy watched, hollow-eyed as they loaded the black body bag onto a gurney. She’d only know Selena for a couple of days, but she had liked the exuberant young woman very much. She looked for Wylder now. His boyish face looked haggard, drawn, out-of-it. The shock was obvious, the pain in his eyes was searing to experience. Tandy felt sick. She remembered back to when her beloved Elli had been stabbed and almost killed by a vengeful ex-lover. The fear, the pain, the dread that she might die…Tandy began to cry, muffling her sobs in her sweater. Please, not again…not again …

She felt Wylder’s hand on her shoulders and turned into his arms, wanting that comfort. “I’m so sorry, Wylder, so, so sorry .”

“I can’t believe it.” His voice was muffled, his face buried in her hair. “I just can’t believe it .”

They stood holding each other for the longest time. “The police want to interview me at length, both Vonne and I,” he said, eventually. “I may be gone for some time, baby. And look…I’m scared for our safety alone here .”

“I’ll be fine, babe,” she said, trying to smile. “I have mad self-defense skills .”

Wylder’s eyes were troubled. “I’m serious. If you want to stay in the cottage, there’ll be an armed guard outside, I swear. But the police may insist on the whole place being empty in which case I’ll arrange for a hotel room for us. Is that okay ?”

Tandy nodded. “But I’d rather stay here .”

Wylder touched her cheek. “I don’t believe this is happening. Why? Why would someone kill Selena, of all people ?”

“I don’t know, babe.” Tandy thought she might throw up, and wobbled on her feet .

“Here, sit down before you fall down.” Wylder swept her into his arms and sat her down on a chair, his arms locked around her .

“God, Wylder, I’m so sorry this has happened. For Selena, for you…your dream .”

Wylder just shook his head, the heartbreak in his eyes all too obvious. They held each other for a long time before Vonne appeared. Tandy studied the man. He had all the appearance of contrition, but Tandy’s instincts were on high alert after what Selena had said about the man .

“Wylder, they want us to go with them .”

“Fine.” Wylder kissed Tandy’s temple. “I’ll be back as soon as I can , baby .”

T andy went straight to the cottage and stayed there, watching the news reports on the television. All the stations had picked up the story, but they all had the same b-roll to show, shots of a shocked and terrified crowd, of Wylder looking devastated, of Vonne being the P.R. face of the Park, giving the reporters practiced soundbites to use .

“Practiced .” Tandy murmured to herself. An idea was forming in her head, one she couldn’t shake. He’s all about money. He’s not a good person .

Vonne had been upset about Selena not being at work…what if it was because she had to be at the murder house at the right time for the murder to happen? Tandy shook her head. Why the hell would Vonne risk his investment by arranging the public murder of a woman just because she had rejected him sexually ?

No way. Unless…Tandy called Wylder’s cellphone. “Hey, baby, can you talk ?”

“Sure, honey, I’m just waiting to go in, why? Are you okay ?”

“Perfectly. Listen…what happens if the Park closes permanently because of this? Not that it will, it’s just my Spidey senses are tingling and I’m playing out different scenarios I my head .”

“Wow,” Wylder half-laughed, “am I seeing Investigative-Journalist Tandy ?”

She chuckled. “Maybe .”

“Well, Vonne handles that side of it, but we’re insured up the wazoo. But it won’t come to that, I swear. They think they’ve identified a suspect .”

“Really ?”

“Yup, some loner guy who was drifting around the park. I don’t know any more than that .”

“It’s okay, honey, I’m just speculating at this point. Will you be back tonight ?”

“I will,” his voice had softened now, “I will, and when I come back, I want us to talk about what happens next for us. You and I, I mean. I meant what I said earlier…I’m very much in danger of falling in love with you, Tandy Lee .”

Tandy felt warmth sweep through her cold body. “I feel the same, Wylder. If nothing else, I want to see if we can make this work .”

A fter she said goodbye, she went to her kitchen. Outside the door, she could see the big framed bodyguard that Wylder insist she have. She put some hot water on to make some tea and thought about what Wylder had told her. They had a suspect, and it wasn’t Vonne. She breathed a little easier, she hated to think of Wylder’s business partner being capable of cold-blooded murder. To risk his and Wylder’s investment, even if they were insured…Tandy stopped, her mug of tea half-way to her lips. Vonne handled all the paperwork? What if Wylder had missed something? What was the split of money in this situation? Did Wylder know if it was fifty-fifty ?

Shit, stop, she told herself. You’re seeing ghosts where there are none. Let the police do their job. She took her tea and sat back down in front of the television .

Her phone buzzed, and she felt a rush of comfort when she saw Elli was calling her. “Hey, Boo, I just woke up and heard what happened. Are you okay ?”

Tandy felt like crying when she heard her friend’s soft voice, the concern in it, the love. “I’m okay, Els, really. It’s a shock is all, and poor Wylder is wrecked .”

“God, how awful, I’m so sorry .”

“Thanks, honey.” They chatted for a few minutes then Tandy paused. “Els…can I ask you something? Something that might be difficult ?”

“You mean about Aldo?” Elli’s voice was flat as she spoke the name of the man who had almost killed her .

“I’m sorry but yes .”

Elli drew in a deep breath. “Go for it .”

“When did you know? What did your gut instinct tell you about him, I mean after you started to suspect him? Did you listen to it ?”

“Eventually. After I knew, Indio was back, and after Aldo started to act…strangely. Over the years I’ve asked myself if I knew before that, and I think…I should have listened to my instincts. He was so powerful that I think I knew if I tried to leave him, he would kill me. I knew for sure when he stuck that knife in my gut .”

“God, Elli, I’m so sorry to drag this up but…I have a hunch, and it could be wrong, and if I’m wrong, it could end my…relationship…with Wylder .”

“But if you’re right ?”

Tandy didn’t know how to answer her .

T wo hours later, she got a text message from Wylder. On my way back now xx . She smiled and turned her attention back to the television. The tip line along the bottom had a Breaking News banner on it, and she saw that the police had arrested their suspect. The next minute, she nearly choked on her tea when the photo was flashed up. It was the sad-faced man, the one she had seen talking to Vonne . Fuck .

She dropped her cup on the floor and went to find her flashlight. Grabbing it out of her backpack, she sneaked out of the bedroom window, hoping her guard wouldn’t notice she was gone. She ran through the dark woods, tripping occasionally. She sneaked around the back of the large building which housed Wylder and Vonne’s office and pushed up a window, sliding in easily .

Inside, she crept along the darkened hallways until she got to Vonne’s office. Locked. She gritted her teeth. She knew, knew, there was more to Selena’s murder than just a lone guy seeking a thrill kill. Vonne was behind this, she knew. Bracing herself, she smashed the window to his office as quietly as she could, snapping large pieces out of the frame with her sweater-covered hands until she could crawl safely through. Inside, she went through his desk then the filing cabinet. The documents weren’t hard to find. Wylder and Vonne’s signatures at the end of a densely worded insurance document. Tandy crawled under Vonne’s desk and switched on her small flashlight to read it. As far as she could make out, the main document was legit, giving a fifty-fifty split on any and all insurance paid out I the event of the Park’s closure .

It wasn’t until she looked at the small print she found it. A clause buried deep in another innocuous paragraph .

I n the event of non-accidental death, the Park shall revert solely to Mr. Corre, particularly in the case of homicide of a cast member. In this case, Mr. Mohsen will be compensated in the sum of One Dollar and be asked to leave the Park immediately .

T andy read it over and over, trying to find a way she could have possibly misunderstood it, but there was none. Vonne Corre had covered his bases, and now he could claim the Park for himself. “Motherfucker.” How the hell had Wylder missed this? She loved him for his boyish ways, for his big dreams, but this was amateur hour. Hadn’t he gotten his lawyer to look over these documents? “Jesus, Wylder …”

It made her scared for him, something so simple, so damn cruel in its execution could bring him to his knees and done by someone he trusted. Tandy crawled out from beneath the desk and shoved the papers into the waistband of her jeans. She looked around. She couldn’t do anything about the broken window now, but there was no other evidence she’d been there .

As she ran silently through the fairytale woods, she laughed humorlessly to herself. As of a broken window wouldn’t alert Vonne. He’d be on his guard now. Tandy crawled back in through the bedroom window which was open as she’d left it. Her security guard had obviously not even noticed she was gone; another thing she would have to pull Wylder up on. God, how did this all get so complicated? How did this fairytale become a nightmare ?

Her phone, which she’d left behind, was blinking with messages and when she flicked them open, her heart almost stalled .

Call me now. Please, Tandy, it’s urgent .

Tandy, I’m not kidding, call me .

Baby, please…call me. Your life could be in danger .

She called him back immediately, and she could tell from his voice he was panicking. “Tandy…Vonne is on his way back to the park…the police are trying to catch up with him, but we think he’s on his way…to hurt you. The man he hired to kill Selena rolled on him unexpectedly, and he told us you had seen him and Vonne talking after the murder. Vonne told him he would deal with you. Baby…” Wylder was sobbing now. “I’m on my way. Get the security guard to bring you to safety, get out of there…god, Tandy, please …”

Tandy moved straight away, running to the door and yanking it open. She stopped. “ Oh god .”

“What? What?” On the other end of the phone, Wylder was screaming, but Tandy closed her eyes. She couldn’t see the dead body of her security guard without losing it, so she shut it out .

“It’s too late,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “it’s too late.” She heard the safety of a gun being released and felt a breath of air behind her. Tandy didn’t have to turn around to know Vonne was behind her. “Wylder ?”

He was sobbing. “ No …no …”

“I love you,” she whispered and ended the call, turning around to face her killer .

V onne smiled pleasantly at her, the gun aimed at her belly. “See, I had everything worked out. Selena, the ungrateful whore, would be killed and Wylder would be destroyed. He’s not the only stupid one. I trusted in someone I should not have…but then if you can’t trust your own father .”

“He’s your father?” Tandy was shocked. Vonne laughed quietly .

“And yet he sold me out. So…now here we are. If I’m going down, then I’m taking something of Wylder’s with me. You. He’s in love with you, did you know that? After two fucking days…but then he’s always worn his heart on his sleeve. When he finds you with a belly full of lead, it’ll end him .”

“You bastard,” Tandy was angry now, hissing at him, nothing left to lose. “You scumbag, asshole, motherfucker. Who the hell do you think you are, deciding who lives and who dies ?”

Vonne smiled coldly. “Who do I think I am? Your killer , of course .”

And he pulled the trigger .

W ylder jumped out of the police cruiser as it sped into the park and set off through the woods towards Tandy’s cottage. To his horror, he heard gunshots. “No!” The fear in his heart made it pound painfully against his ribs, making it hard to breathe. No, please, not Tandy…not my girl. He saw the cottage in front of him, and his heart leaped as he saw Tandy stagger out, pursued by Vonne. Not thinking of himself, he dived for Vonne from the side, knocking him down, seeing Tandy stop and come back to help him. She gave a banshee yell as she stamped on Vonne’s arm and he shrieked and dropped the gun. Tandy picked it up and threw it into the brush as Wylder beat Vonne into unconsciousness. The police caught up with them then and dragged Wylder from Vonne .

Wylder wrenched himself free and went to Tandy, panicking, checking her body for wounds. “He didn’t get me,” she said, breathlessly. “The gun jammed on the first shot, so I ran. He got off a couple of shots but, turns out, he’s a seriously bad marksman . God .”

Tandy was so out of breath that she wobbled and Wylder caught her as she sank to the ground. She dragged some much-needed breath into her lungs and wrapped her arms around him. Wylder buried his face in her neck. “God, I thought he’d killed you…my god…my god, Tandy …”

He looked up and met her gaze. “I love you, Tandy Lee. Stay with me. Or I’ll fly to any part of the world you need me too. I love you .”

“I love you,” Tandy said, smiling through her tears. “I know they’ll say it’s because of the heightened emotions but that’s bull-crap. I found my home the moment I met you, Wylder. The very moment .”

And she kissed him, not caring who was watching until neither of them could breathe …

T wo Years Later …

T andy, striding through Shanghai Airport, grinned as she saw who was calling her. “Seriously, dude, I just stepped off the plane, how do you time it so well ?”

“Practice,” Wylder laughed, “What do you expect me to do when I haven’t spoken to my fiancée for at least ten hours ?”

Tandy laughed. “That’s fair enough. But I’ll be back before you know it .”

“Not soon enough .”

“Ha-ha, mad man, I have work to do .”

Wylder chuckled. “Well, if you put it like that, I guess I’ll just have to come to you .”

“Right,” she said, somewhat sarcastically. “By the time you get here, it’ll be time for me to fly home .”

“Oh, you think?” Wylder was laughing now, and suddenly Tandy heard him in stereo. “Then I guess you just need to turn around .”

Tandy spun around to see him walking a few yards behind her. “Oh, my god!” She threw herself into his arms as he spun her around. His lips were against hers .

“I’m sorry to intrude on your work trip, but the thought of being away from these lips, this face, this body…I couldn’t do it one moment longer because I have a very important question to ask you .”

Tandy, grinning, knew exactly what he was about to say and started to laugh. “You romantic fool .”

Wylder dropped to his knees, not caring about the staring people around them. “ Marry me .”

Tandy kissed him. “Yes. Yes, of course, you mad, mad, wonderful dreamer. I love you .”

And not caring who saw them, they tumbled to the ground, kissing and laughing, and ready for their own happy ever after …