I empty my garbage can into the trash compactor and throw my rags into the washer. I’m grimy from cleaning out the refrigerator and emptying bottles of urine from the intern bullpen. I don’t know what’s with these bankers pissing in bottles instead of going to the bathroom. Maybe they didn’t want to miss a single trade. But seriously, these days they have smartphones.

Back in my time, there was a girl who ended up with an intestinal disorder because she never went to the bathroom. She ended up lying on the floor in her office with her laptop because she was in such pain. But it was worth it. She got the return offer and is now a director.

I tidy up my cleaning supplies and lock the janitor’s closet. Sawyer hasn’t texted me so it’s unlikely I’ll see Tyler. Which is for the better since I’m sweaty and need a nice, long shower. I tie a bandana around my hair and pull on my winter jacket.

A cold breeze whips when I step out of the Mogul Bank building. Keeping my head down, I slide past a group of young bankers with their model playmates.

“Kelly?” A woman’s voice calls from behind me. “I can’t believe it’s you.”

It’s Rebecca, my college roommate. Her heels clip clop on the sidewalk at a fast pace. She’s wearing her signature Armani suit and Christian Louboutin pumps with the shiny red soles. Her blood-colored Hermès purse is easily worth fifty thousand, and her ears drip with Tiffany diamonds. She opens her arms as if to hug me.

“So nice to see you,” she squeals. “I can’t believe you’re in San Francisco. When did they let you out of prison? It must have been horrible.”

“Wasn’t a tea party, but it was only a few months. Judge felt sorry for me for losing all my money.” My eyes dart around, but the male interns don’t seem to notice us. They’re passing a bottle around and getting into a limo.

“They set you up,” Rebecca said. “Whoever gave you the tip set you up and executed the opposite trade. Why didn’t you check with me? I could have told you.”

“It’s old news now. So how’ve you been? I hear you’re doing well.”

She smooths her multicolored auburn-red hair. “Couldn’t be better. We should have a drink sometime. How’s your little girl?”

“She’s a gem. The only thing important in my life.”

Rebecca flings a smile my direction, except her gaze travels over my shoulder. That come hither look can’t be for me.

“Well, hello-o there,” she says to someone behind me.

Tyler walks over, his hands in his pockets. He’s wearing a black leather jacket over a white dress shirt and pleated black dress pants. My breath catches in my throat. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was one of the bankers strolling toward the building.

Tyler nods to greet Rebecca, but his eyes are on me. “Kelly, are you done with work?”

“Uh, yes,” I mumble, wishing I could disappear along with my bandana, holey jeans, and rain jacket. “I ran into a friend. Rebecca, this is Tyler. Tyler, Rebecca.”

Rebecca holds her hand limp wristed to shake, or more likely offering it to Tyler to kiss.

He shakes it instead. “Nice to meet you. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“Oh, not at all,” Rebecca says. “I was just asking Kelly about her darling Bree. Kelly, I’m glad to see you’re back on your feet. If you ever need anything, a reference or a lead, call me. Let’s do lunch sometime.”

“Sure, anytime you’re free.” I stare at the sidewalk as Rebecca departs.

“Sawyer says you wanted to meet me here.” Tyler takes my hand. “Shall we have dinner?”

“No. I mean, I’m not dressed, and I have to pick up Bree and go home. I only wanted to give you the money you left at my mom’s place. Then I have church.” I’m so jittery, my words come out in a flurry.

He takes my other hand and stares me square in the face. “I don’t need the money.”

“But you earned it.”

“It’s okay. I’ve got great news.” His grin beams over his face, crinkling his eyes. “I got a job.”

“Wow! That’s wonderful.” I throw my arms around him and bounce up and down. “What will you be doing?”

“Charity work, motivational speaking, and fundraising.”

“I’m so happy for you. Does that mean you’ll get off the streets?”

“Uh, no. I don’t need a place to live, but when I travel, they’ll include hotels and travel expenses.” His mood seems to dampen when I ask about him getting a place to live.

“You should still take my mother’s money. She feels bad keeping it.” I dig into my purse and shove the wad of bills into his hand.

“No, honestly.” He walks alongside me. “But if you insist, I’ll hail you a cab. I’m sure you had a long day at work. You look tired.”

I stare at the money, regretting it if he’s going to waste it on a cab. I can’t afford taxis. I don’t even have a car since I borrow my mom’s. But before I can say anything, Tyler waves one over. I’m too tired to argue, and besides, my sore feet appreciate it.

He opens the door for me and helps me into the backseat, then slides in next to me. After asking me where I’m headed, he gives the driver my mother’s address.

Once we’re on our way, he loops his arm over my shoulder and pulls me close to him. I hope he doesn’t smell the pine cleaner on me. That would be so unromantic.

“Depending on traffic, we’ll have some time to talk,” Tyler says. “I’d like to see you again, but I’m worried about Bree, and I don’t want her to get hurt if things don’t work out between us.”

Score one for honesty. He took the words right out of my mouth.

“I feel the same way. I’m hoping this father thing is a phase she’ll grow out of.”

He runs his fingers under my bandana and loosens it, letting my hair down. “That’s better. As for Bree, do you mind telling me what the situation with her father is? I don’t want to presume.”

“She doesn’t have one. I mean, biologically, of course she does, but I don’t know who he is.”

Tyler’s breath draws in sharply. “You don’t?”

“That came out wrong. I had artificial insemination.”

“But why?” He blinks and turns to stare at my face. “I’m sure you had boyfriends.”

“Not the same as someone you’d trust with a child. Maybe I was selfish, but I was very busy with work and had no time to date. Not that any of the men around me were prizes.”

“Well, I’m glad.” Tyler kisses the side of my temple. “Because I have a chance to be a prize catch for you.”

I shake my head and chuckle. “Arrogant, aren’t you? You get a job and now you’re a catch?”

“Not as good a catch as you. Can I tell you I’m attracted to you?”

“Even in these clothes?”

“Well, maybe not.” He quirks his eyebrows. “Better without clothes.”

“Tyler Manning.” I tap his chest. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

He catches my hand and kisses it. “Make a wish. Your luck is about to change.”

“Am I supposed to tell you?” A fit of giggles hit me, and I squirm in his arms. I mean, there’s the proper wish for world peace, and the practical one, me getting a better job, and then there’s the hunk with his arms around me, smelling like Le Male cologne, powerful, masculine, and terribly sexy.

“Of course. I’m Father Christmas. Tell me, dear girl, what you want for Christmas.”

“Sssh.” I motion toward the cab driver, whose eyes glance at me from the mirror.

Tyler’s breath is in my ear. “Deep in your heart, what do you really want for Christmas?”

You. Like that song says.

“A job using my skills and talents.”

“Ahhh … That’s all?” He mocks disappointment, slowly shaking his head and frowning, one hand rubbing down the side of his face. “I don’t think that’s what you really want. But, you’re in luck. The charity I got a job with is looking for an assistant to their chief financial officer. You can give me your résumé, and I’ll hand it to them. Where did you say you used to work?”

I pull back from his side and fold my hands in my lap. “Actually, I’m not sure I should apply.”

“Why not? If you worked on Wall Street, you’re overqualified for the position. I’m sure you’ll get it.”

My pulse freezes. “Who told you I worked on Wall Street?”

“Bree. Only she thinks it’s Wall-E Street where there are robots who collect trash.”

“Oh, really? What else did she tell you?” I lighten my voice to a flirtatious chirp so he won’t suspect I’m hiding anything.

“She talked about Central Park, the Macy’s parade, and your sister mentioned you used to take her to FAO Schwarz.”

“I thought she was too young to notice the difference. Now you know why I want her to have a perfect Christmas. Tree, presents, even ice skating like we did back in New York.”

He rubs my arm. “I understand too well. Christmas used to be special for me when my father lived, but after he died, we didn’t celebrate it anymore.”

“That’s so sad. Tyler, I didn’t know.” I reach for him and tuck my hand in his.

“I used to be bitter watching others celebrate Christmas, but since meeting you and Bree, and trimming the tree with your family, I changed my mind. I also want this to be your best Christmas ever, even better than when you had the Tiffany’s tree.”

I snuggle into his hunky chest and inhale his stimulating scent. “Our best Christmas ever.”