He hires an ‘elf’ to help Santa, but the
young woman worms her way into his life and his heart. Which
is exactly what he doesn’t want. He’s quite happy with his
life and thinks he doesn’t need interference from anyone.
When his daughter falls in love with his ‘elf’ as well, his
world will never be the same!
When her friend had broken her leg and
suggested Miss Noelle be allowed to take her place, he’d
almost said no. Her resumé seemed too good. Too perfect.
Then she’d walked into the interview room.
His brain had ceased functioning. All
blood traveled south and left him without a sane thought.
All he could think about was the young woman standing
before him. Light brown hair cascaded halfway down her
back. And her eyes. Eyes the color of brandy. She’d
smiled, and the smile had reached her eyes. Surely they’d
seen clear into his soul. Seen his loneliness.
He’d hired her on the spot. First time
in his life he’d made such a reckless decision.
But she’d gone far beyond his
expectations of an elf. She’d acted like she
cared—not just automatically directing each child to
Santa’s lap. She actually talked to them. Paid attention
to what they said, often kneeling on one knee to look into
their eyes. Make them feel important.
Greg wondered what it would be like to
have those eyes peer into his for any length of time. Talk
to him like she had the children. Care about what he felt.
Stop it! She’s not a date—she’s an
employee. Nothing more, nothing less.
Not since he’d met his wife had a woman
affected him like this. He’d thought their love would last
forever. Had wanted it to. Clearly Amanda hadn’t felt the
same. After their daughter had been born she’d told him
she was leaving. She’d met someone else. Someone who could
advance her career. She’d left and never looked back.
Divorce papers had arrived in less than a week. He’d felt
gut punched when she told him she’d never loved him. Had
only wanted his money.
For the first time in years, Greg
found himself wanting to open up to someone again. Be near
someone other than his tiny daughter. He’d shut out
everything—everyone— after Amanda left.
He’d seen Miss Noelle every day for
the past week while she’d been in training. Greg shook his
head. Whoever heard of week-long training to be an elf?
He’d devised the class for employees from all the stores
who rented space from his shopping mall merely as a means
to see her. The woman with the Christmasy name. The woman
with the haunting brown eyes. Eyes that called to him.
Made him want more.
