Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 59022 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59022 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
“I know a lot of about you,” he rubs the side of his thumb against his short beard and looks contemplative.
“Did you hire some crazy private investigator or something?” I ask in disbelief.
And then there’s last night. The things he said, the things he knew.
He laughs and shakes his head.
“No, I don’t need to,” he says. “I can sense childhood memories about every person I come in contact with during these four months of winter.”
“Huh?” I shake my head at him not comprehending.
“You wanted the Wandering Jew for Christmas when you were eleven and you cried for days because your parents didn’t get the plant for you.”
My jaw drops.
“You still have an affinity for that plant,” he smiles. “It is quite unique.”
“There is no way on earth you can know any of this!” I stand up now, more than slightly unnerved.
“I can.” He states calmly, capturing my gaze with such sanity and certainty that I start to believe him.
“You’re just too damn hot to be Santa Claus!” I blurt out the most obvious fact again.
He smiles slowly, his blue gaze lingering on my mouth and chest before capturing mine again.
“I’m glad you think so.”
I flush.
“You don’t even have a belly!”
He laughs. “I’ve got a ways to go,” he says. “I’ve been told it kicks in when I formally take over the job.”
“Formally take over the job?” I yell now. “Do you realize how insane this sounds?”
“I guess,” he shrugs and doesn’t act like he thinks it’s insane at all.
“So the clause I signed… this is what it’s all about?” I ask.
“Yes,” he nods, then, “and there are other things.”
I sit back down in my seat and prepare myself for what other things he could possibly tell me that will outdo the fact he believes he’s Santa Claus. Yes, everything he knows about me is definitely suspect, but I still don’t know if I’m fully on board yet.
I haven’t run for the hills because I’m so damn drawn to him. Like a magnet. From the moment I saw him fight the polar bear. Speaking of…
“Before you tell me about the other things. How did you stop that polar bear?” I ask.
“During these months I can communicate with animals as well. It’s another one of the perks.” He tells me.
“So Santa has superpowers?” I continue on like this is a normal conversation, like I’m not seconds away from passing out and to his credit he’s treating it like one too.
“Yes,” he nods. “I guess you can call them that.”
“What else can you do?” I wonder.
His eyes get all hooded and seductive as they sweep over me
“Lots of things.”
Heat.
Everywhere. Just from that look of his.
“Do you want to know what the rest of the clause is about?”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Do I?
If it’s about what I think it’s about, then yes. A thousand times yes.
“I’m waiting with bated breath,” I say.
If possible, his eyes become even more slumberous, and he’s watching me like he wants to do all sorts of naughty things with me. My body flushes. He knows he’s got me all hot and bothered. Like any alpha apex predator, he likes this power.
And yeah, gotta admit, it’s kind of hot.
No. Scratch that. It’s really hot.
He gives me a little smile and shakes his head.
“Those things—the ones I’d like to do with you and for you—I prefer to just show you,” he says.
My heart stops and it’s nearly impossible for me to keep his gaze.
“Then what are the ‘other things’ you’re talking about?” I ask softly.
He turns away from me and looks out on the horizon, studying it for a long while before he responds.
“It’s complicated.”
Oh no.
“Is this where you tell me you’re in a relationship?” I ask in dread. Maybe that’s what the clause is about—a secret affair. One night only. His wife would never find out. I think I’m going to be sick and want off the reservation stat if this is the case.
He shakes his head.
“I don’t cheat.” He states vehemently. “If I’m unsatisfied with a woman, I end the relationship despite complications or entanglements. I don’t linger or waste anyone’s time. Weak men cheat.”
Stetson is the antithesis of weak.
The relief I feel from his words is staggering. My ex, who shall not be named, had no problem cheating. In fact, when I finally caught him, he was almost indignant in his defense, like cheating was something I’d have to get used to.
Even though Stetson’s a stranger, I believe him.
If he says he’s Santa, I believe him.
There’s something quite real about him. He speaks the truth. Hell, he told me he’s Santa’s descendent with no shame or artifice at all. He’s not a liar. I don’t know how I know this, but I do.
“Then tell me what’s complicated,” I ask him.
He takes a second.
“It’s about what happens when and if I find,” he pauses, then, “my one true love.”