Page 4 of Merry with a Tycoon

Except right now, he doesn’t look amused.

“Ho ho ho!” I boom, staying in character as he approaches. “And what would you like for Christmas, young man?”

Javi’s lips twitch, fighting a smile. But when he speaks, his voice is dead serious, tinged with the concern of both a professional and a friend. “All I want for Christmas, Santa, is for my boss to get out of that ridiculous suit before someone recognizes him and it’ll be the talk of the town.”

“So what? It should be good for my reputation, yes?”

His expression remains serious. “These events go through a rigorous procedure, boss, and you know it.”

I lean in, dropping my voice so only Javi can hear. I’m still too jolly to want to end the fun so soon. “Tell you what, you’ve got the night off. I’m planning to stick around and help Crystal clean up.”

Javi’s eyebrows shoot up. “Boss, with all due respect, that’s not a good idea. Your security–“

“Will be fine,” I interrupt. “Besides, where else am I going to go? That empty mausoleum of a house?” I try to keep my tone light, but I can hear the edge of bitterness creeping in. “I’d rather be here, doing something... I don’t know, meaningful.”

For a moment, Javi’s professional mask slips entirely, and I see a flicker of understanding in his eyes.

“Alright,” he concedes, his tone softening. “But please, be careful. And call me if you need anything. You know I’m always on duty when it comes to you, job or no job.”

I nod, grateful for his concern and his friendship. But even as I know Javi claims to be off-duty, there are three other teams keeping an eye on me nearby. It’s routine, and it’s been going on for so long I barely even notice them.

As Javi walks away, I turn back to find Crystal watching me curiously and for a moment, I wonder how much she’s overheard.

But then a late-arriving child runs up, full of excitement, and I’m back in character. “Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!”

As I lift the child on to my lap and he begins to rattle off his Christmas list as Crystal stands next to me with her notepad and pencil, I have to admit the obvious: I like this.

I really like this.

CHAPTER THREE

CRYSTAL

Who would have thoughtPreston-freaking-Hollister had it in him?

The always-aloof billionaire actually has a heart of gold. He certainly charmed me when he got little Sarah Jenkins to say something. A painfully shy girl, I’d seen her in my shop before, always hiding behind her mother’s legs.

But Preston-as-Santa somehow sensed her nervousness and he climbed down from his chair, knelt to her level, and in a soft voice, told her a story about how even Santa gets nervous sometimes. By the end, Sarah was giggling and confidently rattling off her Christmas list.

As I step back into the shop after making sure everything else is cleaned up outside the square, I’m pretty proud of myself for having pulled off the Winter Wonderland event despite the last-minute Santa replacement. Sure, it had been a gamble to ask Preston of all people to sub for Santa, but from the children’s reaction, it paid off. It also brought in customers and much-needed sales. I actually sold out of my mosaic ornaments, which means I’ve got to make more.

My mind whirling with last-minute designs, I happily make my way to the storage room-slash-office and wrench open the door. Suddenly, I stop, my world seeming to tilt on its axis as my brain struggles to process the impossible scene before me.

Preston.

And it’s not just always-in-his-perfect-suit-Preston.

No, this is half-naked Preston.

Broad-shoulders-narrow-hips-muscles-rippling-under-tanned-skin-as-he-moves-Preston.

He turns, startled by my entrance, and I’m treated to a full frontal view. My gaze travels down his sculpted chest, lingering for a moment on what can only be described as an impressive package barely concealed by snug boxer briefs.

“Can I help you?” he asks as our eyes lock.

Heat floods my cheeks as I realize I’m staring, but I can’t seem to look away. “I... I’m sorry,” I stammer. “I should have knocked.”

“No worries.” Preston calmly reaches for his trousers, holding it in front of him. “I should have locked the door.”

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