Page 43 of Unwrapping Romance

“Tell her no.”

“I did!”

“What the hell is this?” He picked up the Elf on the Shelf box.

“She wanted that too. I did some research on that creepy thing. He watches children’s behavior during the holiday season and reports back to Santa.”

“Excuse me?” His brow arched.

“I know. It’s stupid. We’re supposed to move it to a different spot every day.”

“The trash is where it’s going. You bought this on my credit card?”

“Yep.”

“Give me my card back.” He held out his hand.

Reaching into my purse, I pulled out the card and handed it to him.

“I had a rough day as it was, and now I come home to Christmas cookies baking and this damn elf thing?” He picked it up and opened the cabinet where the trash was.

“NO!” Ellie screamed, running into the kitchen and grabbing it from him.

Jack stared at her and then looked at me. “Ellie, we don’t need that thing.”

“I love him!” she shouted, holding the box tightly against her.

“Whatever.” He shook his head and went upstairs.

Chapter Sixteen

Jack

The last thing I needed was a misbehaved child and damn Christmas stuff in my house. After changing into more comfortable clothing, I poured myself a bourbon and walked into the kitchen, only to find Sierra and Ellie eating a cookie.

“Want one?” Sierra picked up a cookie. “They’re pretty good.”

“No. Morgan will be here any minute. I need you to take Ellie upstairs. And why are you letting her eat cookies before dinner?”

“Why not?” Sierra smiled. “Are you sure you don’t want one?”

“I don’t want one, Sierra.”

The doorbell rang. Walking to the foyer, I opened the door as Morgan stood there.

“Come in. Can I get you something to drink? Bourbon, scotch, wine?”

“I’ll take a scotch.” She smiled.

I poured her a scotch and handed it to her.

“Jack?” Sierra said. “I’m going to make Ellie macaroni and cheese. She’s hungry now.”

“Fine. Morgan, let’s go into my office where we can talk privately.”

We went up to my office, and I shut the door.

“What did you find out?” I asked.

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