Page 1 of Merry Cris Moose

Chapter

One

KEELY

Otter Cove, Alaska

Keely Blake rushed through the snow-dusted streets of Otter Cove, her boots crunching against the fresh layer of ice beneath her feet. Arms laden with prototype toys, drawings, and schematics, she muttered a string of curses at the biting wind that whipped her auburn hair into a frenzy.

“That’s no way for a pretty toy designer to talk,” called Zak Grayson as she hurried past him.

“Shut up, Zak,” she called good naturedly.

Zak laughed. Zak was the sheriff in Otter Cove and a good friend. He’d recently found his fated mate, Sienna, and the once grumpy sheriff and now seemed to be in a perpetually good mood.

Late again. Why am I always late?Well, this morning it was because her car had sputtered to a stop two blocks from the office. Her cheeks were flushed both from the cold and her rush to make it to an important meeting on time.

The small town where she had been born and raised was picturesque at any time of year, but during the holiday season the twinkling lights and snow-draped trees made it look like a postcard. Unfortunately, the lovely setting did little to ease thenervous energy knotting in her stomach. Today was important.‘A mysterious new client.’Her boss' words echoed in her head, and the hint of intrigue only fueled her anxiety. Their clients were usually regional business owners or parents looking for custom toy designs, but if her boss was to be believed, this was big—massive, even.

She knew the company hadn’t been doing well, mostly because the current owner, Warren Schultz, was an abysmal businessman. Keely was convinced that the only reason he was the president was because Schultz Toys had been founded by his great, great grandfather and it had always been a privately-owned and run company.

Current rumor had it that Warren was looking to move the company to Seattle or sell it. Either way, Keely felt her days were numbered. At first that had made her angry, but then she’d begun to dream and then to think about going out on her own as a consultant or toy-designer for hire. She didn’t know if there was any money to be made, but she loved Otter Cove and couldn’t imagine living in the lower forty-eight.

Finally, she reached the small warehouse that served as Schultz Toys’ headquarters.

“Morning, Keely,” called George, the security man. Security was kind of a misnomer, as she wasn’t sure George could keep a kitten out, much less someone intent on physical harm or working to steal company secrets. But still, it was nice to have him around. When she worked late, he often insisted on driving her home.

The warmth of the lobby was a welcome respite from the bitter cold outside. “George, is that CEO guy here?”

“Already in the conference room.”

“Shit.”

“Not to worry, Keely. You give me your coat and other things. Take a minute to catch your breath and do whatever it is youladies do in the restroom and then just head in there. I’ll make sure the rest of your things get to your office.”

He really was a dear man. The fact that he was also a deer-shifter made her smile. “You’re the best, George,” she said, handing him everything but what she needed for the meeting.

Taking his suggestion, she slipped into the restroom, straightened her clothing, made sure her hair didn’t look too much of a mess, pasted on a bright smile, gathered her things and then headed into the conference room. Keely’s mind raced as she approached the conference room doors.

She entered through the large glass door and immediately recognized the man with his back turned to her, looking out the large wall of windows onto the harbor. Cris Sutton, CEO of North Star Toys. North Star was a giant in the industry; their toys were unique, well-made, and sold all over the world in the best shops.

Straightening her back, she set her things down on the conference table and then walked around to meet him as he turned to see who’d come through the door.

“Mr. Sutton? I’m Keely Blake. Warren asked me to meet with you. I’m so sorry I’m late.”

She was surprised she could get that much out as anything else she might have said was caught in her throat as he extended his hand to her. His pictures did not do the man justice. He was gorgeous—drop dead, jaw dropping, can’t speak gorgeous.

Tall and broad-shouldered with dark brown hair, a close-cropped full beard, and intense dark eyes, he exuded a raw, primal energy. His muscular physique, accentuated by his tight-fitting jeans, left little to the imagination, especially when it came to what she was pretty sure was an impressive bulge contained within them. He was the epitome of an alpha male, a role he seemed to embrace with every fiber of his being.

He was mesmerizing, but perhaps it was that he just seemed to embody every erotic fantasy she’d ever had. His piercing dark eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop spinning. His chiseled features were at odds with the bright, whimsical atmosphere his toy company was known for. No warm smiles or jovial energy here—just raw, dominant, animal magnetism.Get it together, Keely.

"Ms. Blake." His voice was low, rough, with a hint of something she couldn’t quite place. "I believe you have some designs to show me."

All business. Okay, I can handle that.His gaze flicked briefly to the pile of toys scattered on the table and the drawings laid out haphazardly beside them. Keely suddenly realized how ridiculous she must look—red-faced and snow-dusted with her things scattered across the table. She stifled a nervous laugh.

"Yes, right," she stammered, fumbling to spread out the colorful, handcrafted pieces in a more organized way that would allow him to look at and touch things. Her fingers brushed a small wooden dragon, and she focused on the familiar texture to steady her nerves. "These are my latest prototypes—interactive toys for kids. I designed them to inspire creativity and adventure." She lifted her eyes to meet his, but Cris’s expression remained unreadable. “Our IT department is working on a program where kids can scan their toys into an interactive game.”

Keely’s heart thudded in her chest as she continued, describing the intricate details of each toy. But Cris wasn’t looking at the toys. No, his gaze kept returning to her—intense and unwavering, as if he were studying her every move, every breath. It was as if she could feel the weight of that gaze, her pulse quickening under his scrutiny. There was something about him that pulled her in despite the gruff demeanor he projected.

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