Page 10 of Merry Cris Moose

“This is incredible,” she said, her voice filled with excitement. “I mean, I’ve worked in toy design for years, but this… this is like nothing I’ve ever seen. It’s so… alive.”

Cris smiled and felt tremendous pride in the workshop and her appreciation of it—seeing it through Keely’s eyes reminded him of just how special it was. “Our goal here is to create toys that spark imagination, that bring joy and wonder to children all over the world. Your designs—those I’ve seen already—fit perfectly into that vision.”

Keely’s eyes flicked up to meet his with a hint of surprise. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” Cris said, his voice low, more intimate than he had intended. He couldn’t help it—being near her again, seeing the passion in her eyes, made it impossible to keep things strictly professional. “You have a gift, Keely. You see the world differently. And right now, that’s exactly what we need… what I need.”

Keely smiled softly, the tension between them crackling like a live wire. Cris struggled to keep his thoughts focused, but every time he looked at her, memories of their night together flooded his mind. Her laughter, her soft moans, the way she had fit so perfectly against him… She might be bundled up in winter clothing, but he knew what lay beneath.

Focus, Cris. This isn’t the time.

He cleared his throat and gestured toward a series of workstations where elves were assembling prototype toys. “This is where the magic happens,” he said, trying to steer the conversation back to business. “These are some of the best toy designers and crafters in the world.”

Keely moved closer to one of the stations, her eyes lighting up as she studied the intricate mechanisms the elves were puttingtogether. “This is amazing,” she murmured, running her fingers over a half-assembled toy. “I’ve never seen craftsmanship like this.”

Cris watched her, struck again by the ease with which she immersed herself in the world of toys. She was more than just a designer—she had a natural curiosity, a love for creation that was rare. As she examined the prototypes, collaboratively throwing out ideas and suggestions, Cris couldn’t help but be impressed by her innovative thinking. She had a way of looking at things that made even the most seasoned toy makers stop and listen. They either nodded and agreed or when they didn’t, entered into a spirited discussion. Cris could tell his people were already falling under her spell.

But more than that, he was drawn to her spirit, her energy. Every word she spoke, every laugh that escaped her lips, wrapped around his heart like a spell he couldn’t break. And as much as he tried to push his feelings aside, to focus on the crisis they were facing, the attraction between them only grew stronger with each passing moment.

“You’re full of surprises, Keely,” Cris said softly, his eyes lingering on her as she turned to face him. “I knew you were talented, but this… you’re exactly what we needed.”

Keely met his gaze, her cheeks flushing slightly at his words. The air between them thickened, charged with an energy that neither of them could deny. Cris’s heart pounded in his chest as he stepped closer, his dark eyes locked on hers, the magnetic pull drawing him in despite his best efforts to resist.

“I’m glad I came,” Keely said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m not sure I understand why, though, as your people all seem so talented.”

Cris swallowed, his pulse racing as he fought the urge to pull her into his arms. “You will, Keely. You will.”

He knew that once she knew the truth—the whole truth—about this place, and about him, there would be no turning back.

For either of them.

They continued their tour of the workshop’s production area before Cris showed her to her own workspace. They stowed her things, and he took her outside to show her the various support departments: a mess hall, a bakery, laundry, and the like.

Keely blushed as he showed her the bakery. She had mentioned during their one night together that she had indulged in more than one fantasy about going down on some ‘hunky alpha male’ in a bakery, knowing they might be caught at any minute. The scene had been in a book she’d once read. That small, uttered confession had been on his mind when he’d showed her the bakery, which at this time of day was deserted.

The deepening color in her cheeks indicated she remembered not only the fantasy she had shared with him but telling him about it. She turned to look at him. “The factory is amazing. It exceeds everything I’ve ever heard said about it.”

Cris nodded. “We try to ensure our people have everything they need.”

“It’s almost like you don’t want them to go anywhere.”

“It isn’t that,” said Cris, shaking his head. “The plane makes routine flights south at least every other week; more often if needed, and employees fly at no cost to them. We just wanted to build something special—more of a community than just a place to work.”

“I think you’ve done that. I would never have imagined leaving Otter Cove, but this is just a kind of winter wonderland.”

“Don’t you think you’d miss the warm weather?”

Keely laughed. “Have you spent any time in Otter Cove? Trust me, warm weather isn’t really much of an option. Some people like to take vacations in warm, sunny places with tropical breezes, but I really like the cold. It’s kind of part of my nature.”

“A snow bunny, perhaps?” he asked, teasingly.

“No. I like red meat. An arctic fox. Bunnies are cute; foxes are sexy.”

That caught him by surprise. He thought he’d sensed she was a shifter. An arctic fox-shifter perhaps?

“Have I persuaded you to sign on as our new head toy designer?”

“I’m not sure I want to leave my home permanently, but Schultz Toys has been sold to Vanguard Holdings. If nothing else, I could come up and work with you and your people for the rest of the season.”

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