Page 5 of Father Christmas

Her long chestnut hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her face, which was lit up with a bright smile. The skirt, adorned with gold trim and tiny, intricate embroidery of holly and snowflakes, ended just above her knees, showcasing her shapely legs in the candy-striped tights that completed the ensemble.

Noel's pulse quickened. She looked like a holiday dream come true, a perfect blend of charm and elegance, and for a moment, he was utterly speechless. He tried to gather his thoughts, reminding himself of his role as her boss and the years of age difference between them. He couldn't allow himself to be attracted to her, no matter how stunning she looked.

"She looks good, doesn't she, bro?"

Clearing his throat, Noel finally managed to find his voice. "Mindy, you look...fantastic," he said, hoping his smile seemed professional and not as dazzled as he felt.

Mindy beamed at the compliment, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Thank you, Noel."

He nodded, forcing himself to look away before his admiration became too obvious. His sister could sniff out anything he ever tried to hide like an extra cookie, the girl hiding in his closet after curfew. Mainly because Cin wasn't averse to stealing his last cookie—or the girl hiding in the closet.

Noel didn't appreciate the way his little sis was eying Mindy at the moment. But if he dared to yank his new elf toward him, all bets would be off. His sister would have her suspicions confirmed, and Mindy would likely quit on the spot.

He could feel his attraction simmering beneath the surface, a feeling he struggled to push down. It wouldn't be appropriate—couldn't be appropriate. He had to maintain a professional distance, especially since this job meant so much to her. She was young, eager, and clearly thrilled to be part of the Christmas magic he worked so hard to create.

"Are you ready for tonight?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation back to safer territory.

Mindy nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. I'm ready to go whenever you are."

"Great," he replied, forcing a casual tone. "Just let me get changed and I'll meet you at reception."

She gave him a grateful smile, and Noel felt his heart skip a beat. He had to get a grip. Tonight was about spreading Christmas cheer, not getting caught up in his feelings for his beautiful elf helper. With a final nod, he turned to leave, mentally steeling himself for the evening ahead. He had to hide his attraction, no matter how difficult it might be.

CHAPTER FIVE

Mindy stepped through the frosted doors of the grand ballroom. Her elf costume clung to her like ivy on an ancient oak, leaving little to the imagination of those admiring from afar. It was not just the outfit's snug fit or the way it highlighted the gentle swell of her hips; it was Mindy herself, a vision of holiday cheer with her bright green eyes sparkling and rosy cheeks flushed from the winter chill.

The temperature was scorching in this room. It was a riot of festive colors and twinkling lights, with decorations adorning every corner. But it was the costumes worn by the other partygoers that were a sight to behold.

To her left, a group of half-dressed Santas were dancing merrily, their red suits unbuttoned to reveal bare chests and jolly bellies; some six-packs, others six-packs of beer. They hoisted their glasses in the air, shouting “Ho, ho, ho!” at a group of Mrs. Clauses who were just as scantily clad.

Across the room, a trio of bare-chested reindeer had a woman cornered. One deer held a rope in his hand, the other handcuffs. The cornered woman was shaking, but not in a cowering kind of way. She was clearly aroused by the impending assault.

A group of women dressed as snow angels watched. Their outfits consisted of barely there white lingerie that shimmered under the soft glow of twinkling fairy lights. Feathery wings adorned their backs, and halos perched delicately atop perfectly coiffed hair.

Suddenly, Mindy’s naughty elf costume felt quite tame in comparison to the other guests. But every nearly nude Santa, every naughty angel, and those playing reindeer games paled in comparison to the man at her side.

Mindy knew she was going to have candy cane dreams about Noel Kringle for the rest of her life.

With his silver beard and eyes that seemed to twinkle with secrets of the North Pole itself, he watched Mindy as he approached. His gaze, warm and inviting, was like a fireside beckoning on a snowy eve.

Their eyes met, and a current charged the air between them, electric and undeniable. Well, he might deny it. Mindy was sure this crush was entirely one-sided. She had to get over it or risk losing her dream job.

"Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas to all our naughty guests tonight." Noel's deep voice boomed through the room. "Elf Mindy and I have come bearing gifts from Knotty or Nice Intimates for each and every one of you."

A sultry cheer went up through the crowd as they came forward. Mindy took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension as she clutched her bag of gifts from the adult toy store. Of course she knew about the company—what single woman in this day and age didn't know about the innovative pleasure toys, especially the line of vibrators designed by women for women?

Was that the bag shaking now? No, it was her hands.

"Relax," Noel whispered in her ear. "They won't bite. Well, they will. But no one would dare touch someone who was mine."

Mindy tilted her head back to stare up at him. She was his? Oh man, did she want to belong to this man.

"I mean, my employee," Noel corrected, not quite meeting her gaze.

Of course, that's what he meant. Because once again, this was a one-sided, inappropriate crush. One Mindy had to get over. She pulled on a brilliant smile and got to work.

The first guest to receive a gift was a blushing Mrs. Claus, who eagerly tore into the wrapping paper to reveal a sleek silver vibrator. Her cheeks flushed even deeper as she held it up for all to see, eliciting wolf whistles and cheers from the crowd.

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