Page 14 of Knot My Secret Santa

“Maybe,” Landon drew out the word and tilted his head. “You should talk to her, ask her out.Maybeit won’t be as bad as you think dating an employee. If you like her, she has to be smart. The two of you could make it work.Maybeyou’ll end up claiming her, have your happily ever after, and you will stop being such an asshole.”

I scoffed and nabbed a drink from a server passing by. I didn’t get happily ever afters with family and love. My family was gone and every female I’d ever been in a relationship with told me I had a cold heart. After what happened with Avery, I’m sure she would think the same thing.

“Look, man. Go see her tomorrow outside of work. Stop by with some coffee and just talk to her.” Landon spotted Akari entering the room and I was forgotten as his attention focused on her.

I nursed my drink for the next hour, mulling over his advice. Noelle did invite me tomorrow to see them caroling. It wouldn’t look like I came just to see Avery, but then I could talk to her.

And say what? That was the big question.

I still didn’t know what I was going to say when I was walking down Snowflake Lane the next afternoon heading to the ice rink. Bellevue was famous for its Christmas decorations, and this street looked like Santa himself could live there. The grand tree was near the ice rink in the center of downtown, and its lights twinkled against the gray of the cloudy sky and buildings around it.

Snow was gently falling and the wind blew chilly now and then, but it hadn’t deterred the hundreds of people shopping and enjoying the sights. I had decided to forgo the coffee idea. If I showed up with coffee just for Avery and I, it would look suspicious. I didn’t know how many carolers there would be, so instead I got a large box of warm cinnamon donut holes topped with red and white sprinkles for them to share.

The tree loomed closer as I wove between the people in the crowd. I could hear the choir singing, some joyful tune about a winter wonderland. Would Avery flee when she saw me? Even worse, would she ignore me?

A half dozen kids ran in front of me, laughing madly. When I looked up again, I was close enough to see the carolers. To see Avery.

My whole body stiffened. My heart hammered harder, and I fisted the hand in my coat pocket.

She was facing the ice rink, smiling as she sang. Her cheeks and the tip of her nose were pink, and with each breath, a tiny misty cloud puffed out of her sweet mouth. She wore a hat with reindeer antlers tangled with blinking lights. Fuck, she was beautiful.

Mine.

I ground my teeth. This was ridiculous. I could not let myself get out of control again.

No one had seen me. I could just walk away and disappear into the crowd. I’d been fooling myself with any thoughts that this could work out. Even if Avery and I were physically compatible, she wasn’t for me.

The second I started to turn away, a woman yelled out, “Nate!”

I looked back to see Noelle waving in my direction as the carolers finished their song. Avery’s head jerked toward me and her eyes widened as her smile faded, turning her pretty bow mouth into a little o.

There was no chance to escape now.

CHAPTER ELEVEN – Avery

One second my life was holiday perfect. I was singing Christmas carols and loving all the smiles I saw on people’s faces as they walked by or skated on the rink. Children’s laughter rang out as downtown bustled with merry shoppers. The holidays still brought me the joy and wonder I had as a child, and I never wanted that to change.

Then Nathaniel Donner showed up looking devastatingly handsome in his long black coat with the collar up. Snow dotted his hair and his intense gaze locked with mine.

I gripped the tie in my pocket tighter.Histie. It had gotten caught on my messenger bag, and I hadn’t noticed it until after I got home on Friday. I totally planned on giving it back in an anonymous envelope, but when the ache of my heat started again last night, holding the tie and breathing in his scent was the only thing that helped me sleep.

The song had been our last of this session, and the carolers slowly dispersed to meet again later in the afternoon. My aunt bounded over to Nathaniel and started to talk animatedly to him. He smiled and nodded, holding out a box to her. Noelle peeked inside and squealed, “Santa buttons! Everyone come get them while they’re still warm!”

I thought about ducking out to go shopping with my parents, but they had already wove through the crowd to get some donut holes. Noelle introduced them to our boss, and everyone shook hands.

Crap. Nathaniel had met my family. If I ran now, they’d come looking for me.

Breathing out a long breath, I told myself that we were in a very public place. Nothing would happen. He wouldn’t dare discuss what happened with all these people around. My stomach fluttered as I drew near and desire began to creep through my veins.

This was not a good idea. My lovely winter wonderland day had turned into my hot boss who ate out my pussy is talking to my parents day! And damn, what his hot mouth could do….

My father slung an arm around me and hugged me. “You sang beautifully, honey.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I smiled, trying to look anywhere but at Nathaniel.

My mom leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Ditto from me too.” She held out a donut hole for me. “Here. Your nice boss brought these for the carolers. Better get a few before they’re all gone.”

I murmured my thanks and stuffed the Santa button in my mouth. Warm, sweet, and delicious. I moaned softly. I hadn’t had one yet this year, and they were one of my favorite holiday treats.

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