Page 2 of The Santa Swap

“I really appreciate your help,” she said.

The man looked at her with his piercing blue eyes. “Do you want to grab a coffee with me before you go? Something to warm up?”

In the back of her mind, Olivia could hear her friends shouting at her to be careful. You didn’t just go to coffee with a stranger. But she was cold, and the shop across the street was inviting. “Are you okay waiting while I put this box away and grab some real shoes?”

The man nodded.

“Alright. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”

“I could carry the box for you. Where are you headed?” He reached for the box, but Olivia held on tight.

“I’ve got it.” Gorgeous eyes or not, Olivia knew better than to invite a stranger up to her apartment. She knew nothing about the man. She didn’t even know his name.

“Okay. I’ll be here when you get back.” His eyes twinkled.

Olivia headed to the staircase and stopped, looking over her shoulder at the man waiting for her before she headed up. He gave a little wave and her heart fluttered. Olivia bit back a smirk and headed up the stairs, suddenly very eager to put on her restrictive winter boots and head back out in the cold.

It only took a few minutes to set the box of bricks on the counter and grab a pair of warm wool socks and her boots. With her feet properly adorned, Olivia ran to the bathroom to run a brush through her wind-blown hair and apply a thin layer of pale pink lipstick. She didn’t want to look like she had done a makeover, but there was something to be said for a first impression. It was a second impression, really, but crouching in the snow to pick up building blocks didn’t count.

When Olivia got to the sidewalk, she looked over to where she had left her mysterious stranger. The sidewalk was empty, illuminated by the bright light of the street lamp. She glanced the other way, but the only people in sight were a couple pushing a baby stroller, the baby hidden beneath a mountain of blankets, and a herd of teens chatting animatedly. Her heart sank. The man probably realized how ridiculous their meeting had been. He had done the sensible thing and gone home.

The disappointment settled over Olivia’s stomach like a heavy weight, but then she let out a relieved sigh. Being left behind was probably for the best. If she was thinking clearly, she could be grateful that she was not going to be tempted by the man’s handsome face. Her new job started in the morning, and the last thing she needed was a distraction. She turned back and grabbed the railing, her foot on the stairs. It was time to cue up a cutesy romantic movie and sort bricks again while watching two perfect people fall in love.

“Are you ditching me already?”

Olivia jumped, her heart speeding up when she spun around. The man was standing behind her, his hands in his pockets.

“I thought you went home,” Olivia said.

“And miss my coffee date with you? Not a chance. I just ducked into one of the doorways to get out of the snow.”

“Smart. When do you think this is going to stop?”

The man chuckled. “Let me guess. You’re not from around here.”

“Not even close. I’ve been moving in all day.”

His eyes twinkled when he answered. “I’m sorry to say this storm is just beginning.”

Olivia held back a whimper. She was going to have to toughen up if she wanted to survive the winter.

The man pushed up his sleeve to glance at his watch. “It’s already 6:00. If you’ve been moving all day, I’m guessing you probably haven’t eaten dinner yet.”

Olivia’s stomach growled at the thought of food. She folded her arms across her waist, trying to hide the sound. “I was going to order pizza.”

The man shook his head. “If it’s not too bold of an ask, can I take you to dinner instead of the coffee shop? One of my favorite cafes is just around the corner.”

It was an impulsive request, but Olivia nodded. She was starving, and the thought of pizza again for the third night in a row sounded unappetizing. “If we’re going to dinner together, I should probably introduce myself. I’m Olivia.” She held out a gloved hand for him to shake.

The man paused for a second, a wrinkle creasing his forehead before it smoothed back out. “I’m . . .” There was a small pause. “Jake. Jake Tanner. It’s nice to meet you.” He shook her hand and then turned, holding out an arm. Oliva grabbed hold, grateful for the sturdiness he provided.

“You said the cafe was nearby?” she asked as the snowflakes intensified.

“It’s just around the corner,” he answered. “You’re about to taste the best hot chocolate West of the Rocky Mountains.”

Olivia’s stomach rumbled again, but before she could comment, Jake was leading her into a small restaurant.

The walls were covered with chalkboard sketches, ranging from horses dancing in hula skirts to a skiing rooster wearing giant goggles. “What on earth?” she asked, turning to Jake.

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