Page 3 of His Christmas Wife

The Quarter honored their members’ privacy, and many attendees used scene names. Unless both parties agreed, there was no acknowledgment of relationships outside of the club walls.

“No worries.” In her customary way, Trinity went into problem-solving mode. “I’ll find someone to fill in for you.” She glanced at Maddie. “You’re about the same size as Kaylee, but you’ve already been working more hours than I’d like.”

Just then the bosshole himself pushed through the frosted glass door with its beautifully etched fleur-de-lis that separated the reception and foyer areas from the rest of the club.

Kaylee’s heart slammed into her throat.

Outside the fitness center, he’d been overwhelming. But now he was all-consuming. He’d changed into red pants that were tucked into large boots, and he’d donned a Santa hat. Not only that, but he was shirtless—showing off his massive chest and biceps, not to mention his honed abs.

The sight of his half-naked body made her mouth fall open.

Traitorous hormones.

Full of confidence and purpose, gaze focused on her, he walked to the check-in desk. “Something wrong?”

Trinity shook her head. “I wasn’t aware of certain facts, so we’re just sorting out options.”

“Ah.” He directed his attention to Kaylee. “May I have a word with you, Ms. Robbins?”

Trinity shook her head. “Not without her consent.”

“It’s okay.” Kaylee forced a small grin that she hoped didn’t come out as the grimace she was fighting back. “I deal with him all day.”

“That doesn’t mean you have to while you’re here.” Trinity’s voice held a protective note.

“I appreciate that.”

Since another group of people were behind her, Kaylee rounded the table to join Frost. No way was she even thinking of him asMaster Evan.

So why were her shoulders once again warm where he’d gripped her earlier?

He drew her to one side, near the vendor booths that seemed to be doing a brisk business.

“Look, Ms. Robbins—”

“Did you know?”

“That you were going to be my helper? No. Trinity called me and asked me to fill in this afternoon. But I didn’t realize you were meant to be my elf until Aviana mentioned it a few minutes ago.”

At least he’d had some warning, unlike her. But of course, ordering her around after hours wouldn’t be a problem at all for him.

The world spun beneath her. Facing him well over seventy hours a week was more than enough for her. “This isn’t a good idea.”

“No?”

“On second thought, I will ask Trinity to have someone switch with me.”

“What are you afraid of?”

“Afraid?” Kaylee angled her chin up to meet his enigmatic eyes. “You misunderstand. You don’t scare me.”Well, maybe a little bit.

Then suddenly, thoughts she’d been thinking—holding back for months—tumbled out of her mouth. “It’s more that I don’t like you.” She clamped her lips together. That had been rash, and it might cost her the job she desperately needed.

“And?” Frost didn’t blink. “What has that got to do with anything?”

“You don’t care?” She’d wondered if the infuriating man had a heart or conscience. Now she had her answer. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

“We have a job to do.”

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