Hot Santa

Hot Santa Karen Erickson

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Chapter One

“I can’t believe you brought me here.” Megan shook her head at her friend Beverly and took another sip from her beer, grimacing. It was the Saturday before Christmas and the department store they worked at had been crazed with shoppers looking for the ultimate bargain. Unfortunately, there weren’t many available since the holiday was only three days away. A few deals were there but the selection slim. Megan couldn’t wait for Christmas to be over. Only two more shopping days then it was Christmas day off, a week of insanity and returns, then the blissful boring season of January and inventory. She really couldn’t freaking wait. Beverly smiled at her and grabbed her arm. “Look they’re coming out! Whoo hoo!” Megan glanced in the direction where Beverly stared to see a group of well muscled men wearing little red shorts trimmed with white fur and Santa hats jogging out onto the floor. The woman in the audience, heck they were all women in the audience, cheered with cat calls and whistles. Megan could only hang her head in shame. This was so not her scene. She should be at home curled up in bed wearing her favorite pajamas with a good book to read. Relax after a stressful day of retail hell before she had to get up in the morning and do it all over again.

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So why did she let her best friend talk her into going to the Ho Ho Hot Santa contest at a local bar? “Lighten up, wench! These guys are hot with a capital H.” Beverly nudged Megan in the ribs. The crowd had settled down since there was a guy in jeans and a red t-shirt that read “Sit on my lap if you’ve been a naughty girl” in the middle of the dance floor gesturing for everyone to shut up. The men in shorts lined up behind him in a single row with their hands behind their backs. They looked like every single woman’s wet dream, their muscled chests actually oiled, gleaming under the spotlights, their handsome faces schooled into seductive expressions. Like a bunch of sexy elves ready to get busy, Megan mused. “Lordy, I like the third one from the left,” Beverly mumbled close to her ear, fanning herself. “He’s sexy as hell.” Megan checked out Mister Third From the Left but he did nothing for her. A little too muscled, way too tan and too blonde, his smile was too white as well. “Too fake.” “I’ll take too fake. I like blondes.” Blondes reminded Megan of her shitty ex. The one who did a real number on her a year ago that made her shy away from all men ever since. No more blondes for her. At the rate she was going, there would be no more men for her either. Maybe Beverly was right, maybe she did need to get back into the world of dating. “All right, ladies, tonight is the night you’ve all been waiting for! Are you ready to meet the contestants of the Ho Ho Hot Santa contest?” After much cheering and

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screaming from the sex crazed audience, Mister Red Shirt smirked. “I would take that as a yes so let’s get started!” “Beverly, I think I’m gonna –.” Megan stood but Beverly clamped a tight hand on her forearm, stopping her from moving and cutting her off. “You’re not going anywhere, sweetheart. You’re going to sit your ass back down and enjoy this corny show of man flesh. Understood?” Megan sighed and sat down heavy in her chair, grabbing at her almost empty glass of beer and gulping the rest of it down. If she was going to have to suffer through this stupid contest then she at least wanted to watch it with a little buzz. Mister Red Shirt began introducing each contestant, allowing the audience to cheer loudly for long minutes before he moved on to the next one. When he got to the blonde, Beverly sat at attention, her ear seemingly cocked towards the announcer. “Now we have Jay, Santa’s blonde and buff little helper.” The crowd booed when he emphasized the word ‘little.’ “He’s twenty-three, single ladies and his favorite thing about Christmas is cuddling in front of the fire when it’s cold outside. Awww.” The ladies chimed in with an ‘awww’ after him. “He’s practically jail bait,” Megan hissed in Beverly’s ear. She was twenty-nine and Beverly was thirty-three. The last man Megan would ever want to date was some young stud who’d make her feel like an old maid. Not that she was interested in any of these dudes. And not that they would be interested in her. “I don’t mind.” Beverly smiled, shot a glance towards Megan. “I bet he’d be able to keep up with me better than Gary.”

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Gary had been Beverly’s boyfriend. Her much older boyfriend who had lost all interest in sex and Bev had promptly dumped him. She’d been on the prowl ever since. “Is that all you want? Some guy who can give it to you all night long? How about meaningful conversation, culture, intelligence? A man who can provide you comfort when you need it most?” That’s what Megan looked for in a man. Beverly snorted. “I want a man to provide me an orgasm when I need it most. That’s all I want, sweetie.” Megan shook her head, turned her attention back to the announcer and the men lined up behind him. They really did look ridiculous in those clingy red shorts and the white fur that circled the bottom of each leg. The goofy Santa hats that sat perched at a jaunty angle on their heads, the exaggerated expressions on their faces. She supposed they were striving for sexy and alluring but she was almost embarrassed for them. Her gaze alighted on the last man in the row and her heart seemed to stop for a second, then start back up with a slow and heavy throb. She couldn’t believe her eyes. He looked like a real man. He was gorgeous. Tall and lean, sleekly defined arms and a nicely muscled chest, not overly buff like the rest of the wanna-be Santas. A light smattering of dark hair covered the center of his yummy chest and narrowed to a trail that bisected his rippling abdomen, traveling beyond the waistband of his shorts. Black hair, dark skin that came from being outdoors and not from a spray bottle or booth, he had startling blue eyes that met and held hers for what felt like an eternity.

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She couldn’t help but stare back, lips parting, her breath stalled in her throat. He didn’t look away, continued to hold her gaze and then he smiled. A slow, heart breaking curve of sensuous lips that made her heart flutter. This man didn’t look ridiculous in his jaunty Santa hat. He also happened to fill out those stupid red shorts mighty nicely. Megan couldn’t believe it. She was instantly hot for one of the Ho Ho Hot Santas. “What are you staring at?” Beverly nudged her in the ribs again, causing Megan to look away from her own Mister Drop Dead Gorgeous. “Um, nothing.” Megan grabbed her glass but realized it was empty. “Is there someone around here who’ll take my drink order?” Beverly stared at Megan’s Hot Santa, dark brown eyes narrowed as Megan watched her. Bev was exotic where Megan was plain. Dark hair cut into choppy black spikes, dramatic eye makeup, dark red lips, Beverly captured all the men’s attention. “You were eyeing that guy on the end.” Megan shook her head, desperate to find a bartender. “Was not.” “Were too. I can’t blame you he’s dee-lish, though I’m still holding out for Jay the hottie. Ooh, he’s going to talk about your guy next.” “He’s not my guy,” Megan insisted but Bev hushed her silent. “And last but not least we have our very own Drew participating tonight in the Ho Ho Hot Santa contest!” Mister Red Shirt allowed the ladies to clap and cheer before he began talking again. “Drew is our head bartender here at Logan’s and yes, indeed he is single ladies! A confirmed bachelor is how he describes himself. Drew isn’t it true that you’re in this contest because you lost a bet?”

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The entire room went silent, waiting to hear Drew’s answer. Megan leaned forward in her seat, ready to hear his voice. She had a feeling it would be seductive, thrilling. He didn’t disappoint. “Actually, yeah, I lost a bet with the jackass behind the bar, otherwise known as Phil and now here I am in fur trimmed shorts.” Drew waved a leg towards the audience and the crowd went absolutely nuts, the women screaming loud enough to take the house down. Megan stuck her fingers in her ears. Bev proceeded to pull them out. “You’re such a sissy.” “These women are insane, you have to admit that,” Megan said, her heart still pumping extra hard from hearing Drew speak. His voice was low and smooth with the faintest hint of a growl. The kind of voice that would whisper naughty things in a woman’s ear and sound good. Very good. Extremely good. “Yeah but that’s the fun of it, you know? A bunch of ladies right before Christmas ready to cut loose and have fun.” Beverly glanced about the room, taking inventory of the women filling it. “If you’ll notice the majority of them look like middle-aged mothers away from their bratty kids for the night.” Megan looked around, realized that Beverly was right. She shouldn’t make fun of these women, they were here to have fun, be silly. Nothing wrong with that. Watching her mother lose her mind year after year during the holiday season, she couldn’t blame

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these most likely overloaded women for wanting to escape for at least a couple of hours. Heck she could be one of these women someday. That is, if she ever found a man worthy of settling down with. “Okay ladies now that you’ve been introduced to our ten contestants, we want you all to get to know them better – by joining them out on the dance floor! Yes, open call to the dance floor, come shake your money maker with the Ho Ho Hot Santa boys!” Music suddenly flooded the room, “Jingle Bell Rock” of all songs and the women stormed the dance floor in droves, the fastest ones grabbing the hands of all the startled looking contestants and grooving with them as best they could to a Christmas song. “You should go out there and dance with your man,” Beverly said, her eyes never leaving Jay as he was smothered by a rather large woman with an intent expression. Intent on taking the guy out, Megan wasn’t sure. “Why don’t you go out there and dance with your man?” “I’m waiting for the right opportunity.” “Better hurry up.” The song was fast, barely two minutes and then another Christmas song followed, this time “A Holly, Jolly Christmas.” Megan grimaced. “Who’s picking these songs?” “The DJ over there.” Beverly stood, glanced down at Megan. “Come on, go with me.” “Oh, no way.” Megan shook her head, backed her chair away from Beverly as far as she could. “No way are you going to get me out there on the dance floor.” “Oh, yes I am.” Beverly lunged for her – lunged for her! – grabbed Megan’s hand and hauled her to her feet. “Come on, girlfriend, let’s show those women how to dance.”

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“To old ass Christmas songs? I don’t think so.” Megan tried to yank her hand out of Beverly’s but her friend had a death grip on her. The song was already over, another Christmas quickie and “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” came on next. The crowded cheered, everyone starting to sing along with the words and Beverly pushed through the crowd, dragging Megan with her. She stopped right in the center, found her target and started to dance behind Jay, who danced with a little lady old enough to be his great-grandma, a polite expression on his almost pretty face. Once he caught sight of who gyrated behind him he turned around, ignoring greatgrandma completely, his hands immediately landing on Beverly’s waist. Megan watched with disbelief, both shock and admiration filling her at her friend’s confidence and ease with men. Just like that, she spotted a guy, decided she wanted him and bam, Beverly’s dancing with him. Megan knew she could never do something like that. She was far too timid, especially in an atmosphere like they were in. She turned around, thankful for the distraction, ready to head towards the bar to grab an ice water when she came face to chest with Drew the dreamy bartender. “Hey, you all right?” He grabbed her by the shoulders to keep from colliding with her and she inhaled sharply at his touch. “Sorry,” she murmured, keeping her head down, embarrassment surely making her cheeks as red as the shorts he wore. Shorts she happened to be staring at. The white fur around the edges only emphasized the muscles of his thighs, the curling dark hairs that covered them. He looked damn good in those ridiculous shorts. Deliciously good.

Hot Santa Karen Erickson

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“No, I’m sorry I wasn’t watching where I was going.” He didn’t release her and she finally looked up at him, her heart dropping into her stomach. If she thought he was good looking from far away he was downright devastating up close. Those blue eyes so dark, like the sky at midnight, surrounded by such thick eyelashes they were wasted on a man, the faint scruff of beard on his chiseled cheeks, his sensuous mouth curved in a friendly smile. Oh, God her tongue was paralyzed. She couldn’t for the life of her force herself to speak. “Hey.” He shook her lightly, his hands smoothing up and down her arms in a soothing gesture. “Cat got your tongue?” No more like her tongue was paralyzed by his extraordinary good looks. She shook her head, forced her mouth open somehow. “I need to go to the bar.” Great, now she sounded completely lame. It probably would’ve been better if she kept her mouth shut. He smiled, released his hold on her and moved to her side, gesturing in the direction of the bar with his right hand. “You asked the right guy since I live and breathe this place. Right over there, darlin’.” Even the cheesy way he called her darlin’ in that low growl of his made her insides kick up a notch with awareness. “Um, thank you.” “Anytime.” Megan hurried away from him, wanting to kick herself in the ass. Her one chance to talk to the hottest guy in the Ho Ho Hot Santa contest and she made a damn fool of

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herself. He probably thought something was wrong with her, probably thought she was a complete idiot. He probably didn’t find her attractive at all. She glanced over her shoulder as discreetly as she could, wondered where he went and caught him standing in the exact spot she left him, women vying for his attention all around him as yet another cheesy Christmas song started up. His eyes directed right at her, a slight curve to his mouth. When their gazes locked, his smile grew and she looked away, picked up the pace towards the bar. He still watched her, like maybe he was…interested! Could he be? Really? She certainly wasn’t anything to write home about though she knew she wasn’t ugly. No, she was just your average woman. Average dark blonde (not brilliant blonde or strawberry blonde but dishwater blonde – yuck) hair, average hazel eyes, average build, average butt, average boobs. Nothing major. He was anything but average and everything major. This meant she was dealing with a man way out of her league. She should just leave, she told herself as her feet magically turned towards the front door. No point in hanging around any longer, the contest would be over soon and Beverly would most likely go home with her too blonde Ho Ho Hot Santa. The crowd was practically all out on the dance floor so Megan made her way towards the exit with ease. The bouncer smiled at her, nodded his good night and then she noticed he looked behind her, shaking his head. “Hey where you headed Drew? You can’t leave yet, the contest isn’t over.” Firm fingers wrapped around her upper arm, stopping her in her tracks. She turned around to find Drew smiling down at her, still holding onto her arm.

Hot Santa Karen Erickson “What’s the rush? Don’t you want to watch me humiliate myself even more?” Just like that, Megan knew what she wanted for Christmas. Her very own Ho Ho Hot Santa.

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Hot Santa Karen Erickson

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Chapter Two

Drew had noticed the cool blonde immediately. She stood out from the crowd like a glowing jewel amongst the crazed, attention-starved maniacs that came out in droves for weird contests like the Ho Ho Hot Santa. He still couldn’t believe he was competing in the stupid contest, that he actually wore the red shorts and Santa hat and nothing else. This is what happened when you got cocky and made a ridiculous bet with a co-worker. How was he supposed to know the Forty-Niners would get their asses kicked this afternoon? They’d been the front runner for the game and he thought he’d had it in the bag. Now he stood in the middle of his workplace wearing nothing but white fur trimmed red velvet shorts for the love of God while women fawned over him like he was some sort of sex offering for them to take freely. It sucked. Yet if it enabled him to get to know this woman who was staring up at him like he was crazy then it might’ve been worth it. Though he would never admit that to Phil, the crazy bet-making bastard. “You want me to stay?” She looked incredulous, why he didn’t know. He let her go, but held out his hand to her to shake. “Drew, contestant number ten of the Ho Ho Hot Santa competition.” “Megan.” She took his hand, the current of electricity that sparked at the connection sending a jolt throughout his entire body. If he continued to react to her like this from a simple touch, he’d be sporting a woody in the red velvet.

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Not a good thing in this crowd. “Come on.” He didn’t release her hand, instead led her back towards the dance floor where the music was winding down and Lee, one of the part-time bartenders and host of the ridiculous contest was demanding all of the contestants to join him. “You have to stick around and watch this humiliation I’m a part of.” She giggled and he heard it even over the cheering of the loony women. The sound of it went straight to his crotch and he wished he could reach down and adjust himself. He also needed to think about something else besides the beautiful woman he was holding hands with. The woody in red velvet image would be one he’d never live down. Drew turned around, drank her in from head to toe. Her hair hung straight and to her shoulders, eyes a mixture of green and brown, a pert nose he was tempted to kiss, rosy lips he was more than tempted to kiss. “After all of this is over, can I buy you a drink?” “Um, I have to be at work pretty early tomorrow.” Her eyes went wide and she licked her lips. Just the sight of her little pink tongue made him think of doing naughty wonderful things with it. “Please? I need someone to drown my embarrassment with.” He smiled, tried his hardest to turn on the charm. He was always charming the ladies at the bar it’s what he did best. No way could it not work on this woman. Could it? “All right.” She nodded, smiled at him. “It’s almost over right?”

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“Oh, yeah, I think we parade around one more time in our hideous get ups, then the crowd votes for the hottest Santa. I can only hope and pray I won’t win.” Wasn’t that the truth. “I’ll be with my friend.” She glanced about and then nodded in the direction of a dark haired woman who sat alone at a small table. “I’ll wait for you right there.” “Perfect.” He smiled, getting all warm and fuzzy inside. He never got warm and fuzzy inside. Must be the Christmas spirit flowing through the building. Yeah, right. He joined the rest of the preening Santas on the dance floor, sending a death glance to Lee who looked ready to say something. He wasn’t thrilled that he had to participate in the contest but a bet was a bet. Didn’t need Lee harassing him though. “All right ladies, let’s hear it again for our sexy Santas!” The women all screamed at the top of their lungs, making Drew take a step back. They looked nuts, their eyes wide and their hands waving in the air. All they needed were dollar bills in their hands to wave and the look would be complete. “Okay now is the time to vote for your favorite Ho Ho Hot Santa! I’m going to ask everyone to yell as loud as they can for their favorite contestant because whoever gets the loudest vote wins the coveted title of Ho Ho Hot Santa of 2007. Are we ready to scream ladies?” The ladies screamed in reply. Drew was afraid he’d go home deaf when it was all over. “All right let’s get the voting started!” Lee yelled.

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Drew scanned the crowd, his gaze settling on Megan who watched him with a tiny smile curving her lush lips. He smiled in return and her cheeks tinged pink, giving her an innocent look, reminding him of timid virgins. He hoped like hell she wasn’t a timid virgin. “Your boy toy is smiling at you.” Bev jabbed her pointy elbow into Megan’s ribs. “Ow!” Megan rubbed her side, glaring at her friend. How many times would she use those elbows on her anyway? “Give me a break you’re the one with the boy toy.” Bev smiled, her expression smug. “I know, isn’t it great? We’re getting together after the contest. I think I might take him home and have my wicked way with him.” “You hardly know him.” A thrill shot up her spine at the thought of bringing Drew back to her place and having her wicked way with him. Sliding those silly little red shorts off his muscular legs slowly, revealing the prize that surely waited beneath. Her skin grew tight and hot just imaging about it. “I know him well enough. Honey, that man is going to be an eager God in bed, not to mention he’s packing a rather large package.” “Bev, how the hell do you know this?” Megan had no idea if Drew was packing a rather large package. Though she had a hunch that whatever he was packing would be pleasing. “When we were dancing I rubbed up against him and gave him an instant boner.” Bev snickered in her ear. “That boy was ready to jump me in the middle of the floor.” “Lucky you,” Megan murmured, her gaze drifting back to the dance floor – and Drew. He stood with his hands behind his back, the position only emphasizing his broad

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chest and flat stomach. A stomach she could imagine stroking, searching his hot, hard skin… The announcer started the judging process, the women whooping and hollering as each contestant was announced, shaking Megan out of her dreamy state. It became painfully aware that Bev’s very own Jay was leading in the votes since screaming was the loudest when his name was called. Even her Drew wasn’t going to win, much to his delight. At least, that’s what Megan deduced when she saw the expression on his face. He put on a pout when the screams weren’t as loud for him as others but she could see it in his eyes he was relieved. So was Megan. This way she didn’t have to fight off as many women clamoring to hang out with the Ho Ho Hot Santa. Not that he wouldn’t have women clamoring for his attention… Megan sat up straighter in her chair, glanced about the room. What if there was a better looking woman interested in Drew? What if he completely forgot she even existed once he set eyes on this better looking woman? A chance to have a drink and flirt with a gorgeous man would slip right out of her fingers. What a crime. “Quit with the self-doubt, I see it written all over your face.” Megan sighed, shook her head at her friend. “How do you always know what I’m thinking? It’s downright freaky.” “I’ve been friends with you for a few years and to be honest, Megan, your face is like an open book. You’re a terrible liar and I bet you’re an awful poker player. You can’t keep a straight face to save your life.” “Am I that obvious?”

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Bev nodded. “Oh, yes, my friend. You are very obvious. But don’t let that get you down. I have a feeling your very own Hot Santa kinda likes that quality of yours.” “He doesn’t even know me.” And what if once he got to know her he wouldn’t like her? Her life was pretty boring. She worked in retail for God’s sake, she lived alone in a tiny apartment with her cat. She was every single woman cliché rolled into one. “Stop it! You’re beautiful, you’re sweet and he’s definitely interested. Quit thinking like that.” Megan schooled her features as best she could, not wanting to give Bev anymore information by expression alone. She kept her eyes on Drew, drank in his heavenly body yet again, the firm set of his jaw as he watched the announcer go on and on and on about hot dudes and Santa. His dark hair that she’d bet her paycheck on would be soft as silk to the touch, would probably feel downright decadent between her fingers, against her skin. He glanced back towards the crowd, his gaze alighting on her yet again and his dark brows rose in question, his lips curled in a tempting smirk. Her stomach fluttered, her skin tingled. When would this stupid contest ever end? “We have a winner, ladies! Yes, unbelievable but it’s true – our very own Ho Ho Hot Santa 2007 is…” The audience grew silent and leaned forward in breathless anticipation, Bev especially. It all made Megan want to laugh out loud but she held herself in check. “Contestant number three, Jay!! Ladies, meet your new Hot Santa!” A woman in a tiny red string bikini ran out on stage with a sash, hopping up and down in front of Jay. He bent his head and she looped it across his chest, then pressed a long kiss to his mouth. The crowd went crazy.

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“Bitch,” Bev muttered, her hand curled tight around her beer bottle. Megan reached over and patted her friend on the arm. “Oh don’t let that bimbo bug you. She was probably paid to do that.” She was surprised. She’d never seen her friend get jealous before. Ever since Beverly split up with her husband, she’d been Ms Free and Easy, always looking out for the next hot guy. The next hot, younger guy, and Jay was probably the youngest one yet. “Okay ladies, if you want to meet your Hot Santa come on down! Jay’s going to grab a table and take pictures with y’all for the next thirty minutes. Mingle with the other contestants too. The line starts here!” Mister Red Shirt the announcer pointed to where he stood. Bev hopped off her chair and grabbed her purse. “Okay have fun with your new guy.” Megan’s mouth dropped open. “Wait a minute, that’s it? You’re just going to leave me?” “Well I figured you’d want to leave me anyway because you hooked up with your own Hot Santa and besides, we know what I’m trying to do.” She wiggled her eyebrows at Megan and slipped her coat over her arm. “See you tomorrow!” Megan watched her friend go, shaking her head. Ditched for a man again, what else was new? She slid off her chair, grabbed her purse and coat and glanced about the room. She saw plenty of handsome men in Santa hats surrounded by women but she couldn’t make out her own Santa. Disappointment filled her. Maybe he changed his mind. Maybe he realized he didn’t want to meet with her after all and slipped out the back door to avoid her…

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“Hey.” His deep voice washed over her from behind and she turned around, startled to find him standing so close. Tilting her head to the side, she examined him unabashedly. She could make out the faint stubble on his jaw, a couple of freckles on his chest. Her hands itched to reach out and touch him but she clutched them into fists. Beverly was right. She really needed to get over the self-doubt thing. “I’m sorry you didn’t win.” Drew shrugged those impossibly broad shoulders of his, a slight smile curving his lips. “I didn’t want to win. It was bad enough I had to participate in this stupid stunt.” “Well, you were my favorite.” Her voice dropped to the barest murmur, shock filling her that she even said it. She was so not the forward type. Especially with a half-naked man who was so handsome he made her hot and sweaty just looking at her. His smile grew and he dipped his head, his mouth awfully close to her ear. “I appreciate that, Megan. Really.” She didn’t even know how to answer. He straightened to his full height again, amazing in the ridiculous getup. Who knew red velvet shorts with white fur on a man could be so sexy? “Want to skip out of here with me and go grab a cup of coffee?” “I thought you wanted to stay here and have a drink.” “Nah.” He waved his hand in front of him. “I’m always at this place and I’m sick of it. I need to get away from all of these screaming women, they’re giving me a headache. What do you say?”

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Megan nodded, clutched her jacket she held in her arms tighter to her. “All right.” He rested his hand on her arm, the heat of his touch burning straight through her thick sweater. “I need to go change. Wait for me here?” She nodded again, tongue tied, unable to think. His touch made her skin sizzle, her mind reel. How was she going to be able to carry a conversation with him in a coffee shop, just the two of them? Figure something out. You can do it. Megan smiled. Yes, yes she could.

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Chapter Three

Megan’s mouth went dry when she spotted Drew making his way towards her through the thinning crowd. Clad in worn jeans and a long sleeved navy blue Henley shirt, he was comfortable sexy personified. She could only hope she wouldn’t sit and drool while watching him sip coffee. “Ready to go?” He stopped before her, slipping a beat up old leather jacket on. “Yes, whenever you are.” She unfurled her coat, brought it around her to slip on but he stopped her, grabbing the neck of the coat to hold it out for her. “Let me help you.” Megan slipped her arms in the coat, touched that he was such a gentleman. Shivers rippled through her when his fingers brushed against her neck, pulling her hair away from the collar of her coat. “Thank you,” she murmured, her heart rate increasing steadily. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves but it only seemed to amp her up even more. The last thing she needed was coffee. She’d be bouncing off the walls in no time. “There’s a little shop down the street,” he said, taking her arm and leading her out of the bar. “It stays open late on the weekends.” Megan knew exactly what coffee shop he referred to. “I love Grind’s. It’s my favorite coffee shop in town. To be honest, I didn’t even realize we were that close to it.” “Don’t drop by Logan’s much do you?”

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She shook her head, shivered when the chill December wind slapped her in the face as they walked out into the dark night. It was late, past eleven and the air had turned bitterly cold. She snuggled her face deeper into her coat and nearly gasped aloud when Drew pulled her closer to his body, his arm slipping around her shoulders. “Cold?” His hand rubbed her shoulder briskly in a swift up and down motion. “Yes, I wish I would’ve brought my scarf.” His touch was shooting hot sparks throughout her body, warming her up in an entirely different way than what he planned, she was sure. “We could go back and grab my car…” “No.” Megan smiled up at him, her breath stalling in her throat when she realized just how close his face was. Like lift her chin just a little bit and their lips could meet close. His expression was intent, his eyes as dark as the night sky above them. She could literally feel the heat roll off of him in waves, wrapping her in an intimate embrace and she shivered. Not from the cold but because of the man who held her, looked at her with such intent in his gaze. “You don’t mind the walk?” She realized they weren’t even walking anymore. They’d come to a stop in the middle of the sidewalk, his arm still curved around her shoulders, though now her body was angled towards his, not beside him. Their legs brushed against each others, their feet intertwined where they stood and she couldn’t resist. Her hands settled against the warm soft leather of his jacket, felt the hard muscle of his chest beneath the thick coat.

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“Megan.” Drew didn’t say anything else, just her name, and the sound of it whispered in that husky growl of his was enough for her. She leaned into him, tilted her neck, licked her lips in invitation. Heat blazed in his eyes and he dipped his head, his mouth hovering above her own. She stood on tiptoe, her lips brushing against his and she heard him groan the tiniest bit. The sound of it, that she could give this gorgeous man such pleasure with just a simple kiss made her quiver in delight. His lips sunk into hers, hot and damp and delicious. She opened her mouth to him, allowed his tongue entry and he took it, searching her mouth thoroughly. Her fingers clutched the leather of his jacket, his other arm coming around to haul her close, hold her to him. The jacket parted and she slid her hands inside, wrapped her arms around him, absorbed his heat. They kissed for what felt like forever in the cold December night, the stars competing with the soft outdoor lamplight, the cold wind whipping across them. Megan didn’t feel or notice any of it. All she could absorb was Drew, his taste, his body, the way he wrapped himself around her like he never wanted to let go. She realized she didn’t really want to let go either. At least, not anytime soon. He broke the kiss first, his breath ragged, his lips swollen and damp. “We should go grab that coffee before the shop closes.” “Okay.” Megan rested her head against his chest, felt his rapidly beating heart pound beneath her ear and it made her smile. Apparently the intense reaction wasn’t onesided. He seemed as affected by her as she was of him.

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“Let’s go.” He took her hand and they rushed down the sidewalk, his quick pace so fast she could only giggle and squeal for him to slow down. He didn’t, just kept jogging towards the coffee shop, dragging her behind him laughing and protesting. By the time they arrived at the shop she was winded and out of breath, sagging against his solid back. “You wore me out,” she breathed, glancing about the near isolated coffee shop. Drew turned, lifted his eyebrows at her. “I can wear you out later if you’re up for it.” Megan blushed from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, she could feel the red hot flush slowly take over her body. How embarrassing. Especially when she was more than ready to take him up on his offer. They made their order, gathered their drinks and then sat at a small round table close to the store front windows. Even though the tables were colder sitting by the solid glass pane of the window, it was fun to people watch. The streets were busier than normal with the dedicated to the last minute holiday shoppers, movie goers just coming out of the theater and the general weekend late night traffic. “So what do you do that you have to be at work so early on a Sunday morning?” Drew smiled at her over his paper coffee cup and Megan wanted to lunge across the table and attack him. Attack him! Yes she really did. He was just so cute, so damn sexy, his hair ruffled from the wind and maybe their make out session, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I work in retail. I’m the assistant manager in the juniors department at Hartmann’s.”

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“Ugh, retail. I did that back in college, as temporary Christmas help as a matter of fact and I hated every minute of it. Quit the day after Christmas and everything.” “Yes, I started working there part-time while I went to college. Graduated and got my degree and next thing I know, I’m getting promoted to a full time position. I haven’t left even though I graduated a couple of years ago.” Megan shook her head. It was hard for her to comprehend so much time had passed and yet she still did the same thing she’d been doing five years ago. Albeit with more hours, bonuses and pay but still. She needed to get out of the retail rut she and Bev promised each other that all the time. “What did you get your degree in?” “Business and marketing.” Her gaze became riveted on his thick fingers twirling his Styrofoam coffee cup again and again from the top, one blunt fingertip tracing the lid over and over. Hands that had felt so good holding her earlier, hands that would feel like pure sin when they glide over her skin, arousing her beyond her wildest dreams. “Yeah?” She glanced up from his hands to meet his gaze, saw the warmth there along with a knowing expression as if he could read her mind. Hell if her cheeks didn’t flush again. “I dropped out of college my sophomore year and got too caught up with life to go back.” He shook his head, disgust tingeing his voice. “I should’ve gone back, finished my degree.” “Have you worked at Logan’s long?” “I manage the place, I’ve managed it for the past few years though I’m not the one responsible for the ridiculous contests. I leave that crazy crap up to our marketing director and part time bartender, Lee.”

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“Ah, interesting.” She nodded her head, seriously finding everything he said interesting. And mesmerizing. Oh, yes and sexy. “So what brought you to the bar, Megan? Did you really come to watch the Ho Ho Hot Santa contest?” He cocked a brow at her, the move devastatingly sexy. She licked her lips and shook her head. “My friend Beverly wanted to go. We worked late tonight and to be honest we were both still keyed up, not tired at all. When she suggested the bar I said why not. She didn’t tell me about the contest until we already sat down and ordered a couple of drinks.” Drew chuckled. “I take it if she told you about the contest you would’ve refused to go.” “Absolutely. Those kinds of contests just aren’t my scene.” She wrinkled her nose. “Yeah, well I have to admit I’m glad you showed up. I’m glad your friend tricked you.” He reached across the table and grabbed her hand, brought it to his mouth. “I’m glad I had to participate in that lame ass contest, I’m glad I got to meet you.” She sat there speechless when he brushed his mouth against her knuckles, the touch light and tickling. She giggled and he kissed her hand firmer, his lips traveling the skin that stretched across her hand. “Drew…” “I never do stuff like this but Megan I want you to come back to my apartment with me. Please?” She didn’t want to resist him but she should. He was gorgeous, sweet, a fantastic kisser. Just the way his lips burned a trail across her hand had her completely seduced.

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But she really didn’t know him, had no idea if he was a decent guy or not. She didn’t mean to discriminate but most men who worked at bars were just looking for an easy lay and that was it. Yes, an easy lay certainly had its appeal but Megan knew she didn’t want to be used by this particular man. He would linger in her memory far too long for her tastes, make her long for him, want him even if someday she ended up with another. No, she couldn’t have that. “I should go home,” she whispered, extracting her hand from his. “I have to go to work so early tomorrow and besides it just wouldn’t be…right.” Drew sighed, his entire expression one of defeat. It tugged at her heart, made her feel guilty but she lifted her chin, refusing to let that emotion wash over her. There were a ton of women lined up behind her begging for a chance with Drew the bartender, she was sure. He’d have no problem finding another woman to replace her. So why did that thought fill her with anger and above all, jealousy? “There’s no way I can convince you?” His beguiling expression was almost enough to convince her. But she held firm, stood her ground. She didn’t want to look like she was easy to this man and besides, going to a strange man’s house even if her instincts whispered that he was a decent man wasn’t necessarily a smart move. Megan shook her head, sipped from her lukewarm coffee. “No, I’m afraid not, though I’ll let you walk me back to my car, if you want.”

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“Of course.” He drained the last of his coffee, launching the empty cup towards one of the garbage cans. It landed inside with ease and Megan’s jaw dropped open in awe. “Nice shot,” she muttered. He grinned, the sight of it brilliant and blinding in the dim lighting of the coffee shop. “I played basketball in high school.” “No surprise there.” She finished her coffee and then they left the closing coffee shop. Drew walked her back to her car, his expression one of quiet disappointment. The wind had died down though the air was still bitterly cold. Drew reached out, took her hand in his and she warmed at the contact. Megan realized she was getting too close, too involved, too soon. She shouldn’t have these types of feelings for a man she barely knew. The war she waged within herself over refusing his invitation back to his place bubbled up inside her, threatened to spill by her agreeing instead and she nibbled on her lip. They arrived at her car much too soon and disappointment filled her. He was so tempting, standing in front of her, his broad back buffering against the wind. His hands were stuffed in his jean pockets, his shoulders hunched in the leather jacket, dark hair ruffled even more by the cold wind. “Thanks for the coffee,” she whispered, the words so inconsequential, meaningless. She wanted to really say, Thanks for paying attention to me, kissing me like you mean it, dazzling me with your good looks and sweet personality. Yes, he’d probably bolt if she muttered those words.

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“Thanks for coming with me, Megan.” His voice had dropped to a husky growl, the sound of it rippling over her nerve endings, making her ache with need. “I want to see you again.” She smiled, hope blooming inside of her chest, making it tight. “After Christmas, maybe? My schedule is so hectic at work the next few days and then I have to go to my parents’ house for the holiday.” “Of course, yeah, I understand.” He nodded, shuffled his feet. Megan took a step towards him, rested her hands on his chest. He gazed down at her with passion-filled eyes, his mouth parted, breathing accelerated. Her hand moved up, curled around his neck and brought him closer so that their lips met, ignited. The kiss grew hungry in an instant, his hands wandering a blazing path of heat over her body, even through the heavy winter clothes she wore. God she was tempted to shed her inhibitions like her clothes and give herself to this man, a man she barely knew, a man she wanted to know more. One night with him and the connection she felt was already so strong she could only think about the next time they saw each other again. With the way her schedule was she couldn’t stand the thought of waiting. But wait she would have to do. She pulled away from him, smiled at him. “Good night Drew.” He bent, dropped a kiss to her nose and gave her one last squeeze before he let her go. “’Night, Megan.”

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She climbed into her car reluctantly, couldn’t even watch him as she started the engine. Her eyes staring straight ahead she pulled away from the curb, telling herself not to look back, repeating in her head she shouldn’t have any regrets. But her gaze wandered to the rearview mirror, watched his tall form still standing where she left him, growing smaller and smaller as she drove farther away. Remorse filled her. She shouldn’t have turned him down, suddenly realized that she never even got his phone number, didn’t even know his last name. How would she be able to get a hold of him? Track him down at Logan’s? Well, she’d do what she had to do to see him again, she couldn’t deny that. Even if she had to make a fool of herself, look like she was chasing him she would do whatever it took to see Drew.

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Chapter Four

“Dude what are you still doing here? You were off hours ago, go home. It’s Christmas Eve for shit’s sake!” Phil shook his head, wiped down the bar counter with a fresh washcloth then tossed it into the sink behind him. Drew shrugged, sat down at the counter and gestured for a beer. Phil grabbed a bottle, twisted off the lid and set it in front of him and Drew grabbed it eagerly, taking a big swig. “My parents are in Tahoe for the holiday and I was going to meet them there but that huge storm just closed down the highways,” Drew muttered, miserable inside. His entire family was at a cabin in Lake Tahoe, now ready to celebrate the holiday snowed in. His mother told him his nieces and nephews were thrilled at a white Christmas and his heart ached that he couldn’t be with them. He loved his family, enjoyed spending time with them and the thought of spending Christmas day all by himself was depressing. “Man that sucks. I saw that on the news, the snow has really snarled up traffic.” Phil glanced about the nearly abandoned room. “How long do I have to keep this place open, bro? No one’s here except a couple of regulars.” Drew glanced at his watch, noticed that it was nearing five o’clock. “If no one comes in within the next hour, I say you close down by seven. People will understand.”

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“They better understand, it’s Christmas.” Phil shook his head. “So you have any other plans? I’d invite you to my place but I don’t think you want to trek down to L.A. tonight with me.” “No, I definitely don’t want to go to L.A.” His mind drifted to Megan, wondered idly what she was doing for the holidays. He remembered her mentioning that she was spending the day with her parents but that was it. He had no idea what went on her life really. He only knew that she worked at Hartmann’s, hated retail and she was single. Yeah and he also knew that he wanted her with every fiber of his being. “Whatever happened to that chick you picked up a few nights ago at the Hot Santa contest?” Phil grinned, raised his eyebrows at Drew. Could the dude read minds? Unbelievable. “We went for coffee that night but that was it. I haven’t seen her since.” “That sucks, she was kind of hot. I guess Jay had a good time with her friend. Such a good time that he’s seen her a couple of times.” Jealousy filled Drew at the thought of Jay getting busy with Megan’s friend. At least someone got some, he thought, then shook his head. He should be happy that he found a nice girl who wanted to go about things the right way. It meant she had integrity, morals. He couldn’t help the raging emotions that swept through his body at the thought of her though. Couldn’t stop the way his dick jumped every time he thought about her either. “Lucky Jay,” Drew muttered, swigging from his beer.

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“Maybe you should give this chick a call and see if you can hook up with her tonight? She might not have plans before the big day.” Drew wished it was that easy. He didn’t have her phone number, didn’t even know her last name. He knew she worked at the giant department store at the mall. Knew that her schedule was nuts… “What time does the mall close tonight?” Phil shrugged. “I have no idea, though I’m sure it’s early. Maybe five? Six?” Drew glanced at his watch again. He hoped like hell the mall didn’t close at five. If he left now he could make it there in twenty minutes. Plenty of time before a six o’clock closing. “I’m out of here.” “Gonna go look up your chick?” Phil called after him. “Maybe.” Drew threw on his jacket and hightailed it out of the bar and into the blistering cold dusk. He only hoped she’d be happy to see him.

***

“Can six come any faster?” Beverly scanned item after item then handed the stack to Megan. Megan laughed and began folding the array of sweaters the man standing behind the counter just purchased. Practically the entire store was filled with men, the typical last minute Christmas shopper. The day had gone by so fast but now that closing time neared the minutes ticked by agonizingly slow. Megan couldn’t wait to get out of there.

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And go home to another lonely night filled with thoughts of Drew. Thankfully she was getting up early in the morning to travel the hour long drive to her parents’ house to celebrate the holiday. She almost wished she’d taken her mother up on the offer to drive there after work and stay the night. But the house would be filled with her two sisters, their husbands and the five children they had between them. Megan would be lucky to find a sliver of couch to crash on. She didn’t want to deal with it. Though at the moment that sliver of couch appealed, it sounded better than spending another night tossing and turning, unable to sleep with thoughts of Drew in her head. “Merry Christmas!” Bev called cheerily as the man took the bag from Megan and scurried away. She turned to Megan. “He probably still needs to go to Wal Mart or something and buy presents for his kids.” Megan shook her head. “Men are the worst shoppers ever.” “Isn’t that the truth.” Bev glanced around their department, heaved a sigh of relief. “This place is clearing out and I can’t wait. My feet are so tired. I wonder if Jay would give me a foot massage?” “You’re seeing Jay tonight? On Christmas Eve?” Megan was shocked. Bev never brought any of her boy toys to a holiday event where they could possibly meet the parents. That was all way too serious for her taste. “Sure, he’s coming over and I’m going to make him a special dinner, just the two of us.” Bev smiled, her expression dreamy. “He’ll probably spend the night and then

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come with me tomorrow for breakfast at my parents. You know how my mom always makes French toast every Christmas morning.” Megan’s mouth dropped open. “Did you tell your parents about him?” “Yeah, sure, though I warned them he’s nothing serious. I had to or else my mom would ask him when he was going to impregnate me. I’m the oldest and I haven’t produced any grandchildren yet, my mother’s getting worried.” “I know exactly what you mean, though thank goodness I’m the baby of the family. They don’t expect offspring from me – yet.” “Ah the joys of family.” Bev leaned against the corner of the cash wrap desk. “So have you seen your Ho Ho Hot Santa yet?” Megan shook her head, her cheeks heating. “I don’t even know his last name or his phone number. I thought I’d wait for him to come to me. Besides, I told him I was super busy through Christmas.” “Yeah, that was a smart move, considering the way you’ve been moping around here for the last few days.” “Shut up.” Megan for once got a jab into Bev’s ribs. Bev yelped in response. “I am not moping. I’m just tired.” “Yeah tired because all you do is lie in bed at night and think about Drew.” Bev smirked. Damn it there she went again, reading her mind. Bev scared the hell out her sometimes, she was so perceptive. “Okay fine you want to hear that I think about him a lot and wished I would’ve went home with him that night, then fine, you’re right. I really like the guy, I totally

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regret that I didn’t go back to his place with him and I think about him all day, all night. But I can’t quite seem to get up the nerve to go see him yet,” Megan blurted, feeling purged. It actually felt kind of good to get that all out. “Really?” Megan stiffened at the sound of that familiar deep voice from behind her. Her eyes went wide and she looked at Bev, implored her without saying a word. Bev nodded, her expression saying it all. Yep, he heard everything you just said. Megan closed her eyes for a brief moment and took a deep breath, feeling like an absolute fool. She turned around to find Drew standing behind the counter, wearing that old leather jacket of his, his complexion ruddy from the brisk outside air. “Um, hi,” she said weakly, wishing she could run. Embarrassed to face him after everything she just admitted. Beverly left them discreetly, rushing to help a male customer who looked completely and totally lost. He smiled, his gaze intent on hers. “Everything you just said, did you mean it?” Well, he certainly didn’t waste time. “Did you hear everything I just said?” “I’m pretty sure I did.” He stuck his hands in his jacket pockets, his expression now wary. As if he was steeling himself for a let down. If anyone should be steeling themselves it should be her. She was, after all, the one caught gushing over him. “Do you want me to be honest?” “Absolutely.” Drew nodded.

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Megan came around the counter slowly to stand in front of him and drank him in. She’d met him once, talked to him for only a couple of hours and that had only been a few days ago. Just seeing him stand in front of her filled her with such happiness she was tempted to grab him and never let him out of her sight again. Ridiculous, she knew, considering how long they’d known each other but she couldn’t help it. If given enough time and opportunity, she could easily fall in love with this man. “Yes,” she finally said, gulping audibly, having to force out the rest of the words. “Yes I meant every word I said.” Without hesitation, Drew grabbed her and pulled her close. She stood there, breathless as he held her, his gaze locked with hers, his lips parted, minty breath fanning over her face. His warm masculine scent wrapped her in an embrace and she melted against him just the littlest bit. It felt far too good to be held in his arms. “I’ve missed you too, Megan. You’re all I think about.” Then his lips took hers in a sweet kiss, one that she wanted to go on and on. Everything faded, time, the store, the customers still lingering about. The only thing that mattered was the man wrapped so tightly around her, kissing her senseless. A loud clearing of a throat sounded behind them and Megan whirled around, pressed her fingers to her tingling lips. A grumpy looking old lady stood on the other side of the counter, her lips thin. “Can you tear yourself away from your young man for a moment and help me out young lady?”

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Megan flushed with embarrassment and went to the woman, ringing up her quick purchase and then sent her on her way. After the transaction she turned towards Drew again, glee filling her at the sight of him. He was really here, waiting for her! He sought her out, wanted to see her again. She could barely contain her excitement. “I couldn’t wait till after the holidays,” Drew admitted sheepishly. “I hope you don’t mind.” “I don’t mind at all. I’m glad you came.” “I was wondering if you wanted to – get together after you’re finished with work. I don’t think I can wait another night without spending time with you.” Her breath got stuck in her throat and she coughed, feeling silly. Feeling elated. “That sounds wonderful, Drew.” He smiled, came towards her as if he were about to grab her but then stopped, as if reconsidering it. “I probably shouldn’t do what I want to do to you at your work, huh?” Heat suffused her entire body in a wave, making her breasts tingle. “You can hold that thought. I’m off in a half hour.” “How about I’ll take you to dinner?” “That sounds wonderful.” “Aw, you two make the cutest couple.” Beverly slid behind a register and started ringing up her customer. “It’s so sweet that you came for her.” “I couldn’t wait any longer.” He hauled her back into his arms and gave her the quickest squeeze. She breathed deep, almost overwhelmed at his nearness and then released him reluctantly.

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“I should go back to work,” she said softly. “I think I’ll wander around the store, maybe pick up a last minute gift.” He chuckled, cocked a brow at her. “Have any suggestions?” “She likes lots of jewelry,” Bev called from the register. Megan rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Ignore her.” “Whatever the lady desires, I’ll give her.” His eyes sparkled with amusement, his lips curving. “If you want jewelry it could be arranged.” “Drew.” Her voice sing-songed and she shook her head. As if he couldn’t help himself he grabbed her, pulled her close to him yet again. “Say my name like that again.” “Drew,” she drawled with a smile. He kissed her, his mouth lingering and she slipped her arms around his neck, sunk her fingers into his thick soft hair. “I don’t think I could ever grow tired of hearing you say that,” he murmured against her mouth. “I don’t think I could ever grow tired of saying it,” she admitted. “Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!” The mall Santa walked briskly through the middle of the store, waving to all of the customers, calling out holiday greetings. Megan waved to him then turned her attention back to Drew, her very own Ho Ho Hot Santa. “Merry Christmas indeed.”