Authors: Vicki Lewis Thompson
“Nevertheless, you exposed my vulnerabilities. I want those protected.”
That, too, was a telling statement. She was the woman who knew too much. He'd hired her to barricade him against future invasions, both business-related and emotional, and then leave.
The elevator came to a smooth stop on the twelfth floor. It hadn't stopped once since they'd left the lobby. Other people had to be working in this large building, and yet she'd never know it. Jolie S. Garland was the only employee she'd met. That was spooky.
“I gave the rest of the IT staff the day off to go Christmas shopping,” he said. “I wanted you to be able to work undisturbed.”
That meant he didn't want her talking to anyone. He'd done his best to isolate her from the rest of the workers at Evergreen. After they'd gotten so close at MIT, he should have realized the more he tried to deny her access to information, the more determined she'd become. If she hadn't believed her investigative plan was for his own good, she'd feel disloyal. But he'd refused to give her all the facts, and without those facts, she couldn't make an informed decision. Maybe, once she knew what the issues were, she'd agree with him that they had no future.
She seriously doubted that, though. Every problem had a solution. He'd been conditioned to believe this particular problem couldn't be solved. That wasn't a failing. Everyone had blind spots. Because she loved him, she would help him to overcome his.
After they left the elevator, he led her past several offices, but the hallway was ghost-town silent.
At the end of the hall, Cole opened a door into a larger office. An L-shaped dark walnut desk held multiple monitors, a top-of-the-line keyboard and a mouse pad in the shape of a round Christmas ornament. A Santa mug sat to the right of the keyboard, but that was it. No framed pictures, no flowering plant, no cluttered in-basket.
She glanced around. “Is this your office?”
“Used to be. I still work down here when I need to.”
“Where's your regular office?”
“Fifteenth floor.” He seemed reluctant to share that information. “Let me take your coat so you can have a seat and get started.”
“Fine.” She put her messenger bag on his desk and instantly the work space looked more welcoming. As she started to shrug out of her parka, her hands bumped his. He was helping her take off her coat. She froze. “I can do it.”
“Right.” He backed away. “Sorry. Habit.”
Slipping off her coat, she turned to him. He looked positively miserable. “You can leave,” she said. “I know how to turn on a computer.” She smiled. “And I already know your password.”
He laughed at that, although it wasn't a happy laugh. “So you do. Then maybe I will leave you to work for a while and I'll check on you later. I...uh...didn't realize that giving the IT staff the day off would have an unintended consequence.”
“That we're all alone up here?”
His green gaze burned with frustration. “Exactly.”
“Then go, before one of your siblings shows up and catches us in a compromising position.”
Heat flared in his eyes. “I'll come back and check on you. Is there anything you need?”
“Besides the obvious?”
“Stop.”
“Okay. I would love a good cup of coffee sometime in the middle of the morning. Is that possible?”
“I'll make it happen.”
“Thanks. See ya.” She made a shooing motion with both hands. She hoped his siblings did pop in to see her. She'd figure out a way to make that work to her advantage.
C
ole barreled down the hall and waited impatiently for the elevator. When it came, he was glad it was empty. He used his card and punched the number for the fifteenth floor. How could this have become so complicated? He hadn't factored in the possibility that she'd be as hot for him nowâhotter, in factâas she'd been before. And still in love with him, as he was with her. What a disaster!
Ethan got on the elevator as Cole got off. “Is Taryn in the building?” Ethan asked.
“Yes, and I hope you'll leave her alone to work.”
Ethan laughed. “I will, for now. I have to deliver some ornaments to the Denver Chamber of Commerce. Their president read Lark's damned book, and the cheer level of their Christmas display is way down. But if Taryn's here when I get back, I'll stop in and introduce myself.”
“Don't hurry home.”
“I love you, too, big brother.” The elevator door closed, obscuring Ethan's grin.
Cole blew out a breath and started down the hall. Then he remembered Taryn's coffee request and stopped at Belle's office.
She glanced up from her computer. “Is Taryn here?”
“Yes, and she's a coffee drinker.”
“Cool! I like her already.”
“She asked for a good cup of coffee mid-morning, and I thought, since you always go to Cup of Cheer around ten, you could bring back something for her.”
“Uh, sure.” Belle's gaze flickered. “I have some errands to run in town, though, and they could take a while.”
Something was going on with her and these errands, but this time of year, Cole knew better than to quiz his family when they acted mysterious. For all he knew, she had been planning to buy his present that morning.
“How about this?” Her expression brightened. “She can walk down there with me. I'll buy her coffee, and then I'll send her back here while I run my errands. That way she can see what they have and get the flavor she likes. Will that work?”
“Guess so.” Cole wasn't crazy about the thought of Taryn on the loose in Gingerbread. But he also wasn't ready to be alone with her again.
“Then we'll do it that way. I look forward to meeting her.”
“You'll watch what you say, though, right?”
Belle's green eyes widened innocently. “You don't want me to tell her how destroyed you were when you had to break up with her ten years ago?”
He scowled.
“Don't worry, big brother. Your secrets are safe with me.”
“Thanks.” He remembered he wanted to mention seeing Kris. “Our wayward Santa was out jogging when we drove past. Taryn decided he's some guy who's into role-playing.”
“That's good. Excellent. And I've been meaning to tell you that Louie, one of our elves, has designed Spit-Up Baby Susie. He thinks it's more realistic and should go into production ASAP.”
“Have him send the prototype to me.”
“You're not thinking of approving it, I hope!”
“No, but I'm curious to see how it works.” Any distraction, including a vomiting baby doll, would be a good thing.
* * *
Taryn needed caffeine. Mrs. Gustafson's brew had worn off, and while Cole's whimsical database with its dopey categories like
“Lots of Toys for Girls and Boys”
was entertaining, Taryn needed hot coffee, and she needed it now.
When a green-eyed blonde wearing a trench coat tapped on the open door, Taryn hoped her visitor was there on a mission of mercy for the caffeine-deprived.
“Taryn, I'm Belle.” Smiling, she hooked her purse more securely over her shoulder. “Cole said you drink coffee.”
“I do. Is there a pot brewing somewhere in the building?” She wondered if Belle might give her access to a different floor. That would be exciting.
“Not really. Get your coat and I'll walk you down to Cup of Cheer. They make the best java in Gingerbread.”
“I'm all over that.” Taryn saved her work and powered down the computer. “I was about to send out an SOS.”
“Trust me, I understand. Don't bother bringing your bag, though. This is my treat. Just make sure you have your access card.”
“It's in my coat pocket.” Taryn took her parka from the coat-tree in the corner. “Sounds like the Evergreen coffee room isn't up to your standards.”
“There is no coffee room. Just a cocoa room.”
“You're joking.” Taryn followed her out the door. “Who doesn't have a coffee room?”
“Evergreen Industries.” Belle headed briskly down the hall. She could walk fast for a short person.
Taryn had trouble believing the building had no coffee available. “Don't the employees complain?”
“Just me. Everyone else is fine with the cocoa. So I make the trek to Cup of Cheer every morning.” She swiped her access card through the reader and the elevator opened.
“Thanks for inviting me along.” Taryn noticed Belle's access card was the same as hers and Cole's. The only difference was in the coding and the name embossed on the back. What Taryn wouldn't give to have possession of that card for thirty minutes.
“I'm glad to do it. I'd walk back with you, but I have some things that require my attention in town. I'm sure you'll find your way back okay.”
Taryn laughed. “I can't imagine anyone getting lost in Gingerbread. Hiking around Mistletoe Mountain could be a different story, but I don't plan on doing that.”
“That's good.” They reached the lobby and Belle waved at Jolie S. Garland, who was still on duty. “That's a treacherous mountain. I'd stay away from it if I were you.”
“I didn't bring my hiking boots, anyway.” Taryn zipped up her parka as they started down the sidewalk that led to the heart of town. “What's your job at Evergreen?”
“I'm in HR.”
“So you're in charge of the elves.”
Belle's head whipped around. “What?”
“I figured you knew, but maybe not.”
“Knew what?”
Taryn thought it was strange that Belle actually seemed upset. Maybe she was the sort of person who didn't like being the last to find out what was going on in the company. “Cole's put all sorts of goofy names in the database. It fits because you're a Christmas ornament manufacturer, but I had to laugh. HR is titled â
Elves
,' and customers are listed under â
Naughty or Nice
.' Like I said, goofy.”
“Oh.” Belle let out a breath. “I guess I did hear something about that system. Leave it to my geeky brother.”
“He's one of a kind, all right.”
“He is. Gotta love him.”
Taryn thought it wise not to respond to that comment.
Belle switched the topic, which was probably a good idea. “You're from Seattle, right?”
“I am.” For the rest of the walk, Taryn answered questions about her native city, one Belle had never visited. Cole's name didn't come up again.
The coffee shop seemed even busier than it had when Taryn and Cole had driven by first thing that morning. She and Belle had to stand in line, and Taryn took that opportunity to scan the extensive coffee menu. Belle kept looking around the shop, almost as if she were expecting to see someone. She seemed agitated.
The line moved slowly, and Belle continued to glance over each time the door opened. “Do you know what you want?” she asked as she continued to survey the crowd.
“I'm getting an extra-large eggnog espresso. That should do the trick.”
“It should.” She looked away again. “Aha. I just saw someone I need to talk with.” She fished in her purse. “Here's my wallet. Order me a large double-shot peppermint latte, and I'll be right back.”
“Okay.” Taryn's heart began to pound as she realized the opportunity she had. What she was about to do was wrong. When she was caught, and she would be, she'd have no excuse other than the fact that she was doing it for love. But if she didn't overcome her scruples immediately, she'd lose her chance.
Opening Belle's wallet, she took out the golden access card and replaced it with her own. Then she tucked Belle's card in her pocket. Her heart was racing so fast she felt light-headed. Belle hadn't returned by the time she'd ordered and paid for both drinks. She walked over to the window where the orders were coming out, and she waited. The crowd was so dense and Belle was so short that Taryn couldn't see her.
Taryn's coffee came up first, and right after it did, Belle appeared, her cheeks bright red. “All set?”
“I have mine.” Taryn handed her the wallet, which by now felt like a ticking time bomb. “Thank you.”
“You're welcome. Listen, you don't have to stay. I have to go in the opposite direction, anyway.”
“If you're sure.” Taryn could hardly wait to get out of there.
“I'm sure. Nice meeting you, and I'll see you later.”
“Same here, Belle.” With what she hoped was a smile and not a grimace, Taryn left the shop. Instantly she began drinking as fast as possible without scalding her tongue. The caffeine would give her the courage she'd need for what she was about to do.
Once she was out of sight of the coffee shop, she chugged the last of her coffee and tossed the cup in a nearby trash can. Then she picked up the pace, but she couldn't run. That would attract attention.
She slowed down again twenty yards from the Evergreen building. She couldn't pant when she called out a greeting to Jolie S. Garland. She would have trouble acting normal as it was.
Jolie smiled at her. “Did you get your coffee, dear?”
“Sure did. Drank it already. Back to work!” She kept moving. Her hand trembled and she had to swipe Belle's card twice before the elevator doors opened. Luck was with her. It was empty. And lo and behold, all the numbers were lit.
Her finger hovered over the button for fifteen, but pressing it would have been stupid. No doubt she'd run smack into Cole the minute she stepped off the elevator.
Wait a minute. Besides the fifteen floors above ground, there were five below. She hadn't been able to see those with her original access card. And everyone knew secrets were always hidden in the basement. She punched B5.
The car started its slow glide down, and her stomach began to churn. She reminded herself Cole had promised nothing bad was going on in this building, and Cole was incapable of telling a lie. Unlike her. She was both a thief and a liar. She prayed Cole loved her enough to forgive her.
The elevator slid to a stop and the doors rumbled open to reveal...a paint and body shop? She wasn't tremendously familiar with them, but she recognized the giant paint sprayers. Positioned in the middle of the area, its new coat of red gleaming in the overhead lights, was a giant sleigh. The curved metal runners had been taped, as had all the metal fittings. A workbench along one wall was lined with various sized brushes and a large can of paint.
No one was in the shop, so she crept forward and looked at the white label on top of the can.
Sleigh, Gold Pinstriping
,
Formula 896
had been typed on the adhesive label. Could this be a prop for an advertising campaign?
If so, she couldn't imagine why she wouldn't be allowed to see it. No wiser than before, she returned to the elevator and rode to the next floor. This time, as the doors began to open, she was greeted by quite a racket. Staccato tapping filled the space, as if dozens of tiny hammers were being wielded by...elves.
Stepping through the open doors, she stared at tiny people wearing pointy caps, green tunics and leggings, and shoes that curved up at the toe and were each decorated with a bell. They didn't notice her. Of course they wouldn't. Christmas Eve was drawing near and they were
making toys for girls and boys.
She blinked, but the scene didn't change. Conveyor belts snaked through the two-story work area carrying finished toys to a wrapping machine. The toys emerged covered with bright paper and festive bows. Then they disappeared into a tunnel.
Slowly she backed into the elevator. This couldn't be real, and yet she was wide awake. She pinched herself to make sure. The secret, the one Cole had refused to tell her, was incredible, but she couldn't deny it now. Evergreen Industries, through some process she didn't understand but Cole obviously knew inside out, was responsible for making Christmas happen.
* * *
Cole glanced at the clock. Taryn would have her coffee by now, and he should probably contact her to see how she was getting along with the database. Texting her seemed like the best option. He'd begun composing one when his phone chimed. Noelle's name popped up on the screen.
He abandoned his text message and answered the call. “What's up?”
“You'd better get down here.”
He'd never heard Noelle use that tone, which was part command and part freak-out. “Be right there.”
Moments later he was in her office staring at the pictures coming from her surveillance cameras and swearing softly under his breath. “How did she get in there? Her access card was only coded for the IT floor!”
“Don't ask me, but we officially have a major security threat.”
Cole's chest tightened. Deep down, he'd known this would happen. He should never have brought her here. “Do you have the cocoa ready?”
Noelle hesitated. “Yes.”
“Will it work?” He was worried about Noelle's slight hesitation.
“It should.”
“It will erase all memory of me and of this place, but nothing else, right?”
“Uh, yes.”
He didn't like the faint tremor in her voice, which told him she wasn't all that confident about the cocoa. But even if the effects only lasted for a while, it would buy him some time, and it was better than nothing. “Get me some and bring it to my office. I'll go find her.”
“I'll meet you there.”
At this point, he didn't have to hide his powers anymore. Closing his eyes, he willed himself to B4, where Taryn was wandering through displays featuring the historical origin of the Christmas tree. He materialized next to her while she gazed up at a Scotch pine with candles attached to its branches.