Chapter 1

one

?. . .?

Anastasia

My fingers dance over the keyboard, finalizing the donation request letters for our annual Christmas charity drive. The community center buzzes with activity as volunteers hang garlands and set up tables, and my heart is overflowing.

This is what Christmas is all about.

"Anastasia?" Maggie, my co-organizer, pokes her head in. "You won't believe it. We got a massive donation for the toy drive. I'm talking life-changing money."

I blink, jarred from my reverie. "What? From who?"

She shrugs. "All it says is from a 'Secret Santa.' Whoever it is, they just made a lot of kids very happy this Christmas."

"Secret Santa," I murmur, a smile tugging at my lips. What kind of person can give so much and expect nothing in return? Even without a name, I feel drawn to their generous spirit.

"And that's not all. Someone else just volunteered to be Santa for the Christmas party." Maggie winks at me. "And let me just say, if his bod matches his voice, we are in for a treat. He's waiting for you in the main room."

My pulse quickens as I smooth my sweater over my curves. Why do I suddenly care what this mystery Santa thinks? I push open the door...and nearly burst into flames.

Holy mother of God.

Broad shoulders, a chiseled jaw—even in a Santa suit, the man steals my breath. He extends a large hand and I place mine in his, electricity arcing between us.

His blue eyes crinkle at the corners as he takes me in. "Anastasia," he says, like a caress, "looks like we'll be spreading Christmas cheer together.”

“Hi,” I squeak. “And you are?” I prompt for his name.

“I'm Ryan," he rumbles, holding my gaze. "Just a regular guy who wants to help out."

Regular, my foot. Everything about him screams power and confidence. I try to gather my scrambled wits.

"Well, Ryan, I'm so glad you're here." I flash him my warmest smile. "The kids will adore you."

"I hope so." His eyes dance with secrets.

He releases my hand and I feel bereft, aching for his touch. I turn abruptly to the decorations, my cheeks flushed.

"Shall we get started then? Lots of work to do to make the place merry and bright."

"My pleasure." The words roll off his tongue like an intimate promise. He takes a step closer, crowding me with his virile heat. "Just tell me what you want, Anastasia."

Everything , I nearly gasp. I want everything .

Trying to keep my voice steady, I direct him to the garlands. As we work side-by-side, hanging ornaments, our hands brush again and again, sending tingles through me.

I sneak glances at him, marveling at the sexy play of muscles beneath his red velvet coat. Who is this gorgeous enigma? When he catches me looking, a slow, knowing smile spreads across his face.

I quickly avert my gaze, pulse galloping, but his eyes stay branded on me. Melting me. The tension between us simmers, thick and heady, flavored with tantalizing possibility.

The hours slip by as we transform the space into a winter wonderland. With each passing minute, the pull between us grows stronger, a live wire of desire thrumming just beneath the surface.

"You're a hard worker," Ryan murmurs, suddenly behind me as I fluff the branches of the massive Christmas tree. "I admire that in a woman."

His deep voice resonates through me and I shiver, trying to ignore the images his praise conjures in my mind—of working hard in a decidedly different context. "T-thank you," I stammer. "I could say the same about you."

"Oh, you have no idea." His breath is hot against my ear and I nearly combust. "The things I could show you..."

I whirl around, a witty retort on my tongue, but the words evaporate at the smoldering look in his arctic eyes. He's so close I can see the faint shadow of stubble along his jawline. I wonder what it would feel like abrading my sensitive skin as he?—

A low whistle interrupts my forbidden fantasies. "Wow, you two sure got a lot done! Looks great!"

Kevin, one of the volunteers, stands in the doorway, his eyes wide as he takes in the transformed room. Spell broken, I force a smile.

"Ahem." Kevin clears his throat from across the room, snapping us out of our charged bubble. "So, looks like that storm is getting pretty gnarly out there."

I blink, disoriented, and step away from Ryan's heat. Glancing out the frosty window, my eyes widen at the swirling white squall blanketing everything in sight. When did that happen? I've been so wrapped up in Ryan I didn't even notice the weather turn from flurry to blizzard.

"Wow, you're right. It's really coming down." A thrill chases down my spine at the prospect of being snowed in with Ryan, followed by a shot of apprehension. Spending the night alone with him could be dangerous. Deliciously dangerous.

"Guess we better bunker down and keep warm, huh?" Ryan winks at me, his meaning crystal clear. Molten heat pools low in my belly.

"I suppose so," I murmur, busying myself with straightening the ornaments. Trying desperately not to imagine all the sinful ways he could keep me warm.

Kevin shuffles his feet. "Um, if you guys don't need me anymore, I think I'll try to head out before it gets worse. I got my four-wheel drive outside, so I should be fine getting home considering how close I live."

Part of me wants to beg him to stay, to preserve some semblance of propriety. But the wicked voice in my head cheers at the thought of finally being alone with my Santa Charming.

"Oh, of course, Kevin." I paste on what I hope is a reassuring smile. "You go on home. Ryan and I will finish up here. Drive safe!"

He hesitates, eyes darting between me and Ryan. "You sure?"

"Positive," Ryan answers smoothly, his tone brooking no argument. "I'll take excellent care of Anastasia. Don't you worry."

Oh lord. The way he says it, like a dark promise, sends shivers cascading down my spine. I have a feeling he intends to do a lot more than trim the tree with me tonight.

And part of me thrills at the thought, but then there’s that other part of me—that unsure virgin part of me—that hesitates.

Kevin lingers another moment, then shrugs. "Alright then. You two stay warm. See you at the party!"

With a jaunty wave, he zips his coat and pushes out into the snowy night.

I turn back to find Ryan looking at me with a decidedly wolfish grin, and my stomach flutters.

Seemingly unperturbed by the news, Ryan simply grins. "I'm sure we'll find some way to pass the time. Right, Anastasia?"

The way he says my name, like a filthy promise, nearly brings me to my knees.

Lord help me.