I’ve never in my life had a sex dream, and I can’t figure out what is wrong with me. I’m crushing on a man that’s not even available and running from the one that is. I remind myself as I make the drive over to Dasher Sleigh’s residence that he’s kind of a jerk.
My phone rings, and without looking to see who it is, I click the Bluetooth in the car and answer.
“Good morning, this is Eve.”
“Morning? It’s almost afternoon,” is growled in response, and I know immediately who is on the other end. When I look at the time, I see it’s only ten-thirty.
“Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Sleigh?” I ask.
“You’re not here, and the party is days away.”
It isn't common for people to have parties on Christmas Day, but I guess with it being later in the day, most will have their Christmases over with. I’ll be running on a few hours of sleep unless I can slip out of Rich’s Christmas Eve party once I’ve seen everything is going as it should. Also I probably have to chat with Rich some, but how long do most dates last? Is that something I can Google?
“Eve!” I jump, having gotten lost in my own thoughts. “Where are you?”
“I’m on my way there now. There are people already on site setting up,” I point out.
“They aren't you.”
Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I’m thankful that he’s being a jerk so he can stamp out this silly crush I have on him.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Sleigh. I had to stop at another residence this morning, but rest assured you’ve got me for the rest of the afternoon.” Then I’m off to another holiday party tonight.
“Good.” He ends the call.
I let out a breath of frustration and turn on Christmas songs as I make my way across town. I smile when I see the giant candy canes lining the driveway, because as much of a jerk as Dasher is, I’m actually enjoying decorating his house. He didn't really give us a budget, and with the pink Christmas lights, I’m getting to try new things. Like these white candy canes.
They look solid white right now, but when the sun goes down, they will light up with colors. Then on the night of the party I’ll have music out front playing with them. Until then I’ll let the little girl tell me each night what color she’d like them to be. I think the best way to get Mr. Sleigh in a good mood is through the little girl.
I don’t even get my car into park and Dasher Sleigh is coming out the front door. I grab my clipboard for his house and take a deep breath before I slip out of my car. I look at the lights that have been added to some of the bushes and scan my eyes across the house. Again, I’m stalling.
“Who else are you doing jobs for?” Dasher demands.
His arms are folded over his chest, and he looks irritated. I walk over toward him thinking that even if Dasher was single I don’t think I’d be his type. From my cheesy holiday sweaters to the two buns I have in my hair again today, I’m not polished enough. He’s in a suit that costs more than my car, and it shows.
“We have a lot of clients. How has your morning been so far?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Whose party were you at today? Is their party at the same time as ours? I want you here during the party.”
“I’ll be here. I was at the Bagshaws’.”
“Their party is on Christmas Eve,” he says, so he clearly knows who they are, and I’m not surprised. Both men have a lot of power around here. With the way Jewels was acting over Dasher, he’s the one with the real pull. “Rich is an asshole.”
The need to agree with him hangs on the end of my tongue, but I bite the inside of my cheek so I don’t say it.
“Is that Eve?” I hear a little girl scream before fast steps sound, and she pops her head out the open door. “Can we have a hot chocolate bar?”
“Of course. Did you know I make the best hot chocolate in the world?”
“Really?” Her eyes light up. “Show me now. We can have a test run.” She grabs my hand, pulling me inside.
“Rae, I’m sure Eve is busy.” Jillian descends the stairs looking as beautiful as she did yesterday. Her blonde hair is down in soft waves. There isn't a thing about her that’s out of place, but I can tell she’s different from a lot of the wives I meet. Her smile is genuine and meets her eyes as she looks at her little girl. Rae is a mini version of her mother, except for her eyes. Rae’s are green like her fathers.
“I’m never too busy for hot chocolate. I could use a glass myself, and we can talk about a few things I want to go over.”
“With me?” Rae asks in surprise as her eyes widen.
“With you,” I agree, and she goes back to pulling me toward the kitchen.
The inside of Dasher’s home is as breathtaking as the outside, especially this kitchen. I can feel his eyes on me as I walk, and when I look over my shoulder, I see he’s right behind me.
* * *
His eyes are on my ass until he sees I’m looking at him, and to my shock his wife is standing right next to him. She’s talking about something, but I don’t think he’s listening.
God, what a total jerk, I remind myself, pushing down the flutter in my stomach that he gives me. I think I’m going to need two hot chocolates.
Chapter 4
Dasher
I watch her every movement as Eve goes into the kitchen with Rae. I follow closely behind them and take a seat at the small table near the bay window. We have a live-in kitchen staff, so the kitchen is usually their area. But ever since Rae moved in, she’s forced us all to participate in the meal prep, and I can’t say I haven’t enjoyed the time together.
Rae is excitedly pointing to where all the dishes are and then showing Eve into the pantry. Jillian takes a seat across from me and opens the newspaper. She immediately hands me the business section while she reads the sports. You’d never know it by looking at her, but she’s obsessed with football.
Eve glances over at us out of the corner of her eye as she explains to Rae her secret hot cocoa process.
“How old are you?” Rae asks Eve, and Jillian clicks her tongue.
“That’s rude,” she tells her, and Rae tucks her chin.
“It’s okay,” Eve says and nudges Rae. “I’m twenty-four.”
“Are you married?” Rae asks, and Jillian makes another noise.
“Rae,” she warns, and my niece shrugs.
“It’s just a question.”
“It’s fine, really,” Eve says, and I’m playing with the edge of the paper as I wait for her answer. “No, I’m not married, and I don’t have any children either.”
“What about a boyfriend?” Rae asks quickly this time, and before Jillian can object, I kick her under the table.
“Ow!” she hisses at me, but all my concentration is on Eve’s answer.
“Um, no, not at the moment.” She’s quieter this time when she answers, and then I hear her explain some of the directions on how to melt the chocolate.
“My uncle is single,” Rae offers, and I remind myself to slip her some cash later.