Page 22 of Sleigh Rides With St. Nick

"I don't think so, but I'll try on my elf costume tonight to make sure.It's a while since I've worn it."

"Let me know if you need a different one," he said."There might not be any elves to hire, but I can probably still get a costume."

"Thanks."She gave him what seemed to be a genuinely appreciative smile.

Pieter nodded and started to leave before turning back around."The corridor is not the right place for anything that could cause an HR complaint if a member of staff catches you," he said.

Ivy's cheeks flushed red and she looked away.

I nodded, not really knowing what to say.It seemed to be enough for Pieter, and he went on his way.

"I was going to get some coffee," I said to Ivy."Do you want to come with me?"

"The mood is rather ruined," she murmured.

"The mood?"

She froze in place."Did I read the situation wrong?I thought you were going to kiss me again."

"Oh, I definitely was," I assured her."You didn't read anything wrong."

She let out a sigh of relief and pushed her hair out of her face."Good.I suppose coffee is an okay substitute."

"For now," I added.

Her laugh filled the air with warmth and I realised how much I wanted to hear it again."For now," she agreed with a smile that made it clear exactly where she stood on that matter.

Hopefully, we'd be able to sort something out so it didn't risk her losing her job at the marketing agency, because as much as I really wanted to kiss her again, I also didn't want to risk her career.But where there was a will, there was a way, and it was only a matter of time before we found the way.

Chapter10

IVY

I smoothed down my green and red skirt, feeling surprisingly nervous about being dressed as a Christmas elf for the first time in nearly twenty years.Luckily, the outfit still fit.I was sure Pieter would have been able to find a suitable costume at short notice, but it wouldn't have been the quality I was wearing now.

I made my way down to Nick's workshop, knocking on the door before pushing it open.I wasn't sure what it was about coming in here tonight that felt different, but it did.Maybe it was because I hadn't been down here without him bringing me himself, so it wasn't the same to arrive by myself.

"I'm through here," he called from the next room.

I swallowed hard and made my way through."Hey."

He turned around, his gaze instantly travelling over me and heating me in places that were entirely inappropriate given that he was currently dressed in a Santa suit.

I cleared my throat."So, am I an acceptable elf?"I asked.

"Very much so," he murmured.

"Good."I let out a sigh of relief."You're not portly enough for Santa."

He laughed."I haven't put the stuffing in yet.I've got a more dramatic beard too, I just haven't put it on yet because I need to finish setting up the sleigh."

"Anything I can do to help?"

"I don't think so, it's just turning on the lights now.But you can introduce yourself to Rudolph."

I frowned and made my way to the front of the sleigh where a man leaned against the prongs."Hi," I said.

"Hi," he responded."Rudolph."

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