Page 28 of Mountain Man's Naughty Elf
We spent the morning mapping out every detail—timing, positions, contingency plans. Having managed dozens of events, I knew every inch of the town square. And having planned North Pole Village's participation in the celebration, I knew exactly where Nolan would speak from.
"The stage has a massive screen behind it for videos," I explained. "If we can get access to the control booth, we could put the evidence right up there for everyone to see."
"That's our target, then. Rudy can help with that—he knows tech. He was always hacking things in high school. Got suspended twice for it."
As I leaned over the map, a strand of hair fell across my face. Pax reached out to tuck it behind my ear, his touch sending a tingle down my spine. Our eyes met, and the reality of our situation hit me.
"This is crazy, isn't it?" I whispered. "Four days ago, I'd never met you. Now we're planning to take down the mayor together."
"Four days ago, I wouldn't have cared about any of this," he admitted. "About Christmas, the town... about anyone."
I covered his hand where it rested against my cheek. "And now?"
The question hung between us, heavy with implications neither of us had time to fully explore. "Now I care," he said simply, but the intensity in his eyes spoke volumes more.
I leaned forward, pressing my lips to his in a kiss that was softer, more tender than our passionate exchanges of the previous night. When I pulled back, my pulse raced faster than Dasher and Dancer combined.
"You know," I said, running my fingers along the collar of his shirt, "when this is all over and we've saved Evergreen Falls fromcorruption, you deserve something special for putting up with all this chaos."
His eyebrow quirked up. "Is that right?"
I nodded, stepping closer. "Absolutely. A proper reward for every bit of generous spirit you're showing."
"I'll hold you to that," he murmured, his voice dropping to a tone that made my insides melt like snow under spring sunshine.
"We should finish eating and get ready," I said, my voice slightly husky. "We've got a crooked mayor to expose and Christmas to save."
By early afternoon, the roads were sufficiently cleared for travel. While Pax loaded his truck with emergency supplies, I gathered my now-clean elf costume.
"I can't believe I'm willingly putting this back on," I said, holding up the green and red outfit with its pointed hat. "But it's the perfect cover. No one will look twice at me.”
"What about the bells?" Pax asked. "They gave you away last time."
I grinned, holding up a small pair of scissors. "Performing emergency bell-ectomy as we speak."
I systematically de-jingled my costume, giving each bell a decisive snip. "No more sounding like Santa's approaching sleigh with every step," I muttered. This wasn't just about exposing Nolan anymore—it was about saving Christmas for dozens of children who might otherwise wake up to empty stockings. Children who trusted in the magic of the season, who deserved better than to have their joy stolen by a greedy politician.
"If anything goes wrong," Pax said, his voice grave, "anything at all, you get out. I'll handle Nolan."
I looked up, warmth spreading through me like hot cocoa. "My hero."
"I'm serious, Pepper. These people could be dangerous. Based on what Rudy said about those shady developers from Denver, Nolan's not just underhanded—he's connected to people who make problems disappear. In the literal sense."
"I know." I set down the scissors and crossed to him, placing my hands on his chest. "But we're doing this together. I'm not leaving you to face them alone."
His scowl deepened, but I could see the concern beneath it. After years of isolation, he was worried about someone else—about me. The realization made my chest tighten with emotion.
"Fine," he conceded. "But you stay close to me."
"I'll be right beside you," I promised with a wink, though my attempt at lightness couldn't quite mask the flutter of nervousness in my stomach.
The drive into town was tense, the truck's wipers occasionally clearing remnants of snow from the windshield. I clutched the USB drive containing the evidence, its small size belying its importance. This tiny device could ruin Nolan's career—something I'd never imagined doing to anyone, even after he'd broken my heart.
"Nervous?" Pax asked, glancing at my white-knuckled grip.
"Terrified," I admitted. "But also... ready. Nolan's been taking advantage of people's trust for too long."
Pax reached over, covering my hand with his. "They won't know what hit them."
