Secret Santa Read online

  She brightened considerably at the mention of the department’s get-together. “That’s right. We’re exchanging Secret Santa gifts.” She ran her index finger down the front of his tie and leaned in close. “If you’ll let me be your secret Santa Claus, I promise to give you a gift guaranteed to blow your mind, among other things,” she added suggestively.

  Jee-suz. Could the woman be any more forthright? At one time her blatant approach might have interested him, but now he just felt trapped. The need to escape, and fast, overwhelmed him. “Uh, thanks, I’ll remember that.”

  “Ummm, be sure that you do.”

  Before she could proposition him again, he stepped around her and made a quick getaway. Only then did he notice that they’d had an avid audience who’d witnessed the entire exchange.

  Great. Just great.

  The guys in the department were shaking their heads in disappointment, as if they couldn’t believe he’d turned down a sure thing. And then there was Drew, who was openly gay, and was grinning at Christian in that flirtatious, come-to-daddy way of his.

  Christian shuddered. He wasn’t homophobic and worked with Drew without any problems. He even considered him a friend, of sorts. But he was uncomfortable with the other guys’ jokes that if Christian ever decided to stray to the other side, Drew had first dibs on him.

  No way. No how. Christian was heterosexual all the way, and he was just on hiatus from dating at the moment to focus on his career. Who knew being celibate would be so difficult, and would compromise his manhood in the process, for crying out loud?

  Shaking his head, he beelined it down the long corridor that led to the executive suite that was Douglas Creighton’s office. He walked past a long panel of glass on the right-hand side, which framed Amanda Creighton’s office and mini-suite—a great perk for being the executive editor of Connoisseur and heiress to one helluva lucrative publishing company. The floor-to-ceiling window afforded her a modicum of privacy in her inner sanctum, yet allowed her to keep an eye on what was going on outside her office. From what he’d seen, the double doors behind her large desk led to a room furnished with a couch, sitting area, bathroom and even a small kitchenette.

  But even though Amanda had been born with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth, she wasn’t a prima donna as most people assumed, based on the first impression Amanda usually gave—of composed sophistication with a reserved personality all wrapped up in a staid, button-up designer suit or outfit. Instead, she was a woman who actually involved herself in all aspects of the company, including contributing her own monthly column, involving herself in various projects and assignments, and generally making sure that everything ran smoothly. She had a way of pitching in without offending anyone, and in the process earned the respect of her co-workers.

  Christian came to a stop at her open door. She was standing to the left of her desk at her tall cherrywood filing cabinet, and he lifted his hand to knock just as she pulled out a lower drawer and bent over at the waist to retrieve a file. His hand stilled as he took in the sensual curve of her hips and the sweetly shaped bottom in a pair of tailored black pants.

  Awareness hit him hard, and his lower body stirred. The reaction that Stacey had been after made its presence known now—a purely sexual response that reassured him that he was an all-American male who enjoyed women.

  But being attracted to the boss’s daughter was another thing entirely. Despite how much he might desire this woman, he put the brakes on his thoughts and that glimmer of attraction warming him in private places that had been cold and dormant for too long. Sure, Amanda was very pretty and everything soft and feminine, but there were certain lines in business that a smart man didn’t cross. And she had always been one of them. Because her office was also on the executive floor and she was so involved in all aspects of the company, they talked and interacted, but he just never allowed himself to treat her as anything more than a colleague, even if he wished otherwise.

  Having found whatever it was she’d been after, Amanda pushed the drawer closed, straightened and turned around holding a file folder in her hand. Her gaze landed on him as he stood in the doorway, and she gasped in surprise.

  “Christian,” she said, her tone breathless and her face flushed as she pressed a hand to her chest. “I didn’t hear you behind me.”

  Christian never would have considered a turtleneck sweater as a sexy piece of clothing, especially considering how much skin it covered—from beneath her chin, down her arms to her wrists, and all the way to her waist. But that was before he’d seen one on Amanda.

  The stretchy knit fabric clung to her upper body like a second skin, and without his permission his gaze dropped briefly to her breasts to take a moment to appreciate the lovely shape of those full, lush mounds outlined to perfection. The bright, festive red color of her sweater complimented her shoulder-length brown hair and made her eyes seem much darker and greener than normal—just as he imagined they’d look in the throes of passion.

  What the hell am I thinking?

  He mentally shook himself out of his trance and lifted his gaze back to hers. “Sorry about that,” he said, unsure if he was apologizing for sneaking up on her, or for ogling her breasts. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I was just about to knock. I’m here to see Douglas.”

  “Oh, of course.” She set the file folder down on her desk and appeared as professional and polished as always. If you didn’t count the fact that her nipples had tightened and were pressing against the front of her sweater like twin laser beams. An interesting reaction considering it wasn’t at all cold in her room.

  “He said for you to go on into his office when you arrived,” she said, as if her body’s response hadn’t betrayed her. “He’s expecting you.”

  He nodded. “Great. Thanks.” He turned to go, then something stopped him and he turned back around. “Are you going to be at the holiday party this afternoon?” He had no idea why he asked, or why her answer mattered so much. Maybe it was the attraction he’d always felt toward her, or maybe the hormones that still had his body in an aroused state that were talking for him.

  “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” She sat down behind her desk and met his gaze with an easy smile. “It should be fun.”

  Fun. There was that word again. “I was just accused by Stacey of not being any fun, so I better make sure I have a good time at the party.”

  She laughed lightly, probably because it was a known fact that Stacey had made it her mission to show him her version of fun. “With the Secret Santa gift exchange, the party is bound to be full of surprises.”

  He leaned casually against the door frame and tipped his head curiously. “So, whose name did you get?”

  She lifted a brow, making him feel like a naughty boy for asking. “You know I can’t tell you that.” Amusement laced her voice.

  “You could, if you really wanted to.” He pushed his hands into the front pockets of his trousers and grinned persuasively. “It hardly seems fair that you know who everyone else has for a Secret Santa, but no one knows who you have.”

  Her pretty eyes sparkled mischievously. “Ahhh, that’s one of the perks of being in charge of the list. And, I’ve always been good at keeping secrets.” Then she pointed across the way to the big double doors behind Christian. “I do believe Douglas is waiting for you.”

  He immediately straightened and silently reprimanded himself for getting so caught up in the conversation, for getting so caught up in Amanda, that he’d forgotten his original reason for being there.

  What the hell had that been all about?

  Refusing to analyze that particular question, he turned around and made his way toward Douglas’s office. He took a brief moment to collect his composure and thoughts, then knocked twice and entered the spacious room.

  The other man glanced up from where he was sitting behind his desk. Douglas was in his mid-sixties, but he was one of those lucky men who had the kind of ageless features and thick, salt-and-pepper hair that be
lied his age and gave him a distinguished look. His eyes were the same green shade as his daughter’s, and held a wealth of wisdom and shrewd intelligence.

  Christian closed the distance between them. “You wanted to see me, sir?”

  “Yes, I did.” Douglas took off his wire-framed glasses, set them on a pile of papers, then waved a hand at the chairs in front of his desk. “Have a seat, Christian.”

  It wasn’t often that he was summoned to Douglas Creighton’s office, and considering the last time he’d paid a visit to the big boss had been for scandalous reasons, Christian was hoping this meeting would end on a more positive note.

  Settling into one of the seats the other man had indicated, he forced himself to relax. “What can I do for you, Mr. Creighton?”

  “Actually, it’s what I’d like to do for you.” Douglas leaned back in his chair and regarded Christian in that direct manner of his. “I was just reviewing your most recent employee evaluation, and I’m very impressed with your sales performance review, as well as the initiative you’ve taken lately in various creative approaches that you’ve used to increase advertising sales in the magazine.”

  So far, so good, Christian thought. “Thank you.”

  “It seems you’ve really put that talent and drive I’ve always known you possessed to good use. Your hard work, along with all the long hours you’ve put in at the office has been duly noted.” Withdrawing an envelope from the top drawer of his desk, Douglas handed it to Christian. “Here’s a holiday bonus based on your review.”

  The flap wasn’t sealed, and Christian took a quick peek at the check inside. He swallowed hard, bowled over by the amount of his bonus. “That’s very generous. Thank you.”

  Douglas nodded. “I always knew you had potential, Christian, given the right incentive and direction. And I want you with the company for a long time to come. You know that the sales director position needs to be filled, and there’s a few of you I’m considering for the job. Keep up the good work and we’ll see how things go after the first of the year.”

  Excellent. Now, all Christian had to do was keep himself on the straight and narrow for the next two weeks, and one of those outer offices with a view of Manhattan might just be his after all.

  F ESTIVE AND FUN DEFINITELY described the department’s holiday party later that afternoon. Considering how Christian’s meeting had gone with Douglas, he was in a fantastic mood and ready to enjoy himself for a few hours.

  Everyone on the executive floor was gathered in the reception area where a small three-foot Christmas tree had been placed. The fake green branches were weighted down with silver tinsel, swags of garish garland and bright ornaments. Beneath the tree was a slew of gaily wrapped presents waiting to be opened.A table had been set up with holiday sweets and potluck style offerings, and Christian had already indulged way past his normal limit. Eggnog, hot spiced cider and lively conversation flowed freely, mingling with lots of revelry and good cheer. An abundance of mistletoe that someone had hung in strategic places around the room added to the entertainment, but Christian steered clear of those sprigs of trouble. He had no desire to get caught in a compromising position with Stacey, or anyone else for that matter.

  Then there was comedic Drew, who’d attached a sprig of mistletoe to the front of his slacks as a joke, but as yet no one had taken him up on the offer to plant a kiss there. When Drew crooked his finger Christian’s way, he merely laughed and shook his head at the other man’s outrageous humor.

  “Okay, everyone, take your seats,” Stacey announced excitedly, clapping her hands to get the group’s attention. “It’s time for the gift exchange.”

  Christian found an empty chair and sat down across from where Amanda was seated. They exchanged smiles before Jason, the guy sitting next to her, said something and she started talking to him. That was okay with Christian because it gave him a few moments to watch her interact with the other man. His gaze took in her profile and the classic features that made up her lovely face. He watched her sensual lips as they moved, the way her green eyes sparkled with genuine sincerity, and the breathy, lighthearted way she laughed.

  He felt that familiar tug of awareness and glanced away before it slipped beyond his control. For the past five years that he’d worked with Amanda, Christian had always found her attractive in a very soft and subdued way—quite the opposite of the bold and willing women he’d hooked up with in the past. But in his head, he’d always known that she was way out of his league. She still was, considering who her father was, and he’d do well to remember that before he did something incredibly stupid—like ask her out on a date.

  Yeah, like someone of her caliber would be interested in a playboy like you!

  He pushed the thought from his mind and returned his attention to the party. Someone had brought a CD of holiday songs, and strains of “Here Comes Santa Claus” filled the reception area. Christian looked up and saw Mrs. Santa Claus, coming straight toward where he was sitting with an I’m-going-to-eat-you-up smile on her lips. She bent low, giving him a unwanted view of her ample cleavage, and flashed her white ruffled panties to everyone behind her as she handed him the long, slim wrapped box she was delivering.

  “This present is for you,” Stacey said, licking her lips in a way he found much too tawdry for his taste. “And just so you know, you can unwrap me anytime, anywhere.”

  She walked away with a deliberate sashay of her hips, and he groaned, certain she was his penance for his own past promiscuous behavior. The good news was she made him realize that he had no desire to go back to that shallow, superficial way of living.

  The gift exchange began, with everyone taking a turn to open their presents. Jason received an engraved money clip, and Drew was thrilled to get the DVD gift set of his favorite movie, Broke-back Mountain. Someone gave Amanda a set of her favorite Victoria’s Secret bath products, and Stacey wasn’t at all ashamed to show everyone the racy G-string panties her Secret Santa had bought for her. In fact, Christian was surprised that she didn’t offer to model the barely there undies for everyone to see.

  Before long, it was Christian’s turn. He ripped the wrapping paper off his gift, lifted the lid and found a nice, dignified blue-and-gray striped tie inside. Nothing wild and crazy or embarrassing, thank God. Tucked between the tie and tissue paper was a small white envelope, and he picked it up. Undeniably curious, he withdrew the plain white note card inside and read the typed message.

  At first glance, this tie may seem like a respectable gift. And it is, if you wear it to work. But if you were my lover, I’d use this gift to tie you up so I could do all the things I’ve fantasized about doing to you for a long time now. I want to tease you, and please you, and make you lose control. Will you let me do those things to you?

  Hell, yes. He was so caught up in the moment that the answer came way too easily. Oh, yeah, he was definitely intrigued.Realizing that the note had actually aroused him, in more ways than one, he kept the box on his lap and dared to glance up. A dozen pairs of eyes were watching him, and he realized that there were only a couple of people in this room that he could think of who would have the nerve to send him such a suggestive note.

  “Mmmm, nice tie,” Stacey said appreciatively, and he had no doubt that she’d tie him up given the chance.

  “I agree,” Drew said, adding his fashion sense to the conversation, along with a wink at Christian. “Blue and gray look good on you and really bring out the color of your eyes.”

  Oh, God. Had Drew fantasized about gazing into his eyes while Christian was tied to his bed? Had he just gotten turned on by a gay guy’s propensity for bondage? The notion shriveled his arousal.

  Desperate for answers, he searched other faces for some kind of clue, but most everyone’s attention had moved on to the next person who was opening their gift. Everyone but Amanda, who looked at him with amusement and was trying not to laugh at Drew’s girlie comment.

  At least, that was what he assumed until a sudden realization dawned o
n him. Amanda was the list keeper, the one and only person who knew exactly who’d given him the gift. And he knew he was going to drive himself insane trying to figure out who his secret admirer was. Because there weren’t many people in this room that he wanted to get down and dirty with, and now that he had this tie and provocative note hanging over his head, he was going to be constantly second-guessing certain people’s motives, comments and suggestions.

  He couldn’t afford that kind of distraction right now, not with the promotion and corner office almost his. No matter what it took, he had to get Amanda to reveal who his Secret Santa was.

  2

  W ELL , THAT WAS CERTAINLY interesting, Desiree said, appearing on Amanda’s left shoulder to make her opinion known.

  Amanda carried a few empty bowls from the potluck into the break room in an attempt to clean up after the party, as well as to escape the speculative stare Christian had been tossing her way for the past half hour. She had no idea why he was watching her so intently, but his attention was starting to unnerve her.Interesting was definitely one way to describe his reaction to her gift. When he’d first opened the present she’d bought for him, he’d looked relieved that he hadn’t received some kind of outrageous gag gift. Then he’d read the note she’d tucked between the tissue paper and the tie. From across the room she’d watched his expression shift from pleasant surprise to fascination. She had to admit that the slow, sexy smile that had curved his lips as he’d read her intimate message had given her a small thrill. Oh, she’d definitely managed to get under his skin, until he glanced up, scoured the room with his gaze and his initial excitement gave way to full-blown panic.

  Amanda set the bowls in the sink and filled them with warm, soapy water. She had no idea what had triggered the latter response, and now, for some reason, he had her set in his sights. So, she figured the best thing to do was hide out until the party was completely over. Already, employees were heading back to their cubicles and offices to pack up for the weekend, so it was only a matter of time before Christian left, as well. With luck, the naughty note she’d sent to him would no doubt be forgotten by Tuesday morning, after Christmas had come and gone.