Today, Christmas Eve, things were utterly hectic. Hollie was currently in one of the many storage rooms, up a ladder searching for red ribbon. Her white jumper and black leggings had a fine layer of dust on them from her search.

“Lost something, beautiful?”

The smooth, deep voice caught Hollie off guard. Letting out a startled yelp, her whole body jerked and her footing shifted on the ladder. As she lost her balance and fell backwards, her yelp was replaced by a shocked cry. Her eyes squeezed shut as she tumbled, anticipating the hard landing to come, possibly breaking something; instead, her descent stopped suddenly.

Hollie’s eyes flew open. She turned her head, coming face to face with the man who’d been haunting her dreams for days. Her nose twitched at the scent of leather, wood, soap and something indescribably masculine. Swallowing past the sudden lump in her throat, Hollie murmured, “Haven’t lost a thing… other than my balance. Which technically was your fault. I was looking for more ribbon for the wrapping floor.”

“Well, I have been trying to get you to fall head over heels for me, I just didn’t expect it to happen literally.” He chuckled, head dipping to rest their foreheads together.

“Oh, you’re so funny.” Hollie retorted, swatting at his shoulder. “Now, put me down! I need to find that ribbon, or we’re going to fall far behind.”

She couldn’t stop the giggle that slipped free as Tall, Dark and Sexy spun them around and deposited her on top of an antique desk. He threw a saucy wink at her before turning and moving to the ladder she’d been on; his hand curled around one of the wooden rungs and pulled it along the runner to another section of drawers.

As he climbed the ladder, Hollie leaned back, planting her palms on the desk and enjoying the view of the way his dark denim jeans clung to a well-sculpted ass. Hollie was forced to bite down on her lower lip to stop herself from making an embarrassing sound when he stopped climbing and leant to one side; the position he was in as he rifled through the drawer was almost sinful.

While her mother had always taught Hollie it was rude to stare, she honestly couldn’t help herself. A fwump sound from her right caused Hollie to tear her gaze away from the ladder. Lying in the basket beside her was a roll of red ribbon; soon it was joined by another, and then another until the basket was full.

“There you go. Red ribbon, as requested.”

There was a heavy thud a split second before she felt a firm squeeze against her knee. Hollie cocked her head slightly, studying his expression. She saw a mischievous twinkle in his whiskey-colored eyes, his lips curving upwards into a grin as he drawled cheekily “So, do I get a reward for helping?”

“Maybe,” Hollie hummed in response as she scooted towards the edge of the desk, a little closer to her sexy suitor.

“Maybe?” he repeated, one dark brow rising to mirror the curiosity in his tone.