Mistletoe Magic by Sydney Logan Read Free Book Online Page A

notice her, even if it was just for one day.
    On her way to the elevator, Melanie couldn’t help but think about the nice store manager and his wish for her. As much as she hoped for a wonderful Christmas with her husband, her only concern right now was that he didn’t already own a watch just like the one in this bag.
    And that was the prayer she whispered as she stepped onto the elevator.
     
    * * *
     
    The first thing Ethan noticed was her long legs. They were hidden beneath the fa bric of her black dress and stylish overcoat, but they peeked out as she walked onto the elevator. Without acknowledging him, she pressed the button that would take her to the first floor.
    Ethan’s appreciative gaze swept over her. She was a beautiful woman, with long, dark hair that curled just slightly on the ends. For just a moment, he considered reaching out and letting his fingers touch the silky strands, but sanity prevailed, and he quickly stuffed his free hand in his pocket.
    Instead, he cleared his throat and Melanie jumped, turning toward the sound. Her eyes widened when she saw him. He was dressed in a charcoal gray suit and light blue tie—a perfect complement to his soft eyes. One hand was in his pocket while the other held a small gift bag.
    “Doing some last-minute shopping?” Ethan asked.
    Melanie blinked rapidly before nodding.
    “I am,” she replied stiffly. “You?”
    He lifted the gold bag, giving it a little shake.
    She nodded. “For someone special?”
    “For my wife. You?”
    “My husb —”
    Her reply was cut short when the lights dimmed, and the elevator lurched to a stop.
    “Fantastic,” Melanie mumbled.
    The emergency lights flickered on, and Ethan pushed the alarm button before grabbing the elevator’s phone. Melanie listened intently as he barked orders to someone before slamming down the receiver.
    “The entire block is in the dark,” Ethan grumbled. He removed his jacket before settling himself on the floor.
    “What are you doing?”
    “Getting comfortable,” Ethan said. “The guy said it might be a while.”
    Melanie glanced down at her silk dress.
    “I’m not sitting on this dirty floor.”
    Ethan shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
    Melanie eyed his jacket.
    “Speaking of suits , isn’t that Armani?”
    “I have no idea which expensive name is stitched on the label.”
    She smirked. “But you know it’s expensive.”
    “There isn’t a suit in my closet that didn’t cost a fortune. My wife insists upon it.”
    “Maybe that’s b ecause your wife has good taste. ”
    “Maybe that’s because m y wife is too hung-up on labels. ” Ethan loosened his tie and sighed tiredly. “Just sit down. I hate enclosed spaces , and you’re making me nervous.”
    A stubborn Melanie remained on her feet, but the four-inch heels of her favorite boots weren’t the most comfortable, and after a few minutes, she finally relented and removed her coat. It was far less expensive than the dress, after all. She placed it on the floor before slowly sitting down.
    “See? Isn’t that better? ”
    Melanie sighed loudly.
    “One of us should probably conserve our cell battery,” Ethan suggested, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “My Blackberry has a full charge, so I don’t mind keeping mine on if you’d like to save yours.”
    With a nod, Melanie reached into her bag and turned off her iPhone .
    “You don’t want to text someone first?” Ethan asked. “Your husband might worry if you come home late.”
    Melanie somehow resisted the urge to laugh.
    “No one worries about me,” she said.
    A brief look passed between them before they both quickly looked away.
    “What about you? You don’t want to send a text to your label-loving wife to let her know you’re stuck in an elevator?”
    “No need.”
    “Why not?”
    Ethan gazed impassively at the pretty brunette.
    “Nobody worries about me, either,” he replied.
    Leaning her head back against the steel wall, Melanie took a deep breath and closed