Santa's Executive by Carrie Ann Ryan Read Free Book Online Page B

otherwise. Oh, they know the idea, but it’s the executives that enhance it. The executives help keep the magic alive, and I'm going to need you to help Justin realize that.”
    “Oh, yes, I understand.”
    “Good, Rina. I have faith in you.”
    “Thank you, Santa,” she whispered into the phone. They said their goodbyes and hung up. 
    Santa believed in her. Rina could do this. She could.
    She quickly said goodbye to Connie then headed to Justin’s place. Today would be their first day of training. Not just his, but hers as well. She wasn’t hiding from the North Pole anymore. She was actually going to be acting like an assistant in the open. They would be going to an orphanage a couple hours from town, and she and Justin would be playing board games and helping them with lunch. All the while, she’d be helping Justin spread Christmas cheer. An assistant wasn’t just someone who helped with the paperwork. No, she would actually be helping him harness his magic and learn control. That is, once he learns to actually use it, but that would come with her help. 
    She’d also tell him the truth. Though Santa had told her she could stay, she didn’t want to lie to Justin anymore; she couldn’t.
    The snow was just starting to fall as she pulled into Justin’s driveway. She’d checked the weather earlier and known it might be a small storm or something bigger; it just depended on how fast the wind moved it through town. Hopefully, it wouldn’t stick for longer than normal. Though her SUV could handle it, she wasn’t in the mood to drive in a blizzard.
    She tugged her hat down on her head, made sure her glamour was working, and got out of the car. The wind howled, and the cold bit at her. She hugged herself and made her way to the front door, which opened as soon as she hit the front step.
    “Hey, get inside. It’s got to be cold as hell out there,” Justin called out as he gripped her elbow, leading her in. She tried to ignore the heat that spread from his touch.
    It would be totally inappropriate to want him. 
    But, in reality, the connection between an assistant and their executive could be an intimate one if they let it. They were sharing magic, and sometimes a connection would hold. She hadn’t thought about that when she’d come down here. Honestly, she hadn’t thought much of anything. But, she couldn’t think of any of that now. No, she had work to do.
    Plus, the object of her thoughts was staring at her with an intensity that threatened to send shivers of need down her body. 
    “Rina?” Justin’s deep voice caught her attention, and she wanted to moan. Fruitcake, she had to get off that track. “What’s wrong? Are you still cold?”
    He pulled her closer and ran his hands up and down her arms. She almost closed her eyes and leaned into his touch but resisted. Barely.
    “I’m fine, just warming up.” She pulled back from his arms and tried to ignore the sudden loss. “Are you ready to go?”
    Justin smiled, though she could see the tension on his face. “Sure. I’ve been to this orphanage before. I love working with kids, hence the reason I became a principal.” His eyes widened, and his lips thinned. “Wait, did that happen because of what Santa did to me?”
    “I don’t know,” she whispered. “It could have been because of the magic running through you, but honestly, I just think you’re that good of a person.”
    He nodded, but she didn’t know if he believed her. “Okay, are you ready to go?” 
    She watched as his jaw firmed, and she felt the urge to trace her fingers down his stubble. He hadn't shaved that morning, and it only made him look sexier. This was going to be a long day.
    “Wait, before we go, I need to tell you something.” She took a deep breath and steadied herself. She really didn't want to lose Justin right when she’d found him. Not that he wanted her or anything; it was just a job. Right.
    Justin furrowed his brow and looked to her. “What is it? You