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Clutching her bag and purse against her body, Kaylee hurried to a nondescript green door and pressed a bell. After saying her name, she looked into the camera.
Seconds later, a soft click indicated the lock had been released. The moment she slipped inside, a loud, techno version of “Joy to the World” reverberated off the walls.
Definitely not an ordinary party.
For the first time all day, she exhaled, then, feeling decidedly more festive, she climbed onto the first step. In honor of the season, twinkling lights and garland were wrapped around the staircase banister and spindles.
When she reached the check-in area, Trinity, the receptionist, smiled and slid a pen and paper in her direction.
At that moment, her friend Maddie walked over, carrying drinks with lidded cups.
“We appreciate you doing this,” Trinity told Kaylee. “Master Evan is waiting for you at the coat check.”
What?Her thoughts plowed into one another, and she froze. It couldn’t be. But a program on the table listed Evan Frost as Santa.
Could the floor please open up and swallow her? “Master Evan?” The question emerged as a squeak, rather than in her usual no-nonsense tone.
“Yes. He’s filling in tonight because of an unexpected emergency.” Trinity tipped her head to the side. “Is that a problem?”
On every level.How had this happened? And worse, did he know? “He’s my boss.”
“I’m sorry.” Trinity sighed. “I had no idea.”
The Quarter honored their members’ privacy, and many attendees used scene names. Unless both parties agreed, there was no acknowledgment of relationships outside of the club walls.
“No worries.” In her customary way, Trinity went into problem-solving mode. “I’ll find someone to fill in for you.” She glanced at Maddie. “You’re about the same size as Kaylee, but you’ve already been working more hours than I’d like.”
Just then the bosshole himself pushed through the frosted glass door with its beautifully etched fleur-de-lis that separated the reception and foyer areas from the rest of the club.
Kaylee’s heart slammed into her throat.
Outside the fitness center, he’d been overwhelming. But now he was all-consuming. He’d changed into red pants that were tucked into large boots, and he’d donned a Santa hat. Not only that, but he was shirtless—showing off his massive chest and biceps, not to mention his honed abs.
The sight of his half-naked body made her mouth fall open.
Traitorous hormones.
Full of confidence and purpose, gaze focused on her, he walked to the check-in desk. “Something wrong?”
Trinity shook her head. “I wasn’t aware of certain facts, so we’re just sorting out options.”
“Ah.” He directed his attention to Kaylee. “May I have a word with you, Ms. Robbins?”
Trinity shook her head. “Not without her consent.”
“It’s okay.” Kaylee forced a small grin that she hoped didn’t come out as the grimace she was fighting back. “I deal with him all day.”
“That doesn’t mean you have to while you’re here.” Trinity’s voice held a protective note.
“I appreciate that.”
Since another group of people were behind her, Kaylee rounded the table to join Frost. No way was she even thinking of him asMaster Evan.
So why were her shoulders once again warm where he’d gripped her earlier?
He drew her to one side, near the vendor booths that seemed to be doing a brisk business.
“Look, Ms. Robbins—”
