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  Holly was truly in awe of Finn. He was such a contradiction at times. He worked long, hard hours, but he didn’t expect his employees to do the same. He didn’t celebrate Christmas, yet he planned Project Santa. At the office, he was all about profits and yet here he was planning to donate a portion of those profits to people in need.

  For a man who hated Christmas, he certainly was doing a fine job of filling the boots of Santa this year. And she was more than willing to help him pull off this Christmas miracle. Although it was odd to have all of this talk about Christmas and presents surrounded by sunshine and the blue waters of the Caribbean.

  Holly redirected her attention to the meeting, taking notes on her laptop and pulling up information as needed. She was tasked with running interference when tempers soared. Each of these men were billionaires and used to getting their own way, so compromise was not something they entertained often.

  Some wanted to switch the Project Santa packaging to gift bags to cut costs. Others wanted to make the content more meaningful—something that wouldn’t just entertain but help the recipient.

  “Gentlemen.” Finn’s face was creased with stress lines. “This was all decided long ago. It’s too late to change our plans. The gift boxes are strategically packed according to the location of each child.”

  Mr. McMurray leaned forward. “And how do we know these packages will get to the children?”

  “Yeah, I’ve heard that a lot of these outreach programs are fronts for scams.” Mr. Caruso, a gray-haired man, crossed his arms. “What if they steal them?”

  “I hear your concerns. That’s why some of my best Lockwood employees will escort each shipment to their destination. They are each tasked with making sure the packages get to their intended targets.”

  There was a murmur of voices. Holly noticed that Finn wasn’t happy with the distractions, but he patiently let the men voice their concerns before they moved on to the reason for this meeting.

  “Gentlemen, we need to address the problem we have with the lack of transportation now that Fred has suddenly pulled out.”

  Thanks to her research, Holly knew Fred Silver owned a delivery company that spanned the globe. As she listened to the men, she learned a federal raid on a number of Fred’s distribution centers put his whole company in peril. It seemed Fred didn’t have enough controls in place and the cartel got a foothold in his distribution routes. What a mess.

  “Without Fred, I don’t see how it’s possible to complete Project Santa.” Mr. Wallace shook his bald head in defeat.

  “I agree.” Mr. McMurray leaned back in his chair. “It’s already December. It’s too late to fix this.”

  The other men nodded in agreement.

  Mr. Caruso stared at Finn. “But we still have all of the books, toys and whatnot already allocated to this project. What do we do with it all?”

  The men started talking at once. Voices were raised as each tried to talk over the other. Holly found it amusing that these men, who were well-respected in their own worlds, had a tough time playing nice with their peers. Each thought they had the right answer. And none wanted to stop and consider the other’s perspective.

  “Gentlemen!” Finn leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. A hush fell over the room. “I think we need some coffee.”

  Finn glanced at Holly, prompting her into motion. She moved to grab the coffeepot with one hand and in the other she picked up a tray of pastries. As she headed for the table, each man settled back in their chair as though gathering their thoughts.

  Holly pasted on her best and brightest smile. “Mr. Wallace, can I get you some coffee?”

  The deep-set frown melted from the man’s face and in its place was the beginning of a smile. “Why, yes, coffee sounds good.”

  She turned the coffee cup upright on the saucer and started to fill it. “I think what you all have come together to do is amazing. Project Santa will give hope to so many children.” And then she had an idea. “And it will be such great publicity for your companies.”

  “Publicity.” Mr. Wallace shook his head. “There’s to be no publicity. Is that what Finn told you?”

  “No, he didn’t. I just presumed—obviously incorrectly.” She was utterly confused. She’d missed something along the way. “Why then are all of you working so hard on this project when you each have global companies to tend to?”

  They leaned back in their chairs as though contemplating her question. That was exactly what she was hoping would happen—that they’d remember why they were here and not give up. In the meantime, she served coffee for everyone.

  “Finn should have told you.” Mr. Santos reached for the creamer in the center of the table. “We each have so much that we wanted to do something to help those who have had a rough start in life. And with this being the season of giving, Finn came up with this idea. If we can make it work, it might be the beginning of something bigger.”

  “That sounds fantastic.” Holly smiled, hoping to project her enthusiasm. “Too bad you can’t make it work—you know, now that Mr. Silver isn’t able to participate. I’m sure it’s too big of a problem for you men to work around at this late date. Those poor children.”

  She turned to Finn, whose eyes widened. Oh, no. Had she gone too far? She’d merely wanted to remind these powerful men that they’d overcome greater obstacles in order to make their respective companies household names. If they really put their heads together and pulled in their resources, she was certain they could overcome this issue.

  “She’s right.” Finn’s voice commanded everyone’s attention. “We can’t stop now.”

  Tensions quickly rose as each powerful man became vocal about their approach to overcome these last hurdles and make the project a go. But this time they were pausing to hear each other out. And at times, building on each other’s ideas.

  Finn mouthed, “Thank you.”

  It wasn’t exactly the use of her mind that she’d prefer, but the more she heard about this project, the more she believed in it—the more she believed in Finn. He was nothing like his ruthless businessman persona that was portrayed by the press. Why didn’t he show the world this gentle, caring side of himself?

  * * *

  After spending hours to resolve the transportation problem with Project Santa, they were still no closer than they had been that morning.

  Finn had just showered and changed into slacks and a dress shirt before meeting up with his associates for a card game. This trip wasn’t all business. He’d learned long ago that keeping his allies happy was just as important as presenting them with a profitable deal.

  He’d just stepped out of his cabin and glanced up to find Holly coming toward him. Her hair was wet and combed back. She looked refreshed and very tempting. His gaze dipped, finding she was wearing a white bikini. She must have been unwinding in the hot tub. He swallowed hard. Look away. Concentrate on her face.

  Finn met her amused gaze. “Thank you.”

  “For what?” She adjusted a white towel around her slender waist.

  His mouth grew dry. “For your help at the meeting. You were a big help getting everyone to work together.”

  “I’m glad I could help.”

  And then realizing they were talking in the hallway where anyone might overhear, he opened his cabin door. “But the distribution is more than we can overcome at this late date.”

  Holly didn’t move. “Actually, I have some thoughts about your problem with the distribution. I don’t think it’s insurmountable.”

  He worried that she was a bit too confident. This was a national endeavor—coast to coast. But he had to admit he was intrigued. “Why don’t you step in here a moment?”

  Her hesitant gaze moved from him to the interior of his stateroom and then back to him. “I really shouldn’t. I’m still wet.”

  �
��I promise I won’t keep you for long. In fact, I’m due at a card game in a couple of minutes.”

  She noticeably relaxed. Without another word, she passed by him and entered the room. His heart thumped as he contemplated reaching out and pulling her close. What was it about her that had such a hold over him?

  She turned as he pushed the door closed. She averted her gaze as her hands wrung together. Was she aware of the energy arching between them? Could she feel his draw to her? Was she as uncertain as he was about what to do about it?

  “I don’t think I told you, but your boat is amazing.” She looked everywhere but at him. “I had no idea they were so elaborate.”

  “I’m glad you like your accommodations. I take it you enjoy sailing more than you do flying?”

  “Definitely. I don’t have to worry about falling out of the sky and—”

  “No, you don’t,” he said, not wanting her to finish that graphic image. “If there’s anything you want but can’t find, just let me know.”

  “You know if you keep this up, you’ll ruin your image.”

  “My image?”

  At last, her gaze met his. “The one of you being a heartless corporate raider.”

  He pressed a hand to his chest. “I’m wounded. Do you really believe those nasty rumors?”

  “Not anymore. I’ve seen the part you hide from the outside world.” Her voice took on a sultry tone as her gaze dipped to his mouth. “Why do you do that?”

  He swallowed hard, losing track of the conversation. “Do what?”

  “Hide behind your villainous persona when in reality you’re not like that at all.”

  His gaze shifted to her rosy lips. “How am I?”

  “You’re tough and hard on the outside, but inside...” She stepped closer, pressing a hand to his chest. “In there where it matters, you have a big heart.”

  “No one ever said that before.”

  Her hand remained on his chest as though branding him as hers and hers alone. “They just don’t know you like I do.”

  His heart pounded against his ribs. “And do you like what you’ve gotten to know?”

  “Most definitely.”

  His hand covered hers. “You do know if you don’t leave right now that I’m not responsible for what happens next.”

  “But what about your guests?”

  “They’re involved in a card game.”

  “Oh, yes, the card game. You don’t want to miss it.”

  By now she had to be able to feel the rapid beating of his heart. “I don’t think they’ll miss me.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He nodded, not caring if they did. There was nowhere else he wanted to be at this moment. “Are you sure about this? You and me?”

  “I’m sure that I want you to kiss me.”

  “Holly, I’m serious.”

  “I am, too. You do still want me, don’t you?”

  He groaned. “You know that I do.”

  His hands wrapped around her shapely hips and pulled her to him. In the process her towel came undone, pooling at her feet. He continued to stare into her eyes, watching to see if she’d change her mind, but he only found raw desire reflected in them.

  She lifted up on her tiptoes and he didn’t waste a moment claiming her lips. He was beginning to think he’d never tire of kissing her. The thought should worry him, but right now he had other things on his mind—things that were drowning out any common sense.

  As their kiss deepened, so did his desires. Once was definitely not enough with Holly. Her beauty started on the inside and worked its way out. If he were to ever entertain the idea of getting serious with someone, it would be her.

  Her fingers slid up his neck and combed through his hair. Her curves leaned into him, causing a moan to form in the back of his throat. Perhaps they could be friends with benefits. There wouldn’t be any harm in that, would there?

  He clearly recalled when things ended between them that Holly had said she didn’t want anything serious. In fact, she was the first one to say there couldn’t be anything more between them. For a moment he’d been floored and then relieved.

  Now as her lips moved passionately over his, he wondered what he’d been thinking by letting her walk away. They had so much to offer each other with no strings attached.

  But first he had to be sure Holly was still on board with the idea. He just couldn’t have her expecting some sort of commitment from him because in the end, he’d wind up letting her down.

  He grudgingly pulled back. Cupping her face in his hands, he gazed deep into her eyes. “Holly, are you sure about this?”

  She nodded.

  “Even though it’ll never lead to anything serious?”

  Again she nodded. “I told you I don’t do serious.”

  A smile tugged at his lips. How could someone be as perfect as her? The thought got shoved to the back of his mind as she reached up and pulled his head down to meet her lips. This was going to be a night neither of them would forget—

  Knock-knock.

  “Hey, Finn, you coming?” Mr. Caruso’s jovial voice came through the door. “Everyone’s anxious to get the game started.”

  Holly and Finn jumped apart as though they were teenagers having been caught making out beneath the bleachers. She looked at the door and then him. Her lips lifted into a smile before she started to laugh. Finn frowned at her. She pressed a hand to her lips, stifling the stream of giggles.

  “I’ll be right with you.” Finn ran a hand over his mouth, making sure there were no lingering signs of lip gloss. And then he finger-combed his hair.

  Holly gestured that she would wait in the bathroom. He expelled a sigh of relief. He really didn’t want to have to explain what she was doing in his room scantily dressed in that tempting bikini.

  With Holly out of sight and his clothes straightened, he opened the door. “Sorry I’m running late. I had something come up at the last minute. You know how it is.”

  The man clapped him on the shoulder. “You work too hard. Come on. The guys are waiting.”

  “I don’t think so. I really need to finish this—”

  “Work can wait, your guests can’t.” Mr. Caruso reached out, grabbed his arm and pulled him into the hallway. “After all, you’re the host.”

  Finn glanced back in his suite longingly, knowing the exquisite night he’d be missing. Playing cards had never looked so dull and tedious before.

  “You coming?”

  With a sigh, Finn pulled the door shut. “Sure. The work can wait till later.”

  “Try the morning. I have a feeling this game is going to last most of the night. Should we invite your assistant?”

  “I passed her in the hallway earlier. Holly—um, Ms. Abrams called it a night already.”

  “That’s too bad. I like her.”

  He liked her, too—perhaps far more than was wise. Or perhaps he was blowing everything out of proportion since it’d been a while since he’d been dating. In fact, he hadn’t dated anyone since his evening with Holly. No other woman had even tempted him after her. He wasn’t sure what to make of that.

  CHAPTER SIX

  THE NEXT MORNING Holly awoke late. But she didn’t feel too guilty. It was work that had her burning the midnight oil—not Finn.

  She ran her fingers over her lips, recalling Finn’s kiss before he’d left her for the card game. If there hadn’t been a knock at his door, she knew where things would have led. Part of her knew it was for the best, but another part ached for the missed opportunity.

  What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she be immune to his charms? It was like once his lips touched hers any logic disengaged and her impulses took over. She wondered if he had this effect over all women or just her.

  She knew
this thing between them couldn’t go anywhere. Her experience with men should be proof enough. First, her father walked out on her and her mother. And then while she was earning her paralegal degree, she’d met Josh. He was good-looking and charming. Deciding all men couldn’t be like her father, she let herself fall for him.

  Holly felt ill as the memories washed over her. Everything between her and Josh had been great for a while. In fact, it was the happiest she’d ever been. And then she’d learned Josh had a gambling problem that led to him stealing from her—the person he was supposed to love. She’d arranged to get him help and he’d sworn he would complete the twelve-step program.

  She’d wanted to believe him, but after what her father had done to her mother, Holly had to be sure. And that was when she’d caught Josh in a web of lies with another woman. Holly’s stomach soured at the memory.

  The depth of his betrayal had cut her deep. After Josh, she’d sworn off relationships. Her independence gave her a much-needed sense of security. And with her full attention focused on her work, she didn’t have time to be lonely. Guys just weren’t worth the heartache. And she’d stuck by her pledge until now. Finn had her questioning everything—

  Knock-knock-knock.

  She had a feeling there’d only be one person who’d come calling at her door this early in the morning. Still, she asked, “Who is it?”

  “It’s me.” The voice was very distinct. “Finn.”

  “Hang on.” She scrambled out of bed and rushed to grab her robe. It was then that she noticed her stomach didn’t feel right. It was way more than being upset about the unpleasant memories. She took a calming breath, willing the queasiness away.

  She moved to the door and pulled it open. Finn stood there freshly showered and shaved, looking like he was ready to tackle the world. “Good morning.”

  His gaze narrowed in on her. “Everything okay?”

  She ran a hand over her hair. “Sorry. I slept in.” Her stomach lurched. She pressed a hand to her midsection, willing it to stop. “I’ll, ah, take a quick shower and be right with you.”