Her Secret Santa Read online

  Table of Contents

  Cover Page

  Excerpt

  Other Books By

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Epilogue

  Copyright

  “I thought maybe you were running around playing Santa or something”.

  If she only knew. “I don’t think he’d appreciate my horning in on his business, do you?”

  “That’s all right, Mathias,” Jacq consoled. “I’m sure you do your best.”

  “Gee, thanks,” he retorted dryly. “It gives ’damned with faint praise’ a whole new meaning.”

  “Only when you’re being compared to Santa Claus.” Tilting her head to one side, she teased, “You would look fantastic in a red suit, however. No competition there.”

  He offered a lazy smile. “Most people who know me would agree. Though I suspect the red suit they have in mind comes with a tail, horns and a pitchfork.”

  Welcome to the last of our Simply the Best showcase! This month’s recommended reading is Her Secret Santa by RITAÇ Award nominee Day Leclaire.

  UPCOMING BOOKS BY DAY LECLAIRE: March 1998 #3495 The Twenty-Four-Hour Bride

  Whirlwind Weddings

  Nick Colter can’t forget the one night he spent with Dani Sheraton, nine months ago. Neither can Dani—their baby’s arrival is, well…imminent. Within twenty-four hours of Nick’s return, Dani finds herself a wife and a mother. Now all she has to do is teach her new husband about love!

  June 1998 #3508 The Boss, the Baby and the Angel

  Guardian Angels

  Combine one match-making angel, a tiny baby and a cynical boss and you end up with trouble made in paradise. Angie Makepiece is sent to earth to find Reed Harding a wife, instead she finds something she’s never experienced in heaven—or on earth—true love!

  Fall 1998 The Miracle Wife

  River Sierra wants a mother—a mother just like the beautiful fairy in her story-book. And so she makes a wish, a wish heard by her best friend—Gem. And, even if it takes a miracle, Gem’s determined to find River a mother and Raven a wife!

  This is a wonderful complete romance in itself, which also offers a unique opportunity to revisit old friends from Her Secret Santa (II) and The Twenty-Four-Hour Bride (Raven, River and Gem).

  Her Secret Santa

  Day Leclaire

  For Michelle Carew and all those who have fought her fight. May she inspire others as she inspired me. And special thanks to Katosha Belvin, Media Coordinator, National Marrow Donor Program.

  PROLOGUE

  HE’D found her!

  Mathias Blackstone allowed a small smile of satisfaction to touch his mouth. After all these months, he’d finally found Jacq Ran dell. The discovery brought him within one short step of his goal—to prove that the elusive Ms. Randell was the even more elusive Jack Rabbitt, author and illustrator of the most popular line of children’s books currently on the market. His client would be pleased to hear the news.

  Very pleased.

  How interesting that he’d run her to ground in Seattle of all places, hiding right beneath his very nose. The fact that she’d turned out to be Turk Randell’s daughter was even more ironic. Turk’s public relations firm had been attempting to snag his attention for two solid years. It was a coincidence Mathias intended to use to his full advantage—once he came up with a client in need of a PR firm. Did Randell know his daughter was also Jack Rabbit? If not, it offered interesting possibilities.

  After all the research he’d done, he was intensely curious to meet Jacq, which was why he’d accepted Turk Randell’s invitation to this party. Mathias had hoped to meet her in an informal setting. The sketchy facts he’d gathered had captivated him, stirring an interest he hadn’t felt in years. Studying her artwork—assuming it was hers—had only served to magnify that interest. She was twenty-eight, described by those who knew her as both strong and dainty, brilliant and vague, stubborn and easygoing. The contrasting comments intrigued him. Only on one fact did all agree. Jacq Randell guarded her privacy with ruthless determination.

  He folded his arms across his chest and waited patiently until the glittering array of guests cleared from his line of vision. He’d been forced to ask someone to point her out, but fortunately such a large party allowed him to maintain a certain level of anonymity. It gave him time to analyze the situation at his leisure, while searching for any vulnerabilities he could use. As the tide of humanity finally ebbed, he spotted Jacq by the buffet table and fought a sense of amazement.

  He found it hard to believe that this bit of whimsy was Turk Randell’s daughter. She looked nothing like her father. For that matter, she didn’t look anything like her brother or sister, either. To a one they exuded a brittle sophistication—tall and handsome with sleek black hair, sleeker figures and brilliant jet-hued eyes.

  But not Jacq.

  She was as delicate as spun glass. Almost coltishly slender, she’d caught the weighty mass of streaked blond curls at the nape of her long fragile neck. As she bent to sample the hors d’oeuvres, her scoop-necked dress revealed the fine bones of her shoulders and offered a tantalizing glimpse of sweetly rounded breasts. His mouth tightened. Didn’t they ever feed the woman? Apparently not, considering the way she devoured the bite-size appetizers, her greed as unconscious as that of a ravenous child. She peeked around just then, as though checking to see if any observed her voracity. Huge hazel eyes dominated her triangular face. They stared out at her surroundings with an avid curiosity so revealing, he longed to shield her from a world waiting to consume her.

  And then it hit him.

  He was the only one waiting to consume her. He was the one destined to hurt her.

  Too bad, came the regretful thought. He hadn’t felt this attracted to a woman in a long time. But as much as he might wish it otherwise, his client’s need took precedence. There could be no doubt about how this chase would end. Like the rest of the Randells, this woodland sprite didn’t stand a chance against him.

  J.J. Randell caught her brother, Cord, by the arm. “You’re not going to believe this!” she said in a gleeful undertone.

  “What? What did I miss?”

  “Mathias Blackstone is here.” J.J. towed him toward their father. “No, no, you fool. Don’t look. He’ll see you.”

  “He came? Blackstone actually came?”

  Turk Randell joined them, a broad grin spreading across his striking face. “Oh, he came, all right.”

  A sardonic expression gleamed deep in J.J.’s dark eyes. Her father was practically salivating over the unexpected coup. But then, why shouldn’t he? He’d been striving to gain Blackstone’s attention for two solid years. To have such a man connected with their public relations firm would be worth a fortune.

  “The interesting question is…why did he come?” J.J. commented.

  “What do you mean, why?” A frown marred Turk’s chiseled features. “He must be interested in using Limelight International. What other explanation could there be?”

  J.J. shook her head. “I don’t think so. He’s here for a reason, all right. But not the one you’d hoped. Look who’s snagged his attention.”

  Like puppets on a string, her brother’s and father’s gaze swiveled from Blackstone to. the source of his scrutiny….

  Jacq.

  “Damn.”

  “We’re sunk.”

  “What the hell could he want with her?” Turk complained. “She doesn’t e
ven work for the company.”

  “Not anymore,” J.J. couldn’t resist needling. She studied Blackstone, adding sagely, “And I think his interest is obvious.”

  Her father’s brows jerked together. “You can’t mean he’s—You don’t seriously believe he’d want—” He gritted his teeth. “Don’t be ridiculous!”

  “Wait a second, Dad. I think J.J.’s right,” Cord inserted. “I think Blackstone wants Jacq. It’s a man/ woman type deal. You know?”

  “Only too well. I’m fifty, not dead,” Turk snapped. “It just doesn’t make sense. Why would a man of Blackstone’s caliber want someone as artless as Jacq?”

  J.J. smiled sadly. “How can you say that? She looks and acts exactly like Mom.”

  A momentary anguish flickered deep in Turk’s black eyes. “She is like your mother,” he whispered. “Isn’t she?”

  “And every bit as attractive in a pixieish sort of way.”

  Turk’s mouth firmed. “You both think that’s what he’s after? You think he wants Jacq?”

  “Without question,” J.J. responded.

  “Absolutely,” Cord seconded.

  Their father inclined his head. “In that case, let’s make certain Mr. Blackstone gets what he wants”.

  Jacq examined the buffet table with unconcealed greed, popping something round and vaguely green in her mouth. Not bad. But then, considering she couldn’t remember her last meal, she wasn’t inclined to be choosy. In fact, if it hadn’t been for severe hunger pangs, she’d never have ventured within a thousand miles of her father’s public relation “do.”

  She risked a quick glance in Turk’s direction and frowned, a shrimpy something-or-other halfway to her mouth. Uh-oh. No question about it. She’d chosen the worst possible party to crash. Her dear relatives—jungle cats to a one—were definitely on the prowl. They’d slunk to the far end of the room, amassing like black storm clouds, their joint gazes glued to…She craned to catch a peek and nearly choked on her shrimp.

  Dear heavens! Had they completely lost their collective minds?

  The source of their fascination had to be the most dangerously attractive man she’d ever seen in her entire life. Just a single glimpse made her itch to grab a sketch pad and set to work—from a safe distance, of course. Tall, beautifully proportioned and leanly muscled, his hair was a rich ebony. And his eyes…Even from across the room she could see that his eyes were an incredible shade of ice-green. They were cool—too cool for her taste—with a sharp intelligence that warned that he didn’t miss a trick.

  He turned that gaze in her direction just then and she froze, seeing the fire beneath the ice, sensed the power and determination that ruled his keen intellect. It was then that she realized how thoroughly she’d overestimated her relatives. They weren’t jungle cats, but yapping scavengers, fighting over food scraps this lithe, dragonesque creature spurned. Whatever they wanted from him, they were way out of their league.

  This was a man to be avoided at all costs.

  The instant he turned his attention elsewhere, Jacq scooped a handful of hors d’oeuvres into a linen napkin and beat a hasty retreat. Limelight International hoped to get something from this man-dragon and the safest place for her was out of the line of fire. Besides, she couldn’t wait to get to work. From the moment she’d glanced his way, a thousand images had leaped to mind, followed by a thousand story ideas—all inspired by this one man. She had to get to her studio.

  Now.

  “Mr. Blacks tone.” Turk greeted his guest with a meticulous blend of jovial friendliness and careful deference. “How kind of you to attend our little get-together.”

  Mathias inclined his head, his attention centered on Jacq’s hurried exit. “Randell.”

  Turk noted Blackstone’s interest. It would seem J.J. was right. Jacq had definitely captivated the man. Damn. Without question, that would complicate their situation. Knowing his eldest daughter, she’d make matters as difficult as possible. In fact, she had a singular talent for it.

  “I hope your presence means you’ve decided at long last to utilize our firm,” Turk said, determined to seize the opportunity at hand.

  “Not quite. I’ve decided to give your firm a trial run.”

  Not as much of a concession as Turk had hoped, but still a definite coup. “I’m delighted to hear it. Might I suggest a meeting to discuss specifics?”

  “Excellent suggestion.” Mathias turned then and focused the full power of his pale green eyes on Turk. “Tomorrow evening at six would be convenient.”

  “Fine, fine. Shall we meet at your office or—”

  “I’d prefer we meet here. I’d like to get acquainted with the rest of your family. Your entire family.”

  “Of…of course.” Damni It didn’t take a genius to read the underlying message. Blackstone expected Jacq to be there. “You’ll join us for dinner tomorrow?”

  “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. I have other plans.”

  “I see.” For the first time in a dog’s age, Turk found himself at a loss for words. Only thirty years’ worth of experience dealing with difficult situations saved him now. “Tomorrow at six it is, then,” he said, offering Blackstone his hand. “We look forward to meeting with you.”

  Mathias inclined his head. “And I look forward to meeting the rest of your family.”

  He departed without another word, leaving Turk cursing with equal virulence Blackstone’s disconcerting personality and his daughter’s contrary nature. Neither boded well for Limelight International’s future.

  CHAPTER ONE

  “YOU have to come,” J.J. wailed, pacing the library of the main house in long, frantic steps. “We promised Blackstone you would.”

  Jacq shrugged. “I guess you’ll have to unpromise him. You know better than to make plans on my behalf.” She selected the book she needed and turned, shooting her sister a cool look. “Especially without consulting me first.”

  “But, we couldn’t ask,” her sister argued. “Blackstone caught us by surprise with his request. He announced that the entire family had to be present at this meeting tonight and then walked off. Believe me, it didn’t leave any room for discussion.”

  “I’m sure he meant the Limelight portion of the family,” Jacq said, seizing on the probability with illconcealed relief.

  J.J. shook her head. “Not a chance. According to the information we’ve been able to gather, Mathias Blackstone is the most exacting man anyone has ever met. He made it clear that he expected all the Randells present tonight and that’s what he meant.”

  Jacq frowned, wishing she knew enough about the man to argue the point. Unfortunately, she didn’t. Besides, her sister might be only twenty-four, but she had the uncanny ability to assess a person’s strong points and flaws with pinpoint accuracy. It was a skill Turk exploited with ruthless disregard. If J.J. said Mathias Blackstone expected all the Randells to show up, then chances were excellent that’s what he meant. Jacq nibbled on her lower lip. The question she’d like answered was…why?

  An image of rapacious green eyes leaped to mind— eyes that currently graced the fierce black dragon in her latest series of sketches. She’d planned on adding a dragon to her children’s books for over a year now— she’d even written the story that would introduce him to her readers. But she’d never found the right model for such a dangerously elegant creature.

  Until now.

  She scowled at the plant book she held. The frustrating part was that she’d spent all of last night and half of this morning working on the project. But no matter how hard she’d tried, she’d been unable to get the dragon quite right. Even after dozens of sketches the essence of the beast continued to elude her.

  “Jacq, please say you’ll come. This is important.”

  “For you Limelighters, it’s always important,” Jacq retorted absently. Maybe it was the body. Mathias Blackstone had a lithe elegance about him. A grace to his movements that she’d had difficulty adapting to the larger, more cumbersome size of a d
ragon. Perhaps if she tried sketching him in flight it would work better.

  “No, I mean this is really important. Dad’s been working for two solid years to catch Blackstone’s eye. He’s…he’s put a lot of money into the campaign.”

  That caught Jacq’s attention. “How much money?” she questioned sharply.

  “A lot. But don’t you see? This time he’s made the right decision. Blackstone’s attendance last night proves that. He’s interested. If we can obtain even a small portion of his business for our PR firm, it’ll be worth every penny Dad spent. We’d be set for life.”

  Jacq’s lashes flickered downward, concealing her expression. How many times had she heard that line before? “Why do you suppose Blackstone wants me there?”

  J.J. shrugged. “Who knows. He’s just like that.”

  “Like what?”

  “I told you. Careful. Exacting. Thorough. Unbelievably precise. That’s why it’s taken so long to attract his interest. He likes to examine all the possible angles before he makes a decision.”

  “What’s so tough about making a decision?” Jacq questioned in genuine confusion. “You just do it.”

  “Well, not Mathias Blackstone. Unlike normal people, once he reaches a decision, he never changes his mind.”

  “You’re kidding. Never?”

  “Never. I guess that’s why he works so hard to get it right the first time.”

  “How very black-and-white of him.” Jacq shot her sister an impish grin. “Personally, I need more elbow room. That’s why I like all that colorful area in between. It offers so many intriguing possibilities.”

  “Not Blackstone,” J.J. reiterated. “None of those colors exist for him. I don’t even think they’re in his vocabulary. He’s the most ruthless, intimidating man I’ve ever met. And those eyes of his!” She shivered. “It’s like looking into a sea of green ice. They freeze me solid.”