Chapter Five
“Naughty or Nice”
Pepper
I woke at dawn, nestled against Pax's solid warmth, my head tucked perfectly against his shoulder.
The events of the day before—our passionate encounters in the bedroom and hot tub under the falling snow—played through my mind, bringing a flush to my cheeks hotter than chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
How had I gone from freezing elf on the doorstep to falling head over curly-toed boots for a mountain man in such a short time?
Yes, love. The realization didn't shock me as much as it probably should have. I'd fallen harder than a snowman in April for my grumpy mountain man, and judging by the way he'd held me last night, whispering my name like it was his favorite Christmas carol, I wasn't alone in these feelings.
The bed shifted as Pax carefully extracted himself, obviously trying not to wake me.
I kept my eyes closed, feigning sleep as he pulled on sweatpants and headed downstairs.
Even in my drowsy state, I admired the view—broad shoulders tapering to narrow hips, muscles shifting beneath sleep-warmed skin.
Santa had definitely delivered early this year.
I dozed a bit longer, then the smell of brewing coffee lured me from the warm cocoon of blankets. Grabbing Pax's discarded flannel shirt, I pulled it on, drowning in fabric that smelled of pine and that uniquely masculine scent that was all Pax.
As I reached the stairs preparing to greet him with a merry “Happy Christmas Eve Day,” I heard him speaking in low, tense tones. Pausing at the top of the stairs, I caught fragments of conversation that made my stomach twist like tangled fairy lights.
"...bullshit..." "...evidence..." "...meet you..."
When his call ended, I descended the rest of the way. "Who was that?"
Pax turned, his expression grim. "Rudy. Nolan's accused you of stealing the charity money."
My blood turned to slush. "What?"
"He held a press conference last night. Made an official announcement claiming you took the funds and ran."
What a snake! My blood boiled as I imagined his smug face at that press conference. "That lying, manipulative—" I stopped, forcing myself to breathe. Anger wouldn't help us now. "The roads. Are they clear?"
"Main highways are open. County roads should be passable by afternoon." Pax took my hands in his, their warmth grounding me. "We can be in town by early evening."
My mind raced ahead. “The Christmas Eve celebration at North Pole Village is tonight.
Everyone will be there. If we're going to expose Nolan, that's the perfect time.
" It was the biggest event of Evergreen Falls' holiday season, with the whole town gathered around the massive Yuletide tree. It was exactly the audience we needed.
"My thoughts exactly," Pax agreed, pulling me closer. "Rudy will meet us at the edge of town. He'll have press credentials, get us in early."
I nodded against his chest, drawing strength from his solid presence. "We need a plan. A good one."
His lips brushed my hair. "Good thing you've got an ex-Marine security specialist on your side. Let's get some breakfast, and then we'll plan our mission."
While Pax spread detailed maps across the dining table—of course he had tactical maps of the town, the man was more prepared than a veteran event planner on opening night —I made French toast, focusing on cooking to steady my nerves.
"You have maps of the town?" I asked, setting a plate beside him.
"I have maps of everywhere within a fifty-mile radius," he replied, unrolling another sheet. "Survival instincts."
I studied the detailed layout, both impressed and slightly unnerved by his thoroughness. "This is impressive. And slightly terrifying."
He smirked. "The town square is here," he pointed. "That's where they set up the main stage for events."
"The tree will be right here," I added, indicating a spot near the stage.
"It's massive—at least thirty feet tall, covered in thousands of lights and ornaments.
The whole square will be decorated with garlands, wreaths, and lights on every building.
" Despite the gravity of our situation, my holiday-loving heart skipped a beat.
Christmas Eve in Evergreen Falls was magical—even if this year, I'd be trying to take down the town mayor instead of handing out candy canes.
"Entry points?" Pax asked, all business.
"Main access is from these four streets," I traced them with my finger. "But there's also an alley behind the stage area where vendors and performers enter. That's our best bet for getting in unnoticed."
Pax raised an eyebrow. "You've got a good eye for weak spots."
I grinned. "I'm an event planner. Logistics are my business. Though I usually use my powers for less risky purposes, like figuring out how to fit three hundred people around one Santa."
We spent the morning mapping out every detail—timing, positions, contingency plans. Having managed dozens of events, I knew every inch of the town square. And having planned North Pole Village's participation in the celebration, I knew exactly where Nolan would speak from.
"The stage has a massive screen behind it for videos," I explained. "If we can get access to the control booth, we could put the evidence right up there for everyone to see."
"That's our target, then. Rudy can help with that—he knows tech. He was always hacking things in high school. Got suspended twice for it."
As I leaned over the map, a strand of hair fell across my face. Pax reached out to tuck it behind my ear, his touch sending a tingle down my spine. Our eyes met, and the reality of our situation hit me.
"This is crazy, isn't it?" I whispered. "Four days ago, I'd never met you. Now we're planning to take down the mayor together."
"Four days ago, I wouldn't have cared about any of this," he admitted. "About Christmas, the town... about anyone."
I covered his hand where it rested against my cheek. "And now?"
The question hung between us, heavy with implications neither of us had time to fully explore. "Now I care," he said simply, but the intensity in his eyes spoke volumes more.
I leaned forward, pressing my lips to his in a kiss that was softer, more tender than our passionate exchanges of the previous night. When I pulled back, my pulse raced faster than Dasher and Dancer combined.
"You know," I said, running my fingers along the collar of his shirt, "when this is all over and we've saved Evergreen Falls from corruption, you deserve something special for putting up with all this chaos."
His eyebrow quirked up. "Is that right?"
I nodded, stepping closer. "Absolutely. A proper reward for every bit of generous spirit you're showing."
"I'll hold you to that," he murmured, his voice dropping to a tone that made my insides melt like snow under spring sunshine.
"We should finish eating and get ready," I said, my voice slightly husky. "We've got a crooked mayor to expose and Christmas to save."
By early afternoon, the roads were sufficiently cleared for travel. While Pax loaded his truck with emergency supplies, I gathered my now-clean elf costume.
"I can't believe I'm willingly putting this back on," I said, holding up the green and red outfit with its pointed hat. "But it's the perfect cover. No one will look twice at me.”
"What about the bells?" Pax asked. "They gave you away last time."
I grinned, holding up a small pair of scissors. "Performing emergency bell-ectomy as we speak."
I systematically de-jingled my costume, giving each bell a decisive snip.
"No more sounding like Santa's approaching sleigh with every step," I muttered.
This wasn't just about exposing Nolan anymore—it was about saving Christmas for dozens of children who might otherwise wake up to empty stockings.
Children who trusted in the magic of the season, who deserved better than to have their joy stolen by a greedy politician.
"If anything goes wrong," Pax said, his voice grave, "anything at all, you get out. I'll handle Nolan."
I looked up, warmth spreading through me like hot cocoa. "My hero."
"I'm serious, Pepper. These people could be dangerous. Based on what Rudy said about those shady developers from Denver, Nolan's not just underhanded—he's connected to people who make problems disappear. In the literal sense."
"I know." I set down the scissors and crossed to him, placing my hands on his chest. "But we're doing this together. I'm not leaving you to face them alone."
His scowl deepened, but I could see the concern beneath it. After years of isolation, he was worried about someone else—about me. The realization made my chest tighten with emotion.
"Fine," he conceded. "But you stay close to me."
"I'll be right beside you," I promised with a wink, though my attempt at lightness couldn't quite mask the flutter of nervousness in my stomach.
The drive into town was tense, the truck's wipers occasionally clearing remnants of snow from the windshield.
I clutched the USB drive containing the evidence, its small size belying its importance.
This tiny device could ruin Nolan's career—something I'd never imagined doing to anyone, even after he'd broken my heart.
"Nervous?" Pax asked, glancing at my white-knuckled grip.
"Terrified," I admitted. "But also... ready. Nolan's been taking advantage of people's trust for too long."
Pax reached over, covering my hand with his. "They won't know what hit them."
I smiled, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. "You know, for a grumpy mountain man, you're surprisingly good at reassurance."
"Don't tell anyone. I have my reputation to maintain."
I laughed, the sound filling the cab of the truck. Whatever happened tonight, finding Pax Forrester had changed me—given me a strength I hadn't known I possessed.