Holly stared at her son sitting on Santa’s lap. She was annoyed, but she was used to that feeling. Bobby was constantly pushing her beyond her comfort zone, ever since he was born. 

But more than that she was still scared. He vanished, then she found him in the lap of a strange man. Yes, she knew it was Santa, but there was no guarantee this Santa was a decent person under the suit. 

Holly assured herself Bobby was okay then looked up at Santa. Her breath stuck in her throat when she tried to suck it in. She froze. 

Santa was watching her. His blue eyes were dark, like a midnight sky, and they held hers with such intensity she couldn’t breathe. Beneath the fake beard he was attractive and young. Much younger than she expected. 

Despite the intensity in his eyes, one she couldn’t define, she was drawn to him. 

Her feet moved her forward even as her mind shook her head no. She didn’t want to join Bobby on Santa’s lap, but it appeared as though she was going to. 

The mysterious Santa opened his arm and welcomed her onto his lap. She could smell the man beneath the suit. Expensive cologne was fading, one she thought she recognized but could put her finger on. In its place she inhaled a male scent with a hint of something else, probably his deodorant. 

He smiled when she finally lowered herself into his leg. Bobby beamed at her and said, “Ask Santa for what you want, Mom. I already told him what I want.” 

“I don’t need anything, Bobby. Santa has too many other people to worry about anyway.” 

“I’d love to know what would make you happy. It’s Christmas, miracles can happen,” Santa said with a wink. 

Holly looked him straight in the eyes and told him, “I don’t believe in miracles. I don’t believe in much of anything anymore.”