A Touch of Frost, page 1
A Touch of Frost
FROSTY’S SNOWMEN
BOOK ONE
RHIAN CAHILL
eBooks are not transferable.
They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or establishments is solely coincidental.
A Touch of Frost
Frosty’s Snowmen
Copyright © 2023 Rhian Cahill
eBook ISBN: 978-1-925375-52-7
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
For more information visit:
www.rhiancahill.com
Contents
Blurb
1. Elle
2. Jack
3. Elle
4. Jack
5. Elle
6. Jack
7. Elle
8. Jack
9. Elle
10. Jack
11. Jack
12. Elle
Epilogue
About the Author
Other titles by Rhian Cahill
Blurb
All it takes is one special Christmas Angel to melt Jack Frost’s frozen heart.
Jack stopped believing in the magic of Christmas years ago. Home to mend fences and build bridges with those he left behind, he’s determined to reconnect with his heritage—to find the man he used to be. And one special Christmas Angel will change everything in a way he never expected.
Elle love Santa’s Village. The magic, the children, the joy. But this year an arrogant jerk by the name of Jack Frost threatens to ruin it all. Elle isn’t about to let this modern-day Scrooge spoil things for anyone. Least of all her. But Jack isn’t as frosty as he seems and there’s no denying the sparks flying between them.
As the ice around Jack’s heart cracks Elle discovers a man who might be worthy of hers.
CHAPTER 1
Elle
“Uh-oh. Here comes Mr Frosty himself,” Kandy murmurs, her gaze on something—or someone—over my shoulder.
I turn to see a large man bearing down on us. The scowl on his face is menacing enough, add in the over-six-foot-tall-possibly-three-foot-wide frame and the guy is downright alarming. Not someone I want around the growing crowd of children.
Returning my gaze to Kandy, I ask, “Who’s that?”
“Jack Frost.” She shakes her head. “I wish he’d at least attempt a smile. He’s going to scare the kids at this rate.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I mutter. “Wait. Jack Frost? Isn’t Mr Frost in his sixties?” I glance over my shoulder again. This guy definitely is not in his sixties.
If I had to guess, I’d say late forties. But then it could be the winkled forehead, crinkled skin fanning out from his eyes, and the deep grooves running beside his drawn-thin mouth that make him look older. The closer he gets, the more I’m inclined to think late thirties.
“Hey, Jack,” Kandy says, smiling as the frowning Jack stops next to us. “You found us.”
“Where’s Chris?” he asks without a hello to Kandy or acknowledging my presence.
That’s fine with me. Now that he’s closer—and not paying me any attention—I have a chance to study him.
He has deep blue eyes, the kind I’m sure would change with his moods, the kind a woman could lose hours staring into. His mouth, while still drawn into that tight thin line, is appealing in a way I find a little disconcerting. And his body—best not go there or I’ll be a quivering mass of hormonal goo.
He’s hot.
And I can’t remember the last time a guy made my girl-parts perk up and take heed. This one does without trying.
Shame he appears to be an arrogant jerk.
“He’s out back. They’re running a last minute check on the slide,” Kandy explains.
I didn’t think it was possible, but Jack’s scowl grows darker, more menacing. “Why wasn’t that checked before now?” He snaps his watch into view with a quick bend and twist of his arm. “The doors open in ten minutes.”
Kandy sighs. “Yes, Jack. It’s just a precaution. There isn’t really—”
Jack marches past us, his long legs carrying him toward the arena doors where security hold them closed, and will, until the sound of Santa’s bell rings through the complex.
“Oh shit.” Kandy mutters and takes off after him. “Jack. Honestly. Everything’s fine. Chris has it under control.”
I glance at the lines of parents and children waiting to enter the arena as I hurry to catch up with them. Opening day is a full house again this year. Tickets for today were sold out months ago.
Following a grumbling Jack through the door one of the security men holds open, we breach the thick wall of cold air that rushes down from the vent mounted above the entrance. I shiver as my lungs suck a freezing breath through my teeth, setting them on edge.
Shit. I don’t have my jacket.
It doesn’t matter how many times they put on Santa’s Village, I will never get used to how cold Frosty’s Snowmen manages to make the cavernous arena space.
I’m not an idiot. I know it needs to be cold to keep all the snow and ice from melting, but when the rest of the year the arena is filled with screaming fans and rock bands and a breath-stealing heat only a concert can produce, the three weeks Santa’s Village comes to visit are a mind-blowing—if pleasant break from the scorching summer heat—change of pace.
Soft rubber cushions my feet as we make our way along the fake street complete with white picket fences, snow covered bushes, and cobblestone paths leading to houses that look like gingerbread.
I love Santa’s Village. Love the whimsy. The joy. The laughter. And the cold. In spite of the shiver that rattles my bones, I love the cold too.
“Jack.” Kandy takes two steps to every one of his. “For God’s sake, Jack!”
We round the bend in the road, the huge ice slide coming into view, and I smile. Chris and the men and women who have spent the last two days working around the clock to get Santa’s Village up and ready for today’s opening are racing down the thirty meter slope of ice.
“Chris!” Jack’s booming voice echoes through the arena, drowning out the hum and whir of machinery, and the shouts of the men and women enjoying a well-earned moment of fun.
“Uh-oh.” Kandy stops. “I don’t think I wanna see this. I can’t stand the sight of blood.”
I’m not sure I’d be climbing to my feet and smiling the way Chris is, not with the glowering Jack charging the last few feet to the bottom of the slide like a raging bull.
“Hey, J-man.” Chris tosses his hessian mat onto the pile near the stairs. “You made it.”
“What the hell are you doing?” Jack bellows.
Chris glances past Jack to Kandy. “Hey Kan, ready to go out front?”
Kandy nods, her lips pressed together in a thin line.
“Good.” Chris faces Jack again. “Did you want a tour of the village before we open the doors?”
“Are you going to answer my question?” Jack is no longer yelling, but it’s clear his anger hasn’t abated.
“No.”
Everything around us seems to freeze, and it has nothing to do with the ice and snow. Every person standing within hearing distance, and that probably includes those out in the foyer, remains perfectly still as if waiting for the explosion and fallout—for the moment they need to run or duck for cover.
“Our insurance does not cover staff goofing off,” Jack growls.
Chris folds his arms over his chest. “You know, J-man, it’s a shame Annabelle didn’t take that stick she shoved up your ass along with your money when she divorced you.”
I suck in a sharp breath and hold it. The look on Jack’s face—puckered mouth, scrunched up eyes, taut jawline—can only be described as constipated. I’m struggling not to laugh.
Kandy isn’t successful in holding back her humor though. A snort of laughter leaves my friend’s mouth before she covers it up with both her hands.
Jack’s head turns. “You think this is funny? What would the manager of this place think if he knew you were being reckless just minutes before opening?”
I open my mouth to speak, but Jack’s cutting glare stops any words from leaving my throat.
“What are you all hanging around for?” Jack directs at the gathered staff. “Get back to work.”
The corner of my mouth kicks up when everyone except Chris and Kandy scramble to do Jack’s bidding.
I know his type. Large and in charge. Shame I’ve never gone for the overbearing alpha male type, not that you’d know it by the way my body is responding to this man’s authority and arrogance. It certainly is mind boggling to be turned on and off in the same instant.
“Well, what are you waiting for?” Jack turns his penetrating gaze on me.
“An introduction.”
“Oh, shit. Sorry.” Kandy moves between us. “Elle, this is Jack Frost. Jack, Elle Roland. Arena manager.”
His mouth drops open for a split second before he recovers and I take pleasure in his shock. “You’re Mr Roland?”
I smile. “Well clearly I’m a Miss. But yes, I’m the centre manager.” I extend my hand.
Jack grips my offered h and and holds. “You’re not what I expected.”
I laugh. “I rarely am.” I have to tug my hand from his.
“But you’re so…”
If he says small, I’m going to knee him in the balls. “So…what?”
“You’re…”
Wow. The man is really stuck for words. But I’m not going to let him off the hook even if he does look cute all tongue-tied and flustered. “Yes?”
“Careful, J-man. Don’t leave us open for a lawsuit,” Chris murmurs, sending me a wink.
“Young,” Jack blurts. “You’re so young.”
“Oh, nice save J-man.” Chris thumps Jack on the back causing him to take a half step forward.
My mouth twitches as I hold back a grin. “Hasn’t life taught you looks can be deceiving?” My phone vibrates at my hip and I pull it from the holder to silence the alarm. “All right, that’s time. Everyone ready?”
“Yep. Just waiting for the doors to open,” Chris says.
“We’re all set out front,” Kandy adds.
“Okay. Showtime.” I glance over at Santa’s house and cupping my hands around my mouth, call out, “Ring the bell, Santa.”
CHAPTER 2
Jack
I watch everyone move seamlessly into their positions as Santa’s bell echoes through the huge arena. It’s like the precision of a Swiss watch. Each elf slips smoothly into the right spot, while Santa and Mrs Claus stand on their front porch waiting for the children to arrive.
“Miss Elle. Miss Elle.” An elf in bright red rushes over to where Elle stands talking with Kandy. “Your coat.” The elf holds out a armload of white fur.
“Oh, thank you, Sharon. You saved me.” Elle takes the bundle of material and shakes it out.
It sparkles and shimmers in the light and I find myself mesmerized as she twirls it up and around her before settling it on her shoulders and tying the thick silver ribbon at her slender throat.
Slipping her hands under her hair, she pulls the luminous white strands from beneath the collar of her cloak and lets them fall around her like a shower of light.
My breath catches in my chest. “Jesus. She’s the Christmas Angel.”
“If she’s got your attention now, wait ’til you see her with the kids,” Chris speaks beside me.
“Huh?”
“Elle. The woman you can’t take your eyes off.” Chris waves a hand in front of my face.
I give my head a shake and turn to my childhood friend. “Sorry. What were you saying?”
Chris laughs. “Nothing. I was commenting on our Christmas Angel.”
“Elle Roland’s our Christmas Angel?”
“First and last days. Always.” Chris shrugs. “Wish I could convince her to play the part every day. The kids love her.”
I don’t doubt it but… “Why is she doing it at all? She’s not an employee of Frosty’s Snowmen.” I can’t stop my lawyer’s mind from calculating every possible suing angle that could arise from having a non-employee take part in running Santa’s Village.
“No. But… You know what? I think it’ll be better if you see. Just watch.” Chris nods in Elle’s direction.
The muted stampede of little feet running over cushioning rubber and their delighted squeals fill the air as children rush into the arena. Elle and Kandy turn toward the noise and are soon surrounded.
“God,” I murmur. “She glows.”
“I know.”
“She’s almost too beautiful to look at. Like spun glass you’re afraid to touch.”
“Don’t misjudge her. She’s tougher than she looks,” Chris says.
“You seem to know a lot about her.” A hot, heavy sensation settles in my chest. I don’t want to examine the emotion behind it. “You two got something going on?”
“Problem if we do?”
I snarl. An honest to God snarl.
Chris holds his hands up and steps back. “Whoa. Down, boy. I thought you’d sworn off women.”
“I did. I have.” But I can’t deny I will be throwing that vow out the window in the next few hours. Hell, I’ve already tossed it. My gaze is drawn back to where Elle now leads a group of children along the path to Santa’s house. “Things change.”
Chris chuckles. “And quickly.”
I shoot him a dirty look before turning back to where Elle is talking to Mrs Claus.
“Sorry about earlier,” Chris says.
“Mmm…” I’m not really listening. I’m too busy watching Elle. She isn’t my usual type. Not that I know what that is anymore.
Not after Annabelle.
“The crack about the stick up your ass.”
Ah, right. “No worries. Besides, it’s true.” I sigh. “Just wish I could blame the ex for it. Unfortunately I shoved that stick there all by myself.”
When Annabelle had walked I’d taken a good hard look at where my ambition had gotten me—who I’d become—and I hadn’t liked what I found. Hence returning to my home state and the company my father built with his two best friends, Chris and Kandy’s fathers.
I’m still not comfortable in this new skin. Old habits are hard to break and I’m finding that wanting to change doesn’t make a damn bit of difference to the ease of transition, but I am determined to become someone I can be happy with.
Someone I can be proud of.
Someone I will be proud of.
“So, is she seeing anyone?” I ask as I continue to observe Elle with the children.
“Not that I’m aware of. Kandy would know for sure. They’re close,” Chris offers. “C’mon. Let’s take that tour before you start drooling all over the floor.”
I let Chris steer me away from Santa’s house and through the village. Pride swells in my chest as we make our way along the frozen streets. I haven’t seen the village since I left for Canberra and my position at one of the country’s top law firms a decade ago.
Of course it had been easy to stay away with Annabelle’s undisguised shock and disgust at my family’s business.
I’ve been such an ass about my family’s legacy. It’s a wonder my father hasn’t disowned me.
We wander the rubber-paved streets and paths. Chris rambles on about what I’ve missed over the years within the company’s structure. I’ve kept myself so in the dark I didn’t know they’d branched out into other ventures, giving Frosty’s Snowmen a year-round schedule.
Ducking into the miniature toy workshop, we chat with the gathered crowd as well as the elves and children hammering away at wooden trains.
Finally, we make our way back to where we started.
Santa’s house.
I glance around, but don’t see Elle anywhere. I’m so engrossed in my search I don’t notice Kandy until she speaks.
“She’s over at the reindeer stables.”
“Who?” I’m not about to give myself away.
Kandy laughs. “Really? You’re going with that?”
I shrug, but hold my tongue because I’m sure I’ll say something to confirm her suspicions.
Sighing, she leans against me. “I’d warn you away, Jack, but I know Elle can take care of herself.”
“And I’m dangerous?”
Kandy gives my chest a pat, an affectionate smile tilting her lips. “The old Jack, yes. The new one? I’m not so sure. The jury’s still out on that one.”
I wrap one arm around Kandy’s shoulders and give her a squeeze. “You used to love me.”
“Ha! I was eight and in love with you and Chris. In my innocence, I thought the three of us would get married and live happily ever after right here in Santa’s Village.”
I chuckle. “That’s one hell of an innocence.”
She grins up at me. “Wasn’t it?”
“You always did believe in the unbelievable.” I nod my head to indicate our surroundings.
