get the flavor she likes. Will that work?”
“Guess so.” Cole wasn’t crazy about the thought of Taryn on the loose in Gingerbread. But he also wasn’t ready to be alone with her again.
“Then we’ll do it that way. I look forward to meeting her.”
“You’ll watch what you say, though, right?”
Belle’s green eyes widened innocently. “You don’t want me to tell her how destroyed you were when you had to break up with her ten years ago?”
He scowled.
“Don’t worry, big brother. Your secrets are safe with me.”
“Thanks.” He remembered he wanted to mention seeing Kris. “Our wayward Santa was out jogging when we drove past. Taryn decided he’s some guy who’s into role-playing.”
“That’s good. Excellent. And I’ve been meaning to tell you that Louie, one of our elves, has designed Spit-Up Baby Susie. He thinks it’s more realistic and should go into production ASAP.”
“Have him send the prototype to me.”
“You’re not thinking of approving it, I hope!”
“No, but I’m curious to see how it works.” Any distraction, including a vomiting baby doll, would be a good thing.
* * *
Taryn needed caffeine. Mrs. Gustafson’s brew had worn off, and while Cole’s whimsical database with its dopey categories like “Lots of Toys for Girls and Boys” was entertaining, Taryn needed hot coffee, and she needed it now.
When a green-eyed blonde wearing a trench coat tapped on the open door, Taryn hoped her visitor was there on a mission of mercy for the caffeine-deprived.
“Taryn, I’m Belle.” Smiling, she hooked her purse more securely over her shoulder. “Cole said you drink coffee.”
“I do. Is there a pot brewing somewhere in the building?” She wondered if Belle might give her access to a different floor. That would be exciting.
“Not really. Get your coat and I’ll walk you down to Cup of Cheer. They make the best java in Gingerbread.”
“I’m all over that.” Taryn saved her work and powered down the computer. “I was about to send out an SOS.”
“Trust me, I understand. Don’t bother bringing your bag, though. This is my treat. Just make sure you have your access card.”
“It’s in my coat pocket.” Taryn took her parka from the coat-tree in the corner. “Sounds like the Evergreen coffee room isn’t up to your standards.”
“There is no coffee room. Just a cocoa room.”
“You’re joking.” Taryn followed her out the door. “Who doesn’t have a coffee room?”
“Evergreen Industries.” Belle headed briskly down the hall. She could walk fast for a short person.
Taryn had trouble believing the building had no coffee available. “Don’t the employees complain?”
“Just me. Everyone else is fine with the cocoa. So I make the trek to Cup of Cheer every morning.” She swiped her access card through the reader and the elevator opened.
“Thanks for inviting me along.” Taryn noticed Belle’s access card was the same as hers and Cole’s. The only difference was in the coding and the name embossed on the back. What Taryn wouldn’t give to have possession of that card for thirty minutes.
“I’m glad to do it. I’d walk back with you, but I have some things that require my attention in town. I’m sure you’ll find your way back okay.”
Taryn laughed. “I can’t imagine anyone getting lost in Gingerbread. Hiking around Mistletoe Mountain could be a different story, but I don’t plan on doing that.”
“That’s good.” They reached the lobby and Belle waved at Jolie S. Garland, who was still on duty. “That’s a treacherous mountain. I’d stay away from it if I were you.”
“I didn’t bring my hiking boots, anyway.” Taryn zipped up her parka as they started down the sidewalk that led to the heart of town. “What’s your job at Evergreen?”
“I’m in HR.”
“So you’re in charge of the elves.”
Belle’s head whipped around. “What?”
“I figured you knew, but maybe not.”
“Knew what?”
Taryn thought it was strange that Belle actually seemed upset. Maybe she was the sort of person who didn’t like being the last to find out what was going on in the company. “Cole’s put all sorts of goofy names in the database. It fits because you’re a Christmas ornament manufacturer, but I had to laugh. HR is titled ‘Elves,’ and customers are listed under ‘Naughty or Nice.’ Like I said, goofy.”
“Oh.” Belle let out a breath. “I guess I did hear something about that system. Leave it to my geeky brother.”
“He’s one of a kind, all right.”
“He is. Gotta love him.”
Taryn thought it wise not to respond to that comment.
Belle switched the topic, which was probably a good idea. “You’re from Seattle, right?”
“I am.” For the rest of the walk, Taryn answered questions about her native city, one Belle had never visited. Cole’s name didn’t come up again.
The coffee shop seemed even busier than it had when Taryn and Cole had driven by first thing that morning. She and Belle had to stand in line, and Taryn took that opportunity to scan the extensive coffee menu. Belle kept looking around the shop, almost as if she were expecting to see someone. She seemed agitated.
The line moved slowly, and Belle continued to glance over each time the door opened. “Do you know what you want?” she asked as she continued to survey the crowd.
“I’m getting an extra-large eggnog espresso. That should do the trick.”
“It should.” She looked away again. “Aha. I just saw someone I need to talk with.” She fished in her purse. “Here’s my wallet. Order me a large double-shot peppermint latte, and I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.” Taryn’s heart began to pound as she realized the opportunity she had. What she was about to do was wrong. When she was caught, and she would be, she’d have no excuse other than the fact that she was doing it for love. But if she didn’t overcome her scruples immediately, she’d lose her chance.
Opening Belle’s wallet, she took out the golden access card and replaced it with her own. Then she tucked Belle’s card in her pocket. Her heart was racing so fast she felt light-headed. Belle hadn’t returned by the time she’d ordered and paid for both drinks. She walked over to the window where the orders were coming out, and she waited. The crowd was so dense and Belle was so short that Taryn couldn’t see her.
Taryn’s coffee came up first, and right after it did, Belle appeared, her cheeks bright red. “All set?”
“I have mine.” Taryn handed her the wallet, which by now felt like a ticking time bomb. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Listen, you don’t have to stay. I have to go in the opposite direction, anyway.”
“If you’re sure.” Taryn could hardly wait to get out of there.
“I’m sure. Nice meeting you, and I’ll see you later.”
“Same here, Belle.” With what she hoped was a smile and not a grimace, Taryn left the shop. Instantly she began drinking as fast as possible without scalding her tongue. The caffeine would give her the courage she’d