“I don’t mind walking. I’ve lived here all of my life and the cold doesn’t bother me.”
“Wine?” he asked holding up a glass.
“Yes, please,” she replied standing near the fire and holding out her hands. “This feels good. My fireplace acts up now and then. I’ve been meaning to have it looked at.”
“I’ll see to it first thing tomorrow.”
“There’s no need. I can call maintenance.”
“I’d rather take care of it,” he said handing her a glass of wine. “It’s my job to see that all of the elves are well cared for and have everything they need.”
“Is that why you smacked me today?” she asked, peering at him over the top of her glass as she took a sip. “Did you think I needed to be spanked?”
Bartlett laughed.
“I guess you could say that,” he admitted. “I’ve met a lot of women and a number of female elves that I thought could benefit from a good spanking. If it means anything to you, I don’t typically give in to the urge.”
“But you did with me,” she pointed out with a pretty pout.
“That slight swat was not a spanking, little elf. That was more like a love tap.”
“You love me?” she teased, her eyes sparkling.
“No. Not yet anyway,” he replied leading her to the sofa and holding her glass while she settled onto the cushions.
“Now you’re being facetious,” she drawled.
Bartlett sat on the opposite end of the sofa but did not reply. He calmly took a sip of his wine. It unnerved her.
“I saw you’re work today,” he informed her. “Much better.”
“I’m trying,” she acknowledged dryly.
“Was it something I said?” he teased with a wicked glint in his eyes.
“Very funny.” Shooting him a look, she fussed with her skirt.
“Relax sweetheart. I’m not going to eat you up despite how adorable you look. You do have a flair for holiday fashion.”
“Thank you. I must admit I enjoy living here. Nothing is too over the top on the holidays. Obviously I like bling, faux fur, and anything that glitters and I have the freedom to indulge my fantasies.”
“To a point,” he replied, “but I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist you follow the rules as well. No more heels on those hardwood floors in the shop and you’ll have to lose the dangling earrings. It’s too easy to get them caught on something with all the tools and machinery.”
“The only tools in my department are my paints, brushes and cleaners. There’s really no risk to me,” she protested.
“True, to a point, but you need to walk through other areas and I’d hate to see one of your cute little ears torn and bleeding.”
Merry let her annoyance show.
“I mean it. No more and I’ll be watching you. Follow the rules or pay the price,” he warned.
“And how much will it cost me? A fine? It might be worth it,” she said coolly.
Bartlett laughed.
“Trust me, it won’t be. I’ll have no problem turning you over my knee and spanking that adorable and tempting butt if you don’t mind me. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy it.”
“You wouldn’t. Not really,” she said leaning forward.
