“I would and you need to know that. I don’t play around with safety issues. While you might get away with sassing me now and then and giving me a hard time, you won’t get away with something that puts you or others in danger.”
Merry flopped back against the couch and scowled.
Bartlett smiled and reached over to finger a long strand of her shining hair.
“Come,” he said rising and holding out a hand to her. “Dinner is ready and I’m starving. Let’s eat.”
Pouting Merry gave him her hand and let him pull her from the sofa.
“Don’t frown so, you’ll give yourself wrinkles,” he teased as he led her to the dining room.
“Elves don’t get wrinkles,” she shot back. “You, on the other hand are sure to have plenty if you don’t lighten up.”
“A valid point,” he replied with a nod as he pulled out a chair for her. “I’m sure I’ll have more than my fair share if you have your way.”
Dinner wasdelicious and expertly prepared by Bartlett’s house elf. The smaller than normal male swept in and out quietly clearing one dish and placing another before her. By the time she finished dessert she was leaning back in her chair and rubbing her tummy.
Bartlett grinned.
“I take it you’re too full to want some hot chocolate in front of the fire?” he stated.
“Oh no, I’m never too full for hot chocolate,” Merry insisted rising. “It’s always been my favorite, if it’s prepared correctly.”
“I haven’t had any better since I’ve been here,” he said smiling as he followed her to sink down on two large pillows that had been placed before the fireplace. Tomas is highly skilled. I was lucky to get him.”
“I’d have to agree,” Merry said with a sigh as she sank gracefully to the fluffy fur covered cushion. “I can’t remember when I’ve had such a lovely meal. Who did you steal him away from?” she continued with a grin.
“None other than Santa himself,” Bartlett admitted.
Merry laughed.
“How did you manage that?”
I offered him more money, more time off, and a suite of his own. You see, Tomas has a pretty little elf he’s sweet on and planning to marry.”
“And will he leave you then?” Merry asked.
“No, Noel will move in here and care for my home. I’ll pay her a decent salary as well and by the time they are ready to start a family they’ll have a nice nest egg. Everyone wins.”
“Do you always have a plan? Do you always manage to make things work to your advantage?” she asked as she took a mug of cocoa from the tray Tomas had placed on the coffee table behind them.
“For the most part, yes,” he replied picking up his own mug. “Every now and then someone or something unexpected comes along and I have to make adjustments, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“Then perhaps you’ve led a charmed life,” Merry suggested with a slightly bitter sigh as she stared down in her cocoa. “Almost nothing ever turns out the way I think it will.”
“You’re impulsive,” he stated firmly. “I doubt you think things through.”
Her head snapped up and she stared at him.
“Why would you say such a thing?” she demanded angrily. “You only just met me. You know nothing about me, not really.”
“I know more about you than you realize,” he calmly countered.
Merry snorted indelicately and rolled her eyes.
“Reindeer turds!”
Bartlett laughed.
