Sleigh Ride Together with You Read Online Free Page A

being.
    Yes, she had glittering stars in her eyes and—from what he could tell—the strong drive to achieve anything she wanted. And it was his job to help her get there.
    From their brief conversation earlier, he could tell she was curious as to his purpose for being at the station. His most difficult task might be proving to the dynamo that he wasn’t a corporate shark out to devour her. In actuality, he could help make her dreams come true. He didn’t want to think of the alternative—that he might raise her hopes only to bring them crashing down around those petite feet.
    Merry Christmas, Nicole. Alex raised his cup to her in a silent toast and slugged down the thick, sickeningly sweet eggnog. Lowering it, he frowned. Spiked. Tossing the cup in the trash can, he assumed what he hoped was a nonthreatening smile and walked toward where Nicole sat across the room.
    He darted a glance at Colin. Surrounded by a bevy of females, the man had his arm wrapped around the waist of a young woman who wore too much makeup and too little dress. Alex welcomed the opportunity for a private discussion while Nicole’s British protector was otherwise occupied.
    As he moved closer, a young man, who looked barely old enough to shave, beat a hasty retreat from Nicole’s side, cheeks flushed. No doubt he’d suffered a quick rebuff, although Alex had to admire the guy for trying. A woman like Nicole must have any number of adoring men at her beck and call, more than ready and eager to trip all over themselves to make and keep her happy.
    Lord willing, Alex Kingsfield wouldn’t be one of them.
     
     
     
     

4
     
    Nicole tensed when she saw Alex headed her way. After one of the male guests said something to him, momentarily delaying him, she noted how at ease Alex seemed with strangers, a quality she’d always admired.
    Based on his words earlier, he was a man of faith. Strong faith. That boosted him high on the list of eligible men she’d met since moving to Des Moines. To the top, actually. Not having a date in forever didn’t make it easier. During the course of any given week, she met a number of single men, none of whom interested her. A nice guy to date would be a welcome change of pace, especially during the holidays. Nice being the key word.
    What was she thinking? Alex was her boss, more or less, and he lived in a different state. Nicole lowered her gaze. In spite of his apparent faith and rugged good looks, she needed to squelch her attraction for him and act like a professional. For all she knew, he might be married. She’d met several men who preferred not to wear a wedding ring, although she despised that practice.
    For so many reasons, Alex Kingsfield could never be a candidate for anything other than showing him the door once he accomplished whatever it was he’d come to do.
    Colin had done a quick Internet search on his phone earlier in the evening and shared the results with her. “Seems Alex Kingsfield is the network ‘image maker.’ He’s known for reinventing anchors and hosts from Boston to Seattle and improving the ratings of underperforming shows. Reportedly, the man’s tough but fair.” Tucking his phone in his inner suit coat pocket, Colin smirked. “Image maker, indeed. Mark my words, Nikki. If he starts telling us to dress a certain way, walk a certain way, or—heaven forbid—speak a particular way, then we’ll call the bloke Professor Higgins and—”
    “It’ll be fine, Colin. No worries.” Although she sounded confident, Nicole wavered. From what Colin said, Alex’s presence most likely meant nothing good and only served to stoke the fire. Although she knew making unwarranted judgments was unfair, she bristled to think the network might be of the opinion that she, Colin—or Wake Up, Des Moines! as a whole—needed any kind of help. Bring it on, image maker.
    She raised her head just as Alex finished his conversation and approached.
    “Mind if I join you?”
    Nicole mustered her best