Mazes & Mistletoe

By Ayla Ruse

Trevor runs the Puzzle and Games Workshop of the North Pole. Most think him quiet and ordinary, but no one knows about his fierce desire for the sexy owner of the day care center -- not even the owner herself. If only he could get up the nerve to go meet her…

Missy, owner of The Little Care day care, harbors the biggest crush on the cute Elf from the Puzzle Workshop across the way. As much as she’d love to march over there and see what happens between them, she won’t, because she knows the results of her magic will be worse than unrequited lust.

When an encounter in a Christmas Maze brings them together, Missy and Trevor discover magic is tangible, mazes aren’t for the shy and awkward, and true love might be found under the mistletoe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Changeling Press
• Release date: Dec 13, 2019

Book preview

mistletoe.

Prologue

Santa sat back in his overstuffed chair and looked across his domain of the North Pole. From his vantage point, he could see all the various workshops, neighborhoods and businesses that kept his Elves busy, prosperous, and happy. Even now, watching them all scurry around, wrapped up in their own lives, sometimes giving thought to all the joy they help spread throughout this and all the other worlds, sometimes not, Santa couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. He knew almost everything about his Elves. He wasn’t completely omniscient, but there were moments when the desires of his Elves called out to him stronger than any words could do.

A knock at his door had him turning with a huge grin and a chuckle.

Come on in, little Zack. I’ve been waiting for you.

A little toddler Elf, cute as a button dressed in forest greens and candy-apple reds, shot into the spacious room and scrambled up onto Santa’s lap.

Mama said you wanted to see me? the toddler asked. Well, Santa thought, he’s not much of a toddler anymore, pushing his fourth birthday. Santa wrapped an arm around the little boy’s waist and touched the boy’s nose with the tip of his white-gloved finger.

Have you been good for your mama and papa?

Yes, sir.

Have you been able to work on controlling your urges to make holes in the ice?

The little boy’s face scrunched up. I’ve been trying. Papa’s been teaching me how to control it better.

I’m glad to hear that. Tell me about what you’ve been doing.

As Santa listened to the detailed explanation, he nodded and studied the boy. A half-breed of one of his delivery Elves and a demon guardian of hell, this was one event he hadn’t seen coming, but nothing but good had come out of the pairing. Zack looked just like any other Elf child, except for the row of horns just starting to come out along his hairline, to match his father’s. Taryn and Zarakion had even just had another little babe, a sweet spitfire of a girl. Santa couldn’t wait to see what kinds of trouble she’d lead her parents into. But for now, another pair of Elves needed him, and little Zack was going to help.

When Zack’s commentary started going in several different directions, Santa gently interrupted him.

Zack, I have a job for you.

Zack stopped talking all at once and perked up. A job? For me?

Yes. It sounds a little crazy, but you are just the Elf to fill this position. And before you get worried, I’ve already asked your parents’ permission.

Anything, Santa. What do you need me to do?

Santa’s grin grew as he detailed exactly how Zack could help bring two Elves together for love everlasting.

Chapter One

The maze is going great, Trevor. Everyone who comes out is laughing and wanting to do it again. I’ve even heard a few say it’s the best attraction at this year’s Winter Fair.

That’s good to hear, Lulu. I think next year we’ll take Tommy’s suggestion and add a photo booth at the end.

That would be the best, Lulu heartily agreed. Or have mini photo opportunities at each dead end. I’m sure there’s some funny things that happen there, too.

Trevor mused over this for a moment. You have a point. Then at the end, the participants can decide which, if any, photos they’d want. He started planning, speaking quickly and quietly as he became lost in thought. I’d have to get in touch with the Electronics department, and we’d have to hire more help for the maze, but then we’d have extra profit from any pictures that’d be purchased and --

His plans were cut off by Lulu’s loud shout. Hey, Miss! You can’t go in there without purchasing a ticket!

Trevor turned just in time to see an Elf shoot off into the Dead End Maze like her skirts were on fire.

Damn it, Lulu fussed. Tommy won’t be back from break for another fifteen minutes. I hate to ask this of you, Trevor, but could you man the booth and let me run that freeloader down?

Him be in charge of the booth? No way. The less he had to interact with groups of people he didn’t know, the better. Tracking down one lone female Elf would definitely be the safer choice.

How about I go in after her? You’re faster with the whole ticket stuff, and I did design the maze, so I’ll be able to get around in there quicker.

Would you? That’d be great. Thanks! I’ll call in to the end of the maze to let those guys know what to expect if you don’t show up with her.

Sounds good. And I can call them too if any problems arise.

He’d not been in the spacious maze for even a minute when he ran across the mysterious Elf. She’d found herself caught in one of the famous dead ends and probably couldn’t figure out how to get out. Of course, if she’d stopped at the booth, Lulu would have explained the rules.

A thin, frosted wall separated her from and him and kept her in the dead end zone. He sighed and made his way down the ice-walled corridor to rescue her. But when she turned around and her eyes settled on him with a grateful look of one who believes help has arrived, he stopped in his tracks.

It was her.