Santa in a Stetson by Rebecca Winters Page A

wave and hung loose from a side part. A light spray of Fleurs d’Elle mist and she was ready. For what exactly she didn’t know.
    Maybe he’d brought the twins with him. Her pulse raced all the way to the plaza foyer. At the moment the only thing that mattered to her was that he’d either flown or driven to Salt Lake and had sought her out.
    Slow down, Kathryn. Walk, don’t run to him.
    Reflecting back to her mid-teens, she’d always been the one to run from men who wanted a relationship with her. Yet a relationship was the last thing Colton Brenner had on his mind. He hadn’t come here to pursue her. Far from it.
    Your fantasizing days are over. Remember?
    By the time she entered her workplace, she’d come toher senses and could handle the sight of him standing at the counter, being chatted up by her staff. In his Stetson and black bomber jacket, every eye in the room, male or female, was riveted on him.
    Gorgeous in the extreme, Melanie had said because there were no words, in any language, that came close to truly defining him.
    She knew the moment he saw her. His head reared back like a Thoroughbred stallion’s. He stepped away from the counter and started his long-legged stride toward her. As she saw him in the flesh once more, an unbidden thrill of excitement went through her.
    â€œHello, Colt.” She rejoiced that her voice sounded so steady.
    â€œKathryn,” he murmured. Not Katy. That meant he’d read her full name in the brochure and had chosen to use it.
    Taking the initiative, she extended her hand. It got lost in his strong one.
    â€œI hoped we might meet again one day, but didn’t expect it to be this soon.” She searched the green gaze focused on her. “Is Allie all right? Matt?”
    â€œThat depends on your definition of all right.” His deep voice rumbled through her before he let go. “If you’re talking about her physical condition, she’s quite well thanks to you. So far, Matt hasn’t come down with the flu.” His eyes unexpectedly glinted in amusement, making him irresistible.
    Her mouth went dry. “Did you come to Salt Lake alone?”
    He nodded. “I flew in a little while ago and took ataxi here hoping to catch you before you left for the football game with your family.”
    â€œI—I’m not going,” she stammered.
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œI’ll show you.” She walked over to the screen with Whitney’s picture. “This little girl has been missing for a week. Early this morning, a body was found up one of the canyons. My parents have gone to be with the girl’s family while they await word from the police.”
    She tried to swallow, but the lump in her throat made it close to impossible. “This is a very hard time for everyone associated with the foundation.”
    â€œI think it must be hardest on you.”
    The compassion in his eyes drove her to avert her head. He’d managed to zero in on the troubling thoughts she’d been entertaining earlier. “How long are you planning to be here, Colt?”
    â€œAs long as it takes to talk to you, but obviously this isn’t a good time.”
    To leave his children, she had to assume he wanted something specific from her.
    â€œWhile we’re in waiting mode, this is probably the best time. Have you eaten yet?”
    â€œI had breakfast with the kids before I left.”
    â€œThat was several hours ago. Come to my condo and I’ll feed you while you tell me what’s on your mind. It’s just across the lobby in the tower. If I’m needed, one of the girls at the desk will phone me.”
    He studied her for a moment. “I don’t believe you have a selfish bone in your body.”
    â€œThat’s because you don’t know me.”
    They dodged a crowd of people shopping for Christmas and took the elevator to the penthouse. During the short ride, the warmth from his