Jingle Spells. Rhonda Nelson

knock.” Noelle appeared in the doorway holding an ornate silver mug on a silver tray. “I have the cocoa.”

      “Thanks, Noelle. You can set it on my desk.”

      She did. Then she walked over to Taryn and held out her hand. “I’m Noelle Frost, temporary head of security. I don’t know how you breached our system, but I’m impressed. I wish I could get to know you better.”

      “Maybe you can,” Taryn said.

      “I don’t think so.” Noelle glanced at the cocoa and then at Cole. “It should be fine.”

      “What?” Taryn whirled around to face him. “What’s with the cocoa?”

      Cole stepped forward and grasped her shoulders. “It’s a special batch. I can’t allow you to remember all you’ve seen, so the cocoa will erase those memories. Then you can return to your life, your family and your job as if this never happened.”

      “No, I can’t.”

      Noelle cleared her throat. “I’ll just head on back to my office. Call if you need me.”

      “I will,” Cole said. Then he returned his attention to Taryn. “Yes, you can. It’s the way things need to be.”

      “I didn’t finish my work in IT.”

      “That’s okay. I can do it.”

      “What if I hack back in?”

      He shook his head. “You won’t. I’ve asked Noelle to brew this batch so your memories of me will be selectively removed.” He hoped Noelle had managed that.

      “First of all, you may be a wizard and all, but that doesn’t sound doable. I don’t think it’s possible to untangle my memories of you without screwing up all my memories from MIT.”

      “I believe it can be done.”

      “You mean you want to believe, but I can tell you’re not a hundred percent sure.”

      “Taryn, listen to me. We have to try so you can live a normal life. I saw the pictures on your mantel. The burden of keeping a secret like this from those you love would be huge.”

      She gazed at him for several seconds. “Now I get it. The burden would be huge for you, because being open with those you love is so important. It’s important to me, too, but if I have to keep a secret from my friends and family so I can be with you—it’s no contest.”

      “Taryn, I—”

      She cupped his face in both hands. “You are the best thing that ever happened to me. And now, on top of your brains, your sexy body and your intense love for me, you’re a wizard. Do you think for one minute I’m going to dutifully swallow some iffy potion that might make me forget you? I intend to remember you for the rest of my life.”

      A tiny kernel of hope took root in him and began to grow. “You need to think this through very carefully. Snap decisions are never a good idea.”

      “I’ve been thinking it through for ten years, buster. And when I hacked into your site, I promised myself if I ever got my hands on you again, I would never let go.”

      He couldn’t stop the smile from spreading over his face. “Really?”

      “Really.” She wiggled out of his grip and walked over to the desk. “Is this one of those fancy offices with a bathroom attached?”

      “Yes. Do you need to use the facilities?”

      “I do. Where are they?”

      “Through that door.” He was a little perplexed, but when a woman had to go, she had to go.

      “Good.” Taryn picked up the mug of cocoa and marched through the door he’d indicated.

      “What are you doing?” He heard the toilet flush.

      She came back bearing the mug and set it on the tray. “No more cocoa. You’re stuck with me, Cole Evergreen. And you really need me, too, because you can’t run this corporation and the IT department. I’ll take that on.”

      Heart full, he gathered her in his arms. “I just plain need you. But I was so afraid I’d ruin your life.”

      She gazed up at him. “Then you don’t know me as well as you think you do. Can we do that apparating thing again?”

      “Why? Where do you want to go?”

      “Your bedroom in the Winter Clan lodge. It’s time I saw where you live.”

      He drew her closer. “It’s the middle of a business day.”

      “Yes, but you’re the CEO. Besides, I want to see your magic wand. You do have one, don’t you?”

      “Is that a loaded question?”

      “What do you think?”

      “I think it is. And that’s what I love about you, Taryn Harper.” Closing his eyes, he carried them both off to begin a life more magickal than he ever could have imagined. And he had one hell of an imagination.

      * * * * *

       She’s a Mean One

      Rhonda Nelson

      NYT bestselling author, two-time RITA^® Award nominee, RT Reviewers’ Choice Award nominee and National Readers’ Choice Award winner RHONDA NELSON writes hot romantic comedy. You can find her at www.readrhondanelson.com, follow @RhondaRNelson on Twitter and like her on Facebook.

      For my fellow novella-mates, Vicki, Andrea and Kira. I believe this book represents what makes us work as dear friends and plotting partners—sheer magic. Love y’all bunches!