Dash (Rayne Deare Dating Agency Book 1) Read online

  “You rode in my sleigh and didn’t seem to have too much trouble.”

  “I was distracted,” Ashley argued. Dash stepped closer, sliding his hand inside her coat and pulling her closer.

  “Pretty sure we can find a way to take your mind off things,” he grinned before nipping her bottom lip with his teeth.

  ***

  Ashley didn’t think she’d ever met a more sexually charged man in her entire life. Or a hotter one at that. Dasher, who ironically fit his name to a T, was as comfortable in his own skin as anyone she’d ever met. It intimidated her more than she wanted to admit. “I’ll do this deathtrap on one condition.”

  “Name it,” he said, grinning as he led her to the sled selection area.

  “You have to give me more hot chocolate,” she said, smiling when he simply turned and raised one dark eyebrow at her.

  “Seriously, hot chocolate is all you’re going to ask for?”

  “Well you’re not a genie,” she said, her tone challenging him.

  “I work for Santa Claus, you know, the man in the red suit,” he said, as if that was supposed to convince her.

  “And I’m the Queen of the Nile,” she said, egging him on.

  “Okay,” he chuckled, as Ashley grinned. He was obviously the competitive type. “Just wait and see, sweetheart. If you want hot chocolate, I can do that and so much more.”

  Before she could evade him, Dasher scooped her up and plopped her, unceremoniously, onto his lap and pressed the button.

  ***

  The instant jolt of movement was so keen that Ashley couldn’t even begin to feel motion sickness. Still, it didn’t stop her from wrapping her arms around Dasher’s waist and burying her face into his chest. She felt the rumble of his laughter as his arms came around her. “Just hold on, it’s not too much longer now,” he said, his breath warm on her neck.

  They stopped nearly as fast as they started and Ashley, still clinging to Dasher, barely peeked out. But when she did the sight took her breath away. Nestled between massive mountain peaks sat cabins, log homes and the prettiest cathedral she’d ever seen. All covered in snow and their chimney’s pumping out the natural smell of wood smoke, Ashley felt tears come to her eyes as she looked around. “This is the North Pole?”

  “Farthest north you can go,” Dasher said, standing a little taller. “Now, I believe the lady wanted some hot chocolate and there’s no better place to get it, than Mrs. C’s house.”

  “Mrs. Claus?” Ashley asked, feeling like a small child.

  “The one and only,” he said seriously. “I’ve never met anyone who can make hot chocolate like Mrs. C. Cookies either for that matter.”

  Ashley took his arm, keeping the bear parka tight around her body to ward off the chilly air. She followed in down a gravel path that was charmingly simple in its design and structure. Snow glistened everywhere without ever seeming to pile up and as they walked, Ashley realized that either she was dreaming, or Dasher Holland was giving her the most magical night of her life.

  When they stopped, Ashley stared at a beautiful log cabin that made her yearn for a slower, simpler life than she currently found in the city. But it wasn’t until they stepped inside that she felt the warmth and welcome of home.

  “Welcome!” came the jolly voice of a woman who looked much younger than Ashley deemed appropriate for the white-haired Mrs. Claus of her childhood fantasies. “You’d be Ashley,” she smiled. Ashley smiled back, a little shaken that the woman knew her name. “Now don’t be alarmed, dear. It comes with the territory, being married to Santa. Although I’ll admit it was a bit strange for me when we were first wed.”

  “How so?” Ashley asked, only then realizing that the woman was holding out a cup of perfectly warmed, foamy hot chocolate and a huge chocolate chip and walnut cookie. She took them and sat down when Dasher pulled her to his side.

  “I, of course, wasn’t Mrs. Claus when Santa and I first met. Back in those days young people didn’t turn to the internet or social media to find love, we simply waited for it to find us. Santa, who only goes by that name during the holiday season, wasn’t particularly fond of reunions of any kind-be it family or friends. He simply wanted to stay home and veg-out if you will, living the life of a bachelor. However, fate had other plans and we met during a weekend reunion of classmates who’d attended the not-so-popular Christmas Island Preparatory School for gifted children.

  “The moment I saw him, I knew inside that I wanted to be his wife, although at the time I had no idea what that would mean. We dated for a while before he brought me here. Once he did though I knew my life would never be the same. We were married two months later and I was right, my life has never been the same since.”

  “How did you know my name though?”

  “Oh,” Mrs. C grinned. “It wasn’t until our first Christmas as husband and wife that I began to know things no one had told me. I knew, for instance, that John-Wilkes Booth would have to go on the naughty list. Every Christmas season the names start rolling in and as always, we check the lists twice.”

  “Do bad children still get coal in their stockings?”

  “No,” she laughed. “That was back when coal burning stoves were a necessity. Now they get gift cards for self-help literature.”

  Ashely laughed as she enjoyed her hot chocolate. “I think I’m addicted,” she said, waving her mug, a wanton smile on her face.

  “You just tell Dasher to bring you back any time you’re wanting,” Mrs. C smiled. When Ashley was done, she and Dasher left Mrs. C’s home, but they didn’t get far before she pulled him back as they walked. Pressing a warm kiss to his mouth, Ashley surrendered to the need to show him just how grateful she was for the most magical night of her life.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” he said, his dark eyes smoldering. “But, honey, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

  Chapter Three: Upping the Ante

  Taking her hand, Dasher led her back to the house he used when he was working. “It’s so adorable,” Ashley said, admiring the cute and quaint little cabin. It was small, with just one bedroom, a full bath, a small living room and a generous kitchen, especially given the minimal square footage.

  “Adorable, huh?” he smiled. “You’re adorable. But you’re going to need to wear something a little more practical for the remainder of our trip.”

  “Oh,” Ashley said, feeling a little flustered for the first time since he’d picked her up.

  “Don’t worry,” Dasher said. “I may want to eat you alive, but I won’t ask you to do anything you’re just not into.”

  For the first time since she’d met him, Ashley blushed. Could the man get any sexier? Turning her back, Ashley asked, “Will you help me undo the clip at the top?”

  She felt the moment he stepped closer, the way his body shifted and his head angled to get a better grip. She felt the visceral response in the way her nipples tightened when his fingertips touched her neck. Then he was unzipping her dress and goosebumps of awareness rose on her flesh. Could she be that free? Could she, just this once, throw a little caution to the wind?

  Turning back around, Ashley let her dress fall to the floor, showcasing the lacy pink and black bra and matching panties she’d worn underneath. “Merry Christmas,” Dasher said when his brown eyes finally found her dark baby blues.

  Ashley took the hand he offered and stepped away from her dress. He twirled her around, making her smile before he brought her closer. Her hips and breasts bumped against him, shooting sensations through her body. “Do you still want to eat me- “

  The rest of what she’d been about to say was lost in a moan as Dasher plundered her warm, inviting mouth. He took her under that first wave of heady arousal with a splash as his tongue trailed a hot streak over her collarbone and the swell of her breasts. Then he simply bent and scooped her off her feet. “Dash, I don’t- “

  “Sh,” he cooed. “I don’t take matters like these lightly and your pleasure is just as i
mportant as mine, even more so.”

  ***

  Dasher knew that the first time he was with a woman was always of paramount importance. It set the tone of what she should and could expect when it came to sex and pleasure of a sexual nature. While he always strove to steep his partner in intense satisfaction, he knew that some women just weren’t able to accept that sort of gift, no matter how freely it was given.

  Using his hands, Dasher showed Ashley just what her surrender meant to him as he cupped her warm breasts, teasing their tips with his thumbs. Ravenous he took one in his mouth, grazing it with his teeth before soothing her with the warm slide of his tongue. When her head fell back on a moan, he knew she’d be one to not just accept, but demand her own pleasure.

  Slowly Dasher introduced her to the arousal that came from stripping your partner of their clothes. He found Ashley to be considerate and caring when her nail accidently scraped his skin. “I’m sorry,” she started, only to whimper when his mouth closed over hers. Lifting her up, he laid her back on his bed, eager to taste her need. On his knees, Dasher pulled her sexy black panties off, slowly antagonizing her with his fingertips.

  He nipped the soft, tender flesh of her inner thighs and made her bow up in expectation when he slid long, thick fingers into the depths of her warm pussy. She rode the first waves of her orgasm as Dasher worked her clit with small circles of pleasure. Then her hands were fisted in his thick hair as he used his tongue and teeth to tempt her to climax again.

  Naked and wanting, Dasher pulled Ashley down off the bed, laughing when she landed in his lap again. “I think we secretly love this position,” he teased, nibbling on the tender flesh of her neck.

  “I don’t normally do this,” she said, her eyes imploring him to believe her.

  “There’s no judgment here,” Dasher said. “I’d be the last one to point a finger at you or anyone because of their past, current or intentional sexual behavior.”

  “Okay,” she said, sounding vulnerable in a way that made Dasher’s heart trip in his chest. Gently he took her mouth now, wanting to soothe her nerves and excite her again. Her response seemed hesitant so Dasher took his time smoothing out her jagged edges. His fingers roamed over her body like a musician over the strings of an instrument. Shoulders, arms, breasts, thighs, buttocks; Dasher touched her everywhere. The more attention he showed her, the more she began to unwind, her body ripe for the bliss of climax, but it was when her hands began to touch him back that Dasher knew she was finally ready.

  “I want you under me, Ashley,” he said, his voice husky with controlled need. So saying, Dasher turned her, laying her gently on the thick, plush carpet on his bedroom floor. Covering her, Dasher pressed his tip against the hot edge of her pussy, groaning with pleasure as he filled her. She cried out, and in that moment Dasher knew it wasn’t pain, but pleasure that made her vocal. Withdrawing, he filled her again and again as her gasps filled his ears.

  ***

  Ashley knew she’d never had a more careful and considerate lover. She hadn’t been with many men, but she’d been with enough to know that not all men were created equal when it came to pleasuring the woman they were with. She had no idea what the record for orgasms was, but she had an inkling that Dasher could easily break it if he kept insisting on pleasuring her before he came himself.

  Shifting her hips, Ashley took Dasher deeper, the penetration of his hard cock thrilling her in a way she hadn’t experienced in far too long. She ran her hands up the strong muscles of his back, marveling at the way his body moved with hers. How had she gotten tangled up with a shifter in the first place? Thrust after deep thrust, Dasher showed her his stamina and control as he continued to build her up. She met him now, seeking his release just as much as her own. Each time he filled her, she could feel him deep inside her and she only hoped that she could take all of him.

  “Ashley,” Dash said through gritted teeth. “Come with me.”

  The sound of his control slipping was the last push Ashley needed to orgasm and her body clenched down, vibrating around Dasher’s throbbing cock as she came. Two more thrusts had Dasher coming hard inside her, his body tight and stiff as she enjoyed the ride.

  Barely able to move, Ashley simply basked in the afterglow of incredible sex with a super erotic shifter. When Dasher finally lay down beside her, she turned toward him, an easy grin on her face. “You look good after sex,” he smiled.

  “You look good, period,” she replied, the grin still in place. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “Can you only shift into a reindeer?”

  “So far,” he smiled. “I like to think my body can do more than just a hairy reindeer, but as of yet it’s a no-go. I have a cousin who lives in Canada who can do multiple animals, as long as they’re in the same family.”

  “Like foxes and dogs?”

  “Yeah, like that, except for her, she’s limited to the mammal family. Still, it’s a huge selection and trust me, she uses it to her advantage.”

  “So how did you come to work for Santa, who by the way, no one really believes exists, unless they’re five?”

  “He actually found me,” Dasher smiled. “As a teenager, I was pretty outlandish. I did several stupid things that should have killed me. But, one night I tried to fly up this way and ran out of juice. By the time he found me I was nearly dead. He nursed me back to health and taught me how to use my animal tendencies to do some good in the world. After that we found Dancer, Prancer, and Cupid. Then Comet sort of fell into our lap, literally. Then came Donner, Blitzen, Vixen and Rudolph, who’s the youngest of us. I always tell him it’s his cockiness that put that red blinking nose on his hairy ass.”

  Ashley laughed again, thinking to herself that she’d never laughed so much on a first date. Points for Dasher, she thought to herself.

  “You wanna see the workshop?”

  “Yes!” she said excitedly. She opted for a pair of thermal pants, a long-sleeved t-shirt with a plaid shirt overlay and the huge bearskin parka Dasher had originally given her. Much warmer and more comfortable, Ashley walked hand-in-hand with Dasher toward the Cathedral building she’d seen when they first arrived. Ornately beautiful, it exuded everything she thought of when conjuring images of what Santa’s workshop must look like.

  “Do you and the other reindeer help with toy making?”

  “No,” Dasher grinned. “We’re just in charge of flying.”

  “So, do you eat shrubbery when you’re on four legs?”

  “Comet does,” Dash laughed. “In all seriousness, the flight takes a lot out of us, but most of the time we return to our natural state of being before eating. Sometimes though, if we’re particularly busy, we’ll snack on whatever we can find when we’re hairy and carrying antlers around.”

  “It must be amazing to become something completely different, to live an entirely different experience whenever you want.”

  “Most of the time, we only change over for the holiday season and while I’ve never really asked the guys about it, I personally prefer being a man. But, like someone I know once said, a job’s a job.”

  Scoffing, Ashley playfully punched him in the ribs, making him laugh. As laughs go, Dasher, she had to admit, had a nice one. “Are there other people who can change into reindeer, besides the nine of you?”

  “I’ve never met any,” Dasher said as they neared the workshop. “But then again, I don’t exactly go around advertising my shifter status either.”

  “Why me?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well I’m guessing I’m not the first woman to message you on the Rayne Deare Dating Agency site, so, why’d you message me back?”

  “Well I have a thing for brunettes,” Dasher grinned. “Seriously though, I recognized you from earlier that day and I took it as a sign that you’d messaged me. There’s also the plus that you’re motivated and gorgeous.”

  “Thank you,” Ashley said, genuinely meaning it. “Not a whole lot of peopl
e stop to pay attention to the girl in the elf costume.”

  “Well I am more observant than the average man, especially when a pretty lady is involved, but in fairness to you, you’re beautiful Ashley and what man in his right mind wouldn’t notice a beautiful woman?”

  Ashley had never in her life met a man who was so comfortable with paying a compliment to anyone, let alone to her. “How do you do that?”

  “What?” he asked, opening the door to the foyer of the cathedral style building. When they stepped inside, Ashley was speechless, yet again.

  “Give out compliments as if they’re just general knowledge.”

  “It’s easy to do when it’s the truth,” Dasher said. “If I had to lie about something like that, it’d be a little more complicated. But the truth is easy. You are beautiful Ashley and in my estimation, you’re deserving of every consideration.”

  Turning toward him, Ashley pressed a kiss of appreciation to his lips and smiled as she turned back to marvel at the incredible ostentation of Santa’s workshop. The ceilings were easily twenty feet, peaking in the middle at a massive thirty feet with a dripping chandelier that twinkled like a thousand tiny diamonds. ‘It’s stunning,” she whispered, almost afraid to talk.

  “It’s quite a place,” Dasher agreed. “Now I can’t show you exactly how everything works, but there are some special departments that cater to a woman who has a thing for chocolate.”

  “Seriously?” Ashley smiled, her eyes lighting up with anticipation. “Lead the way good sir.”

  ***

  Dasher grinned as he took her hand and tugged her toward the first door to the right. “This is the fudge factory. Any flavor of fudge you want can be found here.” So saying, Dasher picked up a small chunk of chocolate peanut butter fudge that had just been made and held it to her lips. She smiled and took a bite sighing when it all but melted in her mouth.

  “Oh, good gracious. This is divine.”

  “Glad you like it.”

  “Do you have oompa-loompas here?”

  “No,” Dasher laughed. “No little orange men running around with green hair, sorry.”