The Billionaires Christmas Temptation

Project Holiday Magic

✴ Scarlett ✴

"Over here!" someone called out, but the youth center was bustling with activity as our team worked on finalizing the children's Christmas event. The snow had picked up and there was a fresh layer of white all over Wintervale. And while it was chilly outside, inside was a different thing. Laughter could be heard from around the center. Sometimes someone would break out into song. And, of course, I stood in the center of it all, with my clipboard and my list.

"Ok, we have the scavenger hunt all mapped out," Emily said from her post at one table. "But we still need more volunteers for the snowman-building contest,"

"Oh, I will handle that," Damien said from across the room. His voice was calm, but as always, it carried a note of authority that made everyone pause and listen. He stood near the supply bins as he carefully sorted through the decorations with a precision that surprised me. Emily nodded before she got back to work, but I couldn't help but watch Damien for a moment. I marveled at how deeply he had thrown himself into this project. He was involved in every single detail. From organizing the donations for the toy drive to helping measure out spaces for the gingerbread house competition. A part of me had assumed he would merely hover on the sidelines, and maybe offer his occasional suggestion. Instead, he had proven to be hands-on, committed, and amazing.

"Scarlett? Earth to Scarlett?" Emily's hand waved in front of my face, which snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry," I hurriedly apologized. "Right, yes...let's focus on getting those volunteer slots filled before the end of the day...otherwise we will be cutting it close," Emily shot me a knowing smirk, but thankfully, she didn't comment. Damien's presence was affecting me far more than I had expected. My heart had skipped a beat more than once over the past few days and the butterflies in my stomach seemed determined to stage a full-blown dance routine whenever I was too close to him.

“How is the setup for the fun fair coming along?” Damien asked as he walked over, carrying a box of supplies.

“We are nearly there,” I replied as I glanced down at the clipboard. “The scavenger hunt is finalized, the gingerbread competition kits are ready, and the snowman-building supplies are sorted. All we need now is to finish planning the fun fair activities and confirm the toy drive pickups," I read from my list.

“It’s shaping up to be a pretty incredible event,” he said as he set the box down and leaned casually against the table. “You have done a great job pulling it all together,” there was no way I could hide my blush, but I waved off the compliment.

“It’s a team effort. Everyone’s pitching in," I said, and Damien smiled so warmly that, for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

"Still, it’s clear this means a lot to you,"

“It does,” I agreed softly. “Christmas was always a big deal for me growing up. I want these kids to have the kind of memories I had,” Damien’s expression softened, and I saw a flicker of something I couldn’t quite place—admiration, maybe? Whatever it was, it made my chest tighten. And, of course, those butterflies started to perform their latest dance routine. "All right, team," I called out as I stepped away from him. "Let's focus on the fun fair. We need activities that will keep the kids engaged and excited for both days. Any ideas?”

“Face painting?” one volunteer suggested.

“What about a mini-carnival?” Damien suggested, his voice deep and, once again, commanding. “Games like ring toss, knockdown, balloon pop? Maybe a photo booth with Santa, and a hot chocolate bar,” excited murmurs broke out, and I found myself nodding.

“Those are all great ideas. I mean...it will take some extra coordination, but I think we can pull it off,” I said with a bright smile. Everyone started to chatter as they built up on Damien's ideas. The man himself stepped closer and lowered his voice - once again igniting the butterflies to spring into action.

“If you need me to handle anything, just let me know," he whispered, and I knew exactly what he meant. Funding. Everything costs money and his ideas might be a bit over budget. Damien knew that and he was offering help.

"I will," I said with a smile. His dedication was both unexpected and endearing. The way he focused on even the smallest details made it hard to reconcile this Damien with the one I had known all those years ago. As the meeting continued, Damien’s ideas kept flowing, and his enthusiasm was infectious. By the time we wrapped up for the day, I was both exhausted and exhilarated. The event was shaping up to be more magical than I could have hoped for, and I knew Damien’s involvement had a lot to do with that.

“You have been a bit quiet,” Emily said as we cleaned up. “Something on your mind?” I hesitated as I glanced across the room where Damien was talking with another volunteer.

“It’s nothing,” I said, though I wasn’t sure I believed it myself. The truth was, I liked him. I really liked him. And the thought of him leaving Wintervale once the holidays were over made my stomach twist.

“Uh-huh,” Emily said, clearly unconvinced. “Well, if you ever want to talk about that ‘nothing,’ you know where to find me,” I laughed despite myself and gave her a light shove.

“Thanks, Em,” I said, and when the center finally emptied out, I found myself lingering, reluctant to leave just yet. Damien noticed and walked over, his jacket slung casually over his shoulder.

“You good?” he asked, his tone light but concerned.

“Yeah,” I said quickly. “Just…thinking about everything we still need to do,”

“We will get it done,” he said confidently. “You have got this, Scarlett,” his faith in me was both reassuring and overwhelming. I smiled, feeling the butterflies start up again. AGAIN.

“Thanks, Damien,” I said as we walked out into the snowy evening. I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if he stayed. If this wasn’t just a temporary holiday detour for him. But I knew better than to let myself hope for something that seemed impossible. For now, I would focus on the event and the magic we were creating for the kids. Whatever came after, I would figure it out when the time came.