Twelve Months of Kristal: 50 Loving States Maine

“Yeah, something like that,” I mumble, not at all up to defending my story as truth to the extremely hot businessman sitting across from me. “But the thing is, I don’t have any ID, which means I can’t fly commercial. And I have to be back here by the twelfth day of Christmas, so a cross country train or car trip is out of the question. Declan says he can get me past security on a private flight. Plus, he’s been working for you for years, so he was hoping you’d do him this boon.”

“Boon…” Hayato repeats, his expression going somewhat sheepish. “An English word I don’t know. That rarely happens anymore.”

“It means favor,” I explain, so self-conscious it feels like my entire face is burning.

Hayato acknowledges my explanation with a brief nod. “I see. You would like to borrow my plane…in exchange for what?”

“For what?” I repeat, blinking at his question. “I would think for years of great service on Declan’s part. Or you know, something like that.”

Hayato picks up his drink and takes a sip before returning with, “Declan is a capable driver and has provided me with good service. However, I could replace two Declans tomorrow for the cost of one private plane ride. Also, staying here while Declan sorts out this situation with his mother would mean more time off of work for me since I wouldn’t be able to return to Japan first thing in the morning as I intended.”

I tighten my hands around my glass, feeling so uncomfortable because I think this is the part where I’m supposed to negotiate on Declan’s behalf.

Man, I wish he was here instead of me. I’m an elf, and Hayato’s a businessman who doesn’t believe I’m an elf. I feel way out of my lane, trying to negotiate this life-or-death plane deal. But I give it my best shot. “Couldn’t you just fly commercial back to Japan? Like first class?”

He gives me a cool look, then simply answers, “That is not possible. So, once again, I must ask what you are willing to exchange for this boon?”

Alarm shivers through me. “You want something from me in exchange for the plane? Not Declan?” I ask, my voice rising a few octaves with surprise.

“Yes,” he says, taking another sip of his drink.

But that yes isn’t simple, is it? No, not at all.

It takes me a few moments to fully process his words, but I eventually do.

“Sex,” I realize out loud, my body taking on a new tension. “You would seriously want me to have another one-night-stand with you in exchange for the use of your plane?”

“That is a suggestion I would consider,” he answers as if I made him the actual offer and didn’t present it as a shocked hypothetical. His eyes glitter with amusement now. “However, I do not think one night would be compensation enough for both my plane and my time. You say you must return to your job on the twelfth day of Christmas. I can take exactly that amount of time off of work. In exchange, you can provide me with companionship until we both return to our jobs.”

“Companionship…” I repeat, beyond shocked. “You mean sleep with you for ten whole days.”

“That would be part of the package, yes,” he answers.

My heart beats faster at the prospect of sleeping with someone—not just someone, Hayato freaking Nakamura—in exchange for a plane. It feels crazy for more reasons than one.

“I don’t understand,” I tell him, truthfully. “Why me? You could have, like, any other woman in this city.”

“Yet, here I am, negotiating with you,” he answers. His voice is quiet, almost soft, but there’s no give in it. No place to wiggle or straight-up run.

I breathe. Try to think. Which is hard with his eyes on me. I take a huge sip of brandy. That doesn’t help either. But at least I don’t fall into another coughing fit this time.

The truth is, I don’t hate the idea of spending the next ten days with Hayato. Sure, we’re on completely opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to relationships, but neither of us is denying that the one night we spent together last January was hella fun…and hot.

It’s Bacchanoel. My elf credo, I’m supposed to do whatever and whoever I want. Maybe, I could let go again. Let myself have some fun. To help Declan out.

But… “This feels like a really bad idea. Somebody’s going to get hurt.”

And by somebody, I totally mean me, the elf who meant what she said last night…but can feel a newly awakened hunger crawling through her body. Not just urging but screaming at her to answer yes to his outrageous proposal.

Hayato gives me another cool look. “Not if we enter into this business relationship with a clear-eyed view of what will happen. We’ll enjoy each other’s company for a few days, up to ten, depending on my mood. Then we’ll go our separate ways.”