Miss Eva Tiding is determined to cheer her widowed father with the perfect Christmas gift. Even if it means breaking into the home of the rakish earl who swindled Papa out of his pocket watch. Even if it means accepting a scandalous dare or two and—heaven help her—pretending to date the earl for the Christmas season.

Jack Hardwick, Earl of Frostbough, isn’t interested in negotiating with a would-be thief, no matter how beautiful and spirited she might be. But then he learns that his beloved grandmother is on her way to London to meet the girlfriend he mentioned in his letter. The one who doesn’t exist.

Eva and Jack strike a deal—she’ll be his fake fiancée if he’ll hand over the watch. It should be simple enough: three dates, no feelings, just acting. But before long, sparks are flying and the line between real and make-believe isn’t so clear. Falling in love is not part of the plan, but with a snowstorm, mistletoe, and a little Christmas magic, anything is possible…

*Note: this novella was previously published as part of the Kissing Under the Mistletoe anthology.