Irene Landin had never considered paying for companionship with someone she didn't know. But the thought of spending another Christmas alone nearly brought tears to her eyes. It had been two years since she'd lost John. She wanted to spend the evening in front of a cozy fire snuggling with someone. At this point, it didn't matter whether she knew him or not. She wanted companionship. A little something extra could be added Christmas cheer.

In her early fifties and out of the dating pool since high school, Irene hadn't figured out how to go about finding a man. Until she stumbled across the website for The Love Genie. Irene read it, amazed. She obviously led way too sheltered
a life.

But The Love Genie might be able to rectify her situation, and she could set it
up from the privacy of her home. It seemed safe. You provided health documentation and filled out a form specifying what kind of partner and experience you wanted. Some of the choices were certainly eye-openers. She opted for a traditional Victorian Christmas—which would be a very non-traditional holiday for her, seeing as she'd only done modern American Christmases.

Arriving at the motel on Christmas Eve, Irene pulled into a parking space and surveyed the place. It wasn't what she'd expected. She was reassured by how normal it looked, like any other motel she'd stayed in. Encouraged, she exited
her car, overnight bag in hand. A scattering of snowflakes floated down from the dark sky, heralding a white Christmas.

Immediately after entering the motel, she stopped, stunned. Was she in the
wrong place? It looked like she'd been transported on a magic carpet to an exotic Arabian Nights tale? Except that a decorated tree sat in one corner. Oddly enough, it didn't look out of place. When she spotted the guy behind the desk, she nearly turned and ran, except that he was so attractive, heat rushed to her lady bits. It seemed she was ready for more than the cuddling she'd planned.

Irene approached the desk, trying not to stare at the man's bare torso. Dressed like a genie, he also had on a green leather vest and wore red velvet wrist cuffs with small silver bells. He jingled every time his hands moved.

Cripes but he looked good. Had her thinking about more than snuggling. She wanted to run her hands over his naked chest and slide that vest off. Shocked at her thoughts, she concentrated on looking over his shoulder until he spoke.

"Good evening. Or should I say good night, Irene."

She couldn't help laughing. "You're not the first to say that to me."

"I trust not. Your name invites it." He turned to the bar behind him, poured a drink, and handed it to her. "I believe you will enjoy this."

She accepted the glass mug, decorated with a silver rim and holly berries around the top. Feeling heat seep through the cup, she hesitated, then sipped cautiously." Mmmm. Mulled wine. Delicious. Just the right mix of spices and citrus."

"It always makes me think of a Victorian Christmas. That's why I chose it for you."

"You have excellent taste. Thank you."

"I'll show you to your room. Right this way." He stepped from behind the counter and held out his hand. "I'll take your bag."

"There's no need. It's not heavy." Over the past two years, she'd struggled to become self-sufficient. She didn't want to hand her independence over, even symbolically, by giving him her overnighter.

"Ah, but you won't require it. Everything for your stay with The Love Genie has been provided."

She paused a moment before handing it to him. She didn't want to spend the entire weekend in the clothes she was wearing.

"Don't worry. We will keep it in a safe place and return it when you leave."

She shrugged. "At least let me get my pj's."

He quirked an eyebrow, then smiled. "All your clothing needs are taken care of. We have provided a costume appropriate for your fantasy."

"Wow! That's a nice surprise."

"The Love Genie is all about the fantasy."

Irene followed the genie guy down the hall, her gaze glued to the seductive moves of his firm butt beneath his genie pants. She hoped the assets of her partner were as good, then scolded herself for the direction of her thoughts. Maybe I can change my plan to include a little kissy face.