“Christmas isn’t about spreadsheets and profit. It isn’t about which toy is going to appeal to the masses.”

“Are you lecturing me? Because unless you’ve had a change in circumstances since we last met, you’re not married, and you don’t have kids. So if those are the criteria you’re using as a basis for judging a person’s qualifications to be in charge of Christmas, you are no more qualified than I am. Probably less because it takes a lot to make you smile.”

He watched her steadily. “You think I have no sense of humor.”

“I don’t think about you. Ever.”

There was a protracted silence, and his gaze didn’t once shift from hers. “Is that right?”

“Absolutely. When Christy mentioned your name last time, I actually said, ‘Zac who?’”

This time he did smile. Just a flicker, but it was definitely there. “I’m genuinely trying to give you a way out, Alix.”

“Why would you think I’d want a way out?”

“For a start, because I can’t picture you in the Arctic.”

“You don’t have to picture me. You’ll be able to see me, right there.” The skeptical look on his face was annoying. “It’s not the first time I’ve seen snow, Zac. Have you been to New York in February?”

“The fact that you’re comparing New York to Swedish Lapland tells me you need to take a look at a map.”

“I wasn’t comparing it. Simply telling you that this isn’t my first exposure to cold weather. I’m sure you’re great at all the polar stuff, and let’s agree that if we meet a polar bear, that’s your domain—”

“If we meet a polar bear, we’ll be in the zoo,” he drawled. “There are no polar bears where we’re going.”

“Oh.” It was something she’d intended to research, and she was secretly relieved to hear that. “I knew that, obviously.”

“We might meet a wolf. I’m prepared to take the lead on a wolf watch.”

“Very funny. I know there are no wolves, either.”

“There are wolves, Alix.” He finished his beer. “Maybe I’ll take responsibility for teaching Holly about the local wildlife.”

“Good plan.” There were wolves? “Why else would you think I’d want a way out, apart from the wildlife?”

“I’m going to be there. After what happened, I assumed that would be a deal breaker.” He put the empty bottle down. “On reflection, maybe this is a good time to talk about that.”

“It is not.” Forget wolves. He was going to be more dangerous to her than the wildlife. “It’s behind us. We are going to pretend that day never happened. It’s the polar bear in the room.”

“The polar bear?”

“Yes. It doesn’t exist.”

“Alix—” He broke off, his gaze fixed over her shoulder. Then he smiled, and that smile transformed his face from hard to handsome. “Hey, kitten. What are you doing awake?”

“I wanted Mummy. I heard voices.” Holly was clutching a small polar bear. “Were you and Aunty Alix having a fight?”