Ruben Palmer is on every woman’s Christmas wish list. Except mine.

I grew up with him and bested him in practically everything we did together–debate, grades, mini-golf, you name it. So I’ve built an immunity to his boy-next-door charm. Sure, sometimes I might accidentally type his name into my search engine, but his dimples, hotel empire and thirst-trap photos don’t tempt me. I’ve got my sights set on earning my way to the top of the Palmer Hotel empire, and nothing is going to get in my way.

Until my step-sister leaves her secret toddler with me before skipping town for three months. Now suddenly everyone thinks he’s mine, and instead of powering my way to the top, I’m struggling to not get fired. And instead of Ruben staying on the executive floor where he belongs, he’s invading my apartment, breaking dates with starlets, and looking disappointed that I decided to settle down with anyone except him.

But I know Ruben, and Ruben doesn’t settle down. So there's no way I’m giving him my heart. Not even for Christmas.

**One Small Secret is inspired by the classic films, Bachelor Mother and Bundle of Joy, and is part of the Gift-Wrapped Romance series. All five cozy Christmas novels can be read in any order.

Cabin Crush by Kasey Stockton

Merry Kismet by Anneka R. Walker

Solo for the Season by Martha Keyes

One Small Secret by Esther Hatch

Jingle Bell Jilt by Mindy Burbidge Strunk

Noah Wall