Peggy was wide-awake now. That had been a noise in the other room. There was someone in the living area of her apartment. She snuggled deeper into the comforter, trying to hide. Maybe if she pretended to be asleep, the burglar might take whatever he wanted and leave.

God knows, that won't take him long. There sure isn't much to take. At least he won't get a hernia from struggling with all my stuff. I'd hate to have him hurt himself robbing me.

Carl had given her his holiday gift early. She came home from work the first day of December to find that he'd moved out, and taken everything except her clothes and personal items. He didn't leave so much as a cup and saucer.

Not only that, he had collected her share of the November rent, but hadn't paid it. She was facing eviction. It took all Peggy's savings to pay the delinquent rent, find a small, cheap apartment, place deposits, and move. She'd just begun buying a few things, most courtesy of the Goodwill, a used television, a radio that only got two stations, some dishes, some pots, and a frying pan. What little furniture she had was third-hand pressboard. Hell, she slept on a mattress on the floor. She could almost feel sorry for any thief that had targeted her home.

Then she remembered her coffee maker. Her expensive, imported, Swedish coffeemaker. It had been her one good item. She couldn't afford it, but lingering over a cup of coffee was practically her only indulgence. So she bought it. And now she was going to lose it. Some lowlife scumbag was going to steal her coffeemaker. Well, he'd find out that it wouldn't be that easy.

Peggy threw the covers aside and belted her robe around her. Then she looked around for some weapon. Where was a baseball bat when you really needed it? She was going to learn golf just so she'd have a club to use. Finally, Peggy snatched up a heavy hiking boot and headed toward the living area, which was conveniently located just on the other side of the flimsy bedroom door. A two-room apartment didn't have that many places to hide.

She eased the door open and put her eye up to the crack. Maybe this felon was a little, skinny guy and she could take him. Or not.

Whoever it was stood just out of sight. She could hear rustling. Then a male figure backed into view. And what a view. Peggy's eyes opened wide in appreciation. He was about six-foot three inches, heavily muscled, wide shoulders, thickly corded arms. He half turned and the view got better. His chest was smooth; the masculine bulges made her purse her lips in a silent whistle. His chest ended in washboard abs, and long, powerful legs. It was easy to see what a fine specimen of male he was because he was practically naked.

Around his waist he wore a leather strap with leather flaps hanging down over the bulging crotch and tight ass. Around his upper arms he wore thick, decorated gold bands, across his chest were heavily tooled leather straps, and his sandals laced up his thick legs. His long, honey colored hair was caught in back with a black thong. An ancient Norse god was standing less than ten feet from her.

He put his hands on his waist shifted his weight. She could see the chiseled planes of his face, deep topaz eyes, finely formed lips and firm chin. His cheekbones were high and so sharp she thought she could cut with them. And on the right side, next to those dreamy, full, kissable lips, was a dimple. Just the one. Peggy filled her eyes. Never had she seen such a gorgeous man before. He was better looking than the ones on her calendar. Or even the hunks on those naked men playing cards her friend Suzy had.

He didn't have to steal, she thought, he could walk right up to her and ask her for anything, and she'd give it to him. Even her coffeemaker. All he had to do was stand there and let her look at him. She must have made a noise, because he turned towards the door and took a step in her direction.

"Hello, is anyone there?" The voice was low, and sexy, and very French. Peggy melted further. "Do I hear you? If you hear me or see me, I am in big troubles."

He waved his hand and the door moved to open. Peggy struggled to hold it back, but it pulled away from her and swung open. He stood at his tallest and looked down at her. His eyes swept over her from the sleep mussed dark hair, down to her bare feet and chipped toe nail polish. His smile was slow and wolfish and showed his even white teeth. What big teeth you have, Grandma, she thought.

"What are you doing in my apartment? I warn you, I have a weapon and I'm not afraid to use it." Peggy took a step towards him, waving her hiking boot about.

"Your shoe? That is your weapon?"

Peggy looked down at her big, heavy shoe, then she saw the long, wide sword he had hanging by his side. She looked back at the flimsy piece of leather she held. She raised her eyes to his.

"Yes, and I'm sure it can cause damage. People have been known to be killed by flying shoes you know. It could put your eye out."

"Maybe, but I don't think so that this shoe will hurts me." He pounded his chest with his massive fist. "I am strong, the little shoe from your delicate foot will not make so much as a dents on me."

"It would too hurt. Delicate foot? Listen mister, my size tens aren't delicate and I don't appreciate your making fun of them." Peggy realized she was standing in her apartment at one in the morning arguing with a huge burglar. Was she crazy? "I think you should get out. Now, before my ... ferocious watchdog wakes up and rips you apart."

The man sniffed the air around him and smiled. Although she'd heard the expression, the whole earth moved, until she saw that smile break across his face she'd never believed it. She did now. It was wonderful, like the sun coming out on the first day of spring. It warmed her heart and melted her body further down. She felt she could slip right down and form a puddle of lust.

"No dog, no man. Just woman. Soft, warm, sexy woman." His voice fell as he stepped closer. "A woman who sleeps alone, but does not wish to. A woman made to welcome a man into her body. Her soft body to cushion his hard one. Opening her body to him, budding into passion, stretching to hold him, and his ardor."

By now he was standing right in front of her and she was looking up at his face, mesmerized. Had he reached out and touched her, she would have fallen over backwards, legs falling open to him. Hell she might anyway. He was like no one she'd ever met before. If this was madness, bring on the straight jackets.

His hand touched her face, cupping her chin as he moved his mouth closer to hers. His lips played across hers, barely touching, yet searing her through and through. Her body shook in response. Peggy tried to gather her thoughts. She stepped back, forcing her unwilling body to move away from his.

"What, uh, what are you doing here? This is my apartment."

"Oh, that," He shrugged and looked around. "I leave the presents of Christmas."

"You leave what?"

"The presents of Christmas. Only I think I have made the mistake. I bring the gifts to the children and you have none. But I was positive I had the correct address. Ah, I have made yet another mistake. I knew I should have taken one of the older reindeer, not this younger who knows nothing. He does not know the routes and he doesn't fly so well either."

"Presents? Reindeer? You sure don't look like any Santa Claus I ever saw."

"Of course not. I am the stand out Santa."

"You certainly do stand out, but what?" She was puzzled.