Disclaimer: I do not own the Santa Clause trilogy or anything related to it. The only characters I own are Crys and Rachelle.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews, guys! It's really great to hear that you're enjoying the story so much. Now, I'm sure you're all eager to get to the chapter, so here you go! (=

Chapter 12: Just One Kiss

Surprise filled Rachelle's mind as Bernard swiftly leaned in and kissed her. He had never done anything like this before. Every thought went out the window as she felt his lips on hers. Even more shocking was when Rachelle felt the need to kiss him back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and did just that, pulling him closer to her. It was the best sensation in the world…until she came to her senses. What am I doing? This is insane! Frantically, Rachelle shoved Bernard away from her.

"Are you crazy? Who the hell do you think you are?" She was out of breath and her lips were red from kissing him. An expression of disbelief crossed his face as he gazed down at her.

"I happen to be your guardian," he reminded her in a low voice. Rachelle was aware that her heart was racing as the memory of kissing him lingered in her mind. It was hard to avoid his eyes, which were burning into hers.

'Yeah, well you're not exactly acting like it now, are you?" Sarcasm tainted her voice, making him narrow his eyes. A flash of regret filled his eyes and Rachelle wondered if that regret came from kissing her. Bernard lifted a hand towards her face, barely grazing it.

"Why is it that you have to be so difficult all the time? Why can't you let your heart thaw just a little?" With those words, he dropped his hand and walked past her. Rachelle thought about his words and a pang of sadness hit her heart unexpectedly.

It was then that Rachelle spotted Crys and Jack entering the hall. They were smiling and Crys was laughing. Jack's arm was around her waist and he only had eyes for her. A sheen of sweat covered Crys's skin and Rachelle realized she must have been working off that extra weight. A stream of fury wracked her nerves as she watched them.

Nothing stops her, does it? What do I have to do to get what I want? Then the greatest idea she had yet hit her and it sent thrills down her back. It was an idea so terrible that it could only mean that Crys would never forgive her if she found out. Was she really willing to let her friendship go for one guy that wasn't even hers? A long look at Jack encouraged that idea and she pushed away her conscience. I know what I have to do.

…

Jack left Crys to rest in her bedroom and started down the grand stairs. Crys had experienced a lot of stress lately and he was beginning to worry about her. Her friend was the one who had caused it; she was even more mischievous than he had been before Crys had saved him.

Skipping down the steps, he turned and aimed for the kitchen. He was a bit hungry and his stomach growled in agreement. As the kitchen came into view, he noticed Rachelle moving boxes of kitchen ingredients inside a closet. He watched as she lifted a couple of boxes, the one on top tumbling over. Quickly, he moved towards her and caught the box before it hit the floor. She smiled up at him with gratitude.

"Thanks," she said as she straightened the boxes. Some flour poured out of one and created a small white pile on the floor. Rachelle blushed as she stared at it.

"No problem," he replied and then regretted it. He didn't want her thinking about anything specific or getting any ideas. It was already taking too much of a toll on Crys as it was.

"Do you mind helping me in here? Some of the workers said they needed extra supplies for the kitchen," she explained in an innocent tone. Jack grinned down at her, seeing right through her. And I suppose you offered to help? Sure…now what are you really up to? Despite his instincts, he agreed and followed her into the small closet.

"So, what is it the kitchen workers are looking for?" He scanned the variety of items while she shut the closet door. Like that's not strange or anything…Rachelle shrugged and smiled dangerously.

"Nothing in particular," she stated, moving close to him. Her blond hair obscured her eyes for a moment, but he knew there was only one thing written there. Trouble, plain and clear. Jack wanted nothing to do with it now.

"I don't think this is a good idea," he said, holding her wrists so she wouldn't come any closer. Rachelle obviously didn't get the hint; she wrenched her arms from his grip and placed them on his chest. This isn't good…

"Just hear me out," she suggested, her voice barely a whisper. Then, with a devilish grin, she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her until their lips met. Her lips were warm and battled against the slightly cold chill of his own skin. They were still kissing when the closet doors flew wide open.

"What the hell?"

….

Sorry for two cliffhangers in a row. Rachelle never gives up, of course. So, this may just be her last attempt. Who found the two? What happens next? Only time will tell. (= Don't hate me for the cliffhanger! I'll update soon!