"Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, it's grand / Just holding your hand / We're gliding along with a song of a wintery fairy land."

The mall singer did a cover of Tori Kelly's Sleigh Ride Christmas anthem as the Choir sang along.

Rowland Norris shifted uncomfortably as Veronica arranged the reindeer shaped vegan slices onto the table, his head on a swivel tracking the taller boys movements. He'd be less obvious had he stood there silently mouthing "I'm-going-to-kill-you" while making slashing motions across his throat while he glared from across the room.

This must be how a gazelle feels...

"Uh your um.. boyfriend doesn't seem to be too happy you are talking with me," he muttered taking the second empty tray from Veronica.

"M-my what?" she asked, one knee beginning to throb now, in an awkward position half risen from the table, following his eyes in the direction to the whole line of people waiting just beyond the Snow Machine.

"Jealousy is a reflection of our most vulnerable side, that's what my Babcia says, and trust me, I know when some 09er dude wants to kick my ass because I'm talking to his girl." Rowland insisted.

Veronica laughed at the absurd notion. "Oh him? No no.. that's just my...Logan."

"Well I'd have a chat about the Friendzone because dudes been checking out your milk and cookies all day." Rowland joked nervously and pulled off his Elf hat to wipe his brow.

"Ha! Supervising would be closer..." she said dismissively, following Logan with her eyes.

He looked impatient.

Veronica rolled her eyes. She could feel his eyes boring into her. She knew he was right, they had to focus on the case, but she couldn't deny the heat that was building up between them. Her mind was clouded with thoughts of Logan, and helping Rowland was the first second she'd had to breathe, for years, they had been playing this game of push and pull, but now the dam was breaking and she couldn't afford to get swept away with it. His broad shoulders and chiseled jawline were impossible to resist. She couldn't stop the heat from spreading through her body with every fleeting touch and flirtatious comment. Rowland made small talk as they worked side by side, Veronica couldn't help stealing glances over at Logan.

Sighing she gave Rowland a small smile goodbye and walked towards the Bauble camera in the tree to swap it out with a fresh one, cursing the smaller memory cards for lack of efficiency.

"Nice to see you don't let work interfere with your heavy dating schedule." Logan said sharply.

"Is it?" Veronica asked innocently.

She knew she was playing with fire, but she couldn't help herself, eager to avoid whatever argument he clearly wanted to start she turned to walk away from him. As she walked towards the other side of the gingerbread house, she took deep breaths, trying to clear her head and regain her composure.

Wit it this Christmas by Ariana Grande filled the air between them.

"Have you even told him about me? It's a wonder you ever solve any cases." he took her hand and pulled her back to face him. "You're always so damn distracted. We need to focus, Veronica. This case is important. You clearly have other priorities."

"You mean Rowland?" she chuckled trying to shake him off but found herself backing up against the wall of a gingerbread house when he crowded her space.

Veronica's eyes widened in surprise at Logan's outburst and her mouth dropped open. The look in his eye was one she never saw in him before.

It was pure, raw, emotion.

Logan would send Frosty the Elf and all the other drooling Winder Village idiots a message loud and clear to back off.

Logan's grip on her hand tightened as he leaned in closer, guiding it around his neck, his breath hot against her ear.

"You seemed pretty cozy with him back there" Logan's voice was low and husky, sending shivers down Veronica's spin, and he lifted his hand to cup her cheek. "You're all mine now." Logan's voice was low and husky, sending shivers down Veronica's spine. She could feel his body heat radiating off of him as he deliberately angled his head to make it appear like they were making out.

Veronica swallowed, her nerves were jangling and her belly was as tight as a drum. "I'm sorry. I'll focus."

Logan's eyes darkened, and before she knew it, he had pushed her against the wall, one hand on her hip and the other by her head. She knew she shouldn't be distracted by him, that she should be angry at him for the blatant territorial caveman behaviour but she couldn't help herself.

For a moment, they just stood there, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.

"I need you, Veronica," he whispered, his gaze roamed down her body, tracing the curves of her hips and thighs.

Those were pretty heavy words.

There was something in those eyes that made her believe him; that he really did need her.

She felt a strange, unfamiliar heat spreading through her body as he pressed closer against her. The gingerbread house wall pressed against her back, adding to the thrill of the moment. She could smell his cologne and the scent was intoxicating.

She wanted him to kiss her, to touch her, to take her right there, against the wall.

Veronica's heart was pounding in her chest, her body trembling with anticipation.

She could clearly add her sanity to the list of things stolen in the Mall.

"I can't stop thinking about you." Veronica breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What?" his voice low and rough.

"Let's get back to work," she said shakily, her face flushing with embarrassment.

She couldn't believe she had almost thrown herself at Logan Echolls, while dressed like a dime store Elf of all things!

Rowland picked up the heavy trash bag, glad the coffee cups weren't leaking stale coffee and juice over the floor, staring over at the pretty blonde elf entangled with the Echolls guy and shook his head.

"Another one lost to the Overlords." he complained to his colleague Alex.