Something Better by Jannine Gallant

Part Three

Brenna’s jaw sagged. “You have a daughter?”

Kent nodded and held out his arms. The tiny child in a long, white nightgown, who couldn’t be much older than three or four, climbed onto his lap and leaned back against his chest.

“Kayla, this is an old friend of mine, Brenna.”

An unblinking blue gaze regarded her steadily before fixing on Rebel. “He’s big.” A frown wrinkled her brow. “Who unwrapped all the presents?”

Guilt ate at her in the face of the child’s confusion. “I’m afraid my dog did.”

Alarm reflected in those blue eyes, the same shade as her father’s. “Did Santa come yet?”

“No, those were the gifts already under the tree from your grandparents and aunts,” Kent was quick to reassure her. “You’d better go back to bed. Santa won’t be able to visit until you’re asleep.”

She took a tight grip on his T-shirt. “Can you take me upstairs? I heard funny noises.”

“Of course.” Rising from his chair with the child clasped in his arms, he glanced over at Brenna. “Be right back.”

She nodded then stared at his retreating back. Kent McCord has a daughter? How had the media not glommed onto that newsworthy fact? When the minutes ticked by without his return, she pushed up off the couch and headed toward the rolls of wrapping paper leaning against the wall behind the tree. Might as well be productive while I wait. She’d rewrapped three gifts before footsteps sounded on the stairs.

“Sorry that took so long.” Kent crossed the room and joined her on the floor. “I wanted to make sure Kayla was asleep before I came back down.” Sitting opposite her and Rebel, he grabbed a roll of paper and the scissors. “Thank God I hadn’t pulled the packages stashed in the closet out yet.”

She stuck a bow on top of a freshly wrapped box and glanced up. “The ones from Santa?”

“Exactly.” He cut and taped with deft movements. Big hands moved with the same skill he used to strum his guitar in front of thousands of screaming fans. “Now you know why I’ve been so secretive about living here. This is my safe place when I have my daughter with me.”

“How have you managed to keep her a secret? The feat boggles my mind.”

“Her mother and I weren’t together long. A brief affair resulted in the most beautiful gift I could imagine.” His blue eyes held a deep reverence. “Lynnette is married now and lives in the Midwest. No one except family knows Kayla is mine. We share custody, and when I have her, I spend my time here in Maine. When I’m on tour, she lives with her mother.”

“Wow. Now I really can’t believe you let me inside.”

“An impulsive decision based on seeing a familiar face from before my days in the limelight.” His hands stilled over the bag of bows. “It’s hard spending Christmas alone when I’d prefer to let Kayla enjoy a big family gathering.”

Brenna reached for another box. “Why can’t you?”

“If I showed up at my parents’ home with a child in tow, the press would be all over it. The McCords aren’t exactly low profile.”

“True. I’d forgotten your dad was in the music business long before you were.”

“Normal didn’t exist for me and my sisters while we were growing up.”

She ripped off a piece of tape. “Is that why you remember your summer in Fish Lake so fondly?”

Kent smiled. “Probably. No one here cared that I was Sonny McCord’s kid.” He let out a sigh. “I won’t be able to keep Kayla out of the media fray forever, but for now I’m going to try. At least until she’s better able to understand it.”

“You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll keep your secret.”

“Thank you for that.” He finished wrapping the last present and slid it under the tree then glanced over at Rebel, sacked out in a pile of paper. “Is it safe to bring out the gifts hidden in the closet?”

Brenna pushed to her feet. “As long as there aren’t any more bones.”

He grinned. “We should be okay, then.”

“I’ll help you clean up this mess then take my destructive baby home so you can get some rest.”

He rose in one smooth movement and laid a hand on her arm. “I won’t sleep. It’s almost morning.”

Her breath caught as warm fingers touched the inside of her wrist. “Is it?”

He pulled her toward the tall casement windows overlooking the front yard where twinkling Christmas lights reflected off the fresh snow. Overhead, the clouds had parted, and a hint of pink tinged the sky to the east.

“The snow stopped.” His deep, sexy voice that mesmerized millions of adoring fans caressed her ear.

She nodded. “Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day.” Her heartbeat slowed then thudded on in double-time when he slipped an arm around her shoulders and squeezed.

“Thanks for being such a good sport about keeping my secret.”

“Why wouldn’t I be? We were friends—sort of—all those years ago.”

“You were way too young for me back then, but I still enjoyed having you around.” He turned her to face him and looked into her eyes. “I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings with that stupid bet.”

“I won’t lie. I dreamed about that kiss through my entire freshman year of high school, and half the next.”

“Then what happened.”

“Another boy kissed me.”

His smile flashed. “Oh yeah? Was he better at it than me?”

Her breath caught as he touched one long curl where it rested above her breast. “I can’t remember.”

“Maybe this will help.” Pulling her against his chest, he bent and pressed his lips to hers, a gentle touch that settled into so much more.

When he finally released her, Brenna grabbed his arm to steady herself. “Why’d you do that?”

He pointed to a sprig of holly tied with a ribbon, hanging from the window frame above them. “Tradition. The Christmas spirit. I don’t know, but it felt right in the moment.”

“Mistletoe is traditional. Not holly.”

“Improvising can often lead to something better.”

She stepped back on shaking legs. “I should take Rebel and go. You’ve all those Santa gifts to arrange beneath the tree before your daughter wakes up.”

He nodded. “I suppose so. Have a merry Christmas, Brenna.”

“You, too.” After prodding her dog to his feet, she stopped and turned. “Kent, would you and Kayla like to spend Christmas day with me and my grandpa and my younger brother? It’ll just be the three of us since my parents are traveling, but maybe you wouldn’t miss having a big family holiday so much. I promise they can be discreet, like me.”

His blue eyes warmed to the color of a mid-day sky. “I’d like that.”

She smiled back. “Great.” She took another step then hesitated. “In case you were wondering…”

“What?”

“You’re definitely a better kisser.”

His slow smile heated her to her toes.

“I guess that’s a start.”

Heart beating in a crazy rhythm, she drew in a breath. “I’d like to think so.”

“Brenna?”

“Yes?”

“Count on it.”

****

I hope you enjoyed Something Better. Drop by tomorrow for another terrific story by the Chimney Elf. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!

For information on all my books, visit my WEBSITE.

Something Better by Jannine Gallant

Part Two

Kent McCord regarded the petite woman standing at his door with consternation. Long, dark curls cascaded from beneath her hood, and a pretty mouth hung agape. Not that he wasn’t used to staring women. One of the perks—and irritations—of his business. Still, he’d hoped the owner of the dog that was currently galloping out of the living room to skid across the marble tiles would be too groggy with sleep to make the connection between his at-home, scruffy persona and his cowboy-hat-wearing, boot-stomping, country star image. No such luck.

The mystery woman’s fingers buried in Rebel’s fur as the big mongrel leaned against her legs. “Really, Kent? You don’t know who I am?”

This was a new twist. Now he was supposed to remember every groupie who ever threw herself at him on—or off—stage?

“I’m sorry, were we introduced at a concert? I’m afraid I meet so many—”

She rolled big brown eyes that suddenly struck a chord deep in his memory.

“Not at a concert. Here at Fish Lake. Granted it’s been fifteen years, and I was only thirteen to your sixteen…”

“Good God, Brenna?”

A nod sent curls flying. “I can’t believe you’re living in the backwoods of Maine. I thought you had a big, fancy house in Nashville?” She waved a hand. “Not that this place isn’t fancy.”

“I do have a place in Nashville.” He stepped back. “Why don’t you come inside? We’re letting in a whole lot of cold air.”

She stomped her boots on the mat then stepped into the foyer with her mutt at her heels. “Since you’ve kept your identity such a secret, I’m surprised you’d let a stranger inside those gates.”

His lips twisted. “I wasn’t really thinking. I simply reacted when the damn dog—or rather the sound of ripping paper—woke me up. It wasn’t until I had you on the phone that I realized the implications of making the call.” He headed toward the living room then glanced over his shoulder. “I know it’s an odd hour to talk, but we’re obviously both awake, and I’m sure you have questions…”

“I’ll never get back to sleep now.” She rubbed her hands together. “Curious doesn’t begin to cover it. No one’s going to believe me when I tell them—”

He stopped in front of the illuminated tree near the wasteland of wrapping paper. “About that. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention me to your friends.”

She pushed back her hood then unzipped the coat she pulled off to drape over the arm of a chair. “Wow, Rebel really did a number on your gifts. Sorry about the mess.” Her gaze swung back his way. “Fine, I’ll keep my mouth shut.” A stray piece of red and green striped paper stuck to the bottom of her boot, and she shook it off. “I guess I owe you that much.”

 He moved a couple of feet when Rebel brushed past him to retrieve the rawhide bone he’d unwrapped earlier. Dropping down next to a large box, the mongrel clamped his jaws around the partially eaten bone and gnawed. Kent thought about commenting on his bad behavior when Brenna pretended not to notice, but decided there wasn’t much point.

“I wouldn’t ask you to lie, but…never mind. Thank you for your discretion.” He glanced toward the doorway. Had that creak been a sound from upstairs or just the old house groaning in the wind? “Uh, why don’t you have a seat?”

She perched on the edge of the long, leather couch then jumped when his dog uncurled beside her, stretched and yawned.

“Scare me to death.” She pressed a hand to her chest. “I thought that furry thing was a pillow.”

“Fluffy doesn’t disturb easily. Apparently she watched your beast destroy the place without so much as a single yip of protest.”

One brow rose. “Fluffy?”

His cheeks heated. “I didn’t name her.”

He let out a breath then sat in the recliner, still eyeing his late night visitor. She didn’t much resemble the young girl he remembered. The thirteen-year-old Brenna had been scrawny and nearly flat-chested, with her curls always confined in braids. Her obvious crush on him the summer he’d spent at the lake had been somewhat embarrassing—until he’d accepted his buddy’s dare and kissed her. The feel of her soft, never-been-touched-by-a-boy lips beneath his had elicited feelings he had no business harboring for a girl who hadn’t even started high school yet. After that, he’d avoided Brenna for the final week of his vacation.

“Kent?”

“Huh? Sorry, I was marveling at how different you look.”

“I’m a twenty-eight-year-old woman, not a barely-teenaged girl. I would certainly hope I’ve changed.” Her chocolate-brown gaze drifted from his face downward. “You’ve filled out some, too, but I guess I have the advantage since I see your picture splashed across magazine covers every time I’m in the check-out line at the grocery store.”

Not much he could say in response to that, so he let the reference to his fame go. “When did you move to Fish Lake? If I remember correctly, the summer we met you were visiting your grandparents from…Portland?”

“Freeport. I moved here shortly after college. I always loved this town, and after my grandma died, I wanted Grandpa to have family close.”

He smiled. “I remember your grandpa as a cool, old dude, selling bait and tackle out of his store and telling off-color jokes.”

“He’s still a cool, even older dude, but he finally gave up the store. He still lives in his cabin by the lake and refuses to even consider moving in with me.”

“What do you do?”

“Teach kindergarten at Fish Lake Elementary.”

Kent glanced toward the tree where Rebel chewed and slobbered with obvious enthusiasm. “Are you as easy on your students as you are on your dog?”

Her eyes narrowed. “They’re five. Should I crack a whip over them if they color outside the lines?”

He grinned, recognizing a hint of the feisty girl who’d hung out at the dock where he and his buddy had worked renting canoes to tourists all summer. “I suppose not.”

She reached over to stroke a slim hand down Fluffy’s back. “Why would a big star like you buy a house in Fish Lake?”

A direct question deserved the truth. Or maybe at least part of it.

“I wanted a place to hide from the craziness that follows me everywhere I go. Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate every one of my fans, but constantly playing the role of the big-hearted country boy they expect to see gets tiring.”

“Is it really such a stretch?”

“Not usually since deep inside I’m not unlike the public Kent McCord. But ten years in the spotlight has taken a bit of the shine off.”

“So you chose Fish Lake as your hideout?”

“The summer I spent here with my friend, Tanner—do you remember Tanner?”

“The jerk who dared you to kiss me.”

His eyes widened. “You knew about that?”

“Let’s just say word spread. Continue.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, uh, that summer was one of the best in my memory. This place has a Mayberry R.F.D. feel to it, which is a far cry from the cutthroat business world of country music.”

“I bet.”

“So, when Tanner’s great-aunt, who owned this house, died last January, I bought the place from her estate since neither Tanner nor his sister wanted to keep it.”

Brenna frowned. “What’s the point in owning a house if you don’t get to enjoy it? Based on the comings and goings of your gargantuan SUV, you aren’t here much, and when you are, you’re holed up inside since no one has ever seen hide-nor-hair of you.”

“I was around more last summer. I grew my hair longer, wore a ball cap and dark glasses and spent quite a bit of time out on the lake with...” He cleared his throat. “When people aren’t expecting to see a celebrity, they don’t look for one in an average guy fishing from a canoe.”

Her brows knit. “I would have noticed.”

“I guess it’s lucky for me our paths never crossed. Until now.”

“So, you plan to skulk about indefinitely, keeping your identity secret from all your neighbors?”

He sighed. “I’m not so much concerned about the neighbors, but news would spread. Next thing you know, paparazzi would be camped outside my gates.” He looked deep into her honest brown eyes and couldn’t hold back the truth. “I’m just trying to protect—”

Light footfalls sounded on the stairs then bare feet slapped against the marble floor in the foyer before Kayla appeared in the living room doorway.

Over on the couch, Brenna drew in a sharp breath.

He let out one of his own. “My daughter.”

****

I hope you're enjoying Something Better. Come back tomorrow for the exciting conclusion!

For information on all my books, visit my WEBSITE.

Something Better by Jannine Gallant

Part One

A ringing phone at two in the morning never brought good news. Brenna Halliday bolted upright in bed, heart pounding as she stared at the illuminated face of her old-fashioned alarm clock. Certainly not in the wee hours before dawn on Christmas Day.

Worst case scenarios flashed through her mind.

Grandpa sprawled at the foot of the stairs beneath the scraggly pine he’d hauled in from the woods behind his cabin and decorated the day before. Not that anyone would have found him yet since he was so contrary about wearing his life alert button…

The jarring peal sounded again.

Dex? Had her little brother skidded on the icy roads and wrapped his car around a tree on the way home from a Christmas party? Surely he had more sense than to drink and drive. He wasn’t usually irresponsible…

When the phone shrilled a third time, surely louder and more strident than before, Brenna’s overstretched nerves threatened to snap. Flipping on the bedside lamp, she blinked at the harbinger of doom before reluctantly lifting the receiver to press the talk button.

“Hello.” Her voice croaked, dread nearly choking her.

“I have your dog. If you want him back…

The deep male voice faded as the blood roared in her ears. Not Grandpa or Dex, thank God, but bad enough. A ransom call for her baby? Her grip on the phone tightened as she forced herself to breathe.

“Hello? Is anyone there?” Annoyance registered in the sharp tone. “Are you the owner of a mixed-breed destruction machine named Rebel?”

“My dog’s name is Rebel. Who’s this?”

A glance toward her pet’s empty bed in the corner of the room confirmed Rebel wasn’t sleeping on his back with his paws waving in the air, as usual. Had he gone outside through his doggy door and been picked up by some stranger lurking near her home? He wasn’t exactly show dog quality…

“I don’t understand.” Tears threatened. “Why would you take my dog?”

“Take him?” The voice rose to a near shout. “Lady, you have one well-developed imagination. Why the hell would anyone want to take that mutt? Your oversized vandal burrowed his way onto my property then somehow squeezed through my dog door only to rip open all the gifts under the tree. I found him devouring a rawhide bone I bought for my dog, who I might add, is home where she belongs.”

Brenna slumped back against the pillows as relief filled her. Not dognapped, after all. Apparently Rebel had gone out on one of his midnight adventures. Again. Obviously, her dog was doing his best to live up to his name.

“Sorry about that. When a ringing phone wakes me up at two in the morning, I tend to think the worst.”

“You should be sorry. I called the number on his tag because I thought his owner might be worried and out looking for him.” The voice on the other end of the line crackled with disapproval. “Not at home in bed, sound asleep.”

She pushed tangled curls out of her face and suppressed a yawn. “Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. My bad. I wasn’t aware he snuck out. If you’ll give me your address, I’ll come pick him up and get him out of your hair.”

“He’s not in my hair. As I mentioned, he’s lying on a heap of wrapping paper under my tree.”

Had there been an actual hint of humor in his tone?

“Point taken. If it’ll make you feel better about Rebel’s bad behavior, even though it’s the middle of the night, I’ll rewrap the gifts for you. And I’ll buy your dog a new bone. In the meantime…”

“That won’t be necessary. Just come get your beast. I’m at 2200 Holly Drive. The house is down at the very end of the road…” His voice trailed off on a tired—or perhaps reluctant—sigh. “I’ll unlock the gates and turn on the outdoor lights for you.”

“I’m only a couple of houses away. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Brenna hung up the phone then scrambled out of bed to pull on the jeans and sweater she’d left in a heap on the carpet the evening before. Holy crap! Was she really going to get a peek at the mysterious occupant of the old Colonial behind its high brick wall at the end of her street? The place was practically a fortress. Since the previous owner had died nearly a year before, none of the neighbors at caught so much as a glimpse of the new inhabitant. Just a large, black SUV with smoked windows cruising in and out at infrequent intervals, mostly after dark. And the occasional sighting through the wrought iron gates of a Lhasa Apso racing across the front lawn, silky fur flying. Speculation over the owner’s identity ranged from a reclusive billionaire to a secret government witness to a vampire.

Brenna had been a fan of the vampire theory. A grim smile curved her lips as she paused in front of the mirror over her dresser to finger comb long dark curls into a semblance of order. However, since she’d just been invited into this man’s lair in the wee hours of the morning, she hoped she was wrong. Grabbing the flashlight she kept on the nightstand to combat frequent winter power outages, she headed to the mudroom to shove her feet into a pair of snow boots then shrugged on a down parka.

A blast of arctic cold slapped her in the face when she stepped outside. Not unexpected in December in Maine, but the frigid air stole her breath. Snowflakes sifted through the night sky to melt against her cheeks as she flashed the light beam on the icy stretch of road. In the distance, a multi-colored glow lit up the trees surrounding the big, old house. Head down as she picked up speed, it wasn’t long before she reached the gates and paused to stare. Twinkling Christmas lights decorated the three story white structure, outlining black shutters and glimmering in the bushes along the foundation.

Surely a vampire wouldn’t put up holiday lights. Would he? A breath escaped in a puff of white vapor.

“The gate’s unlocked.”

“What?” Eyes wide, Brenna nearly jumped out of her skin. She glanced up. The voice came through a speaker below a mounted camera. Great, the man behind the wall had been watching her every move. At least she hadn’t done anything to embarrass herself. “Okay, thanks.”

After pushing open the gate and stepping through, she let it swing shut behind her. The lock snapped into place with an ominous click. Snow dusted the drive leading to the house. She cast a quick look over her shoulder at the trail of footprints behind her. Was she a complete idiot to go looking for her dog in this stronghold in the middle of the night? Would the authorities find her decomposing body deep in the woods when the snow melted next spring? Reaching the front stoop, she took a breath and raised a shaking hand.

The door swung wide before she could knock. Light from a chandelier high overhead gleamed on the polished marble floor of the entry. The man standing before her wearing sweat pants with a rip in one knee seemed out of place…and time. She’d expected a tie and tails at the very least. Perhaps a black cape. Her gaze swept upward over a navy blue T-shirt clinging to a broad chest, past a strong jaw with a shadow of beard, over well-defined lips and a strong nose to a pair of laser blue eyes. Her mouth sagged open.

“You!”

****

I hope you'll come back tomorrow for Part Two of Something Better!

For more information on all my books, visit my WEBSITE.

Christmas Destiny Part Four by Jannine Gallant

Teetering a little, Fritz stretched from the highest rung of the low step ladder to settle an angel atop the tree. Her gossamer wings caught the glow of the blinking lights in a kaleidoscope of color. Backing down again, he fisted his hands on his hips and smiled at Shay. “I’d say we did a terrific job.”

“The tree is beautiful.” Her voice caught. “Thanks for putting it up and nudging me into the Christmas spirit.” Folding the ladder, she set it aside then neatly stacked the empty ornament boxes.

“My pleasure.”

He sat on the couch facing the tree and picked up the coffee she’d doctored with a shot of Baileys. Maybe more than one shot. He was on his second cup, and a comfortable warmth encompassed him. He wasn’t sure if the alcohol in the drink, the roaring fire or the extremely fine woman who’d been giving him speculative looks all evening was responsible. Nor did he care.

“Come sit down.” He patted the leather cushion next to him.

Shay dropped onto the couch then lifted her own mug from the end table and held it between her palms. Silvery gray eyes regarded him with interest. “So, why did you have a Santa suit in your truck?” A smile curled her lips. “Did you misplace your sleigh, or have you got a hot date with an elf?”

He choked on his coffee. “The only date I have is with you—on Christmas Eve. Or so I’ve been told.” He grinned. “Whether or not it’s hot remains to be seen. As for the suit, I was going to play Santa for the kids at the party, so I picked one up on my way here. Bridget’s idea.”

“You’re a nice guy, Fritz.” She scooted a little closer until her knee touched his leg. “I’m beginning to think your sister’s suggestion was an excellent one.”

His brows shot up. “What, you have a thing for men in red velvet?”

Her laughter rang through the room. “Not that suggestion, but the right man might be able to pull it off.” She edged even closer. Taking his mug, she set both cups back on the table. “I’ve never dated a man who wears velvet.”

The warmth inside him erupted into a blaze as she leaned into him. Not that he was complaining. He slipped an arm around her waist. When her breath caressed his cheek, his control snapped. Burying one hand in her hair, he tilted her chin with the other. Their lips met in an incendiary kiss.

Dampness touched his face. With an effort, he fought the urge to push her down on the couch and reluctantly pulled away. A tearful gaze met his.

“Are you crying?”

She wiped a hand across her eyes and sniffed. “No.”

The blatant lie would have made him smile—if he hadn’t been feeling lower than pond scum. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She put a good foot of leather between. “This was all my fault.” A harsh breath slipped out. “Maybe some of it was your sister’s fault since it was her idea.”

He frowned as the fire crackled and snapped in the quiet room. “I don’t get it.”

The expression in her eyes held pure misery when she turned his way. “I caught my boyfriend—make that ex-boyfriend—in bed with another woman a few days ago.”

He stiffened. “I’m happy to beat the crap out of him for you. Just tell me where he lives.”

She gave him a watery smile. “Thanks, but he isn’t worth your skinned knuckles.”

“Uh, is this guy the Vance Bridget referred to?”

Shay nodded.

“And the payback my sister mentioned would be…”

“You.”

The clock ticked then chimed ten times.

“I take it you changed your mind?”

A few more tears slid down her cheeks. “I like you too much to do that to you.”

His face heated. “Uh, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have complained. I’ve never actually been involved in payback sex, but it sounds—”

“Petty and childish? Stupid and hurtful? Not exactly what the Christmas spirit of giving is all about?”

“Maybe not precisely what I was thinking, but sure.”

She stared at the tree and scowled. “Want to know why I’m spending Christmas alone?”

“I did wonder.”

“My family planned a trip to Hawaii, Kauai to be precise.”

“Hey, that’s my old home turf.” His voice brightened. “Sand and surf instead of a blizzard.”

“Kind of ironic, don’t you think? We could have met on a beach. Instead, we ran into each other in the snow-filled woods.”

“We were fated to meet.” He smiled. “Our Christmas destiny.”

“Seems that way.” She smiled back. “Anyway, I bailed out of the trip at the last minute because I thought Vance was going to propose. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.”

He slid halfway across the empty space between them and covered her clenched fist with his hand. “I’m really sorry you were hurt.”

“So am I.” She turned her hand over and squeezed his fingers. “You know what?”

“What?”

“Meeting you made me realize I deserve better. Vance always put his own needs first. No way in hell would he have done something as selfless as dressing like Santa Claus for a bunch of kids.”

“I’ll admit the idea didn’t thrill me at first…”

“But you were going to do it anyway.”

“I still will if I can get the dirty tire prints off the jacket.”

She smiled. “That’s what I’m talking about. You’re nice. I want nice.”

He slid closer and pulled her against his shoulder. Her thick auburn hair caressed his chin. They sat in silence as the clock ticked away the minutes.

“Did Bridget tell you I’m not going back to Hawaii? That I’m thinking about settling down somewhere around here? I write middle school adventure books for kids. I can pretty much do it wherever I want.”

“Why would you leave your tropical paradise if you enjoy it so much?”

He let out a breath. “I needed a complete change after my fiancée got cold feet and left me standing at the altar a couple of months ago.”

Her head jerked around as she met his gaze. “You’re kidding?”

“Nope. Maybe my sister figured a little revenge sex would be good for me, too.”

“Oh my God, we’re quite a pair.”

He tightened his arm around her. “I’d say we’re a pretty good match.” He tilted her chin to look into eyes that held far less pain than they had only minutes before. “Shay?”

“What?”

“Let’s forget about payback sex, at least for now. Let’s start with a date on Christmas Eve and see where it leads.”

She nodded. “I like that idea. I like it a lot.”

“After all, the holiday season is about new beginnings.” He dropped a light kiss on her lips then smiled.

       Her breath caught. “No reason we can’t both start over—together.”

I hope you enjoyed my contribution to The Santa Suit Chronicles. Have a merry Christmas!

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Christmas Destiny Part Three by Jannine Gallant

Shay’s stomach did a little flip when a soft knock sounded at the door. Fritz? Had he changed his mind about hanging out for a while? She hoped so. Her friend’s brother was unbelievably handsome and sweet and…a bunch of other adjectives she had no business imagining after knowing the man for less than an hour. She set down the cup of cider she’d just poured then ran a hand through hair flattened by her knit hat. Walking across the cabin, she pulled open the door. The bells on the wreath adorning it jingled.

Halleluiah. He’s back! “Couldn’t resist the thought of Christmas cookies?”

His smile was tentative. Doubt shadowed eyes the color of a deep alpine lake. “Slight problem.”

“Oh?” She motioned him inside then shut the door behind him.

“A tree fell across the road about a quarter mile from here. If I hadn’t learned my lesson about driving in a whiteout, I’d be picking pine needles out of my teeth right now.”

Her breath caught. “Are you okay?”

“Seeing that monster crash down in front of me might have scared a few years off my life, but otherwise I’m fine.” He cleared his throat. “The road’s blocked.”

“I’ll call to report it. I’m sure they’ll send a crew out to clear it away. Sit.” She pointed to a stool at the bar counter separating the living area from the kitchen. “I’ll pour you some cider.”

Minutes later Shay hung up the phone. Her stomach, along with other parts, did a few more gymnastic moves as she turned to face him. “Apparently that wasn’t the only tree the wind took out this evening, and since this isn’t a high-traffic road…” She gave a little shrug.

“They aren’t in any rush to get here.” His lips firmed. “I was afraid of that.”

“Sometime tomorrow was their best estimate.”

“If I borrow your skis…”

“You’d end up getting lost in the dark and freeze to death.” She let out a slow breath. “You’ll stay here tonight.”

Those blue eyes warmed. “You’re comfortable with that?”

He was Bridget’s brother. He seemed like a good guy. She wasn’t worried Fritz would turn into a sex-crazed lunatic at the sight of her dressed for bed in a pair of flannel pajamas. Her only concern was whether or not she could resist him. He’d taken off his jacket while she was on the phone. A thermal, waffle-knit shirt stretched across an impressive chest. Her imagination was working overtime picturing the muscles molded beneath the soft fabric.

Shay licked dry lips. In short, she wasn’t the least bit comfortable.

“Of course I’m comfortable. You’re more than welcome to stay.”

“Thanks.”

They stared at each other for a long moment, the only sound the ticking of the mantle clock above the crackling fire.

She tore her gaze away. “Um, I should bring in more wood then start dinner.”

“I’ll carry in a supply.” He reached for his jacket, draped over a second stool.

“Thanks. The wood is stacked along the side of the house.”

After shrugging on his coat, he glanced around. “I like your home. Cozy.”

“It’s small, but then I don’t need a lot of space. I’m afraid I don’t have a guest bedroom.”

“No problem. I’ll sleep on the couch.” He nodded toward open boxes of ornaments left in an empty corner of the room. “You don’t have a tree.”

“I might go cut one tomorrow, though it seems kind of pointless with just me to enjoy it since I’ll be alone for the holiday. I did put up the rest of my decorations.” She gave a half-hearted arm sweep toward the living room.

Pinecones, candles and cedar boughs graced the mantel on either side of the clock, crocheted snowflakes dangled from the front window frames, and a nativity scene covered a small end table beside the long, leather couch.

“A tree is mandatory…and you aren’t alone anymore.”

His expression warmed her to her toes and stayed with her while he hauled in logs and she heated the homemade minestrone soup she’d prepared the day before. When he went back outside after filling the wood box, Shay wondered why. She was tearing lettuce for a salad to go with the soup when he blew in with a swirl of snow, dragging the noble fir behind him.

With a grunt he settled it into the stand she’d left beside the ornaments. “Perfect size.”

“Fritz, you can’t! That tree is for your sister’s house.”

“Sure I can. They already have one in the living room. This one was for the family room, but I think Bridget can spare it.” He glanced over. “Which reminds me…I should call her. She’s probably wondering what happened to me. Do you mind if I use your land line. I don’t get any cell service out here.” His smile was self-deprecating. “I discovered that when I got the truck stuck.”

“Go for it.”

Shay tried not to listen to his conversation but couldn’t help herself when his cheeks took on a rosy hue.

“Uh, yeah, she is.” His gaze shot her way before he turned his back. “I’m not going to tell her…” His voice trailed off. “Fine. See you when they get the tree cleared.” He put the phone back in the cradle.

“Was Bridget worried?” Shay slid a loaf of crusty French bread into the oven to warm.

“Not really.” He snorted. “She sent you a message.”

“Oh?”

“She said to tell you that you should use this opportunity to pay Vance back in kind. Whatever the hell that means.”

Shay turned with a knife gripped in her hand. “Your sister said that?”

“Yep.”

She sliced through a tomato then chopped it into little pieces. “Not a bad idea. Not bad at all.”

“Do I even want to know what you’re talking about?”

She laid down the knife then smiled at him. The smile turned into a snort of laughter. “Your sister’s crazy, but if I work up the courage to follow her advice, you’ll be the first to know.”

“I will?”

       She nodded. “And if I do, this could be a Christmas neither one of us ever forgets.”

You've come this far... The conclusion of Christmas Destiny will be posted tomorrow!

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Christmas Destiny Part Two by Jannine Gallant

Fritz made an effort to close his sagging jaw. “I’m your date?”

The auburn haired beauty didn’t look crazy. Maybe the hints of silver he’d found so fascinating in her gray eyes masked a touch of lunacy.

“The name threw me at first. Your sister told me her brother Freddy was visiting for the holidays. Since I’m dateless for the Hoffman’s Christmas Eve bash ever since I dumped my boyfriend after I caught him…never mind.” Anger flashed in Shay’s silvery eyes. “Anyway, Bridget had the bright idea the four of us could go together to what will no doubt be the biggest social event of the season.”

“You know my sister?”

“Sure. We only live a few miles apart as the crow flies, which makes Bridget and Crosby my closest neighbors. They’re the friends I mentioned I was visiting.”

“Oh.” When a coyote howled somewhere in the gathering night, he cleared his throat. “Maybe we could continue this conversation in the truck.”

“Let me grab my skis.” After she’d laid her equipment in the back beside the tree, she climbed into the cab.

He flipped on the headlights and turned up the heater. “I assume I’m going in the right direction?”

“You are.” She leaned forward, nearly pressing her nose against the windshield. “Wow, the snow’s really accumulated since I set out. This might be a little tougher than I thought.”

“Oh, joy.”

She flashed a smile. “Hey, we’ll get there. My cabin isn’t too far from here, but it’s several miles past to your sister and brother-in-law’s place. I took a shortcut through the woods then detoured over when I heard you swearing up a bigger storm than the one raging outside.”

His cheeks colored as he glanced her way. “As we’ve established, I had an excellent reason.”

Her answer was preceded by a quiet laugh. “Yes, you did.”

The pickup bounced and skidded slightly as they climbed a short hill. He shifted into a lower gear and gripped the wheel tighter on the descent.

“No offense, but you suck at driving in the snow.”

“I live in Hawaii…or used to. Winter driving isn’t exactly a skill I’ve had a chance to acquire.”

“Bridget mentioned Freddy was in the middle of relocating. I have to admit I was a little nervous about this double date she insisted upon. She did say you were easy on the eyes. That wasn’t an exaggeration.”

He cast another quick glance in her direction before returning his attention to the poor excuse for a road. “Thanks, I think. My sister’s the only person on the planet who still calls me Freddy. I go by Fritz.”

“Fritz suits you better. Turn here.”

“Here, where? I don’t see—”

“Between those two fir trees. That’s my driveway.” She gripped the armrest as he made the turn. “Good grief, I need to get out the snow blower.”

He plowed down the narrow lane and pulled to a stop in front of a detached, single car garage. A small cabin made of split logs sat a short distance away, tucked up against the hillside. “I didn’t even notice your home when I drove past earlier.”

“It’s kind of hidden from the road.”

His hands dropped from the steering wheel. “It’s nice back here.”

She turned to face him. “Thanks for the ride. Um, do you want to come in, maybe have a cookie and some hot cider?”

At the hesitancy in her eyes, a slow heat started in his belly and coiled upward around his heart. Had her earlier confidence masked an underlying vulnerability?

“I’d like to, but I’m afraid I won’t make it out of your driveway if I wait to leave. As you pointed out, driving in the snow isn’t one of my strong suits, though I swear I do have a few.” He tossed her a quick smile.

She grinned back. “I’m sure when it comes to maneuvering a surfboard, you could give me lessons.”

A vision of Shay in a bikini fogged his brain. He was dead certain there were spectacular curves hidden beneath the slim-fitting jacket. “You find a wave, and I’ll teach you to ride it.” His voice held a husky undertone he covered with a cough.

Pull it together, moron. She invited you in for hot cider, not hot sex.

When she opened the car door, a blast of cold air swept into the cab. “I guess I’ll see you on Christmas Eve, then.”

“Tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”

She slid off the seat to land up to her knees in snow then turned to face him. “I enjoyed meeting you, Fritz.” Hesitating for a moment, she let out a breath. “Good night.”

The door shut before he could respond. He waited as she took her skis from the truck bed then waded through the snow to the front porch of the cabin. With a final wave, she slipped inside.

“Wow.”

He put the pickup in reverse, and with a few jerks, managed a three point turn to face back down the driveway. Why hadn’t his sister told him her neighbor was smoking hot? Before he’d set out in search of the perfect tree, she’d mentioned a friend was dropping by. Too bad she’d failed to add the friend was prettier than a Christmas angel.

Good God, I sound like the biggest dweeb on the planet.

Fritz rolled his eyes. The tires slid a little as he nosed the truck out onto the road then slowly picked up speed. Snow fell in heavy drifts with the headlights doing little to illuminate the winding track between a tunnel of evergreens as the wipers slapped furiously across the windshield. His grip on the wheel tightened. A huge gust of wind blew abreast of the pickup, shaking the vehicle and swirling around him in an opaque cloud of white. He let off the gas and slowed to a stop, waiting for his vision to clear.

“White Christmas my ass! Give me a palm tree and a beach any day.”

Groaning and creaking penetrated through the howling wind. He frowned. What the hell was that? It sounded like—

A sharp crack. A sudden whoosh as limbs and trunk plummeted across the road—landing inches from his front bumper.

“Holy mother of God.” His heart lodged in his throat, nearly suffocating him. If he’d rolled even a few feet farther, he’d have been flattened like a piece of wrapping paper.

With a shaking hand, Fritz put the truck in reverse and backed slowly down the road until finally, with an exhalation of pure relief, he reached Shay’s driveway.

        She’d offered him hot cider and a cookie before. He hoped the invitation was still open.

If you're enjoying my story, stop by tomorrow for Part Three of Christmas Destiny!

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