Once Upon a Brave Christmas by Alicia Dean ~ Part 3, Conclusion

Neil took hold of her wrist and tugged her inside the warm lobby. The cold hit her all at once, and she trembled, wrapping her arms around her body. He pulled an afghan off the sofa and slid his damp jacket off her shoulders, replacing it with the afghan. She wanted to lean into his warmth, but not only was it the wrong moment, he thought she was a raving lunatic.

“What the hell do you mean, you’re from the future?”

She sighed. No way was he going to believe her. But, she had to try. She explained everything, from the moment Dorothy asked for the favor, to the moment Lorelei found the letter.

Neil shook his head. “I don’t know what kind of weird game you’re playing, or maybe you really are mentally unstable.” He perused her face and then spoke as if calming a skittish colt. “If you are, we can get you help.”

She shook her head rapidly. “No, I’m not crazy. It’s true. Stay here, I’ll be right back.” She ran upstairs to her room, snatched up the letter and the article, and hurried back down, thrusting them at Neil.

His eyes scanned them, his features creasing in confusion. “What is this?” He looked up. “How did you fake this article?”

She groaned in frustration. “I didn’t fake it. That’s an article from tomorrow’s paper.” She nearly stomped her foot. “You have to believe me. Your brother’s life depends on it.” She pointed to the photograph of the sobbing man. “That’s you, right?”

Anger sparked in his eyes. “It looks like me, but I don’t even own that sweater. I’ve never seen it before. When you planned this out, you should have been a little more accura—” His gaze went to the Christmas tree where a handful of presents lay at the foot. He rushed over and grabbed a gift the size of shirt box and tore it open. “Son of a…” He turned to Lorelei, his face pale. In his hands, he held a bright green sweater. Although, in the photo, it was colorless. But she recognized the snowflake pattern.

“This is from John.” His voice shook. “I hadn’t opened it yet, but I would have by tomorrow, when the article comes out.” He took a step toward her. “Dear God, it’s impossible, but I think you’re telling the truth.”

“I am.” Relief flooded her. “And we need to find him, before that”—she jabbed a finger at the image—”happens. The accident occurred at two a.m. We have a few hours. Where would he go to drink at this time of night?”

Neil shook his head. “I don’t know. We live here at the motel. There are no bars open…”

“I know where he’d go.”

They turned. Dot stood in the doorway of the lobby, tears streaming down her face. “I—I might have killed him?”

“No.” Lorelei took her gently by the hand. “We can save him. It’s not too late. Where would he have gone?”

“There’s an abandoned cabin by Haddon pond. We stash booze there.”

“Come on, I’ll drive.” Neil headed out the door, not bothering to grab a coat. Lorelei would have offered to drive, but Neil was familiar with the area, and for all she knew, she’d drive them right into 2018.

The roads were treacherous, but Neil handled the car skillfully, driving quickly but cautiously.

On the way, Lorelei explained everything to Dot, who sat in the back seat, trembling and crying.

“You were never happy without him. He loves you and doesn’t care about what you’ve done, about your past. All that matters is your future.”

“This is…” she sniffed. “…unbelievable.”

“I know.” Lorelei reached back and patted her knee. “I’m still not sure I believe it myself.”

They slowed at a turn-in. The ’54 Chevy bumped over a snow-packed drive until the car’s beams shone on a vehicle parked outside a shack.

“Thank God,” Neil breathed. “That’s John’s car.”

The three of them jumped out. Neil tried the cabin door, but it was locked. He banged on it. “John! I know you’re in there, let me in.”

Silence.

Neil continued to knock and shout. “If you don’t open this door right now, I’ll kick it down. Then, I’ll kick your ass.”

A few seconds went by before the door opened. John looked over Neil’s shoulder where Dot and Lorelei stood shivering.

“What are you doing here?”  He tipped a whisky bottle up to his mouth.

“I need to talk to you,” Dot said, stepping around Neil.

He glared at her. “I think you’ve done enough talking. Now go away. I just want to be alone and get schnockered.”

Neil pushed his way past him into the room. Dot and Lorelei followed behind. Lorelei sighed gratefully when the door closed behind them and blocked out the biting wind.

“You can drink all you want,” Neil said. “But you can’t drive.”

“Screw you. You can’t boss me around.” He staggered and gestured toward Dot with the bottle. “And screw you too. I don’t need you nohow.”

Dot stepped forward, her expression beseeching. “I was wrong. Can you give me another chance?”

He narrowed his eyes as if suspicious. “You… want another chance? You’re the one who dumped me.”

“I know. And I am so, so sorry. I love you and I want to be with you. I just...I didn’t think you’d want me after what I’ve done.”

“You mean sleeping around?” John shook his head. “I don’t care about that. All I want is you. I love you, exactly the way you are.”

“You do?” Her trembling voice held hope.

He seemed slightly more sober. “Yes, I absolutely do.”

She flew into his arms, and they kissed…and kept kissing…

Neil said, “Uh, I hate to interrupt, but maybe we should head back to the motel before I freeze my…” He shot a glance at Lorelei “…toes off.”

She grinned. Such a gentleman.

John and Dot broke apart. “You can go on,” John said. “We’re right behind you.”

Neil grimaced. “No way, bud. You’re not driving anywhere tonight. We’ll come get your car later.”

John frowned. “What’s going on, what’s all this about?”

“We’ll tell you on the way, but you’ll never believe it.”

~*~

Neil was right, John hadn’t believed it, but he didn’t care. He and Dot were together and, to him, that was all that mattered. They had gone upstairs, and Lorelei sat with Neil on the cushy sofa in front of the fire.

Neil shook his head. “Everything happened so fast earlier, I guess I more or less took the time travel thing as the truth. But, I gotta say, I’m dumbfounded. Can it really be?” He took her hand in his. “Are you really from the future? How does that even work?”

She let the moment wash over her…the rightness of it all...being with Neil, his thumb stroking the back of her hand… She nearly sighed with pleasure. “I think I’m still processing it myself. I just couldn’t deny the proof that I’d landed in 1956. And, I promise, I’m from 2018.”

He grunted. “That figures. The first woman I've ever thought I might see a future with, and you're not even of my world.”

His words brought tears to her throat. “I know. I've had a lot of relationships. I thought I was in love once, but he never made me feel the way you do.”

He lifted his brows. “So, this portal of yours. What would happen if I was with you?”

She gaped at him. “You mean, if you were in the car with me, when I drove back to 2018?” She mulled it over. “I don’t know how that would work… Would you really come?”

He took her face in his hands and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “I can’t stand the thought of being five feet away from you, I certainly don’t want to be decades apart.”

She blinked back tears. “But, we don’t even know each other.”

He grinned. “That didn’t stop you from jumping in the middle of our business.”

She laughed. “In all fairness, I was saving your brother’s life.”

His expression sobered. “I know. And I can never thank you enough.” He brushed a lock of hair back from her face and trailed his finger down her cheek. “I’d like to get to know you. I can’t lose you. Not before we’ve even had a chance.”

She thought for a moment. “Or, I could stay here with you? Maybe for a little while until we see how it works out between us?” A thrill of excitement shot through her. Not only would she be with Neil, she’d get to experience all sorts of amazing things. The moon landing, Elvis’ rise to stardom, tons of inventions. She made a vow that she wouldn’t tell Neil about any of the events ahead of time…spoilers wouldn’t be fair. And, she would try really hard to be ethical and not bet on any Super Bowls, boxing matches, or World Series.

“You’d do that?” His eyes glittered like liquid steel in the light from the flickering fire.

She held her right hand up to gaze at the ring. Dorothy had wanted her to find her brave self. Starting a new life in the rockin’ fifties surely qualified. “Yes, I think I would.”

“Well, that’s definitely an option. We can spend our first Christmas together and make a decision about the future after that, right?”

She smiled. “That sounds perfect.”

He stood and reached out his hand. “Come with me.”

She let him pull her to her feet. He led her to the fireplace and pointed toward the ceiling. She looked up to find mistletoe hanging above them.

“Do you have mistletoe in the future?” He tugged her closer.

Stepping into his arms, she wrapped her hands around his neck. “Yes, we most definitely do. You know, some traditions are timeless.”

He flashed a sexy smile. “Then that means you know what it’s for?”

Giddy anticipation tingled through her. “I know exactly what it’s for,” she whispered. With a contented sigh, she rose to her tiptoes and showed him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 

 Thank you for reading my contribution to our Christmas stories. 

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Be sure to stay tuned for tomorrow's Christmas Free Read by the wonderful Barbara Edwards...

Merry Christmas!

Once Upon a Brave Christmas by Alicia Dean ~ Part 2

My sweet Lorelei,

In case you haven’t figured it out, you’re much farther away than you anticipated when you agreed to my favor. Not in miles, but in decades. That’s right, you’ve landed in 1956.

I'm sorry I tricked you. I know you'll find what I’m about to tell you hard to believe, but if you've already seen the town, the people, the inn, then you’re aware something is…off. You know Mr. Daws, my neighbor? He's a scientist. He has babbled on about time travel, though I never believed him. Then one day, imagine my shock when he proved it by making Thomas Edison appear for a visit. He sent him back quickly, said it wasn't something he liked to mess with anymore, because he was getting on, and he was afraid he wouldn't be able to correct it. But I begged him. And he agreed. He created a time portal. And I gave it to you. It’s the ring.

You'll meet me—young me. Young me will not know who you are or that you are a time traveler. I need you to correct an awful wrong that I caused. On Christmas Eve, I broke up with John. He was devastated. He drank himself into oblivion and later that night had an awful car wreck that killed him. This article tells the story. The man sobbing in the photo is John’s brother, Neil.

Lorelei studied the images. Even though his face didn’t show, she could see now that it was Neil in the photo. Dear God, was this true? Impossible… A realization hit her…she’d already met young Dorothy—Dot. She could see the likeness now. Dot was a younger version of Dorothy. Stunned, she continued reading.

I've carried guilt with me for decades. Neil became a recluse and lived in misery. I've had a wretched existence. And John’s life ended way too soon. My one act ruined so many lives. I can't leave this world without righting my wrong. It's not entirely selfish. I hope this experience opens up an adventurous side of you. You're too young and pretty to live like an old lady. You never go out with friends, you don't have a young man in your life. I hope this helps you find your brave self, and I hope you take a chance and actually live life instead of just sleepwalking through it. You can return to our time the day after Christmas, even if you have not succeeded at the task. You must simply drive back the way you came, as long as you are wearing the ring.

Lorelei stared at the ring, then the letter, then the article, trying to decide if she really believed this nonsense. But, in truth, how could she not believe it? The cars, the outfits, the lingo, the cheap meal, Neil’s confusion, the odd reaction to the way she was dressed. This was no vintage car show, this was truly, literally, the 1950s. She was astounded…but she had to accept it. How had Dorothy even known she’d find the letter? That she’d keep the ring on? She’d left an awful lot to chance.

A sudden burst of fury overrode her confusion. How dare Dorothy make that kind of decision for her? Lorelei was quite happy with her life. She’d decided romance wasn’t in the cards for her, but she loved her job as an admin for a charity that helped the poor. And, she loved her quiet life. She didn’t need anyone dictating her future.

But Dorothy hadn’t actually done it for her, had she? She’d done it for herself, because she hadn’t liked the way her life turned out. How selfish…  

Although…she was attempting to save a life. And even though it was bizarre, the least Lorelei could do was try to correct her mistake…which would mean changing the past. A shiver ran over her skin that had nothing to do with the snow and ice lashing the window. How was she to prevent the tragedy? She couldn’t manhandle John and stop him from driving.

She sighed. She would do her best. And if it didn't work, her conscience would be clear. But as soon as she returned to her time, Dorothy was going to get an earful.  

~*~

Neil introduced Lorelei to his brother that afternoon. John was better looking than in the newspaper photo. He resembled Neil, although his hair was lighter and his eyes bluer. A chill washed through her at the thought that he could be dead in less than twelve hours.

After they shook hands, he said, “I understand you have a message for me. Do I know you?”

“No, I uh…” What could she say? She couldn’t share Dorothy’s message now. “I met someone who knew you and they asked me to say hi. Uh…” A name popped into her head. “Justin Timberlake.”

He frowned. “I don’t know a Justin Timberlake. How did he say we knew one another?”

“He didn’t. Sorry, maybe it’s a mix up. I told him I was traveling through, and he asked me to tell you he said hello.” Lorelei cringed at the lies she was piling up. It all sounded so ridiculous.

“Okay, well, thanks for delivering the message. I guess since you’re here, and the weather is a real doozy, you’re sticking around for the bash?”

“I am. I appreciate you guys inviting me.”

Neil said, “Speaking of the party, I’m way behind on the food. I’d better get back to the kitchen.”

“Can I help?” Lorelei wasn’t sure why she offered, other than because she had nothing else to occupy her time until tonight, when she could hopefully derail a tragedy.

He lifted his brows. “Really? I need to prepare a hundred canapes.”

She had no idea what a canape was, but she was certain she could handle it. “Sure, I’m in.”

As it turned out, canapes were small appetizers—in this case, white bread cut out in various shapes and grilled on one side, some topped with deviled ham and horseradish, others with bacon and peanut butter, which both sounded disgusting, but she didn’t have to eat it, she just had to make it.

It was a time-consuming task, but she didn’t mind…it gave her an opportunity to be with Neil, something she was enjoying more than was wise.

Neil told her about how he and John had lost their parents in a boating accident when Neil was in high school and John was twelve. The state wanted to take John, but Neil convinced them he could take care of him, and he’d raised him and seen him through high school graduation two years ago.

Lorelei’s heart warmed toward him. “That’s admirable, that you would put your life on hold to raise your brother.”

He shoveled another batch of the toasted bread onto a platter. “What else was I going to do? Family is everything.”

Was this guy for real? Sexy, kind, selfless… She almost sighed aloud.

As he spread the toppings on the bread, his taut muscles strained against the white t-shirt he wore, and she could barely focus on his words. He glanced up and caught her staring. She started to turn away, but he raised a hand toward her face, and she stilled.

His eyes dropped to her lips, and her mouth went as dry as chalk. Was he going to kiss her? She waited breathlessly, not sure how she’d react, but she didn’t have to worry about it for long. He brushed his fingertips along her jaw, then pulled back, showing her his hand. “You had a smudge of peanut butter on your face.”

She laughed self-consciously, her cheeks heating with embarrassment. So much for her sexy fantasy. “Oh…er…thank you.”

He nodded, studying her intently for a moment. A silent, charged current passed between them, and she knew he was attracted to her as well. “Lorelei, I—”

“Sorry.” She cut him off and busied herself with the canapes. “I’ve fallen behind, I’m afraid. Better get back to it.” He didn’t respond, and they finished in silence. She tamped down her irritation with herself. She’d made the right decision. Nothing could come of it, so what was the point?

~*~

That night at the party, Lorelei wore a dress she’d borrowed from Dot—a burgundy floral lace swing dress that was a little snug for her liking. Dot was petite and Lorelei, not so much. She was grateful, though, she’d have stuck out like an alien from another planet in her own clothes.

The room was dim, other than the twinkling lights from the tree and strung along the walls, giving the room a romantic, festive feel. Music played, alternating between non-Christmas and Christmas songs—a few she recognized and many she didn’t.

“I Was the One,” by Elvis began, and Neil appeared at the table where she and Dot sat. He looked incredibly handsome in black baggie slacks and an iridescent bronze dinner jacket with black collar. He held out a hand. “May I have this dance?”

Wordlessly, she placed her hand in his, and he led her to the dance floor, where he took her into his arms. His body was strong and warm against hers—very real, yet this night felt completely unreal.

They danced in silence for a few moments, then Neil whispered against her hair, “I’m not sure what’s happening, and I know it’s soon, but I just gotta tell you.” He leaned back and looked into her eyes. “I’m starting to feel something for you.”

She nodded, her voice shaky when she spoke. “I know. Me too.”

He smiled. “I guess we don’t have to figure out anything yet, we’ll just live in the moment.” He placed a kiss on her forehead and pulled her back against him.

She wasn’t a ‘live in the moment’ kind of person, and she and Neil most definitely didn’t have many moments left together. The thought brought on unexpected sadness and she incongruously felt like crying.

The song ended, and he led her back to her table. Her legs weak, she lowered into the chair. Was she actually falling for a man she just met? Someone with whom there was no future?

“Hey, is everything okay?”

She looked up to find Dot peering at her. 

“Yes, fine. I was just—”

“You were just staring at Neil like he was a giant milkshake covered in whipped cream.” Dot smiled teasingly.

Lorelei’s face heated. “No, I wasn’t, I—”

“Hey, I don’t blame you. Neil’s dreamy. And, he’s a wonderful fella.” Dot bit into a piece of stuffed celery and chewed as she spoke. “Did you know that all the profit from this party goes to help the less fortunate? It’s a thing he started himself called Lend a Helping Hand.”

Lorelei’s eyes widened in shock. Lend a Helping Hand was the organization she worked for. And this man had started it? She groaned inwardly. Really? Could he get any more perfect? “He does seem great.”

“Yeah.” Dot’s voice held resignation. “And after tonight, he’ll probably hate me.”

“Why?”

She drew in a deep breath and placed the remainder of the celery back on her plate. “I’m ending things with John.”

Here we go… Foreboding gripped her. “You are? Why?”

She shrugged. “Honestly? I’m not good enough for him.” She lowered her voice. “I have a…reputation around town. I admit, I’ve made mistakes. I cheated on him. He knows it and forgave me, but I just feel so guilty, so unworthy.”

“You can’t break up with him!” Lorelei cringed as she almost shouted the words.

“What do you mean? Why not?”

“Because, you just…can’t.”

Dot’s expression set in a mutinous glare. “It’s honestly none of your business. This is hard enough already.” She shot to her feet. “Just stay out of it, would ya?”

Dorothy stormed off…and right up to John Whitten. Lorelei’s heart sank into her stomach. She rose and approached the couple, her mind running through ways to stop John from leaving. His accident happened at two a.m. That was hours from now. There was still time.

“How could you do this to me?” John’s voice was an anguished cry. “I forgave you for cheating. I love you. You can’t leave me!”

Dot squared her shoulders. “It’s over. I’m moving away after Christmas.”

“You can’t, please don’t.” He reached out for her, but she stepped away from his touch. He shook his head. “I’ll never get over you. I’ll love you til the day I die.”

His words sent a chill skittering over Lorelei’s flesh.

“I’m sorry.” Tears choked Dot’s voice. She turned and hurried away, bursting through the door leading to the kitchen.

His features etched with pain and anger, John whirled and headed to the front door.

Lorelei rushed up to him. “John, wait!”

He ignored her until she gripped his arm and stopped him, then he glared at her. “What do you want?”

“You…you can’t go. Please, don’t leave.”

He scowled, but she could tell he was fighting back tears. “There’s nothing for me here.”

“Maybe there is. You can stay, we can talk to Dot together.”

He gave a humorless laugh and swiped at his wet eyes. “I think I’ve suffered enough humiliation for one night.”

“Let him go.”

Lorelei released John and looked back to find Neil standing behind her. She shook her head. “I can’t let him leave.”

“He needs to be alone, not around a crowd of busybodies.”

She glanced around. The dancing and conversation had stopped, and the partygoers were gawking at them. “But, if he leaves, he’ll—”

Neil huffed out a frustrated breath and jammed his hands into his pants pockets. “Oh for God’s sake. It’s none of your business. She’s hurt him over and over. He needs to let go.”

“No, you don’t unders—” She shook her head, turning back to find John gone. “Where did he go?” How had she not seen him leave? She’d been too focused on Neil.

She hurried across the room and to the door. Neil called out to her, but she didn’t stop. She jerked open the motel door and ran outside. She shouted for John, but the freezing wind snatched her words away.

Behind her, she heard Neil say, “What the hell are you doing? You’ll die of exposure.”

She shot him a quick glance then frantically searched the parking lot. “Is his car gone?” Her teeth chattered, but she barely felt the cold. “Did I miss him?”

Neil shrugged his jacket off and draped it around her shoulders. “Why are you so worried?”

“Because,” the words choked out of her. “If we don’t find him and stop him, he’s going to die. Tonight.”

He glared at her. “You’re out of your mind.”

“No,” she cried, desperate to make him believe her. “I’m telling the truth. I know he’s going to die.”

“How do you know?”

She drew in a deep breath. “Because, where I’m from, it’s already happened.”

“What do you mean, where you’re from it’s already happened? That’s crazy talk.”

“It is, but I’m telling the truth.” She sucked in a deep mouthful of the icy wind. “I know, because I’m from the future.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 

I hope you enjoyed Part 2. Please join me tomorrow for Part 3, the conclusion of Once Upon a Brave Christmas

More Than Mistletoe Chapter Three by Christine DePetrillo

This tale is part of my Maple Leaf Series! 

Chapter Three

 Great. She knew it. These were the last moments she’d ever spend with Alex. He’d enjoyed the kiss, but it was too weird and he didn’t want to cross that line and they’d be going their separate ways now. It was over. She’d have no one to listen to her stories, to peel her off the ceiling when work got too stressful, to drink with at The Clumsy Grasshopper, to binge watch The Office with, to laugh with. She’d probably lose Mark and Erin in the deal too because Mark was Alex’s brother. He’d have to take Alex’s side.

An image of her all alone in a rocking chair, just staring out her apartment window flashed into her mind. Cats meowed at her feet and wrestled with one another to get into her lap.

No. Not cats. She couldn’t become that lady. She would use all her newfound free time to toss herself into her work instead. She’d be a superstar architect. Yeah, that was what she’d do. She didn’t need a social life—or a love life. She’d make designing buildings her life.

Still, the meowing wouldn’t stop in her head.

“Look at me, Dayna.” Alex’s voice surprised her. Oh, he was still here. He hadn’t walked out yet. 

Why was he still here?

She didn’t want to look at him. Looking at him meant seeing his gorgeous hazel eyes, that sexy stubble, those addictive lips. Looking at him meant saying goodbye to the best person she’d ever known. Someone who had shown her that she was more than her father’s punching bag. Someone who had ultimately gotten her out of her bad family situation when he’d gotten so mad at her father and called the police. Someone who had saved her on too many occasions to count.

Who would save her now?

“We’re not going to be best friends anymore.” After taking off his ski jacket, Alex sat back on the bed. This time he was at the curve of her waist. Close enough to feel the heat of his body. “We’re going to be more than that. Much more.”

Slowly, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers.

At first, Dayna was too stunned to kiss him back, but it didn’t take long for instinct and desire to take over. Good Lord, where had he learned to kiss? And why hadn’t they done this years ago?

He shifted closer and cupped her face with his left hand as he deepened the kiss. His right hand burrowed up into her hair, his fingers scraping wonderfully against her scalp. When she slid her hands to his shoulders and pulled him closer, a hum rumbled in his throat and threatened to undo her right then and there.

Alex ended the kiss with a few light nips to her bottom lip then rested his forehead against hers. “Do you remember when we first met?”

“Yes.” How could she forget? He’d been the new kid in fifth grade and the principal had escorted him into Mrs. Tarat’s class. His black hair had been combed neatly into place. His clothes were ironed, matched, and fit his lanky body. No hand-me-downs there. Dayna instantly wanted to meet his parents and see if they’d adopt her. Clearly they knew how to take care of a child. Hers didn’t have a clue.

His hazel eyes had searched the room with a nervous squirrely edge to them, but when his gaze had landed on Dayna, his expression had relaxed and she’d immediately raised her hand.

“Yes, Dayna?” Mrs. Tarat had asked as she rifled around on the bookshelves, trying to locate extra materials for the new kid.

“He can sit over here.” Dayna had pointed to the empty desk beside her. “I’ll show him what we’re working on.”

A look of gratitude and relief had washed over Mrs. Tarat’s face. “Thank you, Dayna. That would be perfect.”

With a little nudge from the principal, Alex had walked down the aisle and taken the seat next to Dayna. He smelled clean and his smile was friendly.

“I’m Alex Simmons.” He’d held his hand out to her.

She’d wiped her palm on her jean skirt and shook his hand. “Dayna Birchfield.” She’d waited for him to ask her about the purple and black bruise on her forearm. The one her father had put there when he’d grabbed her by the arm as she’d tried to run from him two nights ago.

But Alex hadn’t commented on it. He’d simply given her another smile. One that made Dayna feel as if everything would be all right one day.

They’d let go of each other’s hands pretty quickly because shaking hands with the opposite sex in fifth grade would get the rumor mill a-spinnin’ in no time. Dayna hadn’t wanted her recess totally destroyed by taunting and teasing.

She’d liked shaking Alex’s hand though. His grip had been solid as if he’d hold on even in times of trouble.

Now he dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. “I think I’ve loved you since then. I love you now too.”

Those were words she hadn’t heard growing up. I love you. Her parents had never said they loved her. Her father hadn’t loved her and her mother was too busy avoiding her father’s fists to bother saying it or showing it.

Alex had said it now and he’d been showing it for years. He was the only one who’d ever loved her.

“I love you, Alex.” God, it felt so right to say that to him. “So what have we been doing all this time?” She’d wasted a lot of effort on dating losers. So had he.

“Well, to put it in terms you’ll understand, my dear architect, we’ve been building a foundation. A very solid one.” He scooted behind her to sit against the headboard and tugged her back so she leaned against him. Wrapping his arms around her, he nibbled on her neck by her earlobe, making her entire body vibrate with need.

“And now it’s up to physics, my dear engineer,” she said. “We can just fall. In love.”

Alex laughed, the sound husky in Dayna’s ear. “Gravity. Love. It’s all the same principles.”

She leaned her head back so she could see his face. “So kissing you wasn’t a stupid idea?”

He caught her lips in a heated kiss then smiled. “Does that feel like a stupid idea?”

“Not even a little bit. In fact, it feels like my best crazy idea ever.”

She nestled against him, his laughter and his body doing more to warm her than the blankets on the bed. She’d been pretty upset over spraining her ankle, but being bed-bound didn’t seem as bad anymore. Not with Alex there too.

“So we can’t ski anymore.” He gestured down to her elevated ankle. “What shall we do instead?” His mouth was back on her neck, his stubble tickling in just the right way.

“Well, it is almost Christmas and there is still that mistletoe up there.” She pointed up to the sprig that now looked like the most beautiful plant on Earth.

Alex tightened his arms around her. “I could unwrap this present then and kiss it all over.” He slid his hand around to her stomach and tunneled under her thermal T-shirt.

Dayna arched into his touch. “Sounds like a perfect plan.” She pulled his head down for another kiss. “Merry Christmas, Alex.”

It really would be the last time she kissed anyone under the mistletoe. Anyone other than Alex. 

Happy Holidays, everyone! 

Tune in tomorrow for holiday fun from Author Leah St. James!

Want more holiday fun? Visit my website to read More Than Biscotti, a short Christmas novella, or Midnight Mistletoe, another short holiday novella, for FREE! Just scroll down to the bottom of the "Books" page.

Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

Merrily Suited Part Two by Donna Michaels

Merrily Suited

Part Two

by Donna Michaels

“Your room okay?” Trent asked, stopping beside Lauren in the middle of the bustling lobby.

She nodded, then headed for the exit with no intention of talking, stopping, or breathing, until she was outside and mistletoe free. Too dangerous. She scooted around a pack of incoming guests and pushed through the door into the cool winter’s night air…and underneath more mistletoe, haphazardly dotting the hotel’s grand, wrap-around porch.

It was a conspiracy. Everywhere she turned there was mistletoe. The urge to stomp her foot shook through her boot. This was not here when they’d first arrived.

“Excuse me, honey,” a little old lady called from down on the sidewalk, pushing her walker to the stairs. “Can you help me up?”

Before she could answer, Trent appeared and was at the lady’s side, escorting the beaming woman to the porch. Something inside Lauren’s chest cracked open as he gently placed the woman’s hand on her arm while he went back down for the walker. He was always helping, putting other’s first. It was one of the things that attracted her to him the most.

Dang it.

He needed to stop. Do something mean. Say something obnoxious.

Why did he have to keep being so sweet? Didn’t he know she was having a hard enough time talking herself out of liking him?

“Aw, what a sweetheart. You have yourself a good man, honey.” The woman grasped the walker with one fragile hand and patted Lauren’s arm with the other. “And I think it’s positively perfect you’re both standing under the mistletoe. Go ahead, young man. Do your duty. Kiss your pretty lady.”

Lauren’s heart shot for the stars, via her throat, where it lodged, pounding away her breath. No way was she going to turn to him. No way. But, she needn’t have worried. The handsome cowboy stepped to the smiling, older woman and dipped down to kiss her cheek.

“You young, whipper-snapper. Not me.” The woman giggled, pointing at Lauren. “Her. Go ahead. Don’t mind me. Kiss your girl.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, turning to face Lauren, dusty cowboy boots standing toe to toe with hers.

She knew this because it was safer to stare at the porch. Not his face. Definitely not his face.

“Lauren.” His voice was low and deliciously sexy.

He’d spoken her name for the first time. Ever.

Goose bumps raced down her arms. She had been right. Her name sounded darn good on his lips.

“Look at me.” Two big, strong, calloused hands cupped her face and gently tipped her head until she finally met his gaze. “You and I both know this has been a long time coming.”

More than a little shocked by the blatant admission he’d wanted to kiss her for awhile, she couldn’t stop her mouth from parting, or the soft ‘oh’ from leaving her lips.

Then all thoughts ceased, and everyone and everything faded from view as he slowly lowered his head.

Work didn’t matter.

Her bosses didn’t matter.

Sandy and her bad relationship didn’t matter.

Only the here and now, and the great smelling cowboy holding her close. Her pulse pounded out of control, growing louder and louder while her heart rocked hard in her chest. An unknown feeling fluttered in her belly while their breath mingled a second before their lips finally met.

Firm and warm, his mouth sent a tremor straight to her toes, and she reached out and slid her arms around his back to hold on since her knees where suddenly too weak to hold her weight. He smelled of the outdoors, and ocean breezes, and male. Very male.

Just like in his business practices, he was thorough, kissing her slow and deliberate, leaving her under no illusion that he indeed had wanted to kiss her for a long time.

When he finally lifted his head, he had her so mixed up she had no idea if they’d kiss for ten seconds or ten minutes. Time had ceased, along with her breathing.

And common sense.

She pulled out of the embrace, vaguely aware of the older lady smiling.

“It’s wonderful to see a nice, young couple fated to be together. Bless you both.” The woman nodded then pushed her walker toward the hotel door.

When Trent rushed forward to hold the door open for the lady, Lauren took advantage of his absence and raced down the steps, needing to put some distance between her and the hot cowboy. Gulping in air, she willed her brain cells to return to working order.

What the heck had she just done?

***

“What in the world did you do?”

Trent had no idea what his brother Cordell was talking about on the phone later that evening, and would’ve told him, if the idiot would’ve quieted down long enough to let him get a word in on their conversation.

“Why does Lauren want to come home?”

“What?” His heart dropped to his boots, and he stopped pacing in the executive office of their Texas City store. “She said that?”

“No, not exactly, but it was implied.”

“Define implied.”

“Indirectly. In a round-about way. To—”

“I know what implied means, you goof,” he interrupted his older brother, trying hard not to give into the frustration clawing his spine. “Did Lauren really call and ask to return home?” His chest hurt at the thought, and he rubbed the tight spot over his heart as if it would ease the ache.

“No,” Cord replied. “She called and asked if it was necessary for her to be down there since Trent was more than capable of handling things himself.” His brother used a girly tone to finish the sentence.

Trent wasn’t amused, but he was relieved. Lauren hadn’t specifically asked to go home. She wanted to bolt. Like she’d done from the porch. Running scared he could handle.

After he’d turned around from helping the nice older lady into the hotel, he’d hoped to get things out in the open with Lauren. Discuss the skirting-around-each-other tactics they’d both deployed over the last few years.

No more skirting.

And after that kiss, they definitely needed to clear the air.

Brew’s sweet lips may not have said the words, but he knew from her response to his kiss, and the way she’d melted into him, that she was more than a little attracted to him.

Which was great, since he was a darn sight more than a little attracted to her.

 “So?” Cord asked. “What did you do?”

It was now or never. He took the bull by the horns and spilled the truth. “I kissed her under the mistletoe.”

Standing stalk still, he waited to see if Cord was going to go ballistic over the fact he’d put the moves on the sweet girl his brothers had always considered their little sister.

“’Bout dang time. Don’t tell me you did that wrong. Do you need pointers?”

He blew out a breath. “No, I didn’t do it wrong. And you can keep your pointers” Trent smiled, despite his frustration. “What do you mean, ‘bout dang time?”

“Did I stutter? It means, about dang time the two of you stop circling like vultures and admit you like one another. Sam and I are getting right tired. It was amusing at first, but after two years it gets old. Fast.” Cord paused, then his tone grew serious. “We love Lauren like a sister, Trent, you know that, but she’s a darn good worker, too. I hope you didn’t screw things up, or cost us one heck of a manager.”

“I haven’t.” He hoped.

“You better make it right.”

“I will. Don’t worry,” he reassured before hanging up, a plan already forming in his head.

Just the fact that Lauren had wanted to leave proved her feelings for him were strong. He knew she didn’t want to jeopardize her job. So he was going to prove to her she could have her job and him.

***

Lauren avoided Trent most of the night, using work as an excuse. There were still a lot of little last minute things to do to get ready for the holiday gala the next day. She helped the workers stuff stockings for the children with donations from local companies, sometimes working right next to Trent. His gaze kept straying to her, she could feel it willing her to glance up. But she couldn’t. Wouldn’t. He’d want to talk about the kiss. The kiss that was incredible and still had her lips tingling.

Yeah, not going to happen.

Two hours later, she breathed a sigh of relief as the hotel elevator doors opened. The stockings were stuffed, and even though Trent had ushered everyone back to the hotel for pizza and beer in appreciation of a job well done, she had managed to avoid being alone with the man.

And being under more mistletoe with him.

A small triumph, despite knowing she would’ve enjoyed every bit of another kiss. But that was how it had to be. So she ate, drank, socialized, and was relieved to say her goodnights and head up to her room.

Only one more day to go.

She punched the button to her floor in the empty elevator, then bit back a few choice words when Trent stepped on before the doors closed.

Sealing them inside.

Alone.

Dang it.

“I’m glad I caught you,” he said, facing her, standing close enough to twist a piece of her hair around his finger, gaze warm and interested. “We need to talk.”

~♥~

 

Come back tomorrow for the conclusion!

And if you're in the holiday reading spirit, don't forget about my brand new release!!! HARLAND COUNTY CHRISTMAS is a prequel novella to my Amazon Best Selling Harland County Series! Read the first cowboy to fall...

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