Holidays with the Beachwalk Babes Blog Hop

Holidays with the Beachwalk Babes Hop

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I love the scents, the lights, the lawn ornaments of Santa and his reindeer...houses so bright it's possible to see them from space. Speaking of obnoxiously lit roof tops, one of my family's holiday traditions is watching hilarious Christmas movies. Our top two favorites are National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and Christmas Story. For us, popping an abundance of popcorn, making a double recipe of hot chocolate, and curling up on the sofa to watch a movie together is a great way to escape all the running around, wrapping, decorating, and cooking that can sometimes overwhelm the season.

I also like to take some time out to read but because my December schedule always seems to be jammed packed, I love having an anthology of short stories to choose from while winding down and tucked in bed. Just so happens, my very first published work ever, Katrina's Christmas, was included in Holiday Kisses, a Beachwalk Press holiday anthology. And oh yes...it's FREE!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I'll be giving away two $5.00 Amazon gift cards on December 8th.

Leave a comment with your email on this blog to enter.

Below is the FREE link and blurbs to eleven fabulous stories.

Holiday Kisses FREE at Beachwalk Press

Positively Holly by Pepper Anthony
When Holly and Evan run into each other at the Toy Palace the week before Christmas, the last thing on their minds is rekindling their failed love affair. After all, Holly is one of those wide-eyed optimists, and Evan is a man who deals in practicalities. Things would never work out between them. But two cups of coffee, a pair of shopping bags, and a touch of sexy Christmas magic just might help them find their common ground.

Hometown Miracles by Patricia Bates
The holidays hold little interest for Leanne Wilson, a single mother who receives devastating news mere days before heading home. Once she arrives, she runs into the one man who holds her heart. But she can’t reach out to him now…after all, this may be her very last Christmas. Jay Locke has loved Leanne for years. When she left town, he forced himself to move on, but now she's back with a darling little girl and a Christmas wish he just can't say no to.

Believe in Me by Aimée Duffy
Leona Sharp and Ryan Lee have been friends forever, it seems. Although there's an attraction between them, they've never acted on it. On New Year's Eve, Leona finally allows herself to give into the temptation, but she vows that it will only be for one night and as soon as the clock strikes midnight they will put it in the past and go on as if it never happened. Ryan, however, has other plans…

His Holiday Lifesaver by Hazel Gower
Brad isn't looking forward to Christmas dinner with his family as they are always trying to set him up with women. This year he has a plan involving Hailey, a female tourist he rescued at the beach, posing as his girlfriend for the next couple of weeks. The only problem with the plan is he didn't expect to fall in love with her.

Drawn To You by Tara Mills
If a picture's worth a thousand words, what does that make a series of sketches? Drawn to the same beach over and over again to secretly sketch this quiet, contemplative man, Rachel is about to find out.

Reunion by Ashlynn Monroe
Years ago, Shayla left her small hometown to pursue her dream. When she did, her family turned their back on her. Leaving also meant she had to forget about the boy she loved. When her mother dies, Shayla realizes that while some things change, other things are doomed to remain the same. She returns home, but doesn't feel very welcome until the boy who haunts her memories steps into her present. Luc is no longer the farm boy she'd fallen for—he's grown up, and quite nicely too. Can Shayla rekindle what she lost with the man she never stopped loving?

Winter Break by Kaylie Newell
Harper Smith is a horrible skier. She can't stand it, almost as much as she can't stand her irritatingly sexy ex-boyfriend, who also happens to be a member of the ski patrol. So when she finds herself in a life-or-death situation on a cold, dark mountain, she has mixed feelings when Justin Noble shows up to rescue her. Part of her would rather freeze to death than accept his help. The other part can't help but warm up at the sight of his messy, sun-bleached hair and cocky grin. Without her consent, Harper's heart tips dangerously close to falling for him again. But will this time be any different?

Mistletoe & Holly by Tamaria Soana
Zoey is going through the normal Christmas Eve ritual with her three-year-old twins. The only difference is that her husband Preston isn't there to share it with them. He's been deployed overseas and won't be home for the holidays. After Zoey tucks the kids in for the night, she places the gifts under the tree, snuggles on the sofa to watch It's a Wonderful Life, and falls asleep. She's startled awake by a loud noise. Is she dreaming, or is her Christmas wish standing under the mistletoe?

Katrina's Christmas by Sidda Lee Tate
Christmas has always been just another day to Katrina Bryant. She works hard and expects her employees to do the same. When her sexy assistant, Grant Ward, quits on Christmas Eve she becomes worried she will never see him again, and she wonders why that bothers her so much. To her surprise, he arrives at her home hours later and whisks her away for a Christmas she will never forget.

Merry Christmas, Mrs. Todd by Elise Whyles
Recently widowed, Mary Todd isn't looking forward to spending Christmas alone. She's determined to keep a low profile during the madness—that is, until she meets her sexy neighbor, Walter. He seems intent on helping her get into the holiday spirit, and she just might let him.

The Gift Beneath the Tree by Lacey Wolfe
Tara won't be spending Christmas with her family this year, but she's not entirely alone. Her roommate, Brad, who's currently single, is also at home with her. Tara goes to bed Christmas Eve with hopes Santa might bring her what she most desires. After hearing a loud crash, she goes to investigate, and underneath the tree, she finds the present she's been dying to unwrap.

Content Warning: some stories contain explicit sex

Holiday Kisses Release Day!

I know you've all been waiting, and if you're anything like me, it's been an extremely anxious wait. Katrina's Christmas is my first published work and honestly,

I can't imagine being included with a better group of authors.

Holiday Kisses- A Beachwalk Press Anthology is FREE!

There are eleven short stories that are bound to leave you breathless.

How can you pass that up?

 

Click here to download: Holiday Kisses

Click here to download: Holiday Kisses

Click here to download: Holiday Kisses

Katrina's Christmas 5th and final installment

I hope everyone has enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

They kicked their sand filled shoes and socks off at the door, and Katrina refilled their glasses. She took a seat on the sofa, sipping at the liquid warmth as he worked until soft flames lit the room with an orange glow. When he was finished, she patted the cushion next to her and held out the full wineglass meant for him. He took it and, without taking a drink, set it on the end table next to hers, then moved to his knees in front of her. She wanted to say something but didn’t know what. He wasn’t talking, only taking her in with his eyes. The only sound was the crackling of the burning wood.

Grant ran his hands up her thighs and wrapped his fingers around her waist. With a quick tug, she was at the edge of the cushion, her legs spread at his sides, and he rested the top of his head against her chest, shaking. “I need you,” he murmured. “Every day.” His grip tightened and he sucked in a deep breath. “If this is just an ‘in the moment’ thing for you…”

She ran her fingers through his hair, kissing the top of his head as she did. “It’s not.”

He lifted from her chest, meeting her eyes. There was no holding back. She dipped down, kissing him hard. His hands slipped under her cashmere sweater and ran up her sides, taking her top with them. She raised her arms and left his mouth long enough for him to pull it over her head. He tugged at her legs, bringing them closer until she slid off the cushion and into his lap.

Softly, he traced the lace material of her bra up to her shoulders and looped his fingers around the straps, dragging them down her arms. He licked between her breasts then kissed along the top of each one as he reached around and unfastened the hooks. Claiming her mouth, he maneuvered her so her back was flat against the lush rug.

He sat up and tossed his sweater, exposing the toned muscles of his arms and chest. His stomach was chiseled…Katrina reached up, eager for a touch, but he caught her hand at the wrist and pinned it to the floor above her head. He took her other hand and placed it so both of her arms were held hostage by his single grip.

For an instant, he paused and just looked at her. His eyes were aching and hungry, his gaze following the tips of his fingers as they trailed from her lips, down her chin, and along her neck. He led them over the tops of her breasts then bent down, taking the pink flesh with his mouth. Sucking, kissing, licking until her nipple was standing at attention, he moved to the other.

It was dizzying. Intoxicating. Katrina closed her eyes, clenching her captive hands around his fingers. Her hips squirmed at the throbbing of her wet center.

Moving over her stomach with light kisses, he freed her hands. Going lower, to the waistline of her jeans, he traced it with his tongue. A soft moan escaped her lips as she gripped his shoulders. They were strong and smooth, silk under her fingers, and she wanted to feel the rest of him. He moved back up her, his lips finding the sensitive skin at the curve of her shoulder, and she ran her hand across his chest around to his back. He sat up when she did, making her gasp at the absence.

Eyes locked on hers, he worked at the button on her jeans and undid the zipper. Slipping them over her legs, they fell to the floor in a crumple. “I’ve been waiting on you forever, it seems,” he said in a whisper, running his hands up her now naked thighs, brushing his thumbs against the swollen clit nudging at her panties as his hands moved to her hips. She bucked when he did, the sensation rippling through her.

Grant’s tongue dove into her mouth, deep, ravenous, and his weight pressed her to the floor. She hitched a leg over his back, running her hands over his flesh. Writhing under him, wanting more, she hooked her fingers through his belt loops, tugging. He pushed off her and rocked back on his knees. Not wanting to be without his touch, Katrina followed.

She watched with fervor as he shrugged out of his jeans. The sight of his member made her shudder and her entrance pulsed to a point that it ached. Grant pulled her tight against him, pressing his hardness against her belly. He tugged at her bottom lip with his teeth, lifting her to the edge the sofa then guiding her shoulders to the back cushions. Working her breasts with his hands, his mouth trailed down.

In a breath, her panties were gone and she parted her legs. Trembling, her gaze fastened to him as he ran his fingers over her wet heat. “Grant,” she murmured.

He slid a finger inside her. Painfully slow, he rotated, out then in. One digit, then two. All while making circles with his thumb on her pulsing clit. It was amazing. Delicious. Delightfully agonizing. But the moment his mouth covered her thumping bud and sucked, she cried out as a swell of bliss punched through her core extending to every nerve in her body. He found her hands and clenched them with his as she climaxed. The room around them began to spin. Her heart about to burst was the only sound in her ears. Her back arched, lifting her from the cushions, and she fell back with a faint whimper.

Half-lidded, she stared in his blue eyes as he maneuvered up her stomach with tiny kisses. “I want you in me.”

He brushed her shoulder with his lips, leaving light tingles in their wake. “Are you sure?”

She nodded and palmed his cheek. He turned into it, planting a kiss, smiling that charming smile she loved, then reached for his pants, plucking a condom from his wallet. Katrina slipped off the couch on to the thick rug. Taking the foil package from his hand, she got on all fours. She went to the underside of his shaft, and with a flat tongue, she licked slowly to his tip. A groan, low and guttural, sounded from his chest as she parted her lips and took him in. Grasping his cock at the base, she massaged her tongue against it, extending the length and back down.

“Kat…” He took her shoulders. “Babe…you have to stop. I can’t last through this.”

Hearing how she’d affected him, made her want him even more. She ripped the package open and sheathed him. Wrapping her arms around her neck, she let him ease her to the rug. She ran her thighs down the outside of his and moaned, arching her back as he settled over her slick center, entering her.

He moved slow at first, in and out, stretching her walls to fit his girth. Once in her completely, he moved her legs to his shoulders and went deeper. She gasped at the fullness, holding tight to his arms as the thrusts became harder. It was nothing short of ecstasy. Her eyes went to thin slits and the world began to spin again. He pulsed inside her, groaning, causing her body to quake from depths she’d never known, and she cried his name, spent. He relaxed on top of her, holding his weight with his elbows, and kissed her neck, her cheeks, her lips.

She couldn’t take her eyes off him. His dark hair was everywhere, and the blue in his eyes was brighter than she’d ever seen. She loved them…she loved him. Katrina locked her ankles behind his back and ran her fingers through his hair, stopping on his neck. “I have to say, I’ve never had a Christmas quite like this.”

“And I’ve never known anyone quite like you.” He smiled and rolled over to his back, taking her hand and linking their fingers. “What are you doing between now and, I don’t know…the rest of your life?”

“Spending every minute I can with you.”

Thanks for reading!  Also, visit www.beachwalkpress.com on December 3 to download Holiday Kisses, an anthogy of short stories by talented Beachwalk authors. By the way....it's FREE!

Katrina's Christmas part 4

After nearly three hours of alternating between casual conversation and silence—mostly silence—Grant steered his five-year-old Lexus off the highway and onto a long, paved driveway. A few minutes later Katrina was forced to close her gaping mouth. Even in the darkness she was able to see the home’s luxury. It was huge, predominantly glass, and sitting right on the ocean. White lights trimmed the massive frame and through the translucent walls she spotted a twinkling Christmas tree. Other than that all the lights in the house were out.

“Grant, whose house is this?”

“My family’s.” As if he sensed her panic, he said, “Don’t worry. It’s just the beach house. No one will be here until Saturday.”

“And we’re leaving tomorrow,” Katrina added, opening her door and stepping out.

She couldn’t believe she actually let him talk her into coming with him. But when she heard the waves lapping against the sand, she was glad she did. Mesmerized by the peacefulness, she was vaguely aware Grant was talking as he gathered their bags from the car. Something about how his parents came a few weeks early every year and decorated the house, putting the lights on a timer. She pulled herself away and focused on him, smiling. He was still talking.

“The guest house is original to the property. That’s where I always stay when I’m here. Is that all right?”

“It’s perfect,” she said, somewhat relieved she didn’t have to stay in the house where his family would gather in a few short days. Even though she was with him, it felt a little intrusive.

She followed him through the manicured yard and to a smaller home about fifty feet away from the edge of the main one. It was much less extravagant but beautiful all the same.

“Wine?” he asked, opening the door and flicking on the light.

“Please.” Katrina glanced around the house. The walls were off-white, the floor was completely tiled in a deep red, almost burgundy color, and the furniture was beige. There were splashes of yellow here and there. A plush, white rug ran out from under the sofa to splay across the center of the floor. The room reminded her of a sunset. She moved to the stone fireplace and ran her hand across the smooth mantle.

“The kitchen is fully stocked, so if you need anything in the middle of the night…” His voice trailed off and he handed her a glass of merlot. “I’m glad you came.”

“Me too, Mr. Ward.” She took a sip from her glass, silently giving him credit for knowing she’d need it. “I guess you bring all of your ex-employers here.” She was joking but his face went serious and she tipped up her goblet, drinking half of the liquid.

His fingers curled around the back of her neck. His thumb gently stroked along her jaw. “I’ve never brought anyone here…just you.” Holding her gaze, he paused for a second then stepped away and picked up a bag. “Here,” he said, reaching in and pulling out the red box he’d given her earlier. “You never opened this.”

“Grant, I…”

“It’s nothing really. You act like you’ve never opened a gift.”

She took it from him and moved to the sofa, leaving him standing by the fireplace. Everything she owned she’d worked for and it was hard to accept anything from anyone. “I haven’t in a long time.” She tugged at the ribbon and peeled back the paper. Lifting the lid, she found two intricately folded designer scarves. She loved scarves. “They’re beautiful. You shouldn’t have done this.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “I didn’t know which one to get. I’m not a shopper.”

She ran her fingers over the fabric, choking back tears. “Is all of this because you feel guilty about quitting me?”

“Nope.” Grant stared at her for a moment then finished his near full glass of wine in one swallow. He set the goblet on the mantle and stepped across the room.

In one fluid movement he pulled her from the couch and wrapped an arm around her waist, restraining her body against his. Katrina looked up to meet his face. When she did, his mouth met hers, parting her lips with his tongue. His hands moved up her back, rough and intense through her hair, stopping as they cupped each side of her face, bringing her even closer.

Aware of the thickness under his jeans pressing against her hip, the space between her thighs heated. A fury of energy thrummed with her pulse. She didn’t just want him inside her, she needed it.

Grant severed their embrace, meeting her eyes. “I quit my job, not you…okay?”

In a daze, breathing quick and shallow, Katrina nodded in response.

A satisfied smile flitted across his face, and he kissed her forehead. “Come on, I want to show you something.” He took her hand and led her outside to a storage shed. He pulled out two large, white paper-ish looking things and they headed to the beach.

They came to a stop not far from the water’s edge, and Katrina inhaled deeply, loving the smell of the ocean. A slight breeze wisped by, the coolness making her muscles tense.

“Have you ever launched a sky lantern?” he asked, handing her one of the objects. It was light, nearly weightless, and it felt so fragile she was afraid she might tear it.

“I’ve seen them from a distance. They’re stunning.” She copied his motions as he carefully unfolded his, taking care not to tear it as she opened it to its full size—about two feet wide and three feet tall.

“There’s nothing like launching your own.” He flashed her a smile, his eyes twinkling just like the reflection of the moon on the water. “Here, hold it like this.” Gently, he sat his on the sand and balanced the bottom ring of her lantern on her palms. With a lighter he’d retrieved from his front pocket, Grant lit the wicks in the center of the paper balloon. Katrina gasped at the instant glow. A luminescence she’d never seen before.

“When it’s full of hot air, it will take off. Oh, and make a wish before it does.” He gave her a wink and went to work on his.

In a matter of minutes the lanterns were floating over the moonlit ocean. Katrina took her eyes off the floating lights and focused on Grant. How had she become comfortable with him so fast?

She laughed to herself, there was nothing quick about it…they’d been together nearly every day for the last three years. She walked over and slipped her fingers through his. It only seemed right. “This is amazing.”

“They are, aren’t they?” He kept his gaze on the two dwindling lights in the night and gave her hand a squeeze.

Watching him stare at the sky, something from deep inside her, something Katrina knew she’d been hiding for as long as she’d known him, came to the surface. She didn’t want to push it away anymore. She thought about how he’d kissed her earlier. How she didn’t want it to stop. How she knew in that moment that she needed him in more ways than she ever expected to. “I meant being with you.”

Grant ran his eyes over her. “You’re shivering. Why didn’t you tell me you’re cold?”

“I don’t think I am.” And she wasn’t. At least she didn’t feel cold.

He blanketed her with his arms, curling her in so she was pressed against his chest. She closed her eyes and listened to his heart thrum strong and steady. It drowned out the sound of the waves.

His lips buried in her hair. “Let’s go in, I’ll start a fire.”

Katrina's Christmas part 3

“Hi,” Grant said as he stepped over the threshold, discounting the lack of invitation.

She was still holding the door open, watching him survey her living room when his eyes stopped on her.

Grant held up a red box with a gold and white striped ribbon. “I got this for you.”

“What are you doing here?” Her words felt choked and strained as she closed the door without losing sight of him.

“I was a couple of blocks over having dinner with some friends and decided to stop by.”

“I don’t do Christmas.” She moved to the sofa, adjusting her robe to ensure full coverage before taking a seat. “I never expected to hear from you again. That is, at least until Friday.”

His dark hair was ruffled from the ocean breeze. He raked his fingers through it, leaving it mussed. “Friday?”

“Payday.”

“Oh, yeah…my last one. I guess I’ll be swinging by then too.” He grinned, tossing the wrapped box on the sofa beside her. “Open it.” Not waiting on her response he went to the gas fireplace. “Do you mind?”

She nodded and watched as he turned it on and knelt beside it. Gazing from under her lashes, Katrina blinked hard. She’d always known he was easy on the eyes but against the flickering light of the fire the fitted gray sweater he was wearing highlighted the definition of muscle in his chest and arms. His jaw was scruffy with a day’s growth, maybe two, and he looked sexy as hell.

“Bringing me a gift won’t get your job back.”

He gave a grunted snort. “I’m not here for the job, Kat. I’m here for you…you’re coming with me.”

“Where? A party?” She shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere, Grant. I have to work tomorrow.”

“I need you to trust me.” He came across the room and stopped behind her.

Despite the instinct to move from him, she sat still as his hands worked the elastic tie loose and freed her hair. Chills zipped under her skin as his fingers combed through the locks. She closed her eyes and relished in the tenderness of his touch.

“Katrina, get some clothes on…or not. But pack an overnight bag and come with me.”

“An overnight bag? No way.” She shook her head. “I told you, I’m working tomorrow.”

Grant gathered her hair and tugging it tight, arched her neck so she could see him standing over her. “You’re going if I have to carry you out of this apartment.”

He continued to speak but his words became muffled. Her every thought had transformed and centered on the ache of needing to feel his hands caress the skin under her robe. Imagining the sensation of his weight, the warmth of his breath as he entered her, emanated tremors to her core. She swallowed hard and subconsciously heard her own voice agree to his reasoning.

Before reality kicked in, she hurriedly went through her bedroom gathering clothes, dressing as she threw a few garments in her unused, designer overnight bag. A ridiculous purchase, she knew, but she’d bought it to celebrate Sand and Sun’s official rise to the top of Florida’s long list of booking agents.

“At this rate, we’ll arrive at midnight,” he shouted from the living room.

Katrina rolled her eyes and tossed her toothbrush in her bag. Since she’d known him, he always had issues about time. He would probably clock the length of their trip down to the minute. Wait. Midnight?

“Where are we going, anyway?”

“It’s a surprise.”

She hated surprises.

With one last glance around the room, she zipped up the Louis Vuitton and flicked off the lights. Rounding the corner, she suddenly needed a drink and made a beeline to her open bottle of wine, scooping up her glass as she did.

“Have I ever told you how gorgeous you are?” Grant asked.

She put the newly full glass to her lips and drank it dry. Not sure of his intentions but hoping they were the same as hers, she gave a nervous laugh. A few hours ago she considered him off-limits, but since he’d quit working for her he’d become accessible…desirable. She wouldn’t let him know though. Not yet, not until she was positive of what he wanted.

“That wasn’t in your job description, no.” She turned on her heels and marched by him to the door. “I’m ready."

Hope to see you back next week!

Part 4 will be posted Tuesday, November 13th!

Tomorrow, visit Aimee Duffy and Elise Whyles for part 3 of their

Holiday Kisses Beachwalk Anthology stories.

 

Katrina's Christmas part 2

Katrina walked through her empty apartment straight to the bathroom and started a hot bath. Streaks of mascara-stained tears trickled over her cheeks. Grant’s words had hit her hard, more so than she expected them to. She was lucky she managed to hold the tears off until he stormed out of the office.

She’d never had a family, spending most of her adolescence bouncing from foster home to foster home until she escaped the system when she was seventeen. Her distressed heart, the pain, it wasn’t his fault. He didn’t know the truth. Only what she’d told him—that she didn’t speak to her parents. There was no choice, she didn’t know who her father was and her mother left her on Christmas Day when she was seven. She wiped her eyes and tossed the dismal thoughts from her head. Dwelling on the past would do nothing but take her back to the life she’d worked so hard to forget.

After resetting her hair to a messy bun she stepped into the steaming water, submerging her body under its warmth. She propped her head back on the edge of the tub. Staring at the ceiling, proud it was hers, she didn’t regret one moment of all the work she’d put into the company, and what did she care about Grant’s ‘you’re working your life away’ statement? Hell, her BMW 5 Series didn’t fall out of the sky, nor did her ocean-view apartment within walking distance from the beach. Not that she’d taken the time in the past few years to get her feet in the sand, but hey, just knowing it was there was enough…right?

At twenty-eight years old, she had everything she wanted.

Almost.

She ran her hands across her stomach and down her thighs. Grant Ward was the closest relationship she’d had since college and he was strictly her employee…or he had been. Closing her eyes, she pictured his face, how his beaming smile always made her feel better, the way those deep blues looked at her when he thought she couldn’t see or wouldn’t notice. Her body tensed at the thought. Just as quick, when reality punched her in the chest and she knew he would no longer be around every day, a strange ache overtook her heart.

She sat straight up and splashed her face with a handful of water. Was she losing her mind? It had to be the time of year.

Katrina slipped on her white, silk robe and padded to her wine closet, choosing a vintage port—her favorite for cool weather. As she set her glass on the kitchen counter, a knock at the door interrupted the peaceful silence. It sounded as if a sledgehammer was banging the walls.

Carolers. Every year, a group of enthusiasts went from apartment to apartment in an attempt to spread holiday cheer, and every year, she refused to open her door. This time though, she would give them a chance because, well…why not?

Swiftly, she filled her glass and downed half in one gulp. Warmth from the liquid courage sated her chest as she made her way through the house and reached the entrance. She squeezed together the material of her robe with one hand, making sure she didn’t expose too much skin as the other hand turned the knob.

She opened the door and blinked in surprise.

Thanks for reading!

 

Check back next Tuesday for part 3.

 

While your waiting, enjoy other Holiday Kisses stories by these talented authors tomorrow.

Merry Christmas, Mrs. Todd by Elise Whyles

and

Believe in Me by Aimee Duffy

Katrina's Christmas part 1

Hi! Thanks for taking the time to drop by and read part 1 of

Katrina's Christmas.

Christmas has always been just another day to Katrina Bryant.

She works hard and expects her employees to do the same.

When her sexy assistant, Grant Ward, quits on Christmas Eve she becomes worried she will never see him again, and she wonders why that bothers her so much.

To her surprise, he arrives at her home hours later and whisks her away for a Christmas she will never forget.

 

This short story is included in the Beachwalk Press anthology

Holiday Kisses.

Katrina’s Christmas

by Sidda Lee Tate

 

“Good afternoon, thank you for calling Sand and Sun Vacation Rentals. Can I interest you in our last minute holiday specials?” Katrina Bryant adjusted her headset, waiting on the caller’s reply. “Hello? Sand and Sun Vacation Rentals…”

The caller hung up and she rolled her eyes. Pulling the headset from her ear, she tossed it on her desk and turned to the only person left in the office of seven, the only person on the planet other than herself she trusted—her assistant of three years, Grant Ward. “That is the third hang-up I’ve had today.”

“It’s Christmas Eve.” He placed a fresh cup of coffee on her desk, shrugging, and took a seat in the plush leather chair against the opposite wall. As always, he looked good. Deep blue eyes, dark hair, and a perfect smile that always calmed her nerves. He knew when to use it too.

“I cannot for the life of me imagine what Christmas Eve has to do with it, Grant.” Katrina reached down and pulled off her pumps, giving each foot a quick rub and making a mental note to schedule a massage as soon as possible.

“Me either, Ms. Bryant, I was only reminding you what day it is.” He also knew she wasn’t pleased when he called her Ms. Bryant. Okay, maybe she didn’t mind. Not every time. Over the years, it had become a source of amusement between only them. She was three years older and he loved to remind her.

“It’s another day to me.”

“As well as tomorrow?”

“Of course it is. You know that. Oh, and be sure to dock everyone’s pay who left early today.” Katrina winked playfully as she released her long auburn hair from the tight bun, then gave it a quick shake, and tied it back up in a lose ponytail. “I have no doubt you will be here tomorrow. It is a Wednesday, you know. I suppose since you think it’s special you can wait until noon to come in, but we need to finish preparing the new price bundles for the first of the year.”

“No.” He adjusted in the seat, leaning forward and pressing his palms to his knees. Deep blue eyes stared at her, almost daring her to challenge him.

“Excuse me.”

“I won’t be here and neither will you. You’re working your life away.”

“Don’t be absurd. I didn’t build this company from nothing to the highest rated vacation booking agency in all of Florida by not showing up to work. And you, well, you will be looking for another job if you’re a no show.” Katrina shocked herself with those words. She would never fire him. She needed him…for work.

“Threatening to fire me won’t work, Katrina. You must’ve forgotten I have a degree in business finance, so finding a career other than an underpaid, underappreciated assistant to you will not be hard. It’s Christmas, damn it!”

“Like I said, it’s just another day.”

“What is wrong with you? Every year you pull this shit and every year I’ve missed out on being with my family. I’m not doing it again.”

“They’re hours away, besides you’ve told me time and again your family doesn’t get together until the weekend after.”

His eyes took on a fury she’d never seen. “Just because you don’t have a family, doesn’t mean you should take it out on those of us who do.” Grant jumped to his feet and moved toward her. Gripping the armrests of her chair, he leaned in. Stopping with his lips just inches from hers, he held her gaze and muttered, “I quit.”

I hope you enjoyed. Please stop by next Tuesday for part 2.

Also, don't forget to visit other Beachwalk authors. My Tuesday posting partner is Patricia Bates with her story Hometown Miracles

Tomorrow and each Wednesday enjoy the stylings of Elise Whyles with Merry Christmas, Mrs. Todd and Believe in Me by Aimee Duffy.