by Leslie Kelly
“Let’s go to bed,” he murmured.
Noelle was more than ready to do as he asked, but she suddenly remembered something Randy had said back at the hospital. “There’s a full house.”
Mark was kissing her neck, rolling his hands over her distended nipples until she could barely think. But she somehow managed to add, “Every room is full, even my old one. We’re going to have to stay here all night.”
He looked into her eyes, his green ones dancing with humor, and began to laugh. “No room at the inn, huh?”
She instantly caught his reference. “Nuh-uh.”
But the man she loved was an ingenious one. She should have known he would find a way to get what he wanted. So, gently sliding out from under her and depositing her on the sofa, he walked to the living-room entrance and pushed the door shut. Then he took an antique chair from the front of a writing table and slid it under the handle to make sure no one could enter.
Noelle watched approvingly, smiling at him as he returned. He stopped a few feet away, reaching his hand out to her. Taking it, she rose and let him lead her closer to the fireplace. Moving together, they knelt on the thick rug and slowly began to undress one another. Every bit of skin that was revealed shimmered under the warm glow of the fire and the twinkle of the tree lights. And soon, they were naked, awash with color, alive with desire, coming together in a sweet mating that surpassed anything they’d shared before.
Because this time, they really did hold nothing back. While their movements were slow and unrushed, their emotions—their words—were about as daring as either one of them had ever imagined.
“I love you, Mark.”
“I love you, too. Happy birthday, Noelle.”
She squeezed him deep inside her, even as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close for another one of his kisses that made her feel capable of anything.
Just before their lips touched, Noelle murmured, “And Merry Christmas.”
Epilogue
“I CAN’T BELIEVE MARK GETS TO fly off to some Caribbean island and I’m sitting here scraping forty pounds of potatoes on Christmas day,” Lottie Santori said as she stood in her mother’s kitchen, along with all the other women of the family. They were crowded into the home where she’d grown up, and while the kitchen might have seemed sizeable when her folks had bought the place some thirty-odd years ago, now that all six of the Santori kids were grown and reproducing, it felt like an oversized oven.
“He’s in love,” her sister-in-law Meg said with a genuine smile and a sappy sigh.
Meg, who’d given birth to the family’s first granddaughter a few months ago, still had that new-mother Madonna glow about her. She was also skinny as a rail, having lost all of her pregnancy weight. All except for in the boobs—there, Meg had retained her prepregnancy curves…and then some. It’d make her sick if Lottie didn’t love Joe’s wife so much.
“I really like Noelle,” Rachel said, joining in the conversation. “She’s a sweetie-pie.” Her soft southern voice was very much at odds with everybody else’s strong Chicago accents.
“What is not to like? She is Italian, I can tell, even though she doesn’t say it,” Mama said, obviously overhearing them as she entered the kitchen to survey her worker bees.
The men were all in the other room watching sports on TV and playing a cutthroat game of Monopoly that had been going on since right after breakfast. It was totally not fair. In her next life, Lottie was coming back as a man.
Then she thought about it, considered all the hair and those nasty uncontrollable body functions and decided it was okay to be female. Even if she did have to peel a zillion potatoes.
“Ya know,” Gloria said as she piped some whipped cream around the edge of a pumpkin pie, “I can’t believe neither of the twins are here today. The house feels empty.”
She and Mama exchanged a tearful look. Lottie could have kicked Glo for reminding them all of the harsh truth. Not only was Mark off on some fabulous Caribbean vacation with his new girlfriend, but Nick was still a world away, possibly getting his ass shot up in the middle of a war.
She didn’t want to think about it. Wouldn’t think about it. So she instead focused on her other missing brother. “How did Mark get the week off work so quickly to go away with Noelle?”
“He already put in for the time off, you didn’t know?” Mama said, quickly distracted by thoughts of her son’s romance with a woman she approved of. “Had that—what do you call it—lose or lose time.”
“It’s use or lose, Ma,” Lottie said.
“Yes. That’s it. So when Noelle asks him to come with her on this trip, there is no reason for him to say no. How very lucky that he was able to get a room at that same hotel.”
Lottie almost choked, but a quick kick in the ankle from Meg made her clamp her lips shut.
“Thank goodness they came by on the way to the airport or Rachel wouldn’t have gotten her present,” Lottie said, still wondering if it was possible her mother really thought Mark and Noelle would be sleeping in separate rooms. Judging by the way her brother had looked at the woman, she doubted he’d be in a separate seat on the damn plane.
Rachel shrugged, still basting the turkey, which was roasting upside down with bacon strewn all over its back. Apparently it was a southern thing. But considering Mama’s turkey always tasted like jerky, Lottie wasn’t going to complain.
“I’m looking forward to checking out that Red Doors store.” Rachel cast a quick look toward Meg. “You’ve shopped there, haven’t you?”
Nodding, Meg grabbed her iced tea and gulped it, her face turning a little pink. But before Lottie could ask her about it, they were called into the other room, probably to see the latest cute-and-adorable trick her baby niece had managed. Maybe she’d spit up on her red velvet dress this time, instead of the green one.
Following the rest of them through the door to the overcrowded living room of the rowhouse, she watched as her father popped open a few bottles of champagne and demanded that everyone take a glass for a holiday toast. He gave the same speech he’d been giving every Christmas for as long as Lottie could remember, which made her smile.
As the chatter and the celebration continued, Lottie drifted to the corner of the room, standing to the side. Watching all the people she loved, eating, drinking, laughing and having a marvelous time, she felt a tear prick her eye, thinking that despite her complaints, she wouldn’t trade her family for the world.
Maybe for a hot man.
But not for the world.
She lifted her glass to her lips, saying a silent holiday toast in honor of her big brother Mark. Somewhere, in a country far away from here, she knew he would be celebrating with the woman he’d chosen to spend his life with. They all knew it, just by the way Mark and Noelle had looked at one another today.
Taking a second sip, she tried to make another toast. This one wasn’t so easy, and finally, with a tear slipping out of the corner of her eye, she turned it into a prayer. For Nick.
Someday they’d all be here for Christmas. She had no doubt about it. So lifting her glass toward the ceiling and blowing a silent kiss, she murmured, “Merry Christmas, guys.”
We’ll see you soon.
COMING NEXT MONTH
Be enthralled, moved, thrilled and delighted by exceptional reads from outstanding authors and well-loved series.
Come back every month for newly released selections in a variety of categories offering stories that appeal to every taste and mood.
Have a great time!
ON SALE IN JANUARY 2006
Look for new titles in the following categories
Bestseller
Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books
Passionate Reads
Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents
Romantic Suspense
Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments
Inspirational
Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chic lit from Steeple Hill Café
Women’s Fiction
Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women’s lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next
Women’s Action Adventure
Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell
Chick Lit
Women’s fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life’s little curves…From Red Dress Ink
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books
AVAILABLE NOW
Showcase
Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books
KILLER TAKES ALL by Erica Spindler, MIRA (psychological thriller)
BEFORE SUNRISE by Diana Palmer, HQN (contemporary romance)
DARK SKY by Carla Neggers, MIRA (romantic suspense)
50 HARBOR STREET by Debbie Macomber, MIRA (women’s fiction)
GHOST WALK by Heather Graham, MIRA (paranormal mystery)
MASQUERADE by Brenda Joyce, HQN (historical romance)
CODE NAME: BABY by Christina Skye, HQN Books (romantic suspense)
NIGHT FEVER by Diana Palmer (contemporary romance)
Passionate Reads
Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents
THE ITALIAN’S STOLEN BRIDE by Emma Darcy, Harlequin Presents
UNCONTROLLABLE by Susan Kearney, Harlequin Blaze
WHATEVER RILEY WANTS by Maureen Child, Silhouette Desire
SEXY ALL OVER by Jamie Sobrato, Harlequin Blaze
HOT TO THE TOUCH by Jennifer Greene, Silhouette Desire
TALKING ABOUT SEX…by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Blaze
THE TYCOON’S TROPHY WIFE by Miranda Lee, Harlequin Presents
BOSS MAN by Diana Palmer, Silhouette Desire
DON’T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS by Leslie Kelly, Harlequin Blaze
Romantic Suspense
Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments
MAN OF HER DREAMS by Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue
LOVING THE LONE WOLF by Ingrid Weaver, Silhouette Intimate Moments
GHOST HORSE by Patricia Rosemoor, Harlequin Intrigue
SUSPICIOUS by Heather Graham, Silhouette Intimate Moments
RIDER ON FIRE by Sharon Sala, Silhouette Intimate Moments
SECURITY MEASURES by Joanna Wayne, Harlequin Intrigue
EPIPHANY by Rita Heron, Mallery Kane, Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue
FEELS LIKE HOME by Maggie Shayne, Silhouette Intimate Moments
Inspirational
Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chic lit from Steeple Hill Café
LOVING FEELINGS by Gail Gaymer Martin, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
BLESSED BOUQUETS by Lyn Cote, Lenora Worth and Penny Richards, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
FOR THE TWINS’ SAKE by Jillian Hart, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
NOTE OF PERIL by Hannah Alexander, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS by Elizabeth White, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
BLACK HILLS BRIDE by Deb Kastner, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
WINDINGO TWILIGHT by Colleen Rhoads, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
MILLION DOLLAR DILEMMA by Judy Baer, Steeple Hill Café
STORM CLOUDS by Cheryl Wolverton, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
DECK THE HALLS by Arlene James, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
HER BROTHER’S KEEPER by Valerie Hansen, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
WEDDING AT WILDWOOD by Lenora Worth, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
EVEN IN THE DARKNESS by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
PAST SECRETS, PRESENT LOVE by Lois Richer, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
Women’s Fiction
Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women’s lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next
THERE’S ALWAYS PLAN B by Susan Mallery, Harlequin Next
RIGGS PARK by Ellyn Bache, Harlequin Next
CUTTING THROUGH by Joan Hohl, Harlequin Next
THE ME I USED TO BE by Jennifer Archer, Harlequin Next
PELICAN BAY by Charlotte Douglas, Harlequin Next
STARTING FROM SCRATCH by Marie Ferrarella, Harlequin Next
GRIN AND BEAR IT by Leslie LaFoy, Harlequin Next
Women’s Action Adventure
Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell
ONCE A THIEF by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell
HOT PURSUIT by Kathryn Jensen, Silhouette Bombshell
DEVIL’S BARGAIN by Rachel Caine, Silhouette Bombshell
THE GOLDEN GIRL by Erica Orloff, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries
FLAWLESS by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries
LETHALLY BLONDE by Nancy Bartholomew, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries
MS. LONGSHOT by Sylvie Kurtz, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries
Chick Lit
Women’s fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life’s little curves…From Red Dress Ink
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU by Carole Matthews, Red Dress Ink
KILLER SUMMER by Lynda Curnyn, Red Dress Ink
DO THEY WEAR HIGH HEELS IN HEAVEN? By Erica Orloff, Red Dress Ink
THE NIGHT I GOT LUCKY by Laura Caldwell, Red Dress Ink
SCENES FROM A HOLIDAY by Laurie Graff, Caren Lissner, Melanie Murray, Red Dress Ink
THE JINX by Jennifer Sturman, Red Dress Ink
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books
THE DESTINED QUEEN by Deborah Hale, LUNA
URBAN SHAMAN by C.E. Murphy, LUNA
POISON STUDY by Maria V. Snyder, LUNA
IN STONE’S CLASP by Christie Golden, LUNA
WINTER MOON by Mercedes Lackey, Tanith Lee, C.E. Murphy, LUNA
BRIGHID’S QUEST by P.C. Cast, LUNA