Holiday Loves
Page 45
“Zach?”
He grunted.
I tried again. “Did you talk to Jesse?”
“Yeah.”
“How did it go?”
“He feels bad.”
“Can we go home? I want to talk to him.”
I felt his big body stretch behind me. “Yup.”
“I need to talk to him.”
“Pretty sure he wants to talk to you too.”
* * *
When we walked in the door, I could see Jesse sitting outside, on the swing that my Dad had built.
Zach squeezed my hand. “I’ll be upstairs.”
“Thanks.”
I walked across the grass to where Jesse sat.
“Hey.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Fine,” I smiled and sat down beside him.
He looked at me with serious eyes. “I’m so sorry, Kaitlin. I was out-of-control yesterday.”
“You fix things with Zach?”
“Yeah.”
“Then all is forgiven.”
I tucked my feet under me while he rocked the swing.
He sighed. “I miss mom and dad.”
I reached out and held his hand. “Me too.”
“Do you love Zach?”
“With all my heart.”
He nodded and looked around the yard. “That’s good.”
“How was Toronto?”
I could feel the sadness radiate off of him. I knew from what Zach had told me that it hadn’t gone well.
“Bad. Bad enough that I asked for a leave of absence.”
“What are you going to do?”
He gave me another sad smile. “I think I want to take that road trip Dad always promised me.”
Sorrow compressed my chest. “Is this because of Zach and me? Is that why you want to leave?”
“Yes and no. You and him have figured out how to find your future out of the past. I feel stuck in the past. I need my own future.”
He needs love. Maybe without feeling like he needed to follow Dad in his footsteps, and constantly be the responsible, big brother to me, he could find his own way.
“You did an amazing job stepping up. You took care of me for so many years.”
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
“I love you, Jess.”
He looked at me in earnest. “I love you too. And I love Zach.”
I sighed. “When are you going to leave?”
“In a few days.”
“So soon.”
“I need this.”
We sat in silence. Both lost in our own thoughts.
“Do me a favor, Kat?”
“What?”
“It’s time to let go of the ghosts. I want us to sell this place. You and Zach need a fresh start. You need your own home.”
“There are so many memories here, though.”
“But that's just it. Sometimes those memories are so thick and heavy they hold us back from the future.”
“I guess.”
“Trust me,” he said. “You and Zach need to find your own home. Make it yours. Create a home for that baby of yours.”
“What about you?”
“I think it will help me feel free.”
I leaned my head on his shoulder. “Are you going to be okay?”
He kissed the top of my head. “I’m going to try.”
* * *
I stood back and surveyed the freshly yellow painted walls of the baby’s room.
“Hey Kat, come take a look.”
I had forbidden her from even peeking into the room until I was done.
She appeared in the doorway looking cute as fuck with her baby belly and jean overalls. Her hair was in a messy bun on the top of her head.
With wide eyes, she looked around the room. “It’s perfect.”
I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her forehead. “Mmm, you smell like chocolate.”
“Do you think you can build the crib before the playoffs start?”
I laughed and nuzzled my mouth against her neck. “On my list.”
Her mouth found mine. “I love our new place.”
We had taken Jesse’s advice and gone for a fresh start. We found a gorgeous house in a similar neighborhood that had the same big trees, wide streets, and a big backyard.
After a whirlwind four months, the place was finally ours. I had hired a contractor to rip out the old kitchen and put in a state-of-the-art kitchen for Kaitlin that would make Gordon Ramsey drool.
We had hired painters to repaint the entire house with one exception. I had wanted to paint the baby’s room myself.
“Why do you smell like chocolate?” I kissed Kaitlin’s sweet mouth.
She laughed. “Come down and see.”
I took one last look at the walls of the room and my heart beat strong and steady. This is what happiness feels like.
“Are you coming?” she called.
I grinned, wondering if the heart could actually OD on joy. “Coming.”
My Fiancé’s Brother: Book 1 (The Guilty Series)
My Fiancé’s Brother: Book 2 (The Guilty Series)
My Fake Fiancé: Book 3, Stand alone (The Guilty Series)
My Donut Princess: Book 4, Novella (The Guilty Series)
* * *
Puck Me Secretly, Book 1 (Vancouver Wolves Hockey Romance)
* * *
Odette Stone lives in Vancouver, Canada. Writing is her passion, but when you can pull her away from her stories, she loves to read, drink coffee, and go for long walks and is particularly fond of action or suspense movies.
Stay in touch….
Odette’s Amazon Author Page
Bookbubs
GoodReads
Odette’s Website
Pinterest
Odette’s Facebook Page
Odette’s Hot Alphas Facebook Group
Instagram
Twitter
Newsletter
Daze
A #Bittersweet Prequel
Harloe Rae
Copyright © 2018 by Harloe Rae, LLC
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and the publisher listed above, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or purely coincidental.
This short prequel includes three chapters.
* * *
Each one includes main characters from a full-length, standalone novel within the interconnected #BitterSweetHeat series. The events in these snippets occur prior to the timeline of these books and will not spoil the stories.
* * *
GENT (Trey & Raven) Available on Amazon
MISS (Delilah & Zeke) Available on Amazon
LASS (Addison & Shane) Releasing early 2019
Enjoy!
* * *
My boots crunch over the fresh snow as I walk toward Dagos. Even before opening the door, I can tell the bar is nearing max capacity. Everyone and their grandma are inside, celebrating the success of our winter festival. And this was only the first day.
I bite back a groan. “Fucking Holi-Daze. Don’t these people have better things to do than crowd around downtown? It a full house in there.”
The question is rhetorical, but my uncle answers regardless. “Don’t start with that Grinch attitude.”
“How can I start when I never stop?”
Jack snorts and pinches the bridge of his nose. “It’s Christmas so get in the spirit of giving. Your bah-humbug isn’t welcome, kid. These folks keep our town thriving, not to mention our business. Don’t go chasing away customers.”
“Yeah, yeah. That’s what you always say.”
He grips my shoulder. “Because I speak the truth.”
I follow him into the madness and get hit with a cloud of warm, musty air. The aroma of beer and fried food makes me feel right at home. Even with several options scattered along Main Street, Dagos will always be my number one choice. Even if my level of comfort is currently being tested, in a major way.
I scan the brimming room, searching for an inch of free space. Shane waves at us from the back corner. I jut my chin in his direction. “Guess he left the shop early for a reason. Shane has a spot saved for us.”
Jack follows my line of sight, finding his other mechanic. “Ah, he’s a good lad. Knew the moment I hired him.”
I roll my eyes and groan. “Lad? Who talks like that at your age? Most days I’m certain you’re eighty trapped in a thirty-something body. I swear you enjoy getting shit from me.”
“Gotta keep you guessing.”
“Whatever, gramps.”
Jack shakes his head and begins pushing through the cramped bar. Tension rolls down my back while I dodge people left and right. It’s too damn packed in here. Seemingly out of nowhere, sickly-sweet perfume burns my nostrils and I cough. Jack comes to an abrupt halt when Garden Grove’s most notorious gossip-hound flags him down.
“Oh, Jack. I’m so glad to see you.”
“Hey, Marlene. Wouldn’t miss this shindig for anything,” he says.
I cough into my fist but remain quiet, hoping this little exchange ends quickly. Somehow Jack manages to remain civil, even with the pesky rumor-mill biddies.
The old lady parks a gloved hand on her hip. “There’s been this pesky rattle whenever I drive my car. Walter has no clue what’s happening under the hood. I’m worried the clunker is going to break down and leave me stranded,” Marlene says. She fluffs her grey hair and frowns, managing to look extremely put-out without saying another word.
My uncle sighs and combs through his dark hair. “Ah, I was hoping to avoid shop-talk this evening. But for you, I’ll make an exception.” He winks at her, causing the granny to flutter her lashes.
I hold back the vomit rising up my throat over this sickening performance. Jack still plays the town’s golden boy well. Barf.
I back away slightly, not interested in catching Marlene’s attention. “I’ll be over there,” I tell him and hitch my thumb toward Shane.
He shoots me a glare and I see the muscle in his jaw pop. I chuckle and shrug, not feeling too sorry.
By some miracle, I make it to the high-top without plowing anyone over. I swear the temperature just increased one-hundred degrees. “Where the hell do all these people come from?” I grumble to my co-worker.
Shane scratches his temple. “Garden Grove isn’t that small. Most of them are locals.”
I roll my eyes. “Not this again. I know you’re from Bumfuck, Nowhere but this is not normal. Even during the holidays.”
“I think it’s nice to see everyone gathering.”
“Seriously, man? I didn’t come over here to hear more sugary shit. I could have stayed with Jack.”
He laughs. “How was the rest of your shift?”
“Fine. Quiet and boring, just how I like it.” I glance at the empty table. “Where’s the pitcher? Or at least a bottle? I’m sweating my balls off in this joint.”
“It’s busy. We’ll get served soon.”
I rub my forehead, trying to alleviate the building tension. Attempting to distract myself, I ask, “Finding any tail to chase? There’s gotta be some good out of this clusterfuck.”
Shane lifts a shoulder. “Nah, not really.” But his eyes dart in a very particular direction.
I peer over, not surprised at who’s stealing his focus. “Yeah, right. Good luck with that one.”
“Not sure what you mean.”
Captain Denial over here. I can’t roll my eyes hard enough at his thinly-veiled interest. “Never mind. I’m gonna get a few beers from Grayson. Want one?”
He shakes his head. “I’m waiting for… uh, someone to grab my order.”
What a pussy. I stand up, done with this sappy conversation. “You’ll be waiting a long time with all this traffic.”
Shane smiles. “I don’t mind.”
“Suit yourself, pup.”
His brow pinches. “Huh?”
“Wipe that lovesick look off your face, yeah? It’s embarrassing.” Then I storm off, needing a drink thirty minutes ago. This time of year is already depressing enough. I don’t need to watch him be an idiot.
The line is stupid-long around the bar, a damn zoo of strangers. The stool I typically occupy is taken, along with all the others. Fucking tourists are hogging everything this week. Ah, who am I kidding? They swarm into Garden Grove constantly.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Addison bounces up to the server station. I do a double take, walking over to her. “How the hell did you get over here so fast? The crowd is thick as fuck.”
She squints at me. “Um, hello to you as well. Nice to see you’re in a pleasant mood.”
I smirk and cross my arms. “You’re welcome.”
“What’s got your briefs in a bunch?”
“Besides the usual? My bar is being overrun by happy yuppies.”
Addison offers me an unnecessary grin in response. “Isn’t it lovely? The cheer is exploding from wall to wall.”
“That’s the problem,” I say and give her a once over. “What’s got you so chipper?”
She blinks, her features flattening. “I need a reason to be happy? Unlike you, I happen to enjoy the busy buzz. Christmas is my favorite holiday. Plus, D messaged me earlier. She’s coming home soon.”
I don’t hide my scowl. “Great. All I need is another thorn in my side.”
“Don’t lie to yourself. It’ll be nice having one of our lifers back.”
“I’ll pass.”
Addison ignores my grumbling. “It’s all so exciting. There’s so much to look forward to.”
Her gaze gets a tad unfocused and I wonder if she’s high off Marlene’s perfume. Jack’s a goner at this point. Serves him right for being so damn polite and accommodating.
“Cue the projectile vomit. Did you finally get a boyfriend to put some extra pep in your step?”
“Stop being a jerk. I don’t have to be down in the dumps just because there’s no special someone in my life. Maybe that’s why you’re cranky. Lover’s spat?”
I scrub at the stubble coating my jaw. “Don’t even with that shit.”
Addison studies me, her knowing stare seeing far too much. “For real, are you okay? I imagine this time of year is harder on you for different reasons.”
Heat races up my neck and I feel the burn settle on my face. I choose to ignore her prying, handing over a question of my own. “Did Shane order from you?”
“No, was he supposed to?”
I look toward the ceiling, blowing out the string of curses waiting on my tongue. “He’s been waiting on you.”
“For what?”
I’m not about to play matchmaker. “To do your job.”
Even with the jovial cheers surrounding us, I can hear her teeth grind. “You’re an asshole.”
“We know this. Can we skip to the part where you bring me a beer?”
Addison flicks me off. “Dream on, buddy. The line is over there.” Without missing a beat, she scoops up her full tray and disappears into the throng.
So much for Christmas spirit.
I survey the scene, trying to find my best opening. My focus snags on a hot brunette. For the first time tonight, I’m feeling thankful for all the fresh meat. I don’t hide my interest, blatantly scouring her curves. She’s wearing far too many clothes, but that’s an easy fix. My appetite overrules my thirst as I move closer. I watch for another moment and she appears to be alone. Good enough for me. I cover the remaining distance until she’s close enough to touch.
“Can I buy you a drink?” I whisper near her ear.
&n
bsp; She startles slightly, looking over her shoulder. The chick takes me in, dark brown eyes widening with her assessment. She remains silent so I try again.
“You looking for company?”
She shakes her head. “Uh, no. My family is right over there. I’m getting a pitcher for us to share. We’re spending quality time together, over pizza and drinks. It’s a ritual.” She points to a table and my gaze dumbly follows.
My gut clenches, her words a harsh jab I wasn’t expecting. I suck in sharply as the sentiment crashes down. I ignore the ferocious beating in my chest and swallow roughly. Every direction I turn, there’s smiling and laughing. What the fuck are they so giddy about?
This time of year is lonely as shit. All the merry bonding has bile churning in my stomach, and there’s no getting rid of it. With a parting glance at the joyous overload, I admit defeat.
Fuck this holiday bullshit. I’ll hibernate until this festive shit blows over. There’s nobody that’ll make me feel better and I’ll only ruin this event for everyone else. I head for the exit, offering the crowd a middle finger salute.
Screw sticking around to enjoy a beer. I’m going home.
* * *
I shiver and rub my arms vigorously. It’s so freaking cold this winter. Our faulty radiator is good for nothing, broken down more often than not. Probably doesn’t help that the hunk of metal is seventy years old. This apartment is adorably chic and historic, but I’m getting tired of being a human ice cube.
Raven emerges from her room, carrying a stack of blankets. I make grabby-hands, eager for the warmth. My bestie laughs and tosses me one.
“We’ve gotta call Marven. There has to be a way to get more heat pumping through these ancient pipes,” she whines. Raven joins me on the couch and we quickly cover up from head to toe.
“Too bad the fireplace is only a novelty piece.” My teeth are practically chattering.