Christmas On Pointe (A Silver Bell Falls Holiday Novella)
Page 19
“Mom...”
“Oh hush. Let me go and get dressed. But I will let you finish cleaning up,” she said with a grin as she walked out of the kitchen. Five minutes later, Patti, Maya and Snuffles were out the door.
Abby stood at the sink and was rinsing the dishes when Dean came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling her neck. “A week from now we’ll get to do this without worrying about anyone walking in on us.”
“Washing dishes?” she teased. “I was hoping to get away from that for a few days.”
Throwing his head back and laughing, Dean hugged her tighter. “Smart ass. You know what I mean.”
She turned in his arms and looped her arms around his neck. “I certainly do and believe me, I am looking forward to it. I already have something special to wear to dance for you in.”
His expression instantly sobered. “Really?”
She nodded.
“Is it white and lacy?”
“I’m not telling.”
“Black and lacy?”
Chuckling, she rested her head against his chest. “Still not telling.”
“Ooh...I bet it’s red and lacy.”
“I’m beginning to notice a trend here...”
“Okay, fine. No more questions. Just tell me this...is it something I’ll have to apologize for if I rip it?”
That was still one of her favorite sexy memories. “Not at all. Actually, I think I’m encouraging that.”
“Duly noted.”
Holding each other close, Abby felt like the luckiest woman alive. She had so much to be thankful for this year and they had so much to look forward to that she finally understood what Dean said to her not that long ago.
Now that she knew what she wanted – what was waiting for her – for the rest of her life, she was anxious to get it started as soon as possible.
“Is it weird that I think it’s too quiet in here?” he asked.
“Not at all. I feel that way too.”
“C’mon. Let’s go and get dressed so that when they get back we can go out and try out our new sleds.”
“I can’t wait! I haven’t gone sleigh riding in years!”
“Me either – which is kind of why I got the sleds. I know it was a little selfish of me, but...”
“Nonsense. We’re all going to enjoy them. Trust me.”
Thirty minutes later, they were all laughing hysterically as they slid down the hill at the back of Dean’s property. Abby watched as Dean pulled Maya and her sled back up to the top as the little girl begged him to hurry up so she could go again.
Clearly, they all had a little bit of a problem with patience.
And as they lined up on their sleds at the top of the hill, Abby looked from Dean to Maya and back again and grinned. They may not be big on patience but they were definitely big on love.
“Come on you guys!” Maya called. “I’ll race you to the bottom!”
“You’re on!” Dean challenged, but Abby let them each start just a wee bit ahead of her. It was much more fun to hang back and watch them and listen to them laugh. When they reached the bottom, they turned and cheered her on as she sped toward them.
Which was exactly how she felt about her life right now.
She was speeding toward the future and the two of them were standing there waiting for her with open arms.
####
About Samantha Chase
New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan's Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40's to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.
When she's not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, blogging, playing way too many games of Scrabble on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina. For more information visit her website at www.chasing-romance.com.
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Read an excerpt from Savanna Grey’s “Country Christmas”
Releasing November 15th
Chapter One
“Yeah. This is turning out to be a fabulous idea.” Nate Daniels said to himself as he carefully maneuvered his black SUV on the icy highway. Snow fell in steady, thick streams sticking to the already present six inches. His windshield wipers weren’t equipped to keep up with the blanket of white snowflakes obscuring his view.
The freak storm had started earlier than expected that morning with an icy mixture first, creating hazardous conditions throughout the state of Virginia even before Nate could hit the road. He’d intended on leaving before Noon, but his manager had called a meeting prior to his leaving, delaying him by two hours.
The trip from Nashville was normally a seven-hour drive, but today’s trip had extended into what felt like a nine-hour, knuckle-whitening, steering wheel gripping road challenge. Nightfall had certainly upped the ante on whether he could keep the vehicle not only in-between the lines but on the road at all. He could barely see the bright yellow lane-dividing line.
Nate rolled his neck in a circular rotation, stretching the taught muscles. “We should be getting close, Walter. Not much longer, buddie.” He glanced over briefly to the passenger seat at his traveling companion. Walter was his five-year-old chocolate lab. He accompanied Nate just about everywhere since the day he’d adopted him from the animal shelter four years ago.
Smiling, remembering that day, Nate said to Walter, “We saved each other that day, didn’t we, buddie?” He released the steering wheel just long enough to affectionately scratch behind Walter’s ears. The dog was dozing on and off.
Finally, to Nate’s relief a sign announcing his arrival to Wilson’s Hollow came into view. At least that’s what he thought it said. He could only see a portion of the sign that didn’t have snow sticking to it.
Now to find the B&B. As he drove through what he assumed was the town’s main street, he saw a flashing neon sign beckoning to him.
“A diner. It’s still open. Yes! Probably a good idea to grab something and take with us. What do you think?” he asked Walter. The dog lifted his head and looked at him with sleepy eyes.
“Okay. I’ll run in and be back in a few.” He pulled the car into an open space right in front of the diner’s doors and grabbed his coat out of the back seat. The thermometer on the radio dashboard read 26 degrees.
He dashed out of the car and into the diner. As he rushed inside, he had his head bent. Not looking up, he didn’t see the individual coming out of the diner door at the same time, but he felt the body knock into him – or was it him knocking into them?
“Hey! Why don’t you watch where you are going?” An irritated but intriguing female voice berated him. Stepping back and removing his jacket hood, he looked to see who he had run into.
Deep green eyes shone brightly with irritation. Her arms were lifted in the air as something wet dripped from her bags and onto her coat. Her perfectly formed lips were pursed. She was delightful, and by the looks of it, not happy with him for apparently ruining her dinner.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there.” He started.
Duh, Nate. Way to state the obvious.
He received an eye roll in silent agreement.
“You should be more careful. You could hurt someone, ya know. This stuff is hot.” The woman turned to the waitress at the counter.
“Thanks, Annie. I’ll see you later.” She said as she started to walk around him.
“You want me to get you a fresh plate, honey?” The women named Annie asked.
The woman yet to be named shook her head.
“No, that’s okay. I’ll make due. Hopefully the soup is somewhat intact in its container.”
“Let me reimburse you for your meal.” He offered.
Looking up at him again, she stopped short, surprise lighting up her face. She didn’t speak right away. Uh oh. Did she recognize him? Surely not. With the toboggan, slight beard and coat, hopefully he wouldn’t be as easily identifiable.
“That’s very nice of you, but unnecessary. Just be more careful.” Then she was gone.
He released a breath he’d been holding and hadn’t realized it. Shaking some of the cobwebs from his tired mind, he ordered two hamburgers and a bowl of the potato soup to go. Walter would enjoy the treat.
The waitress packed up his order and handed him a cup of steaming hot coffee for the road.
“Can you tell me the way to Simply Sara’s?” he asked Annie. Hopefully it wasn’t too far. It was down-right nasty out. He was tired of being on the road and ready to get settled for the next two weeks.
“You’re going to be staying at Sara’s?” she asked, curiosity lighting her eyes.
“Yes. It was recommended by a friend for rest and relaxation.”
“You’ll love it there. The turn is just up the road past the second stop light. Turn right and follow it to the dead end. The lodge is just up the drive at the end of that road.”
“Great. Thanks, Annie.”
Annie hadn’t let him down. Two stoplights and a right turn later, he drove into the Simply Sara’s Bed and Breakfast lodge parking lot. A sigh of relief escaped as he turned the ignition off.
“Wake up, Walter. We have finally arrived.” He attached the dog’s leash and headed to the lodge entrance. From what he could see from the parking lot lights, the log cabin exterior was two stories with a complete wrap-around porch on both floors.
The dimly lit foyer welcomed him and Walter with the scent of apple cinnamon and what could only be freshly baked cookies. His stomach growled. He’d have to grab one of those for dessert later.
A bell sat on top of a check-in counter to his left. He tapped the bell with his index finger as he visually perused the great room in front of him.
Five dining tables were neatly covered and decorated. Past them was a wall-to-ceiling stone fireplace, providing a dancing glow into the room where two sofas were strategically placed around the fireplace. One of the largest buck heads he had ever seen looked down from the stone fireplace.
The room was amazing. He could see why Dalton had recommended he stay here.
“Welcome. How can I help...You!”
Nate turned in surprise at the accusatory greeting. Standing in front of him was the woman he had literally ran into at the diner. A smile slid across his face.
“Well, hello again to you too.”
“Are you following me?” her brows furrowed as she frowned. She planted her hands on the counter separating them.
“Following you? No! Why would I do that? I’m here to check-in.”
She considered him for a moment in silence. Nate saw when recognition dawned. The rise of her eyebrows and the small o-shape her mouth formed gave it away.
“You’re Nate Daniels.” Her statement was flat, lacking in enthusiasm. Not the usual greeting he received from females, which was perfectly fine with him. That was one of the main reasons he was here – to get away from all the attention.
“Ding. Ding. Ding. We have a winner.” He twirled his index finger in a circular motion.
She continued to perform her personal assessment of him in silence until he cleared his throat.
“Umm...can I check in now?”
She shook her head. “Yes, of course. I’ sorry. I just...I didn’t recognize you earlier.” She grabbed a stack of papers and straightened them.
“You’re booked to stay in the cabin suite at the top of the mountain, but it isn’t safe to drive up their tonight. I’ll put you in one of the lodge rooms until morning, then we can relocate you up there for more privacy if that’s alright with you, Mr. Daniels.” She had suddenly become the picture of formality, which would have been completely convincing except for the fact of her having a streak of flour across her left cheek and forehead.
“Mr. Daniels is my father. Please. Call me Nate.”
She smiled. “Okay, Nate. Welcome to Simply Sara’s. I’m Sara Davenport.”
“You’re Sara?” his tone questioned her as if he didn’t believe her.
“Would you like to see my I.D.?” she teased.
“No, I just...I guess I didn’t recognize you either. Dalton had shown me a pic on his phone, but I...” he fumbled over his words. For someone who wrote songs and recently began singing them in front of thousands of people, he sure was inept at carrying on a casual conversation.
Sara smiled and her entire face lit up.
“I think we got off on the wrong foot. How about a do-over?” She stepped from behind the check-in counter and stood in front of Nate. Extending her right hand, she said, “Hi. I’m Sara. Nice to meet you. Dalton has told me so much about you...mostly good.” Her nose crinkled as her smile broadened.
Nate couldn’t help but return the infectious smile. He reached out and clasped her hand with his, grasping hers in a firm shake.
“Nice to meet you, Sara. I’m Nate. It’s a pleasure to be here.”
Her laugh tumbled out raspy and genuine. She clasped her hands in front of her.
“That’s much better, isn’t it? Now, I know you must be exhausted from your long drive in this horrible weather. Let’s get you settled in. I put you upstairs in the far corner. There is only one other room up there on the other end of the landing. You won’t be bothered. I can deliver breakfast to your room if you prefer the privacy in the morning. Let me show you to your room.”
She led the way up the flight of grand stairs that led to a large landing overlooking the great room below.
“Your room is to the right. Mine is the one on the left, so as I said before, you won’t be bothered up here.” She led him down the hallway to his door and opened it for him.
Soft hues of blues and yellows greeted him. Relaxing. That was the first thought that came to mind.
“You have a small refrigerator inside this cabinet. A complimentary bottle of wine has been left for you to enjoy if you drink wine. If you prefer I can send up some coffee or hot cocoa with marshmallows.” She pulled open a long blind, revealing a door to the outside balcony.
“This will be quite the sight in the morning. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. You have your own bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. It is wonderful to relax in. We also have a masseuse on staff if you would like a session while you are here. Suzie is fantastic at working out the kinks. I highly recommend her.” She finally took a breath as she surveyed his room.
“I think that covers it. Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. Just let me know if you want me to bring you something up instead. If you need anything just call the front desk.” She walked to the door and paused as she turned to exit.
“Do you need anything else, Nate?”
“I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that hot chocolate if it isn’t too much trouble.”
“You got it. Be back in a few.” She closed the door behind her.
Sara paused and leaned against the door expelling air that had built up in her chest from the repressed excitement of meeting Nate.
Oh, my God! He was adorable. Sexy without even realizing it and that smile. She imagined he’d melted several hearts with that charismatic lip curve and baby blue eyes. His goatee – short and neat – was what got her. She was a sucker for men’s facial hair. Seeing him on stage as the opening act for Peach Logic, her cousin Dalton’s band, didn’t do him justice. The man was a walking stick of unintentional hotness.
Fixing his hot chocolate, she wondered how the next two weeks would play out. She probably wouldn’t see much of him. Dalton had said he wanted a place to hide and write for a few weeks. Once he went up to the cabin on the mountain, she probably wouldn’t hear a peep out of him. Why would she?
Disappointment swirled inside her stomach. She laughed at herself.
“Girl, you need to get out of this inn a little more.” She said to herself as she carried the tray upstairs and knocked on his door.
Her heart almost stopped. He had unbuttoned his shirt, his jeans riding low on his hips. His navel and a small patch of dark brown hair visible just above the button. She gulped.
“Ah, sorry. Just bringing up your tray. I also brought a few treats for your friend there. I didn’t get his name before.” She sat the tray down on the small round table and stroked Walter’s head. “He sure is a sweet one.”
He had discarded his flannel shirt and was pulling a t-shirt over his head, but not before she had noticed the flex of his muscles in motion.
Was it hot in here? It felt warm to her.
“I appreciate it. Who can pass up hot chocolate on a snowy night? That’s my buddie, Walter. He won’t be any trouble.” He picked up the mug and sipped slowly. “Ahhh. Now that’s good. Definitely not out of a box, is it?”
She looked at him in mock horror. “Bite your tongue! Don’t insult me with such suggestions.”
He laughed. Funny. He didn’t feel awkward with her. She was easy to talk to. Maybe because she wasn’t all giddy and practically throwing herself at him.