Mistletoe Kisses & Christmas Wishes: A Christmas Romance Boxed Set Book Bundle Collection

by Leah Atwood

  “What happened to Corey? I thought he was the one you wanted.”

  “That was a mistake.”

  “Oh.”

  “Not that kind of mistake. He and I don’t belong together, that’s all.”

  A smug look came over Izzy’s face. “I could have told you that.”

  “You did, as I recall.”

  Izzy waved a hand. “So what happened with Matt?”

  “I think he must have been playing with me all along.”

  “That doesn’t sound like the man I met.”

  “He never told me that he’s a famous violinist.”

  “Wait! What did you say?”

  “He’s a celebrated solo violinist. I looked him up online.”

  “And that’s a crime?”

  “No, but he shouldn’t have pretended to be a street musician.” She shredded the corner of her napkin. “I’m not sure what to think about that.”

  Izzy shrugged. “Maybe he feels cagey about being famous.”

  “I just wish he’d told me the truth.”

  “Maybe he didn’t feel safe, considering that he’s in love with you.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “Some things are obvious.”

  “Well, if he did feel that way, I doubt he does anymore.”

  “Hailey, Hailey.” Izzy’s hands warmed hers. “Love doesn’t die like that. Not when it’s pure. Tell me, what are you doing Friday night?”

  “Drowning my sorrows in eggnog and crying into my pillow.” She was only partially kidding.

  “You’ll have to postpone your plans. I have a better idea.”

  Hailey stared at her in faint alarm. “What do you have in mind?”

  Izzy flashed a mysterious smile. “You’ll just have to find out on Friday. Bring something fabulous to wear.”

  The week went by faster than Hailey expected. Before leaving work on Friday, she ducked into one of the changing rooms attached to the employee’s exercise room and slipped into a red dress.

  Izzy grinned when she met her in the break room. “Look at you! Cinderella going to the Ball.”

  Hailey laughed. “Prince Charming and his kind need not apply. You’re gorgeous in that dress, by the way.”

  “Carl tells me I clean up well.” She shimmied in her sequined black dress.

  “Where is this Ball, by the way?”

  “Details, details! You’ll find out soon enough.” They went down to the garage, where Izzy’s Ford Focus waited. “Go ahead and leave your day bag in my trunk. I’ll run you to the ferry later.”

  “Aren’t we taking your car?”

  “It’s not far. I thought we’d go to Tulio’s. Tonight’s on me, by the way.”

  “Thank you. I love Italian food, but I’ve never been to that restaurant.”

  “Trust me. It’s amazing.”

  After Hailey took her first bite of roasted chicken with caramelized garlic, sage, and lemon risotto, she had to agree.

  “Told you so.” Izzy waved her fork, a bite of grilled salmon clingin precariously to its tines.

  They applied themselves to their meal, and then sipped coffee while Hailey indulged in tiramisu and Izzy spooned gelato into her mouth, a serene look on her face.

  Hailey picked up her coffee cup with a satisfied sigh. “Thanks, again. This was a wonderful evening.”

  “It’s not over, yet.”

  “No?”

  “I saved the best for last.”

  Leaving the quiet atmosphere of the restaurant they walked northwest on Fifth Avenue, but when they turned left onto University Street, Hailey’s steps slowed. “I think I know what you’re up to.”

  Izzy took her by the elbow. “Don’t be slow. The concert is about to start.”

  Hailey jerked her arm out of Izzy’s grasp. “How could you do this?”

  “Don’t blame me. Matt gave us the tickets.”

  “What? Why would he do that?”

  “Well, okay, I asked him to. Stop looking at me like that. Someone had to do something, and I decided that was me. I didn’t tell him how you felt about him. That’s your call, but I really think you should.”

  “What did you say to him?”

  “Only that you were miserable since he’d stopped meeting you.”

  “I’ll never be able to face him, now.”

  “I don’t know why. The man is in love with you. You’re in love with him. You should talk, maybe tonight.”

  Hailey stared at her in suspicion. “What are you saying?”

  “It makes sense for you two to get together after the concert.”

  “Don’t tell me—“

  “It was his idea.”

  “Okay.” Hailey put her hand to her stomach, where butterflies were stirring. “That makes a difference.”

  Their seats were located just below the stage, close enough for Hailey to watch every emotion cross Matthew Kerrigan’s face as he played his Stradivarius violin with the passion of a consummate musician. Beneath hot lights and in front of thousands, he presented selections from a wide repertoire, ranging from the love theme from Romeo and Juliet to the Nutcracker’s Waltz of the Flowers.

  As the final notes sounded, the audience sprang to its feet in a standing ovation. Hailey rose too, beside Izzy, applauding with a lump in her throat. This wasn’t the bedraggled musician from the coffee shop, but a confident man she didn’t recognize. He took several bows then made a sweeping gesture toward the orchestra. The applause continued, and he took up his violin again amid cheers. The strains of Silent Night pierced the air, so pure and sweet Hailey wanted to weep. After more applause and several bows, Matt finally left the stage.

  “Well? What did you think of the concert?” Izzy spoke near her ear, bringing her back to herself.

  “It wasn’t anything like I thought it would be. I’m glad I came.”

  “I’m sure Matt would like to hear you say that. We’re not allowed backstage for security reasons, but he wanted to meet us at the stage door. By the time we cut through this crowd, he’ll probably be there.”

  They arrived before he did, which didn’t help Hailey’s nerves any. By now her palms were sweating. Musicians began to trickle out with their instrument cases. Finally, Matt appeared, elegant in his tuxedo.

  “Thanks for the tickets.” Izzy stepped forward to shake his hand. “We enjoyed the concert.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you could come.” He smiled at Izzy, then his gaze shifted to Hailey.

  His hand, offered in greeting, warmed her chill skin. A wave of longing almost like pain washed over her, making her knees go weak.

  “I’ll just check out the powder room in the lobby.” Izzy gave a gentle push to the small of Hailey’s back, which caused her to step forward.

  Matt watched Izzy disappear around the corner. “She’s acting strangely.”

  “I think she’s giving us some time alone.”

  “Oh.”

  “Matt…” Her throat closed up.

  He pointed to her feet. “Can you walk in those?”

  She looked down at her silver shoes. “Of course. They’re flats.”

  He put his hand under her elbow. “We won’t go far.”

  They wandered a couple of blocks to the waterfront park next to the aquarium, where they stood watching silver streams of water cascade in the fountain. She turned to him. “What happened to Matt, the gypsy violinist? I hardly know what to make of you in that tuxedo.”

  “He’ll always be part of me.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me who you are?”

  “I shouldn’t have lied to you.” He looked back at the fountain. “I’m sorry.”

  She took a deep breath, cold and spiced with salt from the Sound. “I need to know why.”

  “It doesn’t matter anymore. I saw you kissing Corey the other day.”

  She frowned. “When?”

  “Have you kissed him so many times in public you don’t know?”

  “What are you talking about?”<
br />
  “When I waited for you in Seattle Coffee, I wasn’t counting on having a ring-side seat.”

  “You were there?”

  “Oh, yes. Congratulations on catching the man you want.”

  “It isn’t like that.”

  “Oh? It seemed very much like that.” They moved away from the fountain, their shoes echoing on the boardwalk.

  “You sound so bitter.”

  He sighed. “I’m not being fair. You were clear with me from the beginning, but I let myself hope for something between us.”

  “Matt—“

  “I’ve finally stopped lying to myself.”

  “I broke it off with Corey.”

  “I’ve heard that before.”

  “This time it’s real.”

  “Why should I believe you?”

  “Because I love you.” She hadn’t meant to blurt it out like that. There was no way she could look at him.

  He laughed, but it wasn’t a pleasant sound. “Now that I’m not a street musician, you think I have more money than Corey, and you love me. Is that it?”

  Anger flickered up her spine. “Now wait just a minute. Did you give Izzy those tickets and invite me on this walk so you could tell me off?”

  “No.” He raked a hand through his hair and looked away from her. “I was trying to say a sweet goodbye.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Matt held the lobby door open, and Hailey slipped past him without a word. He shut the door between them and turned away.

  Izzy stood up from a bench and hurried to her. “I can see that didn’t go well.”

  “I’ve lost him.” The tears brimming in Hailey’s eyes spilled onto her cheeks.

  Izzy pulled a wad of tissues from her purse and handed them over.

  Hailey dabbed at her eyes. “Can we get out of here? I must look a mess.”

  “You’re beautiful, and there’s only the janitor left, but sure.”

  Izzy held the door for them. “Matt’s the world’s biggest fool.”

  “No, I’m fairly certain that title belongs to me.”

  “We’ve all felt like that.”

  The street outside was lit but at least more concealing than the lobby. “Really? You always seem in control of your emotions.”

  Izzy’s lips curved in a rueful smile. “I thank God every day for my marriage. Single life tied me in knots.”

  “Matt said he didn’t believe I’m finished with Corey.”

  “Well, you can hardly blame the man for that.”

  “And he all but accused me of making up to him because of his money.”

  “Ouch.”

  “But I can understand, at least the part about Corey. I went back and forth for so long.”

  “You were confused, so how could he not be?”

  “And I have been focused on my career and making money. He always used to get onto me about it.” The memory brought fresh tears. She wiped them away, uselessly, since more fell to wet her cheeks.

  “You can try again after he’s had time to miss you.”

  “I couldn’t. The man rejected me in no uncertain terms. I just wish he’d waited until after Christmas. What was he thinking, anyway? Everyone knows you don’t break someone’s heart during the holidays. It’s rude.” They came to a red light, and Hailey tossed her handful of soggy tissues into the trash can on the corner.

  “Sometimes it’s hard to plan these things.”

  “Whose side are you on, anyway?”

  “Just trying to help. Do you want to spend the night at my house?”

  The offer was tempting. Going home with Izzy would spare her a lonely ferry ride and having to open the door to an empty house. “What about Carl?”

  “My husband loves guests.”

  “I don’t have a toothbrush.”

  “We have spares in our guest room.”

  “Can I borrow something to sleep in?”

  “Leave it to Aunt Isadora.”

  Izzy’s idea of sleepwear turned out to be black leggings and an oversized sweatshirt with an image of Santa Claus stuffing himself into a chimney. She handed the sweatshirt to Hailey with a mischievous smile. “I thought you needed cheering.”

  “Thank you. But I’m not sure this will do the trick.”

  The hot water that sprayed through the guest room shower was more effective, and Hailey put on the ridiculous outfit in better spirits. She was sitting cross-legged on the bed brushing her hair when Izzy called through the door. “You want a candy cane steamer?”

  “What is that?”

  “Open the door and I’ll show you.”

  Santa and his reindeer were taking flight across Izzy’s white sweatshirt. Her makeup was gone, and she’d swept her hair into a sloppy ponytail. On a tray she balanced two glass mugs filled with a pink concoction and mounded with whipped cream. Each had a candy cane hanging from the rim beside the handle.

  “Those look delicious.” Hailey put the calories she’d already consumed out of her mind and took the steaming mug Izzy offered her. She usually ate sparingly, and walking up and down Seattle’s hilly streets every weekday helped keep her fit. The steamer was lightly sweetened and flavored with peppermint.

  Izzy put the tray down on the white vanity and perched on an armchair covered in red velveteen. The drapes behind her, sewn from the same material, created a backdrop that made her look like a misplaced princess from a fairytale. “What are your plans for Christmas?”

  Hailey shrugged. “I don’t know yet.” Pride kept her from saying that she expected to spend it alone. The rest of her family lived too far away, and she hadn’t been able to scrape together enough to go and see any of them.

  “You’re always welcome to come here.”

  “Thanks, Izzy, but I’d feel like a third wheel.”

  “We could invite Carl’s little brother. He might even make you forget about Matt.”

  “My affections don’t change so quickly.”

  Izzy raised her eyebrows.

  “Usually.”

  Izzy stirred her steamer with the candy cane. “What is it that you want from life? Do you know?”

  “I wish I knew. I’ve mostly figured out what I don’t want.”

  “That’s a start.”

  “Well, then, I’d rather not have such a long commute every day, I don’t like riding elevators, I want a job where I’m valued, and the same thing from a romantic relationship.”

  “You’re talking sense, chica. Turn it around and you’ll have your answer.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You want to either move closer to work or work closer to home. Since you’re not a fan of elevators, I suggest the second option.”

  “You mean, quit my job?”

  “Sounds like what you want.”

  “I wish it could be that simple.”

  “It is, but simple isn’t always easy.”

  If only she had Izzy’s decisiveness, she’d never be stymied by life. “Thanks. You’ve given me something to think about.”

  “Hailey…do you ever pray? That always helps me.”

  “I used to, but I haven’t since my parents died.”

  “Why? Are you angry at God about losing them?”

  “Their accident was that drunk’s fault, not God’s. No, it’s just that prayer and church and reading the Bible were so much a part of life with my parents that praying reminds me they’re gone.” She sighed. “I guess I’ve been pretending they aren’t.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Matt paced across his office, yet again. He couldn’t get the haunted expression on Hailey’s face out of his mind. He’d waited so long to hear her say she loved him, and then when she had, he’d rejected her. What if she’d been telling the truth? Either way, he shouldn’t have been so rough on her.

  Being at odds seemed doubly wrong on Christmas Eve. What would it hurt him to call her and wish her a happy Christmas? He shouldn’t do it but spun to his desk anyway.

  “Hello?” The receptionist�
��s voice came over the line.

  “Hailey Carmichael, please.”

  “I’m sorry. There’s no Hailey Carmichael here.”

  “What do you mean? She works there.”

  “I’m sorry, sir. There’s no one here by that name.”

  “Let me talk to Isadora.”

  The phone clicked then rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Izzy, this is Matt. Is Hailey all right?”

  “Last time I talked to her she was fine—heartbroken, but fine.”

  “They said she doesn’t work there.”

  “She quit, and they let her go early.”

  “Quit?” He raked a hand through his hair. “Why would she quit?”

  “She’s opening a pottery shop on Bainbridge Island.”

  “What?”

  “I guess happiness is more important to her than money.”

  “You said that for my benefit.”

  “So sue me. If you let that woman go, you deserve a lifetime of coal in your stocking.”

  “I might already have earned that.”

  “She’d forgive you, if you asked. I happen to know she’s home alone tonight.”

  “Thanks, Izzy.” Ferry traffic would be backed up for the holiday. He’d better walk on and take a cab to Hailey’s house. Oh, and call his sister. It looked very much like he’d have to skip the Christmas turkey and eat a healthy portion of humble pie instead.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Hailey held down the channel button on the remote control, making images flick by on the screen, but nothing seemed interesting. She switched the television off. All the shows were entirely too cheerful, and she decidedly wasn’t. She hugged a throw pillow while staring into space. Maybe she should go to bed and forget about it being Christmas. An ache throbbed through her. If only Mom and Dad were here to spend Christmas with her.

  Was Matt with his family right now?

  Thinking about him only made her cry, and she’d already done her share of that. In the week since he’d said goodbye, she’d made some big decisions. It felt good, taking control of her life instead of slaving away for money alone, building someone else’s dream.

  She should turn on her Christmas tree lights, but their sparkle would only contrast with the dullness she felt inside. And then there was Matt’s present wrapped and waiting beneath the tree. What was she going to do with it now? She’d made the dolphin birdbath for him alone. Maybe he would accept it as a parting gift. He might think of her once in a while when he saw it.