Pleasures of Christmas Past (A Christmas Carol Book 1)

by Lexi Post

  He must be imagining things. “Holly?”

  She did start a bit before she stood and stared at him as if she couldn’t look at him long enough. “Cam.”

  His name on her lips was filled with a longing that echoed in his own heart. “I just had to come and make sure you were okay after your adventures with Jessica and Duncan.”

  She crossed her arms. “You should have given me a bit more instruction before leaving. I think I jeopardized Jessica. Is she okay?”

  “Yes, she is fine and she’s with Duncan now, forever. You did great, hen.”

  Her brown eyes softened and her arms dropped. “I miss you so much.”

  He floated closer. “I know. I miss you the same. That’s why I came back. I wanted you to know I’m going to visit you again next Christmas Eve if you want me to.”

  “Oh yes!” Holly threw her arms around him, but they went right through and she fell on the floor.

  He crouched next to her. “Love, are you okay?”

  She pulled herself up to a kneeling position. “Yeah, I forgot. I was so used to being phased with—hey wait. You can phase me. If I’m phased then I can touch you.”

  If he hadn’t been crouched near the floor, he would have doubled over by the pain her suggestion brought. As it was, he had to wave his arm to remain floating upright. “I want to with all my heart, but I can’t.”

  Her eyes started to tear. “But why? Jessica phased me and gave me hugs.”

  He nodded. “I know. That’s why we almost lost her to the ghost realm.”

  Holly sniffed before a gleam came into her eyes. “So if you were no longer a spirit but a ghost, you could haunt me for the rest of my life, right?”

  His need to see her happy battled with his pride in her intelligence. “Yes, but then after you passed, I would be stuck here so we wouldn’t be together for eternity.”

  She crossed her arms as she thought about that. Then she sighed, the sound so defeated, he almost gave in. But, unlike other cases he doled out, he’d watched Jessica’s and Duncan’s interactions with his wife and to see a spirit transitioning to a ghost had made him physically sick.

  He was pleased Duncan had been able to save Jessica, though he was pretty sure he’d be scolded by Remiel for giving Duncan the hint about his death. But it was worth it to transition both of his case workers, and it had helped Holly too.

  He stared at his wife. Maybe he shouldn’t have come. He may have undone everything they’d accomplished.

  “Holly, please don’t be upset. If you get too sad when I come, I’ll have to stay away.”

  Her gaze met his at that. “I’m not sad. I’m just bummed I can’t touch you.”

  He stifled the urge to smile and pull her into his arms. It would do no good anyway. “Are you sure you want me to come back next year?”

  “Absolutely.” She wiggled her brows. “Just think, I have all year to decide what to wear.”

  He laughed. Her spirit buoying up his own. “I hope it doesn’t cost too much.”

  She gave him a sly smile. “The less there is, the more the cost.”

  His gut tightened as her meaning dawned. He was definitely being tortured and deservedly so. “Hen, you don’t play fair, but I will still look forward to seeing you.” He uncurled himself from his crouched position.

  Holly stood as well. “Do you have to go so soon?”

  He glanced at the clock. “I do, but I will be back. Dream of me tonight?”

  She smiled sadly. “Every night.”

  The clock began its quarter hour chime.

  “Close your eyes, love.”

  She did as he said and he floated through her.

  The scent and feel and essence of all that was Holly clung to him as he sped away. He smiled. Now to put the next part of his plan into motion.

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  Read on for a preview of Desires of Christmas Present (A Christmas Carol #2)

  Chapter One

  Arrogant. Asshole.

  Those were the only two words that came to mind when Coco Baker heard the name, Ian Fergusson. Taken separately or together, they described him to a tee. “I’m sorry, but there’s no way I can work with Ian Fergusson.” She gripped the back of the chair in front of her. The man pissed her off simply by existing.

  She didn’t know how he’d ever been chosen as a spirit guide. She couldn’t believe that the Scottish snob had ever had to work a day in his life. From what she’d seen, he didn’t get along with any of the other spirit guides…or other spirits for that matter. Telling live people how they should feel and act just didn’t work, and she was positive that’s how he did his job.

  Cameron Douglas, her boss, shook his head, his sandy brown hair falling onto his forehead with the movement. “I need two of you on this case. It’s too hard a task for just one.”

  Oh, that was fine. “I can work with someone else, or if you like, I can bow out and wait for the next case.” She’d just have to make it up to whoever was unlucky enough to be assigned to work with Ian.

  Cameron leaned forward, setting his large arms on his desk and clasping his hands in front of him. “I’m afraid I need you, in particular, on this case.”

  “Me?” Had he noticed her track record? She’d begun to think only the spirits who knew spirits ever got promoted.

  “Yes, you. I need your special instinct.”

  She flushed. “You know about that?”

  “I do. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and on this assignment it will be very important.”

  She dropped into the chair in front of her boss’s desk. When she became a spirit, she was surprised to discover her ability to recognize soulmates was still with her, but only among the living. It had helped her succeed on more than one case, but it felt as if she cheated when she used it. “Does this assignment have to do with helping someone find their true love?”

  “No. I’ll explain as soon as Ian arrives.”

  Despite her dislike of the man, she looked forward to seeing him. It was a pity he was such an ass because his body was to die for. Not that she’d seen him in anything but nice clothes. Casual for that man was a polo shirt and slacks, but his broad shoulders, narrow waist and rounded ass filled it all out quite nicely.

  She preferred casual, especially the flutter shirt she wore. The pink stripes went with the streak in her hair and the three-quarter, wide sleeves hid what she considered her large upper arms.

  Cameron shifted in his seat, obviously growing impatient.

  She didn’t like uncomfortable silences, especially with her boss. “Since we’re waiting, could you tell me if Mrs. Maxwell is doing any better? I know I helped her see that she could still celebrate Christmas even though she was in a wheelchair, but I didn’t run into Joy since she got back. Did all go as planned?”

  Cameron relaxed, his smile quick. “Mrs. Maxwell is doing very well. The three of you did an excellent job with her.”

  She’d really liked the old widow and could see that her true soulmate had passed away. It hadn’t been easy finding the right people to visit so Mrs. Maxwell could see she still had a purpose in life and a reason to live. “I’m glad. That woman has so much love to give, it would be a pity for it to end too soon. I think mankind needs as many people like her as it can get.”

  “I agree.” Cameron sighed. “Unfortunately, Christmas can be the time of year when those very people find it the most difficult to keep going.”

  Boy, he could say that again. She’d seen far too many cases like Mrs. Maxwell’s since she’d become a spirit guide.

  Ian held Lucy’s tiny hand firmly as he flew them over the rooftops of Glasgow, her silence an oddity after all her chattering this night. When they landed back in her bedroom, he let go and knelt in front of her. “Do you understand now?”

  The eig
ht-year-old nodded. “I do. Thank you for showing me. I promise I will be strong and not let anyone bully me into thinking I’m worthless.” She pressed her finger against her chest. “I’m worth a million pounds!”

  He smiled. “That’s right. And what about the bullies?”

  Her wide smile dimmed. “I feel sorry for them. I didn’t know.”

  “Come here.” He opened his arms wide and Lucy stepped into them. Hugging her was a balm for his soul that wouldn’t last, but he craved it nonetheless.

  Her pudgy little arms finally released him, and there was a tear in her eye.

  “Now, Pumpkin. No weeping. Remember you still have another visitor coming tonight.”

  Her face brightened immediately. “Will he be as braw as you?”

  Ian chuckled. “I don’t know. It could very well be a woman who can talk dresses and dolls with you.”

  “I want a braw man.” She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned at him.

  He lowered his brow. “Now Lucy, remember what I said about how special you are. You don’t want me to cancel the next spirit altogether, do you?”

  Her eyes widened. “Oh, no.” She grabbed his arm. “Please let the spirit come.”

  He kissed her on the tip of her nose before rising to his full height. “All right, Pumpkin. I’ll send the next spirit. Now let’s return you to normal.”

  She stood still with her arms wide. “I’m ready.”

  He placed his hand on her shoulder and unphased her, his physical connection with her at an end. “Now you crawl into bed and take a nap.” He glanced at the clock. “Your next visitor will be here in an hour and you want to be fresh for your trip into the future.”

  She smiled and ran to her small bed. Scrambling into it, she pulled the covers up to her chin. “Can you kiss me goodbye?”

  His heart swelled. “Of course.” If it wasn’t for his assignments, he probably would have faded into nothingness, like he’d heard some spirits had done.

  Brushing Lucy’s cheek with his hand, though she couldn’t feel it, he bent and kissed her there.

  “And this one.” She turned her head and pointed to her other cheek.

  He obediently kissed the other one.

  “And here.” She pointed to her nose and he chuckled.

  “Okay, last one.” He kissed her button nose. “Happy dreams.”

  She nodded and waved. “Bye.”

  He floated toward her ceiling and waved back.

  Once above the roof, he headed for his supervisor’s office, the warmth and peace of Lucy leaving him the faster he flew. A tiny flicker of hope remained, his craving for another case already urging him on.

  With no time in the afterlife, he was outside Cameron’s door in a moment. Opening it, he stepped inside.

  Coco turned around in her chair. Ian Fergusson stood just inside the door. His tall, broad-shouldered physique looked hard beneath his golf shirt even while relaxed. His face was equally hard as were his steel grey eyes. His angular jaw and sharp nose with a slight hook downward would have been enough to warn anyone to stay away, and beneath his short red hair were equally sharp ears. Everything about him was unrelenting.

  He looked down his nose at her before raising his gaze to Cameron who had stood at his entrance. “I was informed that you needed me for a case. I can come back when you’re done.”

  Her boss held out his hand and smiled. “No, come in. You’ll be working with Coco on this one.”

  Ian raised an eyebrow and strode forward to clasp Cameron’s hand. “I was unaware you ever sent two spirit guides on one case. I have always worked alone. I complete my assignment successfully that way.”

  Cameron nodded as he sat again. “Please.” He motioned toward the other chair.

  “I’m good.” Ian waved him off.

  Coco gritted her teeth. That was so like him. He thought he was above them all and could do what he wanted. She turned her gaze to Cameron. “Why do you need two of us?”

  Ian frowned. “Yes. I can’t imagine a case so difficult that it takes two spirit guides.”

  A team player he was not, but she’d already known that.

  Cameron studied her, then Ian. When his gaze drifted between them, it was obvious that whatever he was about to say was important. Finally, he spoke, but didn’t make eye contact with either of them. “Your case is my wife.”

  Shocked, she sat forward in her chair. “Your wife? But I thought—”

  Ian interrupted her. “I was of the understanding that we were not allowed to take assignments directly related to us.”

  Cameron’s gaze moved to Ian. “We aren’t. However, this case has been given approval by Remiel.”

  “I didn’t realize special dispensation was possible.”

  Seriously? She swallowed an exasperated sigh. “That’s exactly what Cameron just said.” Dimwit. She shook her head at Ian.

  He didn’t even acknowledge her, his gaze riveted to Cameron.

  Her boss stared Ian down, which gave her a certain amount of satisfaction. Cameron’s voice was hard. “This is a unique circumstance, Ian.”

  Her new “partner” had the grace to back down. Shoot, how was she going to control him if he tried pulling that crap on her? Maybe she needed to channel Cameron’s deep tones.

  The silence grew awkward so she jumped in. “What can we do for your wife?”

  Cameron finally stopped glowering at Ian. Maybe he didn’t like her partner either. That had to suck to not like your own employee. When she was alive, she had times when just being nice to her fellow workers was tough.

  “Holly has stopped her deep mourning thanks to the spirit guides I sent to her last Christmas, but she has failed to join the living. She goes to work and does her errands, but beyond that, she stays by herself. It’s become worse with the Christmas season.” Cameron paused. “It’s critical that she begin to socialize again.”

  Ian nodded, but Coco wanted more. “If your wife has stopped her mourning, why is she not socializing? Do you know? That might help us with our approach.”

  “I believe it’s because she doesn’t want to intrude on other people’s lives. She thinks everyone else has the perfect life. Also, people who have come into our shop have shown her pity and she hates that.”

  Coco could hear the pride in Cameron’s voice. Rumors around the lounge had it that Cameron and Holly had one of those rare loves that only happen to one in a hundred couples. She’d seen many perfectly matched couples both while alive and in her new existence. If what her boss and his wife had once had was even better than that then she would do whatever it took to help Holly.

  She glanced at Ian. He remained absolutely still, staring at Cameron. Did the man have no reaction? No feelings? His appearance seemed to grow more distinct, intense. She blinked. Nope. He was still a hard statue.

  When she looked back at her boss, he was studying her, but he quickly moved his attention to Ian. “Do you have any questions?”

  “Yes, one.” He paused and spared her a brief look. “If you have Coco, who is quite capable of handling a case, then why do you need me to accompany her?”

  Her mouth dropped open in astonishment. Was that a compliment from “Mr. Holier Than Thou”? The man did nothing but argue with her about anything and everything when they came into accidental contact with each other. Now he complimented her?

  Cameron’s mouth had opened and closed a couple times before he gave voice to his thoughts. “Coco, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to talk to Ian alone.”

  She rose. “Of course. I’ll drop in and see how Holly is.” She looked at Ian. “If you are still on the case, just find me when you’re ready.”

  “He will still be on the case.” Cameron’s hard tone sent a shiver down her spine. He was an easy going boss, not like her last one, but he did have a certain tone that made a person want to hightail it out of his office.

  “Great.” She didn’t mean the word in any way, but she also didn’t want to piss off Cameron. Phasing, sh
e floated down through the floor, anxious to meet the woman who had captured her boss’s heart.

  Ian’s gut rolled into a sturdy knot at Cameron’s tone. Fuck. He’d been muddling along just fine in his afterlife up until now. The last thing he wanted to do was partner on a case with Coco.

  Besides her curvy figure and hypnotizing amber eyes, her energy pulled at him like quicksand. When she threw her dark brown hair with the pink streak over her shoulder and flashed one of her brilliant smiles, he wanted to grab her to him and kiss her until they both lost consciousness from lack of air—if that were possible as a spirit. But to do that meant to feel again.

  Feeling was out of the question.

  “Ian.” Cameron’s voice had lost its edge.

  There may be a way out of this after all. “Yes.”

  “Have a seat.”

  Needing to negotiate his release from the case, he acquiesced to set the right mood.

  Cameron came around his desk and sat on the edge of it. “Complimenting Coco won’t get you out of this assignment.”

  He raised his brow. “That was not my intent. I was simply stating a fact. A fact that would negate the need for me to accompany her.”

  His supervisor shook his head. “This is not about her capabilities. There’s a good chance she may run into difficulties while on this case, and I need you there as back up…and you may just learn something about yourself.”

  Discover something about himself? He snorted quietly. There was nothing he didn’t already know, and what he knew, he didn’t like. “I thought this was about your wife?”

  Cameron’s face softened. “It is.” He stood and stared down at him. “And it better not get messed up or there will be consequences.”

  Ian straightened his shoulders. “I don’t intend to make any mistakes.” He was good at what he did. The question was, how was he supposed to perform well with another spirit watching him? And not just any spirit. “If, as you say, you need two spirits, then perhaps a spirit other than myself would be more appropriate.”