His Winter Princess
Blushing Books 12 Days of Christmas 2015, Book 6
By
Adaline Raine
©2015 by Blushing Books® and Adaline Raine
All rights reserved.
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Raine, Adaline
His Winter Princess
eBook ISBN: 978-1-68259-211-3
Cover Art by ABCD Graphics & Design
This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as Blushing Books' or the author's advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.
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Table of Contents:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Ebook Offer
Blushing Books Newsletter
Blushing Books
Chapter One
Audra Deveraux smiled warmly at the older woman as she served her fresh sugar cookies and strawberries, then straightened and moved towards the next group of senior citizens. She loved her time spent at the nursing home just as much as the birthday parties for younger children and events she performed at.
Audra dressed up as a beautiful winter-fairy princess with gorgeous blue and silver costumes during the cold months. She lived in the Northeast of the United States and sometimes she would get contacted in the hot August heat almost as a joke that soon it would be freezing. Winter sort of ran from mid-October through April up here so her season length varied, but she happily accepted every offer.
Her regular job consisted of bartending and waitressing to cover her bills, but entertaining and dressing up in dazzling dresses covered something else. It fed her need to be around people even if she only saw them during the event. Audra, as easy-going as she appeared, had terrible social anxiety with her peers. She could make little children glow with excitement and older adults sparkle from her attention, but when it came to those in her own age group—not so much.
Audra felt eyes on her and glanced up to see a very handsome gentleman studying her. He looked familiar, she was sure she had seen him here, but never acknowledged him before. To her immense surprise, he nodded, then walked directly towards her. What did he want?
She turned up the charm she hoped she had, then stuck the plate of fruit and cookies in the man's face. "Would you care for a treat?"
He quirked a smile at her and plucked a strawberry from the plate. "Why thank you, but I had another reason for coming over here."
"Oh? Does it have something to do with me?" Audra handed him a light blue napkin so he wouldn't make a mess should he choose to eat the berry in front of her.
"I'm Clay Lawson." He extended his berry free hand to her and waited for her to shake it. She took it cautiously and marveled at how firm his handshake felt. "I wanted to know if you serve at private venues?"
"Ah, well, you mean like a child's party?"
"No, rather a private gathering of adults. I throw an annual winter party for a group of twelve and it would be fantastic if you would serve hors d'oeuvres and drinks for my guests."
"As formal as your invitation sounds, is this a bachelor party? I got roped into one of those once and they thought I was a stripper and I certainly wouldn't engage in that sort of behavior—" she covered her mouth to stop herself from spewing out any more embarrassing information.
"I can only imagine how your event turned out." His lip twitched with amusement. "But, I assure you the event is for a group of six couples and myself. This is our fifth annual party and I wanted to make it more special. I think you would be perfect."
Clay shot her a smile and she felt her reservations slipping. He was incredibly handsome with gray-green eyes and lovely brown hair. He also wore a tailored suit and she wondered what he did for a living.
"I'm not sure if I would be right for your party." Audra took in a breath and let it out slowly. "I'm much more in my element here without fancy—"
"I would pay you six-thousand dollars for three hours of your time. It's next Saturday, a week from now. Will you consider serving my engagement now?" Clay ate the strawberry very slowly, then dabbed the napkin to his lips.
She watched with rapt attention, unsure how to answer him. Part of her wanted to curtsy formally then prance away singing a jolly tune, while the other part wanted to run away screaming. What sort of man offers a woman six-thousand dollars
just to waitress a party?
"Mr. Lawson, I don't really think—"
"Five-hundred dollars down as a deposit today, of course." He folded the napkin into his hand while she stood there silently gawking at the idea. Clay glanced down at his watch. "I don't mean to rush you, but I've got a phone conference I must be on in twenty minutes."
"I would, uh, love to serve you. Uh, your party. Of course." Audra glanced over her shoulder to see the nurses and orderlies wheeling out the older patrons in wheelchairs or assisting them back to their rooms.
They nodded or waved to her as they left the room, but they also waved to Clay. Surely he couldn't be so awful when a group of senior citizens smiled happily at him? She glanced back to give Clay her full attention. "Yes, Mr. Lawson. I'm available next Saturday."
"Wonderful!" A huge grin broke out across his face. He tugged his wallet out of his pants and handed her five hundred-dollar bills. Clay produced a receipt book from his suit pocket and quickly wrote out the details. "My contact information is at the top. Please be sure to wear a formal dress, one you can move in of course. If you have one the same shade as your eyes, it will fit in flawlessly to my theme. Call me on Thursday and I will explain the details and time."
"Right. Sure." Audra nodded several times as she stood there awkwardly with the paper receipt and cash.
"It was lovely to meet you, Ms. Deveraux." Clay shook his head as she sucked in a breath clearly shocked to be addressed by her name. "The receptionist gave me your card. I apologize for not mentioning it sooner. I look forward to seeing you again." He offered his hand once more.
"Uh, oh. Right. Well, I have to go clean up from this party. Thank you, Mr. Lawson." She shook his hand then excused herself. Who carries around a receipt book in their pocket? She looked down at the slip of paper and saw the name, Starling Vineyards at the top.
One of her favorite local wineries! How come she never saw him there? It made sense now as she thought back to the article she’d read. The local paper announced some months ago the vineyard had become a benefactor for the nursing home so it could get some major renovations taken care of as well as new equipment. A handsome, obviously well off man who was generous? She hoped there wasn't a catch to all this.
Audra cleaned up from the event with just enough time to get home and change into her night time costume – jeans and a tight tee shirt. She preferred her pretty gowns over them any day!
Her looks were good enough, she decided one night in front of the mirror. Her long, straw-colored blonde hair fell in gentle waves over her shoulders and her eyes were a pretty shade of blue. When you were blessed with a nice combination it made sense to play up features rather than hide. The gowns made her more confident, graceful, as if she were playing dress up. They gave her the almost magical ability to be sociable.
Audra had a few close acquaintances, but real friendships and relationships eluded her. Sure, she dated on and off, but nothing meaningful ever came to fruition. Maybe if she wore a sparkling silver gown to a bar she would increase her chances. She mulled the thought over a while, but more for amusing scenarios rather than actual ideas.
The rest of her night flew by in a blur rather than drag on as per usual. She blamed thoughts of the incredibly handsome Mr. Lawson. Would anything happen after the party? That was silly though, she chided herself. Someone so charming and wealthy was probably attached. He didn't wear a ring, she remembered, so perhaps not too attached.
Why the hell was the possibility even being entertained? She just met him. His gaze did make her all warm and gooey inside and something sparked when they touched. Audra hoped he felt something from their meeting as well.
Chapter Two
It was finally the afternoon of the party. Clay went over several checklists in his mind as well as several hard copies to make sure he did not forget anything. He glanced at his watch. Audra should be on her way soon. He’d spoken to her several times on the phone to finalize the time, but really it could have been accomplished in one conversation. He made up excuses to find another reason to hear her sweet voice. She really was a lovely woman.
Of course his mind was on the gorgeous winter princess who would arrive within the next hour. Right now, though, he needed to push Audra out of his mind. He technically was her employer for the night, and could not act unprofessional for any reason!
He walked into the kitchen to see his lovely chef Olga standing with a satisfied look on her face. He could not wait to see what dishes she had come up with. Clay slowly let thoughts of the gorgeous blonde slip away as he took in the fantastic aromas of the food spread out on the counters.
Normally Olga stayed to serve the food, but her daughter was getting married tomorrow and she’d requested a week off. It was no big deal, she wasn't his live in chef, besides, he had known of the upcoming nuptials for some time.
"Everything looks wonderful! I'm sure your food will be a delight, as always." Clay embraced the older woman who clapped him on the back.
"I wish I could stay, but I've got a plane, you know?" She stepped back and smiled. "You spoil your guests so! Just like you spoil me!"
Clay laughed at the accusation because it was true. Ever since his beautiful wife Evelyn had died, he spoiled everyone in his life. You never knew how many moments you would get with someone you cared for. After he built up the inherited winery he made sure to savor every minute.
"Of course, Olga. Now, get going or you will be late."
She thanked him for his understanding, then swiftly left the kitchen. He heard her open the door, but didn't hear it close after her. He wondered why and wandered out to the foyer.
In the doorway stood Audra. She looked breathtaking, even in yoga pants and a button up shirt. Her hair and make-up were done already, but instead of it seeming odd or out of place, he found it refreshing.
"I did say formal gown, but I suppose your beauty will distract from your clothes."
"What? Oh, no..." Audra looked down, horrified, and then slowly looked up as she realized he was joking. A smile tugged at her lips. "If I were going to wear sweats for your party I would at least make sure I got the colors right."
"Please come in. Olga, who you probably ran into, made the most delicious treats. I do need help arranging it on platters though. She ran out of time."
"Of course! That's why I'm not in my full princess splendor. It's difficult to plate appetizers when you have a gown on."
Clay chuckled. She was beautiful and charming naturally. She did seem a bit nervous though, and he hoped it would ease as the night wore on. "This way then." He motioned for her to follow but realized she had a garment bag and two other canvas bags in her hand. "First, go ahead and put those up in the guest bathroom. It's up the stairs. Second door on your left."
"Thank you." She smiled sweetly, then walked up the stairs as instructed. He watched her ascend the steps and though he tried not to stare, he could not break his eyes away. He loved the way her pants cupped around her bottom and showed off all her curves.
Clay hurried into the kitchen, but could not get the picture out of his head. Audra also seemed to take his direction well. Most women he encountered scoffed or rolled their eyes when he told them to do something rather than ask.
Should he tell her about the relationships his guests were in? Each one practiced their own form of domestic discipline. Nothing should happen at the party, but if one of the women got out of line or poked the bear so to speak, they might get a warning in front of Audra.
It might scare her off or worse make her think that he and his friends were some sort of misogynists. It was so far away from the truth of course, but should he open that particular can of worms? He trusted his friends to behave appropriately, but sometimes the addition of alcohol brought out rather unpleasant behaviors.
I'm worrying too much about something that probably won't happen.
Clay brushed off his reservations and began sorting the dishes as he waited for Audra to return. He wanted to make her swoon f
rom his attentions, but it was not proper to do until after he paid her. Now he just needed to find a way to get up the nerve to ask her out.
Why was this so hard for him? Clay often described himself as peculiar, but many argued he simply liked things done his way. He had dated on and off over the years, but his business kept him too busy to get involved with a woman. No, that was a lie, one of many, he fed himself to keep the truth away. Deep down, under his posh exterior, he was scared to open up his heart again.
Audra seemed so sincere and gentle. He’d asked about her at the nursing home and they all loved the sweet woman. Who could argue with a bunch of senior citizens?
Clay moved around the kitchen and selected ten different wines for his guests. His plan was to debut a brand new flavor, and he secretly hoped it went over well. He’d really made quite a name for himself at the winery. It was something his own parents did not believe he could do, but he showed them all. Next year his business plans involved blueprints for a brand new shop three towns over. It would be a small shop and would carry the Starling name only!
Audra would be perfect for such a venture, if she was open to the idea. He let out a long breath. He just met this woman, there was no sense to get ahead of himself. He really did want to impress her and inwardly hoped she would give him a chance.
The sound of footsteps drew his attention back to the task at hand. He opened up several cabinets and gathered white and red wine glasses. There was still much to be done.
* * *
Audra marveled at the posh yet comfortable surroundings Clay kept. His townhouse was comprised of three levels. She observed one set of stairs heading down as she walked up to the bathroom. The guest bathroom surpassed her own by far. She could fit her entire bathroom and the spare one inside here comfortably. She set her belongings down, hung the garment bag which contained her dress on the shower rod, then made her way out of the room. She walked down the steps while she admired the overall charm. The whole house was done up in modern tone, mostly cool colors, but exuded warmth.
His Winter Princess (Blushing Books 12 Days of Christmas 7) Page 1