"Sort of, I bought property on one of these islands two years ago and have been trying to spend as much time here as I can. Especially in the winter."
Chrissy thought about the white sands and warn sunshine she'd enjoyed since arriving. “It's a wonderful place to escape the snow and cold."
As Nick took a long swallow of his drink, she watched him. His mouth could only be described as inviting and she wondered how he kissed. His bronzed hands were large and rough, definitely not like the usual pasty white accountant type she normally met. His jet black hair and olive coloring, and, of course his last name, told her he was of Greek heritage. He was exotic. Yes, that was the word, exotic.
A zing of instant attraction tightened her tummy and her toes curled in her flimsy sandals.
"You must be from up north too then.” He placed his drink on the table. “The winters are just too long aren't they?"
If he only knew just how far up north! She tossed her hair. When his gaze fell to the open v of her neckline, she felt herself blush under his scrutiny. The look of interest when he looked into her eyes, she knew was reflected in her own.
"Yes, winters are very long,” she mimicked.
The waiter appeared and set her salad in front of her. Nick stood up and she felt a pang of disappointment. Of course he was leaving, why wouldn't he? He was probably here with a girlfriend or a bunch of friends. He most likely wasn't here alone like she was.
"Listen, I've already had dinner, but if you aren't too tired, would you be interested in joining me for a nightcap at the restaurant bar, say around eleven?"
"You're staying at the hotel? I thought you said you had a place around here?"
"I bought property, but there's no house yet. So what do you say, eleven?"
Having a drink with Nick sounded like a nice way to spend the evening. “I'll be there,” she promised.
"I'll see you then.” He smiled and turned away.
Chrissy watched him walk past the other diners and down the steps to the boardwalk along the beach. She dug into her salad and watched the ocean waves crashing on the shore. It was the kind of night made for lovers. The stars overhead were huge, and the full moon hung over the ocean like someone had painted it there. Several couples walked hand-in-hand stopping every once in a while to embrace. She sighed as she watched them. It must be wonderful to be in love and committed to another person. Was she ever going to find that? What difference did it make if she did? She shook her head in disgust and finished her drink. It wasn't as if she could even consider anything serious. Her family wasn't exactly the kind you took someone home to meet.
She always felt guilty when she thought that way. It wasn't her parents’ fault. They'd given her a life most could only dream of having. The fact that she could never marry or consider having a family was a small price to pay for all they'd given her. Once more, she watched the silhouette of lovers on the beach, maybe, just maybe this year her Christmas wish could have something to do with her own loneliness. That would be pretty selfish, though. Her annual wish should be used for important things like ensuring all the children in the world have enough food to eat and clothes to wear. Asking for something only for herself would be wrong and completely against the way she was brought up.
So she couldn't ask for forever love, maybe she should just take matters into her own hands. Maybe meeting Nick for drinks could be the start of a temporary romance. Just because she could never have a future with someone didn't mean she had to live her whole live celibate did it?
She could have the time of her life, and then go home to the family business like always. Maybe if it worked out she could do this every year. Setting down her fork, she made a decision. Every December she'd enjoy herself, completely and thoroughly.
* * * *
Nick was at the bar by ten thirty. He wasn't much of a drinker. Even now he was conscious of not taking in too many calories so he sipped club soda and lime. Chrissy had certainly been surprised to see him. A few days ago, he'd overheard the hotel staff talking about a woman with an unusual name. Since there weren't that many women named Christmas Star in the world he figured it had to be the beautiful woman he'd met in New York. He'd never forgotten her. A beautiful brunette with sparkling green eyes, she'd always worn sweaters that hugged her curves close enough to make him forget whether he was debiting or crediting.
She'd been polite to him; but he knew she was out of his league. But tonight he hadn't gotten that impression at all. He could waste time being annoyed that five years ago she wouldn't have accepted an invitation for drinks, but what was the point? Five years ago he couldn't get a date with anyone. He was a very large, very introverted bean counter back then. If it hadn't been for getting sick and meeting Dr. Cronin, who had introduced him to the world of fitness and taking care of himself, he probably would still be living his life the same way. Alone, night after night with his computer and potato chips for company. But now with at least his physical appearance changed, he was on equal footing. Unless he completely read her wrong, the look in her eyes earlier had been interest.
Running into her in the restaurant and acting as if he didn't know she was staying at the hotel had seemed like a great idea at the time. But now he wondered what he'd been thinking. Chrissy Star was the most beautiful woman he'd ever met and he had no clue what they'd talk about. Under this new muscled body he was still the same geeky accountant.
It wasn't as if he hadn't been dating the past few years. He'd had several relationships with some very good-looking women. But they all left him cold after a while. They were materialistic and immature. What he longed for was someone who enjoyed the same things he did. He wanted a down-to-earth girl that he could laugh with and share a future with.
As if sensing she'd come into the room he looked up. He watched as she scanned the bar, and he lifted his hand to catch her eye. She smiled and made her way gracefully through the crowded lounge. She wore the same black dress from earlier, but she'd slipped a lacy shawl over her shoulders. She looked amazing.
"Hi,” she said with a warm smile.
"How was your dinner?” Taking her arm, he helped her climb up onto the bar stool next to him and signaled to the bartender. He watched as she crossed her shapely legs. They were toned and firm. Maybe she worked out on her lunch hour like he did.
"It was very good.” She turned to the bartender. “May I have a peppermint schnapps on the rocks, please?"
He grinned at her drink choice. He knew she was unique, even her choice of drink was refreshing. No white wine or Chablis for her. She was like a breath of fresh air. For a few seconds neither said anything and then both started to speak at once.
She laughed and ducked her head. “You first."
"I was just going to ask if you were still with the family business. I remember something about you working for your father?"
She sipped her drink and nodded. “I've helped him with his books since I was a teenager. When I decided to go into accounting he pretty much handed the whole thing over to me."
"I'm impressed. Even if it's a small company that's a huge responsibility."
He watched her slim fingers with short pink nails trace the rim of her glass. “It's much easier now that I handle it and he stays out of it.” She grinned, and he could see she didn't mean it in a bad way. He had this feeling she adored her father.
"Working for family sometimes can be tough."
"Mmm, that's for sure. How about you? You were with a really large international firm right? Are you still there?"
He was thrilled she remembered. He would have sworn she barely remembered his name. “Yeah, for the moment I'm still there."
The music in the bar was suddenly much louder and he saw her lips move, but couldn't make out what she was saying. He leaned closer and the scent of her light perfume filled his nostrils. It was a blend of something sweet like cookies but with a spicy undertone. It was like nothing he'd ever smelled before and yet it seemed completely familiar. She stiffened and
he realized he was too close. He cupped his ear to let her know he couldn't hear her.
She nodded and tipped her face to speak directly into his ear. “Where is the office located?"
Her body pressed into his and the warmth of her breath on his ear revved up all his senses. He hardened and had to step back so she wouldn't notice. She'd probably think he was a complete pervert if she knew something that simple had aroused him. Then again, if it affected him that way, maybe it worked on her the same. He leaned down and purposely let his breath out slowly as he spoke into her ear. “I'm working in New York."
She turned her head, and he saw desire flash in her green eyes. She nodded and took another sip of her drink. The loud music had been annoying before, but now it turned to a familiar Christmas tune and that was even worse. He couldn't carry on a conversation like this. Once more he leaned towards her. At the same time she must have been going to lean towards him to speak, and their heads bumped and her breasts pressed into his arm. He saw her lips form, “Oww.” She rubbed her head.
That was enough, he took her hand and tugged. “Come on,” he mouthed and jerked his head towards the door.
She smiled and picked her glass up off the bar and slipped daintily off the stool. Her hand still in his, he led her through the crowd to the back patio. The evening was still warm but not uncomfortable. He breathed a sigh of relief as the music receded. She pulled her hand free and he let her go, not wanting to seem too pushy.
"Why does everyone think loud music is enjoyable?” he asked.
"I have no idea."
"The fact that it was Christmas music made it even worse."
"You don't like Christmas music?” she asked tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked up at him.
"No. Definitely not. In fact, that's one of the reasons I'm here. I try to escape the craziness of this season every year. Here in Greece, and especially on the island, Christmas isn't the commercial craziness it is at home."
"I see. So it isn't Christmas you detest, but the commercial aspect of it?"
"Well, I'm not a big fan of it either way. I don't like racing around looking for the right present, spending way too much money on things people will only return anyway. I especially hate it when they lie to kids and tell them a big fat old man in a red suit is going to come to their house at night and leave them gifts. It's just weird."
"Did you always think that way or only after you grew up?"
He had no idea. Nothing major ever happened to make him hate Christmas. He wasn't a deprived child. There were always presents from Santa as far back as he could remember and his whole family still loved the holidays. Nothing traumatic had ever occurred to make him hate the season, but as the years went by he grew more and more cynical about the holiday. It wasn't even that he was overly religious and felt the holiday needed to get back to some true meaning, he just didn't like Christmas.
"I don't know,” he shrugged and gave a self-deprecating laugh. “I guess I'm just like old Ebenezer Scrooge. I'd rather be counting my gold than worrying about what gifts to get my nieces that they will only return anyway."
"I like Christmas,” she said quietly and set her empty drink glass on a small table as they walked by.
"Most folks do,” he said. Up ahead of them it was dark, the lighting from the hotel was fading away. He wondered if she'd be nervous walking with him alone. He glanced at her, but she didn't appear to be uncomfortable.
"Will you stay here through the holidays?” she asked.
"Are you kidding? My parents would have my head on a platter if I missed Christmas. No, I'll head home the afternoon of the twenty-fourth, and pretend to enjoy all the merriment and craziness. Trust me, I'd much rather be here."
"All alone? On Christmas?” She furrowed her brow and looked at him as if he'd just grown horns.
"You know what my idea of a perfect Christmas would be?” He stopped walking to lean up against a post. “To be with someone I love, all alone, at my house on the island. Away from the snow and the cold and the millions of family members all talking at once and fighting for the bathroom."
"But those are some of the best parts about Christmas. The family all together, fighting, laughing, loving. At least that's what mine does and I love it."
"So you come from a pretty large family?"
She nodded and looked out over the ocean. “Bigger than you could imagine."
The moon was high and full and he watched it with her. “Then why are you here all alone a few days before wonderful holiday?"
"Oh, I'll be home before Christmas morning. I wouldn't miss it for the world. But my father's business gets really crazy this time of year, so I tend to take my vacation and stay out of the way. There's not a lot I can do to help anyway."
"This is the company's busiest time of year so you go on vacation? Isn't that a bit like taking the week of April fifteenth off?"
She shook her head. “It's hard to explain."
"Where did you say home was again?"
She turned to face him. He looked at her full mouth, her lipstick had faded leaving her lips a light wine pink. How soft would they feel under his?
"I didn't,” she answered and lifted her chin slightly. Was that an invitation? Was she lifting her head so he would kiss her in the moonlight? He wasn't sure, so he better not. Sometimes he hated how insecure he still was at certain times.
Once more she brushed her hair back and tilted her head as she stared back at him. “Your eyes are an amazing shade of brown."
He lifted his eyebrows. “They are?"
"Hmm. They remind me of gingerbread men fresh from the oven."
"I can assure you they aren't made of ginger, I'm allergic to it."
Her mouth fell open in shock. “You're allergic to gingerbread men?"
He nodded. “The ginger. Can't eat it, I get hives, and my throat closes up.” He made a face and put his hands around his neck as if he was gagging.
She laughed, but then covered her mouth with her hand. “I'm sorry. It's just so odd; I mean you hear of folks being allergic to strawberries or peanuts but gingerbread?” She shook her head. “That's one of my favorite smells. I love gingerbread baking in the oven."
"My mother used to feel bad and would always make me a sugar cookie shaped like a gingerbread man, but somehow I always felt deprived."
"I should say so. What's Christmas without gingerbread men?"
"Maybe that's what started my dislike of the holiday? Maybe deep down inside my allergy to ginger somehow scarred me so deeply that I can't enjoy anything about it."
She laughed but then looked at him as if maybe he was serious.
"I'm kidding. I don't know what it is about the holiday, its just not enjoyable to me."
All of a sudden she pushed away from the rail. Had he insulted her?
She touched his arm. “It sounds like you've never found the true meaning of Christmas in here.” She placed her hand over his heart and he felt it leap beneath her palm. Before he could react, however, she was walking back the way they'd come.
He followed her and together they walked in silence to the hotel. What should he do now? Had he completely blown it with her? Was she going to hold it against him for not liking Christmas? Then he remembered her name, Christmas Star. Of course! What an idiot he was. Anyone born on Christmas would have to love the holiday.
They reached the front door of the lobby. “Chrissy?"
She looked at him.
"I hope my hang-up with the holiday isn't going to stop you from seeing me again."
She quirked one eyebrow. “Did we have a second date planned?"
He took her little smile to be a good sign. “I hadn't gotten to it yet, but yes; I'd like to ask you out again. I'd love to show you the piece of property I bought."
For what seemed like the longest moment of his life, he waited.
"I think I'd like that. Should we go late morning?"
He held open the door for her to walk through. “Want to meet me
in the lobby around eleven?"
She nodded and waved and he watched her walk towards the bank of elevators.
Chapter Two
Chrissy had just bitten into the flakey, buttery scone with homemade jam when her phone rang. Setting her napkin aside, she moved across her room to answer. “Hello?” She swallowed the rest of her breakfast, hoping it wasn't Nick hearing her chewing.
"How's it going?” The warm lyrical voice of her younger sister, Krista, was surprisingly clear considering where the call was coming from.
"Fine. It's going fine. How about there?"
"You know crazy as always, but in a good way."
She sank to the edge of the bed and twisted the phone cord around her finger. She easily imagined her family scurrying around the workshops, checking lists, and making sure everything was in place. “I feel bad I'm not there."
"Why? So you could be under foot and asking ‘what can I do?’ twenty times an hour?"
She heard the smile in her sister's voice. What she said was true; there was no point arguing. “Sometimes I wish I was like you, Joy, and Noel, and could feel like I pulled my own weight this time of year."
Her sister laughed. “Well I wouldn't want to be you for all the snowflakes in the North. We only have to bust our butts six weeks a year. You have to work hard the whole year."
It was pointless to tell her fun loving sister that most folks worked all year long. “Have you seen Jack lately?"
Krista had a crush on the long time family friend, Jackson Frost, for as long as Chrissy could remember. As far as she could see, Jack didn't even know her poor sister existed.
"Yes, but as always he kept a good six feet away from me. I swear the man thinks if he gets too close he'll melt."
"Maybe he's afraid some of your warmth will rub off on him and he'll be out of work.” Chrissy teased.
"Now stop that, Jack's not cold. He's got a good heart."
"Hmm. Yes, he does, but I still don't see why you want a man with ice literally running through his veins.” A bit of jam had fallen on her leg and she wiped it with her finger and then licked it off. She eyed her breakfast across the room.
Tales From Christmas Town Page 7