A Maine Christmas...or Two

by J. S. Scott

  “I can’t take your money, Aidan. But…things aren’t as bad now that Stephen and Jack have graduated and found decent jobs.” She shook her head with a sigh. “And what if you get tired of me? What then?”

  “I could never tire of you, love. You just need to trust me, and know that I’ll make things right between us.” He brushed a stray curl from her face, his heart so full of love and hope. “What do you say? Please…say you’ll at least give it a try. For me.”

  She let out a sigh, but it was followed by a smile. “All right then. I suppose we can do a trial period. But I make no promises.”

  “None at all, love.”

  Chloe awoke to find herself nestled comfortably in Aidan’s strong arms, while the sun streamed in through the windows. As if sensing that she’d awoken, he pulled her close and kissed the top of her head while she snuggled against his warm and muscular body. “Looks like the storm finally blew out to sea.”

  “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.” He nuzzled her, his thick stubble rough against her cheeks and then kissed her slow and sweet before giving her a smile that stole her heart.

  “Merry Christmas.” She cupped his face and lost herself in those intelligent hazel eyes of his. “You know, you’ve got a damn sexy smile. It lights up your eyes like magic.”

  He brushed his thumb over her cheek, his touch gentle though his fingers were a little rough from his woodworking. “I hope you realize that it’s because of you that I’m able to smile again. I know it’s far from being over, but for the first time I feel like I might actually be able to crawl out of this darkness.”

  “Well then, you’ll need to consider that your Christmas gift since I haven’t exactly had the chance to get you anything.” Who knew things would have turned out this way? All because a storm zigged when it should have zagged.

  “I couldn’t have asked for anything better, love. Not that I have any sort of gift for you either. Unless, of course…” He kissed her cheek and then her neck as his large hands palmed her butt cheeks and pulled her up against his morning erection.

  “Oh…That could definitely work.” Her body came alive under his touch, her pulse skipping a beat as it echoed between her legs where she was still pleasantly sore from their adventures of the last few days. She reached down between them and wrapped her fingers around his wide girth to stroke him, the feel of him so silky smooth and warm, and yet steely hard just below the surface.

  “By the gods, woman, that feels too damn good, especially after going without for so long. But…” He covered her hand with his to stop her. “I have a favor to ask you.”

  Suddenly, he was looking rather serious, sending a flicker of worry through her. “Sure. What is it?”

  “My entire family usually gets together for Christmas and…” He shook his head and looked away. “I haven’t spent the holiday with them in years now, and they’re only forty minutes away. I think they’d be really happy if we showed up for a visit. And Finn will be there.”

  Oh, boy. Though she knew Finn, she wasn’t sure about meeting the rest of his family, especially when things were moving rather quickly between her and Aidan. The last thing she wanted was for them to think she was dating their son for the money—and with her new plans to move in mere days after meeting him, she wouldn’t blame them if they were suspicious of her. “I don’t know how good an idea that is. And the bridge is still closed, right?”

  “They only keep it closed while the storms are raging. I suspect it won’t be long before they open and plow it.” He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face.

  “Or we could just stay in your cozy bed and have sex all day.” Her hand found his cock once more, hoping to stage a convincing argument. “Pretty please? With sugar on top?”

  “Sweetheart…that’s all too tempting an idea.”

  “Maybe you should go alone. After all these years, I’m sure they’re going to want you to themselves. And really, I’m fine just hanging out at your place. I could keep Paisley company. We could have a girls’ day in.”

  Chloe wasn’t convinced this was a good idea. Mere days earlier, Aidan hadn’t even known her. And now, he wanted her to move in with him. She could only imagine what his parents would think of the whole thing, despite the fact that she was one of Finn’s friends and Aidan was a smart enough man to not be taken advantage of. Whenever there were massive amounts of money at stake, people grew wary and suspicious—and with just cause.

  “What has you so nervous, love?” He glanced over at her before turning his attention back to the road. The plows had done a decent job of clearing the storm, and surprisingly enough, the temperature spiked to above freezing so the snow was now starting to melt.

  The woods and fields around her had turned into a perfect winter wonderland, white and sparkly, like the world was covered in diamonds and everything was given a fresh start.

  Aidan’s SUV handled the snow with ease and he was a confident though careful driver. Not that she could blame him for being cautious, given his past.

  “I’m still not sure I should be coming with you. And please, whatever you do, do not tell them that I’m moving in with you.” This could be a disaster. Then they’d definitely think she was just trying to get her claws into him.

  “You’re worrying far too much about this. They’re going to be ecstatic to see us, and if you think they won’t realize you’re a big part of getting me out of the house and over there, then you’re mistaken. They’re good judges of character, and they’re going to love you.” He gave her a sideways grin that made her heart melt, though she still wasn’t sure.

  “What if…” She let out a weary sigh, and tried to keep her heart from aching. “What if they’re disappointed that you’re with me?”

  His jaw tensed and his knuckles went white around the steering wheel. “No one in their right mind could be disappointed in you. Do you hear me? It’s time someone appreciated you for all you are—because you’re damn special, Chloe, and I won’t have anyone treating you otherwise. I’m telling you now—if anyone treats you with anything less than the respect you deserve, they’ll be answering to me. Are we clear?”

  All she could do is nod, though her heart swelled with love to know he cared enough to get upset on her behalf.

  “We’re here, love.” He pulled the truck down a long drive to a pretty red farmhouse, decorated with pine swags at the windows and a wreath made of cranberries hanging on the front door. Against the backdrop of pristine snow, and with a lit Christmas tree in the large mullioned windows, she couldn’t have picked a more perfect image.

  “It’s gorgeous, Aidan.” Nothing extravagant, but nicely done, and quintessential New England.

  With the car parked, he turned towards her and cupped the back of her neck with his large hand and pulled her in close for a sweet kiss, his stubble ticklish against her skin. “They’re going to love you, sweetheart. Are you ready?”

  With him at her side, she just might be ready for anything. And the way he looked at her, as if she were perfect, as if there was no one else there but the two of them…She felt her heart fall completely head over heels in love with him, her heart beating a staccato against her chest. “You make me believe anything’s possible. So…yeah. I think I am ready.”

  He took her hand as they wandered up the path to the front door, her shoulders and gut in knots from the adrenaline coursing through her. And though he seemed relaxed, she, too, could sense the tension in him. This couldn’t be easy for him either.

  He didn’t bother to knock, but rather let them in, leading the way as they stepped into the living room where everyone was gathered. He gave them a shy smile that made her want to hug him and secured the hold he had on her heart. “Don’t suppose you have room for two more?”

  The room around them erupted with surprise and happiness as his family rushed forward to greet them. Aidan hugged his father and then his mother, w
ho already had tears in her eyes, before shaking hands and hugging a dozen other people—aunts, uncles, and cousins by the look of it. Chloe did her best to step to the side so they could have their time together without her getting in the way, though it wasn’t long before Aidan was reaching back for her hand.

  He pulled her close with a reassuring smile, even as her heart threatened to beat out of her chest, not sure his parents would be too keen on having an intruder interrupt the moment. “This here is Chloe. She’s a college friend of Finn’s…and quite special to me.”

  She must have blushed a dozen shades of red at his words. She shook his father’s hand and was then pulled into a hug by his mom, when Finn walked into the room, his long gait only adding to his laid-back charm. He looked so much like Aidan with his handsome good looks—though Finn was clean-shaven, his hair was more tousled and a shade lighter, and he wore a grin that always spelled trouble.

  “No way! Chloe—what the hell are you doing here, girl?” He pulled her into a hug that had her feet dangling a foot in the air.

  “I got trapped on Mermaid Isle during the storm, and Aidan was nice enough to let me weather out the storm with him.” It was the truth, even though there was a bit more to their story. Still, she didn’t think she needed to spell things out for the group assembled when they’d walked in, hand in hand.

  His mother gave her a genuine smile that was filled with so much emotion. “Well, we’re so glad Aidan brought you along. Just in time, too—we’re just getting ready to eat.”

  Finn hung an arm around his brother’s shoulder. “And the ham is damn good—bourbon and brown sugar-glazed—though I swear, if there’s any missing, it wasn’t me.”

  Aidan shook his head with a smile that had Chloe’s heart skipping a beat. “It’ll be a miracle if there’s any food left at all if no one stopped you from wandering into the kitchen.”

  She loved the banter between them, especially since it reminded her so much of her own brothers. She’d have to call home. Maybe go and visit once she knew the roads were clear.

  Standing by the Christmas tree, the lights sparkled as the heady scent of pine filled her head. Aidan pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head, and though they were off in a corner on their own, she couldn’t help but feel like their hug hadn’t gone unnoticed.

  Settling against his chest, he bowed his head to hers as her heartbeat picked up his rhythm so they beat as one. “Chloe…I hope you know how much you mean to me. And it goes beyond giving me my life back. I look at you, and I can’t believe how lucky I am.”

  “I think we’re both pretty damn lucky, Aidan. You’ve made me realize that I can’t second-guess myself, and guilt has no place when it comes to making decisions that affect my life.” It’d been hard for her to come to that realization, but she felt at peace for the first time in a very long time.

  “I couldn’t have said it any better myself.” He gave her a sweet kiss that made her forget it wasn’t just the two of them. “I love you, Chloe. As crazy as that may sound. But I swear it’s true. I love you with all my heart.”

  Her heart swelled with such joy and love for him, it ached. “I believe you, Aidan, because I swear, I love you too.”

  He cupped her face in his large hand, and looked at her with eyes she’d never tire of losing herself in. “I’m hands down the luckiest man. Merry Christmas, love.”

  She stole just one more kiss, thinking that he wasn’t the only one luck had smiled upon. “Merry Christmas to you too, love.”

  ~The End~

  Other Books In The Mermaid Isle Series:

  One Sweet Summer

  For Love Or Treasure

  Sample Chapters of One Sweet Summer

  by Cali MacKay

  Riley fought to take a breath, the news hitting her like a sucker punch to the gut, her world crumbling out from under her. “You can’t sell the inn. It’s the heart of the island. It’s my home.”

  She knew business had slowed with the downturn in the economy, but they’d managed to stay profitable, even if the numbers were down. She’d hosted conferences and booked more weddings, kept the numbers up for the artist retreats, and even held treasure hunts for the legendary Mermaid Isle pirate treasure. They’d all busted their butts to make sure the inn stayed afloat. It was just a rough patch they’d need to ride out, but they’d been through worse and managed to pull through.

  “Riley, you’ve done an amazing job running the place, and it’s because of you that we’ve managed to hold on as long as we have. But the roof will need to be replaced in the next year or two, and the entire place needs to be updated. We just don’t have the money to keep up with everything that’s needed, and the truth is, we’re getting old. We want to retire while we’re still young enough to enjoy it.” Jack reached over and took Ava’s hand, giving her a smile. Married forty years and still in love like they were teenagers.

  She could only be so lucky to find love like that someday.

  Ava’s easy smile could normally part the grayest clouds, yet today, it did little to take the edge off Riley’s nerves. “We weren’t looking to sell just yet, but we got an offer out of the blue. We couldn’t refuse, Riley, but we negotiated your position into the sale, so you’ll have nothing to worry about. You have the option to continue working at the Siren Song Inn or you can take the generous severance package they’re offering. We’re hoping you’ll stay, though. It’ll be easier for us to leave the place if we know you’ll still be here to take care of it.”

  At least she could still stay if she wanted to. Not that it would be the same with Jack and Ava gone and new owners at the helm. They’d want to change it. Turn it into another cookie-cutter hotel. Gone would be her artist’s collective and the herbalist conference. And who knew what they’d do with the century-old cottages.

  Maybe if it was an individual or a couple rather than some corporation. They might stand a chance then. “Who’s bought the Siren?”

  As if reading her thoughts, Jack frowned. “Holt Enterprises. They’re big, but promised to let you take the lead on the changes they’ll be making.”

  Yeah…and dreams were made of cotton candy and gumdrops. She bit back a groan, not wanting to make this anymore difficult on Jack and Ava than it already was. “Where will you go?” Now that she’d made Mermaid Isle her home, she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

  “Honey, another Maine winter will do us in.” Jack sat back and laughed. “I want sun and warm waters. Sandy beaches that I can walk on without getting swept out to sea. Drinks I can sip out of a coconut or pineapple and are loaded up with rum.”

  Riley wanted to protest that they could have those things here, but knew it wasn’t the same. And Jack was right—the winters could be harsh this far north, even if they were still in the southern part of Maine.

  “Might do a bit of traveling before we settle down.” Ava looked at her, her motherly concern still worrying her brown eyes. “But we’ll come back during the summers. And we’ll stay in touch. We’ll only be a phone call or email away—not to mention all the current technology. What’s it called? Swipe?”

  That made Riley laugh. “The world must be coming to an end then, if I’m going to finally get you two to go online and actually answer emails.”

  “You’ll manage just fine, my dear.” Ava got to her feet and Jack followed suit. “If anything, you might finally get the funds to do all those things you’ve been wanting to do here at the Siren. Change is good.”

  “When? When will the sale be finalized?” Riley’s breath hitched as she waited for an answer. She’d come here every summer as a child, worked at the inn during her vacations once she’d turned eighteen, and then full-time straight out of college. It was where she’d grown up, where she’d fallen in love for the first time. It was all she knew, all she loved—and she’d given it her all.

  “In two weeks. And don’t worry�
�we’ll tell the others.” Ava gave her a big hug. “Just remember, this will always be the Siren Song Inn. As long as you’re here, the heart of it will never change.”

  “I hope you’re right.” She couldn’t bear to think of the Siren changing so much it no longer felt like home.

  Riley waited for Jack and Ava to leave her office and then collapsed into her chair, tears stinging her eyes as she tried to swallow down the golf ball-sized lump in her throat. She knew they’d been looking to retire, but she hadn’t expected them to sell the place. Not that she held it against them—all their money was tied up in the inn, and they’d never be able to retire without freeing up those funds.

  She thought of what the Siren meant to so many people. Cultivated over the years to be an artist’s retreat, there was a long list of people who came year after year to meet with other like-minded folks, and be inspired by the rugged natural beauty and colorful town.

  Unlike other places that catered only to the rich and well off, Mermaid Isle was more approachable and far more unique than any other resort town Riley had ever been to, especially given its long history. Legend had it that thieves and pirates had stashed their plunder in one of the many caves that could be found on the island, and later, it was settled by a small group of women who’d come north to escape the witch trials that reached far past Salem. Add to that the commune that blossomed in the sixties and the artisans that flocked to it in the last few decades, and it would be impossible to duplicate the character of the island and its people.

  But with the Siren under new ownership, everything might change, and it could easily devastate the island’s economy. There were a handful of small bed and breakfasts, but the inn was at the heart of the island and it was their constant influx of guests that kept the money flowing—guests that could appreciate the island’s quirky nature.