by Beth Ciotta
Looking dejected, Georgie—who’d been suffering a crazy string of bad luck for months—turned her attention to her menu.
Feeling like a jerk, Chrissy slumped back against her upholstered seat and dissected her prickly mood. Yes, the music lit her fuse, but she’d been on a slow burn for years. Amazing that her friends and family continued to love her because honestly, most of the time, there wasn’t a whole lot to love. Resentment, anger, and self-disgust had turned her into a Grinch on wheels. She’d even abandoned her given name, Christmas, because it only reminded her of the fun-loving dreamer she’d once been.
Almost five years had come and gone since Mason Rivers, infamous playboy, had tainted her life. She’d finally grown tired of her restless and bitter mindset and a few months back had vowed to adopt a more positive approach to life.
She’d braved a new haircut—a sassy, shaggy do that complimented her naturally straight, platinum locks. Launched Gypsy Folk Yarns, an on-line knitted goods store that offered her unique designs as well as pieces made to order. She’d even gone on a couple of dates although those hadn’t been nearly as satisfying or successful as her new cyber business.
She wasn’t sure anyone understood how incredibly difficult it was for her to break free of the week-long affair that had changed her life. Naïveté and poor judgment had led to a shattered dream and broken heart. Certainly no one knew the depth of her anxiety regarding the welfare and happiness of her sweet, hearing impaired daughter. Like most of the Mooney’s, Chrissy internalized her ugliest battles.
“I’m sorry,” she said to Georgie after the waitress had taken their orders. “I didn’t mean to be a buzz kill. Tell me more about your plans.”
“Seriously?”
“I’m all ears.” Even though my interest is half-hearted.
Georgie, who was famous for acing rejection in record time, lit up like a flipping Christmas tree. “I know finances are tight,” she said. “I’m barely getting by myself. Trust me, this getaway is ridiculously affordable. We can car pool to Denver in four hours and you won’t believe the rate I got on a two bedroom suite. Also, think of the money you can save on Christmas presents by shopping at the outlets.”
“There is that,” Chrissy said, trying her best to get on board.
“Angel’s been to Denver during holiday season. She swears Melody will think she’s visiting the North Pole. The seasonal decorations are out of this world. The only thing I couldn’t secure were seven tickets to the Mile High Christmas Extravaganza,” Georgie said. “Already sold out. Can you believe it? But there are plenty of holiday displays and festivities including, bonus, a parade.
“I don’t mean to pressure you,” she went on, “but we’re all in need of a breather from this dying town and our intensifying challenges. Even Bella, who’s disgustingly in love with Savage, expressed a desire to kick up her heels with the girls.”
Chrissy felt her resolve slipping. She knew everyone needed a break from the complicated pressures of their individual lives. Hell, she needed a short reprieve from the mounting stress regarding her and Melody’s future. She hadn’t discussed it with anyone other than her mom and dad, but she’d been wrestling with the advantages of moving to a larger town. Melody would start Kindergarten next year and, as a child who’d been born profoundly deaf, her learning options via local schools were limited. Chrissy wasn’t thrilled about distancing herself from family and friends, but Melody’s education was a massive consideration.
“It’s just… I wish you would have picked another destination,” Chrissy said while mindlessly fiddling with her knife.
“What’s wrong with Denver? Yes, it’s out-of-state, but it’s a heck of a lot closer than Lincoln or Omaha.”
Rather than turning in on herself, Chrissy sat straighter. A couple of months back, via an ultra-private video chat, Sinjun had mentioned how Chrissy’s secrecy regarding the father of her child only gave the man more power over her life. Chrissy wasn’t ready to reveal all, but she saw no advantage in another lie. Therefore, she stated her problem with Denver. “He-who-shall-not-be-named lives there.”
Georgie gawked. “Benedict Romeo?”
Cheeks burning, Chrissy shushed her.
“The dirt bag who sicced a lawyer on you?” Georgie whispered. “The sack of—”
“Yeah. Him.” Chrissy folded her arms over her churning middle.
“You told us he lived somewhere in state.”
It was one of the few facts, albeit vague, Chrissy had given up. “He did. Until recently.”
“I thought you severed all ties after—”
“I did.”
“But you’re keeping tabs on him?”
“Not on purpose.” Chrissy sighed, knowing she had to give up something otherwise her friend would press for a full account. “He was mentioned in the news a while back. Relocated to Denver on business.”
She’d been researching state wide assistance and advancement for the deaf and hearing impaired when she’d tripped upon an article announcing the relocation of Mason Rivers, golden boy and heir of Rivers Audio & Video Inc. The fact that Mason and his family made millions revolutionizing and promoting audio equipment and concert venues while the daughter he’d forsaken lived in silence was just one of the reasons Chrissy resented the manipulative heartbreaker.
“He’s a musician, right?” Georgie asked. “What? Did he get famous or something? How did he rate a mention in the news? When? Where? The newspaper? Television? Radio? On-line? For God’s sake, Chrissy. It’s been five years. Give up the ghost.”
She shook her head. “Dad and/or my brother would kick his ass if they knew who he was.”
“Can’t say he doesn’t deserve it.”
“Except he could retaliate.” Mason’s lawyer, or rather his mega rich family’s lawyer, had made that point loud and clear. “I can’t risk it.” Tamping down her growing frustration, Chrissy blew out a breath. “Listen, I don’t want to talk about him and I don’t want to risk running into him. Especially not with Melody along. Hence my problem with Denver.”
“The on-going mystery regarding the identity of Benedict Romeo aside,” Georgie said, “what are the chances of running into him in a city as big Denver? Although I guess any chance is bothersome. I’ll cancel the trip.”
Chrissy stared.
“We don’t have to do a full-out holiday weekend. Maybe I can book us a cheap cabin closer to Nowhere. Who needs Christmas hoop-la? We can make our own special magic. Also, not to spoil the surprise, although I am, we’d planned on celebrating your birthday that weekend. You always get shortchanged on celebrations considering you were born on Christmas Day. Anyway, that’s another reason why the trip wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Chrissy frowned. Why did she suddenly feel like the most self-absorbed person on the planet? No Inseparable’s life was a bed of roses and yet no one had a “stick up their butt” like she did.
“I may be a Scrooge,” she said as the waitress showed with their food, “but I refuse to ruin everyone else’s fun, not to mention my birthday surprise.” She glanced at Georgie, feeling like a jerk because Georgie, although a bit of a screw-up, had a heart as big as Nebraska. “I know you worked hard to make all the arrangements. And Angel is right. Mel will love it. Sorry to be a pain. Count me in.”
Georgie beamed then faltered. “What about risking a run-in with he-who-shall-not-be-named?”
Chrissy shrugged, pretending indifference and willing optimism. “Like you said, what are the chances?”
NOTE TO READERS
This new series comes from the heart and a longtime love affair with fairy tale romances. I hope I provided you with a joyous experience and a few hours of escapism! If you enjoyed BEAUTY & THE BIKER please consider writing a review on any e-tailer or review site (such as Goodreads). Spreading the word helps me to share the love.
Your support is very much appreciated!
Follow the adventures of the Inseparables in the next installment of Impossible D
ream—ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS. For a glimpse of something different, visit my website to explore my many worlds. From steampunk to paranormal to contemporary.
Something for everyone!
www.bethciotta.com
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It takes several professionals to bring a book to life. Special thanks to EJR Digital Art for the fabulous cover art! My appreciation to my critique and editorial team—Elle J Rossi, Cynthia Valero, Bev Katz Rosenbaum, and Deborah Richardson (DRE&MS)—and to digital formatter Amy Atwell (Author EMS). A huge thank you to my marketing advisers: Bards of Badassery. You ladies rock! My on-going gratitude to my champion and agent, Amy Moore-Benson. And lastly, a heartfelt thank you to my husband Steve for suggesting this project and for supporting my dream!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Storytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Dubbed “fun and sexy” by Publisher’s Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Fiction with a twist of humor and adventure. Beth is published in contemporary, historical, steampunk, and paranormal romantic fiction. Beth lives in NJ with her husband, two zany dogs, and a crazy cat. A veteran professional performer, Beth now pours her artistic passion into her writing. To learn more about her colorful life, visit her website or join her on Facebook or Twitter!
ALSO BY BETH…
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The Cupcake Lovers
FOOL FOR LOVE
THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE
ANYTHING BUT LOVE
IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL
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A Wild West Romance
LASSO THE MOON
ROMANCING THE WEST
FALL OF ROME
~
The Glorious Victorious Darcys
HER SKY COWBOY
HIS BROKEN ANGEL
HIS CLOCKWORK CANARY
For an extensive list of stories by Beth Ciotta visit:
www.bethciotta.com
COPYRIGHT
Beauty & the Biker
Copyright © 2014 Beth Ciotta
Cover Design © EJR Digital Art
Stock photo © Kirill Grekov at Fotolia
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Excerpt—Enchanting Christmas
Note To Readers
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by Beth
Copyright