Holiday Spice & Everything Nice

by Conn, Claudy

  I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. "I love you Adam."

  "I love you too princess. Marry me Eve. Tonight."

  I pulled away from him shocked at what I heard. "What did you say?"

  "Eve, marry me. Right now."

  "Yes! Yes, I'll marry you."

  He kissed my hand. "You've made me the happiest man on earth. I love you."

  "And I love you."

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  Scrooge You!

  By

  Nikki Lynn Barrett

  ©Copyright 2015 Nikki Lynn Barrett

  All rights reserved. No part of this books may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems-except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews - without permission in writing from the author.

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, events, and places portrayed in it are products of the author's imagination and are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Other Titles by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  The Secret Santa Series:

  The Secret Santa Wishing Well

  On the 12th Date of Christmas

  'Tis The Season For Forgiving

  Complicated Christmas

  Dear Christmas

  The Masterpiece Trilogy

  A Masterpiece Of Our Love

  A Masterpiece Unraveled

  A Forever Masterpiece

  Love and Music in Texas

  Baby Stetson

  The Melody In My Head

  The Key To My Heart

  Fallen Idol

  Offbeat

  Skyrocket

  Life Won't Wait:

  Queen Of My Heart

  It's Always Something

  About Damn Time

  Stand alone titles

  Scrooge You!

  We Wish You A Ferret Christmas

  Enchanted In Time

  Awards and Praise

  USA Today Best Selling Author

  Her characters definitely come to life and pull you in, her plot is always thrilling, and she loves to keep you wondering just where this path is leading then turns you halfway through just to throw you off track - Literary Misfit

  I can compare Mrs. Barrett to some of my favorite authors that I grew up reading. - Kristy's Reviews & Random Thoughts

  Take my word for it grab this book or any other by this author, get the tissues ready and fall in love with her books like I did. - Racing To Read

  Chapter One

  “What you need is a woman.”

  Kevin Wright barely heard a thing his publicist said until those words. He'd been staring out at the shoppers. A mom and child walked hand in hand, pointing at the window displays full of Christmas goodies. “Huh?” He focused his attention on the phone call with Jack.

  “Dude, pay attention! This is serious. Marianne really screwed up your image, and we've got to do something to fix it. You're being dubbed as Scrooge. Her sob story about how you booted her out when she needed you most is really catching attention. You do not want to be known as Kevinizer Scrooge.”

  “You've got to be kidding me! What the hell kind of shit is this?” Damn her. What a good actress she'd been all these years. “I should have listened when you all told me she was a gold digger.” Now he was paying the price. Between the Scrooge comments and her attempting to throw a lawsuit at him, Kevin knew he needed some kind of help. So much for taking time during the holiday to enjoy his sister's wedding. No, he had to hide out and hope for something to come up to rebuild his image.

  Scrooge. Bah. Yeah, he sure as hell felt like that, but lately the whole scene really dragged him down. The last movie had been a bust, the very public breakup and all-out war with Marianne...

  The things he wished he could be open about haunted him. If they only knew the truth. Kevin didn't know how much more he could take. Either way, a decision needed to be made.

  Another day in a movie star's life. Did every rising star go through something like this at one time?

  “Yeah, you should have, but now we get to deal with the fallout. It'll get better, man. We just gotta up the ante and show the world you aren't Scrooge. Hey, we could let them think it. Maybe you'll get a new movie lead.”

  “What, as Scrooge? Like the world really needs another rendition of the old tale? Scrooge you, Jack.” Fury spiked inside. If he was a smoker, Kevin would have lit up a few, but he'd quit that bad habit eight years ago.

  A loud snort came from the other end of the line. “Scrooge you? I like that. Perfect title. I could find a script writer.”

  “Yeah, laugh it up, why don't you? I'm not amused. I was hoping for a damn break for Christmas so I can enjoy downtime here at home. Guess that isn't gonna work out, is it?” He didn't even bother to mask his annoyance. An elderly couple from a table away glared at him, then shook their heads before clearing out.

  “Be sure to send me lots of pictures of you doing non-Scroogy things. You know, visit a homeless shelter. Be a hero. Save the day.” Jack actually sounded serious.

  “Right. Sure. I'll be sure to give you the highlights. I'm going to go now. I'm almost home, and I'd like to pretend I'm happy so I can avoid the questions.”

  “I'm only half kidding about the pictures, man,” Jack said.

  “Work for it. I'm gonna be lazy for at least a day or two.” Kevin hung up the phone without giving Jack a chance to say anything else.

  He scanned the food court, taking in his surroundings. It had been a long damn time since he'd been in the likes of normal living. His family and friends would be surprised when Kevin walked through the front door of his family home. He'd never let on that he could make it, because at first he hadn't been too sure. With all the drama the last few months, nothing was certain any more. Missing his sister's wedding wasn't an option, but he'd almost come close. You know what they say about almost.

  Now if he could get through the next few weeks without the questions and comments, he'd be good. This whole thing about fixing up his image bugged him to no end. He wasn't the one in the wrong, but because of the “Scrooge” rumors and comments, now his career was on the line.

  “This is lame,” he muttered, thinking back on the last few years. How did he not see the signs? There had to have been some sort of clue. Kevin couldn't be that naive, right?

  Marianne had the upper hand, and she damn well knew it. She'd play the cards right so that everyone else was eating out of her hands.

  He rolled his shoulders in alternate movements, hoping to kill the knots. No dice. Was there a masseuse in this mall or nearby? What purpose did this mall serve, anyway? Half the shops were closed out and empty. They should change the name to Ghost Town Mall instead.

  Time to go. Kevin tossed his watered down drink in the nearby trash can and left the food court in quick strides. He'd take a tour of the mall before pulling the big surprise on his sister. Maybe, if he was lucky, he'd find something awesome and spontaneous to buy, another tactic to throw her way off guard. Perfect. Besides, it would be nice to revisit his old stomping grounds. Back in the day, this mall was the place to go.

  So much had changed. Then again, life was full of them.

  *****

  Today's the day. No matter what, I have to take the test and know for sure.

  Sasha Moretti took two steps outside in the bitter cold and wanted to go back to the mall. With her shift over and done with at Sphere- the only halfway decent clothing store left in the mall, she couldn't wait to get home, off her feet, and catch a nap before the festivities tonight. Not that a weddin
g celebration was a favorable plan, but it beat spending it home alone. However, when you were invited by your ex-boyfriend as a stand-in date, it stung. Jace Akerson's new girlfriend couldn't make it, since she was halfway across the country doing a calendar shoot. At least the woman wasn't the model, only the photographer, but Sasha couldn't compare.

  She didn't fault Jace. It's not like they broke up on bad terms, and he didn't leave Sasha for the other woman. They just couldn't make it work and realized that fact before either could commit to a dead end relationship. A dead end relationship that could become complicated, depending on what today's results would bring.

  Friend zoned. Yeah, she'd made the decision too, but Sasha was sick of the friend zone. She was sick of dead end jobs. Most of all, she was sick of small town gossip and knew she'd get all sorts of it tonight because she'd stupidly agreed to be Jace's plus one at a party for the royal couple.

  Okay, not literally royal couple, but in this town, the Wright family was royalty. Most recently added to the 'royal' lineup was Kevin. The only son, golden child, and notably the biggest breakout movie star in the last five years. Caught in a scandal, Kevin's name and face had been plastered all over the news. No one knew if he'd even show for his baby sister's upcoming nuptials. Just hours ago, Sasha heard people taking bets. Big wagers, too. Come on, really? Didn't anyone have anything better to do with their lives?

  Apparently not.

  She clutched her purse close to her chest, hunkered down, and sprinted toward her car. Bad, bad move. Ice covered the ground. Ice plus crappy, worn out pairs of work shoes didn't mix.

  “Watch out below!” someone shouted as her feet decided they wanted to be at the top instead of her head. Brace for impact!

  Sasha cringed, but she never hit the ground. Someone caught her, and they were barely struggling to stay on their feet.

  “For some reason, I feel like singing 'If I Fall You're Going Down With Me'. But somehow that doesn't seem appropriate. How about we both stay on our own two feet, eh?” A deep voice drawled as steady arms surrounded her. The chill faded as the man's body heat became a slight reprieve. She should let go and get away. Sure, she'd do that. In just a second. Absorbing warmth and comfort, she couldn't find a thing to say. A simple thank you would suffice, but no words formed on her lips. Well, crap! She must look like an utter fool right now!

  Sasha let herself be weak for a moment and melted like butter against the newcomer. She'd expected a break, a sprain, a bad fall. Maybe a concussion. Knowing her usual luck, she would have had all three.

  “Whoa there. Hold yourself up. Are you dizzy? Let me help.”

  Why did that voice sound so familiar? His tone changed from sarcastic to caring within seconds. Forgetting for a second that she'd been caught before breaking any bones from a fall and the embarrassment from the position, her mind raced. It wasn't a voice she'd heard in a while, but it felt as if she had!

  Sasha finally looked up, regaining her composure. Gorgeous chestnut brown hair, dark green eyes. That smile. The one plastered all over the newspapers and TV and movie screen and-

  Well wasn't that just her luck! Nearly being fired from work today, slipping on ice in haste, and now landing in the arms of Kevin Wright, A-list actor and small town royalty. The boy she'd silently loathed in her high school years, because why should a jerk look that damn good and get all the fame, glory, and everything else handed to him? Did he ever work a day in his damn life?

  All right, so maybe she'd been a little envious at how easy he had it, but still!

  Sasha jerked away from him like he'd become a hot poker. Keeping her tongue in check, she muttered a thank you and spun on her heel, nearly slipping again. She clenched her jaw as Kevin reached out for her once more.

  “For a second there, I thought you were a mime. So the lady does have a voice,” he teased, his tone lighthearted, playful, and agitating!

  “Are you ever serious?”The words slipped from her lips before her brain signals screamed 'Bad idea!' Too late for that now.

  “Sure, I'm serious. In fact, right now, I'm seriously considering walking you to your car, because I'd hate to leave not knowing if you'd make it home because you hurt yourself. Ice isn't very friendly.”That smile, that damn arrogant smile! How dare he mock her! Kevin left eight years ago, though he'd made frequent trips home. Sasha had always managed to avoid him-except for this time. She didn't associate with his type if at all possible.

  He didn't recognize her, either. Or if he did, Kevin never pointed it out. A jab of hurt pierced her heart, and she forced the feeling away. Why did she give a crap that he didn't know who she was when she never liked the guy anyway? Of course he wouldn't give her the time of day back then, and that meant having no clue as to who she was now.

  Girl, you're being stupid. Emotions had a way of screwing with the mind, especially on cold, December afternoons.

  Ice isn't very friendly? Who says that? Maybe your script writer should give you real life pointers,” Sasha snapped. Okay, so he kept her from falling, but did he really have to poke fun at her severe lack of coordination?

  Something flashed in his eyes. A flicker of anger, perhaps? He blanched. “Recognized, huh? For the record, I don't need a script writer, and you don't need to be so snippy.”

  No, she didn't. Being called out for her bitchy attitude by Kevin sucked. “You're right, I don't. It's been a bad day, and I guess I'm not in the mood for sarcasm. I really do appreciate you breaking my fall.”

  “Now, if I could get you to smile, the sun might come out.” He quirked up a brow.

  Sasha laughed, not even sure why she did so. Kevin didn't have to try hard. Stupid lines or not, he did them so naturally that it caught her off guard.

  “A laugh! Ooh, even better! So, how about that escort to the car? You know my name... but I don't know yours. Make my Christmas wish come true and tell me?” He cocked his head to the side and aimed a pleading look her way.

  She snorted, searching her purse for her car keys. “Now you're using your movie lines. If you'll excuse me...”

  Genuine hurt stretched across his face in the form of a frown. “You must know me and not like me for some reason, which puts me even more at a disadvantage, because I don't recognize you. Either that, or you've seen the news about me lately. There's two sides to every story.”

  “Get over yourself, Kevin. Yes, I've seen the tabloids. Big deal. Your life is your life. Yes, I know you. I went to school with you all twelve years. You were so wrapped up in your royalty life that you never paid attention to who I am- and before you say it- no, I never had a crush on you, so I don't hate you for not recognizing me.” Anger fueled her outburst, though she wasn't a hundred percent sure why.

  “Whoa there. Why are you putting words in my mouth? I never even said that!” He threw his hands up in the air.

  And slipped.

  Sasha couldn't catch him, but she tried, and when he landed on his back side, she fell on top of him. Her keys landed on his left side, her purse slipping off her shoulder and smacking him square in the chest.

  Their faces were inches apart. One hand landed on the ground and stung like crazy from the cold. The other landed on Kevin's broad shoulder. She stared down at his lips. He had a five o'clock shadow. Eyes on her, Kevin let out a sigh.

  Just whoa. Sasha hoped like hell he didn't injure his tail bone. He'd broken her fall, but it didn't mean she wanted him hurt.

  Kevin closed his eyes, then opened them, setting his fiery gaze on her again. “Okay, I'm being serious. That hurt like hell, and we might want to get up before a car pulls out and can't stop. I've died in movies that way. Not sure I want it to be real life.”

  Her chest heaved as she laughed. “Maybe we should. I don't want to play the stunt man. Or woman, in my case.”

  “Two laughs from you within five minutes. Cool!”

  Sasha carefully climbed off him, the palms of her hands freezing, causing them to ache. Kevin managed to get to his feet faster and with more ease,
so he held a hand out to her. She almost lost her footing again when their hands connected, because for some damn weird reason, awareness flowed through her like hot lava. Queasiness settled in her stomach. What the hell?

  “Hey now. Direct me to your car and I'll walk you. Are you okay? You gonna be sick?” Kevin stooped to pick up her keys and handed them to her. “Let me see your hand.” He didn't wait for her to reply. He reached for her hand and inspected it. “Here, I have a pair of gloves.” Before she could protest, Kevin pulled out a pair from his pocket and slipped them over her cold hands.

  “I'm...fine,” she managed. Her mouth filled with saliva. Sasha needed to get home now! Between the dreaded task and this strange encounter with Kevin, she was all sorts of a mess. “T-thank you for the gloves, but once I get in my car, I'll be fine.”

  “Keep them. I've got another pair,” he insisted. Kevin studied her. “You look familiar, but I can't place you.” Confusion flashed in his eyes.

  The next few minutes were a blur. Before her queasiness, she had every intention on telling Kevin who she was, but now this weighed too much on her mind. Sasha vaguely recalled him handing over the keys. She climbed in her car, started the engine, and drove off.

  Today's the day everything could change.

  Chapter Two

  Kevin made it to his childhood home in one piece. First, there'd been that collision with the pretty, but unhappy woman in the mall parking lot. That one baffled him the most, because she knew him and while she looked familiar, he couldn't place her. Then on the way to the house, vehicles went crazy on the road, as if they were on a Slip N Slide. It had been a long time since he'd driven in snow, but Kevin remembered to take it easy. Since he was driving a rental, he took his time even more.