Holiday Spice & Everything Nice

by Conn, Claudy

“You weren't being one, so I can't. You had every right to get upset at me.” Sasha held him close. “I'm the one who's sorry.”

  “I'm falling in love with you, Sasha. It scares me, especially after all I went through. When I had that part of my life opened up for possible exposure, I panicked. I let it out on you, when I should be dealing with the problem. I have a feeling that even if you and Jack didn't come up with that plan, Marianne would have found another way to get at me again.”

  “Do you get this kind of thing all the time?”

  “Crazy girls trying to ruin me?” Kevin laughed, then his expression turned serious. “Actually, no. Not as much as you'd think an actor would. Marianne was my first encounter, and I fell for her.”

  “I'm sorry.”

  “Me too, but you live, you learn. Here's my projected plan. You eat something while I tell you what I hope will happen in the next few days. It involves you taking a chance with me, and maybe finding a happy ending.”

  Sasha smiled. She loved a good happy ending, especially around Christmas.

  Chapter Twenty

  “So it's settled then,” Sasha said to Arlene a day after returning home. She'd spent the last few days with Kevin in what would become her new town.

  “You don't sound so happy,” Arlene pointed out.

  Standing between empty boxes, Sasha sighed. “I am. I'm grateful, but there's a lot of feeling that comes with moving and uprooting your life.”

  “Your dad is going to do fine. I've heard of the place Kevin and Jack got him in. They're amazing.”

  “I know. I hate the way this all happened.” She surveyed the apartment. They'd been here for so many years. It would be odd not to walk in this place and look for her dad. She wouldn't see him every day.

  On the plus side, he'd get the care he needed. She could visit whenever she wanted, and to help balance out what she would eternally owe Kevin and Jack, Sasha would spend a few days a week volunteering there. It wouldn't be nearly enough after all they'd done for her, but Kevin assured her they'd make it work.

  He was way too forgiving, in her opinion. But Jack had called her to apologize for ever getting her involved in this, and he'd told her he knew the owner and director of the place, so he called in a favor. Something about how he saved someone's public reputation once, and Jack had never asked for anything in return, even though the man said he'd do whatever for Jack whenever he wanted.

  Sasha would never get used to these ways.

  “I guess we'd better get as much packed before Dad gets home from the center.” She sighed.

  “Want some help?” A male voice asked from the doorway. Sasha whirled around to find Kevin standing there, holding three Styrofoam cups of coffee in a cardboard holder.

  “Hey! I thought you had wedding things to do!” Sasha exclaimed, happy to see him.

  His grin widened. “Did I say that? Wrong day. I'm horrible at checking my itinerary.”

  Uh uh, she didn't believe that. “What are you not telling me?” She folded her arms over her chest.

  “I went Christmas shopping for this girl I'm kinda head over heels for,” he replied, flashing a grin.

  She would have shoved him if he wasn't holding drinks. “Kevin!”

  “What? It's for you.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek, then handed her a cup.

  “Yeah, but look what you're doing for me already. Don't get me a present,” she insisted. When he cocked his head to the side and shot her a smug look, Sasha stomped a foot. “I'm serious!”

  “Why not? I want to. Help me out here, Arlene. I'll hold your coffee hostage otherwise,” Kevin threatened.

  “Oh no. I'm not getting in this debate.” Arlene put her hands up. “You kids sort this squabble out on your own.” She reached over, snatched her coffee, and stuck a tongue out at Kevin. They all laughed.

  For the next few hours, the trio got plenty of packing done.

  “I have something I thought you'd might like to wear to Marly Jean's wedding,” Kevin whispered as he wrapped his arms around her.

  “Oh?” He definitely had her interested.

  “This is from my mom's side of the family.” He pulled something from his pocket. Sasha's heart raced and she gasped.

  “Kevin...”

  “I had to get it resized. Yes, I know your size. I'm sneaky that way.” Inside a red velvet box lay a gorgeous sapphire ring. Her birthstone. “You and my great grandmother share the same birth month. Close your mouth, silly girl. This isn't an engagement ring, but it's a promise from me to you that I want something serious. I've never once wanted to give my heart out to someone the way I do you. My mom must have known that, because she was the one who gave me the ring two days ago.” Hope flickered in his eyes. “I'm falling in love with you, Sasha Moretti. After all the hell we've been through, I see a bright future in store for both of us. We just have to trust one another. Are you in?” He held out the ring.

  Hot tears pricked her eyes. “I'm in,” she replied softly, still shocked more than anything. “But don't go around buying me big things all the time. I already have to figure all this out. You're getting me in school, you're-”

  His lips came crashing down over hers for a hot, fiery kiss. “You're talking and thinking way too much. You captured my heart. You make me want to do things like settle down and start a family. We'll make it work together. We can make a promise right now.” He covered her hands with his. “As long as we give ourselves 100% to each other, nothing else matters. I just want you in my life.”

  “I want that, too.” Sasha kissed him again. She'd once believed in fairy tale endings back when she was younger. For the last ten years or so, that dream faded. Kevin Wright made her believe in fairy tale endings again, because he was doing his best to give her one. He slid the ring on her finger and sealed their promise with a kiss, then waited for her dad to come home so they could spend some time with him before the two went off to Marly Jean's wedding.

  *****

  Christmas Day, Kevin spent the morning curled up in Sasha's arms. The guest cottage had become their little place when they wanted to get away. In two weeks, they would be completely moved in their new home three hours away in a gorgeous northern Nevada town. He couldn't wait. He did the best he could keeping her up to date on how his schedule would be for the next few months. There wouldn't be a lot of time home for a while, but they would call every day and he'd fly her out on location when he could. She was also excited to start school, and Kevin planned on putting in a good word for her when he returned to California. She'd be great in charge of wardrobe on sets, especially if any were his.

  On the afternoon of Christmas Day, he spent it with Sasha's family. He held Sasha when she wanted to cry after her father thought she was six years old and was upset because he couldn't find the doll he'd bought her. Later that day, he found her in her room holding the described doll.

  “He may never know me again in the now,” she cried, clutching the doll to her chest.

  Kevin moved to huddle on the floor with her in between boxes. “I'm sorry, baby,” he uttered, pulling her close. “We'll make the best of the time. You can show him all of your memories every chance you get. You're still in his heart, even if he can't remember what time he's in.”

  Before going home, Kevin peeked in on Archer Moretti. He stared at the TV, totally fixated on whatever the show was. Entering the room, Kevin sat on the chair next to the man's rocker. “I don't know if you'll understand sir, but I love your daughter. I'm going to take care of her, and I'll also take care of you. You're both in good hands, but sometimes I mess up. I hope you won't hold that against me, because all I know is Sasha means the world to me. I hope to marry her one day.”

  Her father glanced over at him, his eyes wide. “You're in love with my girl? You can't marry her until she's over eighteen, you know.”

  Kevin chuckled. “Yeah, I'll wait as long as I have to. She's a great gal, your daughter.”

  “She is. I made some big mistakes, but I was trying to giv
e her the life she deserved.” Tears filled the old man's eyes. “Do you think she'll forgive me?”

  “I know, and Sasha knows. She forgives you and loves you, sir. Don't worry. I've got it from here.” He shook Archer's hand before leaving the apartment.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  10 months later

  Camera flashes went off every few seconds. Kevin cleared his throat, wishing he had more water by his side. Sasha stood next to him, and he squeezed her hand.

  “Thank you all for coming.” He stared out in the middle of the crowd, speaking into the microphone. “I know ever since my statement about Marianne Lerner four months ago that you've had many questions. The things that happened behind closed doors were very private and hard to talk about, but Marianne decided she wanted to turn the tables and make me look like the bad guy. I was almost going to let her, until some very brave people helped me overcome my fear of speaking out. Since you've heard about the new role I'm taking on in a movie, I thought I'd share my personal experience after dating an aggressive, abusive female. I'm not trying to point blame or continue being angry. I'm pointing out the facts. You've all heard the recent news about Marianne as she had a mental breakdown in public and physically attacked the man she was dating. I'd like to thank Sean Anderson for also speaking out. Together we've written a script for a movie.”

  The room was quiet.

  “I think the most important thing to say here is men are just as likely to be on the receiving end of physical and emotional abuse. My case wasn't as long or as severe as some who have reached out to me privately to share their story. We're always portrayed to be strong, so admitting these things is never an easy feat. Like most, I wanted to forget it ever happened and not speak about it, because I could put it in the past. I was lucky that I have support around me. My mother, who I've only recently bonded with. My wonderful girlfriend Sasha, who I've known since childhood. I've also recently learned more about her as well. I'm glad I had that chance, because she's an inspiring woman. I love her strength and attitude.” He pulled her close, drew in a deep breath, and continued. “I'm not going to make my case seem like it was the worst in the world. It wasn't. Yes, I was emotionally abused. Yes, there were times it became physical. I never fought back, or at least, I never hit her. I shielded myself, but that was it. Once I went on a movie set with a broken toe because she threw something at me. There were also times she wanted intimacy and when I was trying to bow out, she became very forceful. After doing a lot of research with Sean, we both realized how lucky we were. Some men never make it out of a relationship like that alive.”

  A chorus of whispers filled the room. Kevin wondered what they were all thinking.

  “Sean and I are hoping with the making of this movie that it will show the world men are just as likely to be on the receiving end of abuse, but we don't open ourselves up as often. It's definitely out there. The next twenty minutes will be devoted to questions, but be aware, I will decline answering some if I have to. Thank you.”

  An hour later, two bodyguards escorted Jack, Sasha, Sean and Kevin out of the building. Once they were safely in the car, Kevin breathed a sigh of relief. It was over. He'd dreaded this day for months, but it had finally been said and done. Even though Marianne had hurt him in many ways, he never wanted to slam her, so he made the best effort to provide the facts with as much of a neutral voice as possible.

  “You did amazing up there. This movie is going to change things, especially with how much research you're putting into it.” Sasha kissed him lovingly. “I'm proud of you, and so is your mom. She texted me a little while ago. We're invited for dinner.”

  Kevin was proud of his mom. She'd divorced Dad, and he actually didn't put up a fight. He even went with an alimony deal. Apparently he had another woman he was in love with and wanted to be with her, so he was willing to give Mom whatever she wanted to make her quietly go away. Mom and Sasha spent a lot of time together, especially when Kevin was out on location.

  Marly Jean and Rocky were doing well. Kevin realized they were happy, even if they didn't always show affection the way he and Sasha did. Their version of love was still true, just different.

  Sasha's father had made a smooth transition over to the assisted living facility. They spent a few times a week visiting. Some days, he knew who Sasha was, some days he thought she was someone else, but she brought memories with her and showed her father.

  Sometimes, you had to make the best of what you had. He planned to do that for as long as he could.

  “So, after this movie is done and out, what about a new take on Scrooge?” Jack teased.

  “Scrooge you, dude,” Kevin shot back. “I'm done with that.”

  “All right, all right. But you have to admit, something with the title of Scrooge You is funny.”

  Kevin and Sasha ignored him by sharing a kiss. She whispered in his ear.

  “Go Jack off,” they both said at the same time, making a horrible play on words just as Jack had. “Now that's funny!”

  “Not funny!” Jack harrumphed. “Fair enough. I see what you did there. I'm going to shut up now. But still-”

  Kevin tossed a wad of paper at him. “I'll fire you!” he warned playfully. “We'll strike a deal now. You don't childishly mock my name, and we won't mock yours. Got it?”

  “All right, all right. Your next movie should be a love story. We won't even mention Scrooge,” Jack promised.

  Sasha rested her head on Kevin's shoulder.

  “Only if Sasha plays as my leading lady,” he said. One day soon, he planned to make her his leading lady forever.

  Thank you for reading Scrooge You! If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review at your retailer of choice. Word of mouth is a great way for an author to be discovered!

  About the Author

  Nikki Lynn Barrett is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romantic suspense. She began writing from a young age, completing her first 'book' by the age of ten. Nikki is an advocate for all things creative and loves to dabble in new projects.

  You can contact Nikki by:

  Email: nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikkilynnbarrettauthor

  Reader's group: www.facebook.com/nikkisbooknook

  FINDING TRUE’S LOVE

  By: Teri Riggs

  Finding True’s Love, Copyright 2015 Teri Riggs

  Finding True’s Love is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of Teri’s imagination and resemblance to any organization, event, or person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  I’d like to dedicate this book to everyone who is still looking for their one and only true love. Keep at it. Your soul mate is out there waiting for you.

  As always, I want to thank my family for all the encouragement they give me. I have been blessed.

  Chapter One

  “How are you ever going to catch a man?” Amy threw a sexy wink at True and snapped a selfie of herself kissing a ball of mistletoe. “I swear, girlfriend, you dress like my mother—screw that; you dress like my grandmother. You’re in New York, not Small Town, USA.”

  True winced at her best friend’s words. And not for the first time. “I dress to please myself and no one else. I’m certainly not looking for a man.”

  “If I had a body like yours, I’d show it off.” Amy climbed onto a chair and tacked the mistletoe above the breakroom door.

  “Your body is perfect, Amy.” Amy’s already short skirt rode higher up her legs and True smiled at her friend’s idea of work attire.

  “Yeah, if you don’t mind a size twelve.”

  “A size twelve is normal. You need to stop reading all the silly glamour mags you pick up at the market. They lie. Size minus-twenty is not normal or sexy.”

  “Says the woman with the perfect—not to mention curvy—size four,” Amy muttered and hopped off the chair.

  “I’m far from perfect.” A shudder raced
through True and she wrapped her arms around herself. “Thanks to…” Unable to say his name out loud, she let the words fade.

  “Scott Dunlap was a one-time deal. And a real bastard. I still can’t believe he got away with assaulting you.” Amy jumped down from the chair and laid a hand on True’s shoulder. “Don’t let him win by becoming afraid of your own shadow. Besides, he left town months ago.”

  True nodded. Her heart rate shot straight into the stratosphere and she glanced around the small break room looking for the exit. Every time she thought about her ex-boss running his hands all over her body and beating her when she’d tried to fight him, she had to fight off panic and force herself not to run. She had to make herself breathe. No matter how many times the urge to hide hit, she refused to give in to it. She had to be stronger than that and wasn’t about to let him ruin her life any more than he already had.

  “True, look at me. Focus on your breathing like they taught you in therapy.” Amy tilted True’s chin up. “Focus.”

  A few deep breaths later, her body began to relax. God, how much longer would it take for her life to go back to normal? “I’m okay, Amy. Thanks.” She forced a smile. “I need to get to my morning meeting with Mr. Cantrell.”

  “Why do you insist in calling him Mr. Cantrell? Haven’t you known him, like, forever?”

  “I met him our last year of college. And yes, we dated, but things didn’t work out.” She’d taken a job with Scott’s company, and Nick had gone on to build his empire. “I’m grateful for this job, but I’m not sure working here was the brightest idea.”

  “You have to pay your bills, True. It would’ve been silly to pass on the job because you dated the guy.”

  “You’re right. It hasn’t been bad. I’m comfortable around him. I’m not sure if it’s because I knew him before or if it’s because he seems to bark orders at me all day. Sometimes, I’m not sure why he keeps me around.”