Stranded For Christmas

by N Kuhn

  Then when I overheard her say that her sister stole her fiancé, I wanted to snatch the phone from her hand and hang it up for her. This tiny angel of a woman stopped me though, with her words. She was so timid when she walked into the kitchen. When I finally turned from the coffee pot, her long caramel colored locks were mussed from sleeping but she still looked amazingly beautiful. When I gave her a cup of coffee, I couldn’t help but stare at her eyes. Mossy green with flecks of brown, they glitter with unshed tears. I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around her. Her pink lips were partly open, looking kissable. In the span of a minute, I went from annoyed I had to sleep in the den, to wanting to hold this fragile looking woman. It was nice to hear she had a backbone though.

  When I heard her hang up, then begin moving closer to the door, I had turned and was about to walk away, but decided against it. As I spun around to meet her in the doorway of the den, she ran right into me. Reflexes had me grabbing her so she didn’t fall. I know with all the training I’ve had and continue to do, I’m a solid wall. Jemma looks like she weighs less than my truck tire. My hand slides down to her hip as she looks up at me. Her pert little mouth opens in a gasp and I feel her shiver under my touch. My clothes look huge on her. She’s swimming in my shirt, but it’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. My pulse races as I look down at her.

  “Are you all right?” I ask her.

  She nods,= and licks her lips.

  “How much of that did you hear?” she whispers, her gaze holding mine.

  “Enough to know that I think you and I should have a good day. It sounds like you need a nice Christmas in your life for once.”

  “Jarrod? Son, Jonesy just plowed, so how about you, oh,” my mother exclaims as she steps up behind me in the hallway.

  Jemma pulls away from me and moves to my side so that she can see my mom.

  “Beverly, thank you for letting me use your phone. If you’d point me in the direction of my clothes and tell me where in town I could rent a cheap room, I’ll happily get out of your way. I know you have a full house with your paying guests. I would appreciate maybe a bite to eat before I go. I’ll happily pay you for last night, or Jarrod,” she laughs nervously, “Since it was technically his room I used.”

  “Jemma dear, I won’t hear of it. Jarrod, tell her there are no more rooms in the area. Mount Hope is known for their Christmas festival. We are full and the local hotel is too, but even with no vacancy, we have more than enough room to spare for you. This town sure could use another Bed and Breakfast now that tourism is booming.”

  My mother reaches out, brushing hair from Jemma’s face. I see her her ‘Mother Hen’ look that I know all too well coming out. It’s a small gesture, but it breaks my heart the way Jemma reacts. Her whole body shakes as a sob escapes her throat.

  I won’t have it. I may be ex-military, but seeing this pretty angel cry just wears me right down.

  “You’re not going anywhere. You can stay in my room, and you’re not paying for anything. I’ll get your clothes and then we can go into town and get whatever else you need.”

  I then stomp away before I have to watch my mother wrap her arms around Jemma, which is something I’d really like to do myself right now.

  I rush upstairs, grab clean clothes and take a quick shower. By the time I get back down to the kitchen, Jemma has found her own clean clothes and I assume by her pink skin, has used my mother’s shower. She smells fresh and clean. Mom must have washed her clothes for her. Of course she did. That’s what a good mom does. I feel so bad for Jemma, knowing that she probably didn’t have this type of relationship with her own mother.

  I lean in the doorway as she sits at the small table we use for just family, not guests. She shovels eggs in her mouth like she hasn’t eaten in days. When I looked for her identification last night, she had less than a hundred dollars in her wallet. I didn’t see any credit cards either.

  How the hell did she expect to drive the rest of the way to Buffalo and home on that?

  I hope she has more in her bank account, but I’m not going to worry about that right now. If I can do one good thing before heading to New York, I’d like it to be this; Jemma needs a good holiday and I’m going to make it my job to give it to her.

  “Beverly, these eggs are so good.”

  I step into the kitchen, and place her purse on the table. Those evergreen eyes glance up at me, and her cheeks turn pink as she quickly looks away.

  “When you’re done eating we can go into town. There’s some boutiques you may like where you can get some clothes. Then we’ll hit the drug store and you can get some necessities.”

  “Thank you, but if we can just get my clothes from the car, I’ll be okay.”

  “We’ll stop and see Jonesy while we’re in town, but he only plows inside our little town. The County plows the highway and they won’t get up here until late tonight or possibly even tomorrow.”

  Jemma looks down at the empty plate before her.

  “My treat, please,” I tell her.

  Sliding into the chair next to her, I see those long locks I just want to feel slip between my fingers shaking.

  “I can’t, you’ve already done so much for me. Please, I will be fine in these clothes. But thank you.”

  “I’ll hear nothing of the sort,” Beverly says. “If you can’t accept it as a gift, then you can work for it; but we’re going to take care of you. I need help baking later this afternoon, before the evening festivities in town, and I’ll need help manning the baked goods table. So, please, consider staying here and accept the clothing that will be warmer than what you’re wearing, as payment? Jarrod can take you to pick some clothes out and then take you to see Jonesy about your car?”

  Jemma has such an expressive face; I can see her thinking about it.

  “Okay, but do you need any other help? I don’t want to feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”

  My mother smiles at Jemma and promises to let her know if she should need any further help from her. Mom has the warmest heart and I hope that it helps entice Jemma to stay. Reluctantly, she looks up at me and smiles shyly.

  “Let’s go then, after I help Beverly with the dishes. Thank you, both, for being so kind.”

  “Oh no you don’t. You two kids go on and get out of here. Your shift won’t start until after lunch, so don’t come back until then.” My mother shoos us out of the kitchen and I hear Jemma giggling behind me.

  Our coats are hanging by the door and I grab them, holding Jemma’s out for her. She slips her arms in and pulls the pea coat closed around her. For someone who’s apparently from Buffalo, the snow capital, why would she think that’s a warm coat? With her thin white sweater and barely there black leggings, she’s going to certainly need something warmer and I know just where to take her.

  I scoop up my black knit cap and shove it over her head. She looks up smiling at me and I melt. Her face lights up with that grin. With my hat pulled over her hair, and little pieces peeking out to frame her face, I find myself more and more attracted to her with every second together. I pull on my blue ski jacket and open the door.

  As we step outside, the frigid air blasts us. My face turns up towards the sun, soaking up the rays. It finally stopped snowing. My father is outside sweeping the snow from all of the vehicles, my truck already running.

  “Hey son. I got you ready to go, your mom said she was going to have you take Miss Jemma into town. Ma’am.” He pretends to tip his hat to her.

  Dad’s old school southern, transplanted here from Georgia when he met my mother. She says he’s a charmer, I just think he’s a great man with old school values that you don’t see anymore.

  “You must be Frank. Thank you so much, for all your family has done for me.”

  “Well, we’re just glad you’re okay. It was scary there for a bit last night, but Doc said you just needed to get warmed up and take it easy.” He walks over and gently shakes her hand.

  “Like she can take it easy with Mo
m putting her to work baking and helping at the sale tonight, but Jemma refused to get warmer clothes without working for them.” I look down at her and she seems embarrassed.

  “Okay dad, we’re going into town. Do you need anything?”

  “I’m good boy. You go on now, and drive safe. Jonesy bought that cheap road salt this year,” he shakes his head and returns to cleaning snow off of the guests’ vehicles.

  I open the passenger door to my truck and am greeted with warm air. I then help boost Jemma up into the cab, and shut the door behind her.

  “Son, you be careful, you hear?”

  “Yeah Dad, I heard you, cheap salt,” I shout back as I round the front of my truck.

  “That’s not what I meant young man. You got leaving on your face like a second skin and she looks like she could use some staying.” His words cause me to stop dead in my tracks and I look over at him.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Jarrod, you think we don’t know you’re itching to get out of Mount Hope? We were your age once, you know. Trust me, I see it.”

  Hanging my head, I stare at my feet.

  “Yes sir.”

  “Just be careful with that girl. I don’t think she needs anymore hurt in her life.”

  My dad returns to shoveling and I hop into my truck, his words repeating in my head.

  As we silently drive through town, I find myself constantly stealing glances at Jemma. She’s staring out the window, happily taking in the scenes. Houses are decked out in lights and decorations and light posts are covered in garland. As I pull onto Main Street, I’m startled when I hear her gasp.

  Looking to where her attention is focused, I can see the festival being set up. There are parade floats slowly moving around, balloons, inflated reindeer and lights everywhere. Even though it’s early morning, the city is bustling with movement and preparations for the big event.

  “Wow,” she says breathlessly. “This is, amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  As soon as I pull into the parking spot, she bursts from my truck before I can even turn the vehicle off. The speakers by the stage are already blasting Christmas music and It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas is playing, ironically. Rushing after Jemma, I take her hand.

  “Jarrod, this is phenomenal.” Her eyes are wide, just like a child on Christmas morning. Her tall black boots cover her thin leggings almost to her knees. Her black jacket helps her stand out against the white snow covering everything. Her icy fingers lace in mine and I look down. I don’t remember the last time I held someone’s hand.

  “Hey,” I say, stopping her from running to the floats, “Let’s do some shopping first. You need gloves if we’re going to be out here for very long.”

  She nods in agreement but then playfully pouts as I make her turn away from the festivities and come inside the nearest boutique.

  Chapter 4

  Jemma

  Jarrod’s warm hand encases mine as he leads me into a small store called Shelly Bells. From the window front, it looks like expensive fashion clothes, but once inside, there are racks of jeans, sweaters, vests, scarves, and everything else you could possibly need to dress warm and still look nice.

  “Pick out a few outfits and make sure they are warm. I’m going to grab you a pair of gloves.”

  He turns from me and I stare in awe at the racks. Turning over the price tag of the nearest pair of jeans, I have to say I’m surprised that they aren’t as expensive as expected for a place in the middle of nowhere. If you have to travel so far to buy things, most places would jack their prices up. I scan the rack and grab two pairs of jeans. I also pick up a few of the sweaters I fell in love with at first sight. There was also a whole rack of Ugly Christmas sweaters! Grabbing one, I turn and almost run into Jarrod.

  “Here, these will keep you warm, but they still let you do things. They aren’t as thick.” He hands me a nice pair of leather gloves.

  “Thank you. This, I feel like this town is where I belong. Like my flat tire was just a sign that I need to be here.”

  “What about almost dying? Was that a sign too?” His voice has an edge of anger. I step back instinctively. “Don’t be afraid of me, Jemma, I saved you, I would never hurt you. It just still bothers me, how I found you.”

  “Oh yes, thank you for that, I mean, saving my life. You know? I haven’t thanked you yet.”

  He reaches out, brushing my hair back. I look up, enjoying how his long hair is brushed back, exposing his face. He has a rugged look to him. His olive sweater, black puffer vest and jeans look almost preppy, but the muscles that fill it out make me think of a lumberjack.

  “Nice sweater,” he quips. “I’m going to get us some coffee, you shop and just let Shelly know to put it on my account.”

  Without waiting for an answer, he turns and leaves the store, the bells jingling as he exits. I stare after him for a moment, enjoying the sight of him from behind.

  Wow, I have a lot of new stuff going on. My Christmas cheer is returning, my libido has awakened finally, and I’m getting this awesome ugly sweater to wear while helping a stranger bake. I’m going to make the most out of this holiday. Who knows, I may never leave this place. I miss the snow living in Charlotte. This small town may just be what I need to move on with my life. I grab a few long sleeve thermal shirts, socks and a pair of snow boots that will be smarter to wear than my dress ones. Tapping my toes as I look at the other clothes, I sing to myself as I scan the rest of the store. The lone sales person in the store had stayed behind the counter, sneering at me here and there. Her pink plaid shirt was tight around her chest unbuttoned quite a bit. Apparently I don’t dress like the rest of the town girls. Looking down, I take in my long white sweater and black leggings, knee high boots. Hm, maybe it’s time for plaid. I pull a green shirt off the rack, looking over the pearl buttons.

  “I simply must go,” I sing along distractedly with the radio.

  “But baby, it’s cold out there,” I hear the ruff voice from behind me.

  Butterflies fill my stomach. It’s so strange, I’ve only known this man for about two hours, and already I can not only pick his voice out, but he can send my body awhirl.

  “Sorry, the song is just so catching,” I explain to him.

  He smiles, it lights up his face and I catch sight of a scar hidden under his hair, just above his ear. Without thinking, I reach up and the locks away. He pulls away and I drop my hand.

  “Sorry,” I mumble.

  “Stop apologizing,” he whispers. “I had a close call with a bullet in Iraq. It’s nothing,” he hands me a coffee and takes the clothes from my arms. I follow him silently to the register.

  “Hey there Jarrod, I’ve missed you. Save me a dance tonight darling?” The petite blonde behind the counter winks at him, completely ignoring me.

  Her flirtatious behavior is blatant and obvious. I snort. Of course he would have a girlfriend and women falling all over him. Looking at him, I take in how handsome he really is, with a body that looks just as delicious. The sales woman glances over, pinning me with an icy glare.

  “It’s so nice, are you helping your guests shop now? He’s such a good man honey, you’re so lucky to be a guest at that bed and breakfast. Jarrod here is a war hero. Got a medal and everything for getting hurt and saving lives. He’s famous around here. Even came back with good job offers, isn’t that right honey? You’re going to be getting out of this small nowhere town and some lucky woman is going to get to go with you.”

  “Shelly, this is Jemma, she’s staying with me for a few days, as my personal guest,” he drops the clothes on the counter. I look at him, surprised.

  War hero, leaving.

  Wow, he seems so comfortable here, proud of this little town.

  “You can put these on my account,” he states, his voice cold. Her eyes widen. I sip on my coffee and just nod.

  “How sweet of you, to help those less fortunate at this time of year,” she says with snark. Her voice raises an o
ctave. “So Jarrod, can I entice you to pick me up for the festival tonight?”

  Her pearly whites glisten as she grins widely at him, batting her eyelashes. I can’t believe he won a medal, but I can get that he saved lives, hell he just did it to me last night.

  “Sorry Shelly,” he wraps an arm around my shoulder, pulling me tight against him. “I promised Jemma I’d take her and help mom out with the bake sale.” I play along since he hadn’t said anything about taking me.

  “Yes, I can’t wait for Jarrod to show me what this festival is all about. I’m so excited. There’s dancing?” I ask, looking at him, ignoring the other woman who’s pout is getting annoying. She makes little noises, trying to get the attention back on her.

  “As much as you want. I’m sure mom will let go of you for a bit so I can take you for a few circles around the floor.” Playing it up, I lay my head on his chest. Since he stands a good foot taller than me, I feel like I fit perfectly there. His warmth covers my body. Shelly starts ringing up our purchase with a pout. After handing the bags to Jarrod in a huff, she turns her back to us, pretending to be busy as we let ourselves out.