Stranded For Christmas

by N Kuhn

  The look of pity on her face is enough to drive me out of the room. In the bathroom, I peel my flour crusted clothes off and jump in the shower. The steaming air fills the room, and I scrub my face with the hot water. Looking around, I realize this is Jarrod’s shower, the only stuff to use is men’s shower gel. Men’s shampoo. Sighing, I open the container, inhaling the amazing citrus and pine scent that comes out of the bottle. Shrugging, I use it anyways. I take my time, enjoying the hot spray.

  When I finally step out of the shower, I wrap a towel around me and move towards the mirror over the sink. Wiping the condensation from the glass, I stare at myself. My eyes look sunken and bloodshot with dark circles. I really look like hell.

  Pushing away from the sink, I move out into the room. The air is chilly and I shiver. The bags Jarrod had brought up are waiting for me on the bed, so I begin opening the first one to find my new clothes. I’m lost in my thoughts as I wonder how the jeans will feel going commando since I didn’t think to buy underclothes, when the door suddenly swings open.

  “Shit, I’m so sorry,” Jarrod exclaims as he backs out, shielding his eyes.

  Screaming, I grip the towel tighter. My pounding heart beats violently against my chest and I try to calm down.

  “It’s okay. It’s your room, I’m sorry. I’ll just-“

  Jarrod cuts me off.

  “No, no, I should have knocked. You’re staying in here for now. Here, I’ve brought you something,” from behind the door, his arm reaches in and he drops my suitcase!

  Oh underclothes!

  “Thank you,” I call out loudly, hoping he hears me. His footsteps move away from the door. “This is great!”

  “No problem. See you downstairs.”

  Getting dressed quickly, I brush through my hair, brush on a little of my makeup then look in the mirror again. Now, I look a little better. The makeup covers the bags and the pink flannel shirt actually looks cute. It feels great to have my things. I turn the cell phone over in my hand and then throw it into the bottom of my suitcase. I don’t need it. There’s not one single person I can think of that I want to speak to right now.

  Running a hand through my hair, I turn and bounce down the stairs with my new boots in hand. The heavenly smell of cookies and something else fills the air and my stomach growls. Entering the kitchen, I see Jarrod at the freshly cleaned counter with a bowl of soup. He looks up at me, his face flushed and red. He quickly glances back at the bowl before him and I giggle. Beverly turns, soup in hand, and sets the bowl on the counter in front of a stool next to Jarrod.

  “There you are. You look refreshed.” She waves me to the stool, before turning away to fill another bowl for her and Frank.

  I smile, drop the boots next to the stool before diggin in. The taste of bacon, cheddar and potatoes warms my belly and explodes on my taste buds.

  “I like how my shower gel smells on you,” Jarrod whispers in my ear.

  My turn to blush.

  “Thank you so much for my things. Did my car get towed in?” He shakes his head no. “You just, went out there to get my things for me?” He nods, spooning soup into his mouth. “Thank you, I think that’s amazingly nice. I feel like thank you just isn’t enough for all that you’ve done for me.”

  “So,” he says, looking up at me. “Ready for the festival? After lunch, I figured we would head out so you and mom can sell these cookies, and when they are sold out in an hour, I’ll take you around to see everything.”

  “I can’t wait, I’m actually really excited,” I answer.

  Beverly sets boxes filled with the bagged cookies on the counter and shuffles off.

  “I’m going to get ready. You kids go ahead and set up. Frank and I will be there soon after.”

  She disappears from the kitchen, leaving us alone. I turn my head to look at Jarrod and find he’s got a smirk on his face.

  “My mother’s subtle way of giving us alone time.”

  He scoops both of soup bowls and up and deposit them into the sink. I lift the furry black snow boots we’d purchased on our trip into town, and tighten them on to my feet. Standing, I stomp a few times and Jarrod spins to face me.

  “Nice. You look much better suited for the cold. Er, not that you didn’t look nice before. Damn. Sorry, I’m not good with this; but, you look nice.”

  I grin, grab some of the boxes of treats, and move toward the hallway with a bounce in my step. I hear his heavy steps following me. At the entrance, I slide the boxes onto the small entry table and reach for my coat. Jarrod’s arm wraps around from behind me. I feel the heat of his body against my back as he pulls the jacket down and holds it out for me. I slip my arms into it, my fingers fumbling with the zipper.

  My spirit is almost fully lifted. I’m looking forward to the night ahead of us and I don’t care a bit about waking up with no presents. I don’t care about being without my family as they won’t care about me not being there either. I want the most out of this night. Hot cocoa, snowflakes falling, dancing, the parade, all of it!

  “What are you thinking about there darling?” Jarrod asks me.

  “How wonderful this Christmas is going to be.” I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my face.

  Jarrod’s eyes glisten, making me think of Santa. He’s so happy and I really like that about him. He’s not miserable or angry. He seems to enjoy being around his family and that’s what I want. I want this life, a small town, knowing everyone.

  “Well, then let’s go make this a Christmas to remember.”

  He grabs his boxes and mine, carting them all to the truck. I turn my face up to the sun, enjoying it while it lasts as I know it will be dark in a few hours. My anticipation is building at the wait I have to endure to see all of the parade floats lit up and to hear the music. Looking back as I climb up into the tall truck, I see Frank and Beverly peering out of the window in the living room, both smiling. As soon as they see me, they rush away, the curtain swinging in their wake. Laughing, I hop in and shut the door behind me.

  “Yeah, they are definitely not being very subtle about any of this, huh?”

  I shake my head.

  “But I don’t mind it. I think it’s sweet they care so much about you, and hell, they don’t even know me and I’ve already had more fun and more people there for me than ever. I really am loving it here. I mean, some things have been awful, and I still can’t believe I was so bad off last night, but this has been one of the best days I’ve ever had.”

  “I’m glad. Hopefully we’ll make it even better tonight.”

  Jarrod winks at me and my stomach does flips. I haven’t had butterflies in my belly since I was in high school. It feels good, refreshing, almost as if I’m finally claiming my life back.

  Chapter 7

  Jarrod

  The light in Jemma’s eyes is enough for me. My parents were obvious in their match making attempts, but I feel that they don’t need to do anything to help. We’re hitting it off pretty well on our own. My trip earlier paid off well. My body hasn’t stopped itching to hold Jemma since seeing her in my bedroom wearing only a towel; but the look of delight on her face over her suitcase was worth it. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that smile remains on her face for the rest of the night.

  I park the truck close to town, but far enough that when it’s time to sneak away I can get out quickly. As Jemma gingerly takes the boxes of cookies, I slide the folding table out, along with the box of signs and table clothes. We set up right in front of Jonesy’s where he’ll be selling homemade hot chocolate mady by his wife. Every year, the money we raise with all of this. The cookies, the food, everything, goes to paying for next year’s event. Each year, it gets bigger and bigger and brings in more tourists. We’re becoming a great getaway for couples for the holidays. I think if I moved, I’d miss this town too much.

  As Jemma and I are setting up our things, Jonesy comes out.

  “Hey there son, heard you were out at the Mercer place today,” he says, moving towar
ds us with the big pot of hot chocolate.

  Shaking my head, my eyes widen as I try to get him to leave the topic alone. Until later tonight, I’d like to keep it quiet. Apparently getting my point as I shake my head vigorously, he smiles and winks.

  “What’s the Mercer place?” Jemma asks.

  Damn it Jonesy.

  “Ah, nothing dearie, just some local talk.”

  She smiles at him, and it’s a kind smile, not a fake one like Shelley or anyone else would have done just to placate him. I like that about her. She seems real, genuine, which is great and refreshing, as well as shocking since the people in her life seem to have shit on her.

  We set up the cookies and stand behind the table as families and couples begin to crowd the street, waiting for the parade to start. I see Jemma shiver, even though she has on her coat, hat and gloves. Stepping sideways, I wrap an arm around her shoulders. She smells like my shower gel and cookies. It’s an odd mixture, but smells amazing on her.

  “You two just look darling now don’t you? Jarrod, you two shoo. Go on and show Jemma the fest.” My mother rushes up behind us, startling Jemma.

  She giggles as she pulls out of my hold.

  “Bev, we’ve got it all set up. I’m ready to work,” Jemma tells her. “I can walk around later.”

  “No, no. I will do just fine. You go check it out. You’ve never been to one of these!” Mom wraps her hands about Jemma’s shoulders, practically shoving her into me. I catch her, stepping towards the front of the table. I pull out my wallet.

  “Jonesy, we’ll take two hot chocolates; and Mom, I’ll take some of those cutouts.”

  After paying for our treats, I hand a cup of chocolate and one of the cookies to Jemma and then lead her down the street to where I locate an open bench in front of Shelley’s. Sitting on the cold wood, Jemma leans in closer to me.

  We enjoy our treats as the parade begins and I enjoy the enthusiasm in her eyes as the lit up floats move by. She sings out loud with the carolers sing and claps as it ends. Standing, I toss our trash in the garbage can and turn back to her. Taking her hand in mine, I lead her in the direction the parade went, heading to the center of Mount Hope. There, they will be lighting the large tree in the town square.

  As we stand on the edge of the crowd, I turn to face Jemma. She tilts her face up towards me, cheeks rosy from the cold and her eyes glitter under the street lamps. Closing the distance, I capture her lips with mine, kissing her deeply. She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls her body tight against mine. My entire life shatters in that one kiss. I know I can’t move away, and I know that I don’t want Jemma to leave and go anywhere. As we pull apart, the crowd cheers. Jemma turns towards the tree, grinning like a child at the lights.

  “Come on,” I take her hand. “I want to show you something.”

  I lead her towards the truck, but she suddenly resists and pulls back on my hand.

  “I’m supposed to be working off my expenses with your mother, and what about the dancing?”

  Chuckling, I pull her close again, kissing her silent.

  “My mother was never going to allow you to work with her all night; she only said that to make you feel better, and, we’ll be back for dancing. But, have you ever ice skated?”

  She nods.

  “I grew up in Buffalo, hockey is a way of life, even for girls.”

  “Good, let’s go.”

  I help her into my truck, turn up the heat and crank on the radio to a Christmas music station. I’ll Be Home For Christmas fills the cab of the truck and I see the smile fall from her face. Reaching out, I hold her hand, happy when that radiant the smile returns easily. We sing along with the radio the whole way out to the Mercer Place and I feel like I’m a teenager again.

  “Where are we?” Jemma inquires, looking around.

  Without answering, I jump out of the truck and rush to help her out. Trekking through the snow, I lead her around behind the old house. A large wooden gazebo right next to the pond is where the kids would sit and put on their skates, spend time together, eat, and relax.

  I flip the switch under the gazebo roof and the trees that line the pond light up blue and gold. Jemma gasps, then claps.

  “This is beautiful! What is this?”

  “This is the Mercer place. As a kid, we all used to skate here. Then Old Man Mercer died and no one wanted us out here anymore. So, tonight, I wanted to relive my youth and show you a great holiday at the same time.”

  I drop the bag from my shoulder and pull out two pairs of ice skates. I’d checked the size on her shoes in the suitcase earlier to make sure I got the correct size. Helping her lace up the skates, I’m almost giddy with excitement and can’t wait. The box next to the light switch is the radio, and as I click it on, Christmas music spouts from the speakers. Mr. Mercer had gone all out for us kids. The lights and radio would be out here all year round. I was so happy today when I stopped and found they all still worked and that the ice was fully frozen.

  Taking Jemma’s hand again, I pull her out onto the ice. We chase each other, do spins and just have fun. After a while, Jemma moves closer to me and takes my hand. I pull her to a stop, the golden lights shining on her hair and makes it shimmer.

  “Are you particularly attached to living in Charlotte?” I ask her.

  She shoots me a questioning look.

  “Dead end job, not many friends, high cost of living. No, not particularly. Though I’d never want to return to Buffalo either.”

  “How about Mount Hope? Would you want to live here?”

  “I don’t know anyone but you and your family, and your mom said you were going out of state for a job.”

  “Not if you’re here. You’d give me a reason to stay. I’d like to see if this can go anywhere, because since I found you in that car, I’ve thought of nothing but you.”

  Jemma shifts to the tips of her skates and kisses me.

  “I’d love that,” she says breathlessly.

  Laughing, I pick her up and spin us around.

  “I’ve always wondered what it’s like to live in a Bed and Breakfast, and your parents place is so quaint. At least, it’ll do until I can find a place of my own.”

  Setting her down, I shake my head.

  “Think again,” I tell her and she raises an eyebrow at me. “I may have put a bid in on this place today. The way the tourist trade is growing here, my parents are turning people away, so I thought Mount Hope could use a second one. What do you say? Wanna help me open and run another B and B?”

  “I’ll think about it Jarrod,” she snickers while trying to kiss me again. Her hands clasp my face, holding me inches from her mouth. “But first, I think you promised me some dancing.”

  “That I did, darling. That I did. Merry Christmas, Jemma.”

  “Merry Christmas, Jarrod, I’m so glad I got stranded here for the holiday.” I take her mouth with mine again, holding her close as snow begins to fall and sparkle in the lights.

  Looking down at her, I lean to kiss her. Her soft lips sigh againt my mouth. “Jarrod,” she whispers, breaking our kiss.

  “Yes beautiful,” I reach up, brushing strands of hair that blow in her face.

  “I think I’d like to turn stranded into permanent.” Laughing, I pick her up, swinging her around as I skate.

  “Sounds like Christmas music to my ears.”

  The End

  Thank you for reading Stranded for Christmas. This is something new for me. Most of my books are erotic. So a clean romance was something fresh and different. I do hope that you enjoyed it!

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