by Elisabeth Naughton, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Laura Wright, Skye Jordan
All Faith’s breath rushed out of her chest on a soft sound of shock.
She pressed a hand to her face. Dropped back to the chair. And in her mind’s eye, her life grew more complicated with the speed of multiplying cells. “I… You… How?”
He sat again, slouching now, one elbow on the arm of the chair, running his hand over his mouth. And shook his head. “This is why I didn’t bring it up earlier.”
“Yeah,” she breathed.
“I don’t have an easy answer.” He leaned forward and slid his hands up her thighs until he took hers again. “The regular season doesn’t end until mid-April. If we go into the playoffs, it won’t end until June. We get a few weeks off, then start training for the season again. I haven’t thought through the details yet. I only know that I’ve been with enough women to know when I’ve found someone different, someone special, someone worth holding on to. And I want that with you, Faith. I want to at least try to make this work.”
His pretty eyes were light with hope. So much hope. And Faith’s mind was spinning, trying to find a way to make it feasible, yet not coming up with much.
Meier must have taken that silence as a not-interested signal, because he shrugged one shoulder and dropped his gaze. “But if that’s not what you want, then, you know, I get it.”
Faith reached for his face, cupped his jaw, and lifted his gaze to hers. “It’s what I want,” she said breathlessly. “But, I’m not gonna lie, it also scares the hell out of me.”
He chuckled, and the sight of the fear and disappointment clearing from his face brought joy to Faith’s heart. She leaned in and kissed him. And with her lips against his, she knew—this was right. This was where she should be now. It was time to take this risk.
When she pulled back, he brushed hair off her face, and a little of that vulnerability hinted again when he said, “I was thinking about it a lot on the way home. My lifestyle isn’t perfect. I travel—a lot. But the owner bought the team a new plane last year, one that’s more efficient and faster and seats almost a hundred people. That means I’m usually home the same night I play. And if we’ve got back-to-back games where we’ll be gone a while, the owner lets the guys bring their girlfriends or wives. And the team would cover your expenses on those trips like they cover mine—hotel, food.”
Streaks of heat coursed through Faith’s chest. Panic? Fear? Excitement? God, she wasn’t sure. “Wait, what…? Are you…?” She didn’t want to make that kind of assumption. “I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
He reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. His eyes were soft and drenched with affection. He looked at her in a way no one had looked at her since high school.
“I waited too long to tell you how I felt a couple of days ago, and I almost lost you. I’m not going to risk that again. You can always say no, but I won’t always have the opportunity to offer.”
“Oh my God.” He was asking. She put one hand over her drumming heart.
“I’d really like you to consider moving to New York with me.” As soon as he said it, he put his hands up as if that would stop the barrage of thoughts and emotion that poured through her. “I know it’s a lot to ask, and if you’re not sure about us, we can find you your own place. But, man, I really love the idea of coming home to you after a long day on the ice, and that is something I never thought I’d say. My place is way too big for one person, so you’d have plenty of your own space. And yeah, it pretty much looks like a bachelor pad, but I could deal with some changes. You know, small ones.”
That made her laugh, but her lungs felt way too small, and she couldn’t seem to get enough air.
“There’s real possibility in Lily’s business model for you, and you can blog and tape videos from anywhere. You could hire a manager for the store and concentrate on this new business plan, shooting videos from the apartment. We could set you up a killer studio in one of the extra bedrooms, with all the best equipment.
“And, don’t get pissed, I was so excited about the possibilities, that on the way home, I called another player who’s dating one of the anchors on a local morning show and asked him to pitch the idea of a weekly Fix-It segment—”
“What?”
He winced a little. “You don’t have to do it. It’s just in the idea phase—”
She squeezed his hands. “Stop. That’s amazing. This is just all so—”
“Overwhelming. I know. I’m sorry. It sounds like I’m going to get called back in the next day or two, and I want you to know everything before I have to leave. You don’t have to make any decisions until you’re ready.”
That let Faith take a full deep breath.
“You could fly from New York to Ashville with just one connection,” Meier continued. “It’s about a three-hour flight, and I’ve got a ton of frequent-flier miles you could use. You could come here once a month if you want, more often if you need to. When I’m not playing or training, I could come with you.”
She put a hand to her temple. “You’re making my head spin.”
He grinned. “Tell me about it.” But then he just kept talking, like an excited kid. “I think you’d really enjoy the team. They’re no different from the guys you deal with in your store every day, and I know you’d be a welcome change to some of the high-maintenance women the other guys have in their lives.
“There’s a lot of laughter, a lot of bitching, a lot of practical jokes, a lot of work, and a whole hell of a lot of meals and hanging out together. We’re sort of one big ugly family, for better or worse.”
Faith’s nose stung with encroaching tears. But these were happy tears. “That sounds…” Warm, joyous, fun… She laughed. “Amazing.”
His brows shot up, and his eyes took on that stunned glaze. “Yeah?”
She laughed and stroked his face. “And scary and unnerving, but yeah.” She kissed him and rested her forehead against his. “If you’re sure you want me around that much, I’m sure I’m ready to give it a try.”
“No way.” He pulled back, eyes wide. “Really?”
She laughed. “Why are you so surprised?”
“Well… It’s… Because…” He regrouped. “Honestly, I didn’t think you’d leave the store. And I didn’t think you’d leave Holly. This is your home.”
“If I’m going to be blogging and filming projects, I won’t have time to manage the store too. I’ve been thinking about moving Joe up to manager.”
“Oh yeah. He’d be a great manager.”
She curled her fingers into Meier’s collar. “And my dad always used to tell me that home was only home because the people you loved were there.” She scraped her bottom lip between her teeth, the realization that she had fallen so hard for this man so quickly making her nerves tighten and shiver. “So wherever you are, I guess that’s going to be my home from now on.”
He cupped her face, scanning every inch while more emotions flashing through his eyes than she could identify. But they were all warm and real, and he made Faith feel like the most beautiful, most wanted woman in the world. “Have I told you how amazing you are lately?”
“I doubt a girl could get tired of hearing something like that.”
He pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her waist. “You, Faith Nicholas, are a-freaking-mazing. And if you’re willing to put up with my bullshit during the season, I am willing to indulge your every desire in the off-season.” He grinned and kissed her. “And every night, on or off season.”
He kissed her again, and that lightheaded sensation returned, making Faith dizzy with happiness. She opened to him for a long, deep kiss filled with emotion. And when she pulled back, she stroked his cheek. “What do you say we close this deal…in my room?”
Meier laughed and pulled her against him, holding her tight. “Baby,” he murmured in her ear, “I’d say this is going to be one very merry Christmas.”
About the Author
Sometimes fun. Sometimes naughty. Always romantic.
I am a New York Times Bestselling Author writing under the pseudonym Skye Jordan for my more…sexually heated…works. My Skye Jordan novels are all about enjoying that little wild streak we all have, but probably don’t let out often enough. About those fantasies we usually don’t get the opportunity to indulge. About stretching limits, checking out the dark side, playing naughty and maybe even acting a little wicked. They’re about escape and fun and pleasure and romance.
And, yes, even love. Because even as Skye Jordan I’m just a happily ever after kinda gal. (Or, in some cases, happily for the foreseeable future.)
Thanks for reading! To learn more about my current books or upcoming titles please feel free to check out my website: http://skyejordanauthor.com/
Thank you for reading All He Wants for Christmas! We really hope you enjoyed this collection and that you’ll consider leaving a review at one of your favorite online retailers. It’s a great way to help other readers discover new books.
As an extra thank you to our wonderful readers, we’ve included an exclusive epilogue featuring everyone on New Year’s Eve. Just turn the page to read more.
Exclusive Epilogue
“Are you sure?” Kelly Evans asked with wide eyes on New Year’s Eve as she stared down at the contract in her hand.
Ella McKinley grinned. “I’ve never been more sure about anything. Except, well…”
She glanced toward the Yuletide Spirits stage where Tate Kendrick and his band were currently playing “Everything.” His raspy voice echoed through the packed bar along with his wicked guitar strings, and as she watched him in his element, singing about her, the last of the ice she’d built up around her heart melted inside.
After the crazy week before Christmas and all that had happened since, Ella had thought long and hard about her decision. Thankfully, the bar had only been closed for two days because of the fire, but Kelly had been instrumental in getting it back up and running. In fact, looking back over the years, Ella knew Kelly was the one who’d kept Ella sane after Kyle’s death. Making Kelly a partner in the bar and letting her take over the day-to-day operations while Ella went on tour with Tate was the second-best decision she’d ever made. The first was falling in love with a rock star.
“I don’t know what to say,” Kelly said, loud enough so Ella could hear her over the music. Even though they were standing in the back and close together, it was still hard to hear. “I won’t let you down. I promise.”
“I know you won’t.” Ella squeezed her friend’s hand. “You love this bar as much as I do. That’s something I realized over this last week. That I love this place, and I didn’t really want to let it go, which was part of the reason I couldn’t sell it. But I know you’ll take good care of it, because it means as much to you as it does me. Besides which, if you don’t, I’ll find out whenever I’m back in town.”
Kelly laughed. “I’m not sure if that’s a blessing or a curse. A partner calling in from the road to bitch and moan.”
Ella smiled. “I don’t bitch. At least not that much.”
“Weeeellll…” Kelly said with a grin.
The two women laughed again, and as Ella turned to watch Tate, her heart warmed even more. He really was an incredible singer. So much better at music than he’d been at baseball. She’d loved to watch him play ball all those years ago, but this was what he was meant to do. And knowing now that in some small way she’d been a part of his success didn’t just flatter her, it made her so proud of everything he’d done during all their time apart.
The song built in speed and crescendo, and as Tate’s magical voice rose above the space, she glanced over at her friends and neighbors of Holly. Everyone in town was packed into the pub, including Meg Anderson, Carol Cardini, and Faith Nicholas, each of whom, it seemed to Ella from where she stood, had their own reasons to celebrate. She looked around for Jemma White and Nora Cassidy. They were supposed to be here.
“It’s nice to see you happy,” Kelly said, drawing Ella’s attention back to her.
“It feels good to let myself be happy.” Ella leaned toward Kelly, thinking about the pencil and paper she’d picked up just last night. She hadn’t done anything more than sketch Tate messing with his guitar, but it had felt right. And she couldn’t wait to get her hands on her paints and return to the other thing she loved. “You were right, you know. I have been hiding in this quaint little town. But not anymore. Life isn’t worth living if you’re not living it to the fullest. And I plan to do that and so much more.”
“Well.” Kelly patted Ella’s arm. “I’d say it was about damn time.”
It was. Way past time. And Ella had Tate to thank for bringing her back to life.
The band struck the last chord, and as the music faded into a sea of hoots and hollers and claps, Tate angled in toward the mike and looked right at Ella. “I think we’re getting close to midnight. The band and I are going to take a break for a bit so we can ring in the new year with that special someone in our lives, but we’ll be back as soon as the ball drops to keep this party rolling, so don’t go anywhere.”
The big screen in the corner flipped to Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve as Tate set down his guitar. He stepped down off the stage and wove his way through the buzzing crowd toward Ella, his gaze solidly locked on hers. And as he drew close, her pulse picked up and all those crazy butterflies she’d felt the very first time he’d looked at her nine years ago took flight in her belly.
“Hey,” he said when he reached her, immediately sliding an arm around her waist.
“Hey, yourself.” She lifted to her toes and kissed his cheek. “You’re amazing, Mr. Rock Star.”
“I do like hearing that. What am I so amazing at?”
“Everything.”
His gorgeous blue eyes softened. “No, babe.” He wrapped his other arm around her, drawing her into the warmth and safety of his strong, sexy body. “If you were listening to the song, that’s you. That’s always been you.”
She lifted her mouth to kiss him again.
Beside her, Kelly sighed. “God, I’m such a sap. I love a good Christmas miracle. But this woman has work to do. You two have fun.”
Kelly disappeared into the crowd. And as Tate deepened the kiss and his hands tightened around Ella’s back, Ella realized something else. Tate Kendrick was every bit her Christmas miracle. Because two years ago she’d thought her life was over. Now, thanks to him, it was finally beginning.
She drew back before she could get lost in the touch and taste and feel of him all over again, and pressed her hands to his chest. “Oh. Wait. I forgot I have to tell Meg something.”
Tate’s brow lifted. “Running away from me so soon? That can’t be a good sign.”
Ella rose back up on her toes and kissed him, grinning the whole time. “My running days are over. That I promise. Don’t go anywhere, Kendrick, because tonight I’m going to rock your world.”
A mischievous smile spread across his lips as she slipped out of his arms. “Now that I can’t wait to see.”
Light and joy and the promise of a real future filled Ella as she wove through the crowd and headed for Meg, standing near the bar with Dylan Cain.
* * *
The town of Holly had turned out in style to enjoy the New Year’s Eve party at the recently reopened Yuletide Spirits.
They all wanted to support Ella, as well as share the joy of the season.
Standing near the bar where they had a perfect view of the stage where Tate had just finished singing, Meg smiled as Ella moved through the crowd and at last halted at her side.
“Great party,” she told her friend.
“It’s a nice turnout,” Ella agreed, a new sense of contentment evident in her relaxed expression. Meg was assuming that her friend’s serenity was due to the man who watched her with a possessive stare. “Thanks for coming.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” Meg assured her, nodding toward Tate. “That man of yours has some kind of talent.”
Ella g
rinned. “More than one talent.”
“Yeah, I can imagine.” Meg chuckled. “Congrats.”
“And the same to you,” Ella said, glancing toward Dylan who hovered nearby. Although he was casually dressed in jeans and a leather jacket, with his hair pulled into a tail at his neck, there wasn’t a female gaze that didn’t linger on him. “He’s…”
“Yummy,” Meg suggested when Ella’s words trailed away.
“Exactly.” With a grin, Ella brushed a kiss over Meg’s cheek. “Happy new year.”
“Same to you, sweetie.”
Ella continued through the crowd, and Dylan moved to place a possessive arm around Meg’s shoulders. They’d returned from Paris yesterday, and moved into the small apartment over the garage at her grandmother’s home. Dylan had already hired a crew to start building their new house, but until it was finished they intended to concentrate on refurbishing her grandmother’s house so it could be sold to a family who could give it all the love it deserved.
“The countdown is on,” she murmured, nodding toward the big screen TV.
Dylan brushed his lips over her cheek. “The start of a new year.”
“And a new beginning,” she murmured, joy bursting through her heart.
Just a few weeks ago she was convinced her life was much better without a man. Now she couldn’t imagine waking up without Dylan’s arms wrapped around her.
“Yes.”
Tilting back her head, she met his warm gaze. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”