One Hot Christmas (Mercy Island Series Book 2)

by Jacquie Underdown

  * * *

  Mid-morning, after they finally managed to roll out of bed, lazily shower, dress and eat cold ham on toast for breakfast, Hayden retrieved from his overnight bag a Christmas present he had bought for Tennessee.

  He met her in the living room beside the Christmas tree and handed her the beautifully wrapped gift, tied with a gold bow. She kissed his cheek and grinned so wide, his heart warmed to see it.

  “Thank you. Do you want me to open it now?”

  He smiled. “Of course. It’s Christmas morning. I’ve been busting to give it to you.”

  She tore at the Christmas paper and he chuckled to see her not holding back with her excitement. Inside was a grey felt case. She opened it, revealing a bracelet with a turquoise gemstone the size of a fifty-cent piece.

  The gem was an opaque blue-green colour with a few slightly darker veins running through it as though someone had stirred a different colour into a pool of blue paint.

  “It’s stunning,” she said, and he helped her clip it to her delicate wrist.

  “When I saw it, it reminded me of the ocean. I wanted you to wear it so that when you were having a tough day, you could look at it, see the ocean, and remind yourself where your heart is now. Here. In Mercy Island.”

  She stared at him for a long, silent moment. “That is the most beautiful reason I’ve ever received a gift. Thank you so much. I absolutely love it.”

  He smiled, kissed her lips. “I’m glad.”

  “Now, you need to stay here for a little while. I have something I need to do, then I will give you your surprise.”

  His eyes widened. “Okay. Any hints.”

  She pretended to seal her mouth closed with a zip. “None at all.”

  “You don’t need me to come with you to help?”

  She shook her head. “Nice try. But no.”

  Tennessee slipped on a pair of shoes, grabbed her car keys and kissed his lips. “I’ll be back soon.”

  * * *

  An hour later, Hayden heard the crunch of gravel from outside as Tennessee pulled into the driveway. He wanted to jump to his feet and run to meet her, but he would play by the rules and wait patiently for his surprise.

  The front screen-door snapped closed, then the sound of footsteps and another clacking, scurrying noise on the timber floors.

  He got to his feet, looked towards the door.

  Tennessee came around the corner with a huge, excited smile on her face. Beside her was Talby, the brindle boxer from the shelter.

  He couldn’t speak for a long moment as the surprise sunk in. His throat was tight, his chest aching. And he had to blink to fight back tears. But in the end, he couldn’t stop them, and a tear fell onto his cheek. He swiped it quickly away, sniffled.

  “I know he will never be Jilly. But I know you formed a really great bond with Talby. You said to work my magic to find these dogs a home, so here I am.”

  He smiled a watery smile, shook his head.

  She let go of the leash and Talby raced towards him, big loping steps. He crouched and Talby bounded into his arms, wagging his tail and nuzzling Hayden’s neck with his snout. “Hey, boy. Merry Christmas, big fella. Looks like you and I are going to be housemates.”

  Hayden looked up at Tennessee, tears in his eyes. “Thank you.”

  She came to him and wrapped her arms around him. “Merry Christmas. I’m so glad you’re happy with your surprise.”

  “I’m so much more than happy. This means a lot. Thank you.”

  She gave a watery laugh. “My pleasure.”

  “Best. Christmas. Ever.” He said between kisses.

  Chapter 15

  Tennessee carried an esky with the two dishes she had prepared for today’s beachside Christmas lunch. Hayden lugged the heavier esky filled with beer, wine and the ingredients Tennessee needed to make mojitos. In his other hand, was a leash for Talby, who loped happily beside them.

  They strolled along the esplanade, passing a playground and a number of bungalows fitted with barbeques, seating and tables.

  “They scored the big bungalow,” Hayden said with a grin as he peered ahead of them. “That’s like gold on Christmas Day.”

  She could see why with all of the other bungalows filled with families celebrating the holiday.

  Hannah and Bear were already set-up and waiting, along with long-term locals who had been friends of Bear and Hayden since they were children.

  Hannah jogged to them as they approached and threw her arms around Tennessee. “Merry Christmas. I’m so glad you’re here.” Then she cuddled Hayden, repeating the sentiments.

  Bear shook Hayden’s hand and kissed Tennessee’s cheek. “Merry Christmas, Ten. Although from the raucous coming from that bed and breakfast of yours, you’ve had a weeklong celebration by the sounds of it.”

  She laughed. “That just about sums it up. Today will be much more relaxing.”

  “Good. No stress. Nothing to organise. It’s all taken care of,” he said with a wink.

  She smiled. “Perfect.”

  Hannah crouched and patted Talby exuberantly. “Oh, my goodness, he is the sweetest dog I’ve ever seen.”

  “This is Talby, my new housemate,” Hayden said.

  “I am in love.”

  Hayden laughed. “You and me both.”

  “Where did he come from?” Bear asked.

  “The rescue shelter,” Hayden said. “Let’s just say he was a Christmas wish come true.”

  “Naw, guys, now I’m getting all puppy clucky,” Hannah cooed.

  Penny came bounding over then and sniffed Talby’s snout.

  “Best mates already,” Bear said with a laugh.

  Hannah pulled Tennessee away and they joined the others, taking a seat around the table. She didn’t miss Bear’s whispered comment to Hayden as she strode away. “Glad to see you both are back on track.”

  Music sang from a speaker. A few decorations were strung along the rafters of the bungalow. A small eucalyptus tree branch, set in a bucket of soil and decked with colourful ornaments and tinsel, sat at the end of the table. Eskies littered the floor space. She couldn’t think of anything better for Christmas.

  Once seated, Hannah bumped against Tennessee’s shoulder and said, voice hushed, “You and Hayden look rather cosy.”

  Tennessee couldn’t mask her coy grin. “You could say that.”

  Hannah’s eyes widened. “So, are you two…together?”

  Tennessee cast a glance in Hayden’s direction where he stood at the barbeque talking with Bear. Her heart filled with warmth. “We’re seeing how things play out.”

  “Is that a no, yes, maybe—?”

  “It’s a yes.”

  Hannah cuddled her. “About time. My goodness, watching you two finally work out you are so unbelievably right for each other was like watching paint dry. Seriously, could you both not take a hint?”

  Tennessee rolled her eyes, shook her head, but couldn’t suppress her smile. “Sometimes I have to learn the hard way.”

  Hannah smiled with more warmth and empathy this time “Yeah, I know. Me too. But look at you now. And with Talby, you’re like a little family already.”

  Tennessee rolled her head back and laughed. “Ease up on the timeline. Early days yet.”

  Hannah smiled smugly as though she knew what the future truly looked like.

  “Anyone up for a swim?” Bear asked the group.

  “I’ll stay back and keep the dogs company,” Ryan said. “And the beer,” he said holding up a half-full bottle.

  Tennessee got to her feet. “I’m in.” Sweat was already misting her skin. It was becoming a regular, unavoidable fixture in this Queensland summer heat.

  Bear threw his shirt off and sprinted down the ramp leading to the beach. “Last one there…”

  She didn’t hear the rest of his sentence, lost to the wind, as he disappeared behind the big pines. Hayden passed Talby’s leash to Ryan, threw his shirt off and was already chasing after Bear. The others were on
their feet.

  Tennessee made a dash for it, giggling and laughing. As she hit the burning sand, she had no choice but to increase her pace until her feet found the cooler, damp sand closer to the water’s edge. She shimmied out of her dress, kicked it off her feet and raced for the ocean.

  The swirling water was cool around her ankles, creeping up her body as she went deeper out. A wave rushed towards her, so she dived into it, rising on the other side. Saltwater dripped from her hair and down her body. She wiped her eyes, could taste salt on her lips.

  Hayden stood amongst the waves looking like a dripping wet, sculpted Greek statue. He took her breath away, made her heart pound and desire throb in her core. She didn’t have to guess at what they would be doing together once they arrived home tonight.

  Like a magnet, she was drawn to him—had to touch him. He lifted her into his arms, her legs wrapping around his waist, before sinking them neck-deep into the water and kissing her.

  “Much cooler in here,” he said.

  She shrugged, gave a cheeky grin as she rolled her hips teasingly against him. “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling much hotter.”

  He chuckled. “My naughty Christmas minx. We’ll have to explore that later on.”

  “I’m counting on it.”

  Under the gaze of the bright sun, they swam and chatted, soaking in the magic of this place Tennessee now called home. She could never have imagined when she was going through the toughest moments of her divorce that it would all lead to here.

  In a way, she was okay with the path she had travelled. Sure, it was painful, full of lessons, but it led her to here. To this gorgeous seaside town where the sun never stopped shining. And to Hayden.

  Yes, it was early days, but now that she had thrown caution to the wind, and literally and figuratively jumped into Hayden’s arms, nothing felt righter.

  After a swim, they headed back to the bungalow, not drying themselves and allowing the breeze to naturally wick the moisture from their skin. Best way to keep cool in the sweltering heat.

  The men got the barbeque going while Tennessee prepared homemade ice-cold mojitos for the ladies.

  “Cheers,” she said, and a chorus of cheers was hooted back.

  When their lunch had settled somewhat and the hottest part of the day was easing, they returned to the beach, dogs included, to play cricket.

  More drinks were poured afterwards, as they sat around laughing and chatting about the year that had passed them by and what the year ahead looked like.

  “No plans to return to acting?” Ryan asked Tennessee.

  She cast a quick glance at Hayden and shook her head. “None. Once you demean yourself as an actor by dying in the most embarrassing circumstances on national television, there’re not too many challenges left after that.”

  Bear burst into laughter.

  “It wasn’t so bad,” Hannah said with a giggle.

  “It was terrible. I still cringe each time I think about it.”

  Bear laughed again. Hayden’s shoulders were bouncing up and down as he restrained a chuckle.

  Tennessee’s eyes widened as she gasped. “Did you watch it?”

  Hayden looked away, winced. “I may have gone home and googled it.”

  “You did?” She covered her face with her hands then peeked at him through a gap between her fingers. “All of it?”

  He nodded slowly. “It was so bad and yet I couldn’t turn away. It was like prodding a bruise—I knew it was wrong, but it felt so right.”

  “You’re weird. You know that, right?”

  He shrugged. “It’s subjective.”

  “I hate that you’ve watched it.”

  He slid an arm around her waist, pulled her closer and kissed her cheek. “I’m still here, Ten. Yes, those scenes are now burnt into my brain forever, but you were acting. I know the real you.”

  “We all know the real you,” Hannah said. “And we love you.”

  The back of her throat tightened to hear such loving acceptance and kindness directed at her. She wasn’t sure she had ever experienced such support in her adult life. “Thank you. That means the world to me. It really does.”

  A song came over the speakers and Hayden jumped to his feet, holding his hands out. “Join me,” he said, swaying his hips.

  She grinned, adoring his personality when he was around people he knew well and was comfortable with. A whole new, loveable layer to him. She rose to her feet and he spun her under his arm, making her giggle, as they danced towards the side of the bungalow under the fading twilight. New stars blinked in the sky overhead.

  Hands on her waist and hers slung around his neck, they swayed their hips to the music. Every now and then, he would take her hand and spin her under his arm.

  He was so strong and powerful against her and that bounty of desire she held for this man flourished.

  When the song ended, they were chest to chest. In her ear, he whispered, “I think it’s time we head home.”

  His warm breath sent tingles along her heat-flushed skin. “I was thinking exactly the same thing.”

  By the time they packed their gear, rounded up Talby and said goodnight to their friends, the sun had descended behind the mountains and a crescent moon illuminated the sky. Tennessee was a little sunburnt and her eyes were stinging from the saltwater. She was full and tipsy but blissfully happy.

  Back at the bed and breakfast, they mustered up some leftovers for Talby and put in him in the fenced backyard for the night. By the time Tennessee had showered and rolled into bed, her exhaustion and the stifling humidity were not going to squash the rising desire she had for Hayden.

  He climbed in beside her and cuddled her to him. “I had the most amazing Christmas. Because of you.”

  Heat flushed her cheeks. “Same for me. When I invited the Christmas spirit into this place to bless my guests with love and romance, I didn’t anticipate that it would include me.” She kissed his lips, his cheek, breathing in his salty scent. When she met his burning gaze again, she whispered, “Is it too early to say that I think I’m falling for you, Hayden.”

  He shook his head. “Not at all. Because I have already fallen hard for you.”

  His admission found a place inside her heart and soothed the last of her scars. When his lips pressed to hers, warm and tender, she didn’t want this day to end.

  She held him tight and whispered against his lips, “Best. Christmas. Ever.”

  More from this Author

  Thanks for reading One Hot Christmas.

  I hope you enjoyed it.

  If you’d like to know more about me, my books, or to connect with me online, you can visit my webpage www.jacquieunderdown.com.

  Reviews can help readers find books, and I appreciate all honest reviews. Thank you for taking the time to let others know what you’ve read, and what you thought.

  If you liked this book, here are my other books:

  FANTASY/PARANORMAL ROMANCE

  The Book of Spells and Such

  After Life

  The Transcendent Series

  The Paler Shade of Autumn (book #1)

  Beautiful Illusion (book #2)

  Beyond Coincidence (book #3

  Unstitched (book #4)

  CONTEMPORARY SMALL-TOWN ROMANCE

  Mercy Island Series

  Pieces of Me (#1)

  One Hot Christmas (#1.5)

  Wattle Valley Series

  Catch Me a Cowboy (#1)

  Meet Me in the Middle (#2)

  Brothers of the Vine Series

  Bittersweet (#1)

  The Sweetest Secret (#2)

  Sweet from the Vine (#3)

  WOMEN’S FICTION/DOMESTIC THRILLER

  The Perfect Family

  The Secrets Mothers Keep

  Beyond Coincidence

  A kind-hearted woman, a brave soldier… and one big coincidence that transcends time.

  In 2008, 250 Australian and British soldiers are uncovered in a mass grave in Fromelles,
France, lost since the Great War. One soldier, bearing wounds of war so deep it scarred his soul, cannot be laid to rest just yet.

  When Lucy bumps into the sad soldier during a trip to France, she doesn’t, at first glance, realise what he is – a ghost who desperately needs her help. Lucy can’t turn away from someone who needs her, even someone non-corporeal, and they travel back together to Australia in search of answers.

  This chance meeting and unexplainable relationship set into motion a chain-reaction of delicate coincidences that affect the intertwined lives of family, friends, and lovers in unexpected, beautiful ways.

  * * *

  Download your copy of Beyond Coincidence from Amazon stores worldwide.

  BEYOND COINCIDENCE

  By Jacquie Underdown

  Sample

  Chapter 1

  Late January 2010

  The early morning sun spattered honeyed light over the village as Lucy steered off the road near the town’s sole church. Fromelles was like many of the rural communities Lucy passed en route from Paris, seemingly unremarkable aside from the blood-soaked history entrenched in the soil.

  Lucy locked her car, headed across the lush fields where, within the earth, soldiers’ remains had laid in wait for nearly one hundred years. She beheld the red-brick perimeter walls of the half-finished cemetery, gaze drawn to the Cross of Remembrance. It pulled her towards it, like a beacon beckoning.

  Striding closer, memories of the Battle of Fromelles moaned like restless ghosts, clung thickly to her skin, and slithered down her throat with every inhalation. Unforgotten emotions clawed at her feet and gripped her ankles, anchoring her firmly to this final resting place as though wanting her, too, to become part of the rich earth.

  She breathed in deeply. It smelled fertile: the woody scent of grass, the mineral-heavy soil, yet it reminded her of death, as though the ripe abundance of greenery had gained its strength from warm, coppery blood and decomposing flesh.

  The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, not from the biting air but from something else entirely, something so present, yet strangely absent. Her throat thickened and ached as tears threatened.