Christian Clause: A BWWM Holiday Romance

by Theresa Hodge

  The conversation around the dinner table is joyous as Debra and I catch up on what has been going on in our lives. I deliberately skip out all the nasty details of the way Alice and her new roommate treated me.

  When I told Alice I was leaving that morning, I saw the guilt in her eyes although she tried to hide it. Becky told me ‘Good riddance’, but I didn’t take it to heart. She was only acting from whatever Alice told her of me. I didn’t know her and she didn’t know me, so I didn’t let her parting words hurt me.

  When Alice tried to say something else, I carried my bags and left the house for good. I hope never to come across someone like her again.

  “You must be exhausted.” Debra notices with a small frown.

  I simply nod. Although my flight was in the evening, I left the house in the morning and spent the entire day at the airport lounge, waiting for my flight to be announced. One more minute spent with Alice and Becky, and I was sure I would have lost it.

  “Why don’t you take a bath and go to bed to get some rest?” Debra suggests in her usual motherly fashion.

  “Yes. Please go and rest,” Ray adds.

  Stifling another yawn, I say, “But I want to help do the dishes and put away all this food.” I look down at my barely touched meal of steak, mashed potatoes, and salad on the side.

  Ray chuckles. “Don’t worry about it, Hope. I’ll help Debra put away the leftover food and clean the kitchen.”

  Not wanting to argue because I’m exhausted and in need of sleep on a bed for the first time in weeks, I rise slowly from the table. After bidding them goodnight and kissing Aria’s cheek, I leave the dining room. Taking a shower and lying on the comfortable bed from my childhood, I sigh with pleasure.

  It really feels good to be home.

  Chapter Four

  Hope

  A smile crosses my face as my eyes flutter open the following morning. I can’t remember the last time I had such a refreshing sleep.

  Hearing sleet fall on the roof makes my smile widen. I stretch gracefully, yawn, and shiver from the cold. Sighing, I tuck the thick bed covers securely around me to ward off the iciness. It hadn’t been so cold the previous night, so I have on only a pair of thin pajamas. I forgot I was no longer in the small and cozy apartment in Atlanta.

  Last night, I was too tired to look around the room. Nothing has changed much. My room has always been done in shades of baby pink and blue. I’m glad to see that Debra left it the same. Only the pink carpet was changed to cream. I don’t mind at all; I’m just blessed to have a place to lie my head.

  The four-poster bed Mom bought in a yard sale, the antique table and chair, a small closet, and pictures on the wall are still the same, though. I remember choosing this room out of the other three rooms in the house because I wanted to always see what was going on in the street. Debra loves quietness, so she chose the room overlooking the yard that has been turned to a nursery, while my parents’ room is down the hallway.

  I’m still musing about my childhood when I hear a knock on the door.

  “Come in,” I call, eager to see my sister.

  The door opens to reveal a smiling Debra, who peeks her head around the corner.

  Before I can say anything, she sprints across the floor and jumps on my bed. She dives under the sheets and gathers me in a loving embrace. We both laugh in memory of how I used to jump on her bed when I was younger.

  Debra used to enjoy sleeping in, but I never allowed her. And as a rule, Mom never allowed us to lock our doors with keys, so I always took delight in going to Debra’s room and waking her up for a long talk.

  “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re finally home.” Her voice holds so much joy; all I can do is smile brightly. “I have missed you terribly. Having you living so far away is so not cool.”

  I laugh. “I’ve missed you, too, Deb. I’m home now.”

  Placing a kiss on my forehead and she says, “Well, I hope it’s for good this time around. I know you love Atlanta ever since you schooled there and don’t like the cold weather here, but I missed you dearly.”

  I understand the way Debra feels. We have always been close growing up with four years’ difference between us in our ages. All that changed when I moved away. Debra went to Colorado State University so she would be close to home. We keep in touch, but it isn’t the same as seeing each other and spending hours talking until Mom came to look for us.

  “I know, Deb. I miss our time together, too,” I admit with a grin as we snuggle closer.

  “I just pray Ray can get you a job in his workplace,” Debra says in a voice filled with hope. “I won’t miss you so much anymore.”

  I have mixed feelings about settling down in Cedar Crest. But at the moment, I’m grateful to be home with loved ones. I know little about Ray’s job, except he’s an engineer at Clause Enterprises.

  “I’ll keep my fingers crossed,” I finally say as I don’t know what the job entails, not that I should be choosy at this point in time of my life.

  “Me, too,” Debra concurs. “Anyway, we can look at other places, you know. Maybe you can join me in my interior decoration business.”

  I chuckle. “Maybe.” Changing topics, I ask, “Where’s everyone?”

  “Aria is still sleeping. Ray is at work. So, it’s just the two of us for breakfast.”

  “I like the sound of that,” I remark and we laugh.

  We continue catching up on childhood memories until we hear Aria call for her mother.

  “And her royal highness is awake.”

  We burst into laughter and Debra rises from the bed.

  Watching her with fond eyes as she crosses to the door, I say, “I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

  “Alright, take your time.”

  Humming, I push aside the bedcover and rise from the bed. I catch my shoulder-length hair into a low ponytail before doing my morning stretches. After moving my body, I take several yoga positions.

  Satisfied with my little exercise, I pad across the carpeted floor to the window to draw back the flowery silk curtains and stare out of it with a fond smile. Snow pings against the window and the faint sound of wind graces my ears.

  Winter!

  My favorite time of the year! Even though I don’t like being cold and always have to cover up throughout the season, I love it nonetheless. Christmas used to be my favorite holiday until my parents died, and I didn’t come home often anymore.

  Turning away from the window, I stride out of the room to the bathroom down the hallway to take a shower. I sing a Christmas carol. After my shower, I head back to my room. I was too tired to unpack last night, so I quickly do that before slipping on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. I pull on my favorite blue sweater and black ankle-length snow boots. I walk down the stairs to the sound of Debra and Aria talking in the kitchen. The aroma of fried eggs and bacon fills the house.

  “Good morning, my darling.” I walk over to Aria and place a kiss on her forehead. “I hope you slept well.”

  She nods and says, “Uh-huh.”

  I smile and pull out a chair at the table and Debra pours me a cup of coffee.

  “This looks delicious,” I comment, fixing my eyes on the toast, bacon, and eggs.

  I push back the emotion that clogs my throat. Most times, I skipped breakfast because I couldn’t afford it. Life has really been difficult for me these past weeks. My gaze shifts to the window to avoid Debra’s questioning gaze. With a rueful smile, I watch as the snow bathes the backyard in tiny flurries.

  Refreshed from my night's sleep, I contribute heartily to the discussion at the table, unlike last night when I was so tired. Debra talks about her business and how it is flourishing. It thrills me because things had been tough initially for her when she first started.

  Finally, we finish up the delicious meal and I tell Debra that I have to get some toiletries at the store. In my hurry to leave the apartment, I forgot to pack some. I didn’t worry because I knew I could get everything I needed when I g
ot to Cedar Crest.

  “You can use my car.” Debra sips from her cup of coffee. Adding on teasing note, she says, “You remember the way to the mall, don’t you?”

  Giving her a mocking affronted look, I say, “Of course.”

  “Good. You can take the car wherever you want to go. I don’t intend on going anywhere today.”

  My brows shot up. “I’m only going to the mall.”

  With a twinkle in her brown eyes, she sips her coffee. “Who knows? There are a number of eligible bachelors right here in Cedar Crest. Maybe you will meet one and they will make you forget about your heartache. Soon you will be saying, Terrance who?”

  I let out a sigh and lift my eyes toward the ceiling before meeting Deb’s stare. “Slow your roll, Deb. I only arrived yesterday.”

  Debra shrugs with a mischievous smile on her face. “We really can’t say where we’ll find love.”

  “Oh, please, Deb. Not in Cedar Crest, of all places.”

  Putting down her cup, Debra’s face twists into a frown. “What do you mean by that? Give the men here a chance, Hope. If I hadn’t met Ray at the University, I would have told you they’re men like him around here. Plus, he has good friends he could introduce you to.”

  I laugh and shake my head. “You’re something else, Deb. I’m not ready for anything serious.”

  “Just think on it, okay. We could go on a double date night sometimes.”

  I lift my hands in mock surrender. “Little Miss Cupid, please get off my back.”

  Not waiting for her to reply, I quickly rise from the table, kiss Aria’s sweet-smelling hair and exit the room. Debra’s laughter follows me up the stairs. I shake my head. I came here to find peace and possibly a job.

  Definitely not love.

  Chapter Five

  Hope

  “Why am I not surprised?” I say as I pull up in the parking area of The Cedar Crest Mall.

  The Colorado skies are ominous with the threat of heavier snow. I hope that I can finish my shopping and be in the comfort of the house before it starts getting worse. I stand for a moment, looking at the magnificent edifice. Over the years, the mall has changed from a three-story building into an outstanding structure. The glass and marble building is so huge I have to tilt my head back to take it all in.

  A shudder runs through me. I realize that I’m standing in the cold. I make my way through the throng of other shoppers heading for the entrance. A pair of doormen in red and white uniforms stand at the entrance, opening doors and welcoming people. I walk through the sliding doors, relieved to be out of the cold.

  I can’t help the bright smile that crosses my face when I see how decked the place is for Christmas. Shoppers jostle around me, heading for the aisles, counters, and escalators. I just stand there in the middle of the huge mall, remembering when my mom and I used to come here. An awe-inspiring forty-foot-high green Christmas tree stands in magnificence at the side of the mall. My smile widens when I register how beautifully decorated it is with red and green ornaments, white and red bows, Christmas lights, and garlands.

  Everything in the place, from the wreaths to the golden bells hanging around the mall reminds me of Christmas as a child. I tuck my hands into my black coat as memories of fighting for who would put either the star or the angel on top of the tree flood me. Every year, Debra and I would flip a coin for who got to do it.

  My eyes lift to the floors above as shoppers throng all over the place. I’m amazed at the number of Christmas shoppers since it’s only two days to Thanksgiving. I hear gleeful laughter in the midst of the Christmas music piping through the speakers situated throughout the mall.

  I glance to my left to see a large ice-skating rink erected. Kids and adults alike swirl around the festively decorated rink, having the time of their lives. My mouth lifts into a smile and I just continue standing there, viewing the skaters with longing. A feeling of melancholy overcomes me when I remember how Debra and I spent time here as children with our parents. I wish I could turn back the hands of time. Those are such happy memories that I will treasure forever.

  Catching myself staring unblinkingly at the skaters, I shake off the nostalgic feeling. A happy feeling overwhelms me as I think of Debra, Aria, and me skating at the rink. Oh, what fun we’ll have.

  Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. My spine stiffens and my heart hammers against my chest.

  What’s going on?

  I can’t remember the last time I felt this way. I feel as if life is being sucked out of me. Unexpectedly, a thrill of excitement flows through me.

  Something must be going on around me.

  I slowly turn my head and meet intense gray eyes staring at me. The man’s eyes remind me of smothering ashes with swirls of smoke rising from its embers. Such gorgeous eyes!

  I shiver, and my hand automatically goes to my chest. I rub it as if I’m trying to tell my heart to stop pounding. I can feel his stare piercing me to my very soul. My regular breathing turns into pants, and my heart continues to beat erratically against my chest. Emotions roll through me as the man’s gray stare searches mine.

  Then one side of his mouth tilts up and my heart flips in response to his sexy grin that shows off his perfect white teeth. My eyes travel down his magnificent body.

  Wow! Am I hallucinating? Are men still made like this anymore? My throat runs dry. He’s at least six feet four inches in height with broad shoulders, narrow hips, lean long legs, and a face that would make a Greek god jealous. His wavy blond hair is beautifully cut and styled, and swept back from his forehead. His brows are neatly trimmed, his nose slightly pointed, and lips and jaw firm. His broad shoulders fill out his black jacket impressively. I can see the firmness of his stomach through his blue shirt. His pant-clad legs show strength. He doles out masculine strength in waves. I can feel it wrapping around me.

  This guy is the total package.

  Tugging at my earlobe, I’m stunned at the effect he’s having on me. I have seen countless handsome men; Terrance is in fact drop-dead gorgeous. So, why is this man making me weak in the knees? Heat inflames my body as I wonder what’s happening to me. I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm my ragged nerves.

  Oh, my God. His eyes trail my body and heat suddenly pools in between my legs.

  His eyes are so expressive my lips part in arousal. His relentless stare causes a shiver to slither down my spine. I can feel him undressing me. And I like it. Usually, I would be both irritated and disgusted and would walk away. But, I find myself rooted to the spot, ensconced in his stimulating presence.

  Belatedly realizing how silly I look gawking at a stranger, albeit a drop-dead gorgeous one, I make to move away.

  Chapter Six

  Christian

  My gaze roams with boredom around the mall until my eyes finally settle on a curvaceous woman standing in the center of the mall. For some reason I don’t understand, my interest immediately piques. Perhaps it’s the way she’s standing still, despite the throng of shoppers.

  Even though her back is to me, I crave to get just a glimpse of her face. I take a step closer, eager to see the face that goes with such a banging body. My crotch area tightens as I take in the way her clothes fit her curvy backside. Her skintight jeans hug snuggly her flaring hips.

  Suddenly, the woman turns and our gazes clash. Her dark brown eyes widen, and her mouth opens and closes. I take in her flawless dark brown skin with awe. My gaze shifts to her full lips shining with gloss.

  “Hello, have we met before?” I ask, taking in her curvy form.

  The stunning woman is considerably short in my estimation. Her chin barely reaches my chest area. I figure she should be about five feet three. I tower over her like an apartment building. I root my gaze to her heart-shaped face, down-turned dark brown eyes with specks of lighter gold. Her nose is straight with the tip pointing downward. Her medium length, natural black hair bounces against her shoulders.

  My eyes drop lower to her
lovely neck, then lower to the generous mounds on her chest. Gosh, I wish I could put my hands on them and squeeze them until I hear her moan. Instantly, desire licks through my veins. I want her deliciously curvy body under me so badly I ache inside. The woman remains speechless as she stares up into my face. Her spine noticeably stiffens before she replies.

  “No, I don’t know you.” She turns to walk away and, unexpectedly, I panic.

  I can’t allow her to go without knowing her name or a way to contact her. Everything inside me admits that she’s definitely an interesting woman to get to know.

  “Wait. Don’t go. Can we have coffee together?” I ask, trying to keep this gorgeous woman from leaving, and me from never getting to see her again.

  I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I have never in all my life done this. Most times, it’s the other way around. I go somewhere and have the women falling over themselves to get to know me. And even when I want to approach a woman, it’s not at a mall with a cheesy line like ‘Have we met before?’

  I run my fingers through my hair as I wait for her reply. I swallow thickly as I see her shaking her head. My eyes widen. No way! No woman has ever rejected my offer before. A thick frown crosses my face. What in the world is happening? Maybe, I should have just sent my secretary instead of coming here myself to look for the best birthday gift for a friend.

  Damn it!

  “I came to shop,” she finally says after a short while.

  A grin covers my face. “It’s only coffee.”

  She tilts her head to the side as if considering my proposal. The gesture causes my grin to widen. This has never happened to me before. It makes me even more intrigued by her.

  I chuckle. “Is it so hard to decide?”

  A smile lifts around the edges of her mouth, and she laughs softly. The sound sends tingles all over my body, alarming me.