by Danni Roan
“Name it and it’s yours,” Collin said his dark eyes sparkling with delight. He would give her the world if she asked.
“Hot chocolate,” Ashley whispered breathlessly.
Collin’s laugh made other guests turn to look at him, only to smile politely when they saw who it was. “Done,” he said slipping from his chair and taking Ashley’s hand in his. “One world-famous cup of hot chocolate, Mother’s personal recipe, coming your way,” he chortled leading Ashley from the swanky dining area and heading for the shop where they had enjoyed their first brew all those days ago.
“Why is your hot chocolate world famous?” Ashley said as she practically trotted along with Collin. “It was delicious,” she added, “but I had no idea it was your mother’s recipe.”
“My mother,” Collin said slowing a little, “Dad’s first wife, perfected this recipe years ago, and it’s the only thing we serve in any of the shops here on any of the islands. It’s made with real cream and real chocolate with just a hint of something special,” he teased.
Ashley’s eyes sparkled as he opened the door for her and she stepped into the little shop with its shimmering silver soda fountain and cozy booths. She thought the man himself was pretty special and liked the way he looked at her as he ordered two special mugs of the precious brew.
Chapter 24
Ashley collapsed into the soft, warm, comfort of her bed, her head still spinning with memories of Collin. After their hot chocolate treat, they had wandered the halls of the stunning resort chatting and holding hands.
She liked this version of Collin Prancer Holliday, and couldn’t help but giggle at his name. He had told her about the loss of his mother, and her heart pinched at the idea of the little boy he had once been, having to let go of an adoring mother.
They had meandered about the entire resort gazing at small shops, talking about the different themes and horse-related decor for hours, until Collin had finally walked her home.
Ashley had halted at her door, pulling her key card from her bag and turning to say goodbye when Collin leaned in, placing his arm against the door as she turned, and his lips found hers in a warm sweet kiss. He tasted of chocolate and cinnamon, and everything good.
The key card still in hand, Ashley pressed her back against the door, kissing Collin in return. She liked this version of the billionaire, warm, welcoming, and very sexy. A soft click was their only warning as the strip in the card deactivated the lock, and the door began to swing open, making both Collin and Ashley cling to each other as they struggled to stay upright.
“This again!” an all too familiar female voice growled, as the little old lady appeared around the corner just before the couple tumbled into the room still struggling to stay on their feet.
Ashley stretched in her bed, giggling at the way they had tripped and stumbled managing to stay upright only when Collin grasped the door with one hand and pulled her close with the other, kissing her again, before pulling his head back and laughing.
“I’d ask you to come in,” Ashley had laughed, “but you already are,” laughing as they heard the old woman’s voice echo down the hall, grumbling about not getting into the room they finally had.
Collin’s warm chuckle had rolled over her like a down comforter on a cold night, and she’d leaned in kissing him once more.
“Tomorrow, we’re taking the day off,” he said. “We’ll do something fun then go to the Tree Lighting on Blitzen,” he said backing out the door and closing it.
Ashley forced herself up from the comfort of the bed and pulled the dress over her head. It smelled of Prancer and she breathed deeply of the masculine scent.
Hanging the dress in her closet, she got ready for bed, tumbling into her blankets and hoping for dreams of sweet peppermint kisses.
Collin was lost, and he knew it. The old feelings of joy and peace he had once harbored in his heart bubbled up like a fountain, and he knew that his kissable cowgirl had worked a miracle of Christmas in his heart.
He had even invited her to his brother’s Christmas tree lighting. There was no telling what kind of ribbing he would take from his brothers with Ashley in tow. He had been so busy running his island, he wasn’t even sure what was going on with his brothers, and since he had missed them at his father’s attempted Thanksgiving dinner, he wondered what he would discover on Blitzen island.
As his father had gotten closer to retirement age, he had been far more demanding of his sons, and though Collin could understand it, he wondered what his father’s ultimate goals were. He was still a relatively young man, even with nine grown sons, and he could continue to manage his billion-dollar resort for a long time to come.
Smiling as he thought of Ashley, Collin wondered if his father would be happy that he had found someone he could truly love.
The unpretentious Miss Bowlings was no gold digger, and Collin was sure that his father would at least appreciate that, especially since Gordon’s ex-wife had demonstrated that not so loveable quality.
No, Collin was sure that Ashley was the real thing, and he couldn’t wait to discover where this fresh new start would lead.
Heading to his office through the door that led to his home, he turned on his computer and began to plan the perfect day for his cowgirl. Tomorrow would be special in so many ways.
Chapter 25
“You weren’t kidding,” Ashley said as Collin helped her into his private helicopter the next night. “You all call each other by reindeer names,” she giggled.
“I told you we did,” Collin shouted as the pilot pulled back on the joystick. Slipping his headphones over his dark hair, he pointed to Ashley’s, and she grinned putting the clunky things over her ears and damping the sound of the spinning rotors.
Collin leaned in stealing a kiss as she adjusted the headset. Her blue eyes were sparkling with delight, and mirth and the laughter on her lips buzzed through him like the vibration of the whirlybird they rode.
Ashley leaned back in her seat, Collin’s kiss still on her lips. “You know I’m going to start calling you Prancer or Prince Prancer from now on, right?” she laughed taking his hand in hers.
“You can call me anything you want to darlin’,” Prancer laughed drawing the last word out in an exaggerated drawl.
Ashley blushed. It had been fun meeting his brothers all the way from Dasher to Rudolph, and no matter how often she thought of it she giggled.
“Laney seems nice,” she said thinking of Blitzen’s girlfriend. “She was certainly proud of that beautiful star on the main Christmas Tree.”
“You think they’re a couple?” Collin asked, looking at her in surprise.
“Maybe not officially yet,” Ashley replied, “but I’ll bet by the Christmas party it will be,” she added with a bright smile that lit up Collin’s heart like the twinkling lights on the many decorated trees at his brother’s lodge.
“Did you have a good time today?” Collin asked, his voice growing husky through the headset.
“One of the best,” Ashley said a warm bubble filling her middle.
“What was your favorite thing?” Collin asked, his dark eyes searching her face.
“Being with you,” Ashley admitted.
Collin leaned across the cramped seat placing his lips on hers and drinking in the brilliant light that seemed to shimmer from her.
“Mr. Holliday,” the pilot’s voice echoed through their headgear. “We’re here,” the man said, suppressed laughter filling his voice.
“Are you up for hot chocolate or coffee?” Collin asked as they climbed down from the helicopter ducking low as it took off for the airfield again. He didn’t want this perfect day to end as he grabbed Ashley’s heavy coat pulling it around her in the wake of the choppers lift off.
“After all that cocoa we had at the lighting?” Ashley laughed. “There were recipes from all over the globe there.”
“Yes, but was any of it as good as Mother’s?” Collin asked wrapping and an arm around her and heading away from
the rooftop landing pad.
“I did like the Mexican hot chocolate,” Ashley admitted stepping into the warmth of the resort. “It had a kick.”
“That’s the hot chilies they put in it,” Collin said, “but I prefer the hint of cinnamon in Mom’s.”
Ashley had to agree and shivered with delight at the way Collin wrapped his arm around her possessively. “I think hot chocolate, with mounds of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon, is exactly what I need,” she said.
“And a peppermint stick,” Collin added with a grin.
Collin scooted into a chair in an intimate little coffee shop that Ashley hadn’t ever seen before, but the cozy little bistro feel of the place tickled her fancy.
“This is cozy,” she said as Collin ordered hot chocolate that was served in clear crystal fluted mugs with a plate of dark ginger snap like cookies.
“That’s what I was aiming for,” Collin said.
“You really know this place well,” Ashley said wondering if he had brought other girls here before her.
“I have to,” Collin said offering her a cookie. “You should try these,” he said with a grin, “they’re called Pfeffenusse, they have a bite,” he added sinking his teeth into one with a grin.
Ashley raised a brow skeptically, wondering what Prancer was up to as she broke the cookie in half and popped it into her mouth. The sudden hit of spice made her start, but the slight pepper tingle on her tongue was a happy surprise.
“Good?” Collin asked, his brown eyes laughing.
“Good,” Ashley said, reaching for her cup and cooling her mouth with the whipped cream that covered her cocoa.
Collin sipped his cocoa, the familiar taste of the world’s best chocolate, cream, and just the right amount of cinnamon, filling him with a comfortable glow. “You really had a good day?” he asked searching her blue eyes for a reply.
“It was the perfect day,” Ashley said. “Nothing like prancing around in a one-horse open sleigh on your way to a gourmet breakfast served to you at a private picnic location.”
Collin grinned, he had picked her up in her room, telling her to dress warmly then leading her to the waiting sleigh.
They had enjoyed an amazing brunch and a fast sleigh ride around the island, as he expertly maneuvered the sleigh horse with almost reckless ease.
He hadn’t wanted to let her go after their ride, snuggled under a warm fleece as they skimmed over the perfectly manicured snow along the lanes covering Prancer Island, but had finally allowed her to go home to dress for the Christmas Tree lighting.
“You look lovely,” he said taking in her dark green woolen dress with the short, pleated skirt. “Did I tell you that tonight?”
“You did,” Ashley said leaning her pert little chin on her hand as she rested an elbow on the table, “but you can tell me again,” she grinned.
“You look amazing,” he said leaning forward and brushing a bit of whipped cream from her lips.
Ashley’s heart sang at the words she had just heard. “You look pretty snazzy yourself Prancer,” she said laughing when his rugged chuckle replied.
“Will you go to the Christmas Party with me next week?” Collin asked. “I want my dad to meet you and for you to get to know my brother’s a little better,” he added. “Who knows maybe you’ll like one of them better than uptight ol’ Prancer,” he added with a grin.
“I only like you,” Ashley said fiercely. “Prancer has always been my favorite reindeer she added her blue eyes sparkling like stars.
Collin took her hand in his then looked down at his watch. “Are you up for one more event tonight?” he asked. “It’s worth the late night, I promise,” he added.
Ashley looked at the clock on the other side of the room noting the late hour but nodded. She wasn’t ready to give up her perfect day with the man who had stolen her heart.
Now that Collin had let go of his tight control, she could see the man he was: someone whose drive for perfection had sapped away so much of his joy in living. She wasn’t sure how she had gotten through to him, but she was glad she had. She wanted nothing more than to spend every last day she had at Prancer Island in his company. Perhaps when her time was up, they could even stay in touch.
“Where are we going?” She asked finishing her cocoa and grabbing her coat, her blue eyes sparkling like diamonds in a night sky.
“It’s a surprise,” Collin said.
“Like the black pepper in the cookies?” Ashley teased.
“Better.”
Chapter 26
Ashley lay on the floor next to Collin, a warm fire flickering softly beside them, the only light in the room as she gazed through the glass ceiling at the dance of green and gold light filling the heavens.
“It’s amazing,” she whispered in awe as her fingers wound around his.
“I told you it was better than everything else today,” he said, his voice reverent.
“This must be boring for you,” Ashley said turning to look at him. He had dropped her at her room for a five-minute wardrobe change as he raced to his penthouse returning a few minutes later wearing a warm off white sweater and red and white cap.
“No,” he said turning his head and meeting her gaze. “The beauty never fades,” he said, taking in her bright smile and her fan of golden hair spread out behind her on the floor.
Unfurling his fingers he lifted his arm reaching behind her and pulling her close so she could rest her head in the curve of his shoulder. “I remember mom taking us to gaze at the stars and that’s one of the reasons I wanted these cabins on the island. Sometimes people want a quiet retreat where they can watch the northern lights.”
Ashley rolled onto her elbow looking down into Prancer’s face. Somewhere between the festive tree lighting and now, he had truly become Prancer to her.
Reaching out a hand she ran it gently over the smooth beard, and he closed his eyes placing his hand over hers. “You have a good heart,” she whispered. “Who knew that Prince Prancer was so deep,” she added with a smile.
Collin opened his eyes grinning at her. “I guess I’ve done a pretty job of hiding it lately,” he said. “I got so wrapped up in work, and perfection that I forgot what was most important.”
“And what was that?” Ashley asked rolling over to gaze into his eyes.
“Joy, hope, love,” Collin said, lifting his head to kiss her lips.
Ashley sank into Collin’s arms kissing him with all of her heart. It would be all too soon that she would leave, returning to Texas and leaving her holiday romance behind. Today she would enjoy the moment and worry about the rest when the time came.
Breaking the kiss, his mind whirring like a fan, Collin leaned back his eyes returning to the miraculous glow above. As a soft smile played across his lips, and Ashley leaned into him once more, he realized that the light that this woman had rekindled in his heart far outshone the northern lights above.
“So Christmas party?” he asked for the third time that night.
“Christmas Party,” Ashley agreed. “I guess I’m going to have to do some more shopping,” she added with a giggle. “At least on Donner Island, it is much easier than going with my mother. They’ll even recommend shoes, and accessories to make life sweet.”
Collin’s warm laugh vibrated through her and she grinned. “I take it you aren’t a big shopper,” he said.
“It is not my favorite activity,” Ashley agreed.
Collin pulled her close again, kissing her sweetly. “How’s that for a favorite activity,” he teased. “I know it’s one of mine.”
Ashley grinned. “I’m not complaining,” she said leaning in for one more kiss as a small coo-coo-clock chimed one in the morning.
Reluctantly Collin pulled himself away, pushing himself to his feet and offering her his hand. “Time to go,” he said. “I took today off and will need to catch up before leaving for the party. Christmas is our busiest time of year. I hope you understand,” he added pulling her tight.
“I do
,” Ashley said. Besides, I have shopping to do,” she sassed kissing his nose and heading for the door and the snow machine outside.
Collin kissed Ashley goodnight at her door then turned hurrying down the hall to the elevator and his penthouse with only a backward wave. He didn’t linger the way he had wanted to, but the thoughts rolling in his mind had urged him to stay for good.
It was nearly two in the morning already, and Prancer still had work to do. Ashley wasn’t the only one who had shopping to do. Visions of Ashley at his father’s home or mingling with his family filled his head, dancing like the proverbial sugar plums from the family’s favorite Christmas story.
He knew it was silly, but his family truly did love Christmas. With a name like Holliday, what would one expect? Even his wayward brother Vixen had returned now, and though he felt things were still strained between his father and younger brother, Collin’s time with Ashley had convinced him that these things could be worked out.
All nine of the Holliday brothers were now home, securely ensconced in their own islands as the Christmas season burst into full swing.
Hurrying home, Prancer rushed into his office pulling up several pages to study as he put a new plan into action.
This weekend would be a delight, but next week, he and Ashley would need to begin practicing in earnest for the big show that would happen two days before Christmas.
Still gazing at the screen, Collin smiled. He had a few ideas for things that would spice up the performance and surprise Ashley at the same time.
If he were careful, he could keep a little Christmas mystery for the big finale, letting each prancing step bring him closer to the reality of his dreams. It was a big gamble, planning without talking it through with Ashley first, but if it came together, it would be the greatest performance of his life.
A smile danced across Prancer’s face, as the blue glow of the computer screen flickered in his eyes. Beauty, balance, and belief, filled his heart with hope and he quivered with delight.
