by Anna B. Doe
“I wanted to give you the best Christmas ever,” I confided.
“Ah, good girl, it’s already the best Christmas ever because I have you.”
He meant it. Truth shone in his eyes like all the twinkling lights I hadn’t even strung up yet. I’d been waiting for my parents. For our best friends, Aaron and Val, who were off visiting their family.
Almost on cue, Carter’s phone went off. He read the text and grimaced. “Aaron and Val can’t get flights either.”
Dejected, I stared out the giant windows. The sun shone brightly, and there was a cool breeze in the air. The weather wasn’t as warm as it was in the middle of summer, but I was still able to wear shorts and a T-shirt. The sky was a beautiful shade of cerulean blue with puffy white clouds floating lazily along. There was no sign of snow or a blizzard angry enough to shut down Christmas, yet up the coast, that’s exactly what was happening.
“I’m sorry,” he told me, pulling me into his body. “I know this isn’t the Christmas you wanted.”
It wasn’t, but what made it nearly unbearable was that he was only sorry for me. He wasn’t upset for himself because he couldn’t miss what he hadn’t had in so very long.
“You know what?” I decided instantly. “It doesn’t matter. No blizzard is going to keep us from having an amazing first Christmas together.”
Across the room, someone walked inside from the terrace through the billowing white curtains. “I just got a message from Aaron. Did you hear about the blizzard?” Knox looked up from his phone. “Am I interrupting?” he asked, taking us in.
“No,” I said, waving him farther into the room. “My parents can’t get here till after Christmas either.”
“Looks like it’s just us three for the holiday,” Carter mused.
Knox shifted uncomfortably. “I’ll head out to my apartment in Miami, then. Let you two have the holiday to yourselves.”
My bodyguard turned and tried to run off, but I smacked Carter on the arm and yelled out at the same time, “Stop right there!”
Wincing, Knox halted but didn’t turn around.
“You aren’t going anywhere! You’re staying here with us.”
Pivoting, he tugged at his ear. “Ah, being a third wheel at Christmas is not my idea of a good time.”
“And sitting alone in your depressing apartment is?” I challenged.
“My apartment is not depressing.”
“Yes, it is,” Carter and I said at the same time.
“Seriously, it’s fine. I’m used to—”
I made an abrupt sound, cutting him off. “If I hear one more man in this house say he’s used to not celebrating Christmas, I’m going to throw myself into the ocean!”
Fine. I was a drama queen.
“I’ll just fish you out,” Carter refuted.
And clearly, my fiancé was accustomed to that.
A flashback of the night we met engulfed me. My body still sometimes tingled with those memories. Of how he literally cruised up in a yacht and plucked me from the dark ocean. How he was commanding and sweet at the same time. I was never the same after that night, and it wasn’t because I’d almost died. It was because Carter was the one who saved me.
His eyes were knowing when I lifted mine. He was remembering too.
It took a few more seconds to brush off the lingering recollections, but when I was finally free, I regarded both men with stony, defiant eyes. “The three of us are spending Christmas together. Here on this island. And it’s going to be magical.”
Knox opened his mouth, but I cut him off again. “No arguments!”
Knox turned to Carter for help.
I looked at Carter, daring him to deny me.
“All right, good girl, tell me what you need.”
Knox groaned, and I smiled.
“Call for the helicopter. I have decorations and supplies to buy.”
Chapter Two
Carter
Glancing across the enclosed space of my personal helicopter, I watched my soon-to-be-wife as she took in the view below us.
Her blond hair was slightly mussed around the giant headphones over her ears, and her skin was a beautiful golden shade from all the time we spent in the sun.
She’d kicked off her shoes the second I buckled her into the seat, and her feet swung back and forth over the floor, her red-polished toes catching my eye.
Sometimes I was still shocked she was mine. Shocked that she loved me. I’d never wanted anyone the way I wanted her. I’d never loved anyone the way I loved her.
And I was ruining her Christmas.
Guilt was not a feeling I enjoyed, and truthfully, it wasn’t an emotion I often experienced. However, I learned really fast after plucking this beauty out of the ocean that she was going to make me feel things I never thought I would.
Nora was used to cold, snowy nights, crackling fireplaces, and real Christmas trees that filled the house with the scent of pine. She talked about drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies while watching movies that seemed god-awful to me. There was a holiday dinner every Christmas. Hell, there was actually more than one. Wrapped presents. Twinkling lights.
And I was keeping her from all of that.
Because of me, she wasn’t home with her family right now. Instead, she was here in the Caribbean, separated from her family and their traditions.
It really didn’t matter to me. I was used to not celebrating, and I didn’t have any traditions to miss. I hadn’t for a very long time.
This upset her too. She wanted to create some fantasy family holiday to somehow make up for everything I hadn’t had over the years. She wanted to erase the lonely holiday memories I’d made on the island with ones that were filled with joy.
I loved her for it. I loved that she loved me enough to want to do it.
So Nora invited her parents, her best friend, my best friend (and right-hand man), and of course Knox to the island. We were supposed to spend the next two weeks doing whatever she had planned.
Now there was a freak snowstorm, everyone was stuck somewhere else, and Nora was sacrificing her holiday because of me.
I wouldn’t allow it.
She didn’t call me Mr. Fantasy for nothing. It was a moniker I thought was kind of ridiculous—okay, fine, I secretly enjoyed it—and I was going to live up to it. It was the least I could do.
So while we’d waited for the helicopter to fetch us, I’d made some calls. I had Knox make some calls too.
It was short notice, but I was rich. People liked money, so I got what I wanted.
Arrogant? Ask me if I gave a damn. I had a girl to give Christmas to.
The helicopter touched down on the helipad on top of Ansoft, and the three of us readied to climb out. The pilot and Knox went first, with Nora stepping forward, but before she could go, my fingers closed around her wrist.
She turned, inquiry in her eyes.
“I’m sorry.” The apology was low and gruff, spoken sincerely, and maybe I had the tiniest hope she wouldn’t hear over the blades still slowing overhead.
Forgetting everyone outside waiting, even forgetting the mission she was on, her body rotated, giving me her complete attention.
Do you know what it was like to be the sole focus of a woman who loved you when you honestly thought you were unlovable?
I couldn’t tell you. But I sure as hell felt it. I felt it so deep it went through my bones.
“What’re you sorry for?” she practically crooned, melting me even further. The palm of her hand cupped the side of my face, and her azure stare offered not only attention but comfort.
“That this holiday isn’t what you wanted, that you’re stuck here with me instead of with your family.”
Her hand slid past my ear to cup the back of my head. “You are my family.” The way her fingers kneaded deep into my hair soothed so many of my upturned emotions.
“But this isn’t what you wanted.”
Gliding forward, her body pressed along mine, stirring desire and
possessiveness inside me. “I didn’t want to be dumped in the ocean and almost drowned either, but that turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Cheeky.
Did I mention I liked cheeky?
Wrapping my arms around her waist, I held her tighter. “Tell me what you want for this holiday, and you’ll have it.”
A glint passed across her eyes. She hated when I offered to buy her things, when I tried to spoil her too much. But the argument forming on her tongue was swallowed back, and a smirk took over.
Oh shit…
“I want you to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas with me and eat Christmas cookies.”
I groaned. Who wanted to watch a movie about some grumpy green mountain monster who stole presents from a bunch of kids? What kind of holiday movie was that anyway?
She loved it, though. It was her favorite.
And now I had to watch it.
Kissing the tip of her nose, I agreed. “If that’s what you want, then that’s what I will do.”
Her eyes lit up, and I wondered why we needed Christmas lights at all when all I had to do was look in her eyes.
Jumping back, she clapped while wearing a big smile. “You will love it!”
Doubtful.
“All right, c’mon then. Let’s go buy lights or whatever it is we’re here to get.”
I moved forward, and she leaped into my arms. Even though I was startled, I caught her anyway.
“Hey.”
My eyes fell to hers. “Yes?”
“I am sad my parents can’t make it until after Christmas, but I’m not sad at all that I’m here with you. There is honestly nowhere else I’d rather be, okay?”
My forehead dropped to hers. “Okay.”
“No more apologies. No more guilty stares when you think I’m looking out the window.”
My mouth fell open.
“Ha!” she exclaimed, triumphant. Pulling back, she pointed proudly at my hanging jaw. “I got you! I finally got you!”
Snapping my lips closed, I cleared my throat. “You’re seeing things. Just like those guilty glances you think you saw.”
“If you say so,” she sang.
I grabbed her around the waist and kissed her deep. By the time I pulled back, she was breathless and wore a dazed expression.
Knox poked his head back in the chopper. “What are you two doing in here?”
Nora ducked her head into my shoulder, shy.
“Coming,” I answered.
“Why do we even need to buy decorations? I saw the boxes you already bought lined up in the dining room. How many damn bags of tinsel do we need?”
Straightening, Nora headed toward her bodyguard/friend who held out his hand to help her down. “Tinsel doesn’t come in bags.” She admonished.
“Whatever. We don’t need more.”
“It’s a shame we can’t fit a real Christmas tree in the helicopter,” she mused. “Maybe we should have come by boat.”
“Real Christmas trees are hard to find in Miami, good girl,” I said.
“Yeah, and the ones that are here are way overpriced.” Knox concluded.
“Well, I guess the fake ones I bought will have to do.”
“Ones, as in plural?” Knox was horrified.
I laughed.
“Of course! And when we get home, you are both helping me put them up!”
I stopped laughing. “I can ask—”
Nora gasped. “Don’t you even dare suggest asking your staff to put up our tree, Carter!”
“I would never.”
She gave me a look, then sighed. “Let’s go, Scrooges. I’ll make you love Christmas yet!”
Chapter Three
Nora
Classic Christmas carols floated through the house, the familiar melodies drifting from room to room, acting like a perfectly tied bow on a perfectly wrapped gift.
The inside of the house was completely transformed. Lights, garland, candy canes, and stockings were everywhere. Lit trees, reindeer, sleighs… Our island home was a winter wonderland, and it was finally beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
Carter and Knox grumbled at first, but the more lights and ornaments they hung, the more I saw them soften toward the holiday. It made all the work worth it. They deserved this. I wanted them to see the magic in the holiday and feel the warmth of family around them.
A strong breeze blew through the open sliders, ruffling my hair and stirring the scent of cinnamon and sugar. I’d made snickerdoodles and peanut butter cookies, and there was sugar cookie dough chilling in the fridge for later.
Knox and Carter were going to complain, but soon they would be holding cookie cutters and sprinkling sprinkles. I couldn’t wait.
They’d already devoured half of the ones I’d already baked, Knox complaining about the amount of training he would have to do to make up for it but shoving them in his mouth regardless.
I swore the way to that man’s heart was entirely through his stomach.
Arms encircled me from behind, wrapping around my waist and welcoming me into the protection and warmth of Carter’s frame. Skillful lips pressed open-mouthed against the side of my neck, making me shiver with desire.
As I turned my face toward him, he nuzzled farther against my neck, making me sigh.
“I have a surprise for you.” The words whispered over my skin the way the ocean breeze hummed through the palms outside.
Reaching back, my fingers pushed through his thick dark hair, and my body moved against his. “What kind of surprise?”
Pressing one last kiss against my skin, Carter pulled away, leaving me lonely.
“Hey…” I complained, turning to pin him with a glare.
He chuckled at my indignance as if he thought it was cute, wrapped his hand around mine, and led me through the sliders and out onto the terrace.
“It’s so dark out here,” I murmured, gazing toward the white-capped waves as they crashed along the shore.
“It’s nighttime.”
“Ha-ha.” I mocked. “I guess it just seems even darker out here tonight because the inside of the house is so lit up with twinkling lights.”
Both of us gazed back into the house where the trees were radiant and icicle lights draped the fireplace, which was glowing within with dancing candles.
“It’s so beautiful,” I murmured, proud of our handiwork.
“Yes, it is.” Carter agreed, softly stroking the back of my hair.
“Maybe next year we’ll be able to string some lights outside. Really light up the island,” I mused, sorry we hadn’t had time to get to it.
“Why wait for next year?” He pondered, pulling out his cell to tap the screen.
Suddenly, the island came alive. The darkness was dismissed by glimmering white lights, which were wrapped around everything.
I gasped, rushing forward to grip the railing. I gazed around furiously, trying to take in everything at once. It was impossible, though, because everything in sight was completely illuminated.
“Oh my God, Carter.” My words were breathless and filled with awe. Tearing my eyes away from the view, I looked at my lover.
His eyes were so dark the lights sparkled in them as well, his stare becoming a second night sky filled with stars.
“Did you do this?” I asked.
“Do you like it?”
I made a sound, staring up at the swaying palm trees wrapped in white lights. They were so incredibly beautiful, majestic almost.
I never realized how stunning a palm tree could be when lit up. I thought only Christmas trees could look so luminous.
I was wrong. So wrong.
These trees draped and swayed over the island, over the beach… over us as we stood there with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
“I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in all my life.” The reverence in my voice rang with truth.
Carter’s hand slid to the base of my neck, gently swiping my hair to the side. �
�I have.”
Lights were strung around the terrace, the pool house, and even the pool. Giant lit-up snowflakes hung from some of the largest palm trees, and there was a flickering path farther down that led to the beach.
“What’s that?” I asked, pointing.
“Maybe we should go find out.”
I rushed off, only to be towed back into his body.
“Carter!” I fussed. “Let’s go see!”
“Put your bathing suit on first.”
Pausing, I glanced over my shoulder. “What?”
Swatting my butt, he smiled. “Go on. Put it on.”
I did as he asked because, honestly, I always did what he asked. And because right now, I was entirely curious.
I was back in record time, wearing nothing but a red string bikini and one of his white silk shirts unbuttoned overtop.
Desire clouded his eyes as they swept over me from head to toe. Carter had the type of heated stare that felt like foreplay, and under the thin fabric of my top, my nipples began to pucker.
After making me quite aroused with just his perusal, he blinked, somehow tucking away the need I knew he felt, and reached out his hand.
I stared, not sure how long it took for my heartbeat to calm enough to understand he wanted me to take his hand. When I did, he chuckled low as if he knew exactly how affected I was, closed his fingers around mine, and led me to the stairs.
“When did you do all of this?” I asked, staring once more at the illuminated palms.
“When we went to Miami, I had a crew out to string lights.”
Without the bright rays of the tropical sun, the sand underfoot was cool. A few steps in, I shivered lightly as it squished between my toes and covered my heels.
“Cold?”
“Just a little.”
Releasing my hand, Carter pulled me into his side, anchoring me into his warmth. Up ahead, the glimmering path grew closer.
“They’re candles!” I exclaimed, leaving his arms to rush forward.
Tons of white candles flickered in two rows, creating a route stretching down to the beach and curving around a few palm trees out of sight.
