Christmas Is for Lovers: 6 Hot Holiday Romances

by Box Set

  Preston walked off to toward the barn without saying a word as Clare knelt down in front of the dog, petting him and baby talking to him. “Thank you, Holly. Come on Harry, I’ll show you your new home.”

  Holly stood with her heart pounding in her chest. “Did I do something wrong?” she asked as she turned to Tamra. “I only wanted to do something to help.”

  “It’s hard enough for him that I let you pay us to come here for three weeks. He’s a proud man, and he doesn’t accept charity. You paying off the dog seems to have rubbed it in his face that he couldn’t do this for the family. It’s not that you did something wrong, I think you hurt his pride.” Tamra shrugged. “I know you were trying to help, but I think he might feel you overstepped your bounds. I’m sorry.” She laid her hand on Holly’s shoulder. “Just let him be.”

  Great, now she’d gone and messed up the holiday. It wasn’t her intention to hurt any of them. She was used to her friends accepting gifts. Then again, all of them had some money and didn’t get offended by it. Damn it. Holly dropped her head and followed Tamra into the house feeling totally defeated.

  Hours later, she heard a knock on her bedroom door. “Come in.” She stood and straightened her t-shirt and jeans as the door opened. Preston stood in the doorway, staring at her. She couldn’t read his face as her heart hammered in her chest. “I’m sorry if I offended you.” She held her hands palm up.

  “You have a way of throwing your money around, darlin’. I don’t think you do it in a mean way, but it’s hard for a man like me to accept it. I have a certain outlook on life, maybe it’s wrong.” He shrugged his shoulders. “But it was how I was raised. The man provides for and takes care of his family. I’m trying to see your side of it. I had to walk away so I didn’t say something mean. I would have lashed out at you, and you didn’t deserve it. I will pay you back for Harry. It was my responsibility to purchase him.”

  “I’m sorry if I overstepped and hurt your feelings. It wasn’t my intention. I don’t expect you to pay me back, but if it helps, I will accept it.” She took a step toward him. “Do you forgive me? I don’t want to spend my last few days with tension between us.”

  Damn his pride. She didn’t do this to lord it over them. He knew she was a kind, loving woman who just liked making people happy and helping them when she could. But fuck, it was like being stabbed in the gut. Just one more dig that he wasn’t doing his job supporting the family. He was doing his best, and if that bastard brother of his hadn’t put his tail between his legs and run out on them, maybe things wouldn’t be so bad right now.

  Biting down his pride, he finally went back into the house to look for her and try to explain. He’d pay her back if it was the last thing he did. Once the warmer weather came, he could ride some bulls and get her paid off. He’d stopped working the circuit since his dad died to help take care of the ranch. But he’d do what he needed to do this summer.

  When he knocked on her door, he wasn’t sure she’d let him in. When she did, he was relieved. He wanted the last few days together to be good. He didn’t want it to end like this. He watched her reaction to how he felt, and when she apologized and asked him to forgive her, he felt like a complete dick.

  “There is nothing for me to forgive, darlin’.” He pushed the door closed, pulled her into his arms, spun, and pushed her against the door, crushing her mouth with his. He wanted no space between them as he kissed her until their breathing was sporadic. He felt her start to slip. “Whoa there, are you all right?”

  She placed her head against his chest as she gripped his arms. “I got dizzy from that kiss. The things you make me feel, cowboy.”

  He locked her door, lifted her, and carried her to her bed. Setting her down, he pulled his shirt over his head and unbuckled his jeans as he pushed off his boots. Raising his brow, he nodded. “You keeping your clothes on, darlin’?”

  A smile spread over her beautiful face. “Apparently not. Watching you undress is pretty damn sexy.” She slipped her t-shirt off and shimmied out of her jeans. “Clare and your mom won’t wonder where we are?”

  He shrugged, “I don’t care if they do. Come here.” He pulled her against him and unhooked her bra as he kissed her neck before moving down to tease her nipple with his tongue. “You feel so good.” He grabbed her ass and pulled her against his erection. Lifting her, he laid them down on the bed. Lowering himself on top of her, he moaned into her mouth as she stroked him. He reached between them and pushed her thong off her hips.

  Holly raised her hips for him to slide them down her legs as he made quick work of getting rid of them. She watched through hooded eyes as he ripped the package open with his teeth and quickly sheathed himself before rolling onto his back, pulling her on top of him. He watched her face as he slid into her, allowing her to take control of the tempo of their lovemaking. She took his breath away every damn time. His hands roved over her body, marveling at how soft her skin felt against his rough hands.

  Her breathing became erratic as she increased the tempo. He felt her tighten around him and knew she was close. Grabbing her hips, he met her thrust for thrust. She locked eyes with him as they tumbled over the edge together, and she cried out his name. She collapsed onto his chest. Preston rubbed her back as they caught their breath.

  “God that was wonderful,” she whispered.

  “Yeah, it was.” He kissed her neck, taking in the scent that he would forever think of as her scent. “I want you in my bed every night until you leave, okay?”

  Holly nodded and held him close. He felt her warm tears trickle down his chest and realized his own rolled down his face. Their hearts weren’t ready to say goodbye yet.

  Their last few days flew by too fast for Holly. As she packed the last of her things into her suitcases for the flight home, her heart was heavy. Tonight would be the last time she spent the night with him. How was she going to get out of his truck tomorrow and walk away? She didn’t know if she would be strong enough to do it. She had to though. She had her life back home on the East Coast. She kept reminding herself that she had kids and a grandchild.

  Her phone rang, startling her out of her thoughts. “Hello, April.”

  “Holly! I’m so excited you’re coming home tomorrow. I cannot wait to hear all about your vacation. Hurley has been so good, but I’m sure he’ll be happy to have you home. What time does your flight get in?”

  “I’ll arrive at the airport at nine tomorrow morning. Are you going to be able to pick me up still?”

  “Of course! I want to hear all about your trip. All the details.” She giggled. “How are you holding up?”

  “I’m fine. Sorry, I’m right in the middle of packing and I don’t want to forget anything. Would you mind if we speak tomorrow?”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, April.” As soon as their goodbyes were said, Holly disconnected the phone and laid it on the bedside table. She sat down as the sobs wracked her body. Preston had asked her if they could talk every evening after she got back. She had agreed, but she was old enough to know that the calls would lessen and after a while, and then they would stop all together. He was young; he deserved to be with someone whom he could start a life and a family with. How would her kids feel if she introduced him? Hell, he was only a few years older than her own son. She’d had him at sixteen, and her daughter at seventeen. The kids and Dan had been her entire life.

  “Damn it! Why is life so complicated?” Holly stood up and packed the last of her clothes in her suitcase, laying out the outfit for tomorrow and her nightie for tonight. It was the one her cowboy liked best. I’ve got to get my shit together. I’m not going to spend my last night with him crying.

  She washed her face and applied a bit of makeup, hoping to hide the fact that she’d been crying. They would get through dinner, and hopefully, Tamra and Clare would have plans for an early evening. Taking a deep breath, she gathered herself to join them for her last meal in this lovely home.

  “Holly!” Cl
are jumped up from the table and hugged her close. “I’m so sad you’re leaving in the morning. Promise you’ll come back soon for a visit.”

  “I promise you, I’ll try. After all, your mom is trying to get the clothes store in town interested in my line.”

  “Well, we need your clothes. Everything they sell in town sucks compared to yours. My friends are going to be so jealous!” She tugged Holly’s hand. “Can you sit by me tonight instead of Mom?”

  She glanced up at Preston as he set the platter holding the roasted chicken on the table. “I think I can do that.”

  He smiled at her, and she noticed it didn’t reach his eyes. Part of her was happy that he seemed as sad about her leaving as she felt.

  “Clare, don’t crowd Holly. My goodness, I’m sorry. This girl can be a handful at times. But I’m sorry as well that your time is up with us.” She sat as Preston slid her chair closer to the table before sitting in his chair.

  “I agree. It seems like you just got here.” He sliced off succulent pieces of the chicken as each of them passed him their plate.

  Chapter 24

  Long Distance Calls

  Preston kissed Holly awake. “Time to get up, darlin.” His heart felt like it was breaking in a million pieces. He’d had a hard time fighting with himself. Part of him wanted to let her miss her plane, but he knew she had to leave. He felt her stiffen in his arms.

  “Already? It can’t be time.” She rolled over and scooted closer to him. “I don’t think I’m ready for this.”

  “I know I’m not.” He tightened his arms around her. “I wish you could stay.”

  “I do too.” She sighed. “But...”

  “I know, you have a life, yada, yada.” He pulled away and moved off the bed. “We better get ready or you’re going to miss your plane.” He hated that he sounded whiny. Preston didn’t want to let her go, but the look on her face stabbed his heart. “Sorry, I didn’t get much sleep last night. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

  “I know you didn’t. I wish I didn’t have another life, I do. But just like you, I have obligations and commitments.” She sighed. “I’ll come back. If you want me to. I’ll make plans for a few months from now.”

  He pulled her off the bed and into his arms. “If I want? Of course I want you to come back.” He lifted her off the ground and spun them in a circle before letting her slide slowly down his body until she was back on her feet. “I’ll be counting down the days. Scoot now. I have to get in the shower so we can get you to the airport on time.” He swatted her ass playfully then groaned when she stuck her bottom lip out. “Holly, if you don’t go now, you’re going to miss your plane.”

  She stuck out her tongue as she slipped out his door, closing it behind her.

  He threw his jeans and one of the shirts she’d given him for Christmas on the bed before heading to the shower. What the fuck was he going to do when he put her on that plane? He’d never felt this strongly about a relationship before, but he got the feeling she didn’t get how hooked he was. She’d loved the locket, and he hoped she’d wear it every day. He paused in the middle of lathering his hair. Would she wear it? How would she explain it to people? Shaking his head, he finished and dressed quickly before heading downstairs to start the coffee.

  Finding the kitchen empty, he was relieved. He didn’t want to share her with Clare or Ma this morning. Just as the coffee finished brewing, the love of his life strolled through the doorway looking so sexy, he almost dropped his mug.

  “Wow, you look amazing. Come here.” He motioned with his finger as he felt his lips turn up. She walked slowly and seductively, swaying her hips from side to side, a smile spreading over her lips. Damn, if the little vixen didn’t lick her lips just before she reached him.

  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, urging her to open her lips for his tongue. She moaned as he deepened the kiss. I’m going to miss this. His heart raced in his chest as he broke the kiss.

  “You want some coffee?” He backed up, dropping his hands to his side.

  “Sure.” Holly stepped forward and slid her arms around him pulling him closer. A tear slipped down her face. “Maybe you could visit me over the summer.”

  “We’ll see. Summer is busy for me. That’s when we’re the busiest and make the money to get us through the winter.” He stepped out of her arms and moved to get the eggs out of the fridge. “Do you want a quick breakfast before we leave?”

  Nodding her head, Holly reached for the bread. “I’ll make some French toast if you like.”

  “Sure.” Damn, he didn’t know if he could even eat. He set the eggs on the counter by the stove and placed the carton of milk beside it. “What do you put in yours?” He opened Ma’s spice cabinet as he waited for her to respond.

  “Cinnamon and vanilla, if you have them.” He watched as she cracked eggs into the bowl and added the milk, before grabbing a whisk out of the old ceramic crock.

  “We sure do. Have you ever used almond? Ma puts almond in hers.” His hand paused over the extract, waiting for her answer.

  “That sounds good. Okay, let’s do the almond.” She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. He felt guilty to find himself happy that the smile didn’t reach her eyes. Why did life have to be so damn complicated? He felt his hands shaking as he handed her the bottle. He took a deep breath and tried to settle himself down.

  Holly saw the sadness in Preston’s eyes and knew they mirrored hers. The last three weeks had flown by way too fast. Everyone she had ever let in before had taken months, if not years, for her to trust. What was different about this man that she felt so safe and happy with him in such a short time? He managed to make her feel more alive and more loved than she’d ever felt with Dan. And this family, wow, they had shown her what a real family dynamic was. This was how a family was supposed to be: unselfish, thinking of others, and loving them no matter what.

  Holly made quick work of cooking the french toast, her mind wandering as she took stock of her marriage and her kids. What a fool she had been to think what they had was the real thing. Dan was a good man but he was selfish. She realized now that he had married her because she’d gotten pregnant and stayed when she got pregnant the second time. Because he was such a good man, he had stayed with her out of honor and duty. She saw that now. Was he even happy before he died?

  Were her kids doing the same? Hell, Suzy got married before she finished high school and Sam the year after because his wife was expecting their son. Holly never gave it a thought, except to feel sorry for them that they left their childhood behind so young. Maybe she and Dan had contributed to the cycle because they openly talked about why they had married so young. The sins of the parents repeated?

  “Holly?” Preston touched her arm. “Did you hear what I said?”

  “I’m sorry, I was thinking. What did you ask?” She placed the last two pieces of bread on the platter and turned to find him staring at her with one brow scrunched down. “You look so cute doing that.”

  “What?” He shrugged as a big grin spread over his face.

  “Scrunching your brow. It’s pretty damn adorable. Now, what did you say to me?” She set the platter on the table and let him help her into her seat. Something else Dan had never done for her.

  “I asked you if April was picking you up at the airport. That is your friend’s name, isn’t it?” He sat down and waited for her to serve herself before he stabbed two pieces of the french toast and placed it on his dish.

  “Yes, April’s picking me up. She’s been taking care of my dog and my house since I’ve been gone. Gosh, she is going to be on me for details of this vacation.” She giggled and felt the heat spread over her face.

  “Why are you blushing?” He poured syrup slowly over his toast before handing the container to her.

  “You’d have to know April. She’s been pushing me to get out and date since Dan died. When she found out I was coming here, you remember I told you she said I should have a fling?”

  “Yeah,
I remember.” He chuckled. “Did you forget my stupid reaction?”

  Clearing her throat, she moved on. “When she picks me up, she’ll come alone, and she will nag me about you and all the details of what we did.”

  He laughed and the deep baritone sound rumbled through her. “Every detail?” His brow raised and his eyes twinkled. “That could be very interesting.”

  “I’m not a kiss and tell type person.”

  “Aw darlin’, the kissing isn’t what she’ll want to know about.” He winked as he took a bite of the french toast.

  Holly burst into laughter and shook her head. “You’re right, and she will be relentless about it too, because my face will tell her so much. I’m doomed.” She threw one arm over her eyes while the other hand covered her heart. “I fear I shall die from the embarrassment of it all.”

  Preston gave her a quizzical look as if trying to determine if she were joking or not. “You’re not really embarrassed, are you?”

  “No, I was joking.”

  “What we have is real, Holly.” He reached and tucked her hair behind her ear. He put his hand up and nodded.

  “Preston, I’m not embarrassed by us. I just wouldn’t want to share any of the details about our relationship with anyone.” She giggled. “Are you telling me you would tell your friends every detail of what we have done the last couple of weeks?”

  “No, I don’t talk about my personal business with anyone. Is your friend really that pushy?” He chuckled.

  “Sometimes she is, and it would embarrass me to tell her about those details. Not because I’m embarrassed about it, but because it is none of her business. Damn it.” Holly turned her head as she felt the tears stream down her face. She let him pull her against his strong chest and cried. Holding him close, she sobbed as the thoughts of losing him overwhelmed her. His scent surrounded her, making her miss him and it already. He scooped her up and before she realized what was going on, he set her down on the floor of the sitting room. He made quick work of pulling the blankets out of the window box and spreading them on the floor before turning to her and pulling her shirt over her head.