Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge: New Holiday Romances to Benefit St. Jude Hospital

by Sabrina York

  Like her.

  He ripped open the paper and flattened out the note. He contemplated tearing it up and tossing it in the fire, but his damn curiosity wouldn’t allow him to do that.

  Dear Colton,

  I owe you an explanation. You’re a good, kind man, and I truly wish I could give you everything you want and need. I’ve never stopped thinking or caring about you since the day we met. From that first electrifying kiss to last night, you’ve been in my thoughts, and you’ve invaded my dreams.

  Colton rested the paper on his lap and dropped his head back. These were words he didn’t want to hear. It would have been better if she’d just left without giving him any reasons, especially when she hints that he meant—means—more to her than she cared to admit.

  Raising his hands, he refocused his burning eyes.

  Sixteen years ago, I lost what I thought had been the love of my life to a car accident. Matt, that was his name, had been driving late, pushing to get home to spend an extra day of his Thanksgiving break with me.

  He’d been my everything at the time, and I loved him more than anything. Part of me still loves him.

  When he died, I blamed myself.

  Colton took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He’d lost many brothers-in-arms, and he understood grief and what it could do to a person, and she’d been so young to have her boyfriend ripped from her life so tragically. It certainly explained a lot.

  My parents had me see a counselor, and a couple of years later, I began dating again. I’d been in a somewhat serious relationship when my college roommate was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. She died three months later, and I ended my relationship.

  At the time, I wasn’t self-aware enough to know how the two events were related and how they affected my personal relationships going forward. But then my mother became ill. That crushed me, but I had to remain strong for her, and my father. I visited my mother every day when I wasn’t traveling for work. My life consisted of work and my parents.

  Sadly, in that order, something I will probably regret for the rest of my life.

  I’m sorry, and I don’t mean to hurt you, but I won’t regret this decision. I will admit that I care deeply for you, and I will always look back on our time together with fondness.

  “Fondness? What the fuck does that mean?” He raised the letter and wadded the paper in his hand. “Fuck.” He sat up and pressed it flat against the table. He needed to finish the stupid thing.

  I left a note for your folks. Please make sure they get it. I really need to get back to NYC to save my job. It’s all I have, and it’s important to me. I think you can understand that considering your dedication to Delta Force.

  Of course, he could relate to that, which just pissed him off because he wanted to be mad as hell at Flynn. He wanted to be able to think to himself that he was better off, only he knew his life would be humdrum without her.

  Take care, Colton.

  Your friend, Flynn.

  Hannah jumped to her feet and started barking like mad. She ran around in circles by the front door.

  Colton stood just as the front door blew open. Flynn came flying over the threshold, her arms flapping in the air like a bird about to take flight. Her body twisted as she fell like a tree to the floor. She hit it with a loud thud.

  “Ugh.” She rolled to her back and stared up at him. “You didn’t even try to catch me.”

  He let out a small chuckle. “Are you okay?”

  She rubbed her hip. “I don’t think anything is broken, but my ego and my ass are quite bruised.”

  “What are you doing here?” He grabbed her hand and hoisted her to a standing position. He resisted the urge to pull her in for a tender hug. Instead, he pushed the letter in her face. “Did you forget something because I could have just shipped it to you.”

  “I was hoping I’d be able to grab that before you read it.” She brushed her long dark hair from her face.

  “Why?” he asked.

  “I ran into Casey at the coffee shop.”

  “So? What does she have to do with you returning? You made yourself clear in this note. I’m just a fond memory.” For theatrics, he ripped the note in half and tossed it in the air.

  Childish, but he needed to protect his heart from being totally destroyed.

  “I deserved that,” she said, unzipping her coat. She hung it on the rack by the door. “Besides being worried I’d spill something on her, Casey made a point of telling me that I didn’t belong with you and all but implied she did and oh, my God, she so does not. What did you see in her?”

  “Nothing. Not only is she too young, she’s…she’s…oh, fuck it, she’s not you.”

  Flynn’s lips curved into a sultry smile.

  His muscles froze in place. Staring at her angelic face, he searched it for answers, but all he saw were the responses he wanted to hear.

  Her dark eyes brightened. “Ask me again why I came back.”

  “I’m not playing this game with you. I have work to do. I hope you have a safe and comfortable flight home. Good luck with your job.” He sidestepped her and took two quick strides toward the main door. He didn’t care that he was about to go outside into the frigid air without a coat on.

  “I love you, Colton. I belong with you, and I’m tired of running away because I’m afraid that tomorrow it will go up in smoke.”

  His boot caught the leg of the table when he turned, knocking over the lamp. He stumbled two steps backward. “I seriously hope I’m not turning into a klutz like you.” He steadied himself just inches from her warm body.

  “They say couples often mimic each other.”

  “Then you need to stop falling and taking me with you.” He continued to stare into her almond eyes. “So, you love me, do you?”

  She nodded. “I have ever since our first date.”

  “What about your job? Your career? I know how much that means to you.” Tentatively, he pressed his palms against her hips, pulling her close but not up against him.

  Not just yet.

  “I’m going to quit. It’s not worth the bullshit.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I thought I’d take some time off. Say, the rest of the winter? That is if you’ll let me stay here with you.”

  He chuckled. “I don’t know. My roommate Hannah might not appreciate having another female around.”

  Hannah yelped.

  “I’d say she’s agreeable,” Flynn said.

  Colton’s heart raced out of control. As much as he wanted to completely open himself up, he needed to know this was more than her taking some time to figure out her life before going back to New York. “I’m buying this place from my parents. I’d consider giving it up, and they would be okay with that, but I need to know that this isn’t a fleeting—”

  She covered his mouth with her hand. “Where do you get your employees from during the season?”

  “We put out flyers and ads in papers in bigger cities. It’s a lifestyle, and a lot of people like the seasonal work.”

  “But it’s hard to fill all the spots, right?”

  He cocked his head, wondering where she was going with this. “Yes.”

  “That’s what I do for a living. Match people with jobs, both full-time careers, part-time contract positions, and even seasonal work.”

  “Are you asking for a job?”

  She shook her head. “I’m offering to be a partner both in work, and in bed.”

  Circling his arms around Flynn’s waist, he lifted her feet off the ground and headed up the stairs.

  “Whoa.” She grabbed his shoulders. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “Making up for lost time,” he said.

  Epilogue

  One Year Later…

  Christmas Eve…

  If someone told Colton a year ago that he’d be married, he would have laughed in their face. He twisted the silver band on his ring finger and leaned against the entryway into the kitchen of t
he main house, watching his gorgeous wife wiggle her fanny to some pop song while she prepared his favorite dish for dinner. If she wasn’t using a sharp knife, he’d sneak up on her, but she’d most likely cut off one of his body parts by accident.

  “I can feel you staring at me,” she said, glancing over her shoulder.

  “Impressive that you knew I was even here.”

  She pointed to the window. “I saw you coming in the reflection. How is everything at the hotel?”

  “All good. Where are my parents and your dad?”

  “Believe it or not, they took the four-wheelers out for a joyride.” She set the knife on the butcher block and wiped her hands on her apron. “So, come on over here and give your wife a proper kiss hello.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice.” He sauntered across the kitchen and drew Flynn into his arms. He used to think that anything outside of being in Delta Force would be boring as hell, but every day with Flynn was like inside a F-15 fighter jet and hitting Mach five. He pressed his mouth against her plump lips. He’d never tire of loving Flynn.

  “Would you like some wine?” she asked.

  “Absolutely.”

  He leaned against the island and watched with admiration while she poured him a tall glass in a plastic cup. “You’re not having any?” He thought about questioning her choice of goblets, but then what difference did it make. Wine was wine.

  “Not tonight. Actually, not for the next eight months.”

  “What?” He swirled the wine, letting the red liquid hug the sides. He brought it to his nose and took a good sniff. “Why are you holding off for…” The glass slipped through his fingers and crashed on the floor.

  The plastic bounced three times before it rolled under the kitchen table.

  “And that right there is why I didn’t give you something you could break,” she said with a beaming smile.

  “Are you pregnant?”

  Her bright smile that puffed out her cheeks and put a big twinkle in her eye said it all.

  “We’re going to be parents?” He gripped the side of the counter. “I think I need to sit down.”

  “Rest up, honey, because this time next year, we’re going to have a baby who will be more demanding than any of our guests.”

  “A baby,” he whispered as he sat at the table, pulling Flynn to his lap. “How did I get so lucky?”

  She cupped his cheeks. “I’m the lucky one.”

  “Our baby will be the lucky one with you as his or her mother.”

  Flynn smiled. “True. Very true.”

  “I love you,” he said.

  “I love you more.”

  Thank you for taking the time to read Alaskan Christmas. Please feel free to leave an honest review!

  Also by Jen Talty

  Also by Jen Talty

  BRAND NEW SERIES!

  It’s all in the Whiskey

  JOHNNIE WALKER

  GEORGIA MOON

  NY State Trooper Series

  IN TWO WEEKS

  DARK WATER

  DEADLY SECRETS

  MURDER IN PARADISE BAY

  TO PROTECT HIS OWN

  DEADLY SEDUCTION

  WHEN A STRANGER CALLS

  NY State Trooper Novella

  HIS DEADLY PAST

  Brand New Novella for the First Responders series

  A spin off from the NY State Troopers series

  PLAYING WITH FIRE

  PRIVATE CONVERSATION

  The Men of Thief Lake

  REKINDLED

  DESTINY’S DREAM

  Other novels

  JANE DOE’S RETURN

  THE BUTTERFLY MURDERS

  The Aegis Network

  THE LIGHTHOUSE

  HER LAST HOPE

  THE LAST FLIGHT

  THE RETURN HOME

  Coming soon!

  THE MATRIARCH

  The Collective Order

  THE LOST SISTER

  THE LOST SOLDIER

  THE LOST SOUL

  Coming soon!

  THE LOST CONNECTION

  Special Forces Operation Alpha

  BURNING DESIRE

  BURNING KISS

  BURNING SKIES

  BURNING LIES

  BURNING HEART

  BURNING BED

  REMEMBER ME ALWAYS

  The Brotherhood Protectors

  ROUGH JUSTICE

  ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES

  ROUGH RIDE

  ROUGH EDGE

  The Twilight Crossing Series

  THE BLIND DATE

  SPRING FLING

  SUMMER’S GONE

  WINTER WEDDING

  Witches and Werewolves

  LADY SASS

  ALL THAT SASS

  Coming soon!

  NEON SASS

  PAINTING SASS

  Boxsets

  LOVE CHRISTMAS, MOVIES

  UNFORGETABLE PASSION

  UNFORGETABLE CHARMERS

  A NIGHT SHE’LL REMEMBER

  SWEET AND SASSY IN THE SNOW

  SWEET AND SASSY PRINCE CHARMING

  FINDERS KEEPERS: THE PURSE

  PROTECT AND DESIRE

  SWEET AND SASSY BABY LOVE

  CHRISTMAS AT MISTLETOE LODGE

  THE PLAYERS: OVERCOMING THE ODDS

  Novellas

  NIGHTSHADE

  A CHRISTMAS GETAWAY

  TAKING A RISK

  WHISPERS

  About Jen Talty

  Welcome to my World! I'm a USA Today Bestseller of Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, and Paranormal Romance.

  I first started writing while carting my kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. My first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 I helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where I ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

  I'm currently enjoying the next phase of my life...the empty NESTER! My husband and I spend our winters in Jupiter, Florida and our summers in Rochester, NY. We have three amazing children who have all gone off to carve out their places in the world, while I continue to craft stories that I hope will make you readers feel good and put a smile on your face.

  Sign up for my Newsletter (https://dl.bookfunnel.com/6atcf7g1be) where I often give away free books before publication.

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  Christmas Love

  Christmas Love

  Love Collection

  Natalie Ann

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  Copyright © 2018, Natalie Ann

  Praise and Awards

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  “I've read every one of Natalie's books & have loved them all. I can't even choose a favorite character or book.” Kindle Customer

  “Great characters and plots make me a fan of this author” Tarri

  “Honestly, I just love this author. Every book is full of wonderful, interesting characters involved in interesting situations. I love the friendships and the family ties.” Carole M.

  “I enjoy reading a book that you feel like the characters are part of your family.” No1Twin

  “Beautiful storylines and very well written. Couldn't put them down and looking forward to getting more of her books.” Wanda G.

  “Love the entire series...seriously addicting
and feel like the characters are my friends.” Sarah

  “This author has great storylines. Real life characters and great dialogue in all of her books. She does brilliant work.” Kitty

  “A well written story that I really felt the characters were real because the situations and feelings were written so well.” Sue Z-q

  Book Description

  What happens when even the strongest are blinded by insecurities?

  Former model, Noelle Bennett has decided she wants to be behind the camera instead of in front of it. She is longing for peace and quiet. No more traveling. No more crowds. No more men hitting on her left and right. Or people only wanting one thing from her. Just her and the woods around her little home, snapping pictures of the landscape, wildlife, and historic grounds. A normal life for once...maybe.

  Veterinarian Chase Martin has always gotten along better with animals than people. So when a sexy woman who looks like she just walked out of a fashion magazine shows up at his clinic offering to volunteer to take pictures of the dogs for his rescue shelter, he finds what should have been a great idea turning into uncharted territory for them both. Now he is wondering how he got so lucky...or is it more how unlucky he’s always been?

  Acknowledgement

  Thank you to all my readers out there. I couldn’t do what I do without all of your support and encouragement.

  1

  Prologue

  “Noelle, look over your shoulder. That’s it. Just like that. Grab the mink and bring it to your face. Inhale it. Think of cotton candy, soft and sweet smelling. Again, baby. Perfect. Look hot. Look sad. Sad and hot. That’s the ticket.”