Dancing to the Altar
Holliday Islands Resort #2
Christi Bortner
Dancing to the Altar
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are all products of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to persons, organizations, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
The book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. All rights are reserved with the exceptions of quotes used in reviews. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage system without express written permission from the author.
Scriptures quoted from the King James Holy Bible.
All books titled or quoted in this story belong to their respective authors.
Dancing to the Altar ©2019 Christi Bortner
Cover Design by EDH Designs
https://www.facebook.com/edameronhill
Editing by Carolyn Leggo and Jo Grafford
Proofreading by Amy Petrowich
1st Ed, 11/2019
Table of Contents
License Note
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Holliday Islands Resort Series
Dancing to the Altar
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Epilogue
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About Christi
License Note
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
-- Chris Bortner
Read all of Christi’s Books
Writing contemporary romance as Christi Bortner
1. Dancing to the Altar
2. The Mountain Rescue
Writing historical romance as Christine Sterling:
The Silverpines Series:
1. Wanted: Medicine Man
2. Wanted: Gravedigger
3. Wanted: Redemption
The Silverpines Companion Tales:
1. The Coffin Maker
2. Snowbound
3. Changing Seasons
The Proxy Bride Romances:
1. A Bride for Jeremiah
2. A Bride for Elijah
3. A Bride for Benjamin
The Pinkerton Matchmaker Romances:
1. The Pinkerton Matchmaker
2. An Agent for Claudette
3. An Agent for Penelope
4. An Agent for Marianne
5. An Agent for Pearl
The Cowboys and Angels Romances:
1. Bride in Blue
2. Beauty and the Baker
3. Tempting the Tailor
4. Married by Midnight
The Belles of Wyoming Romances:
1. Wynter's Bride
2. The Homecoming
3. A Matter of Marriage
4. The Barn Raising
The Black Hills Brides Books
1. Her Secret Past
2. Her Secret Baby
3. Her Secret Shame
4. Her Secret Love
The Christmas Books
1. A Cozy Mitten Christmas
2. A Cowboy for Christmas
3. A Mother for Christmas
Read Christine’s Other Books
1. Gwyneth (Widows of Wildcat Ridge)
2. Moving from Maryland (Pioneer Brides of Rattlesnake Ridge)
Click here to visit Christine’s Amazon page.
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Holliday Islands Resort Series
After growing his Alaskan resort empire into the “honeymooner’s paradise of the world,” Gordon Holliday is ready to retire. But there’s no way he can cruise the globe in his luxury yacht until his sons are groomed and polished into proper executives to take his place. There’s just one catch: He’s convinced their biggest current job requirement is marriage!
To help find the perfect matches for his nine billionaire playboy sons, he secretly enlists the help of a high-end matchmaker, Evelyn Reese of True Love Connection, Inc. (TLC.net). She visits the islands under the auspices of becoming a future investor and begins to work her magic. What ensues is a delightful romp of sizzling new business “partnerships” and dates, laugh-out-loud mayhem, and sweet holiday attractions. You won’t want to miss a single one!
Join us at the Chat, Sip, and Read group on Facebook for parties, live chats, giveaways, and other festivities surrounding the launch of this sweet holiday romantic comedy series: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChatSipandRead
Book 1: The Dashing Groom — Jo Grafford
Book 2: Dancing to the Altar — Christi Bortner
Book 3: Love Came Prancing — Danni Roan
Book 4: Her Christmas Vixen — Ginny Sterling
Book 5: Comet’s Blazing Love — Jenna Brandt
Book 6: Cupid Takes a Wife — Marie Higgins
Book 7: Donner Let Her Go — Amelia Adams
Book 8: Blitzen the CEO — Lisa Prysock
Book 9: Rudolph’s Runaway Bride — George McVey
Book 10: Mommy’s Kissing Santa — Kit Morgan
Dancing to the Altar
An independent woman with no plans for the holidays, a billionaire in need of a hostess for his reality show, and twelve Santas wanting to make their holidays the merriest ever!
Elle Richey is having the worst day ever. Her boyfriend dumps her, she loses her job and maybe even her wits, given that she just shared the hottest kiss with a stranger in an elevator. As she laments her life to her best friend, a woman offers Elle a unique proposition -- host a nationwide search for Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Holliday Islands Resort, Alaska. What she didn't count on was running into her handsome stranger again or that he would become her new boss!
Billionaire Dancer Holliday is known throughout the entertainment industry for creating action-filled reality shows. When his father decides it is time to retire, Dan wants to host a live search from his home island, for America's Mr. and Mrs. Claus. He is shocked to find out that the show's hostess is none other than the woman he can't get out of his mind after their elevator kiss.
Can twelve couples be the catalyst to show Elle and Dan that perhaps it is time to revisit that kiss? As the reality show picks up in ratings, what happens when Elle's past calls to her again? Will Dancer realize that perhaps the search for American's holiday couple is closer than he ever imagined? Can he convince Elle to Dance to the Altar with him?
Acknowledgements
Jesus in everything.
My family who dealt with the crazy writing schedule to get this done.
My fellow Holliday Islands Resort authors – you are an amazing group to work with.
Thank you, Jo Grafford, for your idea about this series and inviting me to play in your world.
Chapter 1
New York City - September
“What do you mean it’s over?” Elle Richey looked at the man she thought she was going to marry. Suddenly her sweetened almond-macadamia nut hot chocolate with double whip cream didn’t taste so luxurious. Andrew brought her to her favorite hot drink place in all of New York, Maman, just to break up with her?
She clenched her hands around the floral paper cup as she felt the burn start in the back of her throat. In the back of her mind she had already picked out her wedding dress, ordered flowers, knew what kind of cake they would have – peppermint buttercream.
Wasn’t that the natural progression when you’ve been with someone for four years? She had always wanted a winter wedding and now her dreams were being crushed under Andrew’s pleather Italian loafers.
Andrew Grayson, her boyfriend of 4 years … ex-boyfriend now, pointed to the paper cup between her hands. “Shouldn’t you cut back on those?” he asked with a smirk. “No one wants to see a chunky weather girl in a costume telling them it is going to rain.”
Elle was the meteorologist at the local news station just outside New York City. She was known for her kooky costumes as she shared the weather. It started the previous Christmas when she stepped in to replace the meteorologist after an emergency. She gave the weather report, wearing an elf costume, as there wasn’t time to change. She was given the nickname Elle on a Shelf, and a tradition was born.
For each major holiday or change of season, she wore a costume that best represented that event.
“Are you fat shaming me, Andy?” He hated it when she called him Andy. Yes, she could stand to lose about 10 pounds, but she hadn’t met anyone who couldn’t. Her few indulgences included the Italian deli down the road and flavored hot chocolate from the corner bistro, where they were now sitting.
Andrew shrugged. “Just calling them as I see ‘em Elle. Besides, Elle, this relationship isn’t going anywhere.”
“Isn’t going anywhere? Where do you want it to go? I thought we were moving towards marriage.”
Andy held his hands up in mock surrender. “Whoa. I never mentioned marriage, Elle.”
“But isn’t that where we were headed?” She was confused. She thought they were going to be married.
“It’s been fun hanging around, but long term, it just won’t work out.”
Long-term. She had wasted four years of her life on this man. Yes, they had their ups and downs in their relationship, but this side of Andrew was just… unexpected.
“It’s that girl, isn’t it?” she whispered softly.
“No.”
He answered that a little too quickly. “Ever since that Marsha, or whatever her name is…”
“Marcelle,” he corrected. She was his new secretary at the brokerage firm where Andrew brokered the buying and selling of businesses. Marcelle was tall, blonde, well-endowed. All the things Elle wasn’t.
The burning turned from shock into something akin to rage. She could hear the venom in her voice as she looked at her ex.
“Marcelle. Ever since that Marcelle came to town you’ve been working late, can’t come over, missing our weekly dates. In fact, I even went to your condo to feed Mr. Buttons.” Mr. Buttons was Andrew’s cat.
“Elle, it’s just over. That’s all.” She knew what he was doing. He chose a public place so she wouldn’t make a scene. He looked at his watch as if he was bored. “I have a client I’m meeting in the next few minutes, so I suggest you head to work before you’re late.” He pointed to the door.
She was absolutely flabbergasted. He had never talked to her this way before.
“Perhaps I was wrong about you,” Elle said, standing and grabbing her laptop bag, flinging it over her shoulder. She picked up her cup and flounced towards the door. “I can lose weight, but you will always be a jerk,” she called over her shoulder.
As she continued walking, she didn’t see the man walk in front of her and she plowed right into him, spilling her drink in the processes.
“Watch out,” the man cried as warm chocolate covered his jacket.
“Fiddlesticks,” she said, looking up at him.
Elle felt the breath leave her body. He was incredibly handsome. He looked like he just stepped out of the window display at Vk Nargrani. He wore a deep blue kick starter jacket, with tan sweater and collared shirt beneath it. His pants were not quite black – more of a navy-ish blue.
She glanced down at his grey Nike sneakers with a pigeon embroidered on the side and gasped. Those shoes cost more than her rent in Manhattan! The man reeked money. From his ridiculously expensive shoes to his cologne that was a luxurious blend of fruit and wood, Elle’s senses reeled.
His hair, the color of rich whiskey was cut short. He had a square jaw and cheekbones that Elle would kill for, but his eyes… oh his eyes! Deep brown, the color of mahogany, were framed by long dark lashes.
“I’m so sorry, let me get some napkins,” she murmured, dropping her bag and running to the counter. She returned with a stack of paper napkins and attempted to rub his jacket.
Right now, those mahogany eyes were looking at her with annoyance. “Whoa,” he said, grabbing her hands and taking the napkins from her. “Let me blot it,” he said, taking the napkins from her. “Thank goodness it is waterproof.” He raised his eyebrow at her. “Fiddlesticks?” He gave a little laugh. “I think I’ve only heard my grandmother say that.”
Elle blushed and picked up her items. “Again, I am so sorry. Let me pay the cleaning bill.”
The man held up his hand, “Not to worry. I wasn’t looking where I was going either.” He looked down where the hot beverage had spilled. “Doesn’t look like it is going to stain. I’ll get it cleaned when I head back to Alaska.”
He looked for a place to drop the napkins and Elle held out her hand. “I can take those,” she said.
“Thank you.” He placed the wet napkins in her hand. “Excuse me, I see the person I am meeting with.” He gave her a smile that made her insides go all squishy.
Elle’s eyes followed him through the rustic interior of the coffee shop. She drew a quick breath when she watched him sit down at the table with Andrew.
She stood there a moment longer and saw Andrew glanced over the stranger’s shoulder and glared at her. The handsome man turned around then asked Andrew, “Do you know her?” He lifted his chin in her direction.
Andrew put a folder down on the table and looked at the man. “Just a local weather girl. She’s no one important.”
The burning returned, and Elle ran from the cafe before anyone could see her cry.
Elle raced to the studio and made it to hair and makeup with minutes to spare.
“You’re cutting it close, Chérie,” Pierre gently chastised, as Elle slid into the chair in front of a mirror surrounded by bare light bulbs. Pierre was the head stylist for the station, and Elle adored him. He enjoyed yelling in French as folks walked through the studio.
He wanted to be a Broadway dancer, but had to take a job between gigs, and found himself with a knack for putting together high-end looks in short order. He found a job at the news station and the rest, as they say, was history.
Elle knew there wasn’t a piece of French DNA in him. He was New York born and raised, and she knew his real name. Phillip Simon. Pierre Simone, however rolled off the tongue, so he turned his job into a full persona.
He pulled the clip from her hair. “Shake your head and let me look.” Elle shook her golden-brown waves, releasing them from the pile on top of her head.
“Sorry. I had a quick meeting. I couldn’t do anything with it this morning.”
Pierre cocked his hip and planted his hand on his side. “I
hope it wasn’t with that horrible boyfriend of yours,” he said looking at her through the mirror.
“Phillip…,” she warned. Pierre huffed and lifted the strands of Elle’s hair, pulling them to the sides before dropping them.
“You washed your hair this morning, no?” he asked in his false accent. Elle shook her head. She didn’t have time because she was meeting Andrew. Pierre lifted a few more strands and tsked. “We’ll be cutting it close today, since I have to give you a shampoo.” He clapped his hands. “Marie!” he yelled. A petite woman with red hair appeared. “Take Miss Richey and get her shampooed immediately. Then blow dry her hair. I need to color it for the broadcast tonight.”
“Color it?” Elle asked, panic lacing through her voice. She never had to have her hair colored before.
“Chalk, Cherie. With the temperature turning cooler, tonight you are a tree with leaves!” He waved his hands in the air mimicking leaves falling.
“Will it come out?” she squeaked. The thought of her hair turning orange permanently freaked her out.
“It will wash out. By tomorrow you will be back to your drab brown.” He shooed Marie. “Go. Go! There is Roger. I cannot allow him to go on the air wearing whatever that is! Roger,” he called waving his hand and walking away.
Marie gave Elle a timid smile. “What time do you go on tonight?”
“Ten o’clock.” She’d have a few hours to go through all the weather reports, check the Doppler and then be ready for her first broadcast of the night.
“Let’s get you ready then.”
Two hours later Elle was in full makeup and her hair hung in ringlets down her back. Pierre had strategically placed autumn spiced colors, so they wove through the strands.
Her eyeshadow was in gold, red and brown and Pierre went so far as to use a little gold dust on her cheeks. Her lips were plumped up with some magical good Pierre pulled out of his cosmetic case and primed with a deep red lipstick. Even Elle had to admit she looked good.
Dancing To The Altar (Holliday Islands Resort Book 2) Page 1
