Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy Bwwm Holiday Romance)

by Kenya Wright

  “Yeah. If I didn’t like an outfit on the show, I would call him up. Before that, you had Keith Harbor. I loved the suits he picked, but he was bad with picking your casuals. I made a Pinterest mood board for him and he got it together.”

  Saint chuckled. “Hold on. You’re telling me that you’ve been my overseeing stylist for all these years?”

  “I’ve made suggestions.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “So what’s the stylist’s name?”

  “I probably shouldn’t tell you.”

  “Why? Do you like her?”

  He studied me. “Would it matter?”

  “What’s her name?”

  “You cannot bother her about my clothes or—”

  “They’re just helpful suggestions. With your body—the muscles and height—there’s certain outfits that were made for you. It must be respected.” A pang hit my chest. “What’s her name?”

  “Serenity.”

  “Last name?”

  “That’s it.”

  “One name?”

  “One name.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Why would they pick her?”

  He frowned. “Do you not like the coat?”

  “It’s fine.”

  “She picked my outfit for the airport. You liked that.”

  “Whatever.” I looked away. “That was good too.”

  “So, you think she’s a perfect fit for me?”

  “I wouldn’t say all that.” I made a note to find out her contact information and introduce myself.

  He gently took my chin and moved my view to him. “Have you thought about our conversation last night?”

  I stared into his eyes. My whole state went uneasy. “Well. . .a lot has happened. So much, in fact. I haven’t been able to think about it.”

  “What do you mean a lot has happened? You went to sleep and woke up. Or did you go on another drunken adventure?”

  “I actually did. It was a trip down memory lane. All our firsts.”

  “Interesting. You were my first for everything.”

  “But not sex.”

  “Sex too.”

  “You’re such a liar, Saint.” I lowered my voice. “The way you fucked me against the closet in my dorm room was not the skills of a virgin.”

  “I watched a lot of porn and practiced how I would fuck you in my mind. It all worked out.”

  I stepped back. “Are you serious? I never asked because I assumed and. . .”

  “And what?”

  “I didn’t want to hear about who you might have made love to.”

  He leaned my way and brushed his lips against my ear. “I’ve never made love to anyone else but you. I’ve fucked others, but there was never love in it.”

  Not wanting to hear that, I moved away from him and walked down the chapel’s aisle.

  He followed. “Are we done talking about us?”

  “I need time to think about it, Saint.”

  He grabbed me by my arm, stopped my movement, and turned me around. “What did you say?”

  “I said I need time to think about this.”

  Hope spread across his face. “You’re thinking about it?”

  I tightened my mouth, nervous about saying it again.

  “Usually, it is an outright no or hell no if you’re drunk, but now. . .you’re thinking about it.”

  Pressure tightened in my chest. My heartbeats increased.

  He let go of my arm. “I’ll take that.”

  I let out a long breath and walked away.

  He called after me. “Take as long as you need to think about it, Ivy. My heart and I will be waiting!”

  Everyone in the chapel turned our way.

  I blushed in embarrassment.

  Holly had a hold of Corey’s little hands as she headed back to me. “Okay. I have control of this one. If you can get the other monsters, we’ll start this up.”

  “I’ll get them and call Emma. Worst case scenario, I’ll go to her villa and wake her up.”

  “Thanks, Ivy.” She smirked. “But what is Saint yelling about?”

  “Nothing.” I hurried away before she pulled the whole situation out of me.

  I can’t believe I said I would think about it. Where did that come from?

  It took thirty minutes for Emma to drag her behind out of bed. By then, all of the wedding party was in the chapel, freezing our asses off. Thankfully, the wedding party was small. Three bridesmaids and ushers. I was the maid of honor. Saint was Nikolas’s best man. Throughout the years, they’d become closer than Holly and me.

  Over and over, Saint and I walked down the aisle together. I knew we’d done it perfectly, but Holly was being slick. Perhaps she figured that if I walked down the aisle with her brother enough, then maybe I would get addicted to it. Each time, Saint guided me forward, he held onto me closer than necessary. And I enjoyed that grip, loving how good it felt to be next to him.

  Goodness. I hate marriage, but if I were going to get married. . .it would be Saint. No doubt about it.

  Holly and Nikolas talked to the Wedding Coordinator about the musical selection and where everyone would sit and stand. Nikolas and Holly’s parents arrived later. Then we ran through the entire ceremony twice with them. They figured out where they would sit and when they would enter the chapel. Emma’s kids practiced their part, doing a good job and looking like little angels.

  In the end, the whole rehearsal ceremony ran smoothly. I prayed that the wedding would be just as easy.

  Park showed up at the end.

  I hurried to her. “Were you able to find tickets?”

  “Yeah, but then I figured that it wouldn’t be a bad thing to stay for a few more days.”

  “Really?”

  Park gestured to a guy in the doorway. “So. . .as I was walking around I spotted this cool new friend named, Elias.”

  I checked him out. Six feet, brown hair, and green eyes. Not a bad body. He would definitely look good naked. I turned back to her. “I approve.”

  “You do?”

  “Hells yes. Get your groove on.”

  “Well, I’m supposed to be working even though you said I could leave.”

  “That was a gross mistake on my part. One that Saint showed me. The fact that you’ve ended up having a good time anyway makes me happy. Do your thing, Park.”

  She grinned.

  “You’re still welcome to come to the wedding and reception. You’re counted.”

  “Okay. I’ll be there. I brought a gown just in case.”

  “Perfect. Enjoy these days because after New Year’s, it’s on.”

  Worry creased her face. “I bet it is, boss.”

  “Super on. So, get as much loving in now because January will be make up time.”

  Park glanced back at Elias. “I’ll do my best.”

  “It looks like he’ll do his best, too.”

  She turned back to me and lowered her voice. “And I told him.”

  “Told him what?”

  “That uh. . .you know, that I was born differently.”

  “Oh.” I blinked, shocked that she would divulge that secret to me. “And his thoughts?”

  “He didn’t care at all.”

  “Then he’s a keeper.”

  “He is.” Park shook her head. “Sometimes men run off. My friend told me that I shouldn’t even say anything, but I couldn’t even think of it.”

  “At least now you don’t have to worry about it.”

  “You’re right.”

  “Enjoy.”

  “I will.” She headed off, stopped, and turned around. “Oh, but I have my phone. If you need me, just call.”

  “I sure will, Park. Go have fun.”

  Chapter 11

  Cool Yule

  After the rehearsal, I went back to my villa and changed into a dress that I hoped would stop Saint and his stipulations. He loved the color plum. Not purple, but plum. And it had to have a brownish-gray tinge similar to the color of the plum fruit—which he absolutely loved to ea
t. When I’d spotted the dress in the store months ago, I’d thought of him and bought it. Today, I pulled it out of my suitcase and smiled.

  Hours later, I sat at the table for the rehearsal dinner. Besides the villa, this was the warmest venue since arriving in Lapland. It was nice to not have to bundle up in fur and gloves. I took everything off and enjoyed the soothing atmosphere.

  Restaurant Kuu provided a welcoming ambiance for us. It had a harmoniously simple interior—wooden furniture, dimly lit candles, and a large fireplace right next to our table. Together, everything delivered a cozy environment for our gathering.

  Kuu meant moon in English. At the top of the menu the restaurant boasted that all the food was so amazing, one would have to go to the moon to eat better. Browsing the menu, I was excited to try everything out. There was a range of Finnish classics and Scandinavian dishes with a modern touch—rice pies, cured salmon, brown dumplings, Finnish meatballs, and more.

  I helped seat everyone, making sure that Holly and Nikolas would be relaxed for this evening. I put Nikolas’s parents right next to me, while the happy couple was located far on the other end of the table. Before I could instruct Saint, he sat on my left. I had planned for him to be closer to Holly and far from me.

  O-kay.

  Once I inhaled his scent, I couldn’t move him.

  He leaned my way and whispered, “You’re on mother-in-law duty for tonight?”

  “Yes. Am I doing a good job so far?”

  “You are. You’ve managed to keep her a good ten feet from my sister.”

  I winked at him. “This is what I do.”

  One of his male cousins gestured for him. He responded and was dragged into a long conversation. I didn’t gather what it was about. All my focus remained on him.

  Damn. Why must he be so gorgeous?

  Saint sat at that table like he owned it. Tonight, his blond hair was stylishly tousled. Those blue eyes glowed bright in the warm light. Magical and alluring.

  Saint must’ve noticed me watching him because under the table he moved his hand to my thigh and tenderly squeezed it. I swallowed down my hunger. When he moved his hand away, so many emotions filled me—need, fear, love, and sadness.

  No matter how I ran from him or tried to avoid dealing with my emotions, he drew me back.

  Stop staring at him.

  I dragged myself away from that view and checked my right. Nikolas’s mother, Mrs. Ingram buttoned up her jacket and shook her head at me. “Why would Holly pick such a cold location, Ivy? What’s wrong with her? If my mother were here to see this, she would be disgusted.”

  “Mrs. Maude would have loved this place.” I gave her a sad smile. “Grandma too. They both loved Christmas.”

  She nodded. “They did.”

  “Anyway.” I cleared my throat. “I believe Holly said that Nikolas likes the snow and was super excited about this venue.”

  “He doesn’t. He hates snow and being cold. In fact, he wanted the destination to be in the Caribbean.”

  “Oh. I didn’t know that.”

  “Holly insisted on this location and getting married on Christmas.” Mrs. Ingram hugged herself as if she were freezing. I found it a bit dramatic being that heat vents also surrounded us, blowing out warm air and keeping the space cozy. “It’s selfish.”

  I frowned at her. “Mrs. Ingram, we’re at the rehearsal dinner. What’s done is done.”

  “Someone had to be the voice of reason.”

  “Not at the rehearsal dinner, ma’am.”

  She glared at Holly and Nikolas. “They’re getting married too early. They’re only twenty-eight. They have no idea who they are yet and can barely take care of themselves.”

  “They bought a house. They’ve been working in their jobs for years. They’ve been taking care of themselves for a long time now.”

  “You’re too young to understand, Ivy. There is more to marriage than attraction.”

  I shrugged. “That may be true, Mrs. Ingram. I just respectfully ask for you to be positive and accepting for the sake of your son and new daughter-in-law, who. . .could be the mother of your future grandchildren.”

  She raised her eyebrows and then glanced back at them. “That is a good point. And it would be nice to have some grandchildren, running around. I’m not getting any younger.”

  “That’s being very positive.”

  Groaning, Mr. Ingram gestured to his wife and pointed at the menu. “More reindeer steaks. Does this city have any other protein besides reindeer?”

  “I don’t know, honey. Have you seen any cows? I mean really.” Mrs. Ingram shook her head and picked up her menu. “You have been aggravated since coming back from the fishing trip.”

  “They slung us in an ice-cold lake as if it was a good idea. I screamed for them to get me out of there.”

  “Yes, honey. I know. You’ve told all of us several times.”

  “It was a ridiculous trip. Never again will I let her book anything for me.”

  I laughed and turned back to Saint.

  He’d been watching me the whole time. Those blue eyes delivered a blaze of heat through me. He swept his gaze along my collar bone. Then slipped it down to my cleavage.

  I blushed under his attention.

  “I like your outfit. Very sexy.”

  “Thank you.” I took in his clothes. “You’re wearing Phillippe this evening. New designer that’s making a hot reputation for himself. Is that more of Serenity?”

  “It is.”

  Bitch.

  “Hmmm.” I grabbed my own menu.

  “You’re annoyed.”

  “I’m not.”

  “You’re jealous that she’s dressing me.”

  “Why would I be?”

  “Because apparently, you usually dress me.”

  “Excuse me?” I looked up from the menu. “I only suggest items to your stylists.”

  “You’ve secretly been dressing me for these past years.” He picked up his wine and took a sip. “You love me.”

  “We already know that I love you.”

  “Yeah. Like a brother.” He grinned. “Have you thought about our earlier conversation?”

  “It’s only been a few hours, Saint.”

  He checked his watch. “You don’t even have a few days.”

  “Oh really? Is there a timer?”

  “There is.” He dropped his gaze to my breasts. “I’ve been dying to touch you all day. Did you have to wear that dress?”

  I smirked.

  “Was it intentional?”

  “I dress for myself.”

  “In my favorite color? And so form-fitting with just the right amount of cleavage to tease me.”

  “I never considered that.”

  “But you knew I would like it.” He kept his voice low. “Knew my cock would get hard from seeing it.”

  Need rose in me.

  I licked my lips. “Are you hard right now?”

  He pierced me with his gaze. “You know I am.”

  “Then how about you be good tonight and give me my present early.”

  “Hmmm. Have you been naughty or nice this year?”

  “Very naughty.” I tilted closer to him, showing him more of my cleavage. “And I want to be even naughtier this evening.”

  He moved closer to me and brushed his lips along my ear, but said nothing. When he leaned back, he winked.

  I frowned. “You’re a fucking tease.”

  “And you’re dragging your feet on something that could be so beautiful, it could warm your cold heart.”

  “My heart is not cold. I just don’t have one.”

  “Is that what you think will keep you protected? You pretending to not have a heart. Too bad, every time I’m near you I hear it beating loud and strong.”

  I turned away from him.

  “Ivy.”

  Frowning, I looked at him.

  “There’s nothing to think about.”

  “There is when I’m. . .” I closed my mouth and shook my
head.

  “When you’re what?”

  “Broken, Saint. Come on. You know that.”

  “Are you broken?”

  “I’m damn sure not whole.”

  “Fine.” He glared at me. “You’re broken. And I apologize on behalf of your mother for doing that.”

  I flinched.

  “And I wish she could return and help you gather all those shattered pieces and glue them back together.” He touched his chest. “But I’m here and I have glue.”

  “Glue for my heart and soul?”

  “Tubs of it.”

  I kept my voice low. “I don’t deserve you.”

  He hissed. “Shut up.”

  “Whatever.” I turned away from him. This conversation was too much to handle. Already, I could feel him wearing me down, making me rethink all my thoughts on love.

  Thankfully, he gave me a break from the intensity. His cousins pulled him into a conversation.

  After we ordered, chatter mingled with lots of giggling and laughing.

  Mrs. Ingram talked about my charity event. “I couldn’t believe my local news picked it up. I am so proud of you, Ivy.”

  I beamed with pride. “I worked really hard on it.”

  “I could tell.”

  Saint whispered in my ear. “You’re so fucking beautiful. And you know it. Don’t you?”

  I blushed again but kept my back to him.

  Mrs. Ingram raised her glass. “To all your accomplishments, Ivy.”

  I raised my glass. “Thank you. And to your family becoming large and blessed.”

  Mr. Ingram also nodded and raised his glass.

  While I sipped my wine, Saint whispered in my ear again. “Due to you, I’ve had my hand in my pants the whole time, stroking my cock.”

  I coughed on my wine, set the glass down, and turned his way.

  A wicked grin spread across his face.

  I tilted back and peeked under the table, making sure no one suspected what I was doing. The waiters brought the food out. Everybody was too busy looking at their newly arriving plates.

  I arched my brows at the view. Sure enough, Saint had his hands in his pants.

  I bit my lip. “Can I help you with that?”

  “Every time you take a sip of wine, I stroke the tip, thinking of how skillful those lips are.”

  “My lips would like to make that fantasy a reality.”

  Annoyance crept at his eyes.