The Christmas Bliss Romance Collection

by Jennifer Youngblood

  “Good! Count your lucky stars.”

  Irritation crawled down Kinsley’s spine. “Why’re you always so critical of Fleming?” She turned off the engine and raked her hair out of her face. Her phone chimed again. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. I’ve gotta go. Talk to you tomorrow morning,” she said, ending the call. She clicked over, but had already lost Fleming’s call. Great! Before the impromptu meeting with A. G. Wells came up, Kinsley had agreed to spend Christmas with Fleming and his family in the Upper Eastside of Manhattan. Fleming was frustrated that she cancelled on him last minute, especially when she didn’t give a reason. Kinsley wanted to keep the meeting with A. G. Wells on the down low. At this point, she didn’t even know if anything would come of it.

  Hopefully, she’d go back to NYC with great news to report. If things went well with the meeting and Kinsley got the green light to write the play, Fleming would wet his pants. He’d beg her to let him direct it. Would she let him? She chewed on her inner jaw, mulling it over. Yeah, maybe … eventually, after she made him beg a little. She grinned at the thought. Contrary to Cassidy’s opinion, Fleming wasn’t a bad guy. Cassidy was just looking out for Kinsley as a best friend should. Six months ago, Fleming proposed to Kinsley. She told him she needed time to think things over. He got ticked and broke up with her, finding another girlfriend faster than Kinsley could sneeze. At first, she was ticked. However, it didn’t take Fleming long to realize the error of his ways. For the past two months he’d begged Kinsley to take him back. They’d gone out on a few dates, but Kinsley was still keeping him at arm’s length. Well, sort of. She did agree to spend Christmas with him. Now, those plans had gone down the toilet.

  Nervous jitters danced in Kinsley’s stomach as she looked at the white Victorian home with its large wrap-around porch and intricate trim. Some called it majestic, others quaint. For Kinsley, it had simply been home. Her gaze trailed up to the Christmas tree sitting prominently in the center of the turret on the right-hand section of the home. That was new. From this distance, the white lights resembled sparkling diamonds. The icicle lights hanging from the eaves, the large wreaths with red velvet ribbons on the windows had been a part of Kinsley’s mama’s décor for as long as Kinsley could remember. Her eyes went to the swing on the left. Her throat tightened as she swallowed. It was that fateful spot where she had her last face-to-face conversation with Gunner. Had Mama hung mistletoe this year? Probably. She’d been hanging it near the swing for years.

  Wanting to distract herself from thinking of Gunner, Kinsley thought about calling Fleming back, but the front door opened and Kinsley’s mama Sue Ellen stepped out. Her eyes reflected pure joy when they connected with Kinsley’s. A pang of guilt stabbed through Kinsley. For years, her mama had begged her to come for Christmas, but the thoughts of doing so were too painful. Now, here she was, lured by personal gain rather than home. She needed a shot at writing this play!

  Kinsley got out of the car, pushing her purse strap over her shoulder. “Hey, Mama,” she said as she came up the walkway. Her feet slipped a little. It was getting slick out here. Snowflakes circled around her, landing on her face.

  Sue Ellen burst into tears as Kinsley got to the top of the steps. She flung her arms around Kinsley. “I’m so glad you’re home!”

  The familiar scent of her mama’s perfume, mingled with the faint odor of baby powder, peeled the years away. For an instant, Kinsley felt like she’d never left.

  Her mama pulled away and suppressed a shiver. “Oosh! It’s freezing out here. Let’s go in the house.”

  Kinsley jutted her thumb to the car. “I’ve gotta get my luggage.”

  “We’ll get your daddy to get it for you in a few minutes.”

  When they stepped inside the foyer, Kinsley dusted off the snow. Glancing around she noted that everything looked nearly the same as it had when she’d left five years ago. She realized her mama was staring at her. “What?” Self-consciously, her hand went to her hair.

  The corners of her mama’s lips turned down. “You look tired, honey. And a little thin.” Sue Ellen touched Kinsley’s hair. “Are you doing all right?”

  Kinsley drew back from her reach. Really? Her mama was already starting in on the criticism? “You haven’t changed a bit, Mama. Always putting me under the microscope.” She didn’t try to hide the angst in her voice.

  Sue Ellen drew herself up to her full height, pulling at her sweater. “That’s not true.” Her eyes softened. “You look beautiful, as always. Just tired.”

  “Thanks,” she replied automatically. “I am tired. I’ve been on the road for two days,” she grumbled. “The snow was awful.”

  “I know. Lee and I have been worried sick about you.”

  Kinsley glanced around. “Speaking of Daddy. Where is he?”

  “In the living room watching a football game with Hollis and the guys.”

  Hollis was married to Kinsley’s younger sister Jolene. “Are Jolene and the girls here?”

  “No, just Hollis. Jolene wanted to be here, but August had dance practice tonight.”

  Kinsley wrinkled her nose as she removed her coat and hung it on the rack beside the front door. “Shoot. I was hoping they’d be here. I wanted to see the girls.” Kinsley had missed seeing her nieces August and Tara.

  “They’ll be here tomorrow. You won’t believe how much they’ve grown.” Sue Ellen’s eyebrow arched. “Of course, it has been five years since you’ve seen them.”

  “Yeah, I know. I’m a lousy aunt.” The comment was met with a stilted silence that cut to the bone. Her mama wasn’t going to let her squirm off the hook easily. “I’m sorry, Mama. Work has just been so crazy that it’s been hard to find the time to get off.” Her voice dribbled off, the words sounding lame even to her own ears. They both knew the reason why Kinsley had avoided coming home, but Kinsley wasn’t going to voice it.

  She adjusted her sweater, fluffing her hair. She was sure she looked like crap. A good night’s sleep would do her wonders.

  “Come on in and say hello to the guys.”

  That’s right. Mama had mentioned guys before, but she’d not caught it because she was focused on her nieces. “What guys?” The last thing she wanted to do tonight was to have to make small talk with her dad and Hollis’s buddies.

  Sue Ellen touched her arm, giving her a reassuring smile. “Oh, don’t worry. It’ll be perfectly fine.”

  Was it her imagination or did she detect a note of tension in her mama’s voice? Her mama took her by the arm and pulled her down the hall. “Everyone will be so glad to see you.”

  “Everyone?” Kinsley didn’t like the sound of this, not at all! Even as her mind worked to figure out who was here, her mama practically pushed her into the family room, the words bubbling out like frothy soap suds. “Look who’s here.”

  Kinsley’s daddy rose from his recliner and crossed the distance between them in two large steps before embracing her in a bear hug. “Hey, darling. Welcome home,” he said heartily. The scent of Old Spice permeated her senses, taking her right back to her childhood. She’d always felt so protected in her daddy’s strong arms. He pulled back, assessing her, a broad smile filling his craggy face. “Beautiful as always, just like your mama,” he proclaimed.

  “Thanks, Daddy.”

  He turned and in a booming voice announced the obvious. “Hey, everybody. Look who’s home.”

  Kinsley did a quick scope of the room—three guys sitting on the couch, their feet kicked up on the coffee table. On the left was her brother-in-law Hollis. Claude Billings her daddy’s closest friend and the owner of the local hardware store was in the middle. Her heart nearly stopped when she locked gazes with the guy on the far right. Her hand went to her chest as she clutched her sweater, finding herself staring into the same piercing Nordic blue eyes she’d spent the past five years trying to forget.

  2

  Gunner was still just as handsome as Kinsley remembered, maybe even more so with his disheveled hair and bad-boy edg
e. How was it possible for a man to look that good in a plaid shirt and jeans? She felt unsteady like the floor had shifted beneath her feet. “Gunner,” she croaked, trying to mask her shock. She’d not realized that Gunner was pals with her daddy. Then again, it was a small town. People were bound to cross paths. Still, five years ago, Gunner and her daddy hadn’t been especially close.

  “Hey, Kinsley,” Gunner said softly. “It’s been a long time.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “What’re you doing here?”

  He motioned to the TV, a hint of mocking amusement on his face.

  When Hollis chuckled, she shot him a dark look, heat flaming her cheeks. Hollis gave her a sheepish grin. She turned her attention back to Gunner. Had they been alone, there was plenty Kinsley would like to say to Gunner Douglas, starting with what a jerk he was. No, she didn’t want to be alone with Gunner. She wanted to stay as far away from him as she could get.

  “Have a seat, pumpkin,” her daddy said, pointing to an open chair. “Go ahead,” he said when she hesitated.

  She lifted her chin and strode over to the chair and sat down. She put her purse in her lap, channeling her tension to it as she held onto the straps with an iron grip. All eyes were on her, but all she could feel were Gunner’s.

  Her daddy sat back down in his recliner. She thought her mama would sit down too, but she turned to leave the room.

  “Where’re you going?” Kinsley demanded, not wanting to be left alone with the guys.

  “When you arrived, I was in the middle of making popcorn. I’ll finish that up and be right back.”

  Kinsley scooted forward, preparing to stand. “I’ll help.”

  Mama waved a hand. “No need. I’ve got it.” She turned on her heel, hurrying out.

  Hollis and Claude turned their attention back to the game. Gunner did as well, at least outwardly. Kinsley got the feeling that he was focused on her.

  “So, pumpkin, how was the drive in?” Her daddy crossed his legs in a wide stance with his ankle resting on his thigh.

  “The snow was bad.”

  “Yeah, I figured. I’m glad you made it home safe and sound.”

  “It’s been a while since we’ve seen you.” Hollis tipped his head looking thoughtful. “How many years has it been since you’ve come home?”

  Before she could answer, Gunner spoke. “Five,” he said curtly, eyes locking with hers.

  So, the gloves were coming off. That was fine with her! Blood thrashed like a caged animal against her temples. “I’m surprised you remembered.”

  “How could I forget?” The corners of his lips quivered. “It’s not every day that I get pelted in the head with a bundle of mistletoe.”

  She tensed. “You’re lucky you didn’t get pelted in the face.” She saw Claude’s uncomfortable expression as he shifted in his seat. Hollis was amused.

  Kinsley’s daddy cleared his throat. “That’s enough of that,” he warned, his eyes meeting Kinsley’s.

  For several long minutes, the only sound in the room was the murmur of the announcers on TV. Finally, Hollis spoke. His voice had the forced cheerfulness of one trying to put everyone at ease. “How’s work going?”

  “Fabulous,” she lied.

  “That’s great, pumpkin,” her daddy said warmly. “Are you about to start on a new play?”

  “Yes, right after the first of the year.” Lightning was going to strike Kinsley for lying. Then again, it wasn’t an outright lie. If she could convince A. G. Wells to let her write the play, she would start on it in the timeframe she just said.

  She felt Gunner’s eyes on her, scrutinizing and measuring.

  “It’s so good to have you home for Christmas,” her daddy said, adjusting his glasses. “Your mama has been dreaming about this for years.”

  “I’m glad to be home too,” she said stiffly, a fresh wave of guilt rolling over her. She never should’ve made her family suffer because of her falling out with Gunner. He was still watching, his probing eyes piercing through her like ice-blue lasers. She glanced at him, but his expression was unreadable. Tingles burst over her like fireworks. She’d forgotten how much of a visceral, physical attraction she had to Gunner. She had to fight against this! Gunner meant nothing to her! Any hope the two of them ever had of getting back together died the day Gunner married Carol Ann.

  “What’re your plans?” her daddy asked.

  She didn’t have to look at Gunner to feel his interest. She moistened her dry lips. “I’ve got a little work to catch up on tomorrow,” she said evasively. “After that, I plan to just hang out with the family.”

  “What sort of work?” Gunner asked.

  For an instant, she thought her ears were deceiving her. Surely, Gunner wouldn’t be brazen enough to pump her for information. Her head whipped around to him. “Excuse me?”

  A faint trace of amusement flickered in his eyes. “You said work. What type of work?”

  “None of your business,” she muttered.

  “Yes!” Hollis exclaimed, pumping his fist.

  For a split second, Kinsley thought he was talking to her, then she realized his team had scored a touchdown.

  Claude leaned forward. “And the field goal is good!” he announced. “Yeah!”

  Kinsley couldn’t help but smile. The low roar of a game on TV reminded her of her growing up years. She was glad everyone had something other than her to focus on. She scooted forward, yawning. “Well, I’m really tired. I think I’ll go up to my room.”

  “That sounds good, sweetheart,” her daddy said, his attention already focused on the game.

  Her mama returned and placed two large popcorn bowls on the coffee table. The instant she set them down, Hollis and Claude grabbed large handfuls, shoving them in their mouths.

  Kinsley stood. “Good night, everyone.”

  “What? You’re going to bed so soon?” her mama asked, the corners of her lips pulling down in disappointment. “You barely just got here.”

  “Yeah, it’s been a long day. I’m exhausted.” She pushed her purse strap over her shoulder, pasting on a polite smile for Hollis and Claude. “Goodnight.”

  “See ya,” Hollis said, his eyes glued to the TV.

  Claude nodded. “Nice to see you, Kinsley.”

  Kinsley didn’t bother looking at Gunner. No point in going through the motions of faking trivialities.

  “I washed your sheets,” her mama said. She turned, her hand going to her hip. “Lee, would you mind helping Kinsley get her luggage out of her car?”

  “Sure.” He moved to stand.

  “No, need,” Gunner said quickly, getting to his feet. “I’ll help.”

  “That’s not necessary,” Kinsley countered.

  Her daddy looked relieved as he relaxed in his recliner. “Thank you, Gunner. That would be great.”

  Gunner motioned, laughter simmering in his eyes. “After you.”

  He was getting great delight in needling her. Well, she wouldn’t give him the pleasure of reacting. “Fine,” she said tersely, walking out of the room with him right behind her. She was keenly aware of his presence as they went down the hall. When they reached the foyer, she turned to face him. In jerky movements, she reached in her purse and handed him the key.

  When he reached for it, his hand touched hers sending a jolt of electricity through her. The shock must’ve shown on her face because the corners of his lips twitched. Her eyes narrowed. “You think this is funny!”

  He shrugged. “A little.” He shot her a pleased look. “It’s nice to know you’re not completely unaffected by me.”

  It was just like Gunner to throw that in her face. Her anger rose to new heights. “You’re a jerk!” she seethed.

  He cocked an eyebrow, his expression never changing. “And you’re an uptight wench. Since when do you get off treating everyone—” he pointed to his chest “—me, like dirt?”

  She rocked back. Gunner had never been one to pull punches. “That does it!” She snatched the key out of his hand. “I’
ll get my own luggage!”

  He let out a low chuckle. “Suit yourself, pumpkin.” His tone was soft and mocking.

  She got up in his face. “Don’t call me pumpkin!”

  He laughed. “Pumpkin was a few steps up from what you deserve. I can think of a few other names that might be more appropriate, considering your hoity toity, diva attitude.”

  She dropped her purse in the corner, threw open the door, and marched out. As she tromped down the stairs, her foot slipped on the slick steps. She let out a yelp as she caught hold of the handrail to keep from falling.

  Gunner rushed out. “Are you okay?” He caught her arm to help her down the rest of the steps, but she pulled it away from his grasp. “I’m fine.”

  She stepped onto the walkway and nearly fell again. It was a solid sheet of ice. Sheesh. It hadn’t seemed that bad when she’d first gone in. Now, with the temperature dropping, it was treacherous.

  Gunner caught hold of her waist. “Easy.” He steered her to the car where she leaned on the hood for support. “Stay there, and I’ll get your luggage.” He held out his hand. “The key please.”

  She placed it in his hand. As he took it, he made a point of brushing her hand, evoking more tingles.

  He gave her a lopsided grin, winking. “It’s all right. I normally have that effect on women.”

  She barked out a laugh. “In your dreams.” If only her stupid body would get the memo—she and Gunner Douglas were through! He got her suitcase and other bag out of the trunk. Cautiously, he carried them up the stairs. Kinsley let go of the car so she could follow him, but her feet slid like oil over the ice. Her high-heeled boots had zero traction. In retrospect, she should’ve worn snow boots. Then again, she was expecting drizzle, not a blizzard.

  A few seconds later, Gunner came back outside. A slow grin stole over his lips as he looked at her, realizing her predicament. “Would you like some help?” he asked in a cavalier tone.

  “Nah, I’m enjoying standing out here and looking at the sights,” she said sarcastically. “The Christmas tree’s nice.” She looked up at the tree in the turret.