The Christmas Bliss Romance Collection

by Jennifer Youngblood

  “Lillian wants to start a community theater. She asked me if I would run it.”

  A giant smile split his face. “Really?”

  “Really.”

  He took both of her hands in his and brought them to his lips. “That’s wonderful.”

  “Yes.”

  He pressed his lips together, studying her. “You don’t seem happy about it.”

  “Yeah, I am.” She gurgled a laugh. “Being here with you would be wonderful.”

  “But?” he prompted.

  “But, I’m not sure if I’m quite ready to throw in the towel and give up my dream of writing a play for Broadway.” A smile ruffled her lips. “Winning that Tony award.” She half expected him to be disappointed, but he laughed instead.

  “That sounds like the Kinsley Preston I know. Always going for the gusto.”

  “You’re not frustrated with me for not jumping on Lillian’s offer?”

  “Sure, I’d love to have you here with me, but I want you to be happy. And, I no longer feel threatened by your success, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

  The tenderness in his eyes nearly moved her to tears. “That’s good to know. I’m sorry about what I said about your music. I had no right to judge you. You’ve built a good life for yourself, Gunner. One to be proud of.”

  He smiled in appreciation.

  She swallowed, needing to get the rest out. “I’m not sure how this long-distance thing is supposed to work.”

  He looked thoughtful. “Well, the last I checked, flights are still running between here and New York. And, we can always drive.”

  She laughed at his practicality. “Yes, we can. Also, I’m not closing the door on the opportunity with Lillian. I just want to think about it some more.” She chuckled darkly. “Figure out if I can work with Lillian without strangling her.”

  He shook his head. “Yeah, I guess that’ll be the true test, huh?” he teased. “I’ve gotta sing with the kids again tonight.”

  “Oh?” She wondered where this was going.

  “Afterwards, would you like to meet me at my house? Say, around nine o’clock? There’s something I wanna show you.”

  “Sounds great.” Excitement seeped through her as she wondered what Gunner had up his sleeve.

  His eyes took on a smolder that caused her blood to run faster. “Come here,” he drawled, pulling her in for a long, drugging kiss that sent her soaring.

  * * *

  “I’m so full. I feel like I’m going to pop,” Kinsley complained, holding her stomach.

  He laughed. “Well, you did eat four pieces.”

  She made a face. “Hey, it’s not polite to count the number of pieces a lady eats.”

  “There are some who would argue that a lady shouldn’t down four pieces of pizza in one sitting.”

  She shoved him playfully, laughing. “I was hungry, okay.”

  “Obviously,” he said in jest. “To tell you the truth,” he mused, “I was a little disappointed.”

  She cast him a sidelong glance. “Why?”

  His lips quivered with amusement. “Because on our first official date, you ate five pieces. Today was only four. You’re falling down on the job, Preston,” he taunted.

  She gave in to the laughter rumbling in her chest. “I can’t believe you remember that.”

  “How could I forget? I was impressed that you would eat in front of me. Most girls eat like a bird around people.”

  “I figured if you were buying me pizza, I wasn’t going to let it go to waste.”

  “That’s my girl,” he drawled.

  Oh, how she loved the sound of that.

  When Gunner pulled into Kinsley’s driveway, she frowned, not recognizing the parked car.

  “Are you expecting company?”

  “Not that I know of.” She shrugged. “But what do I know? I’ve been gone for so long, I don’t have a clue about the day-to-day life of my parents.”

  He gave her a confident look. “We’re about to change that.”

  She grinned. “Yes, we are.” She reached for the door handle.

  “Don’t open that door,” he said as he hopped out and came around to open her door. When she got out, he closed it. Before she could move away from the truck, he moved close, leaning in so that she was captured. His eyes moved over her face in that slow, leisurely way that warmed her blood. “I’ve got you now,” he said softly. With feather lightness, he kissed the top of her head, the tips of her lashes as she closed her eyes. Then, he nibbled at her earlobe. Her breath caught as his mouth moved down her neck, planting a string of kisses.

  Euphoria swept over her. “You’ve always had me,” she uttered.

  When he realized the significance of her words, he pulled back and rewarded her with a dazzling smile before his lips came down coaxingly on hers. As the kiss intensified, her body quivered under his touch. Her arms went around Gunner’s neck as she threaded her fingers through the hair on his nape. It wasn’t just the attraction that spoke to her, but the sense of familiarity and belonging. Gunner knew her like she knew him. The two had a lifetime of memories and experiences on which to build. She savored the feel of his lips, his scent, the faint taste of pepperoni on his breath. They were both breathing hard when he pulled back. He glanced around, chuckling. “Sorry, I lost myself for a moment. It’s a good thing no one saw us out here.”

  She looked around. “Yeah, I’m sure it won’t take long for the whole town to hear about us. Nothing travels faster than news through the grapevine.”

  His eyes sparkled with a reckless challenge as he stepped back and yelled. “Hey, Remember. I’m in love with Kinsley Preston. And I don’t care who knows it!”

  She shoved him laughing. “Well, before you tell the whole town, I guess we should break the news to my family.” She wrinkled her nose. “Of course, I’ll have to eat crow after my outburst yesterday at the dinner table.”

  “Yes, you will,” he sniggered.

  She made a face at him. “You don’t have to look so happy about it.”

  “Oh, I’m gonna enjoy every minute.” He took hold of her arm. “Let me help you across the concrete in case it’s still slick.”

  “Good idea.” She clung to him, partly for help, but mostly because she enjoyed being close to him. The sun had melted nearly all the ice, with only a few small patches remaining. They made it up the steps without any difficulty. “Hello,” Kinsley called as they stepped into the foyer. “You’ll never believe who I have with me,” she chimed, smiling at Gunner.

  “In the family room,” her mama called.

  Kinsley looked at Gunner. “You ready for this?”

  “I was born ready,” he responded, draping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her close.

  They stepped into the family room together. Kinsley’s heart dropped when she realized who was sitting on the sofa across from her mama. “Fleming?” she croaked. “What’re you doing here?” In comparison to Gunner, Fleming looked soft, almost feminine. He was good-looking, the pretty-boy type with his wavy blonde hair, tailored sweater and dress pants.

  He motioned at her and Gunner, an expression of outrage twisting his features. “What is this? I thought we were making another go of it.”

  She heard Gunner’s low, mocking chuckle. She looked at her mama for help, but Mama only shook her head. Kinsley moistened her dry lips. “Uh, Fleming, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  He barked out a laugh, giving her a blistering look. “Yeah, I can see that.”

  Sue Ellen stood. “Let’s all sit down and discuss this like rational adults.”

  For a second, Fleming acted like he might refuse, but then he went back to the couch and plopped down. Kinsley and Gunner went over to the loveseat where Gunner scooted close and placed an arm around her shoulder. His jaw was harder than granite, his blue eyes turning to marbles as he stared Fleming down. A shiver ran through Kinsley. She got the feeling that if she and her mama hadn’t been here, Gunner might’ve pummeled Flemin
g.

  Kinsley leaned forward, trying to figure out how to put this as delicately as possible. “Fleming, I never meant to hurt you.”

  He scoffed. “Too late for that.”

  “Gunner and I have a long history together. When I came home, I had no intention of getting back together with him.” She shrugged, offering an apologetic smile. “Things just sort of happened.” She glanced at her mama, saw her look of joy, the tears that glistened in her eyes.

  Sue Ellen’s hands went to her mouth. “I knew it,” she breathed.

  Fleming’s face turned a few shades darker. “To think,” he seethed, “I came all this way to tell you the good news.”

  That’s right. Fleming said he had some news to share with her. In all the commotion, Kinsley had completely forgotten about it. “What good news?”

  A tight smile curled his lips. “I’m going to be directing a play on Broadway next year.”

  “That’s fantastic.” Kinsley meant it. Fleming had worked hard to be where he was. He deserved any success he achieved.

  “I told the theater that I would take the job under one condition.”

  She held her breath, waiting for the rest.

  “That you be the one to write it.”

  The air seemed to leave the room as Kinsley’s mind spun. “W—what?” Her dream was within her grasp. She turned to Gunner and could tell from his tight expression that he knew what was going through her head … choosing him or her ambition.

  Fleming, too, could tell she was confused. “The offer still stands,” he said, shooting Gunner a look of triumph. “Of course, it will require your undivided attention,” he added, jutting out his chin.

  Trembles ran through Kinsley as she clasped her hands. She turned to Gunner. “Even if I decide to take the job, it won’t change anything between us.” Even as she spoke the words, she knew it was a lie. Everything would change. She’d never be able to walk the tightrope between Gunner and Fleming. “I—don’t know what to do. I’ve wanted this for so long.”

  The anguish on Gunner’s face cut her to the quick. He removed his arm, forcing a smile as he rose to his feet. Kinsley jumped up from the loveseat. “Wait a minute!” Her heart began to pound. She felt his yearning, calling to her.

  Then a window closed over his eyes and she could feel him slipping away. He touched her arm, giving her a sad smile. “I’ll give you some space to figure things out.” He shot Fleming a hard look.

  “You can’t just leave!” Panic raced through her veins.

  Gunner’s lips pulled into a tight line as he nodded at Sue Ellen. His eyes met Kinsley’s for one long moment. “Whatever you decide, you know how I feel about you.” A wistful smile touched his lips. “And, for the record, you don’t need A. G. Wells or a Broadway hit to be good. You’ve always been amazing in my book.”

  Tears stung Kinsley’s eyes as he strode out of the room. She turned to her mama. “What should I do?”

  Fleming got to his feet. “The play, of course, doll.” The look on his face suggested that he couldn’t believe she was even asking such a question.

  A tender smile spread over her mama’s lips. “What do you want to do?”

  Kinsley’s eyes narrowed. “It would be stupid to throw away the chance of a lifetime.”

  “Yes,” Mama agreed, eyes locking with hers. “It would.”

  10

  Kinsley let out a sigh of relief when she pulled into Gunner’s driveway and saw his truck. Her heart in her throat, she got out of the car and went to the door. She rang the doorbell and waited. Nothing.

  The lights were on. Was Gunner being stubborn, refusing to answer the door? She gritted her teeth and pushed the doorbell again. When he didn’t answer, she knocked hard on the door. This time, he opened it.

  Surprise tinged his handsome face when he saw her. “Hey.”

  “May I come in?” Before he could answer, she stepped into his personal space and maneuvered around him.

  He closed the door and turned to face her. “I figured you’d be headed to New York right about now.”

  A smile tugged at her lips. “Oh, ye of little faith,” she quipped. She looked around, her gaze taking in the open-beamed ceiling that stretched into the second story. The home was modern and streamlined with large windows across the back wall. “So, this is where you live,” she mused. Gunner had purchased the home after she left Remember. She went over to the leather sofa and sat down. He stood looking at her, a bemused expression on his rugged face.

  She removed her coat and placed it beside her, depositing her purse on top. “Well, aren’t you gonna sit down?”

  Amusement flashed through his eyes as he complied with her request. When he sat down in an overstuffed chair across from her, she arched an eyebrow. “What’s wrong, Gunner? Are you scared of me?” she taunted.

  He chuckled. “Sometimes, yes.”

  She grunted a laugh, patting the space beside her. “Come here, you big moron.”

  His eyes widened as he laughed. “You’re a bossy thing, aren’t you?” He got up and sat down beside her.

  She took in a breath, wanting to get this right the first time. “About what happened today.”

  “I’m sorry,” he began with a labored sigh. “I shouldn’t have left like that.”

  “No, you shouldn’t have,” she said adamantly.

  “I panicked, fearing I was losing you all over again.” Wariness seeped into his eyes. “What did you decide?”

  She pursed her lips together. “Well, I asked Mama what she thought I should do, and she agreed that it would be stupid to throw away the chance of a lifetime.”

  His shoulders sagged with disappointment as he swallowed. “I understand.”

  She laughed. “Do you?” She scooted closer. “Because I choose you.”

  He grunted in surprise, his eyes tearing up. “Really?”

  She touched his jaw. “Really.”

  He studied her. “What about your shot at Broadway? Are you willing to just give that up?”

  She considered his question, needing to be completely honest with him. “I mean, I’ll always want Broadway.” Her eyes held his. “But there’s one thing I want more. You,” she said fiercely. “I gave you up once, and I’m not willing to do that again. Not for all the Broadways in the world.”

  A tear dribbled down his cheek. He laughed, his jaw working. “Sorry.”

  She wiped away the tear, gazing into his arresting eyes. “I love you.”

  He grinned. “I love you back.” He wrapped a finger around a lock of her hair. “What about A. G. Wells? Is that still on the table?”

  She shrugged. “Maybe. We’ll see.” She chuckled dryly. “After I spit-shine the Inn and do a thousand other things that Lillian wants me to do.”

  “So, are you going to take Lillian up on her offer to start a community theater?”

  “Yes.” A smile overcame her lips. “So help me, I’m going to do it.”

  He rewarded her with a dazzling smile. “That’s good.”

  She leaned in for a kiss, but he drew back. “What?” she asked, giving him a questioning look.

  A cryptic smile tugged at his lips. “I have something you might be interested in. A solution to your dilemma.”

  She cocked her head. “Huh?”

  “Remember? I told you I had something to show you tonight.”

  “Oh, yeah.” She laughed. “Just make sure it’s something good, okay?”

  “I think you might like it,” he said off-handedly. “I’ll be right back.”

  He returned a couple minutes later, holding a wrapped present. It was then that she realized he didn’t have a Christmas tree. He sat back down and handed her the gift. “Open it,” he prompted.

  “Okay, but I don’t have anything for you.”

  He dismissed her comment with a shrug. “Having you here is the best present of all.”

  “Where’s your tree?”

  “What?”

  “You don’t have a Christmas tree.”r />
  “No, I haven’t put one up for some years. Five, to be exact.” He gave her a significant look.

  “Because of me?” Emotion lodged thick in her throat. They’d broken up on Christmas night, when Kinsley threw the mistletoe at Gunner. He’d jumped in his truck and squealed out, driving off. Kinsley left for New York the following day.

  “I was hoping maybe we could go and pick one out tomorrow?”

  A bubble of joy burst in her chest as she laughed. “We can do that.”

  He motioned. “Now, open the gift.”

  She untied the bow and removed the paper. She lifted the lid and looked down. It was a manuscript. She gasped when she read the title, Stolen Memories by A. G. Wells. She looked at Gunner. “Is this what I think it is?”

  “Yes, my original manuscript,” he said proudly.

  For a second, his words didn’t register. “Your manuscript?” She gasped. “Your first name is Alec. The A. G. stands for Alec Gunner? You’re A. G. Wells!” A hysterical giggle tickled her throat.

  “Yes.”

  “But how?” she sputtered, her mind reeling. “You don’t write books, you write song lyrics.” She chuckled. “Some of the best song lyrics I’ve ever heard, mind you, but that’s beside the point.”

  “It wasn’t that hard to make the switch from writing songs to novels.” A lopsided grin formed over his lips. “I figured if you could do it … well …”

  “This is crazy. H—how?”

  “After you left, I was lower than low. I needed something to take my mind off my troubles, so I started writing as a catharsis. Lillian knew that Christmas time was brutal for me, so she insisted on coming over so that I could teach her guitar lessons.”

  Kinsley raised her eyebrows. “I can’t imagine Lillian playing the guitar.”

  He winced. “She can’t. She’s terrible. Anyway, she was over here one day and saw my notes.” He chuckled. “As you know, there are no secrets around Lillian. I told her what I was doing, and she put me in touch with Howard’s friend Peter at Bridgepoint Publishing.” He shrugged. “The rest is history. I adopted a pen name because the marketing team felt like my books would sell more if the author remained mysterious. I took Lillian’s maiden name as a tribute to her. Now, I’m glad that people don’t know who I am because I’m able to live a normal life, away from the limelight.”