The Christmas Bliss Romance Collection

by Jennifer Youngblood

  She held up her hands. “I’m a lost cause.”

  “Nope,” Beckett countered, “you’ll get the hang of it.”

  She chuckled. “Well, I can’t get any worse.”

  Next, it was Jazzie’s turn. She hit seven pins down the first try and got the other three on the second attempt. Ava clapped as Beckett hooted. “Way to go, Jazz!”

  This time around, Beckett got a strike. “Yes!” His eyes found Ava’s as she smiled. In that moment, Beckett felt like he was the king of the room. The very air tingled with excitement now that Ava was here.

  Ava took her turn. This time, she managed to knock down six pins on two tries. As she strode back, she shrugged. “Better, right?”

  Beckett grinned. “Yep, much better. We’ll make a bowler out of you yet.” Beckett was surprised and pleased when Ava sat down beside him. A part of him wished they weren’t at the bowling alley. He wanted to be alone with Ava so he could find out more about her. When Jazzie got up to take her turn, he angled toward Ava, intent on getting in as many questions as he could during the short few minutes they had before Jazzie returned. “You mentioned that your client couldn’t make it tonight. What type of work do you do?”

  “I’m a freelance interior designer.”

  “Wow, that’s awesome. I’ll bet it’s a fun job.”

  She tilted her head, her brows drawing together in thought. “Most of the time.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. Her gold hoop earring shimmered as it caught the light. “It’s like anything, I suppose. It depends on the project. How about you? What do you do?”

  “I’m a fireman.”

  “Impressive,” she murmured. Her light eyes moved over him with admiration. “I should’ve known. Take-charge attitude, those tough-guy muscles, the confident swagger in your step.”

  He was taken back by her forthrightness. As juvenile as it was, he was flattered that she’d noticed his muscles. “Thanks,” he chuckled softly.

  “I knew you were one of the good guys when I saw you in the parking lot, helping that lady with her stroller.”

  His eyes rounded. “You saw that?”

  Ava smiled brightly. “Yep.” She held up a finger. “But don’t let it go to your head.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Ava pointed. “Jazzie just got another spare. The pressure’s on.”

  “Take that, Dad,” Jazzie taunted with a smile the size of Texas plastered over her face.

  Beckett stood. “All right. Here we go.” He felt light enough to fly as he went to the foul line and bowled. After all was said and done, he left two pins standing. When he went back to the table, Jazzie shook her head. “I can’t wait for the dance.”

  “Dance?” Ava asked dubiously.

  In an animated fashion, Jazzie told her all about the dance. Ava grinned at Beckett. “I’m so glad I came here tonight. This is gonna be fun.”

  “Yep, sure is,” Jazzie agreed.

  The corners of his lips pulled down. “Hey, no fair—the two of you ganging up on me.”

  As Ava took her turn, Jazzie turned to him, a crafty look in her eyes. “You like her, a lot.”

  He thought about denying it, but knew Jazzie could see right through him. “Yeah, a little, I suppose.” He couldn’t stop the grin from pulling at his lips.

  “I like her too,” Jazzie said in a matter-of-fact tone, like she was pronouncing judgment. “You’ll be happy to know that I looked at her ring finger. No wedding ring.”

  A shiver ran through Beckett, followed by a swift rush of relief. He should’ve checked, but he’d been too mesmerized by Ava to think about it. Thank goodness, she wasn’t married! That would’ve been disastrous.

  Jazzie’s voice grew excited. “Look, Dad. There’s one pin left. She might get a spare.” Beckett looked at the single pin standing in the center of the lane. Ava looked back at him for reassurance, her expression hopeful.

  “You can do it!” He held his breath as she drew back and released the ball. Slowly, it rumbled towards the pin like it was going in slow motion.

  “Come on,” Jazzie said. “Go!”

  The ball touched rather than hit the pin. It wobbled slightly, then finally fell.

  Ava jumped up and down. “I did it!”

  Without thinking, Beckett was on his feet, rushing towards her. He caught her in a hug, doing a victory dance with her. “That was awesome!”

  She beamed up at him. “Thanks! I owe it all to you.”

  Awareness tingled through him, and he realized he was still holding her arms. Awkwardly, he let her go. Sheesh! Things were moving fast, maybe too fast. Don’t overthink it, his mind warned as they went back and sat down.

  When the game was over, Jazzie held up her hands and hopped around. “Told you I’d win tonight,” she said enthusiastically.

  Beckett made a flourish with his hand. “I take off my hat to the winner. Great game, honey.”

  Jazzie embraced him in a hug. “Thanks, Dad.” She pulled away, her eyes sparkling. “All right, you know what comes next.” She looked towards the bowling shoe counter where Annette was standing. “Do you see that score?” She pointed to the screen, flashing her name as the winner.

  “Yep, sure do,” Annette said loudly. “Good game, Jazzie!”

  “It’s time,” Jazzie said.

  Beckett grimaced as he got to his feet. Normally, he didn’t mind doing the dance, but tonight in front of Ava he felt a little timid about it. The “loser” song blared over the speakers as all eyes in the bowling alley turned to watch Beckett. At this point, there was only one thing he could do—ham it up. He started dancing and singing his heart out like he was a superstar. About midway through, everyone began clapping to the beat of the song. When the dance was over, ripples of applause sounded around the room. Beckett gave a low bow. He knew his cheeks were red when he went back to Jazzie and Ava.

  Jazzie grinned, showing her braces. He looked at Ava to get her reaction. When she smiled, warmth blazed through him.

  “Not bad for a hero fireman,” she murmured, her eyes holding his.

  Later, after everything had settled down he would ponder over Ava’s use of the word hero. Here and now, he felt like the luckiest guy in the world. He’d gone to his usual haunt to bowl with his daughter, only to discover an unexpected prize along the way. For some strange reason, the prize seemed to be as taken with him as he was with her.

  “Thank you. That was fun.” Ava removed her bowling shoes.

  Beckett’s stomach clutched. He didn’t want this evening to end, not without getting Ava’s number. Even as he was trying to broach the topic without sounding desperate, Jazzie blurted out, “Tomorrow night, Dad and I are going to my grandmother’s house to decorate Christmas cookies. Would you like to join us?”

  The startled look on Ava’s face jolted Beckett. Maybe he’d misread the situation. His heart fell though this ribcage and rolled onto the floor like Ava’s bowling ball had done. He gave Ava an apologetic look, then aimed his words at Jazzie. “Honey, Ava doesn’t wanna do that.” Maybe it was all just a fleeting dream. Yeah, he was a sap. No one fell in love at first sight. That was something for the movies and romance books. True life was much stickier.

  “How do you know?” Jazzie countered, her chin drawing into her neck like a turtle. “You haven’t even given her a chance to answer.”

  Beckett wanted to crawl under the industrial carpet beneath his feet. “I’m sorry,” he said to Ava. “We didn’t mean to put you on the spot.” He forced a smile.

  “You didn’t,” Ava said simply. She gave him a wounded look, her eyes holding his. “You don’t want me to come?”

  He stuttered out a nervous laugh. “Of course, I want you to come. I just didn’t want to assume …” His words trailed off when he realized he didn’t know how to finish the sentence. Assume what? That Ava would want to spend more time with him? That this overwhelming connection was a two-way street? He knew his face red.

  Ribbons of amusement streaked thro
ugh Ava’s light eyes. She knew how intensely uncomfortable he was right now. “I’d be honored to come.”

  “You would?” Beckett croaked.

  “Yes.” Ava smiled at Jazzie. “Thanks for inviting me.”

  Beckett’s insides did a victory dance. Ava was coming tomorrow night! It was like he had to keep repeating it to make himself believe it. He could’ve hugged Jazzie for being so precocious and for butting into his business. “Let me put your address and phone number into my phone, and I’ll pick you up tomorrow night.”

  “No need,” Ava said quickly. “I have a meeting scheduled in the late afternoon with a client. I’ll just meet you guys there.”

  “All right.” Beckett was a little disappointed. He would’ve loved to have seen where Ava lived. Would loved to have ridden with her alone so they could talk. Then again, beggars couldn’t be choosers. It was enough that Ava was going.

  Love by Christmas. Suddenly, it didn’t seem like such a far-fetched idea, after all.

  Chapter 3

  Ava brushed away the thick layer of snow and placed her hand on the tombstone, the cold from the marble seeping through her gloves and up her arm. The impersonal words block-printed across the front made it all too real. Milton McQueen, his birthdate and death date summing up the whole of her grandfather’s life. It was still hard to believe that her grandfather was no longer here. He was larger-than-life, her anchor. A lump formed in her throat, tears filling her eyes. The ground was still soft and squishy from the burial. Her eye caught on the wilted red roses, stiff with snow, the tips blackening with decay.

  “Hey, Granddad. I told you I’d come and visit.” She laughed to clear the pain. “You’ll be happy to know that I actually met Beckett. He’s everything you always said and more. No, I didn’t tell him who I am.” She fought off a shiver. “That will come soon enough.”

  An image of Beckett flashed through her mind. His deep brown eyes that were lively one minute, compassionate the next. His chiseled jaw with just the right amount of scruff. His lean muscles and the fluid way he moved. How he wore his masculinity casually like a second skin. His easy manner. The way he’d made her feel so alive when he’d stood behind her, teaching her how to bowl. Beckett was a poster boy for every girl’s dream of a hunky firefighter—tough enough to fight fires, yet considerate enough to stop and help a struggling mother with her stroller and young toddler. The friendly neighborhood Spiderman and Superman melded together. She pushed back a lock of hair, swallowing. Yeah, she wasn’t about to say all those things out loud. This wasn’t about her silly infatuation with Beckett Bradshaw. This was about a promise that she’d made to her grandfather. One she was determined to keep. “The plan is in place, just as we discussed.” Her voice cracked. “In fact, I’m meeting Beckett tonight to decorate cookies.” She frowned. “Don’t judge me, please. I just want to get to know him, find out what sort of man he really is. You know, before …”

  For the past two weeks, she’d tried to decide if she should approach Beckett or just let the natural order of events progress. She’d gone to the bowling alley, not intending to have any personal contact with him. At the last minute, she decided to bowl rather than just lurking in the shadows. As luck would have it, she was assigned the lane next to Beckett and Jazzie. She’d not thought twice about it at first because only Jazzie was there. When Beckett came in, Ava freaked. Her plan was to bowl a couple of frames and then leave before drawing attention to herself. However, Beckett noticed her right off the bat. When she felt Beckett’s eyes on her, all reasonable thought flew out the window and like an idiot, she found herself basking in his admiration. Then, Jazzie came over and asked her to join them. At that point, what could she do?

  Last night was the first time since her grandfather passed that Ava felt a part of things. She’d enjoyed the easy banter that passed between Beckett and Jazzie. How they included her in the conversation. The mere thought of being around Beckett again thrilled her to the core. She pulled her coat tighter around her and glanced around at the deserted cemetery. How silly she must look out here, talking to a tombstone. Her granddad wasn’t here. She didn’t know where he was, exactly. Heaven, hopefully. He wasn’t in the cold, hard ground though. That knowledge had been instilled in her during the funeral and burial. Still, she needed a place to go, somewhere to feel close to him.

  A black wall of hurt rose, threatening to crumble over her as a sob clogged her throat. “I miss you so much.” Loneliness engulfed her like a giant fist, squeezing her insides so that it was hard to breathe. She let out a bitter half-laugh, her breath freezing the moment it left her mouth. “Ted and Libby are furious, just as you said they would be. You were smart to add the no contest clause. Hopefully, it will keep them at bay.”

  She paused, tears dribbling down her cheeks. “If you can hear me…” Her lower lip trembled. “Please know that I love you.” She smiled tightly, taking in a shallow breath. “That’s all for now.”

  She wiped her eyes and turned, averting her face from the wind as she walked briskly back to her car, the tips of her stilettos digging into the snow-covered ground with every step.

  * * *

  Ava pulled alongside the curb in the middle-class neighborhood, checking the address on the house against the one on her GPS. This was the right place. She turned off the engine and took in a deep breath, trying to calm the jitters in her stomach. Just breathe. Beckett’s pickup truck was here. Having personal contact with Beckett probably wasn’t the smartest move, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. All day long, she’d been looking forward to this. When Beckett realized who she was and what part she’d soon play in his life, how would he react? Would he be hurt, thinking that she’d deceived him? Or would he understand that she just wanted to find out more about him before everything changed.

  She got out of the car and straightened her shoulders, willing her feet to move towards the door. Her phone rang. She reached in her purse and pulled it out, frowning when she saw who was calling. Wesley. He was the last person she wanted to speak to right now. She clicked the button on the side to silence the ringing and shoved the phone back into her purse. A second later it buzzed, signaling that Wesley had left a message. She sighed. How many times did she have to keep telling him it was over before he’d get the hint?

  When Wesley proposed, she turned him down as diplomatically as she could. Then, he insisted she keep the ring and think about it. A week later, she told him she had thought about it and that her answer was still no. A couple days later, Ava’s grandfather passed away. Wesley had been wonderful, offering a listening ear. Ava had no one, other than her grandfather’s attorney Houston who wasn’t much for conversation. In her weakness, she’d poured out her heart to Wesley. Unfortunately, he took that as a sign that the two of them were back together. Ava would, again, need to tell him that they weren’t a couple. Wesley probably thought he could wear her down, but that wasn’t going to happen. Not in this lifetime.

  Approaching the door, she pushed the doorbell. Jazzie answered it with a broad smile. “Hey, I’m glad you came.” She waved. “Come on in.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Ava’s here,” Jazzie announced loudly as she bounded out of the foyer and through the adjacent living room, leaving Ava no other choice but to follow. The Christmas tree in the left corner had festive red plaid ribbons, various ornaments mostly made of wood, and blinking colored lights. The fireplace next to it was adorned with greenery and stockings. The right side of the living room opened to a large kitchen. When Beckett saw her, a warm smile overtook his rugged features as he strode over.

  “Hey,” he said as they hugged.

  Feeling his strong arms, Ava was unprepared for the rush of tingles that circled down her spine. He smelled fresh and clean, distinctly masculine. Also, there was a hint of the sweet aromatic scent of baking cookies. Ava looked past Beckett to the woman standing beside the kitchen island. She bore a strong resemblance to Beckett, or vice versa. Candy cane earrings dangled beneath
her short, dark hair streaked with brilliant red highlights. Her sparkling eyes were dark like Beckett’s with an intelligent light glimmering in them. Tall and thin, she was very attractive. No doubt she’d been a knockout beauty in her younger years.

  The woman offered a welcoming smile. “Hello,” she said, wiping her hands on her Christmas apron.

  Beckett made introductions. “Mom, this is Ava. Ava, this is my mom Harmony.”

  Harmony extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Ava gave it a firm shake. “Nice to meet you too. Thanks for having me. You have a lovely home. And Christmas tree.”

  “Thank you,” Harmony said appreciatively. She tipped her lips in the same crooked smile Ava had seen Beckett give the night before. “My husband Phillip keeps telling me that I need to scale down, now that the children are grown and out of the house, but I can’t imagine Christmas without our family decorations.”

  “Tell Granddad you do it for the grandkids,” Jazzie chirped, reaching for an undecorated cookie and biting a large hunk out of it.

  “That’s right,” Beckett interjected heartily, smiling affectionately at Jazzie. “Dad might as well get used to the decorations. They’re here to stay.”

  “My sentiments exactly,” Harmony agreed, her chin squaring with determination. “I wish Phillip was here so you could meet him. He’s out visiting with some members of our church congregation tonight.”

  “I’d like to meet him sometime,” Ava said.

  “Next time,” Harmony smiled.

  “Here, let me take your coat.” Beckett stepped behind Ava and helped her remove it. The close contact sent her pulse hopping. Beckett also took her purse. “I’ll put these in the living room.” He walked over and deposited her things on the sofa.

  Ava’s eyes did a quick sweep, noting how nicely his broad shoulders filled out his shirt. She trailed down to his tapered waist and long, jean-clad legs. Sheesh. Even the way Beckett walked was attractive. His steps were light and jaunty. He was super fit like he could take off running this minute and do a marathon with little effort. Heat blotched up her neck when she realized Beckett’s mom was watching her watch him. Awkward! She flashed Harmony an apologetic look, but Harmony only smiled like it was no big deal, the slightest hint of amusement lighting her eyes. Harmony was probably used to women admiring Beckett. How could they not? He exuded such charisma and masculinity that he must draw women to him like the Pied Piper. The thoughts of other women fawning over Beckett sent jealous darts shooting through her. Ava laughed inwardly, thinking how ridiculous this inner dialogue was. She had no right to be jealous about Beckett. They hardly knew each other.