Unforgettable Christmas - Gifts of Love (The Unforgettables Book 3)

by Mimi Barbour

  The inflection he placed on his observance put an inquiring twist on his statement. He wanted her to confide in him. That was the last thing he should have wanted at this moment. The very last thing. However, Sean was simply too intrigued by the fiery-haired woman to listen to logic.

  Nicki couldn’t help the earnest smile that tugged and then lingered on her lips. This man—this stranger—was expressing concern for her. And she was touched.

  But what moved her most was realizing that this was the very man whom she had noticed studying his coffee with such focused, contemplative intent when she’d first entered the restaurant. She vaguely remembered making an unwitting assessment even then that he was obviously someone with a load of worries on his mind. However, here he was inquiring about hers. The idea was soul-warming to say the least, and it told her something about the man. Something important. However, Nicki wouldn’t dream of adding to his problems by unloading hers onto him, too.

  “Thanks for your kindness, but there’s nothing to worry about.” She hoped her appreciative tone let him see exactly how she felt about his concern for her. Reaching out she touched him gently on the forearm—and was surprised speechless as a hot shock wave rolled across her skin.

  She’d meant to assure him further that she’d be just fine. That her problem wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle. However, all she was cognizant of was the hardness of the corded muscles underneath the sleeve of his suit jacket. And the heat.

  Her fingertips absorbed the warmth of his body and she felt suddenly feverish as the swelter fairly pulsed from him... and into her. Her skin flamed, from her neck and cheeks, all the way to the roots of her hair. It took every ounce of her strength to withdraw her hand from his arm.

  “I—I’m,” she stammered. Stopped. Swallowed. Then tried again. “I’m going to be fine.”

  But for the life of her she couldn’t quite figure out if she was trying to reassure him—or herself.

  Nicki was mortified by her involuntary reaction to this man. A complete and total stranger. Things like this didn’t happen to her. Surely, he must think she was some kind of forward floozy who...

  At that moment, the low growl of a hunger pang rumbled from her tummy, further embarrassing her. She automatically pressed her hand against her stomach and murmured a quick, “Pardon me.”

  The comers of his mouth curled, but there wasn’t a hint of teasing in his deep mahogany eyes when he said softly, “I’d like to invite you to lunch, but—” he shrugged “—I don’t even know your name.”

  His gaze seemed to hold her spellbound. “Nicole,” she responded, her voice sounding very far away to her own ears. “Nicki Willis.”

  She found herself helplessly studying his ruggedly handsome face—the wide, sexy mouth that smiled so charmingly, his clean-shaven jaw, his perfect, bladelike nose, those deep-brown, intense eyes fanned with dark lashes and thick brows, and finally his high forehead, feathered with light worry lines. His hair was the color of strong, rich coffee; its satiny texture glistened in the afternoon light. One errant lock curled downward and she had to fight the urge to reach up and comb it back with her fingers. He was a startlingly handsome man.

  Suddenly realizing that her breath had become shallow, and worse yet, that she was staring, she took a quick, deep breath, blinked twice, and averted her gaze.

  Marvelous man that he was, he picked up the conversation as if the too obvious lag had never occurred.

  “Well, Nicki,” he said easily, “let me buy you lunch.”

  “Oh, no.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t impose—”

  He cut her off. “Nonsense. It would only be an imposition if you were keeping me from something, or if I had to be somewhere.” Then his face grew strained as he added, “The truth is, Nicki, you’d be offering me a respite...”

  She studied him intently, sure he was about to reveal some tidbit of information regarding what was troubling him. But he didn’t.

  “...if you were to let me buy you something to eat.”

  Nicki knew she shouldn’t even consider his offer. He was a nice man. A nice, handsome man. A man who didn’t need to listen to her woes. And besides that, she needed to find a job. Today. And she wouldn’t find any success in dawdling here with this nice, handsome man.

  Another low rumble resounded from her stomach, and they both smiled in unison.

  “What do you say, Nicki?” he asked, his tone charming. Inviting. Alluring. “Will you have lunch with me? Will you tell me what’s troubling you?”

  She sighed. She was hungry. And letting him buy her a meal would be a solid financial decision on her part, wouldn’t it?

  “Only if you’ll tell me your name,” she said. “And... if you’ll tell me what’s troubling you.”

  He told her his name was Sean Hudson, and the look of surprise that had invaded his features remained staunchly in place until they were seated at the table, menus in hand.

  “So, how did you know?” he finally asked.

  She grinned. “That you have problems of your own?” One of her shoulders lifted a fraction. “Guess you could say I’m the observant type.”

  He nodded, seeming to accept the explanation. Then she decided to be completely honest “When I came through the door, I saw you studying your coffee mug like it contained some deep, enigmatic secret that you were bent on discovering.”

  Sean chuckled, and Nicki was sure it had to be one of the most pleasant sounds she’d ever heard. “I see,” he told her.

  The waiter took their orders, and then Sean asked, “So, what was that between you and the manager of this place?”

  The sigh Nicki expelled sounded tired, even to her. “He was turning me down for a job. It’s very hard for a female to find employment in Kyrcznovia.”

  He frowned. “Well, what are you doing in the country without employment? How do you survive?”

  “Oh, I had a job.” Then she grimaced. “Had being the operative word. You see, I was teaching several groups of children English. The new Kyrcznovian government officials wanted to offer their children—their future—a better education. That was something the ‘mother country’ could never afford to give them, so that was part of the new leaders’ primary plans. And I was part of that plan. Me and about a dozen other English teachers.” She raised her brows, lifted her palms. “But that all changed yesterday when the funds for the program were suddenly cut off.” Her tone dropped to a grumble as she added, “They probably needed money for the new army or something.”

  “Did you have a contract?” he asked.

  “Of course. But it’s only as good as the piece of paper it’s written on.”

  “But surely something can be done.”

  The passion in his outrage for her plight made her insides grow all warm and fuzzy. Sean Hudson really was a nice man.

  “Surely they can be made to hold up their end of the deal they made.”

  Nicki nodded. “I could fight it. But that takes money. Lots of money. And more time than I have. I’ve decided the best thing for me to do is cut my losses. Find another job. Earn enough money to cover the travel expenses to my next teaching assignment.”

  “Which is where?”

  The grin she tossed him was a sheepish one. “I have to find it first, then I can tell you where.”

  He shook his head. “But—”

  “Look, it’s okay,” she assured him. “I’ve been traveling Europe, teaching English for five years. Ever since I graduated from college. This kind of thing has happened before. Not so suddenly, maybe. But it’s happened. I’ll survive. Something will turn up.”

  Creases of skepticism marred his forehead, and she was sure he was going to argue with her, but the waiter interrupted them with plates of food.

  Scooping up a forkful of halusky, she commented, “Well, you know my troubles. Now it’s your turn.” Before she even had time to chew the small potato dumplings, she was holding a picture of Sean’s “little girl” as he called the child he’d traveled hal
fway across the globe to adopt. Nicki listened as he summed up his story as quickly as possible; how he’d been told back in the States that his bachelor status was no problem, how he’d discovered the rules had changed, how he’d been encouraged to remain in the country with the hope that the government’s dictum would be reverted once again. Finally, Nicki had to place her fork on the table. The knot of emotion that had formed in her throat made it impossible for her to swallow.

  “I don’t know, Nicki.” His voice was a mere whisper. ‘‘I own my own business and that’s why I’ve been able to stay these extra days. But I can’t let my company go to hell in a hand basket. I just don’t know how much longer I can wait for Child Services and the government to get their acts together. I go to see them twice a day. I explain to everyone who will listen that it’s in Sona’s best interest to go home with me.” He shook his head. “But, so far, I haven’t convinced anyone.”

  The pain and worry in his dark eyes wrenched her heart.

  ‘‘Have you seen her?” Nicki asked. “Have they let you spend time with Sona?”

  Sean shook his head, and his anxiety seemed to grow. “They say the adoption is too much in question to allow us to meet. To bond. They say they are only trying to spare the both of us the pain of separation. I understand. But, Nicki, I already have a bond. An emotional bond that started weeks ago. I’m already suffering the pain of separation.”

  His jaw clenched then, and just before his gaze slid away from her face, Nicki was sure she saw his eyes misting. This man was hurting. Badly. All for the sake of a little girl who probably didn’t even know of his existence.

  Yet.

  His story, his suffering, roused something inside Nicki. Something she couldn’t quite figure out. Something that moved her to act—swiftly, mindlessly—before she even had time to contemplate the consequences of her behavior.

  “Well, Sean.’’ The nerves jittering in her belly made her voice come out sounding weak and shaky. “If all you need is a wife, then I’d be happy to marry you.”

  If you enjoyed the first chapter of A BEAUTIFUL STRANGER, please look for the book. It is available for all e-readers and also as a paperback. Look for all the titles in the series:

  A Beautiful Stranger, Book 1

  Made in Paradise, Book 2

  A Reason to Believe, Book 3

  An Accidental Family, Book 4

  Nanny and the Professor, Book 5

  About Donna Fasano

  USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR DONNA FASANO is a three-time winner of the HOLT Medallion, a CataRomance Reviewers Choice Award winner for Best Single Title, a Desert Rose Golden Quill Award finalist, a Golden Heart finalist, and a two-time winner of Best Romance of the Year given by BigAl's Books & Pals Review Blog. Her books have sold 4 million copies worldwide and have been published in two dozen languages. Her novels have made the Kindle Top 100 Paid List numerous times, climbing as high as #1.

  Contact Information

  Blog: www.DonnaFasano.com

  Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaFaz

  Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaFasanoAuthor

  Pinterest: www.Pinterest/DonnaFaz

  Instagram – Instagram.com/Donna_Fasano

  Other Books by Donna Fasano

  Other Books by Donna Fasano

  Following His Heart, Ocean City Boardwalk Series, Book 1

  Two Hearts In Winter, Ocean City Boardwalk Series, Book 2

  Wild Hearts of Summer, Ocean City Boardwalk Series, Book 3

  An Almost Perfect Christmas, Ocean City Boardwalk Novella

  Grown Up Christmas List, Ocean City Boardwalk Novella

  Reclaim My Heart

  The Merry-Go-Round

  Her Fake Romance

  The Single Daddy Club Series: Derrick, Book 1

  The Single Daddy Club Series: Jason, Book 2

  The Single Daddy Club Series: Reece, Book 3

  Take Me, I’m Yours

  His Wife for a While

  An Accidental Family

  Mountain Laurel

  and others

  Non-fiction Books

  Prayer of Quiet

  Favorite Christmas Cookies

  Recipes of Love

  Guy Food

  TWO LOVES FOR

  CHRISTMAS

  Mona Risk

  New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author

  Copyright © 2015 by Mona Risk

  Book Description

  When my children were small, we had a scary break-in—a traumatic experience for our whole family. The police advised us to get a dog and we adopted a German shepherd.

  Rino came to us as a three-week-old puppy. It was love at first sight with the kids. My two-year-old daughter managed to control him with her sweet voice, played with him and toured the house on his back. Rino was a fierce protector who wouldn’t let anyone approach the kids. He almost bit a neighbor who was running after my son.

  I will never forget how much we all cried when we moved to a different state and Rino stayed behind and became a police dog.

  I wrote TWO LOVES FOR CHRISTMAS in memory of our Rino.

  Joshua Dutton’s lifestyle and tabloids pictures threaten his father’s senatorial campaign. His parents insist on finding him a sweet temporary fiancée to repair the damage.

  With only her German shepherd for friend, Emma Cassiero struggles with a heap of problems. Attraction sizzles between her and Josh, but no one mentions the secret deal made by her stepmother and the Senior Duttons. When the truth comes out Emma is devastated. Were Josh’s kisses part of the charade? Has Josh lost her or would he be able to team up with her German shepherd to love and protect her?

  Praise and Awards

  New York Times Bestselling Author

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  Outstanding Achiever 2013 Award at Affaire de Coeur Magazine

  Best Romance Novel winner at Preditors & Editors Readers Poll

  Two-Time winner of Best Contemporary Romance Novel at Readers Favorite.

  EPIC’s Ebook Award Finalist.

  “Mona Risk will pull you in with her amazing characters and in-depth twisting suspense.”~ Night Owl Romance Reviews

  “Risk has a talent for character development.”~ Review Your Book

  “Mona Risk brings old-fashioned romance back into style.”~ Two Lips Review

  Chapter One

  “We found you a fiancée.” Sitting behind his imposing desk, Josh Dutton’s father didn’t even blink as he uttered his outrageous statement.

  “Excuse me?” Genuinely puzzled, Josh stepped closer and studied his dad’s expression.

  Was the new campaign putting too much stress on Senator Howard Dutton?

  Deep lines crinkled the skin at the corner of his eyes, but the senator’s lips showed his usual arrogant smirk. Had Josh been summoned to his father’s office in the Wellesley mansion just to hear this nonsense?

  To reassure himself that he’d misheard his father, Josh spun toward his mother. Relaxing on the brown leather sofa, she casually leaned forward to rearrange the roses in a crystal vase adorning the glass and brass cocktail table. The aromatic fragrance didn’t do much to soothe Josh’s mood.

  “Mom, is he okay?” Josh jutted his chin out toward his father.

  “Of course I’m—”

  “Your father and I found you the perfect fiancée,” Nancy Dutton announced patiently. Usually her sweet voice agreeably counterbalanced her husband’s autocratic decisions. Today, her soft words exacerbated Josh’s headache.

  “So kind of you, Mom. Frankly I’m not looking for a wife. Even if I needed to consider a serious relationship I believe I have enough willing women around me not to require your generous help.” He hoped his sarcastic tone would end the annoying conversation and allow him to leave soon enough to meet his gorgeous date of tonight. With a snort, Josh shoved his hands into his pocket and fingered his car keys. Convinced he’d better not linger around his father’s treacherous office he sidled toward the door.

&
nbsp; “Too many willing girlfriends. Too many scandals,” his father bellowed. “That’s exactly the reason why you need a steady woman at your side. I’m fed up of seeing the tabloid magazines feature your scandalous exploits on a weekly basis.” Senator Howard brandished a newspaper and opened it to the middle page. “Look, look at this picture,” his father tapped the paper with a furious finger. “Look at this person.”

  A muscle jerked along Josh’s jaw. Determined to remain unruffled, he took the paper and smiled at the photo of the blonde woman dancing with him at the City Hall Gala. “Nice picture. That’s Tammy Burt, a paralegal working at the court. Very pretty.”

  “Who cares?” his father spat. “And this one?” He handed him a magazine with another picture of Josh with a brunette in a bikini on a yacht.

  “Another good shot with Annabelle on her father’s boat.” Josh summoned his reserve of calm. “What’s wrong with it? We went out for the day with a group of friends. Annabelle is a colleague, a lawyer and a successful one at that.”

  “A lawyer? All I see is an almost naked woman at your side.”

  “Give me some credit, Dad. I have good taste. She’s not only smart, she has a stunning figure.” Josh affected a nonchalant shrug. His charm served him well in business and a beautiful woman on his arm never hurt. What more could he ask for?

  “I can see that. And she’s cuddling against you for the paparazzi’s delight. Did you read the caption? Read it. Out loud.”

  “Senator Howard Dutton’s son, attorney-at-law, Joshua Dutton, enjoying an outing in style. Hmm...”

  “And this one.” Dad shoved another paper in his hands. “Read it.”