A December to Remember: a Holiday Romance Anthology

by Howe, Olivia

  I wipe the tears away. I can’t think about this right now. The memories will start slowly ripping me apart inside.

  I shut all the lights out downstairs. I take one look at the Christmas tree before I make my way up the stairs. My time with Cole was really starting to become enjoyable. It was like I was enjoying the holiday season for the first time in my life.

  Stomping up the stairs, I barely have any energy to make it to my bed. I wrap the blankets around me and pull them close.

  I guess I’ll be going back to work since this whole deal is over with. It ended the moment I slammed the truck door and ran inside my house. I haven’t said one word to him since.

  This is exactly why I don’t like surprises. We could have avoided this whole situation if he would have just realized that.

  I guess I’ll be spending the miserable holidays like I usually do: alone.

  Chapter 8

  Day 6

  It’s Christmas Eve. There’s this pain in the pit of my stomach. I wish the holidays would be over by now. I would like very much to get back to my old routine. Cole messed it all up. I was doing just fine without him.

  I’ve been avoiding Jenny all day today. I don’t want to break the news to her that I can’t do the Cole Castello article anymore. She’s going to have a nervous breakdown when she finds out she has to replace me in such a short period of time.

  My nerves are shot. Frustration takes control of me and I throw my pen across my desk. I can’t be here right now. I just want to go home.

  I grab all my things and head for the door. I’m leaving for the day.

  Jenny stops me in the hallway, surprised to see me here. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with Cole?”

  Right now, I don’t have the patience to explain to her what’s going on. Instead, I lie. “I’m going to meet up with him now. I had to grab a few things from my cubical.”

  She smiles, and winks at me. “Have fun.”

  Yes, I will. I’ll have fun all by myself at my house.

  ***

  Did I over exaggerate? I know he was doing it in good faith, thinking I would run into my parent’s arms crying with happiness. He was wrong. Dead wrong. I can’t stand to look at them. I know they’re my parents, and yes, I will always love them, but I can’t go back to the life I used to live. I’m happy now. I have an amazing job that I love. I have my own place and pay every one of my bills on time. I’m happy.

  Am I?

  My thoughts wonder to Cole. I haven’t had this much fun in a really long time. Lately, he’s the reason for my smile, for my laughter, for the butterflies that swarm through my stomach. I think I might’ve over exaggerated. I know he was just trying to help me. That’s the thing with Cole: he tries to help everyone too much. I know nothing about this man. Well, I know he’s rich and owns his own company. I know he… My mind starts drawing a blank. I don’t know anything. He never talks about himself and I never had the curtsey to ask.

  My doorbell rings. I jump off the couch, nerves striking every inch of my body. It has to be him.

  I fix my hair, and wipe the access makeup from underneath my eyes. I open the door to find nobody waiting on the other side. I arch my eyebrows. Am I missing something?

  Just as I’m about to close the door, I spot a box on the ground in front of me. I pick it up and immediately open the card that’s attached.

  Dear Alicia,

  I remember you telling me you wanted one of these. I thought this might be the perfect gift for you. I know it won’t make up for what I did, but I hope you will forgive me. Please don’t let my actions define your holidays.

  Sincerely,

  Cole

  I wonder what’s in the box. I rip it open. Tears spring to my eyes. He remembered. Inside is a Winter Wonderland Barbie Doll. I’ve been wanting one since I was a little girl.

  The crying is now uncontrollable. I’ve never had someone remember something so important to me—something that means the world to me.

  Cole is such an amazing man. He volunteers his time every year at a church feeding homeless people. He tries to restore random people’s holiday spirit. And most importantly, he listens to every voice that speaks to him—remembering everything.

  I have to see him. I run upstairs and throw on some decent clothes. I grab my keys and head out the door in a rush.

  Shit.

  I need to get him something for Christmas. I can’t show up empty handed. I wonder what to get the man that has everything.

  ***

  I show up at Castello Trade. There is barely anyone here. Cole must let his employees take time off around the holidays to spend time with their families. He’s such an incredible man.

  I get into the elevator and go up to the twelfth floor. This time, Carrie isn’t their waiting for me. A large man stands by the door, and stops me from going any further. This must be Cole’s security guard. “Is Mr. Castello expecting you?”

  I give him an iffy facial expression. “Well… Not exactly.”

  “Then I can’t let you go any further. Please get back into the elevator and then exit the building.” The tall, buff man presses the elevator button, standing right next to me.

  “Listen, go tell him that Alicia Hanson is here to see him. Believe me, it will be fine.”

  He stares at me for a minute, and I raise my eyebrows at him and point to Cole’s office door. The man does what I say. I watch as he disappears into Cole’s office. The waiting is killing me. What if he doesn’t want to see me? That will tear my heart apart.

  The security guard walks back out. “Miss Hanson, Mr. Castello is expecting you in his office.”

  I smile up at the man, making it known that I was right and he was wrong.

  Butterflies fly rapidly through my stomach. I feel like I’m going to vomit all over the shiny floor.

  I walk in, holding Cole’s gift tightly to my side. He’s sitting gracefully behind his desk doing some paperwork. His face lights up when he sees me. “Alicia. I’m so…”

  I put my hand up, waving him to be quiet. “There’s no need to apologize. I overreacted. I’m sorry. I know you were just trying to help me.”

  “I shouldn’t have gotten into your personal life like I did. I’m sorry.” Cole circles around his desk and stands in front of me. “Merry Christmas Eve.”

  “Merry Christmas Eve, Cole.”

  “What’s that?” He points to the gift bag in my hand.

  “I got you something, but I’m embarrassed to give it to you.”

  “Why?” His eyes fill with sadness.

  “It’s silly,” I murmur. “I didn’t know what to get the man that has everything he wants.” My eyes hit the floor. My nerves are getting the best of me.

  Cole puts his hand out and I give him the gift. He opens it and his face lights up. Laughter roars through his office, echoing off the walls. “You are brilliant.”

  He holds the ugly Christmas sweater in front of him, making me smile. “My office has a contest every year on who wears the ugliest Christmas sweater. It’s a big hit. I thought you might like it.”

  “I’m so wearing this tomorrow on Christmas.”

  Cole puts the sweater back in the bag and closes the space between us. I can feel his hot breath on my face. His eyes lock on mine—glowing with sincerity.

  Before I know it, our lips are locked onto each other’s, his tongue exploring my mouth. My stomach knots. An overwhelming sensation floods through my body, making me shiver. His lips on mine feel perfect—like they’re meant to be there.

  Cole pulls his lips from mine. “Let’s go to my house.”

  He grabs my hand and I follow him out the door of his office, knowing exactly why we’re going to his house.

  ***

  Cole drives through a gate that leads to a mansion: three stories high, equipped with a four car garage, and a fountain in the middle of the parking lot. Wow. I’ve never seen anything like th
is before. I’m so used to my small apartment. This mansion makes my place look like a den.

  “You like it?” He turns off the truck and smiles.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “I don’t stay here much.” Cole gets out of the truck and comes over to open the door for me.

  “Where do you stay?” I gasp, taking another look at his house.

  “Usually in the office.” He grabs my hand and I follow him inside.

  “You have this house and you stay in your office? Can you elaborate for me, please?”

  “Off the record?” He winks, sending a chill down my spine.

  “Yes, off the record.”

  “It’s too lonely here. I don’t have anyone to share this with.” He tosses his hands into the air, gesturing to the house.

  We walk into the foyer, and I’m at a loss of words. Two staircases line each side of the foyer. It’s clean and rich in here. In the middle of the room sits a table with a vase on top. The vase is filled with white flowers, matching the rest of the room.

  To the left is his office. To the right is a stunningly beautiful living room. In the living room sits a black wrap around couch and a plasma TV mounted on the wall.

  Cole grabs my hand, gaining my focus. I follow him up the stairs and into the master sweet. A king-size canopy bed sits high in the middle of the room.

  Cole’s lips crash against mine, sending a sensation budding down there.

  I tug on his shirt, and he helps me lift it over his head. He does the same with my blouse, throwing it onto the carpet.

  Cole lifts me up, and I wrap my legs around his waist. Our lips are still connected, our naked stomachs colliding.

  Gently, Cole lays me onto the bed, covering my body with kisses. The budding sensation down there is growing by the minute. I need him inside of me. I need to have all of him.

  Before I know it, he’s ripping his pants off and then mine. He trails kisses down my stomach until he reaches there. He explores me with his tongue, sending shockwaves throughout my body.

  Cole unravels a condom onto his shaft. He pushes himself slowly inside of me, causing me to moan out in pleasure. It’s been a very long time since I’ve had sex. Never have I ever had someone touch me the way he does.

  Still moaning, Cole pumps in and out of me. Our sweaty bodies collide, and he picks up the pace.

  Five minutes pass, and he’s still pumping inside of me. In and out. In and out. I’ve never felt this pleasure before.

  His lips connect with mine, and I hang onto his back. He weaves his hand through my hair, teasing and pulling. It sends me over the top. I feel my orgasm coming quick, and he knows it.

  Cole speeds his rhythm up. I hit my climax, calling out his name. My moans send him into a spasm of pleasure.

  As he collapses on top of me, we’re both spent and out of breath. I tug the satin sheets up over me, and cuddle into Cole’s muscular chest. I fall sound asleep, better than I have before.

  Chapter 9

  Day 7

  I wake up to the sun shining in my face. Cole is nowhere to be found. Where in the world did he go? Before my feet touch the floor, Cole comes strolling in with a coffee and bagel. “Is that for me?” I smile nervously. I probably look like a hot mess right now.

  “Of course. Here you go, sweetheart.” He hands me my breakfast in bed and sits down next to me. “You are beautiful.”

  “I am? I just woke up.” I laugh.

  “Yes, you are.” He stares into my eyes. Something is going on.

  “I know that look.”

  “What look?” He laughs. I know something is up with him.

  “What are you up to, Cole?”

  “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas, Cole. Now what are you up to?” I sip my coffee, getting ready for whatever it is he’s about to tell me.

  “We’re cooking dinner for my family and your sister. Get up and get ready. The bathroom is there.” He points to the door across from me.

  “What?” I almost spill coffee all over me. “My sister? Your family? Cole, I don’t know how to cook a Christmas dinner.”

  “Well, today is the day you learn,” he says causally. This is nerve wrecking. How is he so calm right now?

  There’s no time to enjoy my coffee and breakfast. I scoff it down quickly and jump into the shower. I get out and use his toothbrush. He won’t mind. I smile.

  I don’t have anything to wear. Why would I get into the shower with nothing to wear when I get out? Oh no…

  I wrap the towel around me and exit the bathroom. On Cole’s bed, I find a red blouse, dark blue jeans, panties, and a bra. He’s always thinking about me. I’m falling so hard and so fast for him. He’s the most amazing man I have ever encountered in my life. How did I get so lucky?

  I dress quickly and make my way down the stairs. In the kitchen, Cole is getting the ham ready to put into the oven. I sit up on the stool in front of the granite island.

  “This kitchen is beautiful.” I look around, spotting a long table that’s big enough to fit at least thirty people, maybe more.

  “I’m glad you like it. Here.” Cole throws an apron at me. “Put that on.”

  “I’m serious, Cole, I don’t know how to cook.”

  “By the end of the day, you’ll be a pro.”

  I smile at him and put on the apron. He’s so cute.

  “Tell me about your parents.”

  “Mom’s name is Barbara. Dad’s name is Alan.” Cole hands me a cup of hot coffee.

  “Alan and Barbara. That’s cute. Tell me more.”

  He smiles at my request. “My mom is a generous and lovely woman. She has always loved to crochet and donates all her makings to her nearby church. Dad is always working and traveling. He owns a real estate company.”

  “Keep going. I want to know more about you.” I sip the coffee that’s in front of me.

  “I’ve been wealthy my whole life. Always trying to impress everyone, and not able to break out of my shell and be myself. I had an image to uphold. That’s what happens when you have rich parents and a mother who’s the town’s star.”

  “What do you mean by that? Star?” I question, not understanding what he’s saying.

  “The perfect person. She’s always donating to charities, participating in all the town’s activities, running social events and church gatherings. She’s a saint.”

  “Any siblings?”

  “Nope. I’m the only one. That’s why I’ve always had to be the perfect son. I am a Castello. We had a name to uphold in our small rich town. I finally decided to branch off and do what I love to do.”

  “How does your family feel about that?” I push for more.

  “I mean, they’re proud of me. My dad was pissed when he found out I wasn’t going to take over his real estate company. But, he’s surprised I actually did all this on my own. It’s nice to rub it in his face, making him know that I did all this without any of his help.”

  “I bet. You’ve done a great job.”

  “Not trying to be cocky, but I’m great at what I do.”

  “It’s obvious.” I wink at him.

  “Enough about me. Get over here and help me.”

  ***

  I officially assisted with my first Christmas dinner. Cole and I have a feast lying on the kitchen table. We’re all dressed up. Cole is wearing a button up shirt, with a nice pair of slacks. I’m wearing a cute red dress that hangs below my knees, and tight around my curves.

  We’re standing around, pacing, waiting for our families to show up. Well, not we, just me. Cole is surprisingly relaxed.

  He walks over to me and hands me a glass of wine. “Calm down. Why are you pacing around?”

  “I’m nervous. Your parents and my sister are coming. I’m nervous.”

  “You said that twice.”

  I glare at him, and his facial expression makes me bust out into an echo of laughter. He always knows how t
o make me smile. He can make me smile without even saying a word. Cole is so handsome.

  Cole pulls me close to him, nuzzling his nose in my hair. “You look beautiful. The food is great. Everything is under control. Now drink your wine and calm down.” His voice is soothing.

  I wrap my arms around his neck and look into his eyes. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For restoring my holiday spirit.” I smile.

  “I did it?” he questions.

  “You did it. I officially love Christmas.”

  Cole’s smile is contagious. He points up, and above us hangs a mistletoe. “Kiss me under the mistletoe.”

  Cole’s voice sends butterflies to my stomach. I am the luckiest girl in the world. I do as he requests, kissing him passionately.

  “Merry Christmas, Alicia Hanson.”

  “Merry Christmas, Cole Castello.”

  Epilogue

  Twenty years later…

  Twenty years ago I published the biggest article of my career on Cole Castello from Castello Trade, or better known as my husband. It made the front page of The National Gazette and sent my career spiraling forward at a rapid speed, boosting it to the next level. I got promoted, and now I’m able to write any news story my heart desires.

  Cole helps our beautiful children, Carly and Timmy, with their homework. They lie on the gray carpet in front of the fire place. I sip my wine, watching my perfect family.

  “Have you written a list to Santa yet?” Cole’s eyes are lit up. It’s his favorite time of year.

  “I asked for a bike and a doll,” our six year old daughter explains, putting her pencil down to cuddle up to Cole.

  “What about you, little guy?” Cole nudges Timmy.

  “I asked for a new video game,” our eight year old son explains.

  “When are we getting a Christmas tree?” Carly is just like her daddy—in love with the holidays.