Countdown to Christmas: (A Christmas Romance Novella)

by Betty Shreffler

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Epilogue

  Also By Betty Shreffler

  About the Author

  Christmas Drink Recipes

  COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

  Copyright © 2019 by Betty Shreffler

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereinafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording or in any information storage or retrieval system is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. For information email: bettyshreffler@yahoo.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Editor: Sandy Ebel, Personal Touch Editing

  https://www.facebook.com/PersonalTouchEditing/

  Proofreader: Karen Lawson

  Created with Vellum

  Chapter 1

  Outside my boss’s office window usually is a spectacular view. In the midst of the winter weather, the snow is falling heavily from a dull gray sky, coating the ground in a fluffy white blanket. If the staff doesn’t leave soon, we’ll all be stuck in this office for days, sharing cooler water and this morning’s dried donuts.

  Mick walks back into his office, and I drag my gaze from the window, setting the file I arrived with on his desk.

  “Thank you, Sophia.”

  “You’re welcome.” Dropping into the smaller chair across the desk from him, I swing one leg over the other and lean back comfortably.

  Mick and I have been working together for six years. I’m the budget analyst for his personally grown business. I was one of the first staff members he brought on, so you can say I’m equally invested as he is, which has made us great friends.

  “I hear Jaxson is looking for a place to live.” Dropping his glasses down the bridge of his nose, he flashes his green eyes at me over the rim of them. “Aren’t you in need of a roommate?”

  Just hearing Jaxson’s name stirs an uncontrollable tingle between my legs. The man is stunning—the tall, dark-haired, and handsome kind and the make-you-scream-multiple-O’s-and-never-call-you-again kind. No matter how much my body begged to have him touching it, I’ve never given into the impulses. I have a heart and like to keep it well protected.

  “I am, but Jaxson isn’t the kind of roommate I’m looking for.”

  Mick stacks several documents in order and stuffs them in a manila folder. Placing them in a drawer, he returns his attention to me with a brow raised.

  “Oh, what kind of roommate are you looking for?”

  “Not one who will be bringing a different girl home every week to my apartment and make me have to sleep with earplugs, so I don’t have to hear all the moaning.”

  My foot is bouncing in unison with my irritation. Mick’s gaze snaps to my legs, and I frown, dropping my heel to the floor.

  “Why does it bother you so much that the guy is single and enjoys it?”

  Mick and I might be friends, but he is thirteen years older and happily married with three kids. I, on the other hand, am single, no kids, no pets, and only months away from reaching the big 3-0 birthday. Truthfully, Jaxson’s sex life is none of my business, but I know why his lifestyle irritates me so much. When Mick first hired him, I was smitten. I fantasized about the way it would feel to be kissed by him. I imagined him being amazing in bed and giving such incredible pleasure, I’d see stars. We flirted often, and I couldn’t help wondering if he ever fisted his cock and stroked it, thinking about me. That thought alone got me through several vibrator sessions.

  That all came to a screeching halt when I was leaving work late one evening and heard sounds of greedy pleasure coming from his office. With a peek inside, I discovered him banging a pretty brunette on his desk. Not one of our staff, but someone who had come to see him at work, and he’d taken the opportunity to fulfill one or both of their fantasies.

  Seeing the look on his face as he came inside the woman obliterated all my hopeful fantasies. I nixed all flirting and kept my distance. It didn’t take him long to notice he’d been put squarely in the friend zone, and that’s where he’s stayed ever since. Over the last three years, I’ve watched countless women come and go, none seeming to last more than a few weeks, some of them, not even a few days. Despite my distaste for his dating habits, I try not to reveal how much it actually bothers me. That doesn’t stop him from giving his opinion on every guy I date though.

  He’s boring. He’s a loud chewer. He’s not good enough for you.

  He always finds something wrong with every one of them. His opinion shouldn’t matter to me, but it does. Every time Jaxson points out something wrong with the guy I’m dating, I obsess over it until it bothers me, then I end the relationship.

  Mick’s office door swings open, and Jaxson strolls in with a carefree lopsided grin beneath his striking hazel eyes. In a light gray, vertical striped, button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and his blue slacks hugging his muscular thighs and ass like a soft, fitted glove, he looks delicious and so agonizingly tempting.

  With a tip of his head and a smile flashed my direction, he reveals his singular dimple on the left side of his handsome face. Following the length of my legs, his hazel gold eyes develop a sparkle. Throwing one leg over the other, I roll my eyes at him, and he chuckles as he leans against the doorway. Mick glances between us, a smirk curling the corner of his mustached mouth.

  “Website finished?” Mick asks Jaxson.

  “Yeah. I added the new products and checked to ensure the checkout options worked. It’s good to go.”

  “Great. Hopefully, the new sales promo you posted will entice clients for Christmas.”

  “It will,” I assure him.

  Mick gives me an appreciative nod, then stands from his desk and gathers his jacket off the back of his chair.

  “I’m headed home to the wife and kids. You both should get out of here too. That storm is coming whether we like it or not.” With his arms inside the jacket, he tucks it around his neck. “Jaxson, did you know Sophia is looking for a roommate?”

  My gaze whips to Mick, followed by a scowl. The corner of his mouth raises a smidgen.

  “I did not,” Jaxson announces with surprise. “You didn’t tell me?” He turns to me, his tone disappointed.

  Mick walks past us, throwing his hand up in farewell.

  “Lock it up when you’re done.”

  The door closes behind him, and Jaxson walks in front of me, sits on Mick’s desk, and stares me down with a questioning gaze.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you needed a roommate? This works out perfect for both of us.”

  My teeth pinch the inside of my mouth, and for a moment, I avoid his wounded expression.

  “You know I’m not a fan of your dating lifestyle.”

  Jaxson tilts his head, his mouth quirked in disappointment.

  “I wouldn’t bring dates back to our place if it bothers you.”

  Our place. Why do those two words have to cause an emotional response?

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea. I like our friendship the way it is. What if w
e ruin it by working and living together? What if we drive each other crazy?”

  “We’ll find ways to compromise. Come on, Soph, it’ll be fun.” He throws his hands out toward me. “Popcorn, movie nights, you make your delicious chocolate chip cookies, and I’ll eat them.”

  A smile tugs the corner of my mouth, and he puts the charm on to seal the deal.

  “I’ll throw in a foot rub once a month and cook us dinner.”

  “Fine,” I cave.

  He’s relentless. I’d have to hear his propositions and all the reasons we should live together for days until I gave in. I might as well save myself the agony.

  “I’m holding you to the rule of not bringing dates back to our apartment though.”

  There’s a smirk that plays at the corner of his mouth, then he bites his bottom lip between his teeth and my lady bits ignite at the way his eyes glisten with mischief.

  “Then you can’t either.”

  “What? It’s my apartment.”

  “No,” Jaxson shakes his head. “It’ll be our apartment,” he corrects. “And I don’t want to deal with the fools you’d bring home any more than you want to deal with the women I would.”

  Throwing my hands in the air, I stand, heaving an exasperated sigh. “You’re already making me regret my decision.”

  “You know you’re looking forward to having me around more often.”

  Rolling my eyes, I amble to the door.

  “Don’t flatter yourself. I tolerate you.”

  Jaxson steps from the desk and follows me out. Passing his office, he continues with me to mine. Inside, I shut down my computer and gather my purse and jacket while he blocks my exit.

  “Don’t play coy, you would miss me if I wasn’t around.”

  With a chuckle, I shake my head at his puppy dog eyes.

  “My sorrow would be short-lived.”

  Tucking his hands into his pockets, he laughs as he shakes his head. “You do know how to keep my ego in check, don’t you?”

  “Someone has to or your head would explode.”

  As I approach my office door, his grin is stretched across his cheeks as he turns to the side, making room for me to exit. Together, we walk to his office.

  “When can I move in?”

  Shutting down his computer, he gathers his favorite blue coffee mug and jacket.

  “You can move in as soon as you need to. I already cleaned the spare room.”

  “Great, I’ll start moving in tomorrow.”

  My eyes expand into large globes. “Are you already packed?”

  As he approaches the exit, I step back for him to close the door.

  “Yeah, my roommate, Clay is leaving for Colorado in three days, and once this month is up, the house is being rented to a family. I didn’t want to pack or move over Christmas.”

  Leaving the office, I enter the code on the outside panel and wait for the light to turn red. Together, we walk through the lobby to the elevators. Down fifteen floors is the main lobby, decked out in stunning, commercially adorned Christmas trees, ornaments, and garland. It’s a sight I love to see, especially after a long, tiring day. I could easily curl up on one of the lounge sofas with a cup of hot cocoa and read for hours.

  That warm thought flutters away as we step out into the brisk, chilly air. A gust of wind thrusts me sideways into Jaxson’s responsive arms. His coffee mug tings on the ground as he holds me steady, staring down at me, his lips inches from mine. Between us, there’s a growing warmth, and it’s traveling through my body, throbbing at my center as my eyes lower to his lips. Easing his grip, his hands graze my back, resting at my waist. The corner of his mouth tilts upward as he catches me staring.

  “All you have to do is ask, Soph.”

  Pushing on his chest, I step back and gather my wits and balance.

  “What are you talking about?”

  Leaning over, he picks up his coffee mug and wipes the melted water off it. Looking back at me, there’s a sexy, playful smirk curving his lips.

  “If you’re curious about what it would be like to kiss me, all you have to do is ask.”

  Despite the temptation teasing my body, I chuckle at his cocky smile.

  “You wish, playboy. That will never happen.”

  “That’s too bad,” he quips.

  Raising an arm, I signal an approaching taxi.

  “It would never work between us.” The taxi stops, and I step forward to open the door.

  “Why is that?” he calls after me.

  Returning my attention to him, the playfulness has left his expression, replaced by genuine curiosity.

  “Because you’d break my heart.”

  Chapter 2

  Walking into Mick’s office, I stand in front of his desk, arms crossed.

  “Why did you have to tell Jaxson I’m looking for a roommate? I couldn’t tell him no, so now, he’s moving in with me.”

  Taking his attention off his computer screen, he curls his index finger and thumb around his mustache as he sits back in his chair, looking humored.

  “Is he really that bad? I mean, when you think of all the strange people out there, isn’t Jaxson a better choice? You know him well, you’re good friends, and you’ll have a man you can trust living with you, which I believe is better than two young women living together alone in the city.”

  My arms drop to my sides, a pinch of guilt tickling my belly.

  “When you say it like that, of course, it sounds like a good idea.” Turning away, I throw my hands in the air and drop into the chair. “Well, it’s done. He’s moving in tonight.”

  “That was quick.”

  “He’s already packed. He’s been looking for a place for the last couple weeks. I feel better he won’t have to move over Christmas.”

  “That would be miserable and lonely. Now, both of you will be able to enjoy Christmas and not worry about roommates and rent.”

  “That’s true, and it will be nice to have him around. My parents are spending Christmas in Orlando this year at their condo, so I won’t be visiting them.”

  “Since you and Jaxson will be here for Christmas, you’re welcome to come to our annual Christmas party, next Saturday at seven. There will be games, alcohol, and my wife’s amazing cooking.”

  “Mmm, I’ll be there. I’m not going to miss out on her Oreo truffles or red velvet cake. ’Tis the season for my stretchy pants.”

  Mick laughs as he pats his belly. “Every year, I gain five to ten pounds, eating all her amazing desserts, then spend the next eleven months working it off, only to gain it right back in December.”

  “You wouldn’t have it any other way though, would you?”

  Tilting his head back, he chuckles, and his glasses catch the light above.

  “Not at all.” He points my direction. “So, how is your dating life going?”

  “Pitiful. The last guy I went on a date with didn’t excite me at all. I’m in a dating slump.”

  “Why don’t you give Jaxson a chance?”

  “Ha! Are you kidding me? Having him as a roommate is enough. If we dated, it would be a disaster. You know he isn’t one for a long-term commitment.”

  “He’s worked here for three years. That constitutes a long-term commitment. I think he hasn’t found the right woman to make him want to commit to a relationship.” With a glance at his computer clock, he begins gathering items on his desk to put away for the day. “I’ve seen the way you two are around each other. There’s chemistry.”

  “That’s a no-go territory for me.”

  “Mmm-hmm.” He doesn’t sound convinced.

  “Why are you smirking?”

  “Because a single man and woman who are attracted to each other can’t live together and not have sex. I give it ten days.”

  Coming forward in my chair, I wave my finger at him.

  “No way. We can be roommates without intimacy. You watch and see. In ten days, I’ll prove you wrong.”

  Mick places several folders into his desk dra
wer, then leans back in his chair, his mouth quirked.

  “I bet double your Christmas bonus you’re wrong.”

  He’s foolish to challenge my resolve. It doesn’t matter that Jaxson will be living with me. It doesn’t change that I have no interest in anything more than sharing rent with him. I know not to sleep with that man. The result would be catastrophic.

  “This will be an easy five hundred dollars in my pocket.”

  Mick chuckles as he stands and gathers his jacket.

  “If you say so.”

  His confident sneer fuels my determination. Standing from the chair, I head toward the door.

  “I’m already imagining what I can buy with that extra five hundred.”

  Following me out, he passes me, glancing at me sideways with that same confident smirk.

  “Have a delightful Christmas vacation. Enjoy the next ten days.”

  Chapter 3

  Helping Jaxson carry the last of his boxes, I set one down at the foot of his bed and blow out a breath.

  “It’s time for a drink. You want one?”

  “Of course. What are you offering?”

  “I’m starting our Christmas vacation now. I’m making Drunk Jack Frosties.”

  “Drunk what?” One brow rises as he stares at me in confusion.

  “Come on.” I wave my hand for him to follow me to the kitchen. “I’ll show you how it’s done.”

  Pulling out the blender and two stemless wine glasses, I set them aside and gather the rest of the ingredients. Pouring the vodka, champagne, blue curacao, lemonade, and ice into the blender, I press the button and wait while it turns the ingredients into an icy cocktail. While that sits, I run a lemon wedge around the rim of each glass then dip them in sanding sugar. Jaxson watches in fascination as I pour the icy mixture into the rimmed glasses. Sliding one glass toward him, I lift the other. Jaxson brings his glass toward mine.