by Dawn Brower
A Wallflower’s
Christmas Kiss
Connected by a Kiss
Book Four
Dawn Brower
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss © 2016 Dawn Brower
Cover art by Victoria Miller
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Wishing for a Kiss
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
EPILOGUE
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PROLOGUE
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PROLOGUE
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PROLOGUE
A Hidden Ruby | (A Marsden Romance 4) | Dawn Brower
PROLOGUE
Wishing for a Kiss
The shooting star awaits a wish
It’s alluring and quite roguish
The flame is hot, as hot as fire
In the dark, rife with desire
Close your eyes, wish for bliss
And experience a scoundrel’s kiss...
PROLOGUE
A fire blazed in the hearth and along with several sconces of candles kept the room aglow. The window was glazed over with ice, as little Lady Juliette Brooks stared outside. The velvet black sky sparkled with stars twinkling down with heavenly light. A luminous streak filled the sky as a star shot across the darkness. Lady Juliette’s heart beat heavily in her chest. This was her chance to make the wish she’d been carrying inside of her for so long. There was only one thing her nine year old heart desired more than anything in the world. It was to always have her best friend by her side. She couldn’t imagine a life where he was no longer in it.
“What is so interesting?”
Juliette turned and met Lord Grayson Abbot’s, the future Duke of Kissinger’s, gaze. Her family estate bordered Kissinger Castle the ducal estate. Her father was the Earl of Riverdale. Every Christmastide their families came together to celebrate. Not that Grayson and Juliette ever needed a reason to spend time together. As long as she remembered he’d always been by her side. He was as patient, kind, and loyal as a twelve year old boy could be. She imagined he’d grow up to be the hero every girl swooned over.
“I made a wish on a shooting star,” Juliette said.
Grayson peeked over her shoulder and stared at the night sky. “I don’t see anything.”
“Don’t be silly,” she retorted. “Shooting stars dissolve as fast as they make an appearance. I’m sure my wish sent it on its way.”
Grayson stood behind her his gaze focused on the darkness outside the window. Juliette wasn’t used to his silence—it was almost crushing, and unbearable to withstand. After a moment he stepped back and put some distance between them. Something was wrong—horribly so. He was distancing himself from her. What had she done?
“What did you wish for?”
Finally he spoke to her, but it didn’t ease her concern. He held himself stiff and distant. She didn’t like this side of him. What happened to the friend who was always willing to have fun and play silly games with her? She missed that Grayson and wanted him back. This boy in front of her was almost a stranger.
“I can’t tell you or it won’t come true.”
He tilted his head and a stray lock of his dark hair fell over his forehead. He sighed. His blue eyes were almost as glacial as the ice outside. “I hate to break your heart,” he said with feigned concern. “But you should know wishes never come true. They’re a falsehood best left to story books.”
“They are not,” Juliette exclaimed. “Why are you being so mean?”
This was not her Grayson. Her friend would never be so cruel. What had happened since she’d last seen him? It had been less than a sennight. She’d found him at the pond separating their estate. He’d been sitting on the frozen water and staring down at it as if he expected to find the answers to all his questions. He’d been quiet then, but not like this.
“I’ve coddled you long enough don’t you think?” He crossed his arms across his chest. “I’m growing up and you’re a silly little girl.”
Juliette’s bottom lip stuck out as a full on pout formed. Tears pooled at the corner of her eyes. Big droplets fell down her cheeks. What had she done to make him act thusly? She lifted her hand and wiped away the wetness from her face. If he was going to be a surly brutish nitwit than she had better things to do with her time—and being called a silly little girl didn’t top her list. “It is sad when I think about it,” she replied.
“What is?” he asked.
“That I was foolish enough to waste my wish on you.” She stomped away from him and left him to stare out the window. A friend that belittled you was no friend indeed, and Juliette didn’t need one who’d do something so dastardly.
***
Grayson Abbot stared at the entrance of the sitting room. He should go after her and explain why he was being so churlish. It wasn’t her fault he had to go away. He wanted to make sure she was able to make it on her own. He wouldn’t be around much longer to protect her. Soon he’d be at Eton and would only see her on holidays. Father had informed him of the plan a sennight ago. He should have expected it. All young lords either went to Harrow or Eton to start their education. A tutor could only do so much to ensure an heir was properly taught. Grayson already devoured every book his tutor had put in front of him. He thirsted for more knowledge, but he hadn’t realized what that desire would lead to. He’d have to leave Juliette behind, and there wasn’t a thing he could do to change that. She’d been his only friend for so long he couldn’t imagine a day where he’d not be able to see her.
He should apologize, and yet he stayed still as if frozen in place.
Juliette wouldn’t understand. She’d think he was abandoning her, and her heart would surely break. She’d wished on a shooting star and still believed there was a possibility it could come true. How could he have mocked her so cruelly? He sighed and forced his feet to move. The sooner he found her the quicker he’d be able to grovel at her feet.
He found her in the billiards room pushing the balls across the table. They rolled across the smooth surface and hit the other side with a soft thunk. “If your father finds you in here you’ll be punished.”
“I don’t care,” she replied mulishly. “Christmas is ruined anyway. I’d be happy to stay in my room for the rest of the festivities. At least then I wouldn’t have to see you.”
Grayson sighed. Why did his heart melt whenever he was around her? This little girl had meant so much to him for so long... Her raven-black tresses spilled around her shoulders in soft curls, and her blue-green eyes usually sparkling with mischief were now filled with misery. That was his fault. He’d ruined Christmastide for her, and it wasn’t going to improve much with his apology.
“Please forgive me,” he coa
xed. “I didn’t mean to take out my concerns on you.”
She perked up at his words. Her eyes were brighter and some of the sadness left them, but the evidence of her gloom still bloomed on her barely dried cheeks. “What is bothering you?” She moved to his side. “I’ll help if I can.”
She would do anything for him as he was well aware. That is what friends did for each other. Soon they’d have too much distance between them, and friendship between a lord and a lady wasn’t done. It was best that he cut the ties now and left her to grow up without him by her side. His father explained he couldn’t have a friend like Lady Juliette if he was at Eton. He’d be a laughing stock and be twice as miserable.
“There’s nothing you can do for me poppet,” he said. “I’m to go to school and won’t be living next door any longer.”
“No,” she said. “You can’t leave I won’t let you.”
He pressed his lips together and slowly shook his head. “I must. I’ll be a duke someday and I need to be educated so I can properly run my estates.”
Juliette stuck her nose in the air and folded her arms over her chest. “That’s not happening for a very long time. You’re father is the duke, and he doesn’t have to send you away.”
“Oh, Jules,” he said with sadness. “I want to go.”
That was the hardest part for him. He craved more than knowledge. He wanted friends who were not little girls who lived next door. Boys his own age and who shared similar interests. Juliette was his past and he had a future he must plan for. Staying cooped up in his father’s estate with only a tutor and a mere girl as his only friend wouldn’t aide him in his goals.
“I thought as much,” she said glumly. “I’d hoped it was against your will.”
His lips twitched. Juliette always did manage to surprise him. She was only nine years old, but sometimes acted as if she was on the verge of her come out. He supposed it had a lot to do with their isolation. Neither one of them was allowed to play with the servant’s children, nor were there any other children of their rank around to fill in the gaps. They’d been forced to grow up much too young.
“It won’t be forever,” he promised. “I’ll be home on holidays and school breaks. We’ll see each other again.”
Juliette sat down on a nearby chair. “It won’t be the same.”
What could he do to make her understand? Nothing. She didn’t need him to explain any of it. Her gaze said it all. She was aware of why he had to go away—it just wasn’t to her liking. “In time you’ll forget about me. You’ll go to finishing school and learn how to become a proper lady. Then you’ll have your come out and find a husband. I’ll be a distant memory, a foolish boy who was once a neighboring playmate.”
She shook her head. “I could never forget you.”
Sadly he believed that was true. A part of him didn’t want her to. This might very well be their last Christmastide together, though, and he didn’t want to waste it with melancholy thoughts. There had to be something he could do to bring a smile back to her face. An idea took root and he decided to try it.
“I don’t want to leave you sad,” he said. “I have a present for you. Would you like it now?”
“Oh, yes,” Juliette bobbed her head. “Please.”
“Give me a moment to retrieve it,” he explained. “Meet me in the sitting room. I don’t want you to be punished if you’re found in here.” He couldn’t help his need to protect her. As long as he was around her—she’d always come first. It had been ingrained in him for so long it was a habit he had trouble breaking.
“Very well,” she agreed.
They both exited the billiards room. Juliette headed toward the sitting room, and Grayson headed toward his guest chamber. During Christmastide his family spent half of it at Riverdale Park and Juliette’s family spent the other half at Kissinger Castle. The gift he’d purchased for Juliette, Grayson had always planned on giving her in private. His father would berate him if he was aware of what he’d had commissioned. Juliette would love it though. He quickly retrieved the small box and tucked it inside his pocket. Satisfied it was secured; Grayson left his room and toward the sitting room. He found Juliette staring out the window once again. This was his second chance to redo his earlier blunder. He’d not make the same mistake again.
“Any more shooting stars?”
She giggled. “No I think that was the only one we’re going to ever see.”
“I don’t know. One day we might be lucky enough to see another.”
What boy of twelve had ever looked at a girl and knew she was the only one who’d ever own his heart? Grayson gazed down at her in wonderment. He was being absurd. Juliette was a mere nine years old. He’d not be able to tell the woman she’d become in the next decade. They had a lot of growing up to do and may not suit after they reached their majority.
“Did you bring my gift?”
He reached into his pocket and withdrew the small box. His hand was fisted tightly around the sharp corners. When he’d purchased it he’d believed Juliette would love it. What if he was wrong? There was one way to find out. With much trepidation he stretched out his arm and offered it to her. She clapped gleefully and tore open the box.
And then remained silent for several heart wrenching moments...
“Oh Gray.” She sighed. “It’s so lovely.”
She picked up the delicate locket and flipped it open...inside nestled a tiny portrait of him. “If you don’t like it you can put—”
“Don’t even consider finishing what you were about to say. This is the best gift you could’ve ever given me.” She kept it tightly in her grasp. “Whenever I’m sad you’re gone, I can look at it and remember you.”
He let out a sigh of relief. So he’d not misjudged, but a part of him wondered if he was only delaying the inevitable. His job was to encourage her to move on, and this wasn’t achieving that goal.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Can you promise me something?” she asked.
Grayson wanted to promise her the world. He’d lay it at her feet if it kept her smiling and as happy as she was in that moment. “Of course,” he said emphatically.
“If I ever need you, you’ll be there for me.” She gazed up into his eyes with trust shining through. “No matter what it takes.”
Grayson opened his mouth to respond, but wasn’t sure if he was capable of it. What she asked should be an easy thing to agree to, but he feared it wouldn’t be so simple. Nothing ever was where promises were concerned. He’d hate to break it, and in turn the part of her he’d always adored. Her faith in him was unwavering and a little unnerving. He feared he’d never live up to her expectations. Perhaps he was over thinking things and should give her what she desired. Chances were they’d not see much of each other after this Christmastide either way. So he gave in and agreed.
He nodded. “I promise I’ll always be there. You can depend on me to do whatever is necessary to aid you.”
Grayson vowed he’d keep that promise, even it cost him everything...
CHAPTER ONE
Could her life possible get any worse? Lady Juliette Brooks fell on her bed and let out a frustrated sigh. She should be able to go out in society, and find a husband. Her only desire was to escape her father’s house and start a family of her own. Truthfully, she’d settle for escaping alone—her stepmother Eloise was the bane of her existence.
If only Mother hadn’t died... Everything would be so different, and Juliette wouldn’t have had her first season cut short. She’d not been out a fortnight before tragedy struck her family. There’d been no time to find proper suitors, and even if a gentleman had caught her eye no one noticed her. She’d made no friends, barely conversed with a soul, and found the sidelines much to her liking. At least that last part is what she kept telling herself. She’d never imagined she’d be a wallflower watching all the other ladies twirling around the ballroom and laughing with enjoyment.
None of it had gone as she’d planned, and the o
ne person she’d wanted to see hadn’t bothered in too many years to count. After the mourning period ended, Juliette fully believed she’d rejoin society and the marriage mart. Nothing of the sort happened. Instead, her father had found Eloise and promptly married her. The new Lady Riverdale wanted nothing to do with Juliette. She’d not commissioned any new gowns and made no plans to re-launch her in society. Father had been too smitten with his new countess to bother with Juliette. She might as well have become invisible as much notice as those around her paid to her life. After a while she’d rather liked no one bothering her. She buried herself in books and embraced the life of spinsterhood. Why bother with marriage when she had all she needed at her father’s home. Who needed new frocks when her old ones could be redesigned and altered? At least that was what Juliette kept telling herself.
Until her little brother was born she kept to herself and did as she pleased. With father finally having his heir he suddenly realized he had another child. A daughter he’d neglected, and tossed aside for his new family. Juliette suspected Eloise prompted his sudden attention. She’d been eyeing her wearily for a while, and made no secret she’d wanted her gone. So years after she should have had a second come-out Juliette’s season was being planned.
At five and twenty she’d let that dream go.
She couldn’t dawdle in her room much longer. Her father had summoned her presence in his study. What he wanted she could only guess, but ever since the maid had informed her of the request, Juliette’s stomach had been a flutter of unease. Slowly she strolled down the stairs and headed in the direction of her father’s study. She paused outside the entrance and listened.
“Lord Payne will make a wonderful husband for Juliette,” her step-mother cooed. “At her advanced age she has little choices, and a viscount is more than she could hope for.”
Juliette opened her mouth as a silent gasp slipped out. She lifted her hands and placed both over her face. Surely Eloise wasn’t that cruel. Did she not know the viscount’s reputation? He was rumored to beat servants and small children. What he considered his could be dealt with as he pleased. He’d not treat a wife any differently. She’d rather die than tie herself to such a man. Her father wouldn’t agree—he couldn’t...
