12 Naughty Days of Christmas 2018 Read online

  As she walked into the room the firm had rented at a local hotel, Holly looked around. Spotting Carol, she made a beeline for her, but not before she was approached by none other than Christopher Winters, himself.

  “I see the ice princess has arrived. You look very… professional… yet nice,” he said with a grin.

  “And I see you’ve been picking out your own tie again,” she teased.

  “Guilty as charged. May I get you a drink?”

  “I’m on my way over to say hello to Carol. I’ll get my own, but thank you,” she replied as she walked away from him.

  Carol smiled as she joined her in a circle. “Hello, Holly, you look sensational.”

  “Thank you; I love your dress too.”

  “Did I see you making small talk with Christopher? What’s that about?” Carol asked with a sly smile.

  “Oh, nothing, really. We ran into each other at the mall the other day, and we had a difference of opinion about a tie I was buying as a Christmas gift. He feels the need to needle me every time he sees me now.”

  “I see.”

  “Oh, stop, you see nothing,” Holly said with a laugh as she accepted a glass of champagne from a tray one of the waiters was carrying.

  As Nick joined the circle, he greeted her. “Hello, Holly. It’s good to see you here.”

  “Thank you, Nick. I wouldn’t have missed it,” she replied. She would have loved to have missed it, but that was a moot point.

  As they all sat down to dinner, she sat next to Carol. Christopher was on the opposite side of the table from her. Did she imagine it or did his foot just brush hers under the table? What was he trying to prove? It had to have been accidental, of course, if he did. She doubted that he had erotic dreams about her the way she did about him.

  She made it through the meal with as much ease as possible, given the fact the most gorgeous attorney in the firm was hanging on her every word during the conversation. She knew he was mocking her, but she chose to ignore it. After all, wasn’t it the season of good will?

  The firm had hired a band to play after dinner and when a slow song began, Christopher was right there, asking her to dance. She accepted reluctantly, and once on the floor, she asked, “What’s with all the attention tonight, Christopher? Are you sucking up to the new partner or trying to prove to everyone there are no sour grapes?”

  He feigned a hurt look before replying evenly, “I thought I’d ask the ice princess to dance, since her ‘someone special’ wasn’t able to escort her to the ball.”

  “Oh, I see, you’re feeling sorry for me, is that it? And this is hardly a ball; it’s a quiet little office holiday party.”

  “You probably picked out his tie for him and he refused to come along because he didn’t want to be seen wearing such a monstrosity,” he quipped in return.

  She smiled up at him, and when she did, her deep blue eyes sparkled.

  With a sharp intake of breath, he added, “And his loss is my gain.”

  “I think we should go back to our table now.” She would never admit it, but being in his arms and this close to him was definitely doing something to her nerves. The sooner she could get away from him, the better. What was wrong with her? She’d never given him a second thought before, except in those darn dreams. He was hot, yes, but he was also arrogant, a real ass. Now, all of a sudden, it was almost as if she could see a different side of him. But was he playing her? What was his angle? He’d always goaded and teased her; why hadn’t she noticed before now?

  When Nick and Carol joined them at the table, Carol asked Holly to accompany her to the ladies’ room. Once there, the other woman said, “Is something going on with you and Christopher? I know you tried to pass it off earlier, but, Holly, I’ve been sensing vibes between the two of you all night.”

  “I… don’t know what could be going on. After all, he thinks I’m an ice princess and you know I think he’s an arrogant ass. I’ve said it many times.”

  “Exactly my point. I’m beginning to think both of you are protesting just a little too much. Perhaps working on the new case together will bring you closer, shed a whole new light on your working relationship, as well as your personal one.”

  “Carol, let me assure you, our relationship is strictly a professional one. We may be speaking to each other a little more than usual the past few days, but I think he’s just trying to prove to everyone that there are no hard feelings about the way the partnership turned out. That’s all there is to it. Either that, or he’s sucking up.”

  “Say what you will, but I, for one, think it would be great if the two of you got together. Two ambitious attorneys in the courtroom could make for two very hot lovers in the bedroom, if you get my drift.”

  “That may be the case with you and Nick, but not with Christopher and me.”

  Carol grinned as she smoothed her hair and touched up her lipstick. “Let’s get back out there, before they send a search party.”

  When they returned to their table, Nick and Christopher were deep in conversation. The two men smiled as the women joined them.

  “I was just telling Christopher what an attractive couple the two of you made on the dance floor just now, Holly,” Nick said.

  “Oh, and I’ll bet he just loved hearing that, dancing with the ice princess,” Holly said with a grimace.

  “As a matter of fact, Miss Evans, when you allow yourself to smile, you don’t look like an ice princess,” Christopher said coolly in response to her words.

  She accepted another glass of champagne, making a mental note to make it her last as she attempted to steer the conversation away from the subject at hand. “So, tell me, what are the two of you doing for the holidays?” she asked, looking at Carol and Nick.

  Carol replied, “After the obligatory family thing with both sides, we’re heading to Florida for the week, for some sun and fun.”

  “Oh, that sounds heavenly. I hope you enjoy it,” Holly replied.

  “And you, Holly, what are your plans?” Christopher asked. “Spending it with someone special?”

  She smiled but didn’t answer.

  After more conversation, she finally made her excuses. “I really have to get going. We have a family thing tomorrow and I’ve got to get home. I’ll mingle around the room and say my goodbyes to everyone before I go.”

  “Have a good week. We’ll see you after the New Year,” Carol said.

  “Be ready to start on the new case,” Nick added.

  “Have a good holiday, princess,” Christopher said with a lazy grin.

  “Happy holidays to all of you.” She got up to get her jacket, and after saying her goodbyes to the rest of the employees, made a quick exit.

  Once she was home, she kicked off her pumps and plopped down on the couch. Whew, that’s over with, she thought. It wasn’t all that bad, except for having to hang out with Christopher all night. Those deep, penetrating, chocolate brown eyes of his had unnerved her more than she wanted to admit. Oh, well, a week away from the office and by the time she returned home and back to work, it would all be back to normal. They’d be working on the case, and she’d go back to being the ice princess he thought she was. And he’d go back to being the arrogant ass she thought he was. But it had been nice, being in his arms on the dance floor. It had been a long time since a man as gorgeous as Christopher had paid attention to her, even if she knew it was all for show.

  Finally, she got up and prepared for bed. As she washed off her makeup and brushed her hair, she looked in the mirror. Was it her imagination or was she glowing? Must be the champagne, she thought as she turned out the light and padded on bare feet across the floor to her bed.

  Chapter 2

  The next morning, Holly allowed herself the rare luxury of sleeping in. When she finally got up, she made a pot of Starbucks Christmas Blend coffee and put two slices of cinnamon bread in the toaster for her breakfast. She slathered the toasted bread with butter and stirred some peppermint mocha creamer into her coffee before carryin
g it all to the bar in her kitchen. She flipped on the TV in the living area of the open concept apartment she called home and watched the morning news while she lingered over her coffee. Finally, with a sigh, she did the dishes and went to her room to pack for her trip.

  Humming a familiar Christmas tune as she packed casual clothes for her stay at the lodge, she looked around to see if there was anything else she needed to pack. Oh, yes, she thought, as she saw her e-reader on the dresser. She might actually have time to catch up on her reading while she was there. She could indulge in those steamy BDSM novels she liked so well. She also packed her laptop, in case a sudden urge to work came over her, but she sincerely hoped that didn’t happen. This was her holiday and she intended to make it just that – a holiday. There would be plenty of late nights when she returned home, late nights working with Christopher, like it or not.

  With the packing finished, she gathered up the gifts and food to take to her brother’s house before showering and dressing for the evening. She chose casual black leggings and a shimmering long gold shirt for the occasion. Slipping her feet into black flats, she thought about the looks on the faces of her niece and nephew when they opened their gifts from her later. It had been such fun to shop for them this year. They were just at the right age to enjoy Christmas. Times like these almost made her wish she were settled, with kids of her own. But wishing wouldn’t make it happen, so she put it out of her mind and finished getting ready to go.

  When she walked into her brother’s house, arms full of packages, she was met by two screaming children. “Aunt Holly, you’re here. What did you get us?”

  “Okay, you two, let your aunt get settled. You’ll find out soon enough what she got you,” her brother Hunter said as he relieved her of her packages and carried them to the tree.

  She went back to the car to get the pies she’d baked the day before. As she walked into the kitchen, her sister-in-law looked up from the potatoes she was checking. “Hey, Holly, you can set those over there. They look great.”

  “Thanks, Allie. Do you need help with anything?”

  “No, I think it’s all under control. Your mom is bringing the ham and I have everything else just about ready.”

  “The kids are excited,” Holly commented with a smile.

  “Oh, yes, they’ve been driving me bonkers all day. And when I told them we weren’t opening gifts until after we eat, I thought they were both going to cry.”

  “I’ll bet they’re excited about the trip too.”

  “Yes, they are. I’m just glad they’re finally old enough that we can go to Colorado for the holidays. Are you sure you won’t change your mind and come with us?”

  “A little late for that, don’t you think? But I’m fine with my plans. I’m looking forward to the week alone to unwind.”

  “I’m sure you are. I remember when I was working full time; I would have given anything at times for a week away from it all.”

  There was more excitement as Holly’s parents entered the house. And soon, dinner was over, the gifts were opened, and it was time to go.

  “I’m so glad you like the tie, Hunter. A co-worker told me you wouldn’t.”

  “Your co-worker doesn’t know me. I do like it, sis,” he said as he hugged her.

  “So, the plan is all set for tomorrow, right?” Holly’s dad asked as he put on his coat.

  “Yep, we’ll all meet here for church. After church, we’ll have breakfast, and then I’ll drive you all to the airport in Hunter’s minivan. After your flight takes off, I’ll drive the van back here, pick up my car and head to Gatlinburg.”

  “Sounds good,” her dad replied.

  “Goodnight, everyone,” Holly said as she headed for the door. “See you all in the morning.”

  “Goodnight, Holly,” the others said, one by one.

  The next day, as she watched their plane take off, she smiled. Now, her vacation could officially begin. She drove back to her brother’s house, switched vehicles and got on the road. As she drove the scenic route to her destination, she hoped the snow held off until she got to the lodge. It could snow all week for all she cared, as long as it didn’t start until she got there.

  Luckily, it did hold off, so she was able to enjoy the drive. When she arrived at the lodge, she checked in and went straight to her room. She’d rented a room in the lodge, rather than a cabin, and couldn’t wait to get settled. She opened the door and looked around. Perfect! She couldn’t have asked for a nicer home away from home for the week. And the view of the mountains from her window was spectacular. She quickly unpacked before going back downstairs to explore. She was looking at the brochures in the display, trying to decide what to do first, when she heard a familiar male voice behind her.

  “Holly, is that you?” the deep male voice asked in surprise.

  Oh… it can’t be. Can it? She turned. It was… Christopher!

  “Yes, it’s me,” she replied in a surprised tone.

  “I wasn’t sure. You look different in jeans… and with your hair down. You look… softer. Are you here with your someone special?”

  She hesitated. She guessed she would have to admit to him eventually that she was here alone. “Are you here with someone?” she asked.

  “Me? No, my sister took my mom on a cruise. Their last big mother-daughter fling before my sister ties the knot this summer. I decided to come over here to get away.”

  “Why here, of all places?” she asked.

  “I come here every chance I get. It’s the perfect hideaway. You never said, are you here with someone?”

  “Actually, I put my entire family on a plane this morning. They’re flying to Colorado to spend the holidays with my brother’s in-laws. Even my parents went.”

  “And you didn’t go? You had plans with… someone?”

  She smiled; may as well get it over with and tell him the truth. He’d find out sooner or later anyway. “I chose to stay behind because I wanted a week to myself. I’m here alone, as well. There is no one special in my life right now. I’ve actually never been here, at least not to this lodge, so I was checking out the brochures of things to do close by. I normally stay in Pigeon Forge when I come to the Smokies.”

  He let out a long breath. “So who were you buying the hideous tie for?”

  She laughed. “It was for my brother Hunter. He loved it, by the way.”

  “Either he has the same bad taste in ties as his sister, or he was being nice when he said he loved it,” he replied.

  “You’re not going to let it go, are you?” she teased.

  “No, probably not. But, I know the area; so if you’ll agree to have dinner with me, I’ll take you to one of the local restaurants in town.”

  “I don’t know, maybe that’s not a good idea. After all, we work together.”

  “What is it with you and not going out with men you work with?”

  “I just don’t think it’s a good idea. It could make things very uncomfortable.”

  “Only if we let it,” he replied in a low voice.

  “I suppose it would be all right, just this once, since we’re both away from home and alone for the holiday.”

  “I’ll meet you here, in the lobby, in two hours,” he replied, indicating he wasn’t taking no for an answer.

  Dominant man! “Do I need to dress up?” she asked.

  “What you’re wearing is fine. Two hours,” he repeated.

  “Okay,” she said, already wishing she’d said no. She turned and practically ran back to the safety of her room. What had she just agreed to? She’d just broken her number one rule. Why did she let that man get to her? She was a strong, intelligent professional, but let her get within two feet of that gorgeous hunk of arrogance and she turned to mush. How had she held him off all this time? And why now, all of a sudden, was she allowing him to get close? Could it be because she’d never let herself utter more than two words to him in the past? Obviously, there had been a reason for that.

  She pondered the events o
f the past few days before finally falling asleep on the bed. When she awoke, it was almost time to meet Christopher in the lobby. She went to the bathroom to freshen up. After applying fresh makeup and brushing her hair, she took a deep breath. It’s only one night. I can do this.

  But as she entered the lobby and saw the most handsome man in the room turn to her and grin, she knew she was in trouble. His dark hair was perfectly groomed. He was wearing jeans with a cream-colored cable knit sweater and a brown leather jacket. And when he spoke, his voice was like velvet. “There you are. I almost thought you were going to stand me up.”

  “Now why would I do that? This is simply a dinner between colleagues, right?” she asked sweetly.

  “Yeah, right,” he replied, “just a dinner between colleagues. You were almost late, young lady, I might add, for this ‘professional’ dinner.” He spoke in a disapproving tone.

  “Where are you taking me?” she asked, trying to keep the conversation light, ignoring his apparent dominant attitude. “And I took a nap, I was not late.”

  “A place called Calhoun’s; I hope you like barbeque, because they have awesome ribs,” he replied. “It’s a quaint little place with great food, and a casual, family atmosphere. I thought you’d probably enjoy browsing through some shops after dinner, too.”

  “Sounds good. Let’s go. I wonder if it’s snowing yet,” she said as she turned toward the door.

  “It started a little while ago,” he replied as he led her to his car.

  He drove a mile down the road and found a parking place on the side of the street of the small town. People were bustling about, apparently finishing their last minute shopping.

  “I can’t believe there are so many people here, this close to Christmas,” she said as they walked down the street to the restaurant.

  “People love to shop here, and some are like us, vacationing over the holidays.”

  “You should come in the fall sometime; it’s beautiful,” she said without thinking.

  “I’d be happy to come with you,” he said with a smile.