A Very Special Man Read online

  The bed shifted under Simon’s weight as he stretched out alongside her.

  “Silly woman, she wishes for the man of her dreams. She gets him and she’s crying because I don’t come with papers of pedigree.” His tone was joking, as he ran a hand down her back to soothe.

  Lifting her head, she stared at the handsome man. He inclined on his side, his knee cocked, the collar held in one hand. His wavy hair spilled about his face, framing his beautiful countenance. Simon was everything she could ever wish for in a man, and she couldn’t doubt the depth of his love despite its newness. He’d gifted her with proof beyond challenge.

  “If you put the collar back on,” she asked hopefully, swallowing the tears, “will you go back to being as you were?”

  He gave her a half smile and shook his head. “No, I am mortal now.” Absently, he began loosening the stones from the choker, until they dropped to the bed between them. “They are real, you know. Rubies, emeralds...the yellow ones are flawless canary diamonds.”

  “Real?” she asked incredulously.

  He nodded, then asked with a slight tone of arrogance, “You think one of the Cait Sidhe would run around in paste?” Finished, he scooped them into his hand. “A small fortune in stones. I think they shall finance me getting papers. Once that is done, I shall set about to claim my lands and money from my estate that has been held in trust for my return. I should imagine my assets are rather vast. So, my love, I don’t think money shall be a worry. We will be able to pay the bills, as you so put it. As I told you, everything shall be sorted out if you only trust in me. You do trust me, don’t you, Dezzy?”

  She nodded. “Strangely, I can’t explain it. I do.”

  Simon leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers, almost as if they were sealing a bargain. She sighed and started to slide her hands around his neck when the phone rang.

  Simon leaned back and picked up the receiver. “I’ve seen you do this. Here starts Simon’s big adventure in the world of humans.” With a confident grin he said, “Hello, Simon here.”

  Desdemona chuckled. “You have it upside-down, Simon.”

  His brows lifted in confusion; he flipped it around so the receiver was to his ear. “Sorry, about that. Hello, Simon speaking.” He listened for a moment, and then held the phone away from his head to stare at the phone. Shrugging, he put it back to his ear. “Yes, yes. She is here. This is her fiancé, Simon Ravensdale. Yes, very well.” To her he said, “Someone from Kensington books...about your manuscript, Dezzy.”

  ***

  Several hours later, Desdemona sat at her desk ordering clothes for Simon off the Internet. She’d gone overboard, getting him shirts, sweaters, jeans, socks, underwear, a robe and a good winter coat, but it’d been a while since she’d someone to shop for. Pausing from the buying giddy spree, she glanced over at Simon who was stretched out on the couch, absorbed in watching Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol. Smiling, she clicked the mouse over to the DVD section at Amazon and ordered sets of Rocky and Bullwinkle, The Tic and The Muppets Show. On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Tic, a Frog, a Moose and Rocky...

  “My toon addict needs some high class toons,” she said to herself.

  “Enough, Dezzy. Come watch this with me.” He patted the couch in front of him.

  She could just imagine him snapping his tail if he still had one. “Coming.” Shutting down the computer, she went to the sofa.

  Simon scooted back to make room for her. “I want to lay here with the lights out, and watch cartoons and hold you, Dezzy.”

  Desdemona snapped out the light, plunging the room into shadows, lit now only by the warm glow from the fireplace and the twinkling of Christmas tree lights. She slid down on the sofa, resting on her back so she could watch Simon watching his cartoons. That was the real show!

  With a grin he raised his arm, and between his thumb and index fingers was a sprig of mistletoe that he’d swiped from her dresser. He held it over her head. “I think this tradition is still valid? Yes?”

  Desdemona smiled into the face of the man who loved her. The very special man she loved. “Yes, I do believe it is, though I’ve never been kissed under the mistletoe before.”

  His grin widened. “Good. You belong to me my soon-to-be author, soon-to-be-countess. Merry Christmas, my love.”

  He leaned forward and kissed her. A kiss that held the promise of things to come. A kiss that was magic.

  From the Highland Press Anthology

  Love Under the Mistletoe

  http://highlandpress.org

  Be sure to visit Deborah’s website

  www.deborahmacgillivray.co.uk

  Praise for

  Deborah MacGillivray’s stories!

  Cat O’ Nine Tales by Deborah MacGillivray. Enchanting tales from the most wicked, award-winning author today. Spellbinding! A treat for all.

  ~ Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

  ***

  Romance Upon A Midnight Clear (Anthology) - Each of these stories is well-written; when grouped together, they pack a powerful punch. Each author shares exceptional characters and a multitude of emotions ranging from grief to elation. You cannot help being able to relate to these stories that touch your heart and will entertain you at any time of year, not just the holidays.

  ~Matilda, Coffee Time Romance

  ***

  Christmas is a magical time and these talented authors answer the question of what happens when Christmas Wishes come true in this incredible anthology. What a joy to read such splendid stories!

  ~ Debbie, CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

  (Revised e-book now available online.)

  ***

  I don't think the reader will find a better compilation of mouth watering short romantic love stories than in Recipe for Love! This is a highly recommended volume—perfect for beaches, doctor's offices, or anywhere you've a few minutes to read.

  ~ Marilyn Rondeau, Reviewers International Organization

  (Revised e-book now available online)

  ***

  Holiday in the Heart (Anthology) - Stories that would put even Scrooge into the Christmas spirit. It does not matter what type of romance genre you prefer. This book has a little bit of everything. The stories are set in the U.S.A. and Europe. Some take place in the past, some in the present, and one story takes place in both! I strongly suggest you put on something comfortable, brew up something hot (tea, coffee or cocoa will do), light up a fire, settle down somewhere quiet and begin reading this anthology.

  ~ Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

  (Revised e-book now available online.)

  ***

  Legend says that if you wish with all your heart upon the rare blue moon, your wishes were sure to come true. Angels may help, ancient spells may be broken. Even vampires will find their perfect mate with the power of the blue moon. Blue Moon Magic is a perfect read for late at night or during your commute to work. It offers historicals, contemporaries, time travel, paranormal, and futuristic narratives to tempt your heart. If you do not have the time to finish a full-length novel, and hate stopping in the middle of a loving tale, I highly recommend grabbing this book.

  ~ Kim Swiderski, Writers Unlimited Reviewer

  (Revised e-book now available online.)

  ***

  Legend has it that a blue moon is enchanted. What happens when talented authors utilize this theme to create enthralling stories of love? Readers will find a wide variety of time periods and styles showcased in this superb anthology. Blue Moon Enchantment is sure to offer a little bit of something for everyone!

  ~ Debbie, CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

  (Revised e-book now available online.)

  ***

  Love Under the Mistletoe is a fun anthology that infuses the beauty of the season with fun characters and unforgettable situations. This is one of those books you can read year round and still derive great pleasure from each of the charming stories. A wonderful compilation of holiday stories.

  ~ Chriss
y Dionne, Romance Junkies

  ***

  Love on a Harley is an amazing romantic anthology. Each story was heartwarming, tear jerking, and so perfect. Lost love, rekindling love, and learning to love are all expressed within these pages beautifully. I couldn’t ask for a better romance anthology; each author brings that sensual, longing sort of love that every woman dreams of.

  ~ Crystal, Crystal Book Reviews

  ***

  No Law Against Love (Anthology) - If you have ever found yourself rolling your eyes at some of the more stupid laws, then you are going to adore this novel. A stellar anthology that had me laughing, sighing in pleasure, believing in magic, and left me begging for more! This is one novel that will go directly to my ‘Keeper’ shelf, to be read over and over again. Very highly recommended!

  ~ Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

  (Revised e-book now available online.)

  Be sure to check Highland Press Publishing’s website often

  to see the newest available books, novellas, and short stories in eBooks

  http://highlandpress.org