Stranded for Christmas Read online

  “I’m not any kind of fancy chef but I can make breakfast and sandwiches, that’s about it unless it involves a grill and barbeque sauce.” He leans down and kisses my forehead before flipping the omelet onto one of the plates. He scoops some of the crispy looking potatoes on the dish and hands it to me. “Go take a seat on the couch.” He turns me around with his hands on my shoulders and swats me on the butt as I make my way to the living room. The slight sting from the strike turns into a warmth that seems to run all over my body and I shiver from it as I reach the cozy couch.

  Waiting till he joins me I see that’s stoked the fire and changed the channel to a channel that plays Christmas love stories from the beginning of November through New Year’s. The scene playing out on the TV is one of a couple standing out in the middle of snow filled street, one being broken hearted as the other walks away into the darkness of the night saying that they can’t be together.

  That’s how this is going to end. It finally hits me. This isn’t some hunky-dory movie that I’m in; it’s real life. Shane Kelson the rich playboy isn’t going to want to make a life with me. He won’t want to spread New Years Eve with my entire family at me parents’ house for their annual get together. He doesn’t want to sit next to my Uncle Earl who wears the same ugly Christmas wreath sweater every year; the one that my grandmother made for him in 1985 that has little jingle bells and pom-pom holly berries.

  The guy who is plastered all over gossip magazine vacationing in the Bahamas isn’t going to have a blast at our family football game on Thanksgiving because why would he want to fake an injury just to let my little cousins run past him and score a touchdown. He’s not going to enjoy a Superbowl party while having my Aunt June shove a lamb and spinach turnover on his plate every chance she gets because no one likes them, yet she makes them constantly.

  What the fuck was I thinking? Ugh

  “What are you thinking about?” His voice breaks my pity party and he’s sitting on my right now, intently staring at me.

  “Huh? What?” Is all I can get out, realizing that my fork has been hanging halfway to my mouth this entire time and I finally take the bite. “Good heavens.” Is all I can say about this piece of awesomeness in my mouth right now. It’s light and fluffy yet filled with the diced ham, green onion and cheese.

  “You like it?” He says through a bite of his own, giving me that sideways smile that is gushed about in all the tabloids. I nod as I take another bite and watch his smile grow. “You keep looking at me like that I’m going to put you over my knee and redden your pretty little ass.”

  His look darkens and I can’t help the small gasp that escapes and I turn back to my food. “Who says I wouldn’t like it?” I can’t believe I just said that. I can feel my entire body blushing when Shane puts his fork down calmly and turns towards me. I can feel his green eyes boring into me as I try to focus on my plate. The intensity of his stare is intimidating and my hand shakes, my fork vibrating on the plate until I drop it.

  I could kind of tell he liked to be in control, but I don’t think I’m ready for any kind of serious BDSM or whatever he likes. I feel like flames are going to break out all over my body because my blush is so heavy now, until I feel his fingers brush against my cheek; the cool breaking me out of it and I close my eyes to the feel, leaning into his touch. I open my eyes to his face only a breath away from mine, his eyes moving from my lips to my gaze.

  “I could tell you like things a certain way, but…” I try to say but can’t find the right words. “I just don’t know if…” His thumb covers my lips, stopping me and his other hand comes up, making sure I don’t shy away from his intense but calming stare.

  “It’s okay, Caroline. You don’t have to be nervous about it. Maybe another time.” He smiles before pulling me over into a kiss, the sensation rolling through me and making me numb to everything but him. How does he do this to me? His arms wrap around me, holding me to him as his lips run down my cheek and neck, brushing the tops of my breasts.

  He works his way back up, lingering just under my chin before capturing my lips again. He’s made me hungry for more of what we did earlier so I try to deepen the kiss, but his hand in my hair gently tugs me back, leaving me panting in his lap as his green eyes roam over me.

  “Caroline, you do something to me.” He groans, kissing me one more time before totally leaning back. His hands are on my hips, running up my sides every so often.

  “Me? You’re the one doing something to me.” I smile, leaning in for another kiss and then sliding off, grabbing my glass of OJ to occupy my mouth with something so I don’t jump him.

  “Haha…yeah.” He scratches the back of his head, leaning his elbows on his knees, for the first time looking nervous. Oh crap, did I say something. I can see him peek at me from the corner of his eye as we both go back to our food.

  “You really are a good cook. This is the best omelet I’ve had in years, second only to maybe my mom’s.” This gets a smile back on his lips and we sit and finish our plates in television laced silence. When he’s done he leans back, stretching his toned arms up and folding them behind his head and I catch myself staring so I jump up and grab our empty plates, heading for the kitchen when he grabs my wrist.

  “You don’t have to, I can clean them.”

  “No, no. You cooked, I’ll take care of these. Plus I think there is some leftover pie my neighbor made in the fridge. Do you want some?” He kisses the back of my hand.

  “Sure. Do you have whipped cream?” An evil glint crosses his gaze as he looks up at me and I know that there is something brewing in his mind. His fingers are playing up my arm then move to my side, playing with the hem of my tank. I nod as I watch him lift the edge of the material and bite my lip at the sensation of his fingers brushing along my stomach. “Bring the can with you.”

  Making my way back to the kitchen I set the plates in the sink and grab the pie, along with the can of whipped cream, from the fridge. ‘Just focus on tonight,’ I tell myself. ‘Whatever happens, happens. It’s been way too long since you’ve been with a man and if he wants to show you some new things, let him. Hell, one night of unbridled sex isn’t going to kill you.’

  Taking a deep breath, I grab two forks, the pie and the cream and head back in. The fire is roaring and inviting as I see that he’s laid a blanket on the carpet in front of it. Setting the pie on the coffee table, Shane takes the whipped cream from my hand, pulling me into him with it.

  “Remember when I said I might get hungry for something else?” He says right into my ear, his warm breath running over my skin and the look in his eye setting me on fire.

  “Of course I do. I’m commando because of it.” And might I ad my yoga pants are soaked right about now from this man. His laugh vibrates over my skin, his touch mesmerizing me as he lightly strokes the back of my neck.

  “Well I know what I want. But if I do something that you don’t like, you tell me to stop, okay?” He tips my chin, a seriousness in his look that lets me know it’ll be ok and that I should trust him.

  “I trust you.” A whisper is all that comes out, but his grip on the back of my neck tightens slowly. The smile on lips is intoxicating, drawing me in as he leans in closer.

  “That’s what I wanted to hear, beautiful.” He says before crashing his lips to mine, taking my breath away.

  ~~~~

  “You know you didn’t have to take a bath with me.” I smile at Shane as he’s drying off, his abs glistening with water droplets. It’s still hard to believe that he’s in my house and that the last couple hours have transpired, but it’s almost midnight and by the yawn gracing his handsome face I know he’s as tired as I am.

  “Yeah, but what fun would that have been?” He gives me that killer grin and a wink, kissing me on the cheek when he walks past me, wrapping his towel around his waist. “Come on beautiful, we’re going to have some hot cocoa and sit in front of the fire till it’s actually Christmas.”

  “Okay, be there in a second.”
I tell him, smiling as he hesitates at the doorway raking his eyes over me for what seems the millionth time tonight. Bullet leaves his obedient position just outside the door to follow Shane and I grab my fuzzy housecoat and pull it on, tying it tightly but leaving a little cleavage showing just because.

  Just as I’m leaving the bathroom there is a pounding on my front door and Bullet starts to bark. Coming around the corner I jog to the door, pulling back the curtain and seeing that it’s my neighbor Ted. Pulling it open the wind and snow follow him in as he pounds his boots on the welcome mat.

  “Hey Caroline, we were trying to call you to make sure you’re ok, but…” He finally looks up, his stare moving from me, as I remember that I’m scantily clad in this short robe, then over to Shane who’s just in a towel. “Oh, I didn’t know you had company.”

  “It’s ok, Ted. This is Shane.” I hold my robe shut and try to pull it down, trying to stand as still as I can so that it doesn’t ride up like it would if I am moving.

  “Yeah, I see. But Chrissy was worried because your phone just goes to voicemail so she wanted me to check on you.” He looks at me for only a second before looking back over to Shane who’s now seated on the couch. I know he recognizes him.

  “Sorry, my phone was dead and I guess I forgot to turn it back on once it charged for a little bit.” Crap. I wonder who else tried to call me. I hope my parents aren’t freaking out. “But we’re okay.”

  “I’m going to be taking one of the snowmobiles into town tomorrow because we forgot to get milk at the store and you know how the kids need to have milk with their sandwiches at lunch, so if you need anything?” He finally turns his attention to me as out of the corner of my I see Shane stand and make his way to us, his arm snaking around my waist.

  “My car is stuck at the Torrance Plaza. Do you think you can give me a lift tomorrow so I can see what I can do with it?” He’s standing here, holding me tightly to his side, in nothing but a towel like it’s an everyday occurrence. But all he’s wanting it to get to his car and out of here.

  I knew it was coming. This was just a passing fancy. A one night stand. An afterthought in his little black book six months down the road. Why, even though I’ve told myself this a handful of time tonight, did I think in the back of my mind that this was something other than sex.

  You certainly know how to pick them, Caroline.

  “Yeah. If the snow lets up and the town can come through with the plows I can see if I can get my wrecker out and we can tow you out. That sound good?” Ted places his hat back on his head, his hand on the doorknob.

  “Yes. That sounds great. Thanks.” Shane replies with a smile and my heart falls a little bit.

  “Alright I’ll see you in the morning. Have a good night.” He smiles at both of us and heads out, the wind and snow whipping around my legs as I shut and lock the door, watching Ted as he disappears into the flashlight light darkness towards his home through the treeline.

  “Alright, Caroline. Come watch this sappy movie and drink the cocoa I made you.” Shane whispers into my ear as he wraps his arms around me from behind.

  So this is it. I feel as if I should ask him if it was just about sex, but then I might seem crazy. I’m not one for drama, so I just kiss him on the cheek and follow him to the couch. At least it is better than being alone, isn’t it?

  CHAPTER 10

  Shane

  I can’t really put into words what it feels like to wake up next to Caroline after the night we had. I’ve never felt this way about a woman after just meeting them. It’s strange but exhilarating at the same time. Just brushing my fingertips through her curls and then over her bare shoulder make my heart race.

  Her attitude had been different towards the end of the night. We sat on the couch watching another predictable Christmas romance and she seemed distant, angry even. But when I asked her if she was alright the handful of times she would just give me a slight smile and say she was. Who am I to argue?

  Who am I to say anything about her? Sure we talked about some family, where we went to high school and college stuff, but nothing really personal. Did I really expect us to? Up until right before 6pm yesterday I was just a figure in a tabloid to her. Someone she might hear about on the evening news as my company closed a major merger overseas.

  I don’t really know Caroline Buschor, but does she want me to know her? Or is this all she expects? This would be different if she wasn’t so intriguing. She’s unlike any woman I’ve known in my romantic life before. She’s smart and independent, not to mention naturally gorgeous. She doesn’t need any of the plastic surgery that is so popular among my co-workers’ wives.

  She shifts in her sleep, pulling the blankets closer to her and I lean over and kiss her on the cheek, slipping out of bed as silently as I can and tucking her in to stay warm. Bullet meets me at the bedroom door, his tail wagging wildly and I scratch him behind the ears as he follows me down to the laundry room. I smile seeing that she was thoughtful enough to take my wallet and keys out of my jeans before popping my clothes in the dryer.

  The time passes so quickly that before I know it I have breakfast half done, the first couple of pancakes already on the platter with the bacon and sausage, when Caroline comes shuffling out. Her hair is a mess and no makeup, but fuck, she is perfect.

  “Merry Christmas, sunshine.” I wink at her but all I get in return is a small wave. She doesn’t give me a kiss like she did yesterday, she just gets her juice and heads into the living room. I can hear her shuffles heading toward the door with Bullet in tow so I shout, “I already let him out if that’s what you’re doing.”

  “Ok. Thanks.” With a big yawn she comes back over, sliding up to sit on the counter to the right of the stove, her legs swinging. She seems nervous or anxious, something. I can’t put my finger on it.

  “You didn’t have to make breakfast.” Her tone is clipped and cold. I don’t know what I did to lose that girl from last night.

  “Yes but I wanted to thank you.” I give her the smile that made her blush more than a few times, but nothing, she just keeps staring at the stove and the steaming food. “I hope you like them. I remember you said your mom use to make pancakes every Christmas morning.”

  “Uh-huh.” She takes the plates and silverware to the small table and arranges them. Flipping the last pancake onto the platter I come around the counter to see her stretching in front of the large front window, the sight heart stopping at her curves in the tee and skinny jeans. How would she react if I asked her what she wanted from this? Like is this a one-time thing for her or would she want to see me again? Should I offer to bring her to dinner like my mother suggested in our phone call last night?

  I don’t fucking know. I’ve never been so confused over a woman in my life as I am over this curvy redhead. I’m usually the one with all the answers, the one in control, and I like that about my life. She has thrown all of that up in the air in the last 15 hours since I’ve met her.

  Waiting for her to sit, I push her chair in and then sit across from her, thinking about what I want to say. Should I say anything o just leave it as it is and walk away? We’re both halfway through our first plate in silence when a knock comes at the door and I rise with her, seeing the neighbor from last night on the porch and his tow truck running in the driveway.

  “Hey Ted,” she greets him as he comes in from the cold. “I see you’ve got the wrecker out.”

  “Yeah it wasn’t too bad. The snow was pretty light and the plows have come up by a handful of times. I think we can make it to town okay.” He has a friendly face, covered in a thick greying beard, and I can tell he’s the kind of man to give you the shirt off his back if you need it. That’s the right kind of person to have as a friend and I’m glad Caroline has a caring neighbor like him and his family.

  He looks at me, reaching out his hand for a shake and I grip it firmly and confidently. “Didn’t properly introduce myself last night. I’m Ted Scheller. I own the local auto repair shop in town.”<
br />
  “Shane Kelson. I’m sure you’ve heard of me. I work for IKG Corporation in the city.” His smile tells me he’s probably seen me in his wife’s gossip mags, but he doesn’t run his mouth, just nods and lets it go. “I appreciate you offering to take me with you by the way.”

  “Oh, well, any friend of Caroline’s is a friend of mine.” He looks down to her and elbows her, making her give him a death look. There will be talk about me when I’m gone. “Well, you ready to hit the snow? I’ve got to get the little one’s their milk and snacks before my wife rips her hair out.”

  “Oh, yeah. Give me a second.”

  “Sure. I’ll be in the truck.” Putting his hat and gloves back on he hesitates at the door. “Caroline, you sure you don’t need anything?”

  “I’m fine Ted, thank you anyways.” Her voice is sad and I glimpse a change to her posture as she smiles slightly, shutting the door behind him as he heads to his truck.

  I jog into her bedroom, grabbing my phone from the dresser. In its place I jot my number down on the magazine cover sitting there and leave three hundred dollars for the clothes from her store. I don’t want her to get fired because of me. My chest is tight as I walk back into the living room, but I seriously don’t know what to say. I kneel down and give Bullet a good scratch, accepting a slobbery kiss in return.

  “Keep your mama safe, Bullet ol’ boy.” I whisper to him and the floppy tongue smile makes me think that somehow he really understood me.

  I grab my jacket, finally turning to Caroline who’s staring out the front window. God, I have so many things to say, but at the same time I don’t know how to say them. She’s got me turned all upside down.

  “Caroline…” her name rolls off my tongue like honey.

  “Don’t say thank you again, you’ve said it enough.” She cuts me off, only giving me a quick glance before returning her gaze to the white wonderland outside. “Just make sure Ted drives carefully and give him a tip. His family isn’t well off.”