A Mistletoe Kiss

By Jennifer Faye

Jaded by love, Suzanna Simms has resigned herself to focusing on her art business. But with Christmas quickly approaching, she receives word that her family is returning to Marietta. And Suzanna failed to mention that her latest relationship had ended abruptly. Now she’ll have to admit to her family that she failed at love—again.

Enter Sergeant Jake Hamilton, a new resident to Marietta and Suzanna’s next door neighbor. He's not looking for anything permanent, he's just passing through Marietta for the Christmas season, hoping to keep to himself. But when Suzanna's family mistakenly assumes that Jake's her boyfriend, he agrees to continue the charade.

Suzanna is certain she's immune to his rugged good looks and sexy smile until they find themselves standing under the mistletoe. When Jake finds her kiss sweeter than her sugar cookies, he knows he's in trouble. But it's too late by then... the Christmas charade is on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• Release date: Dec 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781948342155

Jennifer Faye

Award-winning author Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming, contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages, she is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award. She has also won the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, been named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Book preview

Author

Chapter One

There was something in the air…

Change was coming to Marietta.

Or more than likely it was a bit of wishful thinking.

Tomorrow was the first of December, when the Christmas frenzy kicked into high gear. Suzanna Simms usually found this to be the most fabulous time of the year. But this year, she just wanted the holidays to quietly pass her by. She rushed into the kitchen. Her gaze immediately moved to the clock on the microwave. It blinked PF. Power failure. Apparently the power had gone off last night just long enough to reset all of the clocks in the house, including her alarm clock.

A glance at her phone let her know she only had two more minutes before she was late for work. That never happened to her. She hated to be late for anything. And today they were switching the autumn decorations for Christmas ones at her jewelry/craft shop, Tangled Charms.

Suzanna grabbed the coffeepot and poured it into her mug. She’d never make it through the morning without some strong caffeine. She glanced in the kitchen cabinet for the lid. Suddenly the hot liquid scorched her skin. She righted the coffeepot. Setting it aside, she rushed to the sink. As cold water soothed the burn, she assured herself there was definitely something amiss in the air.

Meow.

She glanced down at Pixie. Hey, girl. I didn’t forget you. Honest.

Murr.

The black-and-white six-month-old kitten rubbed affectionately over Suzanna’s legs. Suzanna bent over and scratched behind Pixie’s ear. When Pixie wasn’t testing her boundaries, she was the sweetest furbaby. And she wanted her breakfast. First, Suzanna sopped up the coffee from the countertop. And then she placed a bowl containing canned cat food on Pixie’s mat. Satisfied that her morning chores were complete, Suzanna slipped on her coat and red scarf.

With her coffee in one hand and her oversized purse slung over her shoulder, she rushed out the door of her townhouse. A gust of icy cold air rushed past her. She snuggled deeper in her coat. December had blown in with a distinct chill. And so another blustery winter was about to descend upon Marietta, Montana.

She was halfway down the sidewalk when she spotted movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head to find a big—make that a ginormous—brown-and-white Saint Bernard running toward her. Its ears flapped as it ran and its jowls did the same. The closer it got, the bigger it seemed. Why couldn’t it be a Chihuahua or a Yorkie?

The breath caught in Suzanna’s throat as her palms grew clammy. Please stop.

She took a step back. There was no way she was going to outrun that dog. It let out a deep bark. Woof-woof.

And then all two hundred pounds or so of the dog was standing in front of her. She stared at it and it stared back at her with big brown eyes.

She should say something—do something, but panic had her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. And her heart felt as though it were lodged in her throat. She’d been afraid of dogs since she’d been bitten when she was young.

She should look around for someone to help her, but she didn’t dare take her gaze off the dog. The dog began sniffing her shoes and her jeans. What was it thinking? The dog circled her—

Rufus, what are you doing? asked a male voice.

The dog glanced up. Woof!

Once the dog ran to the man, Suzanna relaxed her stiff muscles and glanced over at the man.

Don’t worry. He won’t hurt you. The man sent her a friendly smile as the dog sat down next to him.

It was cold out, quite literally, and here this man was strutting around outside in a short-sleeved black T-shirt. It clung to his muscled chest, broad shoulders, and bulging biceps. She swallowed hard and struggled to recall what she’d been about to say.

Her gaze lifted up and up. My he’s tall. At least six feet of muscle. His jawline was chiseled with some scruff on it. His hair was short—like military short. And his eyes were blue. Not just blue. But a sky blue, the kind that she could get lost in for hours. He was quite a sexy package.

You must be my new neighbor. The townhouse next to hers was up for rent. She just hadn’t realized anyone had moved in.

Guilty as charged. I’m subletting the townhouse until the lease is up in January. As for Rufus, he didn’t mean any harm. Huh, boy? The dog barked in agreement.

She kept an eye on the dog to ensure he didn’t come too close. It’s nice to meet you.

The man looked at the dog. Stay. Then the man approached her and held out his hand. The name is Jake. Jake Hamilton.

She slipped her hand in his large hand. His warm touch sent a shower of awareness up her arm. Suzanna Simms.

When he smiled, her stomach dipped. It’s nice to meet you, Suzanna.

Rufus barked his hello.

And you already know Rufus.

Hello to you too.

Don’t worry, he’ll grow on you.

She doubted that would happen. With her past experience with dogs, it was best to keep her distance—from the dog…and his too-good-looking owner.

She was on a run of bad luck with men—first being dumped at the altar and then having a ten-month relationship end abruptly a few weeks ago. Didn’t they say bad luck came in threes? She wasn’t ready to take on number three. She needed a man-free holiday.

Have you lived in your townhouse long? Jake asked.

She gave it a little thought. She’d moved here after her engagement imploded. I’ve been here almost two years.

I just moved to town.

Welcome to the community.

Thanks. Maybe you could tell me the good places to eat around here.

I would but I’m late for work.

Not a problem. I’m sure we’ll see each other around.

She turned toward her car just in time to spot Rufus in her yard. He raised his leg and with perfect aim, he nailed the welcome sign in her yard.

Suzanna glanced back at Jake to see if he was going to do something with his dog that was now standing between her and her car.

With a sheepish look, Jake said, At least it wasn’t a Christmas decoration.

No, it was just a gift from my aunt Bea.

Oh. Jake shifted his weight from foot to foot. Sorry about that. He turned to the dog. Come on, Rufus. I think you’ve caused enough trouble for one morning. Jake turned back to her. I’ll put him on a leash from now on. He’s just not used to such a small yard.

Without a backward glance, she headed for her car. Lucky for him, she’d never liked that welcome sign. The colors were all wrong and she wasn’t a lizard fan. Her great-aunt was a huge fan of clearance sales. Her aunt’s approach to shopping was the cheaper, the better.

Last Christmas, her father had received a pair of lime-green socks with an alligator on the side. Her mother had been fortunate to receive a beautiful calendar of roses, however the calendar expired precisely six days after she’d received it. Yep, her aunt had purchased a calendar for the current year. They never knew what they were going to get for Christmas from Aunt Bea. It definitely kept the holiday interesting.

Once in her car, with the heater cranked up, Suzanna grabbed her phone. She rang the shop to let her partner know she would be there shortly, but there was no answer. It appeared she wasn’t the only one running late.

She dropped her phone in her purse and backed out of the driveway. As she drove away, she glanced in her rearview mirror. She noticed someone in her yard. It was Jake. What was he up to?

Late or not, she slowed down. As she looked on, he took two extra-large tumblers of water and dumped them over that ugly sign. A smile lifted her lips.

*

A half hour later, the brass bell above the front door of Tangled Charms jingled. Suzanna glanced up from where she was placing twinkle lights within the display case. Jillian Parker, her best friend and business partner, stepped inside the shop. She paused by the door to brush the snow from her blond ponytail.

Suzanna’s gaze strayed to the great big showroom window. Big, lazy snowflakes fluttered through the air. They melted as soon as they touched the ground. It was truly starting to look like Christmas in Marietta.

In the background, Blue Christmas began to play as though mocking her. She might be single but she wasn’t blue. She refused to let the lyrics get to her. She would be fine for the holiday. She’d hole up at home with Pixie, a pound of Sage Carrigan’s famous dark chocolate salted caramels and the movie channel—the one without holiday movies.

She turned her attention back to Jillian, whose pregnancy glow had dimmed. Her hair was a little mussed up and there were shadows forming beneath her eyes. What was going on?

Sorry I’m late. Jillian sighed.

Suzanna wanted to say it wasn’t a problem as she was late too, but she didn’t know if Jillian would take that as a comfort or if it would add to her guilt for not being there to cover for her. Instead Suzanna settled for, Not a problem. Things are quiet at the moment.

Jillian shrugged out of her winter coat. Did Mrs. Baker pick up her order?

She did. First thing this morning. She was sorry to have missed you, but she said to tell you that her granddaughter would love the sapphire necklace and matching earrings. She’s flying out to California this afternoon for the wedding.

That’s great. I hope she has a wonderful time.

Suzanna was concerned about her friend. So, how are you doing?

Jillian pressed a hand to her back. I can’t find a comfortable position at night. I walk around in the dark more than I sleep. And don’t even get me started about Avery.

Oh no, what’s he done now?

He’s decided we need a nursery attached to the master suite.

Okay. She wasn’t sure why this was a problem, but she was certain Jillian would tell her. What does it entail?

He started with wanting to build an entirely new wing on the house.

Suzanna’s mouth gaped. Really?

Jillian nodded and Suzanna started to laugh. Avery was very excited about their first baby.

It isn’t funny, Jillian said. He’s going overboard and, in the process, he’s driving me nuts. Nothing is good enough for the baby. I’ve finally talked him into scaling down the new addition to a nursery off the master suite and a pantry just off the kitchen.

And when you’re done using the room as a nursery, you can convert it into an office or reading room.

Jillian smiled. At last someone thinks the way I do. But Avery just looked at me like I’d grown a second head when I suggested we could use the room for something other than a nursery. Apparently my husband thinks he’s going to keep me barefoot and pregnant.

Suzanna could tell by Jillian’s grumbly voice that wasn’t going to happen. I think he’s just excited is all.

He’s something all right.

He’ll calm down soon. You’ll see. Everything will work out. She didn’t know what else to say to comfort her best friend.

I wish I was as confident as you.

It’s easy. All you have to do is look at the two of you to know that you belong together.

Jillian glanced at her. A weary smile lifted her lips. Now I know why we’re best friends. You say the right things at the right time. And you don’t want to expand the shop into the storefront next door.

Give me time.

Jillian shook her head. Don’t even joke about it. I have my hands full already. She carried her things to the office and returned. So, what’s new with you?

Immediately, her thoughts turned to her new neighbor. But she didn’t want Jillian jumping to the wrong conclusion.

Do tell. Jillian grabbed a strand of twinkle lights and moved to another display case.

Tell what?

That look on your face says there’s something interesting going on. So out with it.

After making sure the lights, fake snow, and glass ornaments were in the right place, Suzanna closed the door on the display case. It’s no big deal. I just happened to meet my new neighbor today.

And…

Her thoughts immediately turned to his blue eyes—eyes she could drown in. And then there was his muscular physique. It should be illegal to be that good-looking.

Suzanna? Jillian’s voice jarred Suzanna from her daydream.

And he owns a dog. A really big dog.

This ‘he,’ is he married?

I don’t know. We only met briefly. I was on my way to work. But she didn’t recall seeing a ring and he hadn’t mentioned anyone else living with him.

Just then the bell above the door chimed. They had a customer. Talk about good timing. Suzanna was anxious to end this conversation about her sexy neighbor.

Welcome to Tangled Charms. It was then that she caught the face of their visitor. She blinked, making sure she wasn’t seeing things. Charlie, what are you doing here?

He clucked his tongue. That’s not the proper way to speak to a customer.

Charlie stood there in his undoubtedly top-of-the-line suit, polished dress shoes, and a black wool overcoat. His hair was a little longer than it used to be and his face looked a bit thinner. Other than that he was still the same Charlie that had jilted her at the altar.

He approached the display case. I’d heard you’d gone into business with Jillian. I just had to see it for myself.

I didn’t know you were in town. She was surprised someone hadn’t mentioned it to her. This was a small town with an extremely effective gossip mill. Maybe they were afraid to mention it—not being sure how she’d react.

He smiled at her, but the smile didn’t reach his dark, unreadable eyes. I’m only in town for a couple of days. But I’ll be back for Christmas. I thought Marietta would be a good place to propose.

Suzanna leveled her shoulders and raised her chin. If he was trying to get a rise out of her, it wasn’t going to happen. I’m happy for you—

You are? His gaze studied her. I just thought with your recent, shall we say breakup, that you might regret that things didn’t work out for us.

I have no regrets. None at all.

What are you doing here? Jillian stepped up beside Suzanna.

I should have known you’d be lurking around here.

It’s my shop. And it’s time you left.

But I didn’t even get to look around. I thought I might find some little trinket for my girlfriend.

Suzanna wasn’t going to let Jillian have the satisfaction of throwing him out. We wouldn’t have anything we’d want to sell you. Suzanna moved past him to the door and pulled it open. It’s time you left.

He frowned at her. You don’t know what you’re doing throwing me out. I know lots of people in this town. I could have helped you.

We don’t need your help.

With an indignant snort, he strode out of the shop, leaving a gagging trail of overbearing cologne. Suzanna sent the door flying shut behind him.

And then she realized in such a small town he could lie and cause trouble for them. She turned to Jillian. I shouldn’t have done that.

If you hadn’t, I would have.

But what if he starts spreading nasty rumors about the shop? You know how people love to gossip.

Relax. This is Marietta. We know everyone too. Do you really think they’ll believe any story he would decide to spread?

Jillian had a point, but it didn’t mean Suzanna wasn’t worried. They’d poured their hearts and every last cent into this business. It was finally starting to take off and she didn’t want to do anything to set back their progress.

Did you hear he’s getting engaged? Suzanna wasn’t sure how that made her feel.

You aren’t jealous, are you? Jillian sent her a concerned look.

No. She was certain of that. Not in the least.

But something is bothering you.

Suzanna moved to a cardboard box behind the counter and removed some garland for the window. It’s nothing. I just wasn’t expecting to see Charlie today. Talk about a blast from the past.

I’d rather talk about your sexy neighbor.

I never said he was sexy. She didn’t want to give Jillian more ammunition.

Since Blake, her latest boyfriend, left town, Jillian had been feeling guilty for pushing Suzanna into dating him. Now, Jillian was overcompensating by trying to set Suzanna up with any