A Collection of Christmas Stories, Vol. 1

By Donna Steele

My Christmas stories together in one place - Nowhere for Christmas, Christmas Present, Christmas with Family, Working Christmas and Moe's Christmas together for your enjoyment

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steelestories
• Release date: Sep 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215607121

Donna Steele

Women strong enough for love. Donna writes science fiction, paranormal and small town romances about women coming into their strength and having the courage to find and accept love. Now that she has retired from going into an office every day, she created an office at home and writes full time. Talk about living the dream! She was the girl at the party who was yearning for the quiet corner and a book to read (go Rory Gilmore!), and has been writing in her head since she learned to read. Getting those stories down on paper (or in her laptop) has been more fun than she ever imagined it could be. The possibilities of science fiction have always drawn her and she's read them all, there just needed to be a little more romance in them. She finally got up the courage to write them herself and is delighted to be able to share these stories with you. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter of RWA and the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers. She can be reached at www.steelestories.com, www.facebook.com/donnasteeleauthor, or https://twitter.com/steele_donna

Book preview

Chapter One

Jeannie Teague looked at the steam rising from under the hood of her car with a sinking feeling. The battery on her phone was dead as well. At least it wasn't dark or freezing. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car and lifted the hood. Oh yeah, this was not good.

She wrapped the sleeve of her too thin jacket around her hand and tried to loosen the cap on the radiator. Steam hit her wrist and she yanked her hand back, cursing. Then she looked up to see a sheriff's car pulling up behind her.

Problem ma'am?

Ah a whiz kid, she thought. Yes.

He unfolded himself from the car and she stepped back. He was well over six feet and that seemed to be the width of his shoulders. She'd never really thought of herself as small. She topped five foot seven, but wow. Maybe it was the uniform that made him so tall.

He moved closer and using the rag she hadn't notice in his hand, removed the cap. Steam spewed for a couple of seconds and he smiled down at her. I think I see the problem.

What?

It’s a POS.

She wanted to bristle at that, but it was too true. Well, that’s one of the problems. She started to brush the dark curly hair that had escaped the clip out of her eyes but changed hands at the pain. He spotted the burn on her wrist.

Steam got you. Come here. He headed back toward his cruiser, and with nothing else to do, she followed. He pulled a bottle of water from the door pocket and opened it. The cold wetness caused her to catch her breath, but it felt good. Small blisters had already formed.

The officer, she’d finally thought to look for the name on his pocket, R. Nelson had pulled out a first aid kit now. He gently smeared a blue gel over the burn and that felt even better than the water.

How’s that?

Good.

He nodded. I don't need to see your license, but how about your name?

Jeannie Teague.

Pleased to meet you. I'm Deputy Nelson. Now, about the car. Do you have AAA?

Jeannie shook her head. She could barely afford gas for the thing.

Okay, I’ll take you into town and get Joe to come tow it in. I can already tell you’re not going to be back on the road tonight.

Her heart sank. Is there a reasonable motel around? She meant cheap but didn’t want to say it.

No motels in Dalesville, but we have a nice little B&B.

A B&B, no way could she afford that. She’d planned on pulling the car over when she got tired and taking a power nap. Dammit all.

He was watching her, and no doubt had formed his own conclusions about what she could afford along with the POS car. Hell, she couldn’t afford to be proud now. I’d appreciate a ride.

Nelson, she still didn’t know what the R stood for, followed her around to the back of the car to get her bag.

I only need the little one for now.

He didn't comment on the boxes or larger suitcase in the trunk. He slipped the gym size bag into the backseat then opened the door of his cruiser for her. She was a little surprised he let her ride up front, but things seemed a little looser around here than in Tampa. Jeannie was confident her ex, Tony, had never been up front in any squad car.

Chapter Two

Deputy Ron Nelson spotted the disabled car on the side of the road and called it in, then pulled in behind the young woman staring down into the innards of the machine.

She was slightly bent over, and those jeans fit like a glove. Her long curly brown hair was escaping from the clip, and she looked more frustrated than upset.

He wasn't sure she was aware of him, so he lowered his window. Problem, ma'am?

Okay, that was disgust on her face now, but he hadn't startled her. He opened the door and stepped out. Her eyes went up to meet him and he managed not to smile. He’d gotten that a lot since he hit six foot two in middle school. She had a long slender neck, elegant and that scooped neck t-shirt clung to some nice full breasts under her open coat.

The coat wasn't warm enough, but the tags said Florida, so she might not be prepared to stand on the side of the road in Virginia in December.

Using the rag, he had pulled from the car pocket, he loosened the cap and stepped back as steam escaped. I think I see the problem.

What?

It’s a POS.

Well, that’s one of the problems. Her eyebrow had risen. She was striking. Her dark brown eyes were very . . . expressive.

She started to brush her hair back and he saw the wince, spotting the burn. Steam got you. Come here. He felt her stiffen but she didn't pull away. He led her back to his car and pulled out a bottle of water. He gently poured some over the burn and saw her relax. It wasn't too bad, but it had to sting. The cooling gel he applied seemed to help and she gave him a small smile.

It didn’t look as though she had the means for a motel even if there were one in town. He’d spotted no nicely wrapped presents in the trunk. He had an idea.

After loading her bag into the squad car, Nelson called in and asked Naomi to send Joe out to get the car. Once that was arranged, he pulled out on the highway and headed northwest.

She was quiet, no questions but she didn’t seem worried about being in a cop car. She didn’t look like the trusting sort, but he wasn’t going to bother her. She did look like she knew how to look after herself in most situations. He’d drop her off at Dez’s, then check on the car again. It really did look like it was on its last legs. She’d driven up from Florida in the thing.

That took guts.

It appeared as though everything she owned was in the trunk. There was a story there, but none of his business unless something came up when he ran the tags. He could just appreciate the view for now and forget her as soon as she drove off.

Sure, that thought brought him down a little, but he was still getting used to civilian life even after all these months. He didn’t need any complications right now. Alone was easier.

Chapter Three

Jeannie didn’t have a clue where she was. She had checked directions to Charlottesville from Tampa, but she’d never been there. Mom had moved less than a year ago and Jeannie hadn't come up before. She’d gotten off the highway when she’d seen the heat gauge begin to creep up, hoping the slower speed would forestall a disaster just like this. She should have known better.

I’ll take you over to the B&B and—

I’m not going to be able to afford a B&B. Maybe it won’t take that long to get the car repaired and I can head on.

I don’t think so, but Joe will check it out. Let me take you over to Dez’s anyway. You can at least be warm and hang out there while you’re waiting.

Dez?

She owns the B&B. She’s a sweetheart. Besides, the temperature’s dropping. It may not be officially winter yet, but close.

Jeannie nodded and settled in the seat. It was all out of her hands anyway. Again.

Dalesville proper wasn't that far away. She could have walked it probably, but the chill in the air was definitely not Florida weather. The deputy drove through town and turned left on a residential street. At the end of the block was a large, white, beautifully maintained Victorian house.

Oh yeah, she could not afford this. It didn't matter. He'd already pulled up in front and stopped the car. Her bag in his hand, he headed for the front door. She had no choice but to follow him.

Dez? He called out as he opened the door.

Ronnie! Come on in, I'm in the dining room.

Ronnie. Jeannie had to smile a little. She wondered if he used that around the squad room.

Jeannie looked up in surprise as Mrs. Santa Clause came bustling toward them. If Ronnie here was six foot three, she was three foot six with white hair straggling out of a bun and a full red apron with flour or something dusting it.

To her surprise, the big man bent over and gave the little woman a loving kiss on the brow. You look busy.

I'm swamped. I don't know what I was thinking taking on this wedding reception. I know it's good for business, but I didn't realize how much work it would be. What are you doing here this time of day?

I picked up a stray. He grinned. Dez, this is Jeannie Teague. Jeannie this is Desiree Bass, owner of the place. Ms. Teague's car quit on her just outside of town. Joe's checking on it, but I was hoping she could hang out here until she gets the verdict.

Well of course she can. It's cold outside and I could use the company. She waved her hand, and they followed her into the dining room. The large table was strewn with coconut, powdered sugar and bowls of something Jeannie couldn't see.

Thank you, Ms. Bass. I won't—

It's Dez, dear. Everyone calls me Dez. Jeannie nodded a little overwhelmed.

What are you up to? Ronnie asked Dez. The affection was obvious.

"I'm making wedding cookies. I can freeze these ahead of time. Thank goodness the actual wedding cake is coming from somewhere else.

Jeannie moved closer. I've made these. Would you like some help?

Dez positively glowed with her smile. I would love some.

Well, I did good. Ronnie observed. I need to get back to work. You two ladies think you'll be okay.

We'll be fine. You go on but come back for supper. Hopefully I'll have the table cleared by then. Why don't you put Jeannie's bag in the lavender room?

Oh no. I can't stay here. But I appreciate a place to wait.

Dez looked Jeannie up and down and Jeannie knew she saw too much. Trailer trash was easy to spot by people who lived in places like this. Okay, take her things to the new room. I'm not renting that one out yet. It needs decorating but has all the furniture. Then if you need to stay, you can make a few extra wedding cookies.

Jeannie grinned and nodded her appreciation. Wait, let me get the charger out. I need to call Mom and let her know I've been held up.

Good idea, Dez said. Not nice to worry your mother.

Jeannie found herself smiling for the first time in ages as she pulled the cord from a side pocket of the duffle. The phone wasn't new, but it worked well enough. The battery just didn't hold like it used to.

Ronnie returned to the room, told them he would see them for supper and headed out.

He is the sweetest thing, Dez said as the front door closed.

Sweet had not been an adjective Jeannie had thought in his presence, but he had been nice. Without him in the room to compare, she realized that Dez probably hit five feet and was a dynamo, bustling around, talking the whole time.

Chapter Four

Ron settled in the cruiser and headed for the office. He'd been on the way in when he'd spotted Jeannie's car. He wanted to run her plates, but he'd picked up no bad vibes from her. He'd always been intuitive about people and his track record was good, damn good when following his instincts. It had kept him alive more than once. He had no qualms leaving Dez alone with the woman. She had a story, everyone did, but he wasn’t worried.

Naomi reported that Tony had pulled the car in and was looking it over. A check of the plates proved him correct as far as it went. No traffic tickets, owned free and clear by a Jeannie Ann Teague. He was glad she didn't owe anything on that car. He was no mechanic, but it was going to take more than duct tape and paperclips to fix it one more time.

Tampa. She was heading in the wrong direction for this time of year. But it was nice she was coming to visit her mother. He didn't have much family anymore, but that made the ones he had more precious, and it was nearly Christmas.

Hooking Jeannie up with Dez for the day should work nicely for both of them. He was glad he'd get to see Jeannie again for dinner. She was too serious for her age, which he was sure was younger than his thirty-one years, but she had a nice smile. And she'd been overwhelmed by Dez. That wasn't unusual, Dez was small but mighty and could take over a room without breaking a sweat.

Yeah, he was looking forward to dinner tonight.

Chapter Five

Jeannie plugged in the phone, then joined Dez at the table. Have you thought about making these into little balls? Jeannie asked. You can make them smaller that way, so you get more out of a batch, and they look very sophisticated.

Dez looked up surprised. You bake?

I have and waited tables and cooked. I have a long history of food service behind me.

It can’t be that long as young as you are. Are you a good cook?

Since I was fifteen, but Jeannie didn’t say that out loud. Yes ma'am, I think so.

I wish I were. Oh, I can put things together with a recipe, but I'm not creative. She was already rolling the mixture into a ball to get the look of it. "That's why this is a bed and breakfast. I can cook eggs and bacon and grits, but I'd love to add lunch to the menu. Bring in more people that don't stay over." She chuckled.

This house is lovely. I'm sure that would work. You could have the canasta ladies, or a book club meet here. Oh, and a high tea once a week.

Dez looked up startled. You're reading my mind. Would you know how to do things like that?

One of my jobs was in a hotel in Tampa. They did that and it was a big hit with the local women. They didn't charge for one of their smaller meeting rooms during the week and it was always booked. The hotel made more on the catering than they ever would have with rentals.

Dez eyed her. You've got me thinking again. That could be dangerous so stand back.

Jeannie laughed and rolled another of the wedding cookies in coconut.

How in the world had she gotten comfortable with this woman in minutes? Maybe she really was Mrs. Santa Clause. They worked together, with Dez chatting away. Jeannie didn't know the people she talked about, and it really didn't matter.

When her phone chirped, she looked up. Go check, Dez said. I'll mix up another batch. This is going so much quicker with you here. Dez took one of the mixing bowls into the kitchen to give her some privacy.

Jeannie smiled and pulled off the gloves she'd donned for working in the dough. She had three messages to listen to. Tony's voice brought down her spirits before he'd finished a sentence.

"Ah baby, come on home. You know Cindy doesn't mean anything to me. She came on to me. You know you're the one I want. Give me a call. I can make it all better, Baby. Come on, call me."

Like hell, Jeannie thought erasing the message. She'd suspected he was cheating on her, but to find him with one of her co-workers, in their bed, on sheets she had washed was too much. Screw Tony and all the bimbos he could catch. She'd packed while he was gone. Let him try to come up with the full rent at the end of the month.

The second message was from her mother. Jeannie had called while she was packing. Mom had been out, so she’d left a message that she was coming home for Christmas after all. She was sure as hell getting out of Tampa, and Virginia had sounded like as good as place as any. Mom should let her stay for Christmas.

Jeannie honey, I hope you haven't left yet. I'm not going to be home for Christmas this year. Larry popped the question and we're on our way to Vegas to get married! Sorry, I hope you get this message in time. Have a great holiday!

That one caused Jeannie to drop into a chair at the table. Larry? Who the hell was Larry? Mom had been dating someone named Sam the last time they had talked. Gone to Vegas to get hitched? So, did that make five or six daddies she could claim now?

Merry friggin' Christmas.

Still, maybe she could stay at her mom's place until they got back. She could find some work. It wasn't like she was picky. But it was Christmas, people didn't hire this time of year and it was too late for the retail surge.