Cocoa & Kisses: A Second Chance Romance: Walla Walla Sweet Romances, #1

By Brynn Lee

Sierra's home for the holidays, and Dustin wants her back.

 

Marketing big shot Sierra McDermott was climbing the corporate ladder and had no plans to stop. When she came home for the holidays, she thought helping with her little sister's basketball fundraiser would be a slam dunk, but Sierra didn't expect the ex-fiancé she ghosted three years ago would be her sister's basketball coach. And she didn't expect to work with him.

 

Dustin Winters was blindsided when Sierra left town and didn't tell him where she was going or why. After three years apart, he wants answers, he wants closure, and if he gets his way, he wants her back.

With feelings growing and walls crumbling, will Sierra and Dustin find a solution to the one issue they can't agree on?

If you like small town, second-chance sweet romances filled with witty banter, steamy kisses, and the perfect happily ever after, curl up with this fun and feisty Christmas holiday romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JANA ELCO Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Aug 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798224803958

Book preview

Chapter One

Blast from the Past

Sierra

Sierra parked her car in front of her mom’s old Victorian home and took a deep breath to brace herself.

It was only Thanksgiving. She could handle a few days back in this small town, couldn’t she? It wasn't like all her memories were bad, just her most recent ones.

After living in Seattle for three years, it was hard to transition back to good ‘ol Walla Walla, Washington’s small-town living. Thank goodness it was only temporary.

A gush of air bit at her face when she opened her car door, making her long for the temperate weather of Seattle.

She pulled the collar of her cashmere sweater closer to her chin and popped the trunk, hoping to get her luggage inside and out of the cold before she shivered.

One suitcase was out of the trunk when her little sister, Katlynn burst through the house’s front door and squealed.

Katlynn bound down the stairs and ran for her big sister, slipped on a patch of ice, and caught her balance before she continued her rush towards Sierra.

Katlynn’s dark brown hair swayed from side to side in its ponytail as she ran, and her white, toothy grin engulfed her face before she bear-hugged Sierra.

I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve missed you! Katlynn kissed Sierra on the cheek then loosened her hug.

Sierra wobbled in place, her eyes wide from shock. I, uh, missed you too. You’ve grown since summer.

Katlynn grinned. Yeah. They’ve had me in weight training for volleyball and basketball. I’ve put on a few pounds of muscle this year.

D’ya think?

Katlynn wagged her brows. It’s my senior year, so I wanna make an impression.

Oh, you’ll make an impression. All the way to the emergency room.

Katlynn snickered. Just as long as the ref doesn’t card me for it.

Katlynn Rae!

What? A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. Either kill or be killed. Katlynn grabbed one of Sierra’s suitcases in each hand and started toward the house.

Is that what your coach says? Sierra called after her.

Well, no, but that’s the reality of basketball these days. It’s gotten rougher since you were in high school.

Sierra closed the trunk to her car and followed Katlynn to the house. We’ll see. I’ll be watching you from the bleachers tonight.

Really? Katlynn squealed again. That’ll be awesome!

Be sure to score some points for me.

Katlynn smirked. I’ve got it in the bag.

Sierra pulled the front door open and was greeted with warm, cinnamon roll-scented air that immediately thawed her now-rosy cheeks.

Katlynn disappeared down a hall toward Sierra’s old bedroom and called over her shoulder, I hear Swann might be at the game. Does she know you’re in town?

I sent her a text to set up a lunch date, Sierra called back. She walked through the living room decorated with oversized furniture in neutral tones to a large, professional-grade kitchen filled with stainless steel appliances and a six-burner stove covered with steaming pots.

A single, dainty figure hummed as she bounced from pot to bowl to pot, working on several recipes at once.

Sierra walked up behind her mother and hugged her from behind, inhaling her mom’s familiar powdery perfume. I’m home.

See-See! Her mom turned and pulled Sierra into another, longer hug and sighed. It’s been too long. You need to visit more.

Her mother gestured to the stove. I hope you’re hungry. I’m making your favorite: Tuscan chicken, chestnut soup, and mini poached pear cardamom cakes.

Oh, Mom, you didn’t have to go through the trouble. You work all day at the restaurant. You don’t have to cook for me.

You’re only in town a couple times a year. I want to do it.

Sierra kissed her mother’s cheek then leaned over and sniffed at the combination of sweet, salty, and savory foods. You’re too good to me. I’ve already gained ten pounds smelling it.

Her mother shrugged. She wrapped an arm around Sierra’s shoulders and ushered her out of the kitchen. The table’s already set and I’m almost done. Why don’t you and Katlynn catch up while I finish up here?

Sierra let her mother shoo her out of the kitchen, then she continued down the hall to Katlynn’s room.

When Sierra opened Katlynn’s door, she was met with bubble gum pink walls and zebra-print…everything. Wow. You’ve redecorated, Sierra said.

Yeah, I got tired of the Barbie motif. I’ve moved onto bigger and better.

If that’s what you call it, Sierra said, sitting on the zebra-print chenille blanket crumpled on Katlynn’s bed and running her hand along the soft fabric.

Yeah, well, it’s better than the giant disco ball you had hanging from your ceiling during high school, Katlynn said, planting her hands on her hips.

So I liked a little sparkle. Can you blame a girl? Sierra said.

Sparkle is fine. Tacky is not.

You’re one to talk.

Katlynn stuck out her tongue and resumed scrolling through her phone from her bean bag chair on the floor. You still dating that realtor guy—what’s his name—Henry?

We broke up.

Katlynn stopped scrolling and looked up. Really? I kinda liked that one. Why?

He drank and was always working. I’m too much of a homebody. And after Dad, well, you know how much I hate drinking.

Yeah. Me too.

Sierra put her finger to her mouth. Shh! Someone’s gonna hear you. You do realize Walla Walla is practically the winery capital of the world, right?

It’s hard not to notice when there are more wineries than Starbucks around here.

To each their own, I guess. I’ll stick with a fine glass of grape juice, Sierra said.

Katlynn chuckled. I’ll bring you some Martinelli’s after work tomorrow.

Perfect!

Girls! Dinner is ready! their mother called from the dining room.

Katlynn climbed out of her bean bag chair and bound through the bedroom door. Last one to the table does the dishes!

Hold on! Sierra called. Cheater!

Katlynn had already dished out the Tuscan chicken by the time Sierra washed her hands and sat on the opposite side of the table. It was weird to be sitting at the old oak table across from Katlynn. Yet it felt like coming home.

As she was filling her plate, Sierra slid a glance toward Katlynn. So, what’s the Walla Walla gossip?

Katlynn’s face lit up. She took a bite of a dinner roll, let her eyes roll to the back of their sockets, and groaned.

She took another bite then said, It’s been busy around here. Old man Daniels fell down and broke his hip so he hasn’t been yelling at the neighborhood kids quite so much.

She stuffed the rest of the roll in her mouth and kept talking around the food. I’ve heard rumors Swann is dating some guy. Well, he’s pursuing her, and she’s running like a scared kitten. And the fire department did a calendar this year for charity. It got tons of exposure and the guys have become local celebrities.

As Katlynn reached for more chicken, their mom held up her hand. You’ve got a game in a few hours. You don’t want too much in your stomach.

Katlynn gazed at her plate and sighed as she caressed it, whispering, I’ll see you after the game.

She checked the time on her phone and her eyes widened. Crap! I need to be at the school in twenty minutes! She shoved away from the table and bolted towards her bedroom, calling over her shoulder, Dinner was amazing, Mom!

How are you doing? Really? Sierra’s mom asked, folding her arms on the table and leaning forward as if preparing to hear juicy gossip.

Sierra chuckled under her breath. How did her mother know when something was wrong? Sierra was good at hiding things from everyone else, but her mom seemed to see right through her.

Sierra shook her head. I’m okay. It’s been three months since Henry and I broke up. You’d think I’d’ve moved on by now but… Sierra shrugged. I haven’t found anyone who can hold my attention. There’s no spark, no passion. Is it too much to ask for someone who is passionate about something—anything?

Sierra rolled her eyes. Besides TV and video games, I mean.

Her mother patted Sierra’s hand. You’re young and beautiful. It won’t take you long to find a man.

Nah. I think I’m going to join a convent. It’ll be easier that way.

We’re not Catholic.

Then, I’m swearing off men. One less thing to worry about.

Her mom stood and began clearing the dishes. You can swear off men for a little while but one day I’d like some grand babies to spoil.

You’ve still got Katlynn. She can give you grand babies. Sierra stood and grabbed dishes from the table.

Katlynn’s going to give birth to tornadoes. I want little red-headed grand babies that look like their mamma.

I can buy a golden retriever. Would that work?

Not even close. And if you can make it so they have freckles on their noses like you do, I’d be even happier.

Oh brother, Sierra said. Red hair and freckles are a curse, not something to wish for.

Oh, I don’t know. I kinda liked them on your father.

Yeah. Dad was the only good looking red-head I knew. And he was more of a strawberry blond, not the flaming curly hair I have.

Her mother reached out and touched a lock of hair that curled over Sierra’s shoulder. You’ll find someone who appreciates everything about you one day.

She pressed her lips into a thin line and her brows knit together. I’m sorry Henry broke your heart. You deserved better than that.

Sierra forced a smile. Thanks. She checked her watch and her eyes widened. We’ve gotta go! We’ll be late for the game.

"You’ll be late for the game, her mom said. I’m hosting the book club tonight. You’ll have to cheer extra hard for me."

You mean heckle Katlynn’s team? Absolutely.

Sierra followed her mom into the living room and helped her lay out a plate of gourmet sandwiches and cookies on a coffee table surrounded by chairs.

Need any more help? Sierra asked.

Nah. I’ve got it. Go! Have fun! Maybe you’ll find Mr. Right at the game. Wouldn’t that be funny? Finding a husband who had been right under your nose all along?

Oh brother. Sierra slid her coat over her shoulders. Let it go. I’ll be looking into convents next week.

We’re not Catholic!

You know what I mean, Sierra called over her shoulder. She shut the door and headed toward her car.

The high school was only a few miles from her home, but as soon as she began the route, Sierra had a strong sense of déjà vu.

Memories flash through her mind of driving the twenty-year-old Datsun with a floor so rusty she used to watch the road race by in the hole at her feet.

The last of the sun dipped below the Blue Mountains, leaving a deep pink glow on the clouds and sky.

She drove by the cemetery where her father was buried and saw the outlines of tombstones and statues. With a shudder, Sierra imagined ghosts standing as sentinels near their graves night after night.

As she started through the intersection, her car began to sputter.

Sierra cursed. No. No. No!

It died, rolling to a stop mid-way through the intersection. She looked through her rear-view mirror and thanked her lucky stars no one was behind her.

Frick.

She had to get her car out of the intersection before someone accidentally t-boned it.

Sierra cursed again, shifted the car into neutral, and opened her car door. She leaned into the door frame, grunting and slipping on the slushy roadway in her stilettos.

After a second, the wheels finally moved, albeit slowly. She huffed and panted, pushing every ounce of her 5’10, 140 lb. frame against the car and using what little traction her stilettos afforded.

Ice-cold liquid oozed into her now-sopping shoes, numbing her toes. Good thing she didn’t need to use the bathroom or she would’ve wet herself at the exertion of pushing the car alone!

Finally, she yanked on the steering wheel and slowly maneuvered the car as far to the side of the road as possible where it wouldn’t be in the way of traffic.

She wiped the sweat off her forehead.

On the upside, the cold was now welcome instead of bitter and biting.

If she walked fast, she’d only be a few minutes late for the game. She could hitch a ride home with Katlynn and call a tow truck in the morning.

Pulling the collar of her wool coat closer to her chin, Sierra approached the large, sprawling high school with brick buildings and rolling snow-covered hills marveling how it felt more like a college campus than a high school.

She cut through the campus, using one of the shoveled and de-iced sidewalks. As she made a beeline toward the gym, another wave of déjà vu hitting her like a pile of bricks.

Several couples clad in warm winter jackets, their arms intertwined trickled through the gym doors in front of her.

Sierra sighed. If she and Henry hadn’t broken up, they’d be doing the final touches to their plans for their New Year’s Eve wedding. Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen anymore.

Inside the gym, she paid and took off her coat.

As expected, the game was already in motion.

She stood near the sidelines, dividing her attention between the game and the bleachers, trying to find a place to sit. She scanned the seats to see if she saw Swann, but all the faces were unfamiliar.

Finally, she settled on a spot five rows behind Katlynn’s team. If this was the only game she would watch her little sister play, Sierra was going to cheer loud and proud. And if Sierra was lucky, Katlynn would beg her not to come back.

The gym smelled like the same polished wood, low rumble of voices, and squeaking sneakers echoing off the walls. She even recognized one of the white-haired refs from when she was in high school. Though he had more hair and less stomach back then.

He missed a call that was clearly out of bounds and Sierra’s mouth popped open. Apparently, his eyesight had diminished too.

She clenched her jaw and focused on Katlynn. It was the first game of the season. Apparently, the adults needed to work a few kinks out as badly as the kids.

Katlynn, at nearly six feet tall, was an easy decision for the post position. She had her hair pulled into a braid and sweat already dripped down her forehead.

She ran to her position under the net and feigned in and out of the key. Someone from the other team attempted a lay-in and dribbled toward Katlynn, who planted her feet and flung her arms into the air.

The other player bowled over Katlynn and Sierra cringed, watching her sister tumble to the ground.

No whistle.

Sierra jumped to her feet. C’mon! That was obviously a foul! She furrowed her brow and muttered under her breath before returning to her seat. A few minutes later, she was on her feet again, angrier than before, and yelling at the ref louder.

Katlynn’s teammate pulled her to her feet. When she stood, a red welt covered Katlynn’s face. Sierra stared at the wound, grinding her teeth.

As the game wore on, it got worse. The players became more physical, calls were missed, and boos from the audience echoed off the walls. Katlynn seemed to be hit the hardest, and she played the longest.

Finally, the buzzer sounded, indicating half-time. Katlynn limped off the court with a bloody lip and was met by one of her teammates who held a wet rag.

The teammate put her arm around Katlynn and walked her to the locker room where the basketball teams always spent half time.

As he walked off the court, the old ref stopped Katlynn’s basketball coach and pointed at Sierra. You’d better get your crowd under control, Coach, or I’ll card your team.

Sierra hadn’t paid attention to the coach before, but the minute she glanced at the six-foot four-inch body and wavy blond hair, she knew exactly who it was. Holy crap.

The coach nodded and murmured something to