Blue Christmas

Dedication

For you Mar.

Thank you for the encouragement and reading everything I write.

It means the world to me.

Love you all the world and back xx

Copyright © 2016 JF Holland

The moral right of the Author has been asserted.

All characters and events within the story, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental

All rights reserved.

No part of the publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission, in writing of the Author and owner of the publication.  Nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchase.

The meaning behind flowers

The Language of flowers, for Enemies and Love gone bad.

YELLOW CARNATION: YOU are such a disappointment. 

Bachelor Button: I'm so happy to be single.

Orange Lily: I hate you.

Dragon Lily: You'll never win.

Garlic: No one is eviler than you.

Monkshood: You better watch your back.

Orange Mock: You're a liar.

Rhododendron: Stay away. I'm very dangerous.

Dried White Rose: I'd rather die than be with you.

The Language of Love, how to say it with roses.

Roses come in many languages and there is sure to be one that will speak for you.

Burgundy Rose: You do not know how beautiful you are to me.

Christmas Rose: You put my mind at ease.

Coral Rose: All of my desires are tied to you.

Damask Rose: You bring a freshness to my life that I have been missing.

Dark Crimson Rose: You make me grieve.

Dog Rose: The pleasure is worth all of the pain.

Green Rose: You make me feel strange.

Hibiscus Rose: Your delicacy amazes me.

Lavender Rose: You have me under your spell.

Orange Rose: You have my attention. I am fascinated.

Pink Rose: You are too sweet to me.

Also by JF Holland

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Dennison Property Story Series:

The Only One 

This Time 

Second Chance 

Dennison Security Services

Outranked in Love

Help to Move on (due out Feb 2020)

Single Titles

Blue Christmas (Contemporary)

Date Night  (Contemporary)

A Wolf is not just for Christmas (Paranormal)

Coming Out Fighting (MM Interracial Romance)

The Players Handbook

Would I Lie to You? (due out 2020)

After the ink dries, second chance romance for over 40’s

Blindsided

Paranormal Romance

The Bound Series:

Moon Sworn June

Bound by The Moon

Fire in the Moon

Light up The Moon

Magic

New Moon

Fae Moon

Blue Moon (Due for release 2020)

Eternal Mates (The Bound Series Spin off)

Immortal Flame

Taming the Beast

Fae Lover

Table of Contents

Dedication

The meaning behind flowers

Also by JF Holland

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Prologue

About the author

Message from the Author

Date Night

Chapter One

Acknowledgements

I’d like to thank Maria Lazarou, my editor, pa, and friend. She’s always happy to listen to me vent, then give me a kick up the arse and tell me to get on with it. I may or may not have based Cynthia on her, but don’t tell her.

Also, my friends and fellow authors, Sandra, Helen and Bella, they have been my sounding boards, and my beta readers, letting me know when I was going in the right (or wrong direction) alongside Maria.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my family, who have once again dealt with late meals as I’ve been stuck in the middle of a scene.

Thank’s guys, love you all.

Blue

Christmas

The book behind Date Night

Chapter One

LORIE SAT IN THE PASSENGER seat of Dara’s little Fiesta as she maneuvered it down the twisty country lanes. The kids were in school, so they were heading into town.  Dara reckoned Lorie needed a little retail therapy - a diversion. Lorie reckoned Dara was a shopaholic and just needed an accomplice to make her feel better about her addiction.

After last night’s chat with her editor about her latest book, well, let us just say that she could use a little distraction herself.

Okay, so what exactly are we going shopping for?

Underwear of course! Dara rolled her eyes as if it should have been obvious, and Lorie groaned

As I’m a single mother to a five-year-old boy, I fail to understand how buying new knickers is going to help me? Lorie sputtered, to which Dara snorted.

Really, you have to start using your imagination.  Didn’t your editor say that if you want your new book to sell, you have to spice up the romance?

Lorie turned in her seat to look at her friend, because really, she did not have a clue where this was going.  Frowning in confusion as Dara again rolled her eyes, before bobbing her head to the soft, low rock music playing on the radio in the background.

It’s simple really. We get you some slinky underwear, set you up on some dates, and voila. Your love life is spiced up, which in turn will help with your character’s sex scenes. The only thing missing from that particular sentence was a 'duh', as if it was all perfectly simple.

Jeez, Dara... Lorie sputtered. I’m not having sex with strangers just so I can write about it.  Plus... I'm, I’m not ready. I’ve only been divorced for nine-months, she sniffed, turning to look out of the side window.

Yes, it's only been nine-months, but you were separated for two-years prior to that. Therefore, by my estimation, you must have been without it for a while now. Well, unless you’ve been doing the ex when he visits? Dara waggled her brows comically, a twinkle in her eye making Lorie snort.

Yeah, like that’s going to happen. Let us just say that my love life was not exactly hectic before I had Sam. So, believe me, it didn’t improve afterwards.

Just before Dara could open her mouth to say anything else, her phone rang through the speakers of her car. Hitting the answer button on the steering wheel, she looked at the screen and answered. Hey bro, what can I do for you? She said into the speaker - leaning forward - as if that would make it easier for whomever was on the other end of the line to hear her.

Come get me from the Tram station, said a very deep, husky voice on the other end of the line.

What, do you mean the Met Station Dane, are you back in the UK?

Yes. I’m waiting on the platform at Navigation Road. Dara gave Lorie a weird look out of the side of her eye, and then her smile turned sly.

Okay, be with you in five. I’m on the lanes already, she added, then hung up. Okay, change of plan. My twin brother has turned up a couple of days earlier than expected. Do you mind coming along to pick him up? We can drag him shopping with us, if you really want to go?

No, I don’t mind coming along, and we can leave shopping for another day. Lorie gave a silent sigh of happiness at the reprieve. She was hoping that with her brother’s arrival Dara would forget her grand plan to, 'get Lorie laid.'

They travelled in silence for a few hairpin-turns. Just the soft rock playing in the car, and Lorie grabbing onto the, 'oh crap' bar as Dara took the corners a little too fast for her comfort.

Okay, I need you to be nice to my brother.

Since when have I ever been mean? Lorie sputtered indignantly.

I’m not saying you’re mean. I’m just saying Dane is still a little bruised after his relationship with Reggie ended.

Oh, I didn’t know your brother was gay as you never mentioned that in any of our numerous conversations about him? Lorie enquired into the silence that had now entered the car. Even the music seemed to have muted.

It was now Dara's turn to sputter, seemingly lost for words as her mouth opened and closed - but no sound emerged. Then, she snapped it closed as a speculative gleam lit her eyes. The gleam with Dara was never a good thing as it usually meant she was up to something.

But, what?

Before Lorie could figure it out, Dara spoke again.

Yes, Danes gay, but he’s very touchy about it. So, please, don’t mention his sexual orientation or his broken relationship, okay?

Lorie frowned at Dara's expression as she wore a huge grin while imparting this information; confusing her. Lorie was completely at a loss on how to reply, so instead, just nodded; Dara's whole demeanour had thrown her for a loop.

A short while later they pulled into the parking lot at the side of the Met station. Wondering what Dara's brother looked like, Lorie checked around her curiously. He’d had a lovely, deep, husky voice, which made her wonder if he was tall or short, blond or dark.

He was probably blond like Dara.

I mean, that made sense with them being twins.

Her musings were interrupted as the boot of the car opened. A thud sounded, and then the car dipped as a heavyweight dropped into the back before the hatch slammed closed again. Heavy feet clomped towards the side of the car, the back-passenger door opened, and the car dipping slightly as he got in.

I’m sitting here. It’s the safest place to be when you drive on the lanes. The dark voice drawled from behind Lorie, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She gave a shiver before bursting into nervous laughter at her own odd reaction.

Oh hey, sorry. I didn’t realise Dar had a vic...  I meant company up front, Dane quipped, leaning forward and holding out a hand.

Lorie turned awkwardly in her seat, lifting her own hand to accept his offering. Her breath caught in her throat as she found herself captured by a pair of the bluest eyes she had ever seen – surrounded by lashes so thick and sooty that he appeared to be wearing eyeliner. Swallowing, Lorie politely shook his hand, but was unable to meet his open, penetrating gaze. Lowering her own lashes, she just got a quick impression of jet-black hair, his fringe so long it covered his brows. He had a wide, but attractive nose, designer stubble covered his square jaw, and high cheekbones. He had faint lines beside his eyes that told her he smiled a lot, and she got a flash of straight white teeth as his full lips split into a grin.

He was Dara’s complete opposite.

Dark, to her light.

He’s gay, Lorie reminded herself.

She so was not on his radar.

Rolling her eyes at her own odd reaction to him, she replied to his greeting.

Hi, I’m Lorie, the victim... I mean friend, she croaked, pulling her hand out of his much larger, rougher one. Then, clearing her throat, she turned back around to face the front.

Dara looked speculatively from her brother to Lorie before flashing a quick grin. Then, putting the car into gear, reversed out of the parking space.

Wow, you’re both comedians, Dara quipped with a snort. Her eyes watching her brother checking Lorie out in the rear-view mirror. Grinning, she hit the gas pedal as she tore out of the car park. So, you’re back for good this time? she asked, waiting for him to tear his gaze away from Lorie.

Arrgh, so this is Lorie.

The woman whom Dar spoke of constantly.

Dane had been intrigued by the snippets he had heard about her - not that he had ever given anything away. Although, he had been hoping to catch up with her sometime. Well, now he was home that is. It was just fortuitous that their meeting was sooner rather than later.

Dane caught his sister’s speculative look, sighing inwardly because he knew that look always meant trouble for him. Ignoring her for now, he turned his attention appreciatively towards her traveling companions dark blonde head, and grinned.

Now he had finally seen her. He most definitely would not mind getting into that kind of trouble, he thought with relish

Yup, got most of what I need to last me for the next week or two, and the rest is being shipped over. He was wiped out after a twenty-one-hour flight, especially as it had been an extremely circuitous route.

Things had gotten complicated back in America. Therefore, he'd gotten out of dodge, fast. Unfortunately, there had been no direct flights left on a last-minute booking, so had headed home on what they did have available.

Yawning, Dane closed his eyes, and leaned his head back against the headrest as he and Dara did their usual verbal sparring. It was something they'd always done - being twins. They'd grown up tormenting and teasing each other. Therefore, he found the teasing familiar and calming.

Lorie sat back in her seat and listened to the brother and sister talk, playfully taking digs at each other over the rock station. The palm that Dane had lightly grasped still felt weird, and she rubbed it on her jeans leg, trying to remove the sensation.

It didn’t help.

She could still feel the heat and tingles that had suffused it from where their flesh had so briefly touched.

Sighing, Lorie turned her head to look out of the side window, blocking out their banter.

It seemed she was destined to be always be attracted to the wrong man.

Snorting at the thought, she coughed to cover the sound, before cutting off that particular line of thought.

It was pointless.

She didn’t have the time, nor energy to worry over what that said about her?

Lorie was so lost in thought that she was shocked when the car came to a stop. Blinking, she realised they had arrived outside her little house. Pulling herself together, she leaned over the centre console, and kissed Dara’s cheek.

Thanks for the time out, she said with a nose wrinkle as Dara snorted, and her eyes slit slyly.

I’m sorry about shopping Lorie. We'll set another date to go, she added, laughing at the look of horror that crossed Lorie’s face.

Lorie groaned at her threat as she opened the car door.

Nice to finally meet you Dane, she said, as she exited the car - giving him a quick polite smile before shutting the door behind her.

Moving towards her gate, she refused to look at Dara, as she was not going to encourage her and her mad, 'get her laid quick scheme.' So, just waved absently as the car pulled away from the kerb.

Pushing through her front gate, Lorie made her way to her red front door. The flowerpots either side of the doorway were empty as she still hadn’t planted the winter ferns yet. Now, that was something she could rectify before getting back to work on her writing. She still needed to find a way to turn the story around, and her spirits flagged at the thought.

It wasn't going well.

She had a couple of hours to kill before Sam needed collecting from school so maybe inspiration would strike.

She could hope.

DANE WATCHED THE PETITE blonde walk off as the car moved away from the kerb. Her hair was swept up on the top of her head into a messy bun. She wore a short, dark blue padded jacket - in deference to the cold - it was mid-November after all. The coat stopped at her dipped in waist, right above a pair of skin-tight jeans. Jeans that moulded to a mouth-watering backside, one that he would not mind getting his hands on. She had the figure of a fifties pin up model. Nicely curved hips and shapely legs - which he found extremely enticing. Her figure was so much more attractive than the reed thin, no hipped look his ex-had going on. Frowning, he tried to remember why he’d ever gotten involved with Reggie in the first place. Coming up blank, he sighed as the car moved on, his eyes still glued to the retreating figure.

See something you like? he heard from the front of the car. Dane burst out laughing as his sister grinned at him through the rear-view mirror while she drove.

Luckily, she only lived a couple of streets away as he was absolutely shattered after his flight. He desperately needed a beer and something to eat. Possibly a nap as well.

Chapter Two

YOU DIDN'T TELL ME your friend was quite the looker. Dane murmured, nursing a beer on his knee - head leaning against the back of the couch. He’d tried to sleep, but after an hour of tossing and turning, he’d given up, showering instead. Now, beyond tired, he was not on his, 'A' game.

His mind began wondering when he heard his sisters' giggles. Lifting his head, he turned to look at her in query, and she burst out laughing. Sitting up slightly he shook his head - trying to clear the fog as he took another swig of his beer.

You’re interested? Dara snickered, and Dane's eyebrow rose higher in query as he nodded. He knew Dara was going somewhere with this, however, due to knowing her, he also knew that she wouldn’t tell him what was so funny.

Not until she was good and ready.

Patiently, Dane waited for her hilarity to pass - which was usually at his expense.

Hell, of course he was interested.

I mean, why would he not be?

She was gorgeous. Bouncy blonde hair, she’d worn piled on top of her head, making his fingers itch to loosen it. Wide grey eyes, soft and innocent looking, a button nose and a lush mouth, and that was before you even got to her body.

Man, what a body.

She had curves in all the right places.

What was there not to like?

He took another swig of beer while he waited for Dara to collect herself.

Finally, she sobered and sighed.

Okay, here’s the deal. Lorie is divorced, and she has an adorable five-year-old son. Her ex was a douche-bag. Therefore, she is now a little wary of starting up any new relationships, Dara rushed out.

While she took a breath, Dane thought about what she’d told him.

He could relate.

Regina had been a real piece of work, which had made him a little leery too. So much so, that he had steered clear of relationships himself for the last six-months. Not that he had not had the occasional one night hook-up.

Smiling, he sat contemplating his last one with pleasure.

He’d just taken another pull on his beer, when Dara dropped her bomb.  

Anyway... she also thinks you’re gay, Dara squeaked and had to clear her throat. Then, moved quickly out of the way as Dane sputtered, spitting out the mouthful of beer he’d just taken.

What the hell do you mean, she thinks I’m gay? Dane snarled, swiping beer from his chin with the back of his left hand. How the hell would she come to that particular conclusion? he asked, shaking the moisture from his hand as he squinted at his sister in accusation.

Dara began wringing her own hands together as the enormity of what she’d done began to sink in. Not knowing what to do about it, she turned and caught the look on Dane’s face.

His right eye was twitching, which meant he was building up to blast her. Panicking, quickly, she slapped a hand over his mouth to stop him, thus, giving herself time to think.

The action also had the bonus of giving him time to breathe before he lost it, but his nostrils flared in annoyance.

She was in the car when you rang. I happened to mention that you’d split up with your partner, Reggie a while back... Danes eyes narrowed over her hand, so she removed it. Lorie just assumed that Reggie was a man... and I didn’t correct her... She said with a lift of her shoulders as she trailed off sheepishly. It seemed like such a great idea at the time, she finished lamely as he sputtered some more.

Dara could see the nerve begin to tick again under his eye, so spoke quickly.

No, just listen to me Dane. She’s come out of a bad marriage, and so she’s skittish around men. I just wanted to help her get comfortable around them again... she trailed off as his eyebrows rose at this. It seemed like the best solution at the time, she finished meekly, before shrugging helplessly.

So, in this scenario, how exactly does me being gay seem like the best solution? Dane growled.

He was genuinely perplexed. Watching Dara closely, he saw her get that twinkle in her eye - the one that meant he wasn’t going to like what came next.

Well, it's like this. If she thinks you are gay, she will be comfortable around you, open up, and go out with you. She'll spend time with and get to know you. She was on a roll, and Dane slapped his own hand over her mouth to shut her up.

These are all really interesting theories Dar, but there’s one flaw with your plan and me getting to know her. SHE THINKS I'M GAY, Dane shouted, making Dara wince. She’s not going to look at me as a potential bed-mate. She’s going to think of me as a girlfriend, someone to shop with. He said, curling his top lip in disgust, then sighing, shook his head.

Dara bit her lip with frustration at the awkward position she had unwittingly caused.

Dane took another sip of his beer while he contemplated his position, shoulders slumping in defeat at the impossibility of it all.

Dara had not thought this through before opening her mouth.

Yes, Lorie would be comfortable around him and would be happy in his company...

Her own shoulders drooping in the realisation that Dane was correct. Lorie would treat him like one of the girls, she thought with horror. She’d want to swap recipes and shop. Then, snorted at the thought.