A Curvy Coldwater Christmas (3 page)

With what seemed like reluctance, Flynn finally released her lips, keeping an arm around her as he waved to the crowd. Dazedly she followed suit, still in a fog from that amazing kiss.

The last one ever.

***

The parade was over. Back in the marshaling area, Flynn helped her down from the sleigh. She grasped his hand, certain that this would be the last time she would feel the warmth of his calloused palm against her own, softer skin.

“Well, that was fun,” he said, his eyes gleaming.

“Yes.” She memorized his face, seeing past the addition of the long white beard to the planes of his cheeks and jaw line.

“Can I give you a ride home?”

She hesitated. Why not? She’d probably never see him again after today except as a regular customer at the bakery. What was wrong with enjoying his company for a few more minutes?

“Sure.” She smiled tentatively, hoping he couldn’t tell how much the kiss on the float had affected her.

They started walking back to his car, parked on a side street. Just as they were about to turn the corner, a black quarter horse galloped down the street, its hooves thundering against the pavement.

“Look out!” Flynn propelled her towards the relative safety of her bakery, then with a muttered oath, swept her into his arms.

Kate squeaked, automatically clutching his shoulders. The creature snorted and rolled its eyes as it barreled past them, obviously spooked by something.

Flynn breathed easily as he held her. This close to him, she could smell the faint, warm scent of his aftershave. Her heart melted once she realized the danger had passed.
He didn’t seem to have any problem carrying her.

“Are you okay?” His brown eyes darkened in concern.

“I’m fine,” she murmured, wishing they could stay like this forever.

“Good.” A smile rumpled the corner of his mouth.

Sarah bustled up to them. “Are you guys okay? Emma and Cade have gone after Shadow. A little boy blew his trumpet right next to the horse’s ear and he bolted.”

“Will Shadow be okay?” Although Kate had been scared by the close shave, she felt sorry for the poor horse.

Sarah smiled. “I’m sure he’ll be fine. He boards at Emma and Cade’s ranch and Cade trained him a while ago.”

Just then, the clip-clop of hooves greeted Kate’s ears and she saw Emma and Cade leading the now docile horse back to the marshaling area.

Kate breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the unharmed creature.

“I’ll see you both at Cassie and Luke’s the day after tomorrow.” Sarah stifled a grin. A tall, good-looking man rounded the corner. “Chase has come looking for me.” She waved goodbye as she hurried to meet her husband.

Kate watched Chase sweep his wife into a long kiss, then realized exactly where she was. In front of her bakery, in Flynn’s strong arms.

Sara’s words echoed in her mind.

“You’re invited--” She and Flynn both spoke at once. He nodded for her to speak first.

“Cassie invited me a few weeks ago. She said they were all getting together on Christmas Day and she wouldn’t take no for an answer.” This close to him, she could see his dimple flash in his cheek as he grinned.

“Same here. Except Luke did the inviting.”

He gazed down at her, and she hazily wondered if he was going to kiss her again.
But there’s no need.

Giggling kids ran past them, and Flynn’s arms tightened around her for a split-second, before he gently set her down.

“I’ll guess I’ll see you at Cassie and Luke’s.” His gaze snared hers.

***

Kate parked next to Flynn’s SUV, in front of Cassie and Luke’s farmhouse. Only a light dusting of snow decorated the ground
,
for which she was grateful. She’d been a little worried that the weather would be too bad to drive the twenty minutes out of town to arrive at the ranch, but so far the weather had been mild for December.

“Merry Christmas!” Cassie opened the front door before Kate even had time to find the doorbell hidden in the middle of a large green and red wreath.

Kate hugged her auburn-haired friend, the goodies she’d made for the festive meal dangling from her arm in a Santa decorated bag.

“Flynn’s here,” Cassie said breathlessly, ushering Kate into the hall.

Kate nodded. “I parked next to his car.” Her pulse skittered at the thought of seeing her parade husband again.

“Hi, Kate.” Libby appeared, beaming. Flynn was right behind her.

“Hi.” She smiled at both of them, hoping nobody could hear the sudden pounding of her heart.

“What have you got there?” Libby dived for Kate’s bag.

“Orange-cranberry bread and a loaf of sourdough,” she replied, hoping she wasn’t blushing. She’d
had
to make the sourdough, knowing it was Flynn’s favorite.

Libby’s eyes twinkled as she suddenly looked up. A sprig of mistletoe hung down from the light fixture. “You guys have to kiss.” She pulled Cassie out of the way, leaving Kate and Flynn standing next to each other. “Don’t they, Cassie?”

Cassie hesitated, looking from Kate to Flynn. “We shouldn’t interfere, Libby,” she said in a low voice.

“It
is
Christmas.” Flynn eyed the red berry-tipped green sprig. “And that’s definitely mistletoe.”

Before Kate knew exactly what was happening, he’d slipped his arms around her waist. “Merry Christmas,” he murmured, before capturing her mouth.

Without conscious thought she pressed herself against him, her lips parting in surrender. She lost all track of time, captivated by his kiss.

When they finally broke apart, she blinked, disoriented. Libby and Cassie had disappeared.

“Come on.” Flynn clasped her hand and led her into the living room.

“Merry Christmas!” Sarah and Chase, Libby and Jake, Cassie and Luke, and Emma and Cade all looked up from their conversation. Libby looked like she was trying not to giggle, her eyes flickering toward Kate and Flynn’s entwined hands.

Libby’s husband Jake whispered something in her ear and she nodded, her expression sobering as she snuggled into his arms.

A large, fresh pine tree decorated with colored baubles and twinkling lights took up one corner of the room.

“Come and sit down.” Cassie patted the empty space on the large sofa next to her and her husband, Luke.

Flynn sat next to Kate, his thigh brushing hers. A warm flush stole through her at the contact.

“How’s Shadow?” Cassie asked Emma.

“He’s fine.” Emma smiled, nestled next to Cade. “Once we got him home, and I brushed him and gave him a special treat, he was back to his old self.”

Cade chuckled. “You mean you whispered sweet nothings in his ear.” He paused for effect. “Lucky horse.”

“Oh, you.” Emma nudged him in the ribs, shaking her head in wry amusement.

“Did everyone enjoy watching the parade, Sarah?” Libby asked innocently, stealing a glance at Kate and Flynn.

Her cousin smiled. “Yes, I think they did. A couple of people came up to me saying they thought the scene between Santa and Mrs. Claus was romantic, and wondered why they didn‘t kiss last Christmas. In fact, if Mr. and Mrs. James aren’t able to play their parts next year, would you and Flynn consider being Mr. and Mrs. Claus again, Kate?”

Kate felt her cheeks heat at the thought that practically the whole town had watched her and Flynn kiss. While she was still thinking of an answer, Flynn jumped in.

“No problem, as long as Kate plays my stage wife.” He eased an arm around Kate’s shoulder.

Everyone looked expectantly at Kate. Nothing like being put on the spot, she thought ruefully. “I guess so.” She hoped her voice didn’t sound squeaky. There was nothing she’d like more than for Flynn to kiss her again, even if she had to wait a whole year for him to do so.
He only kissed you today because of the mistletoe.

“Are you going to have time to organize it next year, sweetheart?” Chase asked his wife, his hand gently stroking her rounded belly.

Sarah smiled up at him and then at her friends. “I’m sure I’ll get some assistance if I need it.”

“I’ll help,” Libby volunteered, stifling a giggle. “Maybe we should make Santa kiss Mrs. Claus twice next year.”

“Sounds good.” Flynn grinned, his arm around Kate drawing her closer to him.

“I think one kiss should do,” Sarah lightly reproved her cousin. “Especially since this was the first time that Mr. and Mrs. Claus kissed.”

Kate’s eyes widened. What?

“I had to write it in,” Libby protested. She winked at Kate and Flynn. “You two are perfect for each other.”

“Libby,” Jake growled softly.

Libby twisted to face her husband. “I
know
they’re meant for each other. They just needed a little push, that’s all.”

“We can hear you,” Flynn pointed out.

“Sorry.” Libby apologized, but from the gleam in her eye she didn’t look very sorry at all.

Just then, the oven timer dinged. “Why don’t we see if the turkey’s ready?” Luke rose, holding out a hand for Cassie.

“Good idea,” Cassie replied. “I can’t wait to try your double chocolate fudge brownies for dessert Emma, or your orange-cranberry bread, Kate.”

“Don’t forget my eggnog,” Libby chimed in.

“And Sarah’s pecan pie,” Chase added.

They all headed into the kitchen, watching Cassie take the glistening, golden-roasted turkey out of the oven.

“Oh look, mistletoe.” Libby hopped up on a chair and dangled a sprig over Kate and Flynn. “You know what that means.”

***

After dinner,  Flynn caught up with Kate as she was about to join the others in the living room.

She stared up at him, her lips tingling at the memory of their kiss in the kitchen a couple of hours ago.

“So … playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the parade next year sounds good.” His eyes smoldered as he gazed down at her.

“Yes,” she managed to say, her throat suddenly dry.  Only inches separated them.

“But I won’t be able to wait that long to kiss you again.” He took a step closer toward her.

Her breath stalled.

“I’ve been interested in you from the first moment I saw you,” he murmured, slipping one arm around her waist.

“You - you have?” Her pulse thrummed in her throat.

“Yeah.” He gently brushed back a stray lock of her hair. “Let me show you just how much I want to kiss you for real, Kate. No parade, no costumes, no mistletoe. Just you and me.”

All she could do was nod. Flynn really wanted to kiss her! His arm tightened around her waist, while his other hand cupped her face. The heat from his touch ignited an electrifying shiver through her body.

The kiss started off soft and slow, then became passionate and demanding. Kate kissed him back, her arms curling around his neck, unable to believe that her Christmas wish had come true. That Flynn Winters returned her feelings. And from the smile on his face and the look in his eye when he finally released her, she’d be seeing him
a lot
before next December.

EPILOGUE

One year later

Coldwater Springs Christmas Parade

“Mrs. Claus, it’s time for me to jump in the sled and deliver all the good boys’ and girls’ presents.” Flynn grinned at his fiancée beneath his long white beard. Since Christmas Day last year, he and Kate had practically been inseparable. And two months ago, Kate had agreed to be his wife - for real. He didn’t think there was a happier guy in Wyoming.

“Take care, Mr. Claus. Christmas dinner will be waiting for you when you come home.” Love shone from Kate’s eyes as she looked up at him.

“I also have a gift for
you,
Mrs. Claus. Ho, ho, ho.” Gathering her in his arms, he kissed her passionately, not caring that most of the town watched. A year ago, he hadn’t believed his luck when Sarah had asked him to play opposite Kate in the parade. He’d been attracted to her since the first time he’d walked into her bakery, and had planned on asking her out when
Sarah approached him to play the part of Santa.

Mr. and Mrs. James, who’d acted in the parade for a decade, had decided to retire when they’d learned the whole town expected Santa and Mrs. Claus to kiss again this year.

Later tonight, he’d show Kate just how much he loved her by making sweet, slow love to her. His lower body tightened as he thought of caressing her bare, generous breasts, then trailing kisses down her lush, curvy body, before giving her the most intimate kiss of all. And after that …

As the crowds’ cheers rang dimly in his ears, he remembered exactly where he was and what he was doing.
Fantasize about your fiancée later.

Briefly lifting his mouth, he murmured, “We don’t want to disappoint Libby,” before his lips claimed Kate’s once more.

THE END

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Sarah and Chase, Libby and Jake, Cassie and Luke, and Emma and Cade's romances are in the boxed set, Curves and Cowboys (BBW Romance - Coldwater Springs 1-4) available on Amazon:

Curves and Cowboys: BBW Romance Boxed Set (Coldwater Springs 1-4)

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Jenn Roseton believes that romance and happy endings go together. When she's not writing, she indulges in delicious gourmet chocolate.