Christmas at Emelia's: Blossom Creek Novella Read online

  Christmas at Emelia’s

  Blurb

  This Christmas join the De La Fuentes and McKenzies in Blossom Creek as they celebrate the grand opening of Emelia’s Restaurant.

  Over twenty years after Levi De La Fuente's parents opened the first Emelia’s, Levi and his cousin Ryan are getting ready to open a second location.

  Emma De La Fuente manages the first Emelia’s in Essex, Vermont for her parents. She’s in town to assist her brother and cousin in getting the new restaurant ready for its grand opening. However, she didn’t plan on the strong attraction she feels toward the town Sheriff. The man with his sweet words and heated looks has managed to derail her plans on returning home.

  While his sister is distracted, Levi finds himself in need of rescuing from a rather embarrassing situation. Luckily for him, Vivien Taylor, owner of Temptations, Blossom Creek’s handmade chocolate store, appears just at the right time. If only he didn’t crave the sweet woman, then maybe, this situation wouldn’t be so awkward.

  Blossom Creek just might be warm enough to melt the snow this holiday season.

  Dedication

  Happy Christmas to all my readers!

  Contents

  1. One

  2. Two

  3. Three

  4. Four

  5. Five

  6. Six

  7. Seven

  8. Eight

  9. Nine

  10. Ten

  11. Eleven

  12. Twelve

  13. Thirteen

  Epilogue

  Sneak Peak

  Dear Reader

  Other books by Author

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  One

  Emma De La Fuente

  Yawning my head off, I snuggle further beneath the thickly padded quilt covering my body. I do not want to leave this warm cocoon. The quaint inn where I’m staying while in Blossom Creek is delightful. I’m so thankful my brother, Levi, knows me well. He’d recommended it once I told him I had no intention of staying with him. Don’t get me wrong. I love my brother. I’d be lost without him in my life. However, Levi usually has his pick of women, and it is something a sister should never have to witness.

  The privacy gives me time to think about where I’m going with my life, or rather where I want it to go. I’ve lived my whole life in Essex, Vermont, and until my brother moved to Blossom Creek, I’d never imagined living anywhere else but Essex. I mean, why would I? I have the job of my dreams, managing the restaurant that my parents started over twenty years ago. However, I feel something is missing from my life. I’m lonely, which explains why I’ve been exchanging flirty glances with the sheriff since I arrived in town a few days ago. What am I doing, though? Do I want to fall for a man who lives too far away to have a normal relationship with?

  He is easy on the eyes with dark hair, though slightly longer than I’d have expected from a sheriff, but sexy all the same. Every time our paths cross, I’m tempted to press the palms of my hands against the stubble on his cheeks. And those lips of his look soft and inviting too.

  I’m in so much trouble.

  Sighing, I toss the quilt from over my head and find Sheriff Jared is still in my thoughts. I think seriously about what I want to happen with the very appealing sheriff. It would be so much easier if the man himself ignored me. He doesn’t, though. He encourages me with his looks that give me a tingly feeling in my belly, and when I meet those sparkling green eyes of his, my heart pounds. Every time he steps foot in Emelia’s, my body lights up like a Christmas tree, and I get all jittery. It’s embarrassing, especially now that Levi has noticed.

  Why now?

  I groan and force myself to leave the warmth of the bed and head into the bathroom. I go through my morning routine slower than usual. Today I’m not going to step one foot into Emelia’s. Instead, I’m going to spend the day in town. Then, to finish off my time outside in the snow, a cup of homemade hot chocolate from Temptations sounds perfect.

  I open the curtains and lean against the sill to peer outside. More snow came down overnight and looks as though it’s causing issues on the road through town. The still falling snow won’t be a help. Putting my forehead to the cold glass, I notice Jared helping out on the sidewalk while Deputy Nathan Simmons directs traffic away from Main Street. They must be freezing out there.

  A shudder works its way through me as I get a sudden chill. I know what I’m going to do. I grab my fur-lined snow boots and shove my feet inside, sighing at the warmth. I wrap my scarf around my neck a few times, then I pull on my long, quilted jacket and grab my gloves and hat.

  I take a quick look around the room before I grab my room key and head downstairs. Judith, the inn’s owner, rushes over, looking very festive.

  “Emma! Please tell me you’re not going outside in this weather.”

  “I wasn’t planning on going far.”

  Judith shakes her head. “I’ll feed you.”

  “Um, I was wondering if I could get two coffees to go for Sheriff Peters and Deputy Simmons?”

  Her eyes twinkle. “Ah! I see.” Judith smirks. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll have them ready.”

  “Thank you.”

  The entryway of the inn is beautifully decorated with a giant Christmas tree filled with ornaments, old and new. It’s a tree filled with love, just like the tree Levi and I help Mom and Dad decorate every year. Judith also has mistletoe hanging as you walk in from outside, and I’ve noticed a few couples taking advantage of that.

  “Here you go.” Judith returns with two large travel mugs. “Tell them to go and thaw out soon. Don’t want them getting frostbite.”

  “I will.”

  “Breakfast?”

  Smiling, I give in. “I’d love breakfast once I’ve delivered the drinks.”

  “I’ll have it ready.”

  At the front door, I pause at the cold air blowing in through the cracks. The snow is coming down heavier than before. I don’t mind snow, having lived all my life in Vermont. With that in mind, I tuck the mugs into the crook of my arm and tug open the door with my free hand. I catch my breath as I rush to close the door behind me.

  My eyes travel up and down the street and I wonder what I’m doing outside in this weather.

  Jared Peters, you better appreciate this!

  Tugging the scarf up around my face, I put my head down and trudge through the snow-filled sidewalk. The snow is deep and makes walking difficult and hard work. I don’t even make it more than a few steps before my nose feels frozen. A few more steps and I bump into a hard body blocking my path. I tilt my face up to give the man a piece of my mind only to find Jared looking angry.

  He appears to huff and puff before his jaw tightens, and he hisses, “What the hell are you doing out in this weather?”

  I blink a few times then shove the coffees into his chest. “Thought you and Nathan could do with these.”

  Jared takes the cups from me, and meeting my eyes, his lips twist upward in an unexpected grin. “You brought me coffee?”

  “I brought you and Nathan coffee.”

  He laughs. “You brought me coffee.” His green eyes twinkle. “Thank you, Emma. It’s appreciated. Now, let me help you back to the inn before you end up buried in the snow.”

  Nathan comes over and takes a coffee from Jared, tipping his hat to me in thanks.

  Taking my elbow in his strong hand, Jared steers me back to the inn. His warmth seeps under my skin. I’m wearing layers of clothing and yet this man still gets to me when he’s close.

  I notice things I don’t usually notice about a guy, like how his thighs fill out his pants. T
hey’re strong and thick, muscular. That’s all I can see of him for now because he’s wearing his outdoor gear. His cheeks are red and look raw from the cold. Even the stubble can’t hide that fact.

  He opens the door for me when we reach the inn, and sensing he’s about to leave, I grab his arm and pull him inside the doorway, leaving the cold weather outside. “You and Nathan can’t stay outside all morning. You need to get warm.”

  Jared pauses and his eyes soften around the edges as he looks down into mine filled with worry. “We’re going inside soon.”

  “You’re not just saying that to shut me up?”

  “No.” He glances outside before giving me his full attention. “Emma.” He pauses. “You’re not going to Emelia’s this morning, right?”

  I shake my head. “No. My brother told me to take today off. Neither of us knew this was on the way at the time.”

  “Good. Stay inside for now.” He reaches out, then retracts his arm and leaves quickly.

  I’m left watching him make his way toward Nathan. After a few words, they disappear from view, and I’m hoping they’re making their way back to the sheriff’s station.

  Shaking free of my jacket and things, I follow the scent of food as my belly grumbles.

  Two

  Levi De La Fuente

  The pounding of the beast between my legs jolts me awake. My breathing is deep as I try to remember where I am and whom I’m with. Nothing comes to mind, although I’m tempted to fist my dick and jerk one off regardless. Many a night has been spent dreaming about a sexy, voluptuous woman.

  Growling, I reach—

  What the fuck!

  My wrists refuse to move.

  And my legs.

  I tilt my head and discover my wrists are tied to the headboard, my ankles to the bottom. My heart starts to pound as a memory from the night before filters through my skull. Cursing a blue streak, I twist and pull at my wrists and ankles, but nothing happens. That woman must have done this to me. Why? Because I called out another woman’s name when I finished? I couldn’t help it. I’m a man obsessed with the dark-haired goddess who owns Temptations. She is temptation itself.

  Closing my eyes, I concentrate on the restaurant that’s opening soon, hoping my arousal disappears. Ryan has gone back to Lexington to be with his fiancée, whom he’s bringing back with him. My sister, Emma, needed a day off. I’ve noticed she hasn’t been sleeping well. That’s something I must remember to talk to her about. So, no one will miss me until tomorrow. I’m in so much trouble!

  The studio apartment I’ve rented is in a converted farmhouse, which houses five separate units and is in the middle of nowhere. I can’t exactly reach my cell phone. And if I could, who the hell would I call to get me out of this fucking mess? Ryan. My cousin is the only one I can think of. No way is Emma getting a load of me like this.

  The covers are nowhere to be seen as I take in my surroundings. Keys, change, and notes on the dresser beside the bed. At least it doesn’t appear that I’ve been robbed.

  Dick still hard as a rock!

  “I’m going to hell,” I mutter.

  And to top off my morning, the doorbell chimes.

  “Levi? Are you in there?”

  My eyes pop wide and I look around frantically, hoping my dick stops bobbing about like it’s a jumping jack.

  Hell!

  “Levi?”

  Vivien, the sweetest temptation, and the reason why I'm having issues for the first time in my life is at the door.

  “I’m here,” I shout back. “What’s up?” I wince and glance at my groin.

  “You told me to meet you to discuss the chocolates for the opening.” She hesitates. “The weather is terrible, so I figured I’d come up here instead of Emelia’s.”

  “I forgot,” I whisper to myself.

  Did I mention that the sexy woman lives downstairs?

  “I can go?” Vivien offers.

  “No!” I curse. “I mean. Don’t go. I need help.”

  “Can I come in?”

  “No.” What am I saying? “Yes.”

  Silence follows, but I know she’s still there.

  “Vivien, I’m going to tell you the code to get in, but I need you to keep your eyes closed when you walk in.”

  “How will I know where to walk if my eyes are closed?”

  “Don’t look at the bed.”

  “This is ridiculous.”

  “Tell me about it.” I then admit, “I’m naked and tied to the bed, okay? I need you to get me untied.”

  “Oh.” I can practically feel her blushing from my prone position.

  “Vivien, I really do need you to help me here.”

  “Okay. I can do this. I mean, I’ve seen naked men before.”

  I glare at the door, wondering how many naked men she’s seen. I’m half tempted to tell her to look her fill because she won’t have seen anyone like me before.

  “Levi, I’m waiting.”

  I’m doomed.

  I tell her the code, then I close my eyes and listen for the door to open and close. A gasp leaves Vivien’s lips, and my eyes snap open directly to hers. My pulse throbs having her eyes glued to my body. It’s nothing compared to the ache in my groin as I watch her swallow hard without moving her eyes from my dick.

  If I don’t get this situation under control, I’m going to be even more embarrassed. The thing is, she’s the only one who has control right now. I mean, I’m tied up. Naked. Aroused. “Sheet!” I hiss the moment Vivien licks her lips. “Cover me.”

  “Oh God! Yes! Sorry.” Vivien looks around the room and grabs the throw from the small two-seater sofa.

  Able to breathe a bit easier after she tosses the cover over my hips, I meet her gaze and enjoy knowing she isn’t immune to me. Her cheeks are rosy, and if I’m not mistaken, she’s aroused.

  “I’ll untie you.” Her sweet breath washes over my cheek as she leans over me to get at my wrists. I desperately want to pull her bottom lip from between her teeth and take it between mine.

  Clearing her throat, she moves down to the bottom of the bed and gets on her knees. I’m done for. Her dark curls cover most of her face as she concentrates on one of the ankle ties. When she glances up and meets my gaze, I’m unable to stop the pleasure from rushing through my groin.

  Vivien moves to the other ankle and strokes my skin before untying the last binding. I’m sure she knows exactly what just happened, but I’m so damn thankful she doesn’t speak it out loud.

  Before she can get to her feet, I grab the throw and make sure it stays in front of me as I shoot off the bed and into the bathroom. As the door closes behind me, I hear her mutter, “Nice ass.”

  “Thank you,” I shout. “I’ll be in touch soon.”

  “You know where to find me.”

  I drop my head to the bathroom door and let the throw fall to the floor. What has me hooked on this woman? More importantly, and the first order of business, I need to remember what happened last night.

  Three

  Jared Peters

  Stomping the snow from my boots outside the station, I pray for warmth when I step inside. I lost feeling in my feet about an hour ago, but one thing after another had kept me outside. Why folks can’t stay indoors when the weather is this bad is beyond me, or only travel into town for an emergency. Christmas shopping is not something we here at the sheriff’s office consider an emergency. It grates on my nerves that people don’t understand how dangerous it can be for my deputies and me to help them out in this weather. It’s our job, and even if it weren’t, I’d still be out there helping. It’s in my nature to help people who are in need.

  As I step inside, warm air hits me in the face, and I wince at the slight pain in my fingers and on my face from the sudden temperature change. It’s a nice feeling, though, as my body gradually starts to thaw. I make my way to my office, grinning at Nathan with his socked feet kicked up on a chair in front of a heater and the mug of coffee Emma kindly brought out to us in his hands.
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br />   The bouncy woman has been on my mind since she arrived in town. To my amusement, she’d been dumped with bags and all on the sidewalk outside of the inn. I’d done the gentlemanly thing and helped her inside. I call her bouncy because she has a habit of bouncing everywhere. She’s full of life and enjoys what she does. Good at it too from all accounts.

  Getting involved with Emma is not a good idea considering she lives in Essex and I live in Blossom Creek. I don’t even know the woman and she’s gotten to me. Maybe it was her smile or her unusual gray eyes that first attracted me. Her legs and hips have one hell of an excellent shape to them. Too lovely to be thinking about in the office.

  “Hey, boss!” Roy shouts. “I heard your lady brought coffee?”

  I narrow my eyes at Nathan, who chooses this moment to sift through the paperwork overflowing his desk.

  “Emma brought us coffee,” I mutter, striding to hide in my office.

  No such luck.

  “You need to ask her out,” Roy adds, following me in and making himself comfortable in my visitor’s chair. “It’s been forever since you dated. Can’t be healthy going without.”

  Coughing a fit after taking a sip of coffee, I glare at the man who should have retired a decade ago. The old goat grins. It’s pointless for me to threaten him with retirement when he gets up in my grill; he’d just ignore me. He was the sheriff once upon a time. He has nothing without the office. So, the minute I became sheriff, he stayed on as a deputy. He shuffles paperwork to keep him away from harm. He doesn’t get a gun anymore, to which we are all eternally grateful.