Many thanks to GentWithHandcuffs, my editor.
(This story has a long build up and we don't get to the hot and sexy part in this chapter, so enter at your own risk.)
CHAPTER ONE
It was one of those shitty mornings. I slept through my alarm, the neighbors used all the hot water, I ran down to my car only to realize I'd left my wallet upstairs, and then I was late to work. Standard shitty morning.
Ordinarily my boss Heidi was no slave driver. She didn't mind occasional tardiness. Not that day though. Christmas Eve isn't the best day to be late when you work in retail.
I burst through the back door just as Heidi was unlocking the front door. "Karen, get your ass in here!" yelled Heidi when she heard my entrance. I bundled my thick blonde hair up in a braid and mentally readied myself for the day.
The usual stock room smell of fresh paper and plastics was overlaid with cinnamon and ginger. It smelled delicious... the first three days of the Christmas season. It had become obnoxious after that, lingering in my clothes and hair, even in my coat. It was nerve grating to hear every single customer exclaim "Oh it smells so good in here!" as they entered the store.
And boy were there customers. The tiny toy shop was packed day and night with slow moving clumps of parents, while children darted about and generally wreaked havoc. I was continually re-stacking pyramids of toy boxes, re-folding t-shirts, straightening out piles of books and otherwise trying to keep the place in some kind of order.
Normally, that was my favorite time of year. The crisp weather, happy anticipation of seeing family and friends, parties, exchanging special gifts... But not that year. Justin talked me into moving here, to Shermer, two months before and it had quickly gone very wrong. As in, a trip to the ER for a dislocated shoulder and sundry bruises, and talking to victim's services about domestic violence. I had finally decided to not press charges. Bruce, Heidi's husband, escorted me back to our apartment to collect my things unmolested and we were done. Justin tried to apologize, but I changed my number and Bruce explained to Justin exactly what would happen if he discovered any stalking behavior. No man would ever get a chance to hit me twice.
All that was behind me, but here I was, alone in a strange town for Christmas. Heidi apologized... she wanted to invite me with them to Bruce's grandparent's house, but with his grandfather so sick it was impossible.
I'd decided to pretend it was a normal day off and take advantage of having the apartment complex laundry room to myself. But first I had to make it through Christmas Eve.
We had had a major avalanche of model train cars and it had spilled over into the window display. I had just righted the last Christmas tree in the window and was backing away when I felt something brush my ass. I quickly turned, amazed someone would try to grope me IN A TOY STORE. I knew I had a figure that inspired such attention, but really, this was pushing it too far. I met the eye of an entirely embarrassed young man, holding the offending kite kit that had just rubbed me. His arms were full and it was no surprise he had had trouble managing his bundle of goodies.
"I'm so sorry," he ducked and bowed, almost demolishing the stack of ginger bread cookie tins. I quickly assessed the situation... bull in a china shop came to mind.
"Here, let me," I said as I relieved him of the kite, two stuffed pandas and a slinky. He was as disheveled as he was clumsy, short curly brown hair sprawling above wide blue eyes. His shabby tweed jacket matched his battered jeans and scuffed loafers. We were almost eye to eye, but then, most men are as I am 5'10".
"Come with me, we can stow these behind the counter for you." I led the way to the swamped cash register counter. Tucking the items into a corner, I turned to relieve him of his other boxes and parcels.
"You can keep shopping, we'll have these things right here for you," I assured him. When he hesitated, I asked if I could help him find anything.
"Well," he began, "I need one more gift, for my dad. Some kind of logic puzzle maybe. Could you show me where the adult toys are?"
I looked at him. Had I heard him right? Was this some kind of joke? Adult toys?
No, it wasn't a joke, because he suddenly turned beet red.
"Not that kind... I mean, not like that..." he stammered. I took pity on him.
"I know just the place for you to look," leading him to the 12+ area. "Here you go, all of these items are designed for ages 12 and up." Heidi signaled me urgently and I hustled off to the cash register to assist.
I was rather pleased when he approached the cash register just as I finished up an elderly lady with a doll. I scanned his items into the computer, impressed with the number and variety of his selections. He looked young to have children, but you never can tell.
"Lots of good kids on Santa's list this year?" I inquired.
"For my nephews. My brothers have swamped me with nephews. I'm up to my eyeballs in them."
I bagged his last items. His debit card read: "James McDowell" It suited him. My eyes locked with his intense blue ones as I handed him his receipt. Feeling a bit foolish, I smiled and thanked him.
***
Christmas day I managed to launder every single item of clothing and piece of linen in the entire apartment. I'd also polished the furniture, cleaned out the fridge and vacuumed under the bed and couch. Feeling quite pleased with myself, I showered off the dust and sweat and got into comfy pjs. I popped in "It's a Wonderful Life," and settled down for a cozy evening.
But I found myself restless and moody, unable to concentrate. I had instructed myself that moping was not allowed, that I would just have to keep busy and plan a special treat for myself for the evening. Finally I gave up on the movie. I got dressed and decided to find an open restaurant. Seeing other people, even strangers, would be better than being at home with thoughts of Justin.
Denny's was the only place open at 9 o'clock on Christmas night. I was mulling over the menu when I was surprised by none other than James McDowell, appearing to take my order. I felt my face blossom into a smile. A friendly, familiar person, even if only a customer, was very welcome on what had been quickly becoming a dismal evening.
