It’s not so much that Amber Curtis gave up on Christmas, but
that Christmas gave up on Amber.
After a string of chaotic Christmases,
and one awkward break-up Amber is looking for some alone time. Unfortunately, the silly season seems out to
get her, and instead of the haven of tranquillity she is hoping for she gets
Will Stone.
Her unexpected roommate makes it his mission to prove she’s not the
jinx she’s decided she is, and with the help of his family, she just might
realise that a merry mix-up can be a good
thing after all.
Excerpt:
Will had stomped ahead a few paces, as they came to
the top of a rather hefty hill. Amber turned to take in the view and catch her
breath, only for it to be taken away again by the landscape. It was beautiful,
covered in pristine white, a true winter wonderland. The cottage topped the
scene off by looking like a Christmas card painting. She scooped up a handful
of snow and began shaping it into a decent replica of a softball.
"Hey, slowcoach, are you coming?" She turned to
see Will about twenty feet away his hands tucked deeply into his pockets.
By using his footprints,
she eased her progress towards him. He was looking over her head at the scenery
seemingly unaware of the projectile in her hand. Just as he turned and began
walking up the slope again, she sent the
snowball on a collision course with the back of his head.
"What the hell?" was all she heard as she
quickly rearmed herself.
"You didn't really just hit a six foot three
full back in the back of the head with a snowball did you, because that would
be very silly." There was a sexy menace to his words and a shiver ran
through the length of her body that had nothing to do with the cold.
His slow turn
gave her a moment to aim before landing another hit, right in the centre of his
face.
The fight was on as he shovelled up snow with his
gloved hands and continually missed her, either due to her blinding him with
her very accurate throws or just his atrocious snowball making ability. She now
had the higher ground having snuck past him whilst he was wiping his face.
"You might be a big mighty rugby player, but I
played rounders!" she laughed loudly and turned her back to carry on towards
the now visible farmhouse, she just had time to register some people walking
towards them, before realising her mistake.
There was a shuffling sound behind her and she
turned just in time to glimpse the vast chest—she’d first noticed less than 48
hours ago—far closer than she’d ever expected to see it. He lifted her off the
ground and placed her on her back on the freezing snow, in one fluid movement. It
showed great strength and speed, unsurprisingly, but also incredible control, she
hadn’t felt any impact whatsoever. His legs lay next to hers, but his arms
still encircled her, holding his body mere inches away. A triumphant gleam lit his
eyes before he began shaking his head vigorously letting the water and snow, she’d
pummelled him with, shower down on her.
"Get off." She gasped laughing.
The head shaking stopped,
but he didn't move.
"You might have a good aim, but I know how to
tackle." His voice held a heat which made her stomach knot and breathing
deepen.
