His Christmas Wish
Ever since he accidentally outed Santa as a fraud, guest news anchor Duke Rodriguez is getting his first taste of bad press. Worse yet, the former baseball star is striking out with sexy decorator Macy Cuomo. To prove he’s no grinch, he offers to work for free during her busiest weekend. A vibrant, down-to-earth single mom, Macy makes Duke want to leave the limelight behind and focus on making all of her sensual fantasies come true.
Despite his festive faux pas, Macy has to admit there’s a good reason Duke is every hot-blooded woman’s secret crush—hers included. Behind the famously gorgeous physique is a smart, charismatic man who lights her up like a Christmas tree with just one sizzling kiss. Opposites definitely attract, but when celebrity drama comes calling, will their budding love survive the holiday season?
“Thanks for the offer, but—” he brushed his lips gently across hers “—I feel it’s important to know that I am extremely interested in you.”
“Extremely?” Macy squeaked out. Her heart thudded against her rib cage so loudly that she just knew he could hear it.
“Extremely and only.”
To confirm his words, Duke pressed his lips against hers. He tasted like coffee, strong and sweet. His mouth moved with an expertise that she’d never experienced before. Their connection was magnetic. His bottom lip curved perfectly against hers. Regardless of their height difference, their bodies fit together like a glove, molding against each other. His large hands supported her lower back, pulling her close to him. She could feel the hardness of his body and swayed. Macy closed her eyes and allowed the feeling to take over her. It was as if she was floating on a cloud and she never wanted to come down. She could be kissed like this forever. But forever wasn’t an option for them.
Every fiber of her was on fire. How long had it been since she’d been properly kissed like that?
Happy holidays! It’s that time to welcome the chaotic world of holiday parties, shopping and decorating. What’s on your wish list? Could it be a dream date with your celebrity crush? What would happen if your wish was granted? This year, be careful what you wish for.
Welcome to Winter Wonderland. Macy Cuomo magically creates the perfect holiday decorative settings for your home. She’s been booked since the beginning of the year with no time for herself—even when her celebrity crush enters her world with the declaration that he needs her.
No matter how naughty anchorman Duke Rodriguez is, he will not stop until he gets what’s on his wish list, and right now, Macy is the only name on his page.
I love creative men who go after exactly what they want. Duke and Macy’s story came to me while sorting through boxes labeled Christmas and watching the morning news. The young anchorman shared a story about the time he discovered the truth of Santa Claus, and his cohost reached over and stopped him. I, of course, wondered about the what-if aspect of that story and how many people his confession would have angered.
Carolyn Hall
The Magic of Mistletoe
Carolyn Hector
Having your story read out loud as a teen by your brother in Julia Child’s voice might scar some folks from ever sharing their work. But CAROLYN HECTOR rose above her fear. She currently resides in Tallahassee, Florida, where there is never a dull moment. School functions, politics, football, Southern charm and sizzling heat help fuel her knack for putting a romantic spin on everything she comes across. Find out what she’s up to on Twitter, @Carolyn32303.
I would like to dedicate this book first and foremost to my husband and two kids. Thank you for allowing me the time to write. And to the Hotties of The Color of Love Book Club.
I have to acknowledge Scott Kopel, Janet Atwater-Manuel, David Dickerson, Rhea Lathan and Aron Myers, who stormed into my office and demanded I strum up the courage to hit the submit button.
Contents
“Hold still, I’ve almost got it.” Macy Cuomo parted her thirteen-year-old daughter’s hair down the center. As Gia sat at on a stool in front of the vanity in the downstairs bathroom of their two-story home, Macy stood behind her, working the comb through her hair. The door remained open to get rid of the heat from the curling irons, flat irons and hot combs all plugged into the wall.
“Jeez, Mom, why can’t you just send me to the hairdresser’s to get a blowout like Talia’s mom does for her?”
Talia’s mom, Jaime Jones, had an ex-husband who made child support payments on time. She also spent more time with a bottle of wine than she did with her own children. Those were some of the reasons why Macy wasn’t going to follow anything that Jaime did for her daughter. “Oh, but think of all the bonding time we get.” Macy offered a wide, sweet smile as she slid the flat iron down to the end of Gia’s long dark hair.
Finally