Holiday in the Heart Page 17

  Fifteen years ago she’d been eighteen years old, a breathtakingly beautiful eighteen. And she’d been in love with him. He had to have been blind not to see. Of course, at twenty-seven, he feigned ignorance of her adoring eyes when she came with her grandfather every Sunday when he played chess with his grandfather.

  It’d been a good time in his life. Salad Days. He’d been preparing to follow his dream of being a historian. Then grandfather explained the realities of the family’s financial situation—or lack of it. Suddenly, he had to put his whole life’s work away and learn big business fast. St. John’s Ltd. was a department store chain throughout Britain, Canada and US. Through his father’s mismanagement, it was in near collapse. Now it fell to him to save it, even if it meant giving up on his passion for history.

  Each time she was around, Dara’s grey eyes had followed his every move, worshipped him. The pretty lass with the incisive mind intrigued him, challenged him, too much so, thus when she began turning up in his dreams he’d thought it best to keep his distance. Of another mind, Dara had taken to following him around. Oh, not blatantly. She just happened to be wherever he was. Had she been three years older, things might have been different. So he assumed the role of big brother, much to her disappointment.

  Except that one night...

  That Halloween night saw him restless, edgy. Bags already packed, in the morning he’d take a plane to New York, where he’d assume command as the new head of St. Johns Ltd. His task was to save the seventy-five stores that were in imminent danger of going under. Like a horse chaffing at the bit, he hadn’t wanted to leave Scotland. Making matters worse, there was something holding him here, an indefinable pull.

  The answer to that riddle remained elusive and just out of reach.

  Seeking diversion from the itchy feeling clawing under his skin, he’d gone to the cèilidh to forget he no longer had choices in his life. He’d spotted Dara in the corner, watching the dancers. Oddly, he saw she kept turning down offers from the local lads to dance. She hadn’t noticed him lurking in the shadows. In a pensive mood, he, too, hadn’t felt like joining in with the merrymakers. When she excused herself and stepped outside, he followed.

  Big mistake. There under the full moon, he saw she was no longer a kid, but was nineteen in three weeks, a woman.

  A woman he wanted.

  He’d approached her and asked if she’d like to dance. Her poleaxed expression was so enchanting. He’d taken her wrist and pulled her into his arms to slow dance to an old Gene Pitney tune, Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart. He guessed something had a hold of his heart, too, for halfway through the song, he stopped and stared down on the beautiful woman Dara had grown into. Unable to resist, he kissed her. Lightly at first. Then with the full passion rising within him. It was only with the last shred of sanity that he ended that kiss.

  Ended with despair and regret, because he finally had the answer to that riddle. And it was too bloody late.

  “Sometimes, I think the only thing right I did in my bloody whole life was kiss her that night,” he confided to Elvis, sitting on the couch beside him.

  “Why do you say that?” She spoke from the shadows, tears choking her words.

  He hadn’t realized she’d been standing in the shadows, watching him. “Because it’s the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

  “Oh, Rhys...”

  “I’m sorry, Dara. I didn’t mean to scare you by coming on like a steamroller. It’s just this is Christmas Eve and I am here with you―”

  “Only because you followed the cat.” She put a hand to her neck massaging it, obviously tense from emotions.

  “Fate. Tonight’s Christmas Eve, maybe the first one I’ve looked forward to in fifteen years. I think St. Nick granted me a wish―with a little prod from Elvis. Come sit.” He noticed her hesitation. “I promise not to jump your bones. We can just talk.”

  Skittish, she came forward, but instead of sitting on the couch, she sat on the floor, crossing her legs. “Why did you come back to Dunnagal?”

  “For you. Oh, I belong here, want to see the Castle is taken care of, find where I need to go with my life. I’d finally like to do what I always wanted, restore the family records, preserve the past. I can afford to follow that dream now. Only, it’s you that pulled me here.”

  “I didn’t think you recalled the kiss.”

  He smiled, “Oh, I recalled it...deep in the night...in my dreams.” His hand reached out and touched her cheek. “I love you, Dara. Took a while to fully understand that. Then life was too bloody complicated. I feared you’d moved on. I’ve read your books you know.”

  “My books?” Her cheeks burned red. “You really read them?”

  “All of them. I guess that’s why I feel so close to you. I see of lot of your heart in the books, a lot of your dreams.” When she looked down, his crooked finger lifted her chin forcing her to meet his gaze. “I see a lot of me in those books, too.”

  “Rhys...please don’t play games. I couldn’t take it. I’d die.”

  “No games, Dara. I want my life back. My life. Not what my grandfather decided was best, or what my mother shamed me into through guilt. I now have things back on track―but I need you. I lived too long in a cold, loveless marriage that I never wanted. I want magic, I want to know someone loves me, that I count.”

  “What happened? I heard you left the business, gave it up after the divorce.”

  “Gave up? Yes, I guess I did. There was a hostile takeover of the company I helped build, to take into the 21st Century. When the blood bath was over, I lost the company, but was very rich because my stock tripled nearly overnight. The new owners wanted a new CEO, so they offered me a golden parachute, which I took without looking back.”

  “I’d think they’d have wanted you to stay on, since you built the company, knew it better than anyone.”

  “The new owners figured I wouldn’t work well with them and their vision for my company. You see, my ex-wife and her lover were heading the takeover consortium.”

  “Ohhhhhhhhh.”

  He grinned. “Yes, ohhhhhhhhh. I started to stay and make their life a living hell. Then I didn’t see anything to hang onto, a reason to go on. When they offered the golden parachute, with a bonus to get hell and gone, I jumped at it. I was tired, had no personal life. The business took too much from me, I lived for it. St. Johns Ltd. is a cold mistress, love. I kept my stock so I can be a thorn in their sides come stock voting, only I wanted to go some place and find myself. Me. Not Rhys St. John, CEO of St. Johns. I went for a long walk, thinking. Stopped before this pub and looked in the window, reflecting like a mirror. I didn’t know who I was, what I liked in life, where I wanted to be five years from now. That’s how I ended up with Elvis. While I stood, trying to figure out who I really was, he waddled up. Thin, hungry, shaking from the cold. He seemed about as lost as I.”

  “Why Elvis?”

  “Why else? Elvis the King…uh huh. The bloody beast went from grateful for shelter, food and a few pets, to running my life. Also, because the pub was playing Blue Christmas on the juke box when I found him.” He reached out and petted the smug cat. “I’ve been wanting to approach you the last couple of weeks, but I was still finding myself. Your glaring at me like I crawled out from under a rock wasn’t encouraging either, lass.”

  Dara leaned against the couch to be closer. “I thought you didn’t remember me. My heart was breaking. How did you expect me to look?” She choked on a sob, trying to keep the tears in.

  He cupped the side of her face, his thumb stroking her eyebrow. “If I died tonight, the last thought I’d have would be your eyes. I’ve found it’s never too late, Dara Seaforth. Life, fate, people pushed us away from each other. Those nine years between us that seemed too wide to bridge fifteen years ago doesn’t matter anymore. Strange isn’t it? Oh, sweet lass, what better way to start Christmas Eve than with each other?”

  The cat pushed between them and meowed. They both chuckled and pe
tted him.

  “And with Elvis.” He took her hand and kissed the finger where he’d place a wedding ring. “Marry me on Valentine’s Day in a big wedding at the castle. We can invite the whole village, all your family. Until then, come live with Elvis and me and be my love, my life. You can write sexy romances while I translate obscure Gaelic poetry. We can be so happy.”

  A smile finally cracked at the corner of her mouth. “Are you really naked under that blanket?”

  “Unwrap me and find out. I’m your very own personal Christmas present.”

  ~*~

  After pouring an eggnog, Rhys tiptoed into the living room to add a couple bricks of peat to the fire. The only light in the room came from the twinkling Christmas tree. He paused to admire the decorations. They had made love, frantically, tenderly, crying, laughing. Then they’d gotten up, ate supper and decorated the tree. He smiled thinking of making love on the couch by its twinkling glow. He had a feeling he would be sore from head to toe tomorrow, but wow! Did that lass of his make love! He smiled at the grey puss sleeping before the fire, a smug expression of contentment upon his face.

  “The wench is greedy, Elvis. But then, I think I can keep her satisfied.” Elvis lifted his head and yawned a sleepy smile. “Proud of yourself are you? I didn’t know cupids wore fur and had long tails.”

  “Meeeooooooow,” he rumbled.

  Rhys took a sip of the eggnog and then poured some out on the saucer. Elvis stretched and lazily dragged himself over to lap at the thick liquid. “So horribly bright of you to come here. Still, it’s so odd how you knew to come straight to Dara’s cottage . . . like someone guided you.”

  “Hmm...thankyouverymuch...”

  Rhys froze upon hearing the male voice. He knew there wasn’t anyone in the cottage but Dara, the cat and him. So who was speaking? The cat stopped drinking the nog and looked past Rhys to the tree, staring at something.

  “Either you’re suddenly a ventriloquist, Cat, or I’m barmy. Neither possibility is comforting.” He shook a finger at Elvis. “Stop staring at the tree like that. I’m not going to look only to have you go gotcha hahahaha, fooled the silly person again.”

  Dara, dressed in only socks and his flannel shirt, rushed out, put her arms around his waist from behind and squeezed. “You took all that wonderful male heat away. The bed’s cold without you, Rhys.”

  He turned so he could pull her into his arms. “Warming up a bed with you is my idea of a way to spend Christmas Morn.” He kissed her, feeling her renewing energy pouring through every fiber of his being, making him whole, making him alive again. Breaking the kiss, he turned to follow Dara back to bed, only to see the cat was staring at the tree again.

  Unable to resist, he followed the line of the cat’s vision to see what drew his attention.

  He fought the instinct to reel from the shock. For in the shadows stood a man dressed in black leather. As Rhys stood, mouth slightly agape, the black-headed man winked as he made his finger and thumb into a gun. So startled, Rhys blinked once, but then the vision was gone.

  “Rhys what is it?” Dara’s concern was etched in her voice.

  Rhys chuckled and hugged her. “Just a guardian angel that helped Elvis find his way here in the snowstorm.”

  “Rhys, I love you so. Always have, always will.”

  “Dara, my love, my heart, it took me a bit longer to reach that understanding, but it makes me recognize how precious that love is. I have loved you and always will love you.”

  As he kissed her, letting her feel all the joy within him, the DVD player came on in the living room behind them. The soft crooning of Elvis Presley filled the air, “I'll have a blue, blue blue blue Christmas...”

  Be sure to check out Deborah’s website

  http://www.deborahmacgillivray.com

  Praise for

  Highland Press Books!

  Love on a Harley is an amazing romantic anthology. Each story was heart-warming, tear jerking, and perfect. Lost love, rekindling love, and learning to love are all expressed within these pages beautifully. I couldn’t ask for a better romance anthology; each author brings that sensual, longing sort of love that every woman dreams of.

  ~ Crystal, Crystal Book Reviews

  ~ * ~

  Cat O’ Nine Tales by Deborah MacGillivray. Enchanting tales from the most wicked, award-winning author today. Spellbinding! A treat for all.

  ~ Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

  ~ * ~

  The Man of Her Dreams (Christian Version of My Dream Came True) by Leanne Burroughs is a delightful dip in the waters that bear ancient Viking ships from blood-soaked beaches to life-changing love. From modern day Florida to the days of the formidable Norse conquerors, Burroughs introduces us to Agnar and Miranda—two of the most unlikeliest lovers in any century. Miranda is tossed into a time and world far from her own, tethered to reality by a handsome Viking. Agnar catches a beautiful woman in the act of harming his ship—would she do any less to his life or his heart? Their love might have been kindled by the prayers of many, but it ignites through to-the-death battles, a desperate search for lost little ones, and the binding together of two broken people God chooses to bless despite their pasts. The Man of Her Dreams will have you looking for an ‘unnasta’ of your own.

  ~ Aysel Arwen, author

  ~ * ~

  My Dream Came True – I have enjoyed all of Leanne Burroughs’ romance books. The newest, My Dream Came True, is certainly one of her best. Could not put it down. Anyone that is familiar with Viking lore will love it. There is also a Christian version (The Man of Her Dreams). I cannot wait for the next ones about Agnar’s brothers and sisters.

  ~ Jessie Lee Lindsey, Amazon

  ~ * ~

  Highland Wishes by Leanne Burroughs. The storyline, set in a time when tension was high between England and Scotland, is a fast-paced tale. This reviewer was easily captivated by the story and was enthralled by it until the end. The reader will laugh and cry, feel all the pain, torment and disillusionment felt by both main characters, but also the joy and love they felt. Ms. Burroughs has crafted a well-researched story that gives a glimpse into Scotland during a time when there was upheaval and war for independence. This reviewer commends her for a wonderful job done.

  ~ Dawn Roberto, Love Romances

  ~ * ~

  Her Highland Rogue – Laughter, tears and love shine through this wonderful novel. This reviewer was amazed at Leanne Burroughs' depth and perception in this storyline. Her wonderful way with words plays itself through each page like a lyrical note and will captivate the reader till the very end. Read Her Highland Rogue and be transported to a time full of mystery and promise of a future. This reviewer is highly recommending this book for those who enjoy an engrossing Scottish tale full of humor, love and laughter.

  ~ Dawn Roberto, Love Romances

  ~ * ~

  Highland Miracle (Christian Version of Highland Wishes) by Leanne Burroughs - Wonderfully written, with vibrant characters, this story is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Readers will be impressed with the amount of research the author has done. She has creatively mixed actual people with fictitious ones, thereby allowing the reader to enter into this momentous period of history. The anguish and adventure of this war becomes very real, as it provides the reasoning behind the characters' words and actions.

  ~ Joyce Handzo, In the Library Reviews

  ~ * ~

  Her Highland Destiny (Christian Version of Her Highland Rogue) – Another must read! Another great book by Leanne Burroughs. I loved that even though the novel was based on different main characters she still included the main characters from Highland Miracle. Once again the characters and setting are brought to life!! Leanne is a truly gifted author.

  ~ Kim Teele, Amazon

  ~ * ~

  Always…Only You - Leanne Burroughs has done it again. Each of her stories is beautiful...breathtaking. You feel like you're right in her stories. Taking part in each one. I highly recommend this book of romance
novellas for your keeper shelf.

  ~ Tina Roughton, Amazon

  ~ * ~

  On A Cold Winter’s Night - The stories were good and heartwarming. I like the Novella type stories and mostly historical. This had a combination of all.

  ~ Sandy, Amazon

  ~ * ~

  Within every heart lies a flame of hope, a dream of true love, a glimmering thought that the goodness of life is far, far larger than the challenges and adversities arriving in every life. Flames of Gold deserves to be enjoyed in any season, guaranteeing that real holiday spirit endures within the gifts of faith, hope and love personified in these engaging, spirited stories!

  ~ Viviane Crystal, Crystal Reviews

  ~ * ~

  Christmas is a magical time and these talented authors answer the question of what happens when Christmas Wishes come true in this incredible anthology. What a joy to read such splendid stories!

  ~ Debbie, CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

  ~ * ~

  Comfort and Joy – Don’t have time to read? With this you do. What a delightful read. I didn’t want to put the book own. Consisting of short novellas, it gives you the chance to stop and get on with whatever you have to do to prepare for the holiday season. Great read. Thanks, ladies.

  ~ Tina, Amazon

  ~ * ~

  Hot Cocoa for the Heart – Everything you want in a Christmas anthology. All stories 5 star enjoyable. Each is a genuine little novel, featuring a happy ending, a dash of inspiration, and a well written story. All are heart-warming inspirational love stories with happy endings. All make great Christmas reads.