Sidda Lee Tate's Blog, page 5

Sinful Saturday

Here is a short excerpt from Hijacked, my latest release.

Sharon pulled her gaze from him and examined the bathroom. The shower was huge, a walk-in with showerheads randomly scattered across the walls and a built-in stone bench along the back wall. She'd never seen anything like it and it must have showed because Kyle gave a low chuckle and said, “Use it if you want. You can choose which showerheads you want to spray. But it’s late…or early. You’re probably tired, so—”
“I’m not tired,” she interrupted, slipping the lace camisole over her head and dropping it on the floor. “Will you turn on the water?”
Kyle paused for a second, taking her in. “Which ones do you want on?”
She kicked off her flats and slipped the skirt over her legs. “All of them. And hot, I like it hot.” Thanks for reading!
Post 7-10 sentences every Saturday. Sign up at the host site by clicking on the photo below.

Release Day!

Hijacked, the 2nd novella in the Night series is now available! Read the excerpt below!


The small blonde waitress placed a third beer on the table in front of him. Her breasts were at eye level, nipples looking tight as stones poked at the thin material of her top. The first time Kyle saw her behind the bar he knew she would be hard to forget. Lucky for him, she was his server.

"Two-fifty," she said, smiling. "Are you gonna drink those?" She pointed to the full bottles in front of him.

"Waiting for some friends. Check back with me in a few minutes." He handed her a five dollar bill. "Keep the change."

"Thanks." Her chest swelled, perfect mounds inches from his face. The light blue v-neck, lace top she wore was held up by thin straps. It was cut low, giving him a peek at what lie beneath. As she turned and sauntered to the bar, he couldn't help but stare.

She propped her elbows on the countertop and leaned over. Her round butt in the air had him practically salivating, and no matter how hard he tried, his eyes would only divert for a second before finding their way back to her.

He watched as the bartender handed her a shot and she tossed it back. As if she sensed him gawking, the waitress turned her head, propping her chin on her shoulder, and grinned.

Leaving the bar, she walked straight over to him, taking a seat in the chair next to his as though it were hers all along. "Why are you watching me?" she asked matter-of-factly, which made him cough in surprise. Was it that obvious? "You ordered at the bar first, right?"

"I…um," he stuttered and gave up on an explanation.

She smiled again, most likely at catching him off guard. He decided drinking the beer in front of him wouldn't be a bad idea and grabbed one of the bottles, chugged half, and sat it down. He eyed her with curiosity and pressed his sweating palms against his jeans.

Say something! "How long have you been here?"

She arched her left eyebrow. "You mean as in, tonight?"

"Working here, as in days, weeks, months, years."

"A few weeks." She crossed one leg over the other, hiking the already short, black skirt up her thigh, exposing more of her silky skin. Her eyes narrowed. "I'm on my break."

"And you chose to spend it with me?"

She shrugged her right shoulder and picked up a pack of cigarettes from the table he hadn't noticed her put there when she sat. She lit one, the flame from the lighter making it possible for him to notice her eyes had a green tint to them. "Your table is empty."

He playfully scoffed, amused at her excuse. There were at least six unoccupied tables in the room. "When does the band start?"

She looked down at her watch. Silver with rhinestones, it fit loose like a bracelet. "In about an hour. They start at ten. What's your name?"

He drank another quarter of the beer. "Kyle Phillips. You?"

"Sharon Blake." She reached up and pulled her long hair from the back of her neck and let it fall. "Is this your first time here? I've never seen you around. Are you from Pineville?"

Kyle cleared his throat. She was making observations, asking questions. He'd been divorced for three months, but this was his first time at a bar since meeting his ex-wife nine years ago, and he wasn't certain if he should explain his situation—a fresh divorcé. He decided to go with direct answers. "I live about three miles outside of town. And no, I don't get out much."

"Huh." She tugged on the cigarette and then snuffed the rest of it out in an ashtray at the center of the table. "I'm trying to quit."

"Six years smoke free for me. It was one of the hardest things I've done."

She eyed him carefully. "Are you meeting someone?"

"A friend. He should be here any time." Kyle peeled his gaze from her and scanned the growing crowd through the dimly lit room, suddenly hoping his friend didn't show for a while. He gulped more beer. "How long are you on break?"

"I've got a few minutes." Her eyes moved over him and he wondered how evident it was that he wanted to taste her skin. "Why do you ask?"

"I thought I might get you something to drink. But then, if you work here—"

"My drinks are free." She laughed and reached for his stash of untouched beer. "Do you mind?" The waitress…Sharon…didn't wait for an answer before popping the top and taking a sip. "Kyle Phillips, I need your help."

Buy links: Beachwalk Press  Amazon  Barnes & NobleKobo  All Romance Ebooks

The First Night gets 5 Hearts "Well written, f...

The First Night gets 5 Hearts   "Well written, first story to a new series. I liked Gannon's strong alpha male type, with a few issues to work out from his past." ~ Romance Book Scene Gannon stood at the doorway of the bar and watched her drive away, everything he’d wanted for the last nine years. He wondered for the thousandth time why he hadn’t been able to bring himself to call her. He shook his head. It didn’t matter now. She’d said it. Two minutes ago, she’d said I don’t need this. “It’s pretty obvious,” a woman’s voice said from behind him. Gannon turned around. Sharon. She reached past him and flicked the butt of a cigarette out of the open door. “What’s obvious?” Gannon stepped outside and propped against the wall. Sharon followed. “How you feel about her. I saw the way you looked at her on Friday when she walked up to the bar. At first I thought it was pure lust. I’ve heard the wild college stories about you from my brother.” Gannon opened his mouth to defend himself, but Sharon held up a hand to stop him. He clamped his jaw shut and stared at a flickering streetlight that was threatening to go out. He wanted nothing more in that moment than to escape up the stairs to his apartment and close himself in, hoping everything about Kayla would fade away.


The First Night

Can the last place she needs to be become the first night of her forever?
Music blared from the band, pounding in Kayla's ears and masking the nervous hammering in her chest. She tossed the apprehension from her head. The bartender was watching her again, and she was glad. After all, it had been a long time since anyone held her interest and he…well, he seemed to be matching her awareness. She was determined to talk to him, and with liquid courage having her back, she was in rare form. Feeling tenacious and certain, she licked her lips to make them shine and walked toward the faintly familiar man.
The closer she got to the bar, the more the courage escaped her. Never in her life had she approached a man she was attracted to. "Just go to the bar and order a drink," she said quietly to herself. "He won't bite."
Kayla grinned, took a deep breath, and settled on a bar stool. She didn't have to wait. The bartender met her as she sat. His gaze held hers for a second longer than she was comfortable with, and her breath hitched in her throat. She moved her stare to the shelves of bottles behind him. Without her asking, he placed a shot of tequila in front of her. She slowly traced the rim with her index finger, trying to think of something clever to say when he sat another shot on the worn mahogany bar top. "Thanks, but I can't handle two more. I'd like to be able to walk out of here."
He held the extra glass up to her eye level, leaning toward her, his eyes burning into hers. "This one is for me. I'd like you to be able to walk out of here too. Let's have a toast."
People around the bar repeatedly shouted out their orders, but the bartender didn't seem to hear them, or if he did, he didn't acknowledge them. Two other guys serving drinks took up the slack.
Kayla picked up the small glass of liquid meant for her and slowly batted her lashes. "A toast to what, exactly?"
She couldn't help but notice the black scribe tattoo on the inside of his upper arm and wondered what it said, but didn't allow her eyes to dwell as they followed his arm to his shoulder and to his neck. She imagined her tongue trailing across his skin and quickly flushed.
He smiled, and his eyes sparkled as he clinked his glass to hers. "To four-inch, platinum heels and jeans that make an ass like yours trigger heart attacks for all that may lay their eyes upon it."
Kayla laughed out loud. He had to be joking, how cheesy. "Well, I wouldn't say it has such an extreme effect on everyone. Does a line like that work on every female?" She licked her hand where he'd showed her earlier and grabbed the salt shaker.
He leaned in closer, inches from her, his gaze intense. "I couldn't be more serious. I've always—"
"Gannon!" one of the other bartenders interrupted. "We've got a fight!"
His eyes narrowed, and irritation spread across his face. He glanced at the anxious announcer behind him and back to Kayla. "Give me a few minutes?"
She watched him jump across the bar and disappear into the crowd. Shivers went across her skin as she noticed the muscles in his arms flex when he lifted himself over the counter. Forgetting about the salt, she tossed the shot back and helped herself to the one he'd left on the bar. As an afterthought, she bit into the lime. His name is Gannon. Barnes & Noble   Amazon   Kobo   All Romance Ebooks   BookStrand   Beachwalk Press

Release Day Give Away!

Finally! It's here!
My debut novella The First Night has officially been released thanks to the wonderful people at Beachwalk Press!
Yes, I've been dancing around like a maniac since last night (well, once I got over the anxiety) and I can't wait to hear from readers!
Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for a free give away!
 Can the last place she needs to be become the first night of her forever?

She planned to meet her coworkers for drinks and be home in a few hours. Getting drunk and staying out all night was not an option. Not for Kayla Dobbs. Going to a bar was already pushing her limits. Between her full-time job and night classes, there was no time to spare for a social life, and certainly no time for a relationship. But when she meets Gannon, the sexy bartender whose hypnotic eyes seem to follow her every move, she wishes things could be different.

Although Kayla doesn't recognize him, Gannon knows exactly who she is—she was the one girl in high school he'd always wanted but had been afraid to pursue. He's changed a lot since high school though, and maybe now he has a chance at making that dream come true.

As she breaks free from her self-induced lifestyle of studying and work, Kayla realizes that no matter how concrete her life plan is, sometimes it only takes one night, one person, to alter it forever.

          Barnes & Noble   Amazon   Kobo   All Romance Ebooks   BookStrand   Beachwalk Press

Holiday Kisses Release Day!

I know you've all been waiting, and if you're anything like me, it's been an extremely anxious wait. Katrina's Christmas is my first published work and honestly,I can't imagine being included with a better group of authors. Holiday Kisses - A Beachwalk Press Anthology is FREE!There are eleven short stories that are bound to leave you breathless.How can you pass that up?
 Click here to download: Holiday Kisses Click here to download: Holiday Kisses Click here to download: Holiday Kisses

Katrina's Christmas 5th and final installment

I hope everyone has enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

They kicked their sand filled shoes and socks off at the door, and Katrina refilled their glasses. She took a seat on the sofa, sipping at the liquid warmth as he worked until soft flames lit the room with an orange glow. When he was finished, she patted the cushion next to her and held out the full wineglass meant for him. He took it and, without taking a drink, set it on the end table next to hers, then moved to his knees in front of her. She wanted to say something but didn’t know what. He wasn’t talking, only taking her in with his eyes. The only sound was the crackling of the burning wood.
Grant ran his hands up her thighs and wrapped his fingers around her waist. With a quick tug, she was at the edge of the cushion, her legs spread at his sides, and he rested the top of his head against her chest, shaking. “I need you,” he murmured. “Every day.” His grip tightened and he sucked in a deep breath. “If this is just an ‘in the moment’ thing for you…”
She ran her fingers through his hair, kissing the top of his head as she did. “It’s not.”
He lifted from her chest, meeting her eyes. There was no holding back. She dipped down, kissing him hard. His hands slipped under her cashmere sweater and ran up her sides, taking her top with them. She raised her arms and left his mouth long enough for him to pull it over her head. He tugged at her legs, bringing them closer until she slid off the cushion and into his lap.
Softly, he traced the lace material of her bra up to her shoulders and looped his fingers around the straps, dragging them down her arms. He licked between her breasts then kissed along the top of each one as he reached around and unfastened the hooks. Claiming her mouth, he maneuvered her so her back was flat against the lush rug.
He sat up and tossed his sweater, exposing the toned muscles of his arms and chest. His stomach was chiseled…Katrina reached up, eager for a touch, but he caught her hand at the wrist and pinned it to the floor above her head. He took her other hand and placed it so both of her arms were held hostage by his single grip.
For an instant, he paused and just looked at her. His eyes were aching and hungry, his gaze following the tips of his fingers as they trailed from her lips, down her chin, and along her neck. He led them over the tops of her breasts then bent down, taking the pink flesh with his mouth. Sucking, kissing, licking until her nipple was standing at attention, he moved to the other.
It was dizzying. Intoxicating. Katrina closed her eyes, clenching her captive hands around his fingers. Her hips squirmed at the throbbing of her wet center.
Moving over her stomach with light kisses, he freed her hands. Going lower, to the waistline of her jeans, he traced it with his tongue. A soft moan escaped her lips as she gripped his shoulders. They were strong and smooth, silk under her fingers, and she wanted to feel the rest of him. He moved back up her, his lips finding the sensitive skin at the curve of her shoulder, and she ran her hand across his chest around to his back. He sat up when she did, making her gasp at the absence.
Eyes locked on hers, he worked at the button on her jeans and undid the zipper. Slipping them over her legs, they fell to the floor in a crumple. “I’ve been waiting on you forever, it seems,” he said in a whisper, running his hands up her now naked thighs, brushing his thumbs against the swollen clit nudging at her panties as his hands moved to her hips. She bucked when he did, the sensation rippling through her.
Grant’s tongue dove into her mouth, deep, ravenous, and his weight pressed her to the floor. She hitched a leg over his back, running her hands over his flesh. Writhing under him, wanting more, she hooked her fingers through his belt loops, tugging. He pushed off her and rocked back on his knees. Not wanting to be without his touch, Katrina followed.
She watched with fervor as he shrugged out of his jeans. The sight of his member made her shudder and her entrance pulsed to a point that it ached. Grant pulled her tight against him, pressing his hardness against her belly. He tugged at her bottom lip with his teeth, lifting her to the edge the sofa then guiding her shoulders to the back cushions. Working her breasts with his hands, his mouth trailed down.
In a breath, her panties were gone and she parted her legs. Trembling, her gaze fastened to him as he ran his fingers over her wet heat. “Grant,” she murmured.
He slid a finger inside her. Painfully slow, he rotated, out then in. One digit, then two. All while making circles with his thumb on her pulsing clit. It was amazing. Delicious. Delightfully agonizing. But the moment his mouth covered her thumping bud and sucked, she cried out as a swell of bliss punched through her core extending to every nerve in her body. He found her hands and clenched them with his as she climaxed. The room around them began to spin. Her heart about to burst was the only sound in her ears. Her back arched, lifting her from the cushions, and she fell back with a faint whimper.
Half-lidded, she stared in his blue eyes as he maneuvered up her stomach with tiny kisses. “I want you in me.”
He brushed her shoulder with his lips, leaving light tingles in their wake. “Are you sure?”
She nodded and palmed his cheek. He turned into it, planting a kiss, smiling that charming smile she loved, then reached for his pants, plucking a condom from his wallet. Katrina slipped off the couch on to the thick rug. Taking the foil package from his hand, she got on all fours. She went to the underside of his shaft, and with a flat tongue, she licked slowly to his tip. A groan, low and guttural, sounded from his chest as she parted her lips and took him in. Grasping his cock at the base, she massaged her tongue against it, extending the length and back down.
“Kat…” He took her shoulders. “Babe…you have to stop. I can’t last through this.”
Hearing how she’d affected him, made her want him even more. She ripped the package open and sheathed him. Wrapping her arms around her neck, she let him ease her to the rug. She ran her thighs down the outside of his and moaned, arching her back as he settled over her slick center, entering her.
He moved slow at first, in and out, stretching her walls to fit his girth. Once in her completely, he moved her legs to his shoulders and went deeper. She gasped at the fullness, holding tight to his arms as the thrusts became harder. It was nothing short of ecstasy. Her eyes went to thin slits and the world began to spin again. He pulsed inside her, groaning, causing her body to quake from depths she’d never known, and she cried his name, spent. He relaxed on top of her, holding his weight with his elbows, and kissed her neck, her cheeks, her lips.
She couldn’t take her eyes off him. His dark hair was everywhere, and the blue in his eyes was brighter than she’d ever seen. She loved them…she loved him. Katrina locked her ankles behind his back and ran her fingers through his hair, stopping on his neck. “I have to say, I’ve never had a Christmas quite like this.”
“And I’ve never known anyone quite like you.” He smiled and rolled over to his back, taking her hand and linking their fingers. “What are you doing between now and, I don’t know…the rest of your life?”“Spending every minute I can with you.”

Thanks for reading!  Also, visit www.beachwalkpress.com on December 3 to download Holiday Kisses, an anthogy of short stories by talented Beachwalk authors. By the way....it's FREE!

Katrina's Christmas part 4

After nearly three hours of alternating between casual conversation and silence—mostly silence—Grant steered his five-year-old Lexus off the highway and onto a long, paved driveway. A few minutes later Katrina was forced to close her gaping mouth. Even in the darkness she was able to see the home’s luxury. It was huge, predominantly glass, and sitting right on the ocean. White lights trimmed the massive frame and through the translucent walls she spotted a twinkling Christmas tree. Other than that all the lights in the house were out.
“Grant, whose house is this?”
“My family’s.” As if he sensed her panic, he said, “Don’t worry. It’s just the beach house. No one will be here until Saturday.”
“And we’re leaving tomorrow,” Katrina added, opening her door and stepping out.
She couldn’t believe she actually let him talk her into coming with him. But when she heard the waves lapping against the sand, she was glad she did. Mesmerized by the peacefulness, she was vaguely aware Grant was talking as he gathered their bags from the car. Something about how his parents came a few weeks early every year and decorated the house, putting the lights on a timer. She pulled herself away and focused on him, smiling. He was still talking.
“The guest house is original to the property. That’s where I always stay when I’m here. Is that all right?”
“It’s perfect,” she said, somewhat relieved she didn’t have to stay in the house where his family would gather in a few short days. Even though she was with him, it felt a little intrusive.
She followed him through the manicured yard and to a smaller home about fifty feet away from the edge of the main one. It was much less extravagant but beautiful all the same.
“Wine?” he asked, opening the door and flicking on the light.
“Please.” Katrina glanced around the house. The walls were off-white, the floor was completely tiled in a deep red, almost burgundy color, and the furniture was beige. There were splashes of yellow here and there. A plush, white rug ran out from under the sofa to splay across the center of the floor. The room reminded her of a sunset. She moved to the stone fireplace and ran her hand across the smooth mantle.
“The kitchen is fully stocked, so if you need anything in the middle of the night…” His voice trailed off and he handed her a glass of merlot. “I’m glad you came.”
“Me too, Mr. Ward.” She took a sip from her glass, silently giving him credit for knowing she’d need it. “I guess you bring all of your ex-employers here.” She was joking but his face went serious and she tipped up her goblet, drinking half of the liquid.
His fingers curled around the back of her neck. His thumb gently stroked along her jaw. “I’ve never brought anyone here…just you.” Holding her gaze, he paused for a second then stepped away and picked up a bag. “Here,” he said, reaching in and pulling out the red box he’d given her earlier. “You never opened this.”
“Grant, I…”
“It’s nothing really. You act like you’ve never opened a gift.”
She took it from him and moved to the sofa, leaving him standing by the fireplace. Everything she owned she’d worked for and it was hard to accept anything from anyone. “I haven’t in a long time.” She tugged at the ribbon and peeled back the paper. Lifting the lid, she found two intricately folded designer scarves. She loved scarves. “They’re beautiful. You shouldn’t have done this.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I didn’t know which one to get. I’m not a shopper.”
She ran her fingers over the fabric, choking back tears. “Is all of this because you feel guilty about quitting me?”
“Nope.” Grant stared at her for a moment then finished his near full glass of wine in one swallow. He set the goblet on the mantle and stepped across the room.
In one fluid movement he pulled her from the couch and wrapped an arm around her waist, restraining her body against his. Katrina looked up to meet his face. When she did, his mouth met hers, parting her lips with his tongue. His hands moved up her back, rough and intense through her hair, stopping as they cupped each side of her face, bringing her even closer.
Aware of the thickness under his jeans pressing against her hip, the space between her thighs heated. A fury of energy thrummed with her pulse. She didn’t just want him inside her, she needed it.
Grant severed their embrace, meeting her eyes. “I quit my job, not you…okay?”
In a daze, breathing quick and shallow, Katrina nodded in response.
A satisfied smile flitted across his face, and he kissed her forehead. “Come on, I want to show you something.” He took her hand and led her outside to a storage shed. He pulled out two large, white paper-ish looking things and they headed to the beach.
They came to a stop not far from the water’s edge, and Katrina inhaled deeply, loving the smell of the ocean. A slight breeze wisped by, the coolness making her muscles tense.
“Have you ever launched a sky lantern?” he asked, handing her one of the objects. It was light, nearly weightless, and it felt so fragile she was afraid she might tear it.
“I’ve seen them from a distance. They’re stunning.” She copied his motions as he carefully unfolded his, taking care not to tear it as she opened it to its full size—about two feet wide and three feet tall.
“There’s nothing like launching your own.” He flashed her a smile, his eyes twinkling just like the reflection of the moon on the water. “Here, hold it like this.” Gently, he sat his on the sand and balanced the bottom ring of her lantern on her palms. With a lighter he’d retrieved from his front pocket, Grant lit the wicks in the center of the paper balloon. Katrina gasped at the instant glow. A luminescence she’d never seen before.
“When it’s full of hot air, it will take off. Oh, and make a wish before it does.” He gave her a wink and went to work on his.
In a matter of minutes the lanterns were floating over the moonlit ocean. Katrina took her eyes off the floating lights and focused on Grant. How had she become comfortable with him so fast?
She laughed to herself, there was nothing quick about it…they’d been together nearly every day for the last three years. She walked over and slipped her fingers through his. It only seemed right. “This is amazing.”
“They are, aren’t they?” He kept his gaze on the two dwindling lights in the night and gave her hand a squeeze.
Watching him stare at the sky, something from deep inside her, something Katrina knew she’d been hiding for as long as she’d known him, came to the surface. She didn’t want to push it away anymore. She thought about how he’d kissed her earlier. How she didn’t want it to stop. How she knew in that moment that she needed him in more ways than she ever expected to. “I meant being with you.”
Grant ran his eyes over her. “You’re shivering. Why didn’t you tell me you’re cold?”
“I don’t think I am.” And she wasn’t. At least she didn’t feel cold.
He blanketed her with his arms, curling her in so she was pressed against his chest. She closed her eyes and listened to his heart thrum strong and steady. It drowned out the sound of the waves.His lips buried in her hair. “Let’s go in, I’ll start a fire.”

Katrina's Christmas part 3

“Hi,” Grant said as he stepped over the threshold, discounting the lack of invitation.
She was still holding the door open, watching him survey her living room when his eyes stopped on her.
Grant held up a red box with a gold and white striped ribbon. “I got this for you.”
“What are you doing here?” Her words felt choked and strained as she closed the door without losing sight of him.
“I was a couple of blocks over having dinner with some friends and decided to stop by.”
“I don’t do Christmas.” She moved to the sofa, adjusting her robe to ensure full coverage before taking a seat. “I never expected to hear from you again. That is, at least until Friday.”
His dark hair was ruffled from the ocean breeze. He raked his fingers through it, leaving it mussed. “Friday?”
“Payday.”
“Oh, yeah…my last one. I guess I’ll be swinging by then too.” He grinned, tossing the wrapped box on the sofa beside her. “Open it.” Not waiting on her response he went to the gas fireplace. “Do you mind?”
She nodded and watched as he turned it on and knelt beside it. Gazing from under her lashes, Katrina blinked hard. She’d always known he was easy on the eyes but against the flickering light of the fire the fitted gray sweater he was wearing highlighted the definition of muscle in his chest and arms. His jaw was scruffy with a day’s growth, maybe two, and he looked sexy as hell.
“Bringing me a gift won’t get your job back.”
He gave a grunted snort. “I’m not here for the job, Kat. I’m here for you…you’re coming with me.”
“Where? A party?” She shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere, Grant. I have to work tomorrow.”
“I need you to trust me.” He came across the room and stopped behind her.
Despite the instinct to move from him, she sat still as his hands worked the elastic tie loose and freed her hair. Chills zipped under her skin as his fingers combed through the locks. She closed her eyes and relished in the tenderness of his touch.
“Katrina, get some clothes on…or not. But pack an overnight bag and come with me.”
“An overnight bag? No way.” She shook her head. “I told you, I’m working tomorrow.”
Grant gathered her hair and tugging it tight, arched her neck so she could see him standing over her. “You’re going if I have to carry you out of this apartment.”
He continued to speak but his words became muffled. Her every thought had transformed and centered on the ache of needing to feel his hands caress the skin under her robe. Imagining the sensation of his weight, the warmth of his breath as he entered her, emanated tremors to her core. She swallowed hard and subconsciously heard her own voice agree to his reasoning.
Before reality kicked in, she hurriedly went through her bedroom gathering clothes, dressing as she threw a few garments in her unused, designer overnight bag. A ridiculous purchase, she knew, but she’d bought it to celebrate Sand and Sun’s official rise to the top of Florida’s long list of booking agents.
“At this rate, we’ll arrive at midnight,” he shouted from the living room.
Katrina rolled her eyes and tossed her toothbrush in her bag. Since she’d known him, he always had issues about time. He would probably clock the length of their trip down to the minute. Wait. Midnight?
“Where are we going, anyway?”
“It’s a surprise.”
She hated surprises.
With one last glance around the room, she zipped up the Louis Vuitton and flicked off the lights. Rounding the corner, she suddenly needed a drink and made a beeline to her open bottle of wine, scooping up her glass as she did.
“Have I ever told you how gorgeous you are?” Grant asked.
She put the newly full glass to her lips and drank it dry. Not sure of his intentions but hoping they were the same as hers, she gave a nervous laugh. A few hours ago she considered him off-limits, but since he’d quit working for her he’d become accessible…desirable. She wouldn’t let him know though. Not yet, not until she was positive of what he wanted.“That wasn’t in your job description, no.” She turned on her heels and marched by him to the door. “I’m ready."
Hope to see you back next week!Part 4 will be posted Tuesday, November 13th!Tomorrow, visit Aimee Duffy and Elise Whyles for part 3 of theirHoliday Kisses Beachwalk Anthology stories. 

Katrina's Christmas part 2

Katrina walked through her empty apartment straight to the bathroom and started a hot bath. Streaks of mascara-stained tears trickled over her cheeks. Grant’s words had hit her hard, more so than she expected them to. She was lucky she managed to hold the tears off until he stormed out of the office.
She’d never had a family, spending most of her adolescence bouncing from foster home to foster home until she escaped the system when she was seventeen. Her distressed heart, the pain, it wasn’t his fault. He didn’t know the truth. Only what she’d told him—that she didn’t speak to her parents. There was no choice, she didn’t know who her father was and her mother left her on Christmas Day when she was seven. She wiped her eyes and tossed the dismal thoughts from her head. Dwelling on the past would do nothing but take her back to the life she’d worked so hard to forget.
After resetting her hair to a messy bun she stepped into the steaming water, submerging her body under its warmth. She propped her head back on the edge of the tub. Staring at the ceiling, proud it was hers, she didn’t regret one moment of all the work she’d put into the company, and what did she care about Grant’s ‘you’re working your life away’ statement? Hell, her BMW 5 Series didn’t fall out of the sky, nor did her ocean-view apartment within walking distance from the beach. Not that she’d taken the time in the past few years to get her feet in the sand, but hey, just knowing it was there was enough…right?
At twenty-eight years old, she had everything she wanted.
Almost.
She ran her hands across her stomach and down her thighs. Grant Ward was the closest relationship she’d had since college and he was strictly her employee…or he had been. Closing her eyes, she pictured his face, how his beaming smile always made her feel better, the way those deep blues looked at her when he thought she couldn’t see or wouldn’t notice. Her body tensed at the thought. Just as quick, when reality punched her in the chest and she knew he would no longer be around every day, a strange ache overtook her heart.
She sat straight up and splashed her face with a handful of water. Was she losing her mind? It had to be the time of year.
Katrina slipped on her white, silk robe and padded to her wine closet, choosing a vintage port—her favorite for cool weather. As she set her glass on the kitchen counter, a knock at the door interrupted the peaceful silence. It sounded as if a sledgehammer was banging the walls.
Carolers. Every year, a group of enthusiasts went from apartment to apartment in an attempt to spread holiday cheer, and every year, she refused to open her door. This time though, she would give them a chance because, well…why not?
Swiftly, she filled her glass and downed half in one gulp. Warmth from the liquid courage sated her chest as she made her way through the house and reached the entrance. She squeezed together the material of her robe with one hand, making sure she didn’t expose too much skin as the other hand turned the knob.
She opened the door and blinked in surprise.

Thanks for reading! Check back next Tuesday for part 3. While your waiting, enjoy other Holiday Kisses stories by these talented authors tomorrow.Merry Christmas, Mrs. Todd by Elise Whylesand Believe in Me by Aimee Duffy