Christmas in July!

I can't believe how fast this year is flying by! We're half way through 2010! What a year it has been for me as a mom, wife and writer! I still can't believe my son will be going to Kindergarten in the fall and my daughter will head off to preschool. My babes are growing up fast!

July is a special month! I'm looking forward to celebrating my sixth wedding anniversary with my husband on the 11th! I love him more now than I did when we first married. I think the love grows stronger and deeper as the years past. All of our experiences together whether good or challenging have tempered the love between us. My husband is truly my champion when it comes to my writing and I can't express how much that means to me.

I thought I'd celebrate Christmas in July with an excerpt from my holiday story, A Christmas for Carol which can be found in Noble Romance's Winter Kisses Anthology. This sweet short story flowed like magic when I was writing it and I think it captures the essence of the holiday season. Enjoy!

"This is for you.”

Carol stared at the beautifully wrapped gift with surprise. “Grant . . . .”

"Just open it.” He flipped on the overhead light.

Her heart hammered as she yanked off the red ribbon and lifted the box top to reveal an exquisite gold chain with a delicate charm. The little coffee cup sparkled with tiny diamonds. “It's beautiful!” Carol gasped. “I can't believe you got me a gift. Thank you. I love it!” On impulse she leaned over to give him a quick peck on the cheek, but Grant pulled her in closer. He tasted like cinnamon as he deepened the kiss, brushing his lips slowly across hers. Pulling off her hat, he laced his fingers through her hair, holding her in place as he teased and tasted every inch of her mouth.

Carol whimpered, overwhelmed by her need for him. Desire ignited and raged through her body as he caressed her tongue with deliciously deliberate strokes. She raised her hand to touch his beard, loving the way the short hairs tickled her fingers. Her craving for him was undeniable. She wanted to let go and give herself over to the feelings rushing through her as he massaged her scalp.

Maybe it was time to let go. Maybe it was time to let her heart feel something other than pain and guilt.

He pulled away, leaving her lips throbbing and tingling. Neither of them spoke for a few seconds, the hum of the heater the only sound in the truck.

Grant stared out the window at the snow falling more heavily on the windshield. “There's something between us, Carol. Something I've never felt before with any woman and I know you feel it, too."

Carol loosened her scarf, still frazzled from his kiss and her own chaotic emotions.

“I know we’ve only been on one date—“

“Three.” Carol corrected him, blushing when she saw the triumphant look on his face.

“I know. I was just checking to see if you were counting our lunch dates. I feel like I already know so much about you and I still want to spend more time with you.”

Carol shook her head. “We hardly know each other.”

Grant looked at her. “That's not true. I know you're a morning person. I know you like cream and sugar in your coffee. I know you like to wear the color yellow. I know you don't like to wear a lot of make-up. I know you obsess over tiny details at your job. I know you like to laugh. I know holiday music makes you crazy.”

Carol looked at him in shock until she couldn't see him because of the tears in her eyes again. “Stop. Stop!”

Grant grabbed her hand. “I can't, because I want to know more. I know you've been through something tragic and life changing. I understand that, but I have to know if I even have a chance with you.”

Carol wiped her tears. “Grant . . . .” She wanted to admit there was something between them. She'd felt it the first day he walked into her café all those months ago.

Grant lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. “Don't think this is just about the smokin' sexual chemistry we have, because I want more than just your naked body under mine. I want a chance at your heart.”

Read A Christmas for Carol in Noble Romance's Winter Kisses Anthology today!
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