Widowed bookseller Lawrence Fenton has spent a lonely lifetime hiding who he is. He has convinced himself his feelings for his far too young, gorgeous, but troubled assistant Christy Shaw are nothing more than pride in his protégé and concern for his plight.<br><br>Christy’s life involves walking fine lines: one between his mother and his abusive stepfather, one where he must keep his needs hidden, and hardest of all, one where he must keep his feelings for his serious employer to himself.<br><br>Lame since birth, Lawrence cannot imagine anyone wanting him, least of all Christy. But when Christy’s life threatens to spiral out of control, Lawrence steps in. Then Christy’s emotions spill over into a kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas. Will Lawrence be able to face the long-buried truth about himself and keep Christy by his side?

The Mistletoe Kiss

“Not bad. Tasteful,” Mr. Fenton said, looking over his shoulder at the display.


Christy grinned and looked up. Mr. Fenton was a little taller than him. “Do you think so? I did try to keep it restrained, although I saw some really charming little angels in Lacy’s…if you felt it neededmore?” The boughs of holly, resplendent with red berries, adorned the bottom edge of the window, and red and gold ribbons purchased from Lacy’s made jolly, festive bows around some of the books and the stands.


Mr. Fenton laid a hand briefly on his shoulder as he leaned over to look, and Christy held his breath at the warm weight. He wanted to lean back into him, but he remained still. Mr. Fenton had never touched him before. Ever. The doorbell tinkled, and Mr. Fenton moved away.


The next couple of hours passed pleasantly enough and Christy was kept busy with customers. Mrs. Anderton, a regular to the shop, came in and bought a packet of writing paper tied with a huge red bow.


Chapter 3