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

“I might not be very good at baking, but I do know how to sew.”


Mr. Fenton was still staring. “They look flea-bitten.” He looked up at Christy. “You can sew?”


“They don’t have fleas,” Christy said, horrified. “They were well kept, and yes, I can sew.”


“Trust me,” Christy said. “Look, once I’ve finished they will look wonderful.” He picked up lengths of dark green cloth. “Just trust me. Please?”


Mr. Fenton gave him a long look and again, Christy couldn’t look away. Those clear grey eyes seemed to be probing for questions and Christy’s mouth went dry. He looked at the chairs afraid that Mr. Fenton might be able to see into his heart.


Christy hugged the words tight and felt a warmth in his chest that stayed with him as he sewed slip covers for the chairs.


Chapter 18