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

When they arrived back at the shop, the back room was still warm. With a sigh of relief, he divested himself of his outer garments and held his hands out to the fire to warm them. Christy followed suit, but slower, still deep in thought.


Lawrence stood and pulled the kettle over the fire. “You are worried.” It wasn’t a question.


Christy nodded. “I don’t know what to do.”


“My dear boy, I don’t know that there is anything you can do.”


Christy’s frown deepened. “She has no choice.”


Lawrence kept his voice as gentle as he could. “She could have stayed with you.”


“No. She couldn’t. He would just beat her again. He’s her husband.”


“Come, sit down.” Lawrence guided him to what had become ‘his’ chair by the fire. “Get warm.” He waited for the kettle to boil in silence, then poured the water into the tea pot. He took time getting out cups and saucers, wandering to the pantry for milk, and then poured and handed Christy a cup.


Chapter 22