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

He sat and stared into the fire for a long time.


Christmas Eve in the shop was bright and busy. Filled with laughter and excitement. Christy flew about,rushing from customer to customer, serving tea and slightly misshapen biscuits that were a tiny bit scorched at the edges. He and Mr. Fenton had made them first thing that morning. He could see he was going to have to nip back and make some more they were going so well. People loved the holly and more than one person had been the recipient of an enthusiastic kiss under the mistletoe. Mr. Fenton didn’t smile a great deal, but seemed to get into the spirit of things, and all in all, it was a splendid morning.


Chapter 23