Chapter 1

Amanda and John were just putting the tinsel on the Christmas tree. She turned to John and said, "You know, Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love the glistening white snow that covers the ground, it gives it a sense of purity, hiding its imperfections. I can smell the aromatic scent of pine in the air while walking down the lane to the mailbox. However, when I go shopping, it is the people I meet and the colored lights and trees along main street that seem to say, "Merry Christmas. "

John replied, "You know what I love about this time of year don't you? It is coming in from the cold, building a fire in the fireplace and sipping warm cider while watching the embers in the fireplace. That reminds me, I need to go buy some more eggnog for the party Saturday night."

Amanda plugged the tree in and said, "Oh honey, isn't the tree so beautiful? If you do not mind, pick up some things for me while you are at the store. That way, I can finish getting things ready for the party Saturday."

He replied, "Sure thing, just write down what you need. I better get going. I do not want to be out after dark, the roads are kind of slippery."

She walked over to John, snuggled up close to him and kissed him passionately. Then she said, "Okay, but you be careful sweetheart, I would not want to see anything happen to you."

He went into the kitchen and started putting his boots and coat on while Amanda made him a list. He then placed the list in his pocket and kissed her goodbye saying, "I should not be gone for more then an hour dear. If I get delayed I will call you on the cell phone."

She waved goodbye and went back to putting up the rest of the Christmas decorations. She wanted to make sure there was mistletoe in each doorway, with pine and holly wrapped up the stairway and a few more candles to add to the scene.

Amanda then looked serious, wiped a tear from her eyes, and said, "I wish Thomas would join us this year for Christmas."

Thomas McKinney was John business partner. A couple of years back, he lost his wife due to a car wreck. They have no children, and Amanda knew he was probably feeling lonely, especially during the holiday season. She had sent a special invitation to come to the party Saturday, hoping it would lift his spirits. She knew if he came to the house and saw its Christmas postcard image and the scents of the holiday it would melt his heart. Then she smirked and told herself, "If that does not work, I will just have to try my emerald green surprise on him."

She went about finishing the decorations and hoped John could find everything that was on the shopping list. She then glanced at her watch. It read 5pm. He should be home in about thirty minutes.

John just finished getting the last item on Amanda's list. Then chuckled said, "You would think that woman is throwing a party for the whole town, not just ten of our closest friends. Oh well, Amanda does throw one hell of a party and she always looks sexy too.

He pulled his coat up around his ears and walked toward his car in the parking lot. He carefully put the items in the back seat, climbed into the driver's seat, put his key in the ignition and turned it. Dead silence was all he heard. "Damn-it, bah humbug, just what I need a dead battery in this weather. I'd better call Amanda."

He got out his cell phone, punched in her number, and waited for her to answer his call. He then said, "Sorry honey, looks like am stranded at the mall. I will call a tow truck and he home as soon as I can. Please try not to worry ok? I love you, goodbye." He knew Amanda would worry. She always did. He hoped he could find someone at this hour to help him get the car started.

He then dialed his auto club. They assured him a tow truck would be there in about an hour and asked if he was inside where it was warm. John informed them he would head for the store as soon as they said goodbye.

He then walked back to the store, because it was warmer inside and that is where he wanted to be. When he got to the door, a man was putting the key in the lock and placing the closed sign in the window. John wanted to shout damn-it again, but stayed calm. He then tried to explain things to the man locking the door, but all the man could do was shake his head no and turn the sign around saying, "sorry closed."

Just as John was about to blow his stack, a woman tapped the man on the shoulder to be let out of the store. The man smiled and opened the door and when he did, John explained to her what had happened.

She immediately turned to the man and said, "Oh come on Ronald, its Christmas time. Don't be a scrooge. Let the man in before he freezes his balls off." She then introduced herself as Katrina saying she was manager for the store. She then told him the same thing happened to her a week ago. She invited him her office telling him that he could see the whole parking lot from there, adding she would stay with him until help arrived.

Katrina's smile was so warm and sexy, it could melt the ice and snow for the whole valley. When she turned and walked in that direction, John could not help but take notice. She had shoulder length brown hair, a slim petite figure and a great looking ass. She showed John where to sit down and then asked him if he wanted a cup of coffee. He told her if she could find one that would sure warm him up. She left the office for a moment and returned with two cups of coffee. She handed him the coffee and said, "Do you want cream and sugar with that?"

John replied, "No, I prefer my coffee hot and black. You're taking quite a chance letting a total stranger come in to your office with you alone like this."

She looked him straight in the eyes and said, "Well, I am a pretty good judge of character. By the way your jeans fit you I can see you have a lot of character."

John grinned and took a sip of his coffee then began talking to Katrina, passing the time while waiting for the tow truck. To his surprise, he learned that Katrina had moved to the area to be close to her uncle. She was also living with him and helping him out since he lost his wife in a car accident a couple of years ago. John thought for a moment then wondered if the man she was referring to was Thomas.

He then said, "Katrina, if you do not mind me asking, what is your uncle's name?"

She replied, "Thomas McKinney, why, do you know him?"

John then said, "Know him; he just happens to be my business partner. When you said you moved her because your uncle lost his wife, I was wondering if it was Thomas. If you do not mind me saying so, he has been down in the dumps lately. My wife Amanda invited him to a Christmas Party Saturday, in hopes it would cheer him up. I know she won't mind me inviting you to the party. There is always room for one more."

Katrina looked surprised and said, "Now that is a great idea. I tell you what leave it to me. I can get him to do just about anything. What time is the party?"

John laughed and said, "This coming Saturday, 7pm, adding that Thomas knew the way to his place."