Love Under the Mistletoe: A Small Town Christmas Love Story

Things were looking up.

There were possibilities for love popping up all over the place. All it took was a little magic.

Merryweather felt rather than saw those possibilities when she watched Holly bump into Nathan. Love was written all over their futures.

It just needed a little push.

That was Merryweather's specialty.

Chapter 3

Nathan

Nathan’s phone buzzed like an angry hornet on the leather seat. Nathan didn’t even glance at it. He kept his eyes on the road. Snow flurries danced in front of his headlights as he sped along the dark road toward the ski resort.

The heated seats kept him more than comfortable. The engine hummed with power as he shifted into a lower gear to accelerate up the mountain road. Behind him, two black SUVs struggled to keep pace with his silver all-wheel drive Ferrari.

The phone continued to buzz and he continued to ignore it as he focused on speed and taking the turns. He pushed harder, taking the icy turns just a little bit faster. The car slid, but he stayed in control.

He was on vacation now and there was no way he was going to let anyone ruin that for him.

It had been a rough month. He needed this.

He took the corner and the ski resort came into view. It was only then that he stopped driving like a madman. Blue Aspen Resort and Spa was one of his favorite places to ski. He’d skied nearly every continent, yet Blue Aspen Resort always felt like home. He loved the powder on the mountain and the warmth of the hot springs. Just driving up and seeing the resort entrance lowered his blood pressure.

Nathan swung his Ferrari into the valet parking and stepped out. The sun had set and the snow was coming down in big fat flakes that stuck to his hair. He took a deep breath in of icy air and smiled.

The two SUVs squealed into the valet line behind him. From the passenger side came a very large, and very angry looking man. He looked a little pale and clammy.

“Told you the Ferrari would handle just fine,” Nathan told the man with a shrug, striking a nonchalant pose leaning against his car.

Gregory glared at Nathan as he approached. “That was not fun.”

“Hal’s an excellent driver. He managed that pass like a champ.” Nathan couldn’t help but grin. He’d pushed his Ferrari to the limit on speed through the mountain pass. The two SUVs with his personal security had struggled to keep up.

Gregory stood in front of Nathan, glaring down. Nathan wasn’t a short man, but standing next to Gregory, he certainly felt like one. Gregory was nearly seven feet of pure muscle and strength. Nathan was fairly sure Gregory could kill a man with a single finger. Special Forces tended to teach those kinds of skills.

“You ride with Hal next time then,” Gregory told him. “That was awful. I hate it when you drive like that.”

Nathan grinned up at his bodyguard. “You said the Ferrari couldn’t handle it. I just needed to show you that it could.”

“No, you just wanted to push the limits,” Gregory replied. He shook his head like a tired parent. He sighed. “You need a coat.”

Nathan chuckled and reached into the car. He pulled out a long wool peacoat and slid it over his shoulders. “Happy?”

Gregory didn’t look amused.

“Let’s go check in,” Nathan said with a grin. He tossed his keys to the valet and headed inside. This was on of the few places that Gregory let him lead. The security risk was low here. It was another perk of staying in Blue Aspen. They were used to keeping celebrities and wealthy patrons safe and comfortable.

Nathan stepped inside and admired the Christmas decorations. He’d had his house in upstate New York mimic the style here: warm and contemporary. No gaudiness, just elegance. He didn't have a tree, though. He didn't see the point.

Two women stood at the check-in desk speaking with the receptionist. Nathan knew he could waltz up and demand service, but he didn’t feel the need to be a dick. Besides, it sounded like they were nearly done.

He took a position a respectful distance away from the desk where it would be apparent he was next in line.

“Excellent. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Please enjoy your stay here at Blue Aspen.” The receptionist smiled at both of them. “Do you need any assistance with your bags?”

“I think we’re okay. Thank you,” replied the woman with a dirty-blonde ponytail. She bent over and picked up her duffle bag, swinging it over her shoulder.