Christmas Heat Miser Novels & Stories

Cassian blocked him instantly. “Not. A step. Closer.” And that was the moment I realized.. This Christmas wasn’t going to be peaceful. Wasn’t going to be healing. Wasn’t going to be simple. It was going to be war.

Whispers followed me everywhere. "I can't believe she's that kind of person." "The more innocent they look, the wilder they are." "That coat she's wearing? It's Chanel's latest. The rumors on the campus forum must be true." I retrieved my phone to check the campus forum. My entire body was shaking from anger. Sharon actually spread dirty rumors about me on the campus forum. [A Golden Apple on Christmas Day Exposed Our Fake Friendship!] She accused me of flaunting wealth with a golden apple on Christmas Day and scamming them out of an expensive meal.

Judy whispered, like she was afraid her joy might scare Malaya away. Malaya's smile was smaller this time—still shy, but real. "Merry Christmas, Grandma Judy." Judy's hand flew to her mouth. Tears spilled without permission. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart," she breathed. "Oh… thank you for calling me." Jerry leaned into view, impatience playful. "And what about me, huh?" Malaya giggled. "Merry Christmas, Pawpaw." Jerry's entire face lit up. "That's my girl!"

I learned to be thankful and quiet. That acceptance made me hate Christmas. Love songs made my skin crawl. The lights under our tree looked like glass eyes. The ribbons on the presents were traps. Every year, the house tuned itself to cheer and I pretended to enjoy it. The twenty-fifth became the night when a new kind of cold touched my bones. It was the day the truth had crawled out at me like an animal. It was the day I had learned how much of my life had been decided by other hands.

He took a tentative sip of his cocoa and found it was the perfect temperature—not too hot, not too cold. “Oh, yes. There’s this fabulous shop downtown. They have the best Christmas decorations there, and so many treasures you won’t find anywhere else. I’d heard of it before I came to town. I used to run a similar shop, you see. Anyway, I went in today and had a look around and enjoyed myself so much, I asked the owner if she’d mind if I stick around a while, to help out. I was tickled when she said I could. It’s just one of those places that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, don’t you think?”

Hot spurts coated my walls, his body trembling above me. We collapsed, tangled and spent, his weight a comforting press. He kissed my temple, soft now. “Merry Christmas, kiddo. Didn't mean for this to happen, but... damn, I don't regret it.” I smiled, tracing his jaw. “Me neither. Feels like home.” Outside, snow fell thicker, but inside, warmth bloomed, messy, real, ours.

We both aren't. "So, what's this so-called exciting news?" I inquired, exaggerating it with a hand gesture. Her face lit up again before she spoke. "There's this steamy Christmas show, or should I say contest, that an entertainment company is organizing. And it has this kinky theme that is so captivating, and I think this is exactly what you need!" My shoulder shook up and down because I was trying to control my laughter. "Ha... ha... ha, aren't you just too silly?" I laughed harder. "How the hell is this useful to me?" It seems my outburst of laughter annoyed her because she gave me a blank, layered look before saying, "It does in every way. First, it's a free vacation treat to an island in

shock, embarrassment, heat, and it nearly knocks me flat. I lean one shoulder against the doorframe, forcing myself to stay where I am. “Damien…” she whispers. My name has never sounded so sweet and soft. “Yeah,” I answer quietly, voice rough, barely holding. Then the wall clock struck twelve in the morning. It's Christmas day!! My lips curve into a slow, knowing smirk despite myself. “Guess I should say… Merry Christmas.” The silence stretches. Loaded. Fragile. And one wrong move away from something neither of us will be able to take back.

I stop to get hot chocolates at the coffee shop, then Hailey and I head to Redding to shop for Missy. It’s only a week until Christmas, and I still don’t have a good gift for Missy yet. Brittany hinted that Missy got me something really expensive this year, and all I got her so far were a set of bath bombs, and her favorite perfume. I’ve been agonizing over what to buy her, and I think I’ve finally come up with something good.

“You’re not alone, but so far she hasn’t acted like the almighty bitch she was in the beginning.” Aspen smiled but didn’t say anything. She sighed audibly, and Axl gave her a look. “It’s my first Christmas without my sisters.” He gripped her hand tightly. The warmth of his palm steadied her more than the coffee ever could. “I’m sorry.” “I’ll be fine. What time do we need to be at Merit’s house?” “Ten-ish. We both know she can’t cook, and I’m not starving on Christmas Day,” he said.