First Kiss Tuesday: A Christmas Homecoming by Melissa McClone

I’m thrilled to be part of Debra’s First Kiss Tuesday! My new Christmas release, A Christmas Homecoming, is an “opposites attract story.” The heroine, Ellie, is a Christmas-loving housekeeper at the Bar V5. The hero, Josiah, is a Christmas hating billionaire who’s back in his hometown to recover from a blood infection. The two don’t seem to have anything in common, but both are hard-working and caring. The two make a deal to help each other out. Ellie has agreed to take walks with a recovering Josiah, who will help her with a group she runs at a local hospital. That’s how this scene comes about…

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She kissed the horse’s nose. “Enjoyed visiting with you, handsome boy, but we need to keep walking. Next time, I’ll bring you an apple.”

“What about me?” Josiah asked.

“I can bring you an apple, too.”

He was thinking of a kiss. Though he didn’t want one on his nose or forehead or cheek. Now the lips…

This would be the perfect setting, the two of them surrounded by cool, crisp air and clear skies. Sunshine, smiles, and smooches. He grinned.

“Ready to head back to the house or keep going?” she asked.

Stopping to visit the horse had given him a break. He wasn’t out of breath, and his legs didn’t ache. “Let’s keep walking.”

She pointed at Josiah’s feet. “Your pant legs are wet. Let’s get back on the path where the snow isn’t as deep.”

She took a step, jerked backwards. Her scarf had caught on the fence post and pulled against her. Her arms flew out.

Her feet slipped. Down, she was going down.

He reached out, but his hand found only air.

She hit the snow with a thud. “Ouch.”

Josiah kneeled at her side, touched her arm. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. Okay.” Her voice sounded shaky, quiet as if she was trying to catch her breath.

“Your head?” he asked.

“Fine. I landed on my butt where there’s extra padding. My ego’s a little bruised, but that won’t leave a mark.” She pointed to where a piece of her scarf hung off a nail. “Could have been worse.”

Josiah liked how she made the best out of a situation. He held out his arm. “Here.”

She clasped his hand.

As he pulled her up, his muscles trembled. Shook.

Crap. He wasn’t going to be able to hold on, but he couldn’t let go. As she fell back, he tumbled forward. He hit the ground.

“Ugh.” Josiah was on top of Ellie, his hands on either side of her. He stared into her blue eyes, only inches from his. Her lips seemed closer. “So much for chivalry. I’m sorry.”

“I appreciate the help, but we both forgot you’re recovering.”

That was no excuse. He didn’t know what to say.

She pulled her other hand from her pocket. Something green flashed against her mitten, but he couldn’t focus on anything except how useless he was.

Less than a man. A weak, worthless…

“Oh, look. Mistletoe is stuck on my mitten,” she said. “We shouldn’t let this go to waste.”

Holding her hand over his head, she kissed him on the lips.

Whoa.

Elle continued pressing her mouth against his with an eagerness that surprised him.

She was kissing him. And he wasn’t kissing her. He’d fix that.

He kissed her back.

Heat pulsed through his veins. He liked the way Ellie moved her lips over his. She tasted warm and sweet and a little like coffee.

Hell, this was awesome.

He hadn’t been kissed since he’d gotten sick, but his memory wasn’t that bad. He’d never been kissed like this. She made him feel strong and healthy and desirable.

Desire surged, spreading throughout him.

Being with her like this felt natural and right and…

She arched toward him.

Josiah leaned into her, wanting to be closer. His body sprang to life as it had with her hug, but soon she’d see how turned on he was. He didn’t want to stop, but he’d embarrassed himself enough. He stopped kissing her.

Wide, blue eyes stared up at him. Surprise and curiosity filled her gaze. Her flushed cheeks, once pink, burned red. Her ragged breathing matched his.

But his wasn’t from being winded, talking, walking or falling on top of her. His heavy breathing was a result of her kiss. Make that kisses.

All his parts were in working order. He was grateful to know that. He wanted to kiss her again. “Never thought about carrying mistletoe wherever I go. Brilliant idea.”

“I-I…” she moistened her lips.

The horse neighed.

Josiah kept his gaze on Ellie. “Tracer wants another kiss or the apple you promised him. I’d take either myself. Though I know which I’d prefer.”

 

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Purchase at these fine retailers:

Kindle US

iBooks

Kindle UK

Kobo

  Nook

USA Today bestselling author, Melissa McClone has published over thirty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group and been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house.

I hang out at my Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MelissaMcCloneBooks) page during the week. I do giveaways, share recipes and videos that appeal to me, and on occasion pics of my dogs and cats!

Also, A Christmas Homecoming is book #5 in my Bar V5 Ranch series.

Book #1 – Home For Christmas – http://www.amazon.com/Home-Christmas-Copper-Mountain-Book-ebook/dp/B00GEHN8ZW/

Book #2 – Mistletoe Magic – Free short story – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GUZ195O/

Book #3 – Kiss Me, Cowboy – http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Cowboy-Montana-Born-Rodeo-ebook/dp/B00NF0LNFI/

Book #4 – Mistletoe Wedding – http://www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Wedding-Montana-Born-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00NPMPNE8/

Merry Christmas,

XOXO!

Deb