Snowed Over (A Christmas Novella) (15 page)

“Thanks, but I’ll keep it with me, my laptop is in there.”

“Okay.” He reached for the shopping bag.

“I’ll keep these up front, too. They’re presents from my mom and sister. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to them.” She watched him, hoping for some sign that he was glad to see her.

Alex raised an eyebrow. “Suit yourself.”
 

He paused and stared at her. She wished she could read his thoughts. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out her red scarf. She’d forgotten all about it.

With gentle hands, Alex wrapped the scarf around her neck and tucked it in. She smiled. The scarf smelled like Alex. His fingers grazed her cheek.
 

He peered into her eyes, then learned forward and captured her mouth. The familiar touch of his lips on hers sent warm shivers through her. He kissed her long and slow. She savored his sweetness.
 

His lips pulled away. Katie sighed. Alex gave a satisfied nod, walked around, and hopped back in the truck.

Katie glowed all over. Wasting no time, she maneuvered her remaining bags into the cab and climbed in. It was a tight fit. She squeezed her bags to the floor and noticed the cup holder.

There were two cups of steaming coffee side by side.

New Year’s Eve

“Come on, give me a hint. Where are we going?” Katie begged Alex to tell.

He grinned. “You’ll know soon enough.”

They walked hand in hand, their fingers threaded together. He and Katie had hung out a couple times since returning to Madison a few days ago, but this was their first official date, and he planned to make it a date she’d never forget.

Ever since Alex had broken it off with Trina on Christmas Day, he’d never felt happier. Sitting at Trina’s kitchen table with both her parents, he had pointed out Trina’s lies about the pregnancy and the fact that they were different people now than they were in high school. Trina took it better than he thought. She didn’t have a tantrum or call him names. Her dad didn’t hit him, but her mother did cry.

Trina managed to get a jab in when she handed back the ring. She said she’d always wanted a bigger diamond anyway. He heard that the next day she was out with another guy.

Alex squeezed Katie’s hand as they turned the corner. They joined a huge stream of people walking toward the Kohl Center, the university’s athletic complex where all the big events took place.
 

“Are we going to a hockey game?” she asked.

Alex laughed. “No, this will be much better than a hockey game. I thought we should start a new tradition of our own.”

“Like getting snowed in at a cabin every Christmas?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

They crossed the street with a crowd of others. Katie spotted tour buses up ahead. “Is that what I think? Oh, Alex!” She pulled him along until she could get a closer view.

A row of tour buses and semi-trailers lined the street. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra logo was painted across them.

“I can’t believe you remembered!” She hugged him.
 

“How could I forget? You went on and on about them.”

“I didn’t even realize they were in town. I guess with my parents’ separation, I never paid attention to when the band was coming. I knew I wasn’t going to see them.”

“Well, you are now.” He lowered his forehead to hers. “Having you climb into my truck is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Katie grinned. “Me too.”

Alex kissed her sweet mouth. Snow began to fall.
 

Katie led him toward the building. “Come on! Let’s go! We don’t want to be late.”

The end

~~~

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for reading Snowed Over. I hope you enjoyed it.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. The memories and emotions we experienced as children have set the bar, and we spend our lives trying to recreate the magic. I’ve always loved Christmas romances and buy a few new ones every year. I hope you enjoyed this one.
 

The holiday season can be the happiest and sometimes the saddest time of year. I know this first hand. So wherever you are and whatever joys or challenges you are facing, I wish you a magical, dream-filled Christmas season.

If you loved this book, please tell all your friends, and post a review on the site where you purchased it.
 

Cheers,

Angie Stanton

For more information on this book and other news, please “Like” my Facebook page:
http://facebook.com/AngieStantonAuthor

My blog:
http://angiestanton.wordpress.com

Twitter: @angie_stanton

About the Author ~ Angie Stanton

Angie Stanton never planned on writing books, she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in a rural setting with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head she began to write them down and the rest is history.

She loves dipping french fries in chocolate shakes, natural disaster movies and Broadway Musicals. When not writing, Angie is concocting ways to make more dreams come true, whether it be tickets to a Broadway show or convincing her family they should rent an RV and travel the country. She's still working on that one.

Angie is a proud double finalist of the 2011 National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em, as well as a finalist for the Golden Quill Awards.

Special thanks:

To my husband, for understanding that, yes, I need to listen to Christmas music in August.

To my kids, for staying supportive as their mom follows her dreams. I love you more every day.

To my awesome critique partners and editors, Linda Schmalz, Debi Farr, and Rachel Michaels.
 

To Trans-Siberian Orchestra, for making such amazing music.
 

To the gifted author, Christine Merrill, she showed me the way, and I will always be grateful.

And finally to my special group of author friends who have been changing the face of publishing. You inspire me, you get me through the day, and most of all, you make me spew soda at my computer screen! Viva la Pagina!
 

More books by Angie Stanton

Rock and a Hard Place

Wow! Rock and a Hard Place took me places I didn’t expect to go. I thought I had this book all figured out from the description, but it was so much more.
   

~ Reading, Eating & Dreaming

This book was so good! I started reading it, expecting the typical pop star and normal teen romance, but that’s not what I got. I would recommend this 1000%! GREAT, GREAT, GREAT read!

~
lowshie

This book was an absolute joy to read. I laughed and loved with Libby and Peter, but even more, I cried as if it were actually happening to me.

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fasnfuurious

Snapshot

Well Angie did it again.....I thought this book was just as wonderful as the first Jamieson book.

~Jennifer

Angie Stanton's latest, Snapshot, is exactly what YA fans have come to expect–it's relevant, funny and makes you fall in love with fictional people! Snapshot is a great follow-up to Rock and a Hard Place.

~Claire912

I am a sucker for romance and this had everything that I love in a book. Young, true love, heartbreak, ups and downs and a couple who will fight to be together. LOVED IT

~NicholasMom

Dream Chaser

Giggling, laughing out loud, reading parts to anyone who will listen—Fun, delightful love story.
   

~ The Book Runner

This novel will sweep you off your feet. Angie Stanton is an asset to young adult literature.

~
Reading, Eating & Dreaming

Dream Chaser is the absolute most amazing book I have ever read! It will have you laughing, crying and cheering the characters on.

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Amy C.

Love ’em or Leave ’em

Awesome story line. I was hooked from the start. Amusing, fun read.

~Tanya
 

For all the fans of reality shows like “The Bachelor” you’re going to especially love this book!

~ Meg Valentine

I loved this book. It was like watching the Bachelor or Bachelorette!