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    Granting Christmas: A Blue Spruce Lodge Romance
    Granting Christmas: A Blue Spruce Lodge Romance
    Granting Christmas: A Blue Spruce Lodge Romance
    Ebook74 pages1 hour

    Granting Christmas: A Blue Spruce Lodge Romance

    By Gail Harkins

    ()

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    About this ebook

    What would make a perfect Christmas?

    For Kayla Barent, it's finishing her application for the prestigious Lassiter Prize, an important step to advance her career. She doesn't have time to fall in love.

    For Austin Fox, it's a relaxing, rustic Christmas away from matchmaking friends (who always get it wrong) before throwing his heart into his new business.

    Neither wants to fall in love. But Christmas amidst the ancient forests of the remote Blue Spruce Lodge can change things. Will these two have the Christmas they each hope for, or the Christmas of their dreams?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherGail Harkins
    Release dateOct 30, 2016
    ISBN9781540125613
    Granting Christmas: A Blue Spruce Lodge Romance

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      Book preview

      Granting Christmas - Gail Harkins

      Granting Christmas

      a Blue Spruce Lodge Romance

      Gail Harkins

      Published by Rainforest Press

      Copyright ©2016 Gail Dutton

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

      Table of Contents

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

      Epilogue

      Note from the Author

      Granting Christmas

      a Blue Spruce Lodge Romance

      by Gail Harkins

      Chapter 1

      Lanie held the smart phone gingerly, dangling it through her suitemate’s partially closed door. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas... Bing Crosby crooned. Freshly manicured nails – red – punctuated the message.

      Well? she popped her head through the door. "Are you coming to the party?

      Thanks for the invite, but you know I can’t. You go ahead. Kayla Barent tightened her low ponytail, then returned her attention to her computer screen. The steady clicking of keys was a counterpoint to the jaunty carol playing through slightly tinny speakers.

      Kayla, it’s nearly Christmas. Take a break. The world is partying. You should be, too. Lanie stretched to her tiptoes and taped a holly sprig, probably clipped from the apartment building’s landscaping, to the doorframe.

      As her high heels clicked against the floor, Watson’s ears perked up. The Schnauzer raised his head from the dog bed, watching the two expectantly.

      Kayla shook her head, never taking her eyes from her computer. Can’t. The Lassiter submission is due after Christmas. Everything’s riding on me winning this research grant.

      I’m sure you’re exaggerating. Besides, the application isn’t due till after Christmas. An evening partying in SoDo won’t hurt. My friends are christening their new loft, and if that’s a flop, some trendy bars have just opened nearby. She paused to judge Kayla’s reaction. Getting out will clear your head. Help you think better. Besides, she added, you might even meet someone interesting.

      Kayla rolled her eyes. As if I had time for a relationship. I’m 27. Everyone I know is so deep into their work they barely look up.

      Watson sighed and laid his head on his paws.

      Hence, the party, Lanie persisted. You need to meet new people. Get to know some guys whose closest friends aren’t white mice!

      The corner of Kayla’s mouth twitched up a fraction.

      See? Lanie’s brow lifted. You know I’m right. Admit it and come with me. Or don’t admit it, but come anyway.

      Truthfully? Kayla leaned back into her desk chair, took her hands off the keyboard and swiveled to face her best friend. I’d love to go to a party. Cut lose and just relax, but I can’t. Truly. Everything – literally everything – is riding on me winning this grant money. The head of my lab can’t stay on much longer, and if he does I’m out of a job. I’ve been so busy on my research and getting this application ready that I haven’t had time to think of contingencies. Unless I win, I’ll be out of grant money for my research, which also means I’ll be out of a job in the spring. So, I’m down two ways!

      Swiveling back to her computer, Kayla glanced at a chart lying atop the pile of scientific papers on her desk, typed in a number and turned toward her suitemate, leaning against the doorframe. Something sparkly in her roommate’s figure-hugging red dress caught the light. Kayla pushed up her glasses. Trust me. With you in that dress, nobody will notice that I’m not there.

      Lanie ran her hand up her thigh, emphasizing the contours of her body. This does look good, but sweetie, you haven’t been out in how long? You need a man in your life! A little fun. Change your mind. I’ll loan you that dress you like so much. Together, we’ll knock ‘em dead.

      Really?! The green one? Kayla looked up from her computer screen. Wearing that dress to a party was a real temptation. Such a contrast to the jeans and sweaters she wore around the lab. Just trying it on in Lanie’s room once had made her feel like a movie star on the red carpet.  It was sexy and commanded attention. Attention...she sighed... that she should direct to her research. Kayla ran a finger around a strand of coppery hair that had escaped her ponytail...again. You’re tempting me...but...I really need to finish this.

      Quit hiding behind work. You need some excitement! Lanie countered.

      I’m not hiding! I really do have to finish this. Her lips pulled into a disappointed, distracted line. Maybe I’ll go with you next time. Now get out of here before I change my mind. Kayla waved her friend out the door. Have enough fun for both of us!

      Lanie grimaced. Remember to at least walk Watson. The little guy needs to get out as much as you.

      In a minute.

      Never mind, Lanie grumbled. "I’ll take him. Come on Watson! Let’s go for a walk. If

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