One Sweet Christmas (novella) (3 page)

She tossed the cookie pan into the large sink and turned on the tap. ‘Let me make this perfectly clear. I did not pursue you. You were all over me, and you deserved exactly what…’ Candi stopped. She grabbed the water tap and violently twisted the knob.

‘What
did
happen that night?’ Jackson clenched his fists, anxiety clawing at his chest.

‘You don’t remember anything?’

‘I gave you my keys and we left the lounge. That’s as far as my memory goes.’

‘So, you don’t recall bragging to your friends? How you were going to take me to bed and make all my fantasies come true? It gets better. Shall I continue?’

‘I…’ Jackson paused. He wanted to deny he ever said anything so crude about Candi, but he couldn’t. Somewhere, deep in his subconscious, those words haunted him.

Jackson stared into space. The embarrassment on his face boosted Candi’s confidence. The burn on her arm stung, though not nearly as bad as Jackson’s betrayal of their friendship.

Candi remembered that night as if it were yesterday. She had been in the city, picking up supplies for the shop when she saw Jackson’s convertible in the lounge parking lot. She should have continued on her errands, but her curiosity won out.

He sat in a corner booth with a few of his old high school buddies, and based on his bellowing and abrupt banging on the table, he was loaded, drunk. Candi walked to the bar and ordered a bottle of water. Jackson immediately locked eyes on her and called her over to join them. Ignoring him wasn’t an option, not unless she wanted a disturbance. The other patrons in the lounge grimaced at his obnoxious behaviour. She reluctantly approached the and he pulled her beside him on the seat, his arm dangling heavily across her shoulders.

An hour later, Candi had finally convinced Jackson to hand over his keys. She went outside and parked his car by the door, but when he didn’t show she went back inside to fetch him. That was when she overheard his arrogant comments. He even went so far as to bet money on his conquest.

Candi’s heart broke at his words. She couldn’t move or breathe. She thought Jackson cared for her, at least as a friend. His ruthless attitude had been worse than any bullying she received in school.

Her mood had soured, and how she mustered the strength to walk around the corner of the booth, she’ll never know. She had grabbed his shirt collar and physically dragged him outside, resisting the urge to kick him to the curb.

Candi washed the dishes in the sink and set them on a tray to dry. She inhaled a deep breath before turning to face Jackson. ‘I heard you when I came back in. You were making a bet with your friends, bragging and talking smut about me.’ Her voice trembled and a bitter chill seeped into her bones. ‘You knew how I felt about you, and still you acted as if I was one of those slutty cheerleaders who always pawed you. I thought you cared — ’

‘I did!’ Jackson interrupted. ‘I had no idea you were there.’

‘And that’s supposed to make me feel better?’

‘I was drunk and showing off. I never meant to hurt you.’ Jackson’s Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. ‘I get it that you were pissed, but marriage as a payback?’

‘No.’ Candi wiped the counter with a damp cloth, anything to keep her hands busy. ‘You asked me to drive around for a while, and that’s when you told me about the fight with your father.’ She threw the cloth in the sink. ‘I actually felt sorry for you, even after what you’d said at the lounge.’

Candi had pulled over to the side of the road and held Jackson in her arms, sobbing and blubbering. That’s when he kissed her, hard and demanding. She let her guard down and he swooped in like an eagle after its prey. She should have pushed him away, told him to stop, but she couldn’t. The man she loved with every inch of her being was kissing her. Making her toes curl with desire she never knew existed.

‘You…you kissed me, and…’

‘We had sex in my car?’ Jackson’s eyes went wide, his lips parting.

‘If you had your way, we would have.’ Candi blushed and stared at the spice rack behind his shoulder. ‘I got nervous, pushed you away, and then I told you I hadn’t had sex before. I didn’t want my first time to be in the back seat of your car.’

Jackson raked a hand through his hair. ‘I convinced you to marry me so you’d have sex with me?’

‘Not exactly. You suggested a hotel. We stopped for gas and you won a candy ring from a gumball machine. You asked me to marry you, even went down on one knee in the parking lot.’ She paused. At the time, his actions seemed sweet and genuine. ‘I refused and you pounced on me again in the car. I thought it was all about the bet you made, that you were using me to prove what a stud you were. I got angry and drove us to the little chapel on Willow Lane.’ Candi nudged a crumb on the floor with the tip of her shoe, avoiding his eyes. ‘Did I take advantage of the situation, yes, but not because I was desperate. You deserved to pay for your despicable plan.’

Silence swallowed the room. ‘Wow, I never would have thought you had it in you.’ Jackson laughed light-heartedly. ‘You lived by the book growing up. You tried being rebellious with your dark hair and make-up, but everyone knew you wouldn’t harm a fly. The brainy Goth girl, isn’t that what they called you?’

Candi refused to answer. She had been teased in school — too smart — the teacher’s pet. When she cut her hair and dyed it black, added dark mascara and painted her nails black, her parents almost had a heart attack. But her plan worked, the mockery stopped. The bullies soon became afraid of her.

‘So, we got married and then what? Did we go to the hotel and make wild passionate love?’ Jackson swaggered toward her, leaning on the counter with one hand.

Such arrogance! Candi wanted to slap that smug smirk off his face. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction by telling him the truth. ‘You passed out. I threw our wedding certificate in a box in the trunk of your car and left. The end.’

He slumped, seeming almost disappointed. ‘As much as I’d like to make up for our lost wedding night, unfortunately, time is of the essence.’ Jackson reached inside the breast pocket of his suit jacket and withdrew another envelope, passing it to her.

Candi stared into his cold blue eyes. Whatever lay inside the envelope couldn’t be good. She unfolded the paper and scanned the contents. ‘You want a divorce?’

‘
Need
is more accurate. The business deal I’m involved in requires that I am a single man. Long story, but the guy has issues with women, claims they tend to get in the way of business.’

Candi snapped her eyes up and searched his face. She sighed in relief. She thought he was going to say he’d found the love of his life and wanted to marry. Leave it to Jackson to be all about business.

A thought popped inside her head. Two could play that game. He might be a bit too tall, but nothing a quick readjustment to a hem couldn’t fix.

Jackson walked to Candi’s desk, picked up a pen, and offered it to her. ‘If you wouldn’t mind, I’m in a hurry.’

She tapped the pen against her chin. Yes, this plan could work.

‘Why the hesitation? I thought you’d be just as eager to end our marriage.’

Not just yet
. Candi had a problem and Jackson was her solution. ‘You need a divorce, I need a Santa.’

He raised an eyebrow. ‘Why do I get the feeling the two are connected?’

She curled the corners of her lips in a sinister smile.

‘No…no way!’ Jackson stepped back, colliding with the wall. ‘Candi, if you think I’m going to play Santa, you’re out of your damn mind!’

‘No Santa, no divorce.’ Candi flicked the pen through the air and it clattered onto her desk.

Jackson could read Candi’s expressions. They’d spent a lot of time together, hours — she’d tutored him through high school. When she pressed her lips together and squared her shoulders, end of discussion. Her way or the doorway. ‘Come on, Candi. That’s not fair. I couldn’t stay even if I wanted to. I have to catch a flight, an important business deal to close.’

‘Christmas is only a few days away. I’m sure your transaction can wait.’

‘Sure, if I’m willing to lose three point five million.’

The divorce papers in Candi’s hand fluttered to the floor. She blinked rapidly. ‘You’re lying, just to get me to sign the papers.’

Jackson retrieved the document and placed it on the counter. He stepped toward Candi and clasped her hands, hoping a little charm might seal the deal. ‘I’m truly sorry about the things I said and for my behaviour. Deep down, you know I’d never intentionally do anything to hurt you. You’re the reason I’m the successful businessman I am today. I owe you everything. But I want this contract and I need your help. I’ll even send you a little token of my appreciation.’ He glanced around the room. ‘This place could use some work.’

Candi’s hands trembled in his. They were small and soft, and he couldn’t resist caressing her palms with his thumbs. A memory flashed through his mind, but before he could grasp hold of it, Candi yanked her hands from his and pushed his chest, sending him reeling backwards.

‘I don’t need your pay-off. What I need is a Santa. I promised the children and they’re not going to be disappointed.’ She pressed her lips tight a second time.

‘I’m sure someone in town could volunteer.’

‘Our regular Santa is ill and everyone else is busy.’ She picked up the divorce papers and held the top edge in her fingertips, ready to tear. ‘You’ll be out of here the day before Christmas Eve. Four days of Santa and I’ll sign the papers. That’s my final offer. Take it or leave it.’ She tore a small slit in the centre.

‘Okay, okay, I’ll do it.’ Jackson shook his head. Spending a few days in town would not only put his business deal at risk, but stir up emotions he’d put to rest long ago.

‘I’ll hold on to this.’ Candi waved the document in front of his face. ‘In case you change your mind. And no one knows about us being married, so don’t trek around town dropping the bomb.’

‘You didn’t tell
anyone
?’

‘No.’

Thanks to Jackson, Candi had to bake another batch of acorn cookies, which set her schedule back at least an hour. She called Violet to let her know she wouldn’t be able to help with dinner at the inn and went back to work.

The last thing Candi wanted to do was to bake, but those cookies in the trash bin were meant for the carollers. She gathered the ingredients and creamed the butter and sugar. The simple baking process that usually took 30 minutes lasted over an hour. Candi checked and double-checked her measurements, too preoccupied to concentrate.

Why did she ask Jackson to play Santa? And why on earth did he agree? She never expected him to give in so easily. He wasn’t even fond of children. They made him nervous, which meant the kids would be just as apprehensive. His awkward actions might make them edgy. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, after all. She should have just signed the divorce papers and disappeared from his life a second and final time.

She placed the large baking pan in the oven and set the timer for 10 minutes. While the cookies baked, Candi started a tray of vanilla swirl fudge, crushing the candy canes before adding them to the mixture.

Maybe he agreed to stay as punishment for their marriage. She wanted retribution that night, but she shouldn’t have mixed anger with infatuation. They drove to the chapel and before she knew what had happened, they were married. Going through with the vows had been wrong, but Candi did nothing to stop them. Her obsession with Jackson had clouded her thinking.

The next day, after her judgement cleared, Candi tried to do the right thing. She went to the chapel and asked the minister to void the wedding. He asked if they consummated their marriage, and when she blushed in response, he shook his head. The minister told her to wait a few months, give love a chance. If she returned and still wanted an annulment, he’d file the papers for her. Candi never returned.

And Jackson never called. She guessed his memory might be foggy, but to not remember
anything
? How could he forget their lovemaking? The heated kisses, whispered promises. The tender caresses and ultimate release?

The timer buzzed, bringing Candi’s thoughts back to the bakery. She removed the cookies and placed them on a cooling rack before returning to the vanilla fudge. She stirred in the crushed candy canes and vanilla extract until the mixture was blended, and then poured it into a foil-lined pan. Using a knife, she swirled red food colouring through the fudge. After placing the pan in the refrigerator, she breathed deep, taking a moment to clear her head. Too much needed to be done, and wasting time thinking about Jackson wouldn’t increase production.

Candi flicked on the CD player and turned up the volume. She reached for a clean mixing bowl, allowing the Christmas music to soothe her nerves.

Thankfully Jackson had packed an overnight bag. Surprising, since he originally had no intention of staying. This stopover was meant to be a quick in-and-out. He should be on his way to the Bahamas, soaking up some sun and women. Instead, he booked a room and walked the snowy main street of Redford Falls.

With darkness falling over the town, most of the shops were closed. Jackson roamed the town inconspicuously, not worried about being recognized. A light snow descended, dusting the handmade wreaths hanging from the lamp posts. Coloured mini-lights draped pole to pole, twinkling in the night sky.

Many of the same shops from his childhood still lined the street. The pharmacy, hardware store, library, post office, convenience store, restaurant and, of course, the chocolate shop. New to the main strip were a shoe store, a pizza joint, and a few clothing boutiques.

Each storefront was decorated for the holiday season. Sparkling lights glistened radiant colours across glass ornaments that hung from garlands. A few windows were hand-painted, while others contained figurines. Santa’s village, a peaceful manger scene, a family of snowmen, and a barn filled with reindeer could all win awards for their beauty. But in Jackson’s opinion, Candi’s window should be honoured with top prize for its magnificence and creativity. He was surprised he hadn’t noticed the decorations when he arrived.