A New Tradition Read Online Free

own napkin and fork as though he knew exactly where everything was.
    “What?” His firm mouth curled as if always on the verge of laughter.
    “I’m sorry. I was just watching how comfortable you are here.” As if I minded. I couldn’t have planned a better night if I tried. The Rum and Monkey was a distant memory. “I mean, I don’t even know you.”
    He took his plate and wine, walking into the family room and sat on the couch.
    “Before I tell you anything, I need you to explain why you are dressed up.” He took a sip of wine, and then sat it on the coffee table. “And spending Christmas Eve alone.”
    “My parents are on a once in a lifetime trip to England. I have a very important, life-changing meeting in the morning, so I opted out of going to any other family member or friend functions.” I sat down next to him and smoothed out my black ball gown. “I was looking forward to coming to the cabin for a little relaxation and some time with Audrey. My girlfriends and I started having our annual Audrey Christmas Eve movie and going out for karaoke at the Rum and Monkey tradition years ago, but like I said, I have a life changing meeting in the morning.”
    “On Christmas?” His brows drew together in a frown.
    “Like I said, life-changing.” I took a bite. “Of course my girlfriends begged me to stay at home, but I didn’t want to chance having too much to drink and not getting up in time for my meeting.”
    “You aren’t going to be going anywhere in this storm. Especially in that old Mercedes of yours.” He rose in one fluid motion and went over to stoke the fire.
    I tried not to stare at him and turned my attention to Holly Golightly as she held her coffee cup and doughnut while she admired the jewels in Tiffany’s window, with Moon River playing in the background.
    “You do kind of look like her.” His words made my heart swoon. I could feel his sexual magnetism that made him so confident. “I’m sorry. Did I offend you?”
    “No, not at a-l-l (I draw out the word into several syllables). It’s just that I feel so silly dressed like this when I only do it once a year.” I picked up my wine glass. “Here’s to a new tradition.”
    He picked up his glass and we toasted. He sat his glass on the table and with his powerful hands he yanked me up to my feet.
    “Let’s not waste a good song or dress.” He pulled me to him and led me around the room as we danced to the instrumental version of Moon River.
    His steady gaze traveled over my face and searched my eyes.
    My body tingled as he swept me weightlessly around the room.
    “You have obviously had dance lessons.” I had to break the silence or my body was going to melt right then and there.
    “My parents sent me to the finest schools.” He danced me around to the couch and pulled away, bowing down. “Thank you, Ms. Golightly.”
    “No, thank you.” I tried to do my best accent, sad that the dance was over. “So tell me about you.”
    I had to know more. There was no way this handsome stranger was going to come into my life and leave in a couple of hours, never to be seen again. My desire to learn everything about him burned a place in my heart.
    “I’m a bit of a loner.” He sat back and melted into the cozy couch, relaxed. “My parents sent me to the finest boarding schools and on to Harvard for my higher education. They are busy living their lives as I continue to do what I know best.”
    “What’s that?” My heart, and body, ached for him. What a sad story. I couldn’t imagine having that type of relationship with my family.
    “I bury myself in my work.” He stood up, his body towering over me. A brief shiver rippled through me. He walked back into the kitchen, reappearing with the bottle of wine. “I bought the old Turner farm about six months ago.”
    “Oh, so you are from around here?” I had to know how he found out about the property.
    “Nah, I’m a California boy.” He twirled a little curl from his golden