The Christmas Key by Chacelyn Pierce Read Free Book Online Page B

back into her bones as she found herself alone on Christmas anyway. Well, at least it was only half the day. She and Xander had been pretty busy in the early morning.
    The crackle of the fire caught her attention as well as the photo album stuffed into the corner. Back to square one. At least Xander had the decency to start a fire before he high-tailed it out without a goodbye. He also took her mind off Nathan for a little bit, which had been a blessing in itself.
    She refused to let sorrow become a theme for her in this cabin. Shalaine had a great career, friends, and her health. Wasting her time moping over a deadbeat like Nathan made it seem like she had nothing to live for. That wasn't true.
    Sh alaine sat down in front of the fire, leaned forward, and grabbed the photo album. She ran her fingers along the gold lettering on the cover. Sorting through them, trying to find the best shots of just her to keep, seemed tedious and she didn’t feel like doing it anymore. Any photos she kept would be a reminder of him since he was the one to snap the photos. There wasn't any need to salvage anything from something that wasn't real.
    She pitched the whole album into the fire and curled her nose up at the awkward smell. That time in her life was gone . She didn't need any reminders of the lies Nathan had lived with her. She needed to start fresh and she could now. Shalaine had been limiting herself at work by not interviewing Xander and many other important celebrities. Many important opportunities had been turned down. No wonder Tia hadn't raised the subject of a promotion. That all ended now, in the fire. In the flames, more than just her photos burned.
    Something to the left caught her eye. Under the undecorated tree was a folded piece of paper propped up like a tent. After scrambling over on her hands and knees, she snatched the paper. A car key bounced out onto the wooden floor with a loud plop. On the page, Xander's calligraphy was legible and brief.
     
    Beautiful Shalaine,
     
    As you know, I'm a busy man with opportunities knocking briefly at my door before they're gone for good. I had to leave, but I didn't want to walk away from you forever. You looked so happy sleeping and your happiness was something I was glad to see. I knew if you saw me leaving, I'd be compelled to stay by your side and lose an opportunity that would have even you kicking my ass. Earlier you spoke of keys and locks being people and the relationships they find with others. Still a skeptic on that one…sorry. Anyway, I wanted you to know that I enjoyed spending time with you this holiday and hope to do it again. I may never give you a key to my heart, but I will give you a key because I want to see you again. No, scratch that, I will see you again. This is the key to my Maserati and as soon as I get the chance, I'll be by to collect it from you. Keep it safe. I love that car. This isn't a goodbye but an, "I'll see you again soon". Take care and Merry Christmas, Shalaine.
    -X
     

NINE
     
    Four months later
    Tia burst through the door of Shalaine's office, her face a flushed red. Her bubbling laugher was giddy and high and Shalaine wondered if her boss had sipped an alcoholic beverage during her early lunch. The woman closed the door in a flurry of movement that caused her to wobble on her heels. Pressing her body against the door, she placed a well-manicured hand on her chest and glared at Shalaine as she tried to calm down. Her labored breaths caused her breasts to rise and fall in a distracting manner and Shalaine set her pen down and locked her fingers on the desk. Tia had a way of being over-dramatic about things. Shalaine had a suspicion that her boss's Hollywood crush, Kaden Lennox, was the reason for the ruffled feathers.
    "What's going on, Tia?"
    "What has been your fantasy for years, Shay?"
    Shalaine was at a loss for words . Pushing back from her desk, she gave Tia a worried glance. "Tia what—?"
    Tia snapped her fingers in a flash of hot