'Twas the Spy Before Christmas

By Connie Keenan

Handsome Dan O'Neal has always been something of a mystery to everyone in his life, even his own family. No longer working for the covert organization known only as W.U.O., he’s leaving that part of his life behind and starting over in a small mountainside town. This is the first Christmas in a long time that he’ll be spending with his kids, both now young adults. That’s before a major—and very attractive—distraction comes his way in the form of Beth Gardner, an alluring widow. Will something come of this heat-infused Christmas romance? Or will his alter ego, Agent Cameron, get between him and the new woman in his life? Find out in this fun and quirky holiday romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Connie Keenan
• Release date: Nov 26, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465759337

Connie Keenan

Connie Keenan, who has also written under the pseudonym Consuelo Vazquez, is the author of more than twenty-five novels and novellas and over one hundred short stories. With many more works to come, she's mostly written Christian fiction and sweet contemporary romance. She loves hiking, discovering fun little shops, trying out new recipes, and spending time with her family. Connie and her husband Bill live in North Carolina with a spoiled German Shepherd and two sassy Chihuahuas.

Book preview

’TWAS

THE SPY

BEFORE

CHRISTMAS

By Connie Keenan

For Brandon & Yesica

’TWAS THE SPY BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Connie Keenan

Copyright © 2011 by Connie Keenan

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CHAPTER ONE

The dress was a size six. A size six that fit her like a glove. Beth Gardner would have bought it for that reason alone, if it wasn’t such a totally frivolous waste of money. She lingered in front of the mirror, giggling to herself.

It’s probably really just a small size ten, she announced at last.

No, Mom, I’m telling you it’s a size six, her daughter argued. That’s how much weight you lost these past few months. Not only does it fit you and it’d be perfect for the party, but it’s a great price, too. Splurge a little and buy it.

I don’t think so. Just because something fits, doesn’t mean it’s age-appropriate, Lindsay. This is something that would look great on you. On me, it looks like I should’ve worn it a few decades ago.

A nearby sales associate overheard Beth’s comment and laughed lightly, then quickly added, Actually, that’s not true. You look very stunning. And with that figure, you can definitely get away with it.

It took a moment for her to recover enough to mumble a delayed, Thank you. She turned again to face the full-length mirror placed right outside of the department store’s dressing room.

It wasn’t that Beth Gardner wasn’t used to compliments. She’d received enough of those about her hair and her taste in clothes, purses and such. But being complimented on her figure? That was a new one. Then again, she’d spent much of the past several years being over thirty pounds overweight.

That woman standing in the mirror was almost unrecognizable. The dress was the shortest she’d worn since before she’d become a bride at the age of twenty-one, certainly shorter than the below-the-knees, conservative dresses and long gypsy skirts in her closet. A classic little black dress, with a V neckline and back that accentuated her now more pronounced collarbones and slender shoulders. It was sleeveless, with a gathering in the front, and in actuality the hem only came about two inches above the knee. She was still showing a bit more leg than usual.

Simple black pumps would look very sexy with that, her eighteen-year-old daughter explained, standing right behind her. You don’t want to wear too much. Just a pretty bracelet. Something not too chunky. You know, just the right amount of bling.

Hmmmm. It’s a nice thought, Linds, but I really don’t think I’m going to the party.

Lindsay tossed her head in exasperation. But why not? Mom, it’s a Christmas party. You have to go.

No, I don’t have to go.

"But it’s Christmas!"

Exactly. You know what that means. I have so much to do. Shopping, getting the house ready, all that stuff. I don’t have time for parties. Besides, I can’t take Chloe with me. The grownups there wouldn’t appreciate a little girl getting fussy—

That’s not an excuse. She’s got her Aunt Lindsay to hang out with while you go party the night away. Her daughter drew closer and stage-whispered into her ear, Buy the dress, Mom. Go to the party. You’re only young once. And you’re young!

Beth sighed. I appreciate the thought, honey. But I’m forty-six. And I’m raising my granddaughter. My days of wearing a dress like this are over.

"Mom, for the love of—buy the dress. Or I’ll buy it for you."

That strain in Lindsay’s voice wasn’t typical of her. She wasn’t a drama queen, though they both joked about Chloe having a dramatic side, taking after her mother in that area. To Beth’s surprise, her eyes, which were as hazel as her father’s had been, had glistened over with unshed tears.

Why is this so important to you? she whispered.

Because it is, Mom. Because we lost Daddy and then we lost Heather. And, like you said, you’re raising another little kid. You’ve been through a lot these past few years and you’ve got a lot on your plate. So please do this for me. Make me happy. Buy the dress and go to the party. It’ll only be for a couple of hours anyway.

Reluctantly, Beth glanced at the price tag again. It wasn’t that expensive, in all honestly. With the promotion discount card the store had sent in the mail, she’d even get an additional twenty percent off the total, bringing the price to a few dollars under a hundred. It was still a frivolous purchase.

But didn’t a woman have the right to be a little frivolous sometimes?

And it was a size six, after all.

Okay, fine. I’ll get it. And I’ll go to the party, she conceded.

Yes! Lindsay gave her a squeeze and a peck on the cheek. I knew you’d see it my way! Be honest now, Mother. Am I not wise beyond my years?

You’re a major pain in the butt, is what you are. In spite of herself, Beth had trouble holding back a smile. Listen, if people start drinking too much and acting ridiculous, I’m out of there.

"That’s fine. Stay at least an hour and a half. Just long enough to catch up with Uncle Trace and Aunt Alondra. Plus show off your outfit and sample