Ms. Claus Wears Stilettos

By Glenna West, C. Deanne Rowe and Magnolia "Maggie" Rivers

The Stiletto Girls was created when Glenna West, C. Deanne Rowe, and Maggie Rivers took a much needed break from life and spent a week sitting on the deck of Glenna’s antebellum home on a lake.

When three writers get together with lap-tops, books and enough good ol’ Southern food to supply an army, fun things happen. Enjoy three short stories from three different authors!

Merry Christmas Dr. McGorgeous – Glenna West

Alissa Brandt’s Christmas spirit is tested when her boyfriend steals her savings then runs off with her best friend leaving her broke and alone at Christmas.  Could Dr. Rush Jones help her replace what she has lost? 

Christmas at Sunnydale - C. Deanne Rowe

While helping her aging aunt finish writing her last book, Angelique Rose Taylor finds the romance easy to write but struggles with the hot, steamy, love scenes for which her aunt is well known.  She struggles, that is, until she meets Jason Palmer.  There is nothing like lust and desire to help spur Angelique's muse.  Wait until she finds out what Santa Claus is bringing her for Christmas.

A Christmas Delivery - Magnolia “Maggie” Rivers

When Santa’s Corvette hits a snow bank on his way to deliver Christmas presents, it’s up to Micki McAllister, the town’s mechanic and tow truck driver, to get him out of the mess.  Sparks fly as Santa delivers a Christmas memory Micki’s not likely to forget.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Citrine Group, LLC
• Release date: Sep 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781946122094

Book preview

Citrine Group, L.L.C.

Ms. Claus Wears Stilettos

by Glenna West, C. Deanne Rowe,  

and Magnolia Maggie Rivers

(also known as The Stiletto Girls)

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Published by Citrine Group, L.L.C.

Des Moines, IA

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Copyright © September 2013

by Citrine Group, L.L.C.

This book is a work of fiction.  Names, places, characters, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination, or, if real, used fictitiously.  Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

All Rights Reserved.  Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this book in whole or in part in any form, electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the authors.

First Printing: September 2013

Print copy:

ISBN-10:  1-946122-02-5

ISBN-13:  978-1-946122-02-5

E-book:

ISBN-10:  1-946122-09-2

ISBN-13:  978-1-946122-09-4

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Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

For all of our husbands, families, friends, coworkers, classmates and fans.  We would like to thank you.  You made our first book, Blue Jeans and Stilettos, a success and our first book launch, with over two hundred people in attendance, one of the most amazing nights of our lives.  There are no words to express how much we appreciate your letters, notes and emails telling us how much you loved our stories, how they made you laugh and cry, how you would love to change places with our characters or how you just couldn’t put the book down and stayed up all hours of the night reading until it was finished.  These are the highest compliments you can pay a writer.  We love all of you and wish you nothing but health and happiness.  Above all, may your dreams come true just as ours have done.

The Stiletto Girls – Glenna West, C. Deanne Rowe, and Magnolia Maggie Rivers.

Contents

Merry Christmas Dr. McGorgeous. . . . . . . . . 1

by Glenna West 

Christmas at Sunnydale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

by C. Deanne Rowe    

A Christmas Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

by Magnolia Maggie Rivers

Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283

The Stiletto Girls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

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THE LEGEND OF

THE CHILI PEPPER

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For our many fans, we’ve denoted the degree of hotness in our stories by the designation of chili peppers – one being Spicy, two being Steamy and three being Whoa Mama!  Take a chance and read all three!

MERRY CHRISTMAS DR. MCGORGEOUS

By

Glenna West

CHAPTER ONE

You no-good son of a bitch, Alissa couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Her eyes blurred with tears as a picture a friend had found posted on Facebook and forwarded to her cell finished downloading. No wonder you haven’t answered your phone and you too...my best friend? 

Her boyfriend Dirk and her best friend were smiling while they shared a drink from a coconut donning straw hats with a sandy beach in the background. 

This on top of just learning her bank account had been cleaned out when she tried to buy groceries and her debit card was declined.  All the money she was working a second job to save for their wedding was gone.  Did he take it?  Clean out every last dime and leave only enough to keep the accounts open?  Now she had no choice but to continue working here to pay her bills. 

How could he do this?  He told me he was working out of town for two weeks.  Alissa fought the urge to throw her cell phone against the wall.  It was quiet in the neighborhood jewelry store at the moment, but she was sure the minute she hurled the phone at the wall a customer would walk through the door. 

Alissa was sure he planned to give her an engagement ring for Christmas.  She had even been looking while she worked to find the perfect one.  Her employee discount would allow them to buy a more expensive wedding set, but now she found out not only did he dump her and possibly clean out her bank account, but he ran off with Susan.

I’d like to pick up a necklace for Dr. Smith. 

Lost deep in thought, Alissa didn’t hear the gentleman enter the store.  She wiped a tear rolling down her cheek and made a failed attempt to smile.  Dr. Smith?  I’ll be right back. 

Alissa recognized his name from filling prescriptions for his patients on her day job at the pharmacy.  Now she could put a face with his name.  An attractive face, she must admit.

Unlocking the cabinet, Alissa found the envelope with Dr. Smith and ‘paid-in-full’ written on the front.  Unsealing the envelope, she let the heart shaped necklace fall in her palm.  It was striking.  Diamonds encrusting the heart with a citrine stone suspended in the middle.  It must be for her birthday because citrine was November’s birthstone.  Alissa found a velvet box which beautifully displayed the necklace then returned to her customer.  She opened the box for his inspection.

Very nice.  The gentleman quickly glanced at the necklace.  Would you be able to wrap it?

Alissa pointed across the floor.  Someone behind the customer service desk will be able to help you. 

How lucky could some women be?  The gentleman standing in front of her was very attractive, a doctor, his cologne was nice and he was dressed in an expensive, tailored suit.  It was obvious he cared about whoever was the recipient of the necklace.  To go to the trouble of having a unique piece of jewelry created with diamonds and her birthstone.  That was love.

Alissa handed the velvet box to Dr. Smith and she couldn’t stop them anymore.  The tears began falling like a faucet had been turned on and her body began to shake as she sobbed.

Are you all right? 

Alissa couldn’t answer.  The sobs were controlling her body and the tears streaking her face.  She took the handkerchief Dr. Smith offered her from his suit pocket and tried her best to mop the tears from her cheeks. 

Alissa!

A voice shrieked from behind her. 

What are you doing?  Why would you act like this in front of a customer?  Go to the ladies room right now and compose yourself.  Don’t return until you have.  I’ll finish waiting on our customer.

Alissa’s supervisor was the only bad thing about this second job.  She was not only a control freak, but Alissa was sure she had more than a touch of obsessive compulsive disorder.  Catching a glimpse of the disapproving look on her supervisor’s face told Alissa she should probably do exactly what she was told. 

I’m sorry.  Alissa managed to squeak out before she ran to the ladies room where she completely broke down. 

****

Dr. Rush Jones stood at the counter holding the jewelry box in his hand.  He had mixed feelings about what he just experienced.  The beautiful young woman who waited on him was obviously emotionally distraught and her supervisor seemed to be less than sympathetic.  He couldn’t help but feel sorry for her and hoped he didn’t do or say anything to upset her.

Will she be all right?  Don’t you think someone should check on her?  Rush asked the supervisor who was making sure everything was in order. 

I’m sure she’ll be fine.  I’ll take your gift and have it wrapped if you want to wait right here, someone will bring it to you. 

Rush kept glancing at the ladies’ room door waiting to see if she would come out.  What could upset the world of such a beautiful woman?  Her smile was the first thing to catch his attention, then her hair and her nice legs. 

Maybe someone in her family passed away.  Maybe her best friend found out she was sick.  It had to be something bad for her to breakdown like she did.  Something inside him wanted to comfort and protect her.  It could be the doctor coming out but whatever it was, he knew he wanted to see her again.  Not only to find out if she was all right but to learn her story. 

CHAPTER TWO

Alissa replaced the handkerchief with tissues from the counter.  She sat down in the chair in the waiting area of the ladies room and continued to wipe away the tears which refused to stop flowing.  She had managed to stop her body from sobbing, but couldn’t manage to stop crying. 

What am I going to do now?  It was becoming obvious there would not be a wedding in Alissa’s near future, she had no money and to top it off, she realized this morning she was over a week late.  Wouldn’t that be wonderful?  She didn’t want to let her thoughts go there.  She couldn’t be pregnant, there had to be another explanation.  She was going to buy a pregnancy test to make sure, but she didn’t have enough money to cover the cost.  She thought about picking one up at the pharmacy and putting it on her account, but she didn’t want anyone she worked with to know. 

Alissa suddenly remembered Dr. Smith.  He was one of the doctor’s at the OB-GYN office around the corner from the pharmacy.  She was due for her yearly exam.  She could make an appointment, which her insurance would cover, and she could find out then if she was pregnant. 

I have never been so disappointed with anyone before.

There was that voice again, like fingernails on a chalkboard. 

Acting like you did in front of one of our customers was just too much Alissa.  I’ve been overlooking little things you have done since you started working here, but I’m afraid I can’t overlook your little display of emotion.  I’m going to have to let you go.  Your paycheck will be mailed to you.  Pick up your things and leave.

You’re firing me without even letting me explain?  Alissa was shocked.

Yes, I am.

Good, then I can tell you exactly what a horrible supervisor you are and won’t be risking my job.  Alissa couldn’t leave the ladies room fast enough.  This is one job she was happy to be rid of.

****

Finding the phone number for the OB-GYN office, Alissa dialed and made an appointment.  There was a cancellation and they could fit her in next week.  She did some talking and managed to make an appointment with another doctor, not Dr. Smith.  She was sure with her outburst in the jewelry story, he would remember her.  The fact he was so handsome and nice made Alissa uncomfortable.  There was no way she wanted to have her yearly exam performed by him nor did she want to try and explain her situation to him.  He would probably lock her up and throw away the key to keep her from making any more of a mess of her life.  Not having him as her doctor was the best solution but she did need to return his handkerchief.  She had hand-washed it and ironed it.  Maybe she could put it in an envelope and mail it to him.  The less she had to explain, the better.

****

Could they make these gowns any more attractive?  Alissa pulled the back closed as best she could then climbed on the table.  Kicking her legs dangling off the edge of the exam table, she waited for the nurse to return to finish her prep before the doctor performed his exam. 

This entire week had been a week from hell.  She still couldn’t believe everything that had happened to her, but she was managing to make it through the day without breaking into tears. 

Filling prescriptions that came through with Dr. Smith’s name on them gave Alissa a chance to daydream.  What if she was the woman receiving that beautiful necklace?  For a moment she could forget everything bad and daydream about what it would be like to be married to someone like Dr. Smith, a gorgeous, nice, wealthy, caring man.  He had not only been filling her daydreams, but she found herself dreaming about him at night, dreams of kissing him, touching him, making love to him.  She knew it was wrong but she couldn’t stop the dreams. 

He already had a woman in his life he cared about.  That was obvious from the gift he so thoughtfully created for her.  Alissa still couldn’t help but wish it was her.

Now, if she could manage to get through this exam and find out she’s not pregnant, she could leave knowing part of the dark cloud hanging over her head would be gone.  At least, that’s what she thought until the door opened.

What are you doing here?  Alissa gasped as Dr. Smith walked through the door, his nose buried in her chart.

I’m here to examine you.  He finally looked up from his chart.  I remember you.  You are the young lady from the jewelry store who was crying.  I hope everything is better.

Great, Alissa replied.  Of course, you would remember me that way.  When I made my appointment I specifically asked for an appointment with any other doctor but Dr. Smith.  I really didn’t want to have to see you or explain.

You did make an appointment with another doctor.  I’m not Dr. Smith.  I’m Dr. Jones.

Alissa was confused.  What do you mean you’re not Dr. Smith?  You picked up the necklace and told me you were Dr. Smith.  Now you’re trying to tell me you aren’t Dr. Smith.  No wonder I was fired.

You were fired? 

Alissa was touched by the look of concern on his gorgeous face.  That would be his new name, Dr. McGorgeous.  It fit perfectly. 

Yes, I was fired.  I guess my public display of emotion is against company policy.

I’m sorry.  Dr. Jones replied.  I was doing Dr. Smith a favor.  He was caught in surgery and he asked me if I could pick up the necklace for his wife so he would have it for her birthday party that night. 

Alissa couldn’t help but noticed Dr. McGorgeous seemed a little uncomfortable. 

I’m going to go get one of my associates to perform your exam.  I think it would be the best solution. 

Dr. McGorgeous turned to walk out the door then stopped.  Alissa watched, totally confused as he closed the door behind him.

****

Handing her chart to one of his female colleagues, Rush Jones asked her to perform Alissa’s exam.  He would like to be Alissa’s doctor but he felt a little more for Alissa Brandt than her OB-GYN should. 

He hadn’t been able to get her off his mind since the jewelry store incident.  While he was attending Dr. Smith’s surprise party for his wife, he wanted to go back to check on her.  The sense he needed to protect her weighed heavy.  She had even managed to find her way into his dreams at night and he found himself daydreaming about her.  It had been a while since a woman had taken control of his feelings the way she had. 

The only solution was for him to back off and let fate take its course.  If he was meant to get to know Alissa Brandt better, fate would make it happen. 

CHAPTER THREE

Would you like gravy?  Alissa waited for the woman to decide.  She nodded her head so Alissa covered her mashed potatoes then handed her the tray.  Enjoy your meal and Happy Thanksgiving. 

If she never saw turkey and dressing again, Alissa would be happy.  Volunteering at the local homeless shelter had to help make her feel better about her life.  Maybe take her mind off all the unpleasant things happening to her lately.  Alissa always felt giving was a way to turn your luck around.  Whether it was just a mental adjustment or a karma adjustment, she wasn’t sure, but it seemed to work.  Volunteering at the homeless shelter on Thanksgiving should give her a little boost in either area. 

Other people must feel the same.  There was no shortage of volunteers.  Even Santa was there taking all the kids wishes for presents they wanted under their tree on Christmas morning.  What was heartbreaking was most of them would be spending Christmas morning having breakfast here at the shelter.  It broke Alissa’s heart to think about it.  She tried to remove the sad thought from her mind by concentrating on Santa.  There was something familiar about him.  He must have a big heart for him to spend time away from his family on Thanksgiving so he could make some children happy. 

She watched each child smile as they climbed off his lap and skipped back where they belonged.  Alissa wished she was closer so she could hear what he was saying to them.  The excitement from children over the holidays always put her in the spirit of the season.

She wanted to have children someday, maybe two or three along with a supportive and loving spouse.  As much as she wanted her own family, creating their own traditions,