A Different Christmas

By KM Lowe

A Different Christmas

Two people. Two upbringings. One Christmas.

Sam was brought up to her happy family gathering at Christmas. Filled with many traditions that as an adult she thought were normal for everyone.

Getting ready to finish work for the holidays to go home to her family in Scotland, was her idea of fun and relaxation. Well, that was until her boss, Luke, told her he was dragging her to New York for work.
Much to Sam’s irritation, she has to go along and attend New York before flying home on Christmas Eve.

Luke grew up with parents that had a multimillionaire company and wanted for nothing. Apart from a family to celebrate Christmas with.

Luke grew up thinking he had what everyone had at Christmas, until he grew up and realized that Christmas is a family occasion.

Two characters that clash at the slightest thing is a recipe for disaster. Throw Sam and Luke into New York and it is either a make or break for their working relationship.

Would Christmas be different after this year?

• Language: English
• Publisher: KM Lowe
• Release date: Nov 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536830699

Book preview

Author History

My name is Kelly McMullen Lowe and I was born on March 19, 1986 to the proud parents of Christine Greenlees Beaumont Steedman and Hugh Patrick McMullen. My parents taught me the value of life and they showed me how to succeed. I married David Lowe, on December 30, 2006 and we have two wonderful children named Dylan and Tianna. Over the last couple of years, I was unwell and I put all of my time into my family and reading. In 2012 I wanted to commit myself to writing my own novel. I have put a lot of time and effort into all of my books. I hope that you all enjoy them, as much I did writing them.

Acknowledgments

First of all, I would like to thank Kellie Dennis at Book Cover by Design, for helping me to create a beautiful cover for my sixth novel. You have helped me through a difficult time when I couldn't find what I was looking for.  I will always be grateful to you for your help with picking my cover photo.

Second, I would like to thank Karen Sanders for editing my book. This process has been so much easier with you on my side. You answered all of my questions and I hope to have you as my editor for a long time to come.

Also, I would like to thank my family and friends for putting up with me over the last couple of years. My husband will get some sense out of me for a couple of weeks, until I start writing again. This book would not have been possible, if it wasn't for the support of my husband. I love you to the moon and back.

Next, I would like to thank my children for being my little angels. I love you dearly and you mean the world to me. I hope that one day you will be able to read mummy's work. In the meantime Dylan, you can read the blurb. My son is my little book worm. I hope when he gets older, he will still enjoy reading just as much.

Finally, to my readers. Thank you all for purchasing my books. It means a lot to see so many of you reading what I write. All of your lovely reviews and comments make everything worthwhile.  Your willingness to buy The Beautiful Life Trilogy, gave me the nudge I needed when I was at a low point in my life. I have made lots of new friends from all over the world. That wouldn’t have been possible, if it wasn't for my writing. I would like to thank everyone on my street team. Without Suzie and the other ladies, I would be snowed under with promoting books. You ladies take a lot of the pressure off and I thank you for that.

Special Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Eric Battershell Photography, for helping me to create the perfect cover. Your cover models are the best I have come across and I look forward to working with you again. You are a great guy with the patience of a saint. For that I am truly grateful.

https://www.facebook.com/ericbattershellphotography/

I would also like to thank my cover model for A Different Christmas, Burton Hughes. It has been a pleasure working with you and Eric and I look forward to working with you again. Thank you for doing what you do.

https://www.facebook.com/burtonhughesofficial/

Last but not least, Kellie Dennis. I would like to thank you for all of your help with this cover. As a team, we all worked together to come up with the perfect photo, but you transformed that into a beautiful cover. Your help and expertise will always be very much appreciated.

https://www.facebook.com/bookcoverbydesign/

Dedications

I would like to dedicate this novel to my wonderful husband, David. He isn't just my husband, he is my best friend. Without him I would never be able to write. He has shown me so much support over the last couple of years and I can’t thank him enough.

We have been through some difficult times lately, but together we have gotten through everything. There might have been tears and tantrums, but having each other there to pick one another up, was all we needed to face another day.

Note From The Author

This book has a British Character and an American Character. Please note their way of talking and spelling may differ slightly.

PROLOGUE

Sam

20 years ago

Waking up on Christmas morning was always exciting in our house. As an eight-year-old, I only cared about the presents and the fun. From the moment my brother and I went to bed on Christmas Eve, we were too excited to fall asleep until exhaustion finally took us.

As far back as I can remember, we were encouraged to put out carrots for Rudolph and milk for Santa. Even though I didn’t quite believe anymore, I still went along with the magic of Christmas. I hadn’t plucked up the courage to tell my parents I heard them putting the presents out last year. I crept downstairs to get a glimpse of Santa, and what I saw wasn’t what I expected. A part of me wanted to ask what was going on. There was another part of me that wanted to see and hear how excited Mum and Dad were on Christmas morning. Even my brother kept the belief of Christmas going, and he could be a nuisance at times.

Christmas is fun.

Christmas is magical.

Christmas is for family.

I didn’t think my parents actually went to bed, because they were up late and were still up in the morning when me and my brother, Gavin, went downstairs. It was just a routine we’d got into. If I was up first, I woke Gavin, and if he was up first, he woke me. Normally, Mum had to drag us out of bed, but not on Christmas morning.

I opened the living room door and the heat hit me. The lamp in the corner cast a warm winter glow over the entire room. Christmas music played softly in the background and I got taken away with the piles of presents laid out for me and Gavin. I was now beyond excited. I bounced on the spot and all I wanted to do was dive in and rip them open.

Merry Christmas, Sam, sweetheart, said my mum, embracing me with a big hug. A warm, fuzzy feeling hit me, and a sense of love and belonging washed over me. It didn’t matter when my mum cuddled me, that feeling always came to life.

You too, Mum. I squeezed her tight before letting her catch her breath.

Come and sit down. I have some hot chocolate made with lots of cream and marshmallows. Just the way you like it.

I couldn’t stop smiling as I carefully lifted a small cup from the coffee table. The hot cup in my hand and the sweet smell of the chocolate assaulted my senses. Hmm. You sure make the best chocolate. 

Are you ready to see what Santa has brought you?

I jumped up with excitement and rushed over to my pile of presents. I knew they were my presents because my mum’s O.C.D. had kicked in, and my bundles were wrapped in girl paper. Gavin’s were wrapped in boys’ paper.

Yay! I yelled, as I dug in and tore the paper off, letting it fly everywhere.

The morning was spent with me and Gavin opening our gifts and showing off what we got to one another. Mum and Dad spent a couple of hours with us before they went to get Christmas dinner organized. We were so happy and loved, and that is one thing I will never forget. Our childhood memories will follow us for a lifetime.

As we got older and older, we enjoyed it more. I guess the older we get the more we understand the meaning of Christmas. It isn’t all about the gifts. It’s about family, and sharing the holiday season with them.

PROLOGUE

Luke

20 Years Ago

Waking up on Christmas morning was just another day in our house. I sometimes wished I was dreaming and was about to wake up in the real world, with a real family Christmas. Most people knew my family lived in a big mansion, and we had all the money in the world. They thought everything was perfect. Money didn’t buy me happiness. I would have done anything to have a normal Christmas. Yes, I was going downstairs to all of the latest modern conveniences, or mod-cons, as we called them. I’d probably be left to play all day, but what I really wanted was for my mom to put her ego aside for one day and realize she had kids to spend time with.

I heard Lee and Stacey getting up, so I dragged myself out of bed and headed straight to the bathroom. I always hoped that when I went downstairs, things would be different, but that never happened.

My schoolmates were so excited about Christmas before we split up for the holidays. I tried to put a happy face on for their benefit. They all thought we had a fabulous Christmas, with lovely food and drink. I guess we did, but it wasn’t personal. It was always mixed with lots of people we didn’t know. The only time I enjoyed was when my Aunt Jess stopped by. She was totally the opposite from my mom. 

It really got on my mother’s nerves when Aunt Jess came in with presents, and spent a lot of time playing with us and making a mess. Aunt Jess did it to spite my mom. It was kind of funny to see Mom flapping about, trying to get organized for her high and mighty guests.

It was good that I had Luke and Stacey close to my age. My other young brother and sister didn’t see what we saw yet. They just saw the good things that were immaterial.

By the time I dragged my feet down the long, winding staircase, time slowed down, almost to a standstill.

Good morning, son, said my dad, ruffling my hair as he walked into the living area with a cup of coffee in his hand. At least he made the effort to be with us while we opened the presents.

Morning, Dad. Merry Christmas.

You too, son. Come on! Let’s see what the big man has brought you all.

I laughed, because we both knew Santa wasn’t real, but for my younger siblings, we kept a bit of magic for them.

I heard Mom walk in, moaning on her cell phone. I turned around before I reached my presents.

It’s New York. Damn it! Make sure they are here in the next hour or I won’t be paying for any services! My mom’s venomous tone and banging down of the cell caught our attention.

Clarissa. It’s Christmas morning. Come and have some fun with the kids, said my father, as he placed his coffee cup down and sat on the floor beside Lee.

There is too much to do before people start to arrive. I don’t have time to sit down!

Not one of us said another word to her. She stormed out of the living room, leaving us all wondering what the tantrum was about. My father took a deep breath in and said, Come on, kids. Let’s get these gifts open.

We spent the next hour opening presents and expecting Mom to come in and drag Dad away. Anyone could see he enjoyed winding back the years to his childhood.

Leo? Do you think you can tear yourself away and actually do something around here today? shouted Mom as she stood in the doorway.

I’m spending some time with our children, explained Dad calmly, even though we all knew he was livid with her.

Well, now that you’ve got that out of your system, do you think you can go and get ready for our guests to arrive? You too, kids! Rose has your best clothes out ready for you, so make it quick! Her hands clapped and we knew our fun was over.

We stood up to head out of the living room, but Dad remained on the floor. We would have done anything for a peaceful life.

We were happiest playing with Dad. Just for that short while, we had a piece of a normal Christmas. It didn’t last long, so we enjoyed it while it lasted.

The rest of the day would be long and lonely.

Faces would come and go. Time would pass, and we would be left to get on with everything on our own.

Christmas is just another day.

Christmas is lonely.

Christmas is different.

CHAPTER 1

Another Day In The Office

Sam

Storming down the corridor to give my boss a piece of my mind wasn’t my ideal plan for a Friday afternoon.

I was beyond pissed off with his cold shoulder in the office. I was sick to the back teeth of his orders. Yes, I was his personal assistant, but I think he confused assistant with slave. I might as well have been getting down on my knees and saying, Yes, sir. No, sir. Three bags full, sir.

I tried so hard to grin and bear it and just get on with my job, but he was taking the bloody piss now.

Sam! You have a call on line one, said our trainee receptionist as I stormed past the office like a raging bull.

Take a message, Paula. I have something to do.

But...

I wasn’t in the mood for buts. I was having it out with Mr. Arrogant Pants and that was it. I was a woman on a mission. After this, I could be a woman looking for a new job.

Saying that, I could be looking for a new job anyway, because I was at the end of my tether.

Sam, you can’t go in there! Mr. O’Donnell has his personal training session, said Steve, as I went to pull the door open.

Are you planning on stopping me, Steve? With the mood I was in, I would have challenged anyone, and Steve was no match for me. I could throw a tantrum as well as any woman. I wasn’t going to stop because it might hurt my boss’s feelings.

Mr. O’Donnell doesn’t like to be disturbed.

Tell someone who gives a shit! I’m going in there with or without your permission, so back the fuck off!

Okay! Steve waved his arms up in the air as an act of surrender. If I wasn’t so pissed off, I would probably have found it highly amusing.

Good. I smiled vindictively as I continued on my mission into Mr. O’Donnell’s gym.

I’m sorry, Mr. O’Donnell, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer, said Steve, the minute the door opened.

Oh, please! Can you get any further up his arse? I snapped at Steve, almost forgetting why I was there.

Steve retreated back into his shell. His face was a picture and I was glad the bloody arrogant smirk wasn’t plastered over it anymore.

It’s okay, Steve. I can see Samantha.

I turned around to look at the arsehole I came to see. I was just in time to get a view of him with a towel wrapped around his shoulders, dabbing his face dry. I hadn’t seen him without a shirt on before, so the fact that I had a view of his well-maintained body made me step back and take a breath.

What can I do for you, Samantha?

What can you do for me? First of all, you can stop calling me Samantha. It’s Sam.

Okay. Sam, what can I do for you this afternoon?

Stop being a smart arse for starters, I snapped, not caring who he was. I’d had enough.

I’m good, but I can’t read minds. Can you please tell me what I’ve done?

He was either plain stupid, or oblivious to what he did.

Gladly. What gives you the right to bark orders out and book me on a flight to New York next week? It’s Christmas, after all!

I need to go home and I need my PA with me. I have a few clients to meet.

I couldn’t believe I was hearing him right. He wasn’t just stupid, he was deaf as well.

It’s Christmas! I’m supposed to be going home to Scotland on Christmas Eve!  You’ll just have to find someone else, Mr. O’Donnell! I didn’t know where my confidence came from, because usually I rolled over and didn’t bother speaking my mind.

I can’t do that, Sam. You were my PA the last time I checked.

Not anymore! I quit! I turned on my heels and went to leave the gym when the prick put his hand on the door over my shoulder to stop me from going anywhere.

I felt uneasy being so close to my boss. Especially since I couldn’t stand him. My palms were sweaty and my heart raced.

My eyes focused on his tattoo. It was a sleeve; a woman, draped up his inner arm. I had to pull myself together. I had to get out of there.

What else have I done, Sam? He spoke softly onto my neck as I tried to forget how close he was. I wanted to push him away, but all sense had left me.  I’m a big boy. I can take the truth.

He knew exactly what he was doing. He was playing with me, and my body was betraying me. He was going to use his body and charm to get me to cave in to his orders.

I’m afraid I would be here all day if I had to list all your faults. I had to somehow play him at his own game.

Give me a chance to make them right.

Unless you take someone else to New York next week, you don’t need to make anything right. I just quit!

Stand your ground. Don’t give in. Stand your ground. I had this mantra replaying in my head and I needed to keep it there to remain in control.

I believe you did say those words, but I won’t be accepting your resignation.

I turned quickly, poking my finger into his chest when our eyes met. He was such a prick. He thought he could seduce me with his bedroom eyes. I’ll have you back in Scotland in time for Christmas morning.

He was winning.

Why me? You can’t stand to be in the same room as me, let alone spend four days in New York with me.

Who said I can’t stand you? He smirked.

I raised my brow and frowned at him. I didn’t understand him and there was no point in trying to figure him out anymore.

"Your actions and words speak volumes to me! I am sick of your arrogance! I’m sick of being barked at like a dog! I don’t know what your PAs were like before me, but I am not them! I can’t