Country Christmas

By Savanna Grey

Nate Daniels is taking a much needed two-week break away from his newly found fame to rest, regroup and write new music. 
His friend, Dalton, recommends his cousin's bed and breakfast in the Virginia mountains as the perfect getaway.

Sara Davenport runs Simply Sara's Bed and Breakfast. She is an independent, fun-loving small town girl unimpressed with Nate's fortune and fame. He's more impressed with her and her baking skills. Her chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate are enough to make him promise anything as long as she keeps feeding him.

Spending time with Sara has reawakened Nate's creative mojo. Lyrics are flowing as sparks ignite between them. 
Sara is pushing back knowing Nate is only passing through, but when the day comes for Nate to go back on the road, will his lifelong dream of performing on the big stage mean more to him than finding lifelong happiness with Sara?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Savanna Grey
• Release date: Nov 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540175588

Book preview

A Note from Savanna:

The holidays are my favorite time of year. Family, food, fun traditions – I love it all. Almost as much as I love romance. Put the two together, and we have one terrific combination where anything is possible.

I grew up in a very small town. I think there is something so special about small town communities. Some of what I write is adapted from those life experiences in that small town.

Nate and Sara come from very different worlds, but they find they aren’t so different after all. I hope you enjoy the roller coaster ride of their relationship and their coming to terms with their feelings for each other and their own personal journey in life.

Thank you to Samantha Chase for being such a very good friend. I love and adore her. Her compassion and willingness to reach out and help others has made her a friend for life.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope all your own wishes come true this holiday season.

XXXOOO,

Savanna

Chapter One

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Yeah. This is turning out to be a fabulous idea. Nate Daniels said to himself as he carefully maneuvered his black SUV on the icy highway. Snow fell in steady, thick streams sticking to the already present six inches. His windshield wipers weren’t equipped to keep up with the blanket of white snowflakes obscuring his view.

The freak storm had started earlier than expected that morning with an icy mixture first, creating hazardous conditions throughout the state of Virginia even before Nate could hit the road. He’d intended on leaving before Noon, but his manager had called a meeting prior to his leaving, delaying him by two hours.

The trip from Nashville was normally a seven-hour drive, but today’s trip had extended into what felt like a nine-hour, knuckle-whitening, steering wheel gripping road challenge. Nightfall had certainly upped the ante on whether he could keep the vehicle not only in-between the lines but on the road at all. He could barely see the bright yellow lane-dividing line.

Nate rolled his neck in a circular rotation, stretching the taught muscles. We should be getting close, Walter. Not much longer, buddie. He glanced over briefly to the passenger seat at his traveling companion. Walter was his five-year-old chocolate lab. He accompanied Nate just about everywhere since the day he’d adopted him from the animal shelter four years ago.

Smiling, remembering that day, Nate said to Walter, We saved each other that day, didn’t we, buddie? He released the steering wheel just long enough to affectionately scratch behind Walter’s ears. The dog was dozing on and off.

Finally, to Nate’s relief a sign announcing his arrival to Wilson’s Hollow came into view. At least that’s what he thought it said. He could only see a portion of the sign that didn’t have snow sticking to it.

Now to find the B&B. As he drove through what he assumed was the town’s main street, he saw a flashing neon sign beckoning to him.

A diner. It’s still open. Yes! Probably a good idea to grab something and take with us. What do you think? he asked Walter. The dog lifted his head and looked at him with sleepy eyes.

Okay. I’ll run in and be back in a few. He pulled the car into an open space right in front of the diner’s doors and grabbed his coat out of the back seat. The thermometer on the radio dashboard read 26 degrees.

He dashed out of the car and into the diner. As he rushed inside, he had his head bent. Not looking up, he didn’t see the individual coming out of the diner door at the same time, but he felt the body knock into him – or was it him knocking into them?

Hey! Why don’t you watch where you are going? An irritated but intriguing female voice berated him. Stepping back and removing his jacket hood, he looked to see who he had run into.

Deep green eyes shone brightly with irritation. Her arms were lifted in the air as something wet dripped from her bags and onto her coat. Her perfectly formed lips were pursed. She was delightful, and by the looks of it, not happy with him for apparently ruining her dinner.

I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there. He started.

Duh, Nate. Way to state the obvious.

He received an eyeroll in silent agreement.

You should be more careful. You could hurt someone, ya know. This stuff is hot. The woman turned to the waitress at the counter.

Thanks, Annie. I’ll see you later. She said as she started to walk around him.

You want me to get you a fresh plate, honey? The women named Annie asked.

The woman yet to be named shook her head.

No, that’s okay. I’ll make due. Hopefully the soup is somewhat intact in its container.

Let me reimburse you for your meal. He offered.

Looking up at him again, she stopped short, surprise lighting up her face. She didn’t speak right away. Uh oh. Did she recognize him? Surely not. With the toboggan, slight beard and coat, hopefully he wouldn’t be as easily identifiable.

That’s very nice of you, but unnecessary. Just be more careful. Then she was gone.

He released a breath he’d been holding and hadn’t realized it. Shaking some of the cobwebs from his tired mind, he ordered two hamburgers and a bowl of the potato soup to go. Walter would enjoy the treat.

The waitress packed up his order and handed him a cup of steaming hot coffee for the road.

Can you tell me the way to Simply Sara’s? he asked Annie. Hopefully it wasn’t too far. It was down-right nasty out. He was tired of being on the road and ready to get settled for the next two weeks.

You’re going to be staying at Sara’s? she asked, curiosity lighting her eyes.

Yes. It was recommended by a friend for rest and relaxation.

You’ll love it there. The turn is just up the road past the second stop light. Turn right and follow it to the dead end. The lodge is just up the drive at the end of that road.

Great. Thanks, Annie.

Annie hadn’t let him down. Two stoplights and a right turn later, he drove into the Simply Sara’s Bed and Breakfast lodge parking lot. A sigh of relief escaped as he turned the ignition off.

Wake up, Walter. We have finally arrived. He attached the dog’s leash and headed to the lodge entrance. From what he could see from the parking lot lights, the log cabin exterior was two stories with a complete wrap-around porch on both floors.

The dimly lit foyer welcomed him and Walter with the scent of apple cinnamon and what could only be freshly baked cookies. His stomach growled. He’d have to grab one of those for dessert later.

A bell sat on top of a check-in counter to his left. He tapped the bell with his index finger as he visually perused the great room in front of him.

Five dining tables were neatly covered and decorated. Past them was a wall-to-ceiling stone fireplace, providing a dancing glow into the room where two sofas were strategically placed around the fireplace. One of the largest buck heads he had ever seen looked down from the stone fireplace.

The room was amazing. He could see why Dalton had recommended he stay here.

Welcome. How can I help...You!

Nate turned in surprise at the accusatory greeting. Standing in front of him was the woman he had literally ran into at the diner. A smile slid across his face.

Well, hello again to you too.

Are you following me? her brows furrowed as she frowned. She planted her hands on the counter separating them.

Following you? No! Why would I do that? I’m here to check-in.

She considered him for a moment in silence. Nate saw when recognition dawned. The rise of her eyebrows and the small o-shape her mouth formed gave it away.

You’re Nate Daniels. Her statement was flat, lacking in enthusiasm. Not the usual greeting he received from females, which was perfectly fine with him. That was one of the main reasons he was here – to get away from all the attention.

Ding. Ding. Ding. We have a winner. He twirled his index finger in a circular motion.

She continued to perform her personal assessment of him in silence until he cleared his throat.

Umm...can I check in now?

She shook her head. Yes, of course. I’ sorry. I just...I didn’t recognize you earlier. She grabbed a stack of papers and straightened them.

You’re booked to stay in the cabin suite at the top of the mountain, but it isn’t safe to drive up their tonight. I’ll put you in one of the lodge rooms until morning, then we can relocate you up there for more privacy if that’s alright with you, Mr. Daniels. She had suddenly become the picture of formality, which would have been completely convincing except for the fact of her having a streak of flour across her left cheek and forehead.

Mr. Daniels is my father. Please. Call me Nate.

She smiled. Okay, Nate. Welcome to Simply Sara’s. I’m Sara Davenport.

You’re Sara? his tone questioned her as if he didn’t believe her.

Would you like to see my I.D.? she teased.

No, I just...I guess I didn’t recognize you either. Dalton had shown me a pic on his phone, but I... he fumbled over his words. For someone who wrote songs and recently began singing them in front of thousands of people, he sure was inept at carrying on a casual conversation.

Sara smiled and her entire face lit up.

I think we got off on the wrong foot. How about a do-over? She stepped from behind the check-in counter and stood in front of Nate. Extending her right hand, she said, Hi. I’m Sara. Nice to meet you. Dalton has told me so much about you...mostly good. Her nose crinkled as her smile broadened.

Nate couldn’t help but return the infectious smile. He reached out and clasped her hand with his, grasping hers in a firm shake.

Nice to meet you, Sara. I’m Nate. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Her laugh tumbled out raspy and genuine. She clasped her hands in front of her.

"That’s much better, isn’t it? Now, I know you must be exhausted from your long drive in this horrible weather. Let’s get you settled in.