Sweet Romance Novellas Collection Two

By Kimberly Grell

Get ready to indulge on sweet romance! Sweet Romance Novellas Collection Two includes five romantic novellas that'll sure to warm your heart. Each novella contains the perfect amount of sweetness and remains clean for those who enjoy pure tenderness. 

This collection includes:

Secret Valentine

The Spy I Loved 

Secret Santa 

A Christmas Wedding 

Christmas by Design 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kimberly Grell
• Release date: Feb 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386537717

Book preview

Kimberly Grell

Sweet Romance Novellas Collection 2 Paperback

Copyright © 2019 by Kimberly Grell

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Kimberly Grell asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

First edition

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Contents

I. SECRET VALENTINE

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

II. THE SPY I LOVED

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

III. SECRET SANTA

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

IV. A CHRISTMAS WEDDING

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

V. CHRISTMAS BY DESIGN

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

About the Author

Also by Kimberly Grell

I

Secret Valentine

One

Chapter One

Chapter Separator

Essie Gill. What more is there to say about her? She’s well established in her career, makes plenty of money to spend, yet has no opportunity to spend it. The only time she gets to herself is when she goes on a coffee run for her colleagues at the office.

Valentines Day was right around the corner and this holiday bothered Essie to the core. What was the purpose of this holiday? Essie knew she was an attractive woman, so gaining the attention of a man was easy for her. The thing that disturbed her more than anything else was getting time to follow through with dates. Her career had her spending time with computers checking investment logs and reporting on Wall Street numbers. This was tedious work, however it needed to get done.

Her office wasn’t on the top floor, but the more she excelled in her career, the higher her new office soared in the sky of the busy city of New York. She filed papers away in her desk and stepped out of her office. She cleared her throat to cut through the chatter of the open cubicles.

Going for a coffee run. Who needs coffee? She scanned the area for any takers.

I do! A hand waved from a cubicle in the back.

Essie waited for anyone to jump on the offer, but this time everyone else was too busy, making it impossible to stop and reply. She shrugged her shoulders and called out to the person needing coffee.

What would you like?

Americano, please. A voice answered from the back cubicle.

You got it.

Essie’s heels clicked against the floor as she strolled toward the elevator. The doors opened, and she disappeared behind them. She descended to the lobby of the skyscraper and exited. Beeping horns and profanity echoed the busy street. This was normal behavior for New York, especially these parts. She walked down to the coffee shop at the end of the street. She exhaled in relief when the crowd was not thick with people.

Upon entering, the air was dense with an enticing aroma of baked goods. Pastries of all sizes, shapes and flavors filled the shop. Essie could feel a rumbling inside her stomach. She patted her stomach and stepped forth to order.

I’ll have a Caramel Macchiato for here, please. I’ll be needing an Americano to go when I’m finished too.

The barista confirmed her order and skipped off to put her coffee together. When she returned, Essie found a spot by the window to watch the people walk by. She sipped her coffee and delighted in the occasion. No one pestered her for something. No one beat around the bush with explanations of why something went awry. It was nice.

The barista came over with the Americano when Essie finished her coffee. She thanked the barista and smiled. She grabbed the Americano and rose from her seat. Before she could react, a tall man bumped into her. The coffee she held spilled all over her dress.

Are you kidding me?! She yelped.

I’m sorry. The man grabbed napkins and tried to pat her down.

Get off of me! She pushed his hands away.

He backed away with his hands up in defeat. She examined her dress and grunted with disgust.

I don’t have time for this! She shouted.

I’ll pay for dry cleaning. The man offered while retrieving his wallet.

That’s unnecessary. She declined his offer.

The barista from before reappeared with a new Americano for Essie and apologized for the inconvenience. Essie accepted the fresh Americano and quickly left for the office. The man followed her to the door and opened it. He apologized once more and watched as her petite frame walked away with no response.

Essie’s stride was long and hard from frustration. She smelled of coffee and her undergarments were still wet. When she reached the office, she plunked the coffee down on the person’s desk and fled. Whispers flooded the area as Essie retreated inside her office. She rummaged through her emergency clothing stash and found a dress that would replace the one she was wearing.

Fucking bullshit. She grumbled to herself as she stripped out of her dress.

When she re-clothed, she plunked her bottom into her chair and spun around to glance outside. She watched a few pigeons fly by and her eyes drew to a string of yellow cabs that lined the street below.

Monday’s suck. She spoke.

She spun around once more and faced her desk. She wiggled her mouse and the computer screen turned on. She opened her email and saw several messages from her colleagues asking if there would be a Valentines Day office party. She rolled her eyes and typed out a basic flyer announcing the party. When it was complete, she hit send and not long after people shouted in excitement for the party.

I swear if anyone asks me to be their Valentine I will scream. Essie huffed.

She recalled the time last year when one of her colleagues sent her flowers asking to be his Valentine. Essie knows she attracts them which she likes, yet why delve into a relationship when she hardly has the time or energy to get to know him? Why lead him on?

Her life lacks a love life which bothers her from time to time. She tilted her head to the side and hummed.

Hm. Maybe I should be more diligent in finding time?

A knock at the door jolted her from her thoughts. She strode to the door, adjusting her dress to cover her long legs. She swung the door open and instead of it being a knight in shining armor, it was the mailman.

Hi, Essie. How are you doing?

I could be better. Essie sighed.

Oh? Why so glum?

Well, for starters, some guy ran into me and coffee spilled all over my dress. Her eyes rolled.

Oooh. The mailman’s face crinkled.

Yeah, it’s not going well. She shook her head.

Well, I hope things go better for you. The mailman handed her a registered letter to sign.

You and me both. She smiled and signed for the letter.

She closed the door and opened the big envelope. It was thick and upon inspection, she realized it was more investment reports. She went through it all and checked off things that looked suspicious to her. With Essie as head of the department, there was always room for improvement and ways to cut spending.

When Essie finalized the reports, she did something she wouldn’t have done otherwise. She clocked out early and dedicated the remainder of the day to herself. It was about time she stopped neglecting herself and lived for herself.

Tuesday morning arrived, and all Essie did the previous day was sleep. She smashed her forehead with her hand and violently thrashed her body. She realized how much of a boring life she had.

I guess that’s what happens when you don’t have a life. She whispered to herself. Well, time to go to work.

She cleaned up, put makeup on and dressed herself in the usual office attire. She did everything in her routine, including a coffee visit. She visited the same coffee shop at the usual time. She sat in her spot and watched the people go by. The barista came over and handed Essie a red envelope.

What’s this? Essie became puzzled.

Someone left that for you. The barista answered.

Essie pushed a lock of her fiery red hair behind her ear and slowly opened the red envelope. The flap lifted exposing a beautiful card inside. She peered out and around her hoping to find the person who left it. No ones body language tipped her off. She pulled the card out and read its contents.

Every morning you are the highlight of my days. Something about your presence is soothing. I sincerely hope your lovely emerald eyes that make my heart flutter are gazing upon this card.

Love,

Your secret admirer

Essie searched one more time for anyone that seemed suspicious. Not a single person seemed capable of writing such material inside the card. She was puzzled, yet she was flattered. She lifted her brows and let them fall into place. Whoever this person was had Essie Gill intrigued.

Two

Chapter Two

Chapter Separator

Tuesday morning started off strange with the Valentine card from the mysterious admirer. Essie wondered who it could be. She knew a lot of men, so it could be anyone of them. The thing that had her doubting herself was the penmanship. She didn’t recognize the handwriting. So who could it be?

As she headed into work, she stopped at a street cart to admire the daffodils. She leaned in and buried her nose inside the flower. The scent was sweet and intoxicating to anyone who favored daffodils.

Are you interested in buying a bouquet of daffodils? The street cart attendant asked with a sweet smile.

No, thank you. Daffodils are my favorite flower so I never skip a chance to smell them. Essie answered.

I see. Well, if you change your mind, I’ll be here.

Essie waved bye and carried on toward work. The aroma felt as if it had embedded itself into her body and instantly perked her mood. She had pep to her step and her body felt bouncy.

She reached the doors to the building and swiftly went in. She headed for the elevator and retreated inside. The doors closed, and she pressed the button for her floor. The elevator bucked a little upon moving but settled in after a few seconds.

When Essie arrived at her office her colleagues greeted her with sincere grins and wonderful words to start the day. She spun around on her heels and disappeared into her office. Before she could begin the days work, a small wrapping noise reverberated against the door.

Now what’s going on? She grumbled.

She swung the door open and her eyes and nose took in a heavenly scent and sight.

Are you Miss Gill?

Uh, yes. Yes I am. Essie became bewildered.

These are for you. A woman handed her a bouquet of daffodils.

Thank you. She stuttered on her words.

Oh, this is for you too.

Essie’s slender fingers grasped a small note encased in a crisp white envelope. The woman excused herself and left Essie to enjoy her flowers and note. She peeled the envelope off the note as if it were a wrapper to a piece of candy. She unfolded the note and read what was inside.

I noticed your favorite flower is a daffodil.

Signed, your secret admirer

Essie’s brows furrowed. The only person besides herself who knew her favorite flower was the lobby attendant, Linda. Essie has known Linda for a few years. They hit it off wonderfully when she was first hired for the position.

Essie placed the flowers on her desk. They even came in a beautiful crystal vase. The way it shined when the sunlight hit it was captivating. She grabbed her office phone and dialed for the lobby.

Lobby, this is Linda.

Hey Linda. Essie began.

Hey! What can I do you for?

Would you know who you told my favorite flower to?

Sure! Linda became delighted. The CEO sent a flower delivery service here yesterday to ask for the favorite flower of all the women who work here. Isn’t that wonderful?! Linda played with her vase of roses.

Oh? Well my flowers came with a note.

Mine did too. Linda squealed.

Huh. Okay. Well, thank you.

No problem! Linda was full of cheer.

This was puzzling. Who really sent these flowers? Essie was not much for solving mysteries, yet this one was begging her to solve it. She shook her head and again another knock banged against the door.

Now who is it? She grunted.

Essie opened the door once again and before her stood a man with a box of cookies. She knew it was chocolate chip by the aroma that escaped from the box.

Miss Gill?

Yes? Her voice hinted at confusion.

For you.

Essie accepted the box of cookies. The man turned, and she watched as the delivery man walked off. He