There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays

By Shawn Lane

Fashion designer Mackenzie Grayson has no intention of going home for Christmas ... until his sister calls and guilt-talks him into spending two weeks over the holidays at his family’s home in California.

With his best friend Conno, in tow, Mac returns to California, a place he has avoided since a bad breakup. Mac no longer does serious relationships, but maybe some time spent with Connor under the mistletoe will make this a more magical Christmas than either of them dreamed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Dec 21, 2019
• ISBN: 9781646561773

Shawn Lane

Shawn Lane is a multi-published author of gay romance. She lives and works in Southern California. She has been published by Loose Id, Amber Quill Press, Evernight Publishing, MLR Press, JMS Books, and Ellora’s Cave. For more information, visit smlgr8.blogspot.com.

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4

Chapter 1

My sister called just as the radio began a new Christmas song. Bing Crosby sang about Hawaii’s way of saying Merry Christmas. I considered ignoring her call. It couldn’t be good, of that I was sure. I checked the boxes on the list on my clipboard and signed it, then handed it to my assistant, a cute young Hawaiian named Rory.

Yeah, Suzy? I answered.

Oh, at last. Geez, Mackenzie, I thought I was getting your voice mail again.

My other line clicked. Hang on. I switched over. Mackenzie Grayson. The woman on the other hand rattled off questions about the spring collection. No, it’s Robin’s egg blue. Hang on. Switched back to my sister. I have to take this call.

Oh no, you don’t. Do you know how hard it is to get ahold of you? Tell the other call you’ll call them back.

Suzy, please—

"I’m serious. You are talking to me."

I rolled my eyes and switched back to the woman on the other line. I’m sorry. I’m on an important call. I have to call you back. When I returned to my sister, I said, Happy?

She snorted. Hardly. Why is it that I can never get my brother on the phone?

You’ve got me now so don’t be so dramatic. What is it? Did Aunt Rosie die?

Two years ago. Jeez.

I blinked. Really? How come I don’t remember that?

Self-absorbed. No one’s died, Mackenzie. I’m calling about Christmas.

"Oh, for fuck’s sake, you made me hang up my other call for Christmas?" I rolled my eyes and walked over to a mannequin dressed in one of my latest bathing suits and felt the material.

Yes. I want you to come home for Christmas. We all do. Home, at least as far as Suzy was concerned, was Los Angeles. Suzy lived in Santa Barbara now, but she still spent a lot of time with our parents.

It’s only December first.

Perfect time to discuss it, Suzy said. And to buy the tickets. I don’t want any excuses. You didn’t come home last Christmas, so you definitely are this one.

I supposed it was coincidence that the radio station playing holiday tunes picked that moment to switch to I’ll Be Home for Christmas.

I can’t, I told my sister. I’m working on the spring collection. I’ve got dresses and bathing suits that will be in all the stores soon.

Not in December. Besides, I know you. You’ve been ready for your spring collection for weeks. Not to mention you have assistants. And assistants who have assistants.