Mistletoe Hopes: Forever Holiday Romance

By Alyssa Drake

When a chance meeting under the mistletoe ignites a hidden attraction, Tess is forced to choose between fighting her desire or surrendering to love.

 

Christmas in the snow sounded like a brilliant idea when Kaitlyn pitched the idea of spending their annual sister holiday at a working ranch. However, mid-flight, Tess discovers Kaitlyn's underlying motive is to spend the next seven days ogling the male owners of Dove Ranch.

 

Stuck in the snow with no electricity and a cowboy-crazy sister, Tess finds solace with the eldest brother, Weston, who deplores the suggestive misdirection of the ranch's new advertising scheme. Agreeing to buffer Weston from the advances of the ranch's eager guests, Tess finds herself falling for the man she offered to protect.

 

However, when Weston makes the ultimate sacrifice, Tess must decide if she's willing to risk her heart on a cowboy.

 

A light-hearted tale of holiday romance that brings to mind the magic of Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallory.
 
Click now to reserve your room at Dove Ranch!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seductive Quill LLC
• Release date: Nov 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393769095

Alyssa Drake

USA Today Bestselling Author Alyssa Drake has been creating stories since she could hold a crayon, preferring to construct her own bedtime tales instead of reading the titles in her bookshelves. A multi-genre author, Alyssa currently writes a blend of historical romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense. She adores strong heroines with quick wit, and often laughs aloud when imagining conversations between her characters. She believes everyone is motivated by love of someone or something and is always curious to discover what’s hidden beneath the first layer. When she’s not whipping up chocolate treats in the kitchen, Alyssa can be found searching for fairy houses and mermaid eggs.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

H ave I got the perfect idea for Christmas! Kaitlyn’s exuberant voice burst through the phone.

Is this going to be worse than last year’s suggestion? Tess asked with a shudder, tugging at the back of her neck as the ghostly feeling of tiny legs scampered across her skin.

Christmas in the snow! Crumpling sounds accompanied Kaitlyn’s announcement as if she were spreading out a thick piece of paper. The rustling stopped, and Kaitlyn cleared her throat. Longing to escape the drudgery of daily life? Celebrate the holidays at Dove Ranch. Chow down on time-honored family recipes, take a nighttime sleigh ride, enjoy ice skating on our private pond, or curl up in front of a warm fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. Christmas magic provided at no extra charge.

Okay, that doesn’t sound so bad. Tess paused. What’s the catch?

It’s two hours’ drive from the nearest town… and there’s no electricity.

At all? Tess asked, her eyebrows hovering near her hairline. Her gaze slid to the open laptop on her bed.

Bring an extra battery, Kaitlyn replied.

Don’t roll your eyes at me.

We’re on the phone, how can you see my face? Kaitlyn asked.

Because I know you. Shaking her head, Tess sank to the bed, the beginning of a headache forming behind her eyes. Kaitlyn’s plans had a way of turning disastrous. Is there anything else I should know?

There’s a total of six rooms available, so we’ll be sharing our holiday with strangers.

As long as we have private bathrooms… Tess paused, waiting for Kaitlyn’s verbal confirmation, which she quickly gave. Then that doesn’t bother me. Tess laid back, draping her arm over her eyes. Okay, I’ll consider it.

Just imagine, Kaitlyn said, her voice taking on a dreamy tone, toasty fires, sexy cowboys, Christmas carols, sleigh rides, and delicious home-cooked meals.

Wait a moment, what did you just say? Tess frowned, pulling her arm from her face.

Toasty fires.

After that.

Sleigh rides.

Kaitlyn. Tess’ hand tightened around the phone.

Cowboys?

What was the whole phrase you used? Tess asked, struggling to keep the hard edge from her tone.

Sexy cowboys, Kaitlyn’s meek voice replied.

Does the brochure actually say sexy cowboys? Tess sat up, rubbing her forehead.

Well, no, but… Reluctance seeped into Kaitlyn’s voice.

I am not in the mood for one of your matchmaking schemes.

It’s a legitimate working ranch with horses and cattle and stuff, Kaitlyn huffed, exhaling loudly. One week of planned activities in the snow… think of how much fun we’ll have. We could even have a snowball fight!

A week? I’m not so sure about this, Kaitlyn. Tess bit her lip, stalling. I have a lot of work to get done.

It’s Christmas, you can take a few days off, Kaitlyn shot back. All you ever do is work.

Tess winced and sucked in a quick breath as if Kaitlyn had punched her in the stomach as guilt flooded her body.

I promise to give you two hours a day just to work, Kaitlyn said, taking advantage of the silence.

Four. They were already at the negotiating stage. Tess’ gaze slid over her closet. Nothing in there was warm enough for the snow.

Three, no work on Christmas Day, and I’ll let you pick next year’s location.

Fine, Tess sighed. I’ll go. Just set the whole thing up and message me the details.

Well…

What? The headache flared.

I was hoping you’d also help with the arrangements. Tess imagined Kaitlyn fluttering her eyelashes as she spoke.

Why do you need my help? Tess knew the answer. Unable to hold a job longer than three months, Kaitlyn relied on Tess to fund her impulsive adventures.

I don’t have quite enough money to cover your share.

How much do you need?

One thousand dollars.

One thousand dollars! Tess slammed her hand on the bed. That’s insane, Kaitlyn. Why would a week in… where the hell are you dragging me?

Idaho.

Why would a week in Idaho cost one thousand dollars?

Actually, it costs a little over two thousand, Kaitlyn replied, her voice so soft, Tess had to crush the phone against her ear to hear the response. I thought it best to reserve us separate rooms.

In case you get lucky.

It wouldn’t hurt you to take a roll in the hay, Kaitlyn replied. It might loosen you up a bit. You must be gathering cobwebs by now.

Tess pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling slowly.

You want to drag us both to the snow for Christmas, with no electricity, and pay someone two thousand dollars for the experience? Do they even have running water?

Of course. Kaitlyn’s voice strained in exasperation.

Hey, after last year’s debacle, I have to ask.

Why are you still upset about that? It was twelve months ago, and you only had to go four days without showering.

The cockroaches were bigger than my fist.

I never ask you for anything.

You ask me for everything! Tess leapt to her feet. You call at the last minute, spend every dollar you have, never think anything through… Are you even dressed yet today?

So, you won’t go with me? A sniff came through the phone, then a hiccup.

Don’t start, Kaitlyn.

Maybe if I’d spent more time with Mom and Dad before they passed away,—a strangled sob escaped from Kaitlyn’s mouth—I wouldn’t crave some much of your time. I just feel so alone.

I worked my ass off to provide for you. Tess’ gaze jumped to a picture of her parents on their wedding day, one of the few mementos she still possessed from the old house, sold when Kaitlyn was barely thirteen.

Left to raise her younger sister when their parents died in a car accident, Tess absorbed the roles of mother and father, working long hours to ensure Kaitlyn had the best opportunities in life. However, Kaitlyn always managed to shirk her responsibility, leaning on Tess to assist when anything became too complicated or time-consuming.

She knew Kaitlyn would get her way.

They both did.

Now, as Tess stood in the middle of a cramped plane aisle, fussing with her carryon, she regretted giving in so easily. What did either of them know about snow? Grunting, she shoved the case into the overhead bin, then dropped into her seat, her gaze sliding to Kaitlyn, who beamed in return, then leaned over, knocking her head against Tess’.

I’m so glad you decided to come with me.

You didn’t really give me much of a choice. Tess’ phone pinged. She glanced down, swiped her thumb across the screen, and read a message from her project leader.

Colleen: Awarded to Malone’s NY snobs

Tess grimaced. That was the third account this month. If this kept up, she’d have no assignments left.

You need a drink, Kaitlyn said. She zeroed in on an attractive flight attendant, hovering in the aisle a few rows in front of them. Leaning over Tess, she waved to the attendant.

May I get you ladies anything before takeover? he asked, his voice bright.

What would you recommend? Kaitlyn asked, nearly climbing into Tess’ lap.

Tess glanced up. The attendant was cute, but not worth the effort Kaitlyn was exerting to flirt with him. Twisting away, Tess typed a quick response to Colleen.

T: Did the partners say why they chose his angle?

A mimosa is an excellent way to start off your morning, Miss. The attendant leaned closer.

I’ll have two.

Kaitlyn! Tess’ head whipped up, and she glared at her sister.

It’s not like you can’t afford it. Kaitlyn shoved off Tess’ lap.

You’ll be drunk before we land.

Two mimosas will hardly have any effect on me. She folded her arms and scowled at Tess. You never have any fun. You’re already working, and we haven’t even taken off yet.

You agreed to give me three hours a day, Tess replied as her eyes dropped to her phone.

Colleen: They think an all-male team will appeal more to the client.

T: That’s BS!

Colleen: I told them that. They yanked the Bloom project from us as well as punishment.

T: Are you kidding? I brought my laptop. What am I supposed to do now?

Colleen: Enjoy your holiday. Rest, relax, have fun. We’ll get ‘em next year!

We can’t take off with you using your electronic device.

Fine, I’ll have a drink. Tess set her phone down and lifted her gaze to the attendant. I’d like the same thing as my sister, please.

Excellent. He grinned, winked at Kaitlyn, and returned a moment later with four beverages. Please let me know if you need anything else.

What should we drink to? Tess asked, raising her glass.

To family, Kaitlyn replied, then drained her flute in one sip and burped.

Very ladylike, Tess snickered. She swallowed her drink in three gulps and belched louder.

I learned from the best.

Alright, show me the brochure, Tess said, holding out her hand. I might as well get into the holiday spirit.

I emailed it to you. Kaitlyn tilted her head, staring at Tess for a long moment. You didn’t read it, did you?

Kaitlyn, I’ve been extremely busy.

Do you even read any of my messages? Kaitlyn grabbed her second glass from the tray table, emptied it, then slammed it back down. You probably have me in your spam filter.

Of course, I read your emails, I just don’t respond to all of them. Tess sighed. This was why she avoided spending time with Kaitlyn. She loved her sister, but everything in her life was so dramatic. You send me twenty emails a day, and that doesn’t include the text messages.

I’m not supposed to want to talk to my big sister? Kaitlyn pushed her lips into a beautiful frown. The attendant appeared out of thin air.

May I get you ladies a refill? His eyes locked on Kaitlyn.

No, thank you, Tess replied, waving him away. I’m not spending the first day of my vacation babysitting you.

So, you admit it’s a vacation!

It’s a distraction. There was no way she was admitting her work obligations had just vanished.

"This is a distraction." Kaitlyn slapped the brochure down in front of Tess. Spread across its glossy cover, the pectoral muscles of the men of Dove Ranch posed in various stages of undress.

Kaitlyn, put that away! Tess glanced around, a blush creeping through her face. It looks pornographic.

Don’t be such a prude, Tess.

Is this why you wanted to go here?

Kaitlyn grinned.

It’s exactly what I thought it was! Tess twisted toward Kaitlyn, glowering. You do know, we’re going there during winter? They’ll be bundled up, just like you and me.

Yes, but you can imagine what they look like underneath their clothes. Kaitlyn ignored Tess’ annoyance and peeled open the folded portion, running her finger down the crease.

You said sisterly bonding time. You didn’t say, ‘spend a week with strippers’. Tess swiped her second glass from the tray and drained it.

They’re cowboys, Kaitlyn replied, opening the brochure fully. And there is no stripping, hookers, or anything else your crazed brain has run off with. This is a legitimate business. I looked it up.

You did research?

Very funny. She pointed at the center photo. Are you telling me you don’t want to spend a week staring at that?

Glancing down, Tess’ breath caught in her chest, her heart fluttering like a tiny bird. Brilliant green eyes, the color of cut grass, blazed hotly from the center of the spread. She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry.

Who’s that? Her nonchalant question sounded strained.

Kaitlyn leaned forward, squinting at the small print. Santa is portrayed by Weston Dove.

He’s the owner?

One of the owners. Those are his brothers. Kaitlyn folded the page down, covering half of the unnerving green gaze. Meet Graham, Jackson, and Ethan Dove.

Tess’ mouth dropped, her gaze sliding over the tanned muscles of the bare-chested men featured in the picture. How long have you been drooling over this brochure?

A couple of weeks… I call dibs on him. Kaitlyn pointed at the man to the far right. Which one do you like?

None of them.

Little sister knows when you lie. Kaitlyn flipped the brochure over, indicating the picture of all four brothers. I know you haven’t been with anyone since—

Don’t say the name, Tess cut her off.

Malone, Kaitlyn enunciated.

Are you saying I need to screw someone to prove I’m over Malone? Anger flowed from Tess. It’s been almost a year since we broke up.

And this is the first vacation you’ve taken since last Christmas. Kaitlyn yanked the brochure from Tess and crumbled it in her fist. So, yes, I’d like you to get laid, but that is not the purpose of this trip. We’re going to ice skate, snowshoe, and whatever other fun snow-related activities Dove Ranch offers. No arguments, and if you happen to sleep with a cowboy…

That is not going to happen.

You’re telling me, if you had the chance with one of these guys, you wouldn’t take it? She waved the brochure at Tess.

No. How many other women do you think they’ve slept with? Tess arched an