Mistletoe Madness: Mallory Falls, #1

By J. Leigh James

A two-week kissing spree.

 

That's what Scarlett Simon discovers when her mother unexpectedly moves their family to Mallory Falls, a quaint town full of strange traditions. Including one mistletoe-inspired event for the whole community. Scarlett refuses to be charmed by the town or its residents, especially not by one very determined Sage Toben who has made it his personal mission to lure her under the mistletoe every chance he gets.

 

Scarlett knows it's only a matter of time before her mother moves them again, so the wise thing to do is avoid ties of any kind and remain an outsider. But there is something magical about Mallory Falls, and while most people are playing Mistletoe Madness for fun, some of the residents are playing for keeps.

 

And Scarlett is playing defense to keep her family and her heart safe until they move again. Connecting to the town, making friends, and falling for a guy who has all the right moves is not just a bad idea.

 

It's truly madness!

 

This story contains lots of kissing and a determined guy who knows the importance of never taking life -- or mistletoe -- for granted.

 

♥ Buy Mistletoe Madness today to join the festivities! ♥

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. Leigh James
• Release date: Apr 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781735860947

J. Leigh James

J. Leigh James lives in Texas with her amazing husband, "bad apple" daughter, and neurotic cat. She began writing in middle school when a beloved story had an unsatisfying ending. After rewriting the ending to the story, she became addicted to creating love stories with happily-ever-after endings. She loves connecting with her readers, so check out her website and sign up for her newsletter.

Book preview

My breath caught in my throat. A complete stranger was doing something nice for me. That was new. OK, I said. Only if we have an easy-out clause. If we decide we don’t want to go, for any reason, we’ll call it off.

He laughed. I’ve never asked a girl out and had her suggest she might back out.

Or you might back out, I added.

Sage shook his head. Nope, that’s not my style. I’ve asked you, and if you say yes. I’ll take you.

Unless I back out.

Unless you back out, he agreed.

I sighed. Ok, I guess. It’s just a dance.

Sage glanced at the wall clock again. Well, it’s a little more than a dance.

What do you mean?

He released my hand. Then he placed both his hands on my face, cupping my head and tilting it slightly. I was frozen in shock as his face leaned closer to mine. He was breaths away from me when he said, It’s all about the mistletoe.

Look for other J. Leigh James titles

Just Another Stupid Boy

The Ugly Sister

Wished

Denied

Granted

A Boy Named Jackson

A Boy Named Parker

A Boy Named Drake

A Boy Named Winter

A Boy Named Quincey

A Boy Named Justice

Mistletoe Madness

J. Leigh James

Copyright © [Year of First Publication] by [Author or Pen Name]

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

This is a work of fiction, and the views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author. Likewise, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are represented fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2018 Jennifer Glover

Cover art by Glenda Cottle

ISBN:

9781729344552

Contents

. Chapter

1. Chapter 1

2. Chapter 2

3. Chapter 3

4. Chapter 4

5. Chapter 5

6. Chapter 6

7. Chapter 7

8. Chapter 8

9. Chapter 9

10. Chapter 10

11. Chapter 11

12. Chapter 12

13. Chapter 13

14. Chapter 14

15. Chapter 15

16. Chapter 16

17. Chapter 17

18. Chapter 18

19. Chapter 19

20. Chapter 20

21. Chapter 21

21. Chapter 21

21. Chapter 21

To Jerretta and Saige,

Learn constantly, work hard and dream big.

one

Anyone new to Mallory Falls, like me, might take in the picturesque town square, the old-fashioned street lamps covered in holly wreaths, the small mom-and-pop shops whose storefronts boasted twinkling lights and garlands and see small-town Americana at its finest. They might assume, like I did, that it’s a sleepy little town where nothing bad happens and the locals are stuck living in a 1950s dreamland. First impressions can be deceiving.

Except, supposedly, my mother’s first impression had us uprooting our current home of one whole year and moving. Again.

My mother had promised my brother and me that we’d love small-town life. She’d said, Your grandparents brought me here when I was a little girl, and I fell in love with it. Everything was magical. Just magical!

I wondered if the town was truly magical or the fact that it was 300 miles away from her ex-boyfriend made the place so special. That tended to happen when a new romance started or broke up in her life; we’d move to some place that she'd give a nickname designed to encourage our acceptance of our abrupt entrance to a new life. Wonderful Wilsonvail, Historic Harrison, Revitalizing Rathford. And now, Magical Mallory Falls.

Our tiny two-bedroom house was only a few blocks from downtown, and after my mother announced the screened-in back porch was my bedroom, I had to get out. The end-of-November temperatures were already dipping below freezing. And my mother suggested I turn a porch into my bedroom. It was honestly a little more than I could handle presently.

Walking along the storefronts on, of course, Main Street, I glanced into shop windows and took note of what my new hometown offered. A bakery, a salon, a boutique clothes store, and a consignment shop—just like I’d expected. So far, nothing screamed new or magical.

A help-wanted sign hung in the window of Forever Friends pet store, and on impulse, I stepped in. We weren’t allowed to have pets. No matter how often my mother claimed our newest residence was the most amazing place to be, we all knew it wasn’t the truth, and dragging pets from one home to another, where we may or may not be able to keep them, wasn’t fair to the pets.

A mid-40’s-ish gentleman stood behind the cash register helping a customer, and I patiently waited to speak to him. He was average height, a little hefty and had a neatly trimmed white beard covering the lower half of his face. His balding scalp held remnants of dark and light hair, and I wondered why he didn’t just shave his head clean instead of keeping the few strands. He smiled at each customer as though he were happy to take their money, yet reluctant to show any cheer. He reminded me of a grumpy old man who’d been forced to be a sales clerk.

I waited for him to finish and asked for an application. After all, I’d just turned 16, and the next best thing to actually owning a pet was working with one.

The older man narrowed his eyes at me. I don’t know you.

I sighed. Obviously, Mallory Falls was one of those places where everyone knew everyone else. No, Sir, I answered and mentally said goodbye to the job. Granted, I hadn’t been looking for a job, but now that I couldn’t have it, I really wanted it. All sorts of great ideas came to mind of what opportunities opened up if I had cash at my fingertips.

New to town? the man said.

Yes, Sir. We’re unpacking boxes right now. I shrugged. He might as well learn just how new to town I really was.

What’s your name? He asked, leaning his elbows on the counter and pushing his face closer to mine. His eyes held deep wrinkles around the edges like he either scowled or laughed a lot. I hoped he was someone who laughed.

Scarlett Simon, I said cringing. I hated my name. I was SO not a Scarlett. Scarletts were gorgeous, popular girls with personalities larger than life. I was pretty, but with my average brown hair and forgettable brown eyes, I was on the average side of the beauty spectrum. Plus, I preferred quiet corners to limelight and large crowds. I definitely wasn’t a Scarlett.

Any work experience? he practically barked.

No, Sir. I turned 16 last month. I stood taller, hoping my average height conveyed a confidence I didn’t feel.

He narrowed his eyes. Ever owned a pet?

I sighed. There was no reason for this guy to hire me. No, Sir.

The man looked me square in the eyes for several seconds. I kept his gaze even though my insides were squirming. Any minute now he was going to ask why I had the nerve to waste his time. I steeled myself for his rejection and willed myself to accept it with dignity.

When can you start?

My mouth literally fell open. I’m sorry?

You’re hired, Scarlett Simon, he said with an impatient tone to his words. When can you start?

I swallowed a couple of times. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but why are you hiring me?

Well, he said, you didn’t make it easy. Still, you’re polite, anyone who looks for a job the minute they get to town must be responsible, and I’ve got a good feeling about you. He narrowed his eyes at me again as if trying to peer into my psyche. Don’t prove me wrong.

I shook my head. No, Sir. And I can start tomorrow if you’d like. I almost said today and realized it’d probably be best to tell Mom I had a job before I actually started working.

Good, he said. I’m Mr. Crenshaw. Most people call me Bernie. You choose which one you want to call me. How does 8 am tomorrow morning sound?

I wondered if his offer to call him Bernie was some kind of test, so I opted with, That works for me, Mr. Crenshaw.

Great! he said and smiled for the first time. It was a big, wide, generous grin, and it put me a little more at ease. You come over here, he motioned to a table near the cash register, have a seat, and you can fill out your paperwork.

I nodded, and while I sat, he ran to the back of the store.

A small bell tinkled as the storefront door opened and three teen boys stepped into the shop. Hey Bernie! one of them called out. We’re here to hang the mistletoe. He was shortest of the tall trio. He had dark, short hair and walked with confidence. With his thicker build, I immediately pegged him for a football player. After attending so many different schools, I’d gotten pretty good at recognizing the Who’s Who of the teenage world.

One of his friends towered over the other two, and I imagined he’d make a great point guard for a basketball team. The super tall guy slouched a little, like he was uncomfortable with his height. His hair was covered by a knit cap, and he was bundled in a jacket that looked like he was hitting the ski slopes at any second. The other guy was in between their heights, and while he looked athletic, I wasn’t sure what sport he’d play. His hair was dark and wavy and slightly longer than his friend’s, though it definitely wasn’t long.

Fine, Bernie yelled from the back. Just not over the cash register. I don’t need my new employee kissing every customer that comes in.

I felt embarrassed and appreciative at the same time. I definitely didn’t want to kiss the customers.

The guys split up and walked around the store. The second tallest guy stepped my direction and froze when he saw me sitting there. He glanced up at the ceiling and then back to me. Guys, he yelled out. What about over this table?

Nope, one of them called back. Most people don’t sit down. Here over the puppy pen is better.

The boy sat at the table and stuck out his hand for a handshake. You must be new. I’m Sage. Up close, he was stunning. His eyes were a deep green that fit perfectly with his name, and his full lips held an open smile that suggested he was the type of person who made friends with everyone.

Scarlett.

He grinned at me, and I found myself a little dazed by his good looks and warmth. We’re both colors.

I laughed at this unexpected comment. I guess we are.

Are you Bernie’s new employee? He slid his chair a little closer to mine, and my heart skipped an unwanted stutter at his closeness. There was no denying he was very handsome with rich sable hair, a strong jawline and cheekbones. He sat with a confidence that showed he knew just how attractive he was. He had heartbreaker written all over him.

Yes, I said.

Ah, Sage nodded. Very wise of Bernie to steer us clear of the cash register.

My face heated slightly at his compliment. So, why are you hanging mistletoe here? I motioned to the aisles of dog food that didn’t exactly scream romance.

Sage’s eyebrows raised. You don’t know?

I know what mistletoe is, I defended.

He nodded, affirming he’d expected that. You’ve never heard of Mallory Falls’ Mistletoe Madness?

I frowned. No. I hadn’t even heard of Mallory Falls until a couple of days before when Mom told me and Braden to start packing.

Ah, he said, and his grin twisted into a semi-smirk. Are you working tomorrow?

Suddenly wary of the sparkle in his eyes, I cautiously nodded. At 8.

His smile grew even larger as if there was a test I’d mysteriously passed. Meet me here tomorrow at 7:45, and I’ll explain the whole event to you.

There’s an event?

"Of course, there’s an event. It wouldn’t be madness otherwise. He searched my face. So, you’ll meet me tomorrow morning?"

Yes, I agreed. I have to show up for work. After all, what was the harm? This was some local event, and whenever someone mentioned it, I’d already be in the know. Knowing things made you less vulnerable to pranks and embarrassing situations. Having insider information made life easier.

Great, he said and stood up. Without a backward glance at me, he joined his friends, and I watched them leave the building and enter the store next door.

Bernie returned to the table with a stack of papers and a pen. Fill these out, he pointed to one, That’s an application. Just a formality, of course. The rest are new hire paperwork forms. You can take them home and fill them out if you don’t have all the information with you.

I silently nodded and filled out the application. I kept an eye on the store next door, watching for Sage and his friends to leave. After I’d completed the application, I noticed the guys step outside. I slowly gathered my stuff, handed Bernie the application and made my way to the door. Before leaving, I glanced around to see where the boys had gone and didn’t see them. I assumed they had entered another store. Were they hanging mistletoe in every store in town? It seemed really bizarre to me. Though I didn’t dwell on the question. Sage said he’d explain it to me tomorrow. And my first order of business was to tell my mother I had a job.

I stepped into the cool November air and made my way home. Back to the place where I didn’t have a bedroom. I sighed. What was my mother thinking? I was too old to share a room with my twelve-year-old brother.

Instead of going in through the front door, I walked to the back of the house and stared at the space where my mother expected me to sleep. Three weathered, concrete steps led to an old, rusted screen door. Halfway up the walls were covered in white, weathered siding which transitioned to panels of screen that went all the way to the ceiling. It spanned the whole back of the house and was easily the biggest room in the whole building, if it was actually a room.

I entered the porch and sat in an old rocking chair that had been left by the previous occupants. It was the only object on the porch and made the space appear even more lonely and isolated. Join the club, Mr. Rocking Chair.

Scarlett, my mother stepped out of the house, here you are. I’ve been looking for you.

I walked into town.

Oh, my mom puckered her lips in a slight pout. I wish I’d have known. Bray and I could have gone with you.

I blankly stared at her. My mother was the eternal optimistic, and when times were good, she made life a lot of fun. When times weren’t so good, she struggled to face reality—like the fact her daughter had walked into town alone to get away from her.

I got a job, I said. I hadn’t planned how to tell her, and even though I hadn’t wanted to just blurt it out, that’s exactly what I did. I waited for her reaction; my nerves a tiny bit jittery, not sure what to expect.

Her face lit up, and she grabbed my hand. Oh, Honey! That’s fantastic! I should have gone with you. Maybe I would have found a job, too.

My heart sank. You don’t have a job?

Her happy smile faded slightly. I’ve got a lot of skills. I’ll find one really fast.

I blinked rapidly to keep tears from forming in my eyes. You quit your job in Rathford and moved us here before you had another job?

She squeezed my hand, and I saw the struggle in her eyes to keep the smile on her lips. Well, Sweetie, when you break up with the boss’s son, sometimes you break up with the job, too.

Outraged, I stood up. They fired you for dumping their slimebag son?

She hesitated. Let’s just say it was mutual.

The forced cheer in her voice said it definitely hadn’t been mutual. So, we left Rathford because you didn’t have a job and wanted to get away from them.

We came to Mallory Falls because it’s magical, and we’re going to have a fresh new start. You’ve already gotten a job!

As if that proved Mallory Falls' magical state.

I dropped the conversation. Anything else I said was going to provoke a happy-fight with her. And I hated her happy-fights, which is what I called it when she argued with me until I finally gave in and pretended to be happy about whatever mess we currently faced.

Holding up the papers Mr. Crenshaw had given me, I said, I need to fill out this paperwork. Do you know where my birth certificate is?

Oh, I think I packed it in the same box as our laptop.

Stepping from the porch into the tiny kitchen, I scanned all the boxes piled around the room.

I think it’s there, Mom said, pointing to the box labeled bathroom.

You packed our laptop with the bathroom stuff?

Oh, Silly, she said, I didn’t label the boxes. I wrote that when we moved to Billingsley.

Beautiful Billingsley. We’d only stayed there six months. That had been three years ago.

I sighed. We were going to have to unpack every box to find my birth certificate. Mom, I forced the irritation out of my voice. Why don’t you and Braden go into town and look around? If they weren’t here, it’d be easier to sort through the boxes and find what I needed. You can look for a job and bring back something to eat.

She hugged me. That’s a great idea, Sweetie. I bet I’ll find an amazing job this afternoon, just like you did.

Hey Mom, I said as she walked toward my brother’s room.

Yes?

There’s a cute little boutique I noticed downtown that sells women’s clothes. Try there.

Why is that? She gave me a hopeful look, and I held back what was in my head.

Because you’ll be less likely to meet a single man there.

She’d definitely be hurt if I said those words. Instead, I said, Maybe they’ll offer discounts, and we can get new clothes.

She clapped her hands. That’s an excellent idea, Scarlett! I love you, Precious!

I love you, too, Mom.

By the time Mom and Braden got back, I’d emptied every box. I’d found my birth certificate in the second box I’d opened, the one labeled Braden, and then looked for the rest of my stuff. I piled all of our clothes into separate stacks in the tiny living room. Tomorrow, some friend of my mother was delivering our furniture, and then we’d set up our rooms. Tonight, Mom wanted the three of us to camp in the living room and make it fun that we slept on the floor.

The only place to set up my bed, dresser and desk were on the porch. I’d buy a lock for the screen door to keep my stuff safe; although, if they really wanted it, thieves could cut through the screens and haul stuff out. No way was I actually sleeping out there. I’d have to sleep on the couch in the living room, at least until Mom moved us again.

I spent my time organizing our piles of stuff until Mom and Braden came through the door laughing. Mom set a box of pizza on the kitchen counter and Braden placed a couple of jugs of water and a six-pack of sodas next to it.

How did it go? I asked, hoping—yet not expecting—she’d have good news.

Downtown is so beautiful! So quaint! Mom said and kissed the top of my head.

Did any stores have job openings? I expected her to say