Spindle Together: A Steamy Christmas Novella

By Adina D. Grey

Liam's departure had cast a long shadow, leaving Savannah in the echo of their shared dreams. Once, they both yearned for the emerald city, Seattle. Now, Liam, standing atop the pinnacle of success, feels a hollow emptiness. The missing piece? Savannah. Resolved to break free from regret, he's set on a mission to reclaim their lost love, whether she's prepared or not.

On the other side, Savannah, now a triumphant woman, can't shake Liam's haunting absence. She's caught in a vortex of self-blame, regretting her silence and the missed opportunity to reach out.

Can Savannah absolve herself from the chains of past errors?

Will Liam be able to do the same?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adina D. Grey
• Release date: Oct 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201584368

Adina D. Grey

Adina D. Grey is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author. She was born and raised in Italy so it's no surprise she has a huge addiction to coffee, dogs, and books. Her book addiction and passion for travelling led her into the creative world of words where she writes, blogs, and beta reads. Her writing covers various sub genres and tropes but she's a sucker for a HEA, this is a cliffhanger free zone. When she's not writing or reading you can find her entertaining her toddler and husband, and enjoying family life.

Book preview

Prologue

It has been two years since I last came to Christmas Grove. Returning here brings out many memories and reopens old wounds. The familiar sights and sounds envelop me, transporting me back to a time when dreams and aspirations were intertwined with the very essence of my being.

I wanted a career, to be someone, not just a boy from a remote town in the middle of the mountains. A college admissions letter opened the door for me to leave. And I did. Nothing held me back. Nothing and nobody but Sav.

After ten years, I became a successful entrepreneur, making part of my dreams come true. Mom would have liked me to marry and have children, but for now, I'm not going to take that step. Maybe I will one day, with the right person. Maybe with her. How do they say? If it’s meant to be, it will be?

As I stand at the heart of Christmas Grove, the memories flood my mind. The laughter shared with childhood friends, the secrets whispered under moonlit skies, and the hopes that soared high like the birds above. This place holds the key to who I was and who I am becoming.

The town has changed, yet the essence of its charm remains untouched. The old bookstore, with its weathered pages and stories waiting to be discovered, still stands proudly on the corner. The scent of freshly baked pastries wafts from the local café, inviting me to indulge in the simple pleasures that once brought me solace.

But amidst the nostalgia, a restlessness stirs within me. The ache for something more, something beyond the confines of familiarity, tugs at my heart. The success I have achieved is bittersweet, for it has come at the cost of leaving behind the simplicity and authenticity of this place.

As the sun sets over the majestic mountains that cradle Christmas Grove, casting a golden hue upon the landscape, I find myself standing at a crossroads. The past whispers its enticing promises, urging me to surrender to its embrace. The future beckons, with its unknown adventures and uncharted territories, daring me to chase after the dreams I once held dear.

Chapter 1 Liam

The last meeting finally comes to an end, and a wave of relief washes over me. I turn to Callie, my personal assistant and pain in my ass. Callie, we're done for today. See you in January and Merry Christmas! I hand her the present.

Liam, thank you. You shouldn't have, her voice is filled with surprise and tenderness.

You've been putting up with me for a long time. Without you, my life would be a mess. You deserve it.

Her excitement is palpable, a rare sight for someone as composed as Callie. She rises from her desk and hugs me.

Are you leaving tonight? she asks, curiosity lacing her words.

Yeah. I want to see her. I’m aiming to have a Christmas like those in Hallmark movies. My voice is tinged with a mix of hope and longing.

Good luck then! I wish you a sexy, naughty Christmas miracle, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.

"Do I look that desperate?" I retort, laughter bubbling out of me. Despite my attempt at a lighthearted response, I know deep down she may be right.

With a warm exchange of Merry Christmas, I bid Callie farewell and shut off the office lights, the silence in the building signaling the end of this busy year. As I step outside, the cool night air greets me, a gentle reminder of the season.

Mr. Rogers, a familiar voice calls out, and I turn to see Emilio, my loyal driver, standing by the car.

Good evening, Emilio. Can you take me to the airport? I lean against the vehicle.

Yes, sir. I didn't know you were going to leave. When Anna gave me the suitcase, for a moment, I thought she was going to kick me out, Emilio jests, a playful twinkle in his eyes.

She never would. You've been married for what? Thirty years?  I sit in the shotgun.

Yes, thirty-six years of a happy marriage, pride evident in his words.

I envy you a little, you know. It's nice to see you together, I confess, a trace of wistfulness creeping into my tone.

You'll find love, too. You should look around. Girls are interested in you, Emilio points out.

Unfortunately, Emilio, they are interested in my money, not me. That's why I decided to leave. I want some peace, I admit, the weight of my choices heavy upon me.

You'll find your woman. Trust this old man. He places a comforting hand on my shoulder.

Who knows? I feign nonchalance as I pull out the cellphone and check my emails.

As Emilio brings the car to a stop, I notice the soft snowflakes beginning to fall, casting a serene blanket of white. It feels like magic.

Can I do anything else for you?

Yes. Go home and pack your bags. Italy is waiting for you, I inform him, a smile playing on my lips. The jet will be back in three hours and will take you to your destination.

Oh my God, sir, I can't accept it. It's... it's too much, he stammers, disbelief coloring his words.

Emilio, nothing is too much for you and Anna. Go now. Anna will be thrilled. And Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, sir, his eyes are glistening with gratitude.

Anna and Emilio, immigrants from Italy, have been a cherished part of my life and my employees for almost five years. They may address me as Mr. Rogers, but their presence feels more like family. Anna has played the role of a motherly figure, always offering advice—sometimes unsolicited. It was her persistent push that convinced me to return to Christmas Grove, citing it as the perfect place for reflection and rejuvenation. Bullshit! She wanted me to face my past.

As I step off the plane in Christmas Grove, a rush of icy air greets me, wrapping me in its frigid embrace. The world before me is transformed, a pristine canvas of pure white. Despite it still being five days until Christmas, the town already emanates a festive spirit. Twinkling lights adorn every street, painting a picturesque scene straight out of a storybook. I half-expect Santa Claus himself to appear from one of the shops, spreading cheer and goodwill.

Parking the car, I walk toward the pastry-café entrance, craving a warm cup of coffee. It's late, and I can already envision Anna's disapproving look, but the desire to see her outweighs any scolding I may receive.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee envelops me as I step inside. The cozy ambiance of the café feels like a familiar embrace. I take in the decorations and the memories hit me.

Chapter 2 Savannah

T his customer is yours . My shift will be over soon, Liz says, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

Ha-ha! Mine too, Liz. Sometimes I wonder who works for whom, but thanks anyway, I giggle, grateful for her assistance.

As Liz heads toward the locker room, I make my way to the hall, hoping to go home soon too. But fate has other plans for me. I freeze as I catch a glimpse of him, standing there, his presence is like a jolt to my heart. I try to retreat, to escape his gaze, but it's too late.

Hi, is it still open? his voice is uncertain yet filled with a hint of familiarity.

Yes, of course. We close at midnight, I attempt to sound nonchalant. What can I get you?

A coffee to go, please, his eyes lock on mine. Those eyes... Even after all these years, they still have the same hypnotic power.

A hot chocolate would be better, don't you think? A smile forms on my lips.

It seems to hear Anna talking. Alright, let's go for the chocolate. He shrugs, a trace of nostalgia evident in his voice.

As I