Christmas in North Slope

By Isabella Winter

In the enchanting town of North Slope, where the holiday spirit blankets the snowy streets, Mia and Henry embark on a vacation that will forever change their lives.

As contrasting personalities collide, a chance encounter with a rugged ranger named Jordan, a quirky elf named Pippin, and a mysterious reindeer sets the stage for a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and love.

Amidst the twinkling lights and snowy adventures, Mia learns that sometimes the true magic of Christmas lies in following the desires of your heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Isabella Winter
• Release date: Nov 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798224808403

Isabella Winter

Greetings from my sunny abode along the mysterious shoreline of an eternal summer, I pen fantastical stories with my curious companion from another world, three feral feline familiars, and an adorable Pom-Princess Daisy by my side. Step inside these tales and let yourself get lost in distant lands, even if it’s only for a fleeting moment.

Book preview

Christmas in North Slope

Isabella Winter

Copyright © 2023 by Isabella Winter

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [e-mail].

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Book Cover by Ocean Blu Studio

Contents

Just Short of Steamy

1.Chapter One

2.Chapter Two

3.Chapter Three

4.Chapter Four

5.Chapter Five

6.Chapter Six

7.Chapter Seven

8.Chapter Eight

9.Chapter Nine

10.Chapter Ten

11.Chapter Eleven

12.Chapter Twelve

13.Chapter Thirteen

14.Chapter Fourteen

15.Epilogue

About the Author

Just Short of Steamy

Pippin, can you describe the HEAT level?

Ah, how would I describe the heat level of this Christmas romance you ask? Well, let me paint a picture for you:

Christmas in North Slope is like a cup of hot chocolate with just the right amount of whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. Warm, cozy, and full of love, yet with that tantalizing hint of something a bit more exciting. It's a delightful balance that will keep you smiling and feeling the holiday spirit throughout the season.

Inn-keeper extraordinaire, Pippin

Recommended for ages 18+.

Chapter One

Mia

The snowflakes swirled in a mesmerizing dance as Mia Hart stepped from the airport van. She squeezed her fiancé‘s hand for balance on the icy sidewalk as she took in the picturesque village. Twinkling lights adorned every storefront along the main street.

Isn’t this place amazing? she gushed.

Henry Boggs managed a tight-lipped smile as he helped her out of the vehicle. I don’t understand these frivolous trips, but I’ve managed to budget for food, shopping, and one excursion, he mumbled.

Mia closed her eyes briefly to calm herself. There he goes again, ruining things with his constant number-crunching. She sighed. One excursion, Henry? Do we really need to spoil a perfectly wonderful vacation with all these checks and balances?

Henry stopped and stared, appalled. You should be excited! We’re going snowmobiling!

As they gathered their luggage and approached the entrance to the charming North slope Inn, a giggle echoed through the crisp air. A small human with oddly pointed ears sprang from a snowy bush, startling them both.

Henry, he looks like an elf! Mia gasped.

Welcome, welcome! the small human exclaimed, grabbing their bags from their grip and ushering them both inside the inn’s lobby where he dropped everything to the floor and then vanished in a swirl of snowflakes.

Wait? Where did he go? Mia turned in a circle, looking for the small human in costume, but instead, became mesmerized by the inn’s festive decorations. The lobby’s warmth embraced her, and the scents of gingerbread and cinnamon filled her nose. She couldn’t wait to see more, and completely forgot what she had been looking for to begin with.

Beside her, Henry’s brow furrowed in concentration as he calculated room charges and taxes. Interesting, Henry murmured as he looked around the lobby for the front desk.

Mia nudged him playfully. Lighten up. We’re on vacation - let’s enjoy it.

Henry forced a smile. Yes, yes, you’re right.

At the front desk, the same small human spontaneously appeared. Welcome! Welcome! My name is Pippin. Please let me know if you need anything. He handed Henry a snowflake-adorned key. Your single room, as requested, and we delivered the cot already.

Mia turned to Henry, surprised. A single? Not a double?

An even smaller figure with pointed ears and a wide, toothless smile toddled through the doorway and reached up to tug on Pippin’s coat.

How cute! Mia chirped.

Papa, Santa needs you, said the child.

Just a moment. I’m busy. Pippin replied, ignoring the tugging.

The little one tugged at Pippin’s coat with more persistence. Papa, Santa said to tell you he needs you now.

Mia watched, amused, as the child crossed his little arms and glowered.

Merry Christmas from North Slope Inn! Pippin declared to Henry and Mia with a frustrated smile. Please excuse my youngster.

Henry appeared to be transfixed on Pippin’s ears.

Is there a problem? Pippin asked Henry, rather indignantly.

Henry whispered to Mia, Amazing the lengths they’ll go to reel you into their little fantasy. Then he turned his gaze back to Pippin and muttered, No, thank you.

Well then, just remember, we find magic in the most unexpected places, Pippin stated, winking at Mia with a side smile before disappearing through the door behind the counter with the child in tow.

Henry turned the key and stepped into their single room, followed by Mia still struggling with luggage. Mia dropped the bags in awe as she took a moment to admire their room, which had been transformed into a winter wonderland. This holiday was going to be all about exploring and having fun. Now, if only she could get Henry to chill out and enjoy it. She turned to him, her eyes bright. Can you believe we’re actually here? she asked. I’ve always dreamed of staying in a place like this.

With his mind already engrossed in more calculations, Henry dropped his computer bag on the bed and made a beeline for the desk. Taking a seat, he glanced up briefly. It’s beautiful, he conceded, brows furrowing as his pencil flew and numbers filled his notepad. I’m just trying to figure out how much we can spend each day without going over our budget.

Mia sighed, feeling that all too familiar pang of frustration. Granted, they needed to be careful with their finances, but really? Come on, Henry, she implored, walking over to him and gently pulling the pencil from his fingers. Let’s forget about budgets for one night and just enjoy ourselves. We can go have dinner at that charming little restaurant downstairs. Reluctantly, Henry agreed with a nod.

After unpacking, they descended to the lobby, where holiday lights bathed the space in a warm glow. To Henry’s dismay, Pippin, who could only be described as a quirky elf from the front desk, led them to a table by the fireplace. "Welcome