Christmas Chaos Read online

  Christmas Chaos

  Jennifer Conner

  Christmas Chaos

  Copyright 2011

  By Books to Go Now

  For information on the cover illustration and design, contact [email protected]

  First eBook Edition –October 2011

  Printed in the United States of America

  Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

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  Christmas Chaos

  Chapter 1

  Josiane tapped her foot impatiently and blew the blond bangs off her forehead as she watched the floors blink yellow to indicate the elevator’s location. She planned to leave work earlier than this, but as the office manager, she felt she should be the one to stay late on Christmas Eve. She needed to make sure everything was done before the long weekend.

  There was still more than enough time to drive to her mom and dad’s for dinner. She was looking forward to everything but the questions from her father regarding her missing date. Why did all her sisters have to be married? Not just married, but to nice guys. Josiane wondered if maybe the reason she couldn’t find a great man is they took them all. The ones left were shallow, self-centered, one -date men.

  When she’d told her dad she was bringing someone to dinner, it opened the flood gates to questions. She’d purposely left the identity of her mystery man vague. From the beginning she’d worried Kevin would bail. She thought he might be a safe bet, but she hadn’t factored in all his friends. She guessed one of those friends called and offered him a more exciting evening than sitting around the tree with her family. An hour ago, he’d called and canceled.

  Her family was use d to seeing her by herself, but that wasn’t the point.

  Damn. Just once, could things work out like she’d planned? Well, one thing would work out- he’d made sure to be on time.

  Josiane shifted the large Christmas goodie basket she’d bought at the market to her hip. When the elevator door opened she stepped in. The tall man in front of her moved to the side to allow room for her and the basket.

  “I thought I was the only one left in the building,” the man said in a deep voice. “It looks like all the offices are empty and I didn’t see many around the condos.”

  Josiane surveyed the man’s dusty cargo pants and Carhartt jacket. “Are you in construction here in the building?” she asked.

  “This week, I am.” He smiled. A dimple made an indent in his cheek. He was awfully cute. Dark hair. Deep blue eyes. Her holiday dream package.

  “And next week?”

  “It depends on if I survive this week.”

  Josiane laugh was cut short when the elevator shuddered and shook. The light overhead snapped off and left them in the dark. She let out a little yelp as the man next to her swore under his breath.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, and grasped her elbow.

  “Yes… no. I’ve never really liked elevators. I usually take the stairs, but I was trying to hurry.”

  “A bad elevator experience?”

  “No, not really,” Josiane answered. “Too many horror movies. Where the doors open between floors, she tries to climb out, the elevator starts up… and you know.”

  He squeezed her elbow tighter. “I don’t suggest either one of us climb anywhere. Do you have a cell phone? I left mine at my brother’s place.”

  The dark was disorienting, so she thought she better set the basket on the floor. When she straightened, Josiane fished in her large leather purse. She swung her hand out with the phone and hit the solid wall of the man’s chest. “Sorry.” She let out a nervous laugh.

  He took the phone from her, pushed the ‘on ’ button, and then dialed a number. A muffled voice answered on the other end. “Merle, this is Carsten… Carsten Harrell.” He waited while she assumed the man on the other end spoke. “A young woman and I are stranded in the building elevator. It’s Christmas Eve and I don’t plan on spending it in this elevator. Since we talked about the electrical problems with elevator B earlier this week, and there is obviously still a major problem, I suggest you get someone here. Now.” He pushed the ‘end call’ button.

  “He’ll never find building maintenance around on Christmas.”

  “You wanna bet?” he mumbled gruffly. “If he’d done his damn job, you would be on your way to your evening.”

  “So would you.”

  “I didn’t have any plans other than to finish up my project.”

  She pulled in another shaky breath. “Did I forget to mention I hate the dark?”

  “And you hate elevators.” He pushed the button to illuminate the cell screen again. He held it toward her face. “You sure you’re okay?” He waited until she nodded. “It could definitely be worse. I’m happy you weren’t in here by yourself.” Taking her elbow again, he added. “Why don’t we sit? Help will be here soon, but I’m not sure how soon.”

  He sat first, stretched out his long legs and lit the spot next to him. “Pull up a floor and take a load off.” He surveyed her legs. “Those heels make your legs look great but they can’t be comfortable.”

  She nodded and slid slowly down the smooth metal wall. When her hip touched his, she was extremely happy to have someone beside her.

  He looked down at the cell screen and frowned. “You’re down to one bar. We had better keep the screen off in case dipwad calls back.”

  “Is that his Christian name?”

  “It was the nicest one I could think of in the presence of a lady.”

  She couldn’t help but smile.

  He continued, “You heard my name through my ‘friendly’ phone conversation, but I don’t know yours. I think if we are to be stuck in the dark for the next hour, we should be formally introduced.”

  “You can call me dipwad.”

  He chuckled. “Sorry , that name’s taken, and you don’t want one of the other choices.”

  “Josiane. I was named after my two grandmas, Josie and Anne.”

  “Are they both still around?”

  “Josie is. I hope I’m like her when I grow old, she’s still so full of life and fun.”

  They sat for a moment. The sound of Carsten’s stomach growling broke the silence. “I am so hungry. I worked through lunch. I kept telling myself that I would stop and grab a sandwich, but didn’t. That’s what I get.”

  “Well, I think it’s your lucky day. I happen to have a huge food basket within your grasp.”

  There was a pause. “I can’t eat that, you’re taking it to your party.”

  “It’s just a family dinner. Everyone always brings too much food. Their food is always much better than the store bought basket I contribute. They’ll forgive me. I’m the single, over -worked sister. I sound like Cinderella.”

  “You’re single?” he asked. “That’s good to know.”

  She wished she could see his face. Was h
e interested in her, or was it just a fact he wanted to store? It was hard when you couldn’t read a face.

  Josiane felt for the plastic wrap and pulled it off the basket. “Well, this will be a challenge in the dark. You don’t have any allergies do you?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Not being able to see what you’re eating wouldn’t be good.”

  “No allergies. I’ll be grateful for whatever I get. I’m sure the last thing you want is to sit here in the dark and listen to my stomach growl.”

  She pushed the basket until it stopped against his leg. “Help yourself.”

  “Okay.” She heard him begin to rifle. “This box is square and long. Crackers?”

  “Open it and see.”

  There was a ripping sound, and then a crunch as he bit down. “Breadsticks.”

  “Your guess was so close.” Josiane found a flat round tin and pulled the foil off from around the edge. She sniffed. “I found a cheese… of some kind. Care for some with your breadsticks?” His hand was warm as it touched hers, trailed up her wrist to her hand and took the tin.

  She rummaged deeper into the basket. “I thought there was a bottle of champagne in here.”

  “Shouldn’t you save that for a more special occasion?”

  “What’s more special than being stuck in an elevator with a tall, dark, and handsome stranger?”

  “Wouldn’t that be ‘a tall stranger in the dark ’?” They both laughed. “Why don’t you give me the bottle? I don’t want you cutting your thumb on the foil. I worked as a waiter when I was in college.”

  “I worked in a fish packing plant. Whatever pays the way, right?

  “My dad thought it would build character. He didn’t want me or my brother to get a free ride or anything handed to us.” He took the bottle. There was a pop and a sizzle of bubbles. “There wouldn’t be glasses in there by any chance?”

  She shook her head, though she knew he couldn’t see her. “I have a clean bill of health. No diseases. Let’s share.” He passed her the bottle. “I’ve chugged tequila, but never champagne.”

  He took the bottle back after she took the first drink. “There’s a first for everything. So, you were on your way to a family dinner? I take it they celebrate Christmas Eve?”

  “We always have a big gathering, then my sisters spend Christmas with their husband’s families and I get mom, dad and grandma. Odd man out.”

  “Sounds like you’re the lucky one. My mom and dad are divorced. My mom lives in Spain. My dad is on a cruise with his business friends. I’m spending Christmas by myself once again.”

  She paused, not wanting to overstep boundaries. “I know you don’t know me, but you’re more than welcome to come over tonight and have dinner with us. As I told you earlier, they always have way too much food.”

  He paused. “No. It’ll be fine, but thanks.”

  “Since we have nothing better to do at this moment than sit in the dark, I have a confession for you. You would be doing me a huge favor if you came.”

  “You said there would be lots of food. Is that why you want me there, I seem to be good at eating your food?

  Josiane laughed “I told my dad I was bringing a date. All my sisters are married, and there are always a million questions coming from my dad on whom I’m seeing and when he’ll be able to meet a man in my life.” She blew out a breath. “I had a date invited, and told them I was bringing someone, but he called me at the last minute and cancelled.”

  “And you want me to take your date’s place?”

  “No… I mean, yes. Oh, I don’t know what I mean. Just forget I asked.”

  “I think it sounds fun, on one stipulation.”

  “You’re married?”

  “No, and not seeing anyone at the moment either… in case you’re curious. It will be based on if we ever get out of this damn elevator. Here, you can have the last swig of champagne.”

  As she raised the bottle and drained the last bit, there was a loud thunk and the lights blinked on. A moment later the elevator stuttered and began its descent. She blinked as she waited for her eyes to adjust to the glare.

  Carsten stood and extended his hand to pull her to her feet. He scooped up the open crackers, cheese and empty champagne bottle then dropped them back in to the basket. “Well, I didn’t eat it all. I can probably fill in the holes from stuff from my brother’s place.”

  The doors opened and she began to step out.

  “If you want me to go with you tonight, I’m going to have to change. I hate to ask you to get back in the elevator, but my brother’s condo is on the thirty-fifth floor. I’ve been re-tiling his bathroom. We’re about the same size, I’m sure I can ‘borrow’ something from his closet to wear tonight.”

  Josiane hesitated, but he took her hand.

  “Hey. You don’t need to worry. Let’s take elevator A up. And besides, I’ll be there and we have the other half of the basket for survival food in case there’s another problem.”

  She found herself nodding as he pulled her into the open elevator. She’d only known Carsten for an hour, but felt she’d known him her whole life.

  Had he really said he was going to Christmas dinner with her family?

  This evening was turning out nothing like she’d anticipated.

  Chapter 2

  He wiggled the key in the lock of his brother’s front door then kicked it open with his boot. Flipping on lights, he took the basket from Josiane’s grasp and sat it on the kitchen counter.

  She whistled through her teeth. “Wow, nice digs. I knew there were condos up above the offices where I work, but had no idea how spacious they were. If you don’t mind me asking, what does your brother do for a living?”

  “He’s a corporate lawyer. I guess all that arguing we did when we were young helped him hone his argumentative skills.” He pulled off his jacket and threw it over the arm of a chair. “What should I wear tonight?”

  “It doesn’t matter. You look fine.” She bit her lower lip and averted her eyes.

  “Josie, listen. We just survived a possible near death experience in the elevator.”

  “Near death?” She rolled her eyes.

  “Okay… too many horror movies.” He watched her lashes flutter closed again, relaying a genuine vulnerability he was drawn to. She’d been truly afraid back in the elevator but also showed him an inner strength. She had worked past her fears and handled a bad situation. He surveyed her classic cut grey coat and red satin dress. The waves of her dark blond hair held a golden sheen. It had been a long time since a woman captivated him so completely. He wanted to know everything about her. He wanted to know her secrets, starting with what was going through that pretty head of hers. “Just tell me what you’re thinking.”

  “My dad can be… difficult. He has standards. All his girls, well, you know, the guys get the third degree. He’s worked hard his whole life and owns a refrigerator repair business. He wants only the best for his little girls. I love him to death, but he can be… he means well… but…”

  “You haven’t changed your mind about me going, have you?”

  She threw up her hands. “Oh, no. I didn’t mean it like that. I just don’t want you to feel… bad. I mean, it’s Christmas. You should be happy, not being grilled by my father over what you do for a living.”

  “I can hold my own. I have a brother’s who’s a lawyer, remember?” Her large blue eyes were framed with long black lashes. He swallow ed audibly. “I’ve been grilled by the best of them.” He took a step forward and brushed a thumb across her cheek. Her skin felt soft and warm. What he wanted to do was kiss her. How was this possible in such a short time? “You haven’t told me what to wear to impress your father.”

  “Impress my father…” she grumbled, but then raised her gaze to meet his. “I haven�
�t seen my choices.”

  He reluctantly dropped his hand from her cheek and strode over to the wine cabinet. He poured her a glass of Merlot and then one for himself. Returning, he handed her the glass. “He tipped his in a toast. “Here’s to a night of adventures.” They each took a sip. “I know you’re already late, but I’m going to take the world’s fastest shower. Have a seat on the couch and I’ll be right back.”

  Carsten was good to his word. He showered and was in front of his brother’s closet in five-minutes. He chose a pair of smoky grey dress slacks and slid them up over his boxers. He pulled three shirts from the closet and laid them across the bed.

  “Hey, are you still out there?”

  Josiane appeared in the door. Her gaze dipped to his bare chest before slowly returning to his face. She was definitely checking him out. Too bad we have to be somewhere other than here…

  He picked up a pale green shirt. “What about this one?”

  She came towards him, and looked from the choices on the bed back to the closet. Taking a step, she lifted a sweater off the bar. “Would he mind if you wore this one? I like the grey wool with your dark hair.”

  “Sure, if that’s the one you like. I’ve never been a fashion horse. More of a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy.” He slipped the sweater the hanger and over his shoulders.

  She spotted the boxes of tiles and grout box on the floor next to the bathroom. “Is this the bathroom you’re tiling for your brother?” She stepped in to survey his work.

  “He’s off with his girlfriend skiing. We’d talked about it for awhile, and thought this would be the best time to do it when he’s gone.”

  “Very nice work.” She ran her hand over the small opalescent mosaic tiles he’d grouted that morning. “So, is this what you do for a living?”

  “Yes, and no. I’m in construction. I’ve taken over for my dad, and now he’s semi-retired. I don’t get my hands dirty much anymore.”

  “Well you should do more tiling. It’s beautiful. You did a great job. Maybe you could take a look at my bathroom. It needs a serious fashion makeover. Mauve 1980’s laminate.”