Full Moons and Candy Canes Read online

  “What?” He played innocent.

  “Because bugging me about a family vacation wasn’t enough? Now you have to bring up Nancy?”

  “You can’t pretend that kiss didn’t happen.”

  I was an idiot to have told my brother about it. In my defense, I’d admitted it after more than a few drinks, but I was stronger than that. “It was a kiss. It meant nothing.”

  “Bullshit.”

  “What kiss?” Janie burst through the door. Like most shifters, she had extremely good hearing.

  “No one.” I glared at Ryder. He was treading on very thin ice.

  “Aw, come on. You really going to play it that way?” Janie leaned her elbows on the bar in front of me.

  “You really going to walk into work over an hour late and nag me?”

  “It’s only an hour, and it’s not like you have a lot of business.” She straightened up and slipped behind the bar.

  “I’ve spent the last hour drying and stacking glasses, you think that’s in my job description?”

  “Come on, that’s not why you have me working here.” She pulled the towel from my shoulder.

  Ryder laughed. “Really, Janie? You’re going to go there?”

  “It’s true. Your patrons are almost exclusively heterosexual males, and those patrons like these.” She adjusted her low-cut top.

  “I did not hire you for that reason.” I wasn’t going to play that game. I treated all my employees with respect—even the ones who showed up late.

  “Then why did you hire me?”

  “Because you can handle the patrons in here.”

  “Sure. Sure.” She grinned.

  “And that’s why I’m not firing you for showing up to work so late.”

  “If you fire me you won’t find anyone else to work for you. Most of the town hates you guys.”

  She wasn’t completely off base. “Not most. Some.”

  She laughed. “Don’t think a little self-deprecating humor is going to make me forget about that kiss you were talking about.”

  “And on that note, I’m out.” Ryder stood.

  “Where are you running to?”

  “I promised Alex I’d meet up with her to do some Christmas shopping.”

  I shook my head. “Had someone told you you’d ever be willingly shopping, would you have believed it?”

  “Had someone told me I’d find a mate like Alex, I probably would have.” He pushed his empty bottle toward me. “Think about the vacation. You could use it.” He headed straight for the door.

  “Who’d you kiss?” Janie asked as soon as the door closed behind Ryder. At least she was finishing up the prep work. The crowd would be in soon.

  “Why do you care?” I fought back a yawn. I wasn’t ready to admit I hadn’t been sleeping. I was plagued by dreams I wasn’t ready to be having.

  “Because I want to know what your type is. I never see you with anyone.”

  “I’m your boss. Don’t worry about my type.” I leaned back against the cabinet.

  “But I’m worried.” She crossed her arms.

  “Why should you be worried about me?” I narrowed my eyes. “You’re single too.”

  “I’m single, but that doesn’t mean I ever get lonely.” Her smile left little to the imagination in terms of what she was implying.

  I had no interest in knowing anything about her sex life. “I’m not lonely.”

  “But your celibate.”

  “Janie, shut it,” I snapped. She’d crossed a line, and I hoped she’d get the hint it was time to stop.

  “I’m just saying…”

  “Don’t say anything.” I scowled, hoping to get the point across that I was being completely serious.

  “Then tell me about that kiss.”

  I shook my head. “No.” I shouldn’t have even bothered arguing with her, but sometimes it was impossible to resist some bickering.

  “Was it a girl?” She arched an eyebrow.

  “Yes. It was a girl.”

  “So you are admitting to the kiss. That’s progress.” She grinned.

  “‘Not progress. You are getting yourself deeper in trouble.”

  “Yet you are answering.”

  “If I tell you who it was, will you leave me alone?” I knew she wouldn’t give up until I told her, and I’d prefer to have the conversation over well before my customers arrived.

  “Yes. I will.”

  I didn’t really believe her, but it couldn’t hurt. Nancy hadn’t been back to Forest Ridge since Ryder’s wedding. She was avoiding the place—or really, I knew she was avoiding me. “Alex’s best friend.”

  “Wait. The maid of honor in her wedding?” Janie gasped.

  I wasn’t sure why she was all that surprised. “You remember Ryder’s wedding?”

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “You were trashed before they said their vows.” I’d been worried about her at the time.

  “I was a little sad to see Ryder off the market. Can you blame me?”

  I shook my head. “Yes. Yes I can. But to your credit you didn’t interrupt the ceremony.”

  “No. I understood. They work very well together.”

  “He’s happy.” No one could deny that, and I preferred his new overly cheery self to the moody mess he was before.

  “He is. Almost too happy.” She groaned.

  “See that’s why I hired you.”

  “Because I’m cynical?”

  “No. Because you’re realistic.”

  “So about this girl? Where is she? You going to kiss her again?” Janie’s face was animated, and I wondered if her curiosity went beyond annoying me. Maybe she cared just a little.

  “Not here and no. We haven’t spoken since the wedding.”

  “Then go see her. Maybe that kiss can become more than a kiss this time.” She waggled an eyebrow.

  “Next you are going to be telling me I need to get laid.”

  “Your words not mine.”

  “I am doing fine. And I need to check the books.” I headed to the back before she could ask any more questions.

  “Whatever you say, boss,” she called after.

  Some would have docked Janie for being late, but she was a good employee most of the time. Plus she put up with my moods. That bought her some leeway.

  I tried to focus on the numbers on the spreadsheet, but I couldn’t concentrate. All that Nancy talk wasn’t good for me. That and the lack of sleep weren’t a good combination. Maybe calling her wouldn’t be the worst decision. Or a text. A text was always easier. It was a week before Christmas. That gave me the perfect excuse to reach out to her after so much time.

  Hope you have a Merry Christmas. I pressed send and then cringed. Had I really gone there?

  I waited for a response. None came.

  She wasn’t even going to text back a holiday greeting? It was time to forget about her.

  I pocketed my phone and opened the spread sheets again. It wasn’t my fault the girl was anything but interested.

  3

  Nancy

  I wasn’t a runner. You’d think by my twenties I would have accepted that, but I’d tried to save money by ditching the gym membership. Elliptical trainers and spinning classes worked just fine for me, but running? Forget it. I made it a few times around the block before I was a combination of cold, sweaty, and frustrated. I couldn’t give up though. I was stressed, and exercise was the healthier of my options to deal with it.

  I opened my computer and found some workout videos. That was more my speed. I managed to get through thirty minutes of one before I closed out and downed a bottle of water.

  I glanced at my phone. I saw Norm's name, and my chest clenched. Then I read the text. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.

  What? No contact for months, and then he sends a generic message like that? I tossed my phone down and slumped down on the couch. Wow. Evidently the kiss had meant even less to him than I thought.

  But did that mean I shouldn’t reply? Would it
somehow cause issues with Alex if I completely ignored him? Maybe I was overthinking things, but that was how I usually rolled. It was a part of my personality I was never going to get rid of. I pictured my very pregnant friend finding out I couldn’t be bothered to reply to her brother-in-law. Finally, I gave in. I could easily reply and get it over with.

  You too. I hit send. My text was lame, but then again so was his. I should have used an explanation point. I mean you too! I sent it before I really thought it through. Ugh. That was probably worse. I mean I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

  He didn't reply, and I threw my phone across the room, careful to aim for the rug not the wood floor, before I could type more.

  I might as well have added a Christmas tree emoji.

  I heard my phone beep with my text message sound. I retrieved my phone and closed my eyes while I flipped it over. I wasn’t sure whether I really wanted to see his response.

  I opened my eyes slowly. It wasn’t from Norm. It was from Leif. Forgive me.

  I told you I’m not mad. Just disappointed. There was no reason to ruin a friendship over my own insecurities.

  No. I’m asking forgiveness for something else.

  I froze. What?

  My guess is you are going to find out soon.

  Forget texting. I called him. It went to his voicemail. “This isn’t funny.” I left only those three words as a message before texting him back. Answer your phone.

  No.

  Was he serious? He knew me well enough to know how stressed this was going to make me, and I didn’t need more stress. Don’t be a jerk.

  I already asked you in advance to forgive me. Not much else I can say.

  I was formulating a response when Norm texted back. Lol I like the sentiment no matter what punctuation you use. How are you?

  My heart rate accelerated. Really? Over a text message? I’m doing fine. You?

  Fine as well.

  And now what? Did I let it go? Ask another question?

  Before I could decide, he replied. You getting any snow?

  From awkward holiday talk to the weather. Fantastic.

  I rolled my eyes even though no one could see and checked my email. I didn’t recognize the first sender’s name, but I clicked on the email. I immediately wished I hadn’t.

  I opened the email and realized this all had to be Leif’s doing. His words about forgiveness made complete sense.

  Hey Nancy,

  I normally ignore ads like these, but I couldn't help myself after seeing your picture. Love to go to the ball with you.

  -Dale

  Everything got hazy. What the heck? What had Leif done? Before I could process another email popped up.

  Hi Nancy,

  Calvin here. I’d be down for the ball. See attached pictures. I assure you I look good in a tux.

  There was no way I was clicking on those pictures. Instead I tried Leif again. Of course it went to voicemail.

  I had to figure out where he had posted the ad so I could get it down. The emails appeared to be normal addresses. There was no company name, and the subjects were individually written.

  Before I could figure out what to do next another email came in.

  Hey Nance,

  Nice picture. Would like to meet you before the ball.

  Adam

  Nance? Was this guy serious? What kind of picture had Leif put up? A bunch of horrible possibilities flitted through my mind. I did a quick Google search. Nothing recent came up for my name. It was likely on a private site. I needed someone who was good at these things. Leif was usually my go-to person for this sort of thing, but obviously he’d caused the problem and I currently hated him. Asking him for help was out of the question.

  There was only one other person I knew who might be able to figure this out. Unfortunately we were only on weather and holiday greeting speaking terms. Could I really admit to him this was happening? Would he even help me?

  I refreshed my email and four more showed up. Ugh. Yes. I could face him. It was better than letting this mess go on any longer.

  4

  Norm

  Hey. Do you have a minute to talk?

  Her text message showed up fifteen minutes after the last one. I’d given up on hearing back from her. When the conversation turns to weather you know you’re in trouble, but I’d panicked. I had no idea what else would be acceptable to say, and I’d been desperate to keep the conversation going.

  Sure. Call anytime. I didn’t want to seem too over eager, but I wanted her to call. I couldn’t imagine what she’d want to discuss though.

  A few seconds later my phone rang. I stared at her name for half a second before picking up. “Hey.”

  “Hey.” She sounded slightly breathless.

  It was so good to hear her voice, even if it did bring back a flood of memories with it. “How are you?”

  “Fine. No. I’m not going to lie. Not fine.”

  “What’s wrong?” Even without her admission I’d have known something was off by the tension in her voice.

  “I have a bit of a problem I was hoping you might be able to help me with.”

  “Absolutely. What is it?” Maybe I sounded too over eager, but she’d come to me. There wasn’t a chance I was turning my back on her. Well, unless the help she needed involved her trying to get with someone else. Once that thought got into my head I had to know. “What is this about?”

  “Something my friend did to me.” She sighed. “Ugh, this is so embarrassing.”

  “It can’t be that bad. Whatever it is you can tell me.” I hated to hear her so distraught. I knew I’d fix whatever it was. She was my weakness.

  “So there’s this ball my dad’s having...”

  “And the ball is the issue?” I tried to follow, even though it was hard to concentrate. Hearing her voice brought back so many memories and got every inch of me reacting.

  “No. It’s just the start of everything. I want to start from the beginning.”

  “Ok. Continue.” I made myself focus.

  “I thought my friend would come with me, but he cancelled.”

  I waited. Was that the problem? Did she need a date? Could my luck really be that good?

  “Since I had no one else to go with… ” she trailed off. “Well, he did something crazy.”

  No one else to go with? That meant she was completely single, which was good, but she had to know I’d go with her. Didn’t she? Instead of asking any of those questions I went with the most important for her situation. “What did he do?”

  “He put up an ad somewhere.”

  “An ad?” I asked for clarification that I had heard her right.

  “You know an online dating ad kind of thing. Not a dating profile but a request for a particular date.” Her voice dropped to nearly a whisper. “At least that’s how he described it. I have no idea really.”

  “Where did he post it?” First I’d get rid of the ad, then I’d take care of this so called friend.

  “That’s the problem. I don’t know where, and he’s ignoring me.”

  “And you’re friends with this guy because…?” I didn’t want to sound judgmental, but she needed better friends.

  “It’s a long story.” She sighed.

  “Ok. I need more information if I’m going to help.”

  Janie picked that moment to interrupt. “Boss, we need you out there.” She poked her head into my office. I held up a finger to tell her to wait.

  “Really. Now. We need you.”

  Evidently Janie was loud enough for Nancy to hear. “You can go if you need to. Sorry to bother you at work.”

  “No. You aren’t bothering me.” That was the last thing I wanted her to think. I glared at Janie. “What is it?”

  “There’s an issue.” Her expression said it all. This wasn’t something that could wait.

  “Nancy, I’ll call you right back.”

  “No. Don’t worry about it.”

  “Of course I’m going to worry about it. Gi
ve me a few minutes.” I hung up and set down my phone.

  “Come on, Norm. We need you.” Janie gritted her teeth.

  “What is it, Janie?” I snapped. "This had better be good."

  "Good isn't the word I'd use." She hurried out of my office, and I followed her back out to the bar.

  A man lay sprawled out on the floor while a grizzly bear—a shifter for sure- slammed him with his paws.

  "Damn it, Oron!" I launched myself across the counter, reaching for my wolf, and letting him take over. My vision tunneled, and I felt the increased strength as I fully shifted.

  Oron had size on me, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t take him. I bit into his neck to get his attention, careful not to bite down too hard. Killing a customer wasn’t going to help business.

  He lashed at me with his giant claws before suddenly stopping. He’d realized who I was, and that calmed him down.

  I shifted back and held out my hand to catch the pair of pants Janie was launching at me. After getting stranded without clothes once or twice, you learn to always leave extras around.

  I buttoned the jeans while I watched the bear transform into a man I knew all too well. I glanced over to where two patrons were taking care of Oron’s victim. I wasn’t about to say the victim was innocent— he must have done something to get the bear to strike—but asking for a fight or not, it shouldn’t have happened in my bar.

  “What the hell was that?” I held out another pair of jeans for Oron.

  He shook his head and refused the offer of clothing. His eyes burned with anger, and he scowled at the man who still lay on the floor. “He ripped me off! Stole my house from me.”

  “You signed the paper fair and square.” The bloodied man sat up.

  “What is going on?” I looked between the men. Adrenalin still surged through me from breaking up the fight, and I was anxious to call Nancy back. I had no patience for anything else.

  Oron finally took the pants from me but made no move to get dressed. “He’s a warlock. He used magic.”

  “Is this true?” I looked at the man on the floor. “Were you stupid enough to use magic on Oron?” I didn’t know all that many warlocks. They were new to Forest Ridge, but I knew enough.