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  A WINTERTIME LOVE

  ALYSON RAYNES

  Booktrope Editions

  Seattle, WA 2015

  COPYRIGHT 2015 ANISA SEIBEL

  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

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  Cover Design by Anisa Seibel

  Edited by Steve Trinward

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to similarly named places or to persons living or deceased is unintentional.

  EPUB ISBN 978-1-5137-0796-9

  Table of Contents

  COVER

  AUTHOR COVER

  TITLE PAGE

  COPYRIGHT

  A WINTERTIME LOVE

  BOOKS BY ALYSON RAYNES

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  FOLLOW ALYSON ON SOCIAL MEDIA

  MORE GREAT READS

  A WINTERTIME LOVE

  IT WAS THE SECOND WEEK of December, and school had just let out for winter break. The campus was like a ghost town, with the exception of the few who were catching later flights or were locals avoiding the return home sooner than they had to. It would be the first Christmas I wouldn’t be spending with my family in Russia, as I had agreed to attend a holiday charity ball with my buddy Dylan that his family was hosting.

  The Prescott’s were wonderful people and always welcomed me into their home. This year was no exception. As soon as Dylan’s mother heard I would be attending the charity event, she insisted I spend Christmas with the Prescott family. I felt a bit out of sorts not going home to my own family, but since my mother had passed away from breast cancer a few years back, Christmas just hadn’t been the same. I missed her terribly, and being back at home just brought back all of the painful memories of what I no longer had.

  Dylan and I had been dorm-mates our freshman year of college, and when we’d been able to move into an apartment our sophomore year, we’d agreed to get a place together and split the rent. Not that either one of us was hurting for money, but it made it fair.

  I was just sitting on the large, leather couch watching Big Bang Theory when Dylan and Christina entered the room holding hands.

  “Hey man, we’re gonna go watch the Broncos game over at The Tavern. You wanna come along?” Dylan asked.

  “Sure,” I grumbled. “Can you give me at least ten, so I can clean up before we head out?”

  “Hurry up, man! Brody and Andrew are waiting for us.”

  “Shit! Brody’s gonna be there?”

  “He sure is, and you know what that means,” he said with a chuckle.

  “Yeah. Tits, everywhere. Not that I’m complaining, but the dude doesn’t attract the highest quality of women, if you catch my drift.”

  “I hear you, man. I wouldn’t worry too much though, Trist. Christina’s friend A. J. will be joining us as well.”

  “Even better. I sense a hook up coming on,” I said, rolling my eyes heading to the shower.

  I showered as quickly as I could, threw some gel in my hair, and dressed in jeans and a Broncos jersey. When I walked back into the living room, Dylan and Christina were practically doing each other on the couch.

  “Man, you have a room over there,” I, pointed towards his room.

  “I do, but I like it on the couch. If you’d loosen up a bit, you might like it too!”

  I laughed. “Dude, do you ever not think of pussy?” I knew that was making Christina feel uncomfortable.

  He stood and placed his arm on my shoulder. “We really need to get you out more, Tristan. Man, you’re so uptight, and I think meeting someone might actually help you to relax a bit.”

  “I have plenty of warm holes to stick my dick in, Dylan,” I replied, irritated. “Can we go now?”

  I wasn’t usually so down and reserved, but I’d spent the day feeling guilty about not going home to see my family, and I was really missing my mom. I had to attribute that to my emotional state, since I normally acted as carefree and wild as Dylan. I hadn’t dated much back at home, spending most of my time going to school, helping with the family business, and taking care of my mom. I dated one girl back home, Anya. I had known her for many years, and she was my sister’s best friend.

  We lived together for a short while before I came here to go to school. My leaving was hard on both of us. I was in love with her, but I never told her because I knew it would just make it harder when I left. There wasn’t a day that didn’t go by that I didn’t think about her. My first year at school, I called her almost daily. Then I made friends and started messing around with the American girls, and eventually I just stopped calling and texting. I know it’s an asshole move, but every time I heard her voice, it made me miss her, and we both needed to move on with our lives.

  Thinking about Anya, I grabbed my coat as we headed down the stairs to Dylan’s truck and climbed in the back of the cab. I knew Christina wanted to sit next to him so she could talk his ear off about A. J., and I was fine with it. I also wanted to be left alone and sitting in the back provided that.

  As the truck veered onto the highway, I could hear her telling him how A. J. wanted to be a writer, and that she was really good. Of course my buddy humored her because he was in love with the girl. I hoped one day I could find a girl as cool as Christina, too. She was the type of the girl who was beautiful, dressed well, and acted like a lady, but also loved sports. All sports. You could take her to the bar to watch the games, and she wouldn’t complain. She was every man’s dream—including mine, though only from the sports point of view. I preferred my women a little on the thicker side; I wasn’t into skin and bones on a girl. I didn’t like fat, either, but a little cushion was right up my alley.

  I’d been lost in my own head as we arrived at The Tavern. Parking downtown was a nightmare and expensive as hell. We drove around the corner at least three times before we found a spot close enough to the bar. Since it was freezing outside, none of us wanted to walk very far.

  As we walked toward the bar entrance, I saw Brody through the window, sitting next to a hot blonde. The place was hopping, and I was suddenly grateful we were meeting Brody and Andrew, since they had saved us a seat at their table. It had been a long time since I’d last seen Brody. He had gotten picked up by a professional hockey team in Arizona, while Dylan and I still played for DU.

  “Hey, man, it’s good to see you!” I said, giving Brody a hug. “It’s been a fucking long time! How’s life been treating you? How’s life in the desert?”

  “I love it, except for the heat,” he told me, taking his seat. “That shit is brutal!”

  I took the seat across from him, giving me the perfect view of the oversized plasma-screen TV. The place was so loud you could barely hear anyone speaking. It suddenly erupted into cheering as the Broncos scored the first touchdown in the game, making it 7 to nothing.

  A beautiful waitress came by in her school-girl uniform, exposing her large, fake breasts. I ordered a Bud Light on draft and some fish and chips. Dylan and Christina ordered the same. I was still lost in my own world, going through the motions of watching the game on TV. If I were being honest, I really wasn’t paying all that much attention to it. I just wasn’t in the mood to be around people, but sitting a
t home wasn’t the answer, either. I was feeling very unsettled, and I hated it.

  The waitress arrived with our beers and food and was nearly knocked on her ass by a beautiful brunette trying to take a seat next to Christina on the wooden bench. Deafening screams and girls hugging became the scene around me. That must be Christina’s friend, I thought. Beautiful blue eyes, gorgeous long brown hair, pretty smile, hmm . . . lovely thighs! Now that was the kind of girl I could see myself hanging out with. She was everything I looked for visually; I just hoped she had a personality to go along with it. Then she’d definitely be the perfect girl for me.

  I took a sip of my beer, trying to ignore the two girls. I grabbed a piece of fish out of the basket and proceeded to chew, when suddenly I heard my name mentioned in the conversation. I was all ears after that.

  Apparently Christina thought I was a mega hottie too. Hmm . . . Something to hold over Dylan’s head to piss him off when he’s being a dick. Perfect! I chuckled to myself, as I continued listening. A. J. had just been offered a job in New York, as a personal assistant for an author., so she’d be leaving just after the holidays, leaving school to pursue her dreams, just like that! I already had great respect for her, and from what I could gather, she had intelligence. I had a feeling she was a keeper. Only one problem, I didn’t know her . . . yet.

  I excused myself, heading to the restroom trying to figure out what I would say to this girl. I came up blank. What the hell is wrong with me? I never have these issues when it comes to women. But there was something special about her. I could sense it. She didn’t behave like the other women our age. She even carried herself differently, more confidently. I zipped up my fly, washed my hands, and headed back to my seat.

  “Hey, Tristan,” Christina screeched, as I approached the table.

  “What’s up, Chris?” I mocked back in a high-pitched voice.

  “I have someone I want you to meet.”

  “Sure.”

  “Tristan, this is A. J. A. J. Kane, this is Tristan.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” I smiled, shaking her tiny hand.

  “The pleasure is all mine,” she said, batting her pretty eyelashes at me.

  “So, do you go to school at DU? I haven’t seen you hanging around campus,” I mentioned, shoving a French fry in my mouth.

  “No,” she shook her head. “I’ve been attending CU Boulder, studying English and Journalism. I’m actually getting ready to take a position in New York after the holidays.”

  “So, did you graduate early or something?”

  She hung her head low. “Not exactly. The opportunity came, and I feel like I need to take it. One of those once in a lifetime things. My parents aren’t too happy about it, but I need to do what’s right for me.”

  “I get it. I think it’s cool that you’re following your dreams. Not many people do that anymore. They just give in and conform to what society tells them is the right thing to do, and then one day they wake up, and all of their dreams are gone. Kind of a shit situation to be in if you ask me.”

  “Exactly! Do you think you could explain that to my parents?” she laughed.

  “I’d be glad to, just as soon as I’m able to explain it to mine.” I took another swig of my beer. “Why don’t you have a seat?” I pulled out the chair next to me.

  “Thanks,” she said, sitting down.

  Damn, she’s pretty.

  “You have an accent. Where are you from?” She flashed that beautiful smile.

  “I’m from a town just outside of Moscow.”

  “That’s pretty cool. I’ve always wanted to visit Russia. Maybe one day I’ll get the opportunity to visit. Will you will be going back after you finish your studies here?”

  “I haven’t decided yet. I kind of like it here. Plus, it’s a lot warmer in Denver than it is there.” I shifted in my seat a bit.

  “I can imagine. I hear it gets really cold there. At least that’s what I’ve read and seen in pictures.”

  “Well it’s not too bad in the summer. The average temperature is about nineteen degrees Celsius, which would equate to around 67 Fahrenheit.” I plucked another french fry out of the basket.

  “Holy crap! That’s cold! Do you go swimming there?”

  I laughed, “We have indoor swimming pools. Don’t you watch the Olympics? They have Russian swimmers, don’t they?”

  The bar erupted once again with another touchdown for the Broncos. I didn’t care, though. I was too enthralled in the little beauty sitting next to me.

  She took a slow sip of her water, blushing. “I just wasn’t sure, since all the pictures depict it looking like Christmas year round.”

  “Fair enough. When I first came here I didn’t know what to expect. In Russia, we’re taught that Americans are evil. When I stepped off the plane, I didn’t really know what to expect, but the image of evil wasn’t what I saw. In fact, I saw quite the opposite. I saw people who were just living their lives, no different than any Russian. Where they came up with that, I have no idea. It always amazes me how afraid we all are of the unknown. Every culture is beautiful with its own traditions.” I was wondering where the hell all of this sentimental, gushy shit was coming from.

  “I couldn’t agree more. I think it’s because so many have closed their minds off, they only see what they want to see and believe what they want to hear.”

  I decided to change the subject before I lost my man-card. “So tell me, A. J., how’d you know Christina?”

  “I’ve known her since second grade. My family moved across the street from her the summer before we started school, and we’ve been best friends ever since.” She twirled her hair between her fingers. “I love her like a sister. I’m going to miss her so much when I leave.”

  “Yeah, Christina is definitely a one-of-a-kind girl. I know Dylan thinks the world of her.”

  “She’s lucky to have him. I wish I could find a guy like that. There’s just not many of them out there, and those that are . . . are already taken.”

  “Do you have a boyfriend?” I asked, and then suddenly wanted to kick my own ass.

  “No. I was dating a guy for two years, but then I found out he was cheating on me, and when I asked him why, he said it was because I had gotten fat!”

  “Asshole! You’re fine the way you are.”

  “Thank you!” she said, blushing.

  “It’s true, A. J., and don’t let some asshole make you feel bad about yourself just because he can’t deal with his own fucking insecurities.”

  “Tristan, you are one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met!”

  “What are you doing this Friday night?”

  “I don’t have any plans. Why?”

  “Well . . . Dylan’s parents are throwing this huge charity ball, and I was wondering if you would do me the honor of accompanying me as my date?”

  “Seriously? I’d love to!”

  Just then, Dylan came up and placed his hand on my shoulder. “Hey buddy, you about ready to go? I’m ready to get out of here.”

  “Yeah, just give me a few. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”

  “No problem. I just want to get going before all the crazy, drunk assholes get on the road.”

  I turned toward A. J. “Here’s my number. Give me a call and I’ll give you the details for Friday.”

  “Tristan, you can have my number, too. I know you’re not some crazy stalker I just met in a bar, for cryin’ out loud!”

  “Well I didn’t want to come across like a dog in heat; after all, you are my best friend’s girlfriend’s best friend—and that just sounded like something straight out of a Jerry Springer show!” I shook my head, laughing.

  She laughed too.

  We exchanged numbers, programming them into each other’s phones. I looked her in the eyes, taking in her beauty and knowing I wouldn’t soon forget it.

  “How are you getting home?” I asked.

  “Actually, Christina and I are going out for a little bit. You’re welcome to com
e if you’d like,” she offered.

  “Thanks for the invite, but I think I’ll head home with Dylan. Be careful, there’s a lot of creeps out there!”

  She giggled, “Tell me about it!”

  “Call if you need a ride home.”

  “Thanks Tristan, you’re the best!” She leaned over, placing a soft kiss on my cheek.

  I’m such a dumbass! She probably thinks of me as a big brother now. Fuck! That’s just what I need: That ‘I only like you as a friend’ bullshit! I gestured to Dylan that I was ready to go; we said goodbye to the girls and headed to the truck. It didn’t matter how close we’d parked to the bar, it was still too fucking cold. It reminded me of home, the way the cold sliced through the skin like a knife, the wind burning my skin.

  We finally reached the truck and I shivered until the seat’s heater turned on and warmed my ass and back.

  Dylan was full of questions. “Well . . . what’d you think?” he asked.

  “What do I think about what?” I replied, knowing damn well what he was referring to.

  “Don’t be stupid, Trist. What do you think of A. J.?”

  “She seems nice,” I said, not really wanting to discuss what I really thought about her.

  “Nice? You just think she’s nice?” he asked flabbergasted.

  “Yeah, I mean . . . I spent all of two hours with her. How much of an opinion can I have of her in that short a time?”

  “I guess if you say so, man, but that chick is smoking hot!” He leaned over, adjusting the heating dials on the dashboard.

  “She’s not bad,” I admitted, “I wouldn’t turn her down.”

  Dylan turned, staring at me. “So you do like her. I knew it!”

  “What’s not to like, Dylan? She’s a hot girl and she’s intelligent. That’s as far as it goes. Why are you acting like such a girl about this? You normally don’t give a shit what I think about any chick.” I stared out the window.