Christmas with the Sheriff (The Fiore Family Book 3) Read online

  Christmas with the Sheriff

  The Fiore Family

  C.M. Steele

  Copyrighted © 2021

  All Rights Reserved

  No part of this book may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system without written expressed permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental.

  Cover design: Sarah Kil Creative Studio

  The use of actors, artists, movies, TV shows and song titles/lyrics throughout this book are done so for storytelling purposes and should in no way be seen as advertisement. Trademark names are used in an editorial fashion with no intention of infringement of the respective owner’s trademark.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and please purchase your own copy.

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Mark: All I wanted was some damn eggnog with my Christmas dinner. Was that so much to ask? My sister forced me to head out to get my own, but I found one last item I suddenly needed. The prettiest petite redhead with a nasty temper is holding onto the only eggnog in her tiny hands. Since she refuses to give it to me, I guess I’ll have to take them both.

  Mia: You have got to be kidding me! I’m looking at the world upside down as I’m carried out of a grocery store in the middle of nowhere by a handsome brute. I’d call the cops in this Podunk town, but apparently, I’ve been nabbed by the sheriff.

  Chapter One

  Mia

  “You have got to be shitting me.” My GPS recalibrates for the second time in twenty minutes, sending me in a completely different direction. The snow is making it hard to see the road in front of me, including the dividing lines.

  Of all the days to get stuck in a snowstorm, it has to be Christmas Eve. It’s about an hour until sunset, and with the already slippery roads and the continuous white flakes adding to the chaos, it’s probably best that I stop at the first town I see.

  I squint my eyes as the wiper blades work double time to smear the white mess out of my field of vision, but it’s doing little to no good while I search for any hint of large green metal through all this white. Finally with a sigh of relief, I spot something up ahead.

  Snowfall, New York

  1 Mile

  How apropos!

  I take the one-mile drive slower than I would prefer. I was planning to drive down to New York City to meet some friends and spend the holidays. It’s clearly out of the question this Christmas. Maybe I should have left a day or two earlier instead of changing my plans at the last minute. Instead of enjoying the holidays with those I love, I’m forced to be alone and I have no one to blame but myself. Why did I finally decide to be impulsive? I’m never impulsive.

  I wish I’d stayed with my family, but they have their own new families and I feel out of place. Last year my two cousins met their perfect matches, falling madly in love with twin sisters. My brother, Soren, is still single; working hard on the family vineyard is his passion, and he isn’t interested in finding love.

  I am.

  Unfortunately, it’s hard to meet men these days, and the ones I have met are either married or not manly enough for me. I need a man like my cousins and brother. Having grown up around them, there’s just some shit I can’t tolerate. I want a man like I read about and watch on TV—powerful, loving, and strong. Although, none of that will matter if I don’t concentrate on the road ahead.

  Taking the exit, I come to a long road that has me making a left and going down another barren strip of snow-covered road for another mile before finding a sign that points in two directions. Stone Hill Right, Snowfall Left.

  The sign on the highway had been for Snowfall, so I make the left, hoping that it leads to somewhere with inhabitants. Finally down the road on the left-hand side I spot a gas station. Since my tank is still pretty full and honestly, I just want to get somewhere and park so I’m safe, I continue on into the town. It’s quite busy with people milling around despite the falling snow, but then again, living here, it must be common. I creep down the road and squint my eyes, looking for a hotel nearby. It’s not a large town, and it looks like I’ve hit their main street. One light blinks red because it’s not even a traffic light, but rather a stop sign.

  I make a complete stop and then roll my eyes, and that’s when I spot the Snowfall Inn. It’s a large building with a rustic feel, and outside is a burly man bundled up in a plaid winter coat shoveling the snow. Smiling, I pull into their small lot, hoping they have a signal and can take a credit card. I’m just glad they’re open.

  I throw my purse over my shoulder, slip on my winter hat, and step outside of my vehicle, locking it. A blast of icy cold swipes across my face, so I quickly zip my coat and wrap up in my scarf. Locking my car door, I walk toward the sidewalk. Looking around at the small storefronts with snow blanketing the edges of the windowsills, I say, “Holy shit, I’ve run straight into a Hallmark movie.”

  “Well, we do have some good-looking men here,” a young woman says, stepping alongside of me. I’m glad that I don’t scare easily because that was a little too quiet for me, or maybe I was lost in my thoughts. She’s got to be about my age, a bit shorter than me if that’s possible and as adorable as hell with her chocolate curls and rosy cheeks. “Although that one is taken.” She points to the handsome man I noticed when I first arrived. He gives us a look over his shoulder as he hears her speaking about him, smiles, and then he walks into the inn. Wow, yep that man is a looker and a half.

  “Yeah, well, I can see why. Do you know if there is availability at the inn?” I ask, pointing to where her man was standing.

  “Yes. We don’t get many visitors to our small town. Usually those just passing by or families needing extra space for their guests on the holidays.”

  “The first option would be me. The weather has definitely changed my plans.” And the fact that I didn’t bother to use my brain and got lost didn’t help. Hell, I don’t know how far south or east from Rochester I am.

  “I’m sorry to hear that, but we have more than enough room at the inn. Do you have any bags?” she asks, looking down at my empty mitten covered-hands.

  I smile and point to my vehicle. “Oh, yes. I wanted to check in to be sure before I dragged out my suitcase.”

  She nods with understanding. “Derek, please help this lady with her bags,” she says, looking just behind me.

  “Yes, dear.” I twist my entire body to the sound. The burly man, who I didn’t hear, seems to just appear out of nowhere and comes up right beside her. Damn, he moves light as a feather for a man that looks anything but light on his feet.

  “I can get them myself,” I insist, hating that I’m interrupting his hard work.

  “No. It’s no big deal, ma’am.” He walks over t
o my vehicle, ignoring my protests and waits.

  I nod and pop the trunk, acquiescing because I’m sure he’s not going to let me carry my own luggage and frankly I don’t want to, but I didn’t want to look lazy. He scoops out my Louis Vuitton suitcase and travel bag, but he doesn’t make a face or grumble. As a small town, I’m sure they don’t like outsiders, especially ones with money. Maybe I’ve seen one too many movies. Then again, I love me some Christmas movies.

  I’m well off, but I’m not rich like my cousins and brother. In fact, my luggage was a Christmas present from my cousin Franco. As his assistant, I make a quarter of a million dollars a year. It’s more than I should make as his executive assistant, but when he became injured three years ago, I took on a lot more of his day-to-day, which earned me a large raise. Most of my money’s saved up for the day I’m no longer needed. I’ve saved almost two million dollars which will be for my retirement one day.

  “Come on in.” The woman takes my arm, hooking it with hers and leading me inside with a smile on her pretty face. She adds, “Welcome to Snowfall Inn.” We enter the warm lobby, and I’m surprised by the feel of home. It’s wood all around, like a ski lodge, and it’s inviting.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “Thank you. My husband has done so many renovations for me since he moved to Snowfall.” So he wasn’t a local? Interesting. The more I steal glances at the man, I can see he has something dark around him—a hidden secret. I’m betting he’s a former assassin or something like that.

  “Oh, well, that’s wonderful to have such a sweet man.” A twinge of jealousy and loneliness fills me. It’s been hitting me hard these days, and I hate it. “So, about the room?”

  “Yes. I just need some information, and we can help you up there.” I give her my driver’s license and credit card. For being an extremely small town, everything here is full of modern technology and the internet isn’t terrible because we finish up pretty quickly.

  “My name is Jenny. I’m the owner along with that handsome man. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re only a call away. We’re off soon, heading home to enjoy the holiday with our family. The local diner is just across the street, and down the road is the grocery store.

  “Thank you.” They walk me up to my room and unlock my door for me. Derek sets my bags just inside the door but doesn’t go in.

  Jenny steps inside and shows me around just briefly, smiling and shrugging her shoulders like she’s nervous. Does she think I won’t like this place? It’s super cute and cozy. She takes a deep breath and then says, “So…I know you don’t know us, but since you’re alone for the holidays, you’re more than welcome to join us for dinner tonight.”

  “Thank you, but I’m good. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

  “Still, if you are interested, my brother can pick you up after his shift tonight.”

  “Thank you, but I’ll be okay.” I’m not sure if she’s normally this friendly or if she’s just in the holiday spirit. Either way, the gesture is kind.

  “You’re welcome. It’s a pleasure to have you here, Ms. Fiore.”

  “Call me Mia.” Most places I go, I prefer Ms. Fiore because it’s usually for business purposes, but this town makes me feel like home for some strange reason.

  “I’m Jenny.” She pauses and rolls her eyes with a quirky smile. “Oh, wait—totally said that already. It’s been a very long day.” I bet it has. It’s still quite early, but she probably gets here at the crack of dawn to keep her inn running smoothly.

  “It’s still nice to meet you, Jenny.”

  “Sweetheart, we have to get going,” her husband tells her, looking up from his phone that had just chimed.

  “There’s only two other guests, and they’re visiting family. Remember, here’s our number if you need anything. Please don’t hesitate.”

  “Thank you.” She gives me a hug, forgetting herself, which makes me smile. Some people can’t help but be friendly, and I could really use that right now. They leave me in my room, and I close the door. An overwhelming feeling of being alone floods my bones the second their footfalls disappear.

  I strip out of my winter coat, boots, and hat, setting them on the rack to dry. The large bed in the middle of the room is calling my name, but I want to check out the rest of the features. On the wall next to the large work desk is the list of contacts if needed, as well as the Wi-Fi password. There’s a postcard-sized menu for a restaurant in town, probably one of their only ones. It sounds incredible, but I’m not in the mood to eat alone.

  Maybe I should have accepted her offer, but I don’t know them and who the hell knows what trouble I could get myself into. Thankfully, my phone rings. I make a mad dash to where my coat’s hanging and scoop it out of my deep pockets, fumbling until I swipe the green button. “When are you going to get here?” Mal asks with a sing-song cadence.

  My bestie, Mal, is the one I’m supposed to be hanging with for the holidays along with her younger sister, Allison. We’re close as can be, although we live in different towns. They grew up in Rochester but decided to go to college at NYU and haven’t left.

  “I’m not coming. At least not today. I’ve gotten stuck in a snowstorm, so I had to stop in a small town and get a room for a night or two depending on the conditions.”

  “Oh goodness. It’s not one of those spooky kinds, is it?”

  “No, Mal. It’s actually picturesque. A Christmas village in a snow-globe kind of town.”

  “Ooh! Any hot lumberjacks to keep you warm?”

  I giggle and plop onto the bed. “I’ve only seen one, and he belongs to the innkeeper. They’re one hot couple and so sweet. They invited me to join them for Christmas Eve dinner since I was alone.”

  “Uh-oh. What if they’re one of those swinger couples?”

  She’s been in NYC too long; she’s forgotten normal people exist. “I doubt it. The man had his hands on her every single second he was in the room and barely looked at me other than to greet me and it was practically a grunt.”

  “Well, does he have a brother?”

  “I don’t know, but she was hinting that she has a brother who can bring me there if I change my mind.” I’m not sure I’d like to meet her brother, but if I’m here for more than a day, I’ll probably run into him. This town is small enough that I bet everyone knows each other.

  “Well, fill me in if you find your small-town romance—like the owner of the hardware store with a little one who needs love and tenderness, but you’re a busy, hardworking city girl.”

  “Girl, didn’t we watch that movie already?” I say, tossing my coat onto the chair.

  “Yeah, but you know they’ll make three more just like it.”

  “And we’ll still be watching them.” We love those films like guilty pleasures.

  “Damn right. I miss you, girl.” My friends and I used to be so close like sisters and these days it gets hard to make time, but we do take vacations together since we don’t have men to spend them with.

  “Samesies.”

  “I wish you were here. Still, Allison and I will drink and toast to you. Maybe on New Year’s we can get together if you’re not working your ass off for Franco.”

  “I do have the next two weeks off. He’s enjoying the holiday with his family, so I can too.” It’s been a true blessing that Franco has finally married Isabelle because work has taken a backseat to his true happiness.

  “Yay! Girls’ night!” They were happy that my cousin finally came out of his self-induced isolation.

  “Mark it down.”

  “Have a Merry Christmas, Mia. Call us when you can, and check out the hardware store just for me, please.”

  “I will. Merry Christmas. Give Ally-Cat a kiss for me and tell her I miss her too.”

  “Sure thing. Be safe. I have to go before my boss finds my ass on the phone again. He’s always on my case.”

  “Bye, beautiful.” My friends are completely stunning, and it surprises people because they think we get j
ealous of each other, but we always fix each other’s crowns. I don’t know what I’d do without them in my life, even if it’s at a distance.

  I settle in and then notice the snow’s only getting heavier, blanketing the street and sidewalks. “I better find the hardware store.” Bundling back up, I fix my lipstick and head down. There’s a young guy sitting at the front desk, and he nearly drops his book when he sees me.

  “Hello, ma’am.” He can’t be more than sixteen, and I might have to close his mouth for him because it nearly hit the desk when he looked at me.

  “Hi, I’ll be back soon. I just want to check out the town before the weather gets worse.”

  “Um…yes.”

  “Do you know where the hardware store is?”

  “Um… is there something you need fixed? I’m not as handy as Mr. Black, but I can do a couple of small jobs.” He winks at me, and I pause. Is this kid flirting with me? No. That can’t be right because he’s nearly a decade younger.

  Shaking my head, I answer, “No. Nothing to fix. I’m just curious.”

  “Well, it’s down the road next to the grocery store.”

  “Thank you. I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.”

  “Sorry, we don’t have name tags around here since most of the guests are family members of the locals. I’m Frank. My uncle owns the hardware store.”

  I nod. “Cool. It’s nice to meet you, Frank.” I wave as I walk out the door. So his uncle owns the place. I wonder if he’s single, or is he happily married too? After all, Mal sent me on a mission to uncover all the hot, single men for her. I shake my head and laugh at myself, which might cause some talk if anyone could see through this wintry mess. Pulling my hat down to cover my ears, I head up the road, passing the grocery store that is about two city blocks away.

  Okay—this town is bigger than it appears, but I think I’ve reached the end of the main road. It’s too dark to go roaming, but since I’ve reached my destination, I might as well stop in. Hank’s Hardware has a spray-painted Christmas tree and décor on the front picture window. A feeling of warmth fills me, and then I finally grab the handle and nearly crash into the man from earlier. “Sorry, sir.”