"Miguel can't stop staring at his sons new girlfriend."
From the outside Miguel looked like the perfect family man. He’d emigrated from Spain to England twenty-three years ago, started a successful business, married his beautiful wife Lisa, and had a son, James, who was now at university. However, Miguel knew...
"Mark and Leah go on a blind double date, but get stood up. While going back home, it starts to rain, and they take refuge in Leah's home."
As I approached the restaurant, I saw Leah waving at me."Hey! How are you?" she greeted me, giving me a hug."Honestly, I'm kinda nervous; it's been so long since I've gone on a date," I replied, reciprocating the hug. "You?""I'm...
"Two lonely expats deepen their connection in the heat and the steam."
“So how does this work, again? I’m still new at this.”He looked at her and smiled at the curiosity and excitement in her tone as she unwound her scarf, her face flushed at the transition from the subzero winter to...
"How Bree and Brandon make their Advent calendar each year"
Every year, my husband and I put together an Advent calendar. I get the odd days meaning those are the days I get a present or do what he asks. Brandon gets the even days.We hang twenty-four ornaments on our...
"Meeting Amanda, I realized that she was nothing like the delicate flower that Janice made her out to be."
TimSaturday morning came early since I needed to finish up some paperwork before my lunch with Amanda. Opening the front door at six in the morning, I inhaled the smells that accompanied my print shop and felt blessed that I...
"Faith prepares for her boyfriend's final advent gift"
It's Christmas Eve. I'm naked. Blindfolded. Facing the bed, the carpet springy under my toes. Warm breath plays across my ear, Oliver's body heat close behind as he whispers:“Ready for your final gift?”There's a catch to his voice and I...
"Gabby meets a fan while arranging a road trip for Christmas."
Humboldt County winters are bleak and miserable, just endless days of gray skies and cold rain, and that distinctive stink of mold. Last year I just about lost it. So this year, I’ve made plans to get away from it,...
"Take him, as you must, all-devouring Time. Yet leave the fruits of his genius untouched."
December 20th, Day of Saint Dominic of Silos.Months ago, quite by accident, I discovered in my study a hidden spyhole in the oak panelling by the alcove in which my desk is situated. This cleverly constructed contrivance has allowed me,...
"My girlfriend was not at home, what happened next was surprising."
Half an hour ago, I was knocking on the door, hoping that Jenny, my girlfriend of six weeks, would be alone in the house. College restarts in two weeks, and by the time the term ends, we'll have drifted apart....
"It was after the Christmas party..."
Scanning the room, I spotted her. Clare Adams. I had seen her here at the party earlier, but always with other men. She at six feet and I at six-two, we were taller than almost everyone else here. I walked...