Free Santa Reads Romance by Dara Joy Page A

was absolutely crazy about the publisher.
    Hunter reached over, his hand clasping her about the neck. “You know what?” Their noses were almost touching.
    “What?” she purred.
    “I think I'm in love with you.”
    May blinked, stunned.
    “Know what else?” he went on unperturbed.
    “N-no.”
    “I think you love me, too.”
    A writer and a publisher? How existential… May's thoughts were interrupted by his next question.
    “Know what else?”
    May shook her head.
    “I predict that you and I will be here next Christmas and we'll be old married folks.” He stopped to stare at her poignantly. “What do you think of that, May?”
    She did not have to think. “Mmmm, I just love sequels… ” May closed the small distance between them.
    After they ate, May went to store the leftovers in the refrigerator and Hunter was picking up in the room. He had already replaced the quilt on the bed and was in the process of folding the large cloth sack when a small card floated out of the bag to fall at his feet.
    Thinking it was a tag that had fallen off a gift, he bent down to retrieve it and was about to throw it away when he spotted his name on the front of it. Gingerly he opened it and read:
     
    To Hunter,
     
    It seems Benny and you are a perfect match. The other half of your gift is a lifelong one— something you've been needing for a long time. Remember, it only comes from following the “directions” exactly. Merry Christmas.
     
    Your Friend, the Old Coot
    P.S. It's a good thing I have an extra suit.
     
    A cold sweat broke across Hunter's brow. He suddenly remembered the names of some of those nurses in the hospital. Nurse B. Litzen? Nurse Donner? And that little red-haired one… Rudy.
    No way.
    What about that deli that supplied all those gifts for the children? Katya and Rolph Ingles… K. & R. Ingles… Kringles?
    It couldn't be.
    At that moment May came back to the room. Seeing his ashen expression, she asked, “Is something wrong, Hunter?”
    He rubbed his hand across his face. Who would believe it? “No, everything is fine, sweetheart. C'mere, Benny.” He patted his leg so the dog would come to him.
    Benny obediently left his mangled hambone and trotted Hunter's way.
    When the dog was sitting by his feet, Hunter reached down and untied the blue ribbon around the dog's neck. “Welcome home, boy.” He ruffled the fur on Benny's head.
    Tongue hanging out, Benny gave his new master a look of pure adoration.
    The burst of static from the radio surprised both of them. “Hey, Douglas, you there?” It was the sheriff's office.
    Hunter went over to the radio, flicking the switch. “Yeah, go ahead.”
    “I have an urgent message from your editorial director.”
    Hunter took a deep breath. “Go ahead.”
    “She says, ‘Rex's manuscript arrived last night from Sri Lanka. It's a knockout. Relax and enjoy the holiday.’”
    Hunter was nonplused. Rex had come through. Big time. He actually felt his eyes get damp.
    “We should be able to dig you out day after tomorrow,” the sheriff continued.
    “That's okay, Sheriff.” He met May's eyes. “Take your time.” He switched the radio off.
    May beamed at him. “You got your manuscript!”
    Hunter hugged her to him. “That and a whole lot more.”
    “ How romantic! ” May gazed up at him, love shining in her eyes. “Oh, Hunter, I absolutely adore you!”
    He looked down at May and sighed. Writers. They were the best.
     
     
     

Happy
Holidays!

About the Author
     
     
    Hailed as a break-out talent and publishing phenomenon by Publisher's Weekly, Dara Joy has written eight consecutive New York Times and USAToday bestselling novels. Over the span of her career, she has consistently been an Amazon bestselling author, hitting single digits on multiple Amazon best-seller lists, including Amazon's Top 100 and the Top Movers and Shakers list. Millions of Ms Joy's books have been sold worldwide and translated into numerous languages, including German,