Candy Cain

  CANDY CAIN

  by

  C.L. Scholey

  TORRID BOOKS

  www.torrid books.com

  Published by

  TORRID BOOKS

  An Imprint of Whiskey Creek Press LLC

  Whiskey Creek Press

  PO Box 51052

  Casper, WY 82605-1052

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright © 2014 by C.L. Scholey

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  ISBN: 978-1-61160-783-3

  Cover Artist: Vinessa Riley

  Editor: Melanie Billings

  Printed in the United States of America

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  GAME ON!

  This is one married couple whose appetites for each other grow ever stronger with each passing year. They thoroughly enjoy discovering new ways to keep the spark alive and thriving. Allowing another couple to share in their fun only seems to increase the possibilities. Keeping the love alive is certainly not a problem for Mac and Jenney, which makes their escapades deliciously fun to read. ~ Coffee Time Romance

  ENGULF – NEW WORLD BK 5

  Abri is a strong female heroine. She didn't let deafness de-fine who she is. Raiden is a likeable guy. Why? Even though Abri is deaf, Raiden picked her for his female. C.L. Scholey has done a terrific job of creating this futuristic romance series. We have action, romance, adventure & mys-tery all in 102 pages. ~ Romance Bookaholic Traveler

  THE BRETHREN OF TAVISH – VAMPIRE COVEN BK 1

  The Brethren of Tavish is a wonderfully written book. The characters are well rounded and bring you into the story as if you were really there. The story flows smoothly tying one part to the next. The plot is well thought out, giving you plenty of action... ~ Night Owl Reviews

  Other Books by Author Available at Torrid Books:

  www.torridbooks.com

  Game on!

  Enslaved

  Viking Warriors Mega Book

  New World Series - 5 Book Box Set

  Timeless Witch

  New World Series

  Shield,

  Armor

  Impenetrable

  Apparition

  Engulf

  Guardian

  Vampire Coven Series

  The Brethren of Tavish

  A Vampire to Watch Over Me

  A Vampire’s Embrace

  Unearthly World Series

  Bay’s Mercenary

  Zuri’s Zargonnii Warrior

  Elements Series

  Fire’s Flame

  Viking Warriors Series

  w/a Constantine De Bohon

  Valhalla Hott

  Valhalla Wolf

  Valerie Heat

  Norse Valor

  Dedication

  For Sean

  Chapter 1

  It was five days before Christmas and Candy wandered around the shopping mall. She admired all the hard work put into the numerous displays. The fifteen-foot Christmas tree was breathtaking, as it was every year. Santa’s workshop was a bustle, with children big and small wanting pictures, a treat, or simply to dream of a new toy.

  Candy looked into windows, checked out the sales. She picked up stuffed animals and racing cars, only to lay them back upon the shelf, shaking her head. There really wasn’t room in her car for anything else; the vehicle was filled to the brim with ribbons, packages, and bags. She needed to unload her treasures at the hotel in town. She really should be there by now, but Candy just couldn’t resist the draw of the excited crowds.

  She brightened momentarily when her gaze settled upon a lifelike, beautiful doll. Candy lifted her hand to touch the lace on the dress with a shaky finger. It was delightful. The image of an old dress, given to her by her foster mother years ago for her doll, flashed through her mind. The colors were basically the same. But it was different too. Her doll had been in handmade clothing, the fabric was worn, the patterns beyond faded. A discreet patch, in the shape of an embroidered flower, had adorned a small part near the hem where lace once resided.

  They had been so poor, her foster parents. Lilly, her foster mother, stayed home to watch the children while Mark, her foster father, did odd jobs, if and when he could find them. The doll was found at a secondhand store, so they said; more than likely it had been salvaged from someone’s garbage bin, but Candy had loved it nonetheless. It wasn’t the gift or where it came from; it was who had given it to her. Lilly tried so hard to make Christmas a special occasion for their family. And, bless her, she had. Every single wonderful year.

  They’d strung popcorn, made paper chains out of the colorful cartoon section of rummaged newspaper, and collected pinecones to decorate the small tree, all the while singing Christmas carols. Every room held a heavenly smelling fresh sprig of pine branch, a wonderful aroma to add to the festive occasion. The angel for their treetop had been handmade, used every year, until it was faded and worn. Candy remembered the fried bologna, instead of a fine turkey supper. Kraft dinner replaced the stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. For dessert it was baked apples; sometimes they even had brown sugar to sweeten them. The dinner was the best in the world, or so she had thought.

  As Candy grew older she realized the extent of their poverty, but she always realized the magnitude of their family wealth. Her foster parents truly tried. They loved all five children within their tiny home. They provided as best as they could, but they loved all they were able and then some. No one had ever been turned away; never had Candy gone to bed hungry. Her clothing wasn’t stylish, but her foster mother didn’t let them run around in rags with tears or rips; everything was neatly sewn or patched. Never had she gone to bed feeling sad or alone or lonely.

  On a whim, Candy bought the doll. It was silly, really, to do such a thing. She had no use for it. Perhaps she could find it a home with the other purchases she made. There was no one to play with it at her house. She was alone now.

  In her last year of high school, her foster father had died unexpectedly. It had been a devastating blow; unfortunately more were to follow. Her foster mom, so distraught with her overwhelming grief, succumbed to death soon after. The children had been separated and sent off to new foster families, all except for her. Candy had been given the option of living on her own. She eagerly jumped at the chance. After all, she’d grown up with four siblings not her own, crowded and annoyed, in a tiny four-room home. A life of solitude had been too good to pass over. She had searched for an apartment. The one she found had been reasonable, quiet, safe…boring. Her own “bachelorette pad.” She’d never realized how much she’d miss her foster siblings. Her foster sisters had gotten into her makeup; her foster brothers had to be bribed to leave the room if she brought home a boyfriend. She was surprised how happy she was to be part of a family; she never realized what it was to be surrounded daily with love, until it was gone. That life had been gone for years.

  Over time she lost touch with her foster siblings, as they changed homes or moved away. She was a grown woman who had worked her way tirelessly through University
and law school. She was grateful for the scholarships she earned. Candy had a wonderful career she worked hard on. Never again would she lack financially. And yet, through it all, there’d never been a special someone to give her back what she lacked. No one to share her dreams, her hopes; no one to offer her support, no one to offer support to. It all seemed so terribly empty at times. Perhaps one day she could have it all, success, family…love. What a wonderful Christmas gift it would be. Then she shrugged her shoulders with a sad smile. Christmas wishes were for children.

  Candy left the store, the doll cradled securely within her arms. A cold gust of winter wind whipped her long brown locks around her face. For just a brief moment her high heels slipped on a small patch of ice, and she lost her balance. She would have fallen if not for a man grabbing onto her arm to steady her. Candy grasped at his coat sleeve, fearful of hitting the ground and found herself suddenly crushed to an amazingly hard, warm, chest. She looked up and gazed into the most beautiful green eyes she had ever seen. The man was gorgeous, tall, with the looks of a mythical Geek god. He had stunning, midnight dark hair and was perhaps near her age or just a tad older. She could feel herself quiver at the heated, sexy stare he offered her. She felt suddenly like a schoolgirl and tingled all the way down to her toes. She smiled and was about to give her thanks, when the man spoke.

  “Careful, princess, you could have hurt yourself.”

  His condescending tone gave her pause. She blinked hard. The man was indeed incredibly handsome, or at least he would be, except for the sudden snide twist of his full pouting lips. He was in a worn, old leather jacket, a pocket torn, and faded blue jeans with holes in the knees. The sweater he wore under his open jacket had seen better days, and the word “slovenly” automatically popped, unbidden, into her mind. Perhaps he was looking for a handout. It was a frosty day to have to panhandle. He must be very cold standing out here, and she was unable to hide the look of pity that she knew fleetingly crossed her face.

  She noted that he assessed her through narrowed eyes. His appraisal trailed over her expensive attire with a look resembling that of repugnant scorn. She found his judgment of her to be incredibly uncouth. What an obnoxious beast! Perhaps he wasn’t quite so mesmerizing after all. Candy shoved herself away from his grasp, as his hands had begun roaming.

  “High heels are a stupid mistake in this weather,” the man continued. “Nylons are a stupid mistake too.”

  “Really? Well thanks for the advice,” Candy replied. She scowled darkly at him and turned to search for her car as the snow began to fall in earnest.

  “You’re welcome,” she heard him shout as she began to cross the parking lot.

  Candy stopped, once more angered at his rude, obnoxious tone. She turned, and slowly approached the man. She squared her shoulders, held her head regally, and walked her no-nonsense lawyer walk. His look was impassive, all except the mischievous twinkling in his eyes. He locked that disarming gaze on her and stared down into her upturned face. He was a good head taller, even though she wore heels, and Candy tilted her head high to glare up at him.

  “What is stupid is an ill-mannered, pompous, uncouth jerk, commenting on a woman’s attire. What is stupid is an impolite hooligan, condescendingly calling a woman ‘princess.’ What is stupid is a grown man wearing tattered running shoes and an open coat in the snow.”

  “What’s stupid is an itty-bitty woman calling a man twice her size stupid while clutching her little dolly. Really, I’m terrified of your mean, angry eyes.”

  “Well then, the smart thing for me to do would be for me to ram my little dolly up your stupid…”

  “Is there a problem here?”

  Startled, both Candy and the man looked over at a security guard standing not two feet from them. His hands were crossed over his narrow chest, and he was scowling angrily at the man Candy was confronting. It was apparent he had overheard their conversation. Candy felt herself blush, happy she hadn’t prattled out her last heated expletive.

  “Nope, no problem,” the man said; he gave an arrogant salute to the guard, winked at Candy, and swaggered into the parking lot.

  “Are you all right, miss?” the guard asked.

  “Yes, I’m fine. He just annoyed me, that’s all.”

  “Even still, I think I’ll walk you to your car.”

  Candy smiled as the security guard tucked her hand around his arm. The aging man wasn’t much larger than her, and she thoughtfully wondered what on earth he felt he could do to protect her. But his actions were admirable, and she wasn’t about to rebuff his act of kindness.

  They reached her Porsche, Candy thanked the man. She climbed behind the wheel, but before she could close her door the guard spoke.

  “You be careful, miss. Looks like it’s turning into a bad storm. Hope you haven’t got too far to drive.”

  “No, not too far.”

  She smiled as the man tipped his head to her and closed her door. She carefully pulled out of the parking lot, but slammed on her brakes seconds later, as a huge, battered-looking, black truck raced past her. She heard the blast of a loud horn, and growled deep within her throat as the arrogant, good-looking man smiled and waved as he whizzed past her.

  Chapter 2

  Candy peered out her windshield; she was filled with mounting apprehension. The security guard had been correct in his assumption; the storm had come in with a vengeance. She struggled to see through the raging blizzard. She slowed her car to a crawl. The wheels were slipping, and she was afraid she might end up in a ditch.

  A shrill noise almost sent Candy spinning. She reached over and snatched up her cell phone from a cup holder.

  “Now is not a good time,” she blasted the other person on the line. She was having a devil of a time controlling the vehicle; one-handed only made it worse.

  “Sorry, Candy, just checking in,” came the reply.

  “I have to call you back, Bob. I’m in the middle of a really bad blizzard.”

  “I told you going out to Nowhere Ville was a bad idea.”

  “I do this every year, Bob. Christmas was special to my foster parents. The least I can do is visit them Christmas day and buy a few toys for the local charity.”

  The pair had this conversation every year since Candy had joined their law firm. A corporate lawyer should be mingling with society during the festive occasion, Bob claimed, not hanging out with dead people and orphans. But Bob and her other colleagues were somewhat older than herself and stuffy. Their conversations mostly revolved around work and their failed home lives. Or God forbid you ever asked them what sport or hobby their child was in. They could ramble on for long boring hours. She didn’t have the heart to tell him the dead people and orphans were more fun.

  “At least try and make it back for New Year’s, all right?”

  “Don’t I always?” Candy said on a soft sigh. “You can have a drink ready for me when I get back, a very dry vodka martini. I need one after today.” The phone clicked sharply. “Bob? Bob?”

  Damn, the blasted battery’s dead.

  The thought no sooner left Candy’s mind when she heard a loud blast of a horn. The irritatingly familiar big black truck drove past her, way too close for comfort. He had come out of nowhere. Candy was so surprised, she jerked on the wheel and lost control. She screamed as her vehicle spun wildly, and then went sailing down a small embankment. The car’s descent came to a sudden halt; a sheet of fluffy white snow flew up and over her hood, completely obstructing her vision. She was grateful the airbags hadn’t deployed.

  Candy could hear that low growl emerging from her throat again; she was furious. Damn the ignorant beast. Now what was she going to do? How the hell would she be able to get out of this mess? If she ever got her hands on him, she’d…

  Candy screamed again as her car door was yanked open. Speak of the devil, and there he was.

  “Are you insane?” he shouted. “You were all over the damned road.”

  Candy raised her eyebrows and gave him an incre
dulous look. “Are you serious? You ran me off the road,” she shouted back.

  Candy struggled to pull herself out of the car in its precarious position. She immediately sank into a foot of snow. Her legs were encased in the freezing, wet substance and her calves, clad only in nylons, protested heatedly, as she felt instantly frozen.

  “I was trying to keep out of your damned path. What the hell were you doing, putting on your lipstick?” the man said, hands on hips. He assessed her scornfully. “You’re forgetting your little dolly in there beside your stupid cell phone.”

  The condescending arrogance practically oozed from him. Losing her temper, Candy smacked him soundly in the face with a snowball. The surprised look on his face almost made her laugh, that was until he gave her a good shove. She lost her balance, and though he reached for her, obviously not intending for it to have gone that far, he missed, and she toppled over into the snow bank. Candy lay there for a moment, stunned. The cold flakes of white wetness floated over her entire body. Surprisingly she wasn’t afraid, as the huge, now obviously angry man, towered over her. Sighing, she lay there wondering if she should make the best of it and make a snow angel.

  “Damn it,” the man exclaimed. He ran a fast hand over his face and reached down to haul her back up again.

  Candy allowed him to assist her to her feet, though once upright she immediately sat back in her car and slammed her door, barely missing the man’s fingers. The man knocked on her window. She locked her doors.

  “You can’t just sit in there you know,” he yelled, and banged loudly against the glass. The wind was whipping his locks about his face.

  “Watch me,” she mumbled. Her arms crossed petulantly across her chest; her teeth began to chatter, causing her chin to quiver.