second chances | Butterscotch Martini Girls

Christmas In Garland Creek is available for purchase in ebook today! This is Volume 4 of the Butterscotch Martini Shots Series, and we are excited to say that this set has four brand-spanking-new Christmas stories that will warm your heart on a cold winter night. So get your e-copy today!

A print version should be available on Amazon by early next week, and we will let you know when that is up for order.

Remember, books in any format make great Christmas presents, and this one will set the tone for a warm, snuggly holiday. Add this book to your Christmas list NOW.

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SOUND BITES…

WALKING AWAY WITH CHRISTMAS

by Tina Swayzee McCright

Carter stepped away from the holiday cheer. And away from the ghosts of Christmas past.

***

“I’ve got you!” The voice belonged to a man standing behind her, who managed to sweep in and catch her before her derriere, or her camera, could hit the tile floor.

***

“Coffee is always good.” This had better not be a game he’s playing to get me in the sack. For the sake of her fledgling business, she needed to find out. “I can meet you in the cafe in an hour.”

“An hour it is.” A Cheshire cat smile brightened his eyes.

***

“Another valuable piece of jewelry was stolen. This time a two-karat ring.” The angry voice projecting a sense of urgency belonged to the manager. Joe had an easygoing reputation as long as no one pressured him. A threat to the resort’s reputation qualified as volcanic-sized pressure.

***

“I don’t want to keep you.” Her voice softened with concern.

“You’re not. I’m finished.” He shot her a smile. “You can relax. I gave up on trying to date you.”

She blinked as if confused. “You did?”

“Yes. It’s too much work,” he stated matter-of-factly.

She laughed. “Well, that’s a relief. So, why are you sitting with me if you don’t want to date me?”

“I didn’t say I didn’t want to date you. I said I’m not going to pursue it.”

EXCERPT…

Garland Creek Cowboy

by Kayce Lassiter

Myca slipped by the pair. “Come on, Colleen, it appears the bar is now open. “Let’s give it a whirl.”

Colleen followed her to the bar, where Myca ordered, “Two butterscotch martinis, please.”

The silver-haired bartender in starched Wranglers, a black jacket, and a red vest with a bolo tie, smiled. “Okay, ladies, but I’m just a volunteer. I don’t do this for a living.”

Myca smiled. “Seriously, Ben Monroe? We’ve known you since we were all kids together. We know who you are and what you do for a living.”

He winked. “Then you know I have no clue how to make a butterscotch martini. But tell me what’s in it,” he leaned forward flirtatiously, “and I’ll try anything for you, Myca.”

She froze and cut her gaze to the side to stare at him, then to Colleen, who gawked at Ben like he’d just pissed on the floor.

Myca put one hand on her hip. “Are you flirting with me?” She’d discovered a long time ago that the direct approach either made a guy back off, or made him even more determined. She wasn’t sure which option she hoped Ben would take. She’d decide how she felt about it after she saw which way he jumped.

Ben straightened and held her gaze as he announced, “I’ve been flirting with you since you were sixteen years old. It’s about time you noticed.”

Huh, really didn’t expect him to jump that way.

The only thing she could think to say was, “Well, let’s see how good you are at bartending. That might make up my mind.”

Then she turned to Colleen and growled, “You can close your mouth now.”

Colleen snapped her jaw shut, but continued to stare.

He picked up the drink shaker. “Shoot.”

Myca stepped forward and leaned on the bar. “Okay, four jiggers of Buttershots, four jiggers of Bailey’s, and two jiggers of vanilla vodka.”

He tipped his head to the side. “That’s ten shots of booze. How many martinis am I making.”

Myca scowled at him. “You are making two martinis.” She extended her hand across the bar and pointed to the shelf below. “And you’re going to use the two large martini glasses I put down there earlier.”

He raised a brow, but said nothing, simply reaching for the martini glasses, which were much larger than the glasses the resort had provided.

Ben smiled. “Maybe I should join you,” he teased as he poured the shots.

Myca glanced up at him. “If you’re going to join us, you’d better put more booze in the shaker.”

Ben Monroe laughed as he dumped in some ice, shook the container, and poured two very full martinis. He slid them across the bar. “Enjoy, ladies.” Then he leaned close and lowered his voice as he addressed Myca. “And be sure you come back and see me when you’ve finished that drink.”

She could feel her face heat, as she shot back a snappy retort. “Of course, we’ll be back. This is only our first drink.”

* * *

Devin watched as his grandmother and Melayna’s turned away from the bar. “You suppose those two will stay sober tonight?”

Melayna laughed. “Not a chance.” She pointed at them. “Those glasses are way full.”

He groaned, then met her gaze. “I recognize those drinks. They’re butterscotch martinis, and they are all alcohol.” He shifted his gaze back to the grandmothers. “And it would appear they have brought their own glasses, which are twice the size of the martini glasses the hotel provided.”

Melayna snorted. She covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry. I’m just picturing the two of them fighting over a toilet to puke in.”

“Oh, let’s don’t go there. I don’t even want to think about that.”

EXCERPT…

her christmas wish

by Tia Dani

The area around the gazebo buzzed with activity. People milled about. The massive tree decorated with lights and ornaments glittered and danced. The band playing Christmas music had an energizing effect throughout the square. Minutes later, Sam joined them.

“Wow, this place got crowded.”

“Yep. Isn’t it wonderful?”

“Wonderful for Garland Creek, that’s for certain.”

The long blast of the train’s whistle broke through the sound of music. Sam turned to her. “Hey, the train’s coming. Let’s go take a ride.”

Kandee smiled. “I’d love to. If the line isn’t too long.”

“Won’t be if we hurry.” He grabbed her arm. “Come on.”

Kandee, Sam, and with Essy between their legs fell into line. While other passengers in front of them boarded, Kandee glanced down at Essy. “You know, I’d swear this dog intends to go on the ride with us.”

Essy, with a twist of his head, gave her a look as if he understood and agreed.

Sam shook his head. “If you ask me, I’d swear you and Essy communicate.”

“Of course, we do,” Kandee laughed.

It was almost their time to board the train when Kandee heard the familiar “Ho! Ho! Ho!”

Santa, the very realistic Santa with rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes, appeared beside them. “Merry Christmas, you two. Having fun?”

“Absolutely, Santa.” Kandee couldn’t contain her smile. She undoubtedly looked like a grinning fool.

“I second that,” Sam offered.

Santa beamed and reached into a felt pouch attached to his black, wide belt and retrieved two candy canes. He held them out. “These should make your evening even sweeter.”

“Oh.” Kandee accepted the candy and handed the second one to Sam. “Thank you.”

“Ho! Ho! Ho! I see you’re in good company.” Santa bent and petted Essy on the head. “How you doing, Eishund? Find some new friends? Good thing Harald is over in Pinetop today. No worries, eh? Well, good for you. Stick close to them, okay?”

Kandee studied Santa with bemusement. He apparently knew a lot about the dog. She opened her mouth to ask more but stopped by Sam hollering over his shoulder. “Let’s go, Kandee. We’re next. Or maybe I should say we’re last.” He handed their tickets to the trainmaster. “We’ve got the caboose.”

“Bye, Santa.” Kandee turned to board the caboose with Sam. To her surprise, Essy bounded into the front seat, forcing Sam and her to take the back one.

Santa walked up to the caboose. With another hearty laugh, he leaned forward and whispered in Kandee’s ear, “Don’t worry. You’ll get your Christmas wish.”

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