A Christmas Surprise Read Free

was off the market, and by the way he and Traci were kissing right now, they should be out of the public’s sight. Man, they were steaming up the front windows that Sandi just cleaned.
    They broke apart and then Traci looked over at Sandi and said, "Why don't you go on now? Jared will help me finish up."
    "Are you sure?" Sandi asked.
    "Of course, go on, get some rest. See you in the morning," Traci stated and pointed to the back door.
    "Okay, see ya." Sandi turned and grabbed her coat to head upstairs.
    She went out the back door and turned to go up the stairs. There were two floors above the restaurant, the second floor was storage, and the third was the apartment where she lived. Thankfully, the stairs were enclosed so she wasn’t freezing her ass off as she walked out without a coat.
    Sandi went up the first flight and heard a noise in the corner of the walkway. She turned to look, but it was so dark she couldn't see anything. Frowning, Sandi reached out from where she moved to go up the next flight of stairs, there was a light switch there for the stairs, and she could just flip it on to make herself feel better. A cold shiver ran through her as she took one-step and then another, something didn’t feel right. A dark figure jumped out at her, and Sandi screamed for all she was worth. Hell, it was probably the night watchman Zach hired, but she didn’t care.
    She was shocked when the figure reached out and pushed her hard causing her to fall to the bottom of the stairs. The fall made her land on her hip and back, knocking the breath out of her.
    Suddenly, the back door to the restaurant flew open, and Jared stood there with his gun drawn. He saw Sandi lying on the ground and immediately went to her.
    "What happened? Are you alright?" he asked as he began to run his hands over her to see if she had anything broken.
    "I'm fine," she gasped, finally able to take in a breath. "Someone was upstairs and knocked me down the first flight. Where did he go?"
    "I didn't see anyone when I came out," he said and scanned the area again.
    Just then, Traci came out and ran over to Sandi. "Are you okay? What happened? Can you move?"
    "I thought I told you to stay inside," Jared growled.
    "I did, and then I came out to see what happened," she growled back at him.
    "Next time, do as you're told. You never know what could have happened. We could’ve been being held at gun point, and you were our only way of getting help."
    "Oh yeah," Traci snorted. "Could have been Jack the Ripper out here, too, but I am not seeing it."
    "With all that has gone on, nothing would surprise me," Jared said wryly.
    "Um, guys? I would really like to get up now, if you don't mind," Sandi said, still lying on the ground.
    "Oh sorry, honey, here let us help you up," Traci said, glaring at Jared.
    They helped her to stand and then Jared asked, "Did you get a good look at who it was? Did you know him?"
    "No, it was dark and he was wearing dark clothing," Sandi said. "Maybe someone just got lost or turned around."
    "Well, come on. I'm gonna walk you up and make sure everything is okay," he said, putting his hand on her lower back, and grabbing Traci's hand in the process.
    They all went up the stairs, and when they arrived at Sandi's door, Jared motioned for the girls to step to one side. He cautiously pushed the door open. Sandi couldn't believe it. It had been slightly ajar! Now why would anyone want to get into her house? she thought.
    Jared pointed to the girls to stay where they were. Neither one of them argued. They waited outside, clutching each other's hands until Jared came back out.
    "Looks like someone wanted to send you a message, Sandi. It seems you have an admirer." He turned and led them into the living room, and back to the bedroom.
    There on her pillow sat a single red rose. Sandi looked around the room, and then gasped when she saw the mirror above her dresser. In red lipstick, the one she loved to wear on bar nights, the word, SOON , was written.