A Splash of Christmas Read Free Page A

twenty by thirty-eight, with all the bells and whistles. I promised we’d break ground late next week, so I have to iron out the details, check on the ordered materials, and get equipment ready before filming begins—”
    “It will all get done,” Samuel interrupted, crossing the room to clap Ben on the back. “It’s only Tuesday, so this week still has plenty of daylight. Tomorrow will be soon enough to play in the dirt.”
    “It’s not playing.” Though Ben knew Samuel was goading him in order to take his mind off the outlandish task at hand, he couldn’t help but snatch the bait. “It’s work—important work.”
    “I know. I’ve spent my fair share of time at the back hoe controls.” Samuel grinned. “Besides, Mrs. Jendovani has agreed to let us use her project in the filming of our Christmas episode. We can’t break ground until everything’s ready to go for that, which means you have to get into the spirit here, Ben.”
    “The spirit?”
    “The Christmas spirit,” Colby chimed in. “After all, this is slated to be our holiday episode. Do I need to scrounge up a little Bing Crosby to pipe into the sound system?”
    “No.” Ben snatched a can of soda from the snack table, popped the tab, and drew a long swig before swiping his palm across his mouth. “I’m thinking more of the Grinch. I hate putting Mrs. Jendovani off like that.”
    “She’s good with it, Ben. No worries there. The paperwork is signed and sealed.” Samuel snatched a wedge of cheddar cheese from the serving platter. “The only hold-up here is you , so shelve that stubborn attitude of yours.”
    Ben drew one more long swig of soda before crushing the can in his fist and tossing it into the trashcan. “I’m not stubborn.”
    “See what I mean?” Samuel chuckled. “Now, all we have to do is find the right lady to tame that ornery attitude of yours…”
    “No one’s going to tame me. And, for the record, I can find my own lady.”
    Samuel’s dark gaze rose to challenge as his jaw set in a tight line that said he’d reached the end of his patience. “Prove it.”
    Something snapped deep inside Ben as a pair of women strode through the door. Heels clicked along with a flurry of nervous chatter as they crossed to the staging area. One stood tall with a shock of raven-black hair and lips slashed the color of a crime scene. The second, a petite stick of dynamite compared to her taller friend, paused with hands clenched tight, her hair an inferno of dancing flames that spilled down the length of her back. She seemed to be in a state of extreme discomfort as she wobbled on sandals with stilts for heels that looked anything but manageable.
    Ben’s memory nudged. Something about the flaming-haired beauty seemed vaguely familiar. Was it the voice that danced his way, the mass of hair…or the glint in her eye that seemed to accuse him as her gaze connected with his? Accuse him of what, Ben had no earthly idea. He hadn’t done anything to offend her, had he?
    “Step this way, my dears.” Ben’s mom welcomed the pair of women as she strode their way. “I thought we were going to do this single-file, but Harry must be attempting to expedite the process. Do you each have a script?”
    “Oh, there must be some mistake.” The redhead took one unsteady step forward as she spoke up. “I’m just here to—”
    Ben tuned out the mindless chatter as his hand lashed out to keep her from stumbling into the camera. Her hair was a mass of soft flames that skimmed ivory cheeks and danced over her shoulders. Her skirt, long enough to cover all but sculpted ankles, still managed to induce a double-take. The heels of her sandals could only be described as ridiculous…and—heaven help him—sexy. Ben lifted his gaze, skimming over her until, as if drawn by a magnetic force-field, his eyes locked with hers.
    Sassy…that’s the first word that came to mind. Her glossed lips begged to be kissed. After all, she’d come here to see him…to