A Key West Christmas

Shelly Alexander started a new life in Key West which she loves. When her former boss arrives unexpectedly and insists on spending time with her, she’s thrilled. Until the real reason he’s there is revealed. Embarrassed that she thought more was going on, she runs away too hurt to see him again.

Beau Charlmers left the hectic society of New York buying a sail boat to sail around the world. While in the Caribbean he stops in Key West to see his former assistant. Getting to know her on a personal level is entirely different from the work relationship they had. Still, it should make it easier for her to agree to his newest plan.

Only somewhere along the way everything changes. When Shelly refuses to see him again, he realizes what he really wants is Shelly. But to get her to fall in love now would take a Christmas miracle.

Christmas is the time for family, friends and love. Shelly must overcome her hurt to find lasting love for Christmas. Can she do it?

Shelly stood in the doorway, champagne bottle in one hand, two flutes in the other, staring at her boss. Correction, former boss. How many times had she walked into his office and seen him standing exactly there, gazing out the window at the Manhattan skyline?

Beau Charlmers was a tall man who wore his Italian business suits with flair. His dark hair was cut short. He was clean shaven, trim and fit, and in excellent shape. Too young to retire she believed. Yet today was his last day in the office. Tomorrow he was officially retired.

What would he do when he needed to think in the future. There was no amazing view of New York from a sail boat.

She’d seen him like that too many to count. It was his go-to thinking position. But today was the last time.

Nine years. It’d been a wild ride. She’d learned so much. And become more proficient that she ever imagined back on the day she started. Then she’d been a fresh graduate from college with a business degree and full of lofty goals.

She glanced out the window. It was snowing lightly. Soon the city would be covered in sparkling white. The forecast was for flurries only. No worry about getting home.

She stepped inside the office, the flutes clinking slightly.

Beau heard and turned. Smiling he glanced at the champagne.

“Are we celebrating?” he asked.

“We are. One last toast to the future. I’ll miss you,” she said easily.

It was an effort to keep her tone light. She’d miss him so badly it was like cutting off a part of her. Not that she’d ever let him know the full extent of her feelings for him.

For the last nine years they’d been together every week and many weekends. They’d traveled the world for business. She’d been places others envied. Met illustrious people, and a few not known for honesty or integrity. She’d skied in Switzerland, snorkeled off the sparkling waters of Hawaii, and eaten specially prepared meals in India.

Beau had been a demanding boss–yet more than fair and generous. Her compensation had grown each year as she became more and more of an asset to his growing empire. He’d already made his first millions by the time he hired her. Now he’d topped off into the billionaire category.

She put the flutes on the empty desk. Handing him the bottle to open, she glanced around the office. All his pictures, commemorations, commendations had been removed and packed away. The few figures that had been displayed on the shelves were gone. It looked cold and sterile.

Tomorrow someone else would occupy this corner office–Lyle Jefferies. Newly named as CEO for the firm, his goal was to take the company to new heights.

Shelly wished him well.

She wouldn’t be here to see it.

The cork popped and Beau swiftly filled their glasses. He lifted his as Shelly reached for hers.

“To the future,” he said. “May all your dreams come true.”

She smiled and touched the rim of his glass with hers.

“May all your dreams come true.”

Sipping the excellent vintage she was suddenly overwhelmed with emotions. She swallowed hard. She’d come this far, she could stay in control a little longer. She prayed she could.

The end had come. In a few minutes she’d say good bye. It was highly unlikely she’d ever see him again.

He’d sold his home in the Hamptons, sublet his apartment in town. The next few days would have him winding up any personal aspects not yet addressed, then he’d step aboard his sailboat in preparation to sail the East Coast, through the Panama Canal and on to explorations of other coasts. His plans had been made. He wasn’t even forty but was turning his back on business to relax and see what else life had to offer.

“Thanks for the ride,” she said, working to keep her voice light. “It’s been amazing.”

“You did more than your share. I’d never have gone as far without you.”

His smile had her insides turning mushy.

She prided herself on being the sophisticated personal assistant to one of the world’s richest men. New York had been her home for nine years. She was not some teenager with hormones all over the place. Swallowing hard, she mustered a smile and ignored the dancing butterflies in her stomach.

“You’ve been invaluable,” he returned, taking another sip of the champagne. “I’ll miss you, Shelly. Lyle may have a new direction to take the company, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be as exciting as we’ve had.”

She kept her smile in place and emptied her glass. Putting it down on the table, she glanced outside again. Then back at Beau.

“I’m not staying,” she said.

“What?”

He looked stunned. It took a lot to startle a master of negotiations who never gave away his thoughts. She knew her news was a shock. She should have told him earlier, but the time never seemed right. Now, right or wrong time, she’d share her plans.

“Your decision to see the world on your terms gave me the kick I needed. I’ve decided I want a change. I’m tried of cold New York winters, of crowds that seem to grow year after year. I want to work where I can wear flip-flops, never have to wear a heavy coat or fight the crowded subway.”

“I didn’t know you were unhappy here,” he said slowly, placing his glass on the desk.

“I haven’t been unhappy exactly. But most of that was due to you. With your leaving, I’ve made up my mind to try something different. Be someone different. Nothing against Lyle, but if I’m not working with you, I’m going in a new direction.”

“And that is?”

“Key West. I’ve accepted a job as concierge in a high end hotel right on the beach.”

“A concierge?” He frowned. “Hotel workers don’t get paid that much.”

“I don’t need the money. The investments you’ve recommended over the years pay nice dividends. With freedom from financial worries, I can work at what makes me happy.”

“I can’t see you as a hotel worker,” he said slowly, as if the concept was too foreign to believe.

“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll still have my skills and experience to find another job. But I’m really looking forward to this. So while you’re enjoying skimming along the ocean waves, think of me on the beach in Key West.”

“When do you leave?” he asked.

“Two weeks from tomorrow. Just in time for Halloween at the beach.”