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Christmas Rayne

By Joi Copeland

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Chapter 1

Rayne Adams climbed out of her car and slammed the door. Scent of pine needles tickled her nose. Ah, Christmas. December 1 and already, time to look for a Christmas tree.
She weaved her way through the crowd toward the blocked off parking lot where the trees stood in hopes of finding a good home. Rayne's church sponsored this event every year. A vendor would set up his Christmas tree lot in the parking area behind the church and donate fifty percent of his proceeds to charity.
White lights decorated the chain link fence. “Silent Night” drifted toward her. Laughter floated all around Rayne. She picked her way around the couple blocking the entrance. Giving them a polite smile, she scanned the trees. Which one would she pick this year? Tall and full? Short and round? Or maybe a Charlie Brown tree?
Rayne pulled the white beanie over her long golden brown hair. Glad she decided to wait before cutting it. Leaving her neck bare in the cold winter temperatures of Colorado would not be a good idea. Shivering, she tightened up the white scarf hanging around her neck. Perhaps picking out a tree on the most frigid night of the week wasn't a good idea. Yet, the corner in her apartment shouted to be filled with holiday cheer. What better way to fill that void than buying a fir or spruce?
“Can I help you find anything?” A deep voice broke into her thoughts.
No. It can't be.
Rayne forced her feet to turn her body around. “Justin Thomas?” She squinted up at his tall frame, noting his light brown hair glistening with the newly fallen snow. Ugh. Still handsome.
“Rayne?” Justin stumbled backwards. “What are you doing here?”
She frowned. “Well, hello to you, too.”
He rubbed the back of his neck with gloved hands. “Sorry. I'm surprised to see you, that's all.”
Surprised wouldn't even begin to describe the emotions flooding through her. She hadn't seen Justin since that fateful day three years ago. The day when her dreams were ripped away from her. She shook her head. No. Not going down that road.
“I moved here a year ago. What brings you to Colorado?”
His rich brown eyes held hers before she tore her gaze away. He stepped toward her. “I never...I mean, I...” He sighed. “Look, I think we need to clear the air, but I can't right now. Can I call you or something? Maybe take you out for coffee?”
Her breath caught in her throat. Her foot toyed with the pine needles scattered across the asphalt. When she lifted her eyes to his, she knew her answer. “No. I don't think so.”
Justin inhaled. “Why not?”
A fist found its way to her hip. “You're kidding, right?” She narrowed her eyes.
He took off his glove and ran a hand through his hair. Why didn't he get uglier over the years? Don’t think about his looks. Don't let him in.
“I guess it was wishful thinking.” His gaze swept over her. “For what it's worth, I'm sorry.”
“Okay.” Rayne chewed her lip.
Justin's eyes softened as a smile formed across his face.
Drat! He remembered her nervous habit. This can't be good.
She cleared her throat. “Well, see ya around.”
“Sure. See ya.”
Turning on her heel, she plowed right into a tree and fell on her backside.

****

Justin sucked in a breath and took a step forward to help Rayne. He stopped and frowned. Someone beat him to it.
“You okay, Rayne?” A man's voice pierced through the night air.
Justin's eyes traveled to the color now coating Rayne's face.
“I'm fine, Camden.” She reached out and took the guy's hand.
Justin shouldn't be eavesdropping. He ought to walk away and forget he'd ever seen Rayne. Spinning on his heel, he'd had every intention of doing just that. But he couldn't force his feet to move any farther. Instead, he fiddled with the price tag on the Douglas fir next to him.
“You sure?” Camden's gentle voice caused prickling needles in Justin's skin.
Rayne giggled. “I'm sure. I feel so foolish.” Gloves scraping a coat mingled with Camden's slight laughter.
“No need. I do stuff like that all the time.”
Justin walked around the tree. He peered through the branches.
Camden pointed to her backside. “You've got some stuff on the back of you. I'd uh, well, I don't think it'd be appropriate for me to get that for you.”
Justin smirked at the red in Camden's cheeks. Good. Let him be a little embarrassed. After all, he's messing with my girl. Justin's eyes widened. Where'd that come from? He shook head. Used to be. She used to be my girl. Pain shot through his heart.
Rayne's smile lit her face. “Thanks. I'll take care of that.”
Justin sighed. She'd always had a way of taking away his blunders and not making him feel stupid. Why'd he ever let her go?
“So, you're looking for a tree?”
Duh, Camden. Why else would she be here?
Rayne nodded. “Yep. I have the perfect spot in my apartment.”
“Want some company?”
Rayne titled her head. “I'd love that. Thanks.”
“I'll even treat you to coffee afterwards, if you're up for it.”
Justin's eyebrows shot up. She wouldn't, would she? Not right after their paths crossed. Well, why not? They'd been through for a long time now. Still, he couldn't help himself. Say no, please say no.
She smiled up at Camden once again. “I'd love to.”
Justin's heart shattered against the cold, hard ground.

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