Read Online A Very Crimson Christmas (Crimson, Colorado 4) by Michelle Major - Free Book Online Page B

“If you don’t give someone a second chance—”
    “They won’t have an opportunity to screw you over again.” Natalie shook her head. “I’m not taking Brad back, Mom. Now or ever.”
    Trudy pursed her lips but didn’t say anything more. She didn’t need to. Her mother had a blind spot where Brad was concerned. As much as Trudy hated Liam Donovan, she loved Brad Holt. Her mom had been Brad’s biggest champion since Natalie first dated him, and she wondered how much she’d allowed her mother’s opinion to color her own.
    Maybe she would have seen Brad’s true colors early enough to change course if her relationship with him hadn’t given her a strange bond with her mother. It was a connection she’d always craved but never been able to sustain on her own. But even if she still wanted more from her mom, letting her ex-husband back into her life was not an option.
    She called Austin over to say goodbye to his grandma, then bundled them both up and headed out of the bar. It was still afternoon, but already the light was fading. Lights twinkled up and down Crimson’s main street, with the shops cheerfully decorated for the holidays. Tourism was a big piece of the town’s economy. Crimson benefited from its proximity to Aspen and was also gaining a reputation as a mountain destination in its own right thanks to the hard work of the community.
    “I smell snow,” Austin said as they walked to where Natalie had parked on a side street.
    She smiled. “Me, too, buddy.”
    “Maybe I’ll have a day off tomorrow.”
    “We’ll see.” Natalie knew how much kids looked forward to snow days, but she had a morning shift at the senior center so secretly crossed her fingers that school wouldn’t be canceled.
    “Snow day, snow day,” Austin chanted, raising his fists in the air.
    “Be sure to sleep with a spoon under your pillow,” a voice called from nearby.
    “Good idea, Mr. Crenshaw.”
    Jason Crenshaw came to stand in front of the two of them. “Remember, you can call me Jase. We’re friends, I hope.”
    “I’m going snowmobiling with you and Liam on Saturday,” Austin answered.
    “We’ll have a great time.” He looked at Natalie. “Can I talk to you for a second?”
    “Sure.” She hit a button on her key fob to unlock the door. “Austin, hop in. I’ll be right there.”
    She turned to Jase as the car door shut. “What’s up?” Natalie had known Jason Crenshaw most of her life. They’d actually been neighbors growing up in an apartment complex near the edge of town that housed mostly blue-collar families and ski resort workers who couldn’t afford to live in Aspen.
    Jase had been a skinny, nerdy kid but had grown into his looks and body in recent years, with the easy grace of a man totally comfortable with who he was. But he didn’t look so comfortable now.
    “Are you still thinking of running for mayor next year?” she asked, stuffing her hands in her pockets to ward off the cold.
    He nodded. “That’s actually part of why I need to talk to you. I hate to even bring this up, Natalie, but—”
    Her stomach hit the ground. Jase had been her divorce attorney and was still trying to help her get rid of Brad for good. He was one of the few people who knew the whole truth of what she was facing. “It’s okay, Jase. I should have the rest of your payment by the end of the month. I’ve been trying to save a little extra for Christmas and—”
    “It’s not about the money,” he said quickly. “It’s about Liam.”
    Natalie swallowed. “Liam?”
    “You’ve heard he’s considering Crimson as a headquarters for his new company?”
    “I think everyone between here and Grand Junction has heard that rumor.”
    “It’s a big deal for the town, and we’re going to pull out all the stops to make the deal go through.” He adjusted the wire-rimmed glasses he wore, not making eye contact with her. “I’d appreciate any help you could give on that front.”
    “I don’t have much