CHRISTMAS CROSSCHECK

a Dallas Comets novella by

Jaymee Jacobs

Table of Contents

Copyright

Also by Jaymee

Dedication

Christmas Crosscheck

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Epilogue

Bonus Chapter

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Copyright © September 2018 by Jaymee Jacobs

First appeared in Hockey Holidays, published November 2018

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without express written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Book cover designed by Deranged Doctor Design

This novel is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, places, or events is coincidental. Characters, names, organizations, businesses, locales, events, and incidences are either used fictitiously or are a product of the author’s imagination.

Other works by Jaymee Jacobs:

GAME ON

SHOTS ON NET

PLAY THE MAN

FANTASY HOCKEY

CHASING DOWN THE DREAM

In the Dallas Comets series:

A VALUABLE TRADE

HOME ICE ADVANTAGE

BREAKOUT PLAY

FALSE START

DUMP AND CHASE

CHRISTMAS CROSSCHECK

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CHRISTMAS CROSSCHECK

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PROLOGUE

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Bryan Comstock fidgeted in his seat. The couch was plush and comfortable, but his nerves got the best of him. This was worse than NHL Draft Day, when he had to sit through other guys’ names being called before a team finally picked him. So much worse.

He cleared his throat. Mr. Pierson, thank you again for meeting with me. I know you’re a busy man.

Well, you said it had to do with my daughter, and I will always make time for her. Leonard Pierson was an imposing man. He was tall, broad shouldered, and had a paunch hanging over his belt—he was a hefty guy, and he knew how to throw his weight around. Even though he was sitting down, his presence was still intimidating.

It is. Damn, he was so nervous. And sweating way too much. Was it hot in here in Leonard’s office? As you know, sir, I’m in love with Georgiana.

Leonard nodded and said nothing. He knew the power of his words and used them sparingly. It had made getting to know him difficult at the few family functions Bryan had been invited to. Bryan wasn’t even sure Leonard approved of him, but she had reassured him that he did.

I know I’ve only been dating her for about eight months, but I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. She respects you, and I want to do this the right way. So I’m asking your permission to marry your daughter.

Leonard’s posture straightened. He squinted, examining Bryan carefully. You tell me straight, boy. Did you compromise my daughter’s integrity?

Was he asking if he’d knocked up Georgiana? No, sir! Absolutely not!

Leonard nodded, obviously relieved. He resumed leaning against the back of the chair, but his face never changed. Let me tell you something, Bryan. Georgiana is my baby girl, my only daughter. And you are not the first boy to stroll in here and ask for my blessing. I’ve sent each of those boys away because none of them deserved her. So you tell me straight, what makes you think you deserve my daughter’s hand in marriage?

Bryan swallowed, trying to force his nervousness back down. He was the number one defenseman on the Dallas Comets hockey team; he stared down the league’s best every game. But Bryan never felt as intimidated or as anxious as he did at that very moment.

Honestly, sir? I don’t think I deserve her at all. She’s. . . amazing. It was time to spill out his heart’s contents and lay it all out if he wanted Leonard on his side. And Bryan needed his backing, because he knew how important it would be to her. Georgiana was the light in my life when I was at my darkest. And she’s been my guiding light ever since. Everything I do, it’s for her. She’s my whole world, and I can’t imagine my life without her in it. I make good money, I can take care of her.

That’s a lovely sentiment, boy, but I raised my daughter to be able to take care of herself.

I know, sir, and she doesn’t need me to provide for her.

Damn straight she doesn’t.

I love that about her, that she’s so independent. Bryan pictured Georgiana in his mind, seeing her big, brown, curly hair, her wide and genuine smile, and the confidence she exuded. "But that doesn’t change this feeling I have, that I want to take care of her, more than just provide for her. I want to make sure she’s happy, make her feel supported, be by her side for