THE BENNETTS' CHRISTMAS (The Bennett Family and the Masters Family Book 6) Read online

  LOVE, PASSION AND PROMISE BOOKS

  are published by

  The Madaris Publishing Company

  P O Box 28267

  Jacksonville, FL 32226

  The Bennetts’ Christmas / Copyright 2020 by Brenda Streater Jackson

  All rights reserve. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher.

  Love, Passion and Promise is a trademark of the Madaris Publishing Company and Brenda Jackson Enterprises. The Love, Passion and Promise logo is a trademark and registered trademark.

  ISBN 978-1-7344558-2-3

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  Printed in the United States of America

  Love, Passion and Promise

  An Imprint of the Madaris Publishing Company

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Dear Readers

  Dedication

  Other Books by Brenda Jackson

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Coming Soon

  Dear Readers,

  In 2001, I penned my very first woman fiction novel titled, A Family Reunion. It was a very special book and I introduced the Bennett Family. The Bennetts included a number of interesting family members that could be represented in any family. The four individuals who stood out the most for me were four girls, who were just entering their years as teens. Namely, Kennedy, Victoria, Monica and Sebrina. I fell in love with them because they reminded me of my girl cousins who I grew up with and was close to; and all the fun things we did together. Even today they are not only my cousins, but my best friends.

  I wanted Kennedy, Victoria, Monica and Sebrina to share that kind of bond. They were their own individuals, but so much of what made them family were the values instilled into them while growing up as Bennetts. And more than anything, I wanted all four to find love. A man worthy of their love and devotion. A man worthy of marrying a Bennett.

  I had originally planned to put all four stories in one book, but when I saw that each girl had a lot to tell, I decided to split their books into twos. First up was Kennedy and Victoria’s stories in The Bennetts’ Wedding, which came out in February 2020.

  Now, I am bringing you Monica and Sebrina’s stories in The Bennetts’ Christmas.

  I hope you enjoyed getting to know Haddison Wolf and Cortez Masters in THE BENNETTS’ WEDDING. Now get ready to meet two more wonderful, handsome guys. Namely the heroes of THE BENNETTS’ CHRISTMAS, Landon Chestnut and Parker Stanhope.

  In reading these two books, you will also be introduced to Colton and Cobra Masters. Look for their stories in late 2021 or early 2022.

  Thanks for reading my books and I welcome you back to the wonderful world of the Bennett Family.

  Enjoy!

  Brenda Jackson

  To the man who will always be the love of my life, Gerald Jackson, Sr. My first. My last. My everything.

  To all my readers everywhere - The year 2020 will go down in history as a challenging year. I want to wish all of you Happy Holidays and to wish you the best in 2021!

  To my sons, Gerald Jackson Jr, and Brandon Jackson. I wish you the best always. Love you forever.

  To Sophia Carantine. Thanks for all the information on singles’ cruises.

  13) Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14) And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. — Colossians 3:13-14 (NIV)

  BOOKS IN THE BENNETTS, MASTERS AND FRIENDS FAMILY SERIES

  BY BRENDA JACKSON

  A Family Reunion

  The Savvy Sistahs

  The Sweetest Taboo

  What a Woman Wants

  Her Little Black Book

  The Bennetts’ Wedding

  The Bennetts’ Christmas

  Masters of the Game – coming late 2021 or early 2022

  BOOKS IN THE MASTERS FAMILY SERIES

  BY BRENDA JACKSON

  (Breakdown of the Masters’ heroes)

  A Family Reunion (Quinn Masters)

  The Savvy Sistahs (Grey Masters)

  What A Woman Wants (Shane Masters)

  Her Little Black Book (Lake Masters)

  The Bennetts’ Wedding (Cortez Masters)

  The Masters of the Game (Colton and Cobra Masters)

  CHAPTER ONE

  Monica

  AN ANNOYED FROWN SETTLED on Monica Bennett’s face, and she released a frustrated breath. “Excuse me, Dusty Friar, but what part of ‘no’ did you not understand?”

  She broke eye contact with the man standing in front of her and glanced around the nightclub. What were the chances she’d run into him again after all these years? Seven in fact. She took another deep breath. Dusty was one guy she would have preferred to never see again.

  They had dated in her junior year of college and at the time, Monica had thought she had caught the campus hunk. He was a senior, good-looking and well-built, and was the captain of the football team. But Dusty had been a major disappointment when they had made love that one and only time.

  What a letdown—a total waste of new bed sheets. And from the way he was coming on to her now, promising her a repeat of what he had remembered as one hell of a night, he obviously wasn’t aware that he was a dud in the sack.

  She was tempted to tell him.

  “Come on, sweetheart. Our paths crossed tonight for a reason. This is my last night in St. Paul. Why don’t we go to my hotel room and see if we’ve still got it?”

  Monica rolled her eyes. She had news for him. He never had it. Why, tonight of all nights, had her sister Sebrina been called in to work at the last minute? Now Monica was at the nightclub, alone. Worse, she was having to put up with a bad blast from her past.

  After the call from her sister, she’d intended to head home. Too bad she hadn’t walked faster.

  “I am going to repeat this one last time, Dusty, since something seems to be wrong with your hearing. I am not going anywhere
with you. Need I remind you about that ring on your finger?”

  He glanced at his hand and then cursed under his breath. Evidently, he had needed a reminder. Monica felt sorry for the woman he’d married.

  “Forget the ring. My wife and I are separated.”

  Yeah, right, Monica thought. Did he honestly think she would fall for that lie? “It wouldn’t matter to me if you were divorced. I’m not interested.”

  A scowl settled on his face. “You haven’t changed since college, still playing hard to get. I was your boyfriend for almost a year, but we only slept together once. You owe me.”

  She glared at him. He really was full of himself. “That should have told you something. Now if you will excuse me, I’m-”

  “What do you mean by that?” he snapped.

  “Trust me, you don’t want me to elaborate.”

  She moved to walk past him, but he suddenly grabbed her arm. “I want to know what the hell you meant by that crack, Monica.”

  “I think it was her polite way of telling you that you weren’t worth a damn in the sack.”

  Both Monica and Dusty turned to stare at the man sitting at the bar, who’d obviously overheard their conversation, even with the music from a live band filling the room. The stranger switched his gaze from Dusty to her and smiled, as if they shared a secret. She couldn’t help but smile back.

  Dusty saw the exchange and didn’t like it. “I suggest you butt out of our conversation,” he said angrily.

  “And I suggest you leave her alone. I think she’s made it quite clear that she doesn’t want to be bothered with you,” the stranger replied.

  At that, the man got up from the bar stool, and Monica had to tilt her head back to look up at him. So did Dusty, who stood at 6’1”.

  Monica’s eyes roamed over the stranger. He was definitely eye-candy, absolutely gorgeous - with a nice pair of shoulders, a flat stomach and tight thighs. It was obvious that he worked out...unlike Dusty, who had gotten a little chunky over the years.

  The man was older than she was, probably in his mid-thirties. And although he wore a suit, Monica instinctively knew he’d have no problem beating the hell out of Dusty, if it came to that.

  Dusty seemed to realize the same thing. He quickly dropped his hand from her arm, backed up with his hands in the air and said, “Fine. She was a waste of my time, anyway.” Then he angrily walked off.

  Monica didn’t bother to watch Dusty leave. Her gaze hadn’t shifted from the man who’d come to her rescue. “Thanks.”

  “Don’t mention it,” he said before sitting back down on the stool. As he did, she noticed how the fabric of his dress slacks stretched across a pair of taut thighs.

  A zing of attraction went through her. Her eyes moved to his face. He was definitely handsome—polished, yet rugged and oh-so sexy. Almond-colored skin covered chiseled good looks. He had it all, sharp cheekbones, a pair of gorgeous dark brown eyes, a hawkish nose and a pair of masculine lips that displayed sensuality, without a hint of arrogance.

  Feeling bold after not seeing a ring on his finger, she took a couple of steps toward him. All thoughts of leaving the nightclub suddenly vanished. “I’m Monica Bennett,” she said, extending her hand.

  The moment their fingers touched, a whirl of sensations raced through her, leaving her a bit stunned. Had he felt it as well? If so, she couldn’t tell. “Hello, Monica. I’m Landon. Landon Chestnut.”

  She loved the sound of his voice. It was deep and husky, and every feminine cell in her body stood to attention. “It’s good to meet you, Landon. Are you from St. Paul?”

  “No. I’m in town on business.”

  She was tempted to ask him where he was from, but figured if he wanted her to know, he would tell her. “Are you enjoying the city?”

  He smiled over at her. “So far, yes. However, work has kept me very busy, and I haven’t managed to get out much. And unfortunately, I leave tomorrow.”

  What a pity, she thought. “If you ever return to St. Paul, please look me up.” Opening her purse, she pulled out a business card and handed it to him. “Maybe we can get together for drinks or something.”

  He took the card and looked at it before sliding it into the pocket of his jacket. Then he looked back at her and smiled. “I’ll make sure I do that, Monica.”

  He had dimples. Good Lord… As if he needed to be any more gorgeous. “Well, I better be going,” she said. There was no reason for her to hang around, unless he wanted company. But so far, it seemed he preferred to be alone.

  “Do you want me to walk you to your car in case that guy comes back?” he asked her.

  She was tempted to say yes—she wasn’t ready to part ways with him yet—but she knew that would not be wise. She knew nothing about this guy. He hadn’t told her anything about himself, except his name, and he hadn’t offered her a business card when she’d given him hers. She figured that was his way of letting her know he wasn’t interested.

  “Thanks for the offer, but I’ll be fine. And thanks again for coming to my rescue.”

  “Don’t mention it.”

  She gave him one last look before turning to walk back out to her car.

  Landon entered his hotel room, still thinking about the woman he’d met in the nightclub. She had definitely been a looker. Normally, he didn’t get involved in other couple’s disputes, but two things had been quite obvious—the man was an ass, and the woman hadn’t wanted to be bothered.

  They had a history, he gathered that. In fact, he had learned a lot from their conversation. He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but the former cop, police detective and present-day private investigator in him couldn’t resist. It seems that good old Dusty had been a disappointing one and done.

  He walked over to the coffee pot in the room to get it started, before finishing up his report. He wanted to send it in to the agency before he went to bed. His flight left at eight in the morning, but he figured Richard Sharpe would be anxious to learn if Landon had located his missing granddaughter.

  Landon had poured his coffee and was about to take a sip when his phone rang. Recognizing the ring tone, he answered. “Duan? Isn’t it kind of late for you?”

  He and Duan Jeffries had been partners, working as police detectives with the Atlanta Police Department. Duan had quit the force to start Peachtree Private Investigative Firm, and Landon had joined him a year later. The following year, they’d brought three more investigators—Antron Blair, Brett Newman and Chevis Fleming—into the agency. The five of them worked well together and had an impressive track record for solving difficult cases.

  “Richard Sharpe has been blowing up my phone, wanting to know if you found her.”

  Landon settled back in the wingback chair next to the bed. Each of the investigators at Peachtree had a specialty. His was locating missing persons.

  “Yes, I tracked down the runaway heiress. I’ll get my report to you before I go to bed. That way, you’ll have it first thing in the morning. I have a layover in Charlotte, so my flight won’t get into Atlanta until close to noon.”

  “I take it Allison Sharpe is well.”

  “She wasn’t kidnapped—like her grandfather assumed—that’s for sure,” Landon said, leaning back in the chair. “She’s partying it up, spending her money like it’s water. It’s pretty obvious she left college of her own free will...to have some fun.”

  He took a sip of his coffee and then added, “Like most twenty-year-old’s, she was only thinking about herself and not the worry she would cause her grandfather. I figure she’ll find her way back to Memphis when her money runs out.”

  “Is she with a man?”

  “No, she’s with two other young women—probably friends who decided to skip a semester right along with her. She went clubbing tonight and I hung around just long enough to make sure that she and her friends got back to their hotel room.” He shook his head. “They didn’t even notice they were being followed.”

  After a few more minutes discussing the case, La
ndon ended the call with Duan, then got up and moved over to the desk to type out the report on his laptop. An hour or so later, he glanced at the clock and saw it was past midnight. He figured he might as well pack before going to bed, since he would be flying out first thing in the morning.

  Finally, once everything was ready for the morning, he took a shower, and decided to sit out on the balcony for a few minutes to breathe in the fresh April air. The temperature was a bit cooler than he was used to, but it felt good. Besides, he enjoyed looking at the skyline. Downtown St. Paul was beautiful at night.

  It was nice to sit a while and relax...and think about the woman he’d met earlier. Monica Bennett. Shaking her hand and inhaling her scent had done a number on him. This was the first time a woman had affected him in such a way. At least, not since Simone.

  He had lost Simone just two days before their wedding day. She and two of her bridesmaids had shared a ride home from her bachelorette party. A drunk driver had run a traffic light, hitting their car head-on. The impact had been so great, both vehicles had burst into flames, killing everyone involved.

  It was hard to believe it has been closed to seven years ago. Sometimes, it seemed like just yesterday. The pain was still there. He knew it would always be there.

  His family kept telling him he had to move on. And deep down, Landon knew they were right. For the past seven years he’d practically worked himself to death, taking assignments the other guys didn’t want. When he worked, he was too busy to think. Still, no matter how much time passed, he doubted that he would ever get over losing the woman he had loved more than life itself.

  The only thing that had kept him sane was his work, his family and the guys at the firm. Holidays were usually the hardest. Simone’s birthday was in December, too, just a week after his. They’d always made a big deal of her birthday. Had she survived, she would be thirty-four this year.

  His thoughts shifted back to Monica Bennett. She had been holding her own against that Dusty guy, but when the man had touched her, as if forcing himself into her space, Landon couldn’t stop himself from reacting. He told himself that he’d intervened because he had a sister about Monica’s age and would have wanted someone to step in if Zoe had been in a similar situation.