The Naughty Soldier’s List (Spice and Seduction)

2. Chapter One

Chapter One

Tessa

T he crisp air of Falls Creek is like a breath of fresh life into my tired lungs. I take a look around, admiring the snow that blankets the ground in a perfect white sheet. Twinkling lights adorn every building and tree, and a warm fuzzy feeling makes me feel all weird inside.

No wonder my sister loves it here.

The difference between my crazy life back in the city and here is incredible. Back home, I’m always on the go, non-stop working, commuting, tackling the crowds during rush hour… it never ends.

But now… this…

It’s like stepping into a holiday postcard.

All sparkling, cozy, and filled with the promise of Christmas magic.

I wrap my coat tighter around me, letting the festive cheer of the small town lift my spirits. For the first time in months, I feel a genuine smile tug at my lips.

I maneuver through the crowd, my boots crunching in the snow as I make my way toward a local shop where the most stunning Christmas trees are on display. Charmingly rustic, the emporium has everything you’d need for a Christmas Wonderland.

Gorgeous wreaths and garlands adorn every window, with smiling families gathered around, all chirping loudly as they choose their favorite. Smiling, I pull my beanie off and tuck it inside my coat, taking in a huge lungful of the scent teasing my stomach.

What is that delicious smell?

The air around the shop is filled with the scent of pine, but there’s something else too. Something like cinnamon and freshly baked gingerbread. My stomach rumbles angrily as I walk by the counter, finding the rows upon rows of Christmas treats that are laid out on display. There’s everything you could imagine here – sugar-dusted cookies, peppermint bark, and buttery mince pies that make my mouth water.

I fight the urge to get one of each, instead focusing on the task that bought me here.

My sister has insisted on getting the biggest pine Christmas tree in Falls Creek. I guess I would do the same if I was getting married on Christmas Day. I complained when she sent me to fetch it, but of course, I’m excited for Rachel and her future husband, Franklin.

Afterall, this is the kind of tradition I’ve missed.

Family. Friends. Love .

As much as I’m thrilled for my sister and her wedding, a small part of me can’t help but wonder when it’ll be my turn. I’m twenty-six, not exactly ancient, but it feels like everyone around me is finding their happily-ever-after while I’m stuck in a cycle of work and lonely nights.

The truth is, my track record with relationships is as patchy as last year’s Christmas tree—lots of bare spots and not nearly as picture-perfect as I’d like.

I’ve dated a string of the wrong men—guys who either couldn’t handle my long hours as a nurse, or just didn’t see a future with me. Sometimes, it feels like the universe is playing some kind of cruel joke, letting me watch everyone else get their fairy tale while I’m left waiting.

With a determined breath, I shove those thoughts back and stand before the dozens of Christmas trees on display. Admiring each of them, I make my choice and grip the trunk of the biggest tree, giving it a firm tug.

It barely moves.

“Come on,” I mutter, planting my feet and pulling again.

The tree sways slightly but remains stubbornly rooted to the spot. It’s heavier than it looks. Rachel insisted that I’d be able to do this on my own. She only lives around the corner, another thing I love about living in a small town like Falls Creek. Everything is so close, and nothing is a hassle.

But as I try to pick the tree up one last time, I’m not so sure.

“You planning to drag that thing all the way home by yourself?” A deep, gravelly voice cuts through the air, startling me from behind.

I turn around to find the source of the voice and nearly lose my balance.

“Holy shit,” I mutter under my breath, not meaning for the words to come out of my mouth as my neck cranes at the sight in front of me.

Standing there, towering as tall as the Christmas trees, is the most ruggedly handsome man I’ve ever seen. And I just cursed right in his sexy, rugged face.

“Excuse me?” The deep voice growls again, a bushy brow rising up his face.

He’s a giant, easily over six feet tall, with broad shoulders and a chest that strains against the fabric of his hideous, yet somehow sexy , Christmas sweater. It’s bright red, adorned with reindeer and snowflakes, but the way it clings to his muscles makes it look almost... appealing . His jeans are snug, showing off powerful thighs, and his tousled dark hair and thick beard give him a wild, untamed look.

Jesus, Rachel’s right – they do make them different up here in the mountains.

And don’t get me started on those eyes—piercing blue and filled with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.

“I, uh...” I stammer, my brain short-circuiting at the sight of him. “I was trying to…”

A slow, knowing grin spreads across his face, and I swear it makes my knees weak. “Here. Let me lend a hand.”

“Do you work here?” I ask, stepping aside for the Christmas Giant.

He chuckles, the sound having an odd effect on my skin. It prickles, warmth shivering up my arm, tingling across my chest and making my nipples tighten.

What the hell? That’s never happened to me before.

“No, I don’t work here,” the man says, shoving the sleeves of his sweater up those thick forearms, revealing hard muscles laced with sexy ink. “Just hang around to help out on busy nights like this. Should I grab this then?”

“Sure,” I say, my voice coming out a bit breathless. “If you don’t mind.”

He steps forward, his movements fluid and confident, and easily grabs the tree’s trunk with one large, calloused hand. As he lifts it effortlessly, I catch a whiff of his scent—something earthy and masculine, with a hint of pine.

My stomach flips. My core fucking tightens .

What the hell is happening to me?

“So,” he says, hoisting the tree onto his shoulder as if it weighs nothing, “you always pick the biggest one, or is this a special occasion?”

I can’t help but laugh. “My sister insisted on having the most obnoxious tree possible for her wedding.”

“Ah! You’re part of the famous Christmas wedding. That explains it then.”

I frown at him. “Explains what?”

He adjusts the tree on his shoulder, his biceps flexing beneath the tight sleeves of his sweater. “You’re visiting. That explains why I’ve never seen your face around here before.”

I nod, watching him carefully. I swear his eyes run down my body, but surely I’m just seeing things? It is getting awfully hot in here.

“Well, yes, I am visiting. Just for the holidays. You know about the wedding?”

He chuckles and I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same. My cheeks flush, and dammit, someone has definitely cranked the heater up in here.

His laugh is the most gorgeous sound I’ve ever heard, and that smile… fuck. I get the feeling he doesn’t smile often, but seeing his grin widen right before my eyes is like finding lost treasure.

“Everyone in Falls Creek knows about the wedding. How do you know the couple?”

“Rachel is my sister,” I say, watching for a reaction.

His brow lifts slightly, an amused glint in his intense blue eyes. “So, you’re the elusive Tessa. Your sister’s been talking about you all week.”

I blink in surprise. “She has?”

He shrugs, shifting the tree effortlessly on his shoulder as I pay the man over the counter and head out the door. “She mentioned you were coming to town. Didn’t realize you’d be the one trying to wrangle the biggest tree on the lot.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Yeah, I guess that’s me—always up for a challenge.”

He gives me a once-over, his eyes lingering on mine in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. “I can see that.”

My eyes fall to my feet, my boots crunching in the snow as I force myself to keep it together. “Well, it’s nice to know my reputation precedes me.”

He smirks, a teasing light in his eyes. “I’m sure there’s more to it than that. Are you just here for the wedding, or you staying a bit longer?”

“I’ll hang around for a few days. Thought I’d take a break from the daily grind while I had a good excuse.”

He raises an eyebrow. “And what grind would that be?”

“I’m a nurse,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady as we walk through the snow towards my sister’s place. “Figured I could use some peace and quiet. Look after myself rather than everyone else for once.”

He gives me a sideways glance, and I catch a hint of admiration in his eyes. “It’s a noble profession. We need more people like you around.”

I feel my cheeks flush at the compliment. Or maybe it’s that smile again. “Well, it’s just what I do.”

He gives a short nod, then pauses. “Colton,” he says, shifting the tree slightly to extend a hand. “Colton Reed.”

I take his hand, feeling the roughness of his palm against mine. “Tessa Lane.”

“Tessa,” he repeats.

A shiver runs across my skin, not from the cold but from the way my name sounds in his deep, gravelly voice.

We walk in silence for a moment, the only sounds the crunch of snow beneath our feet and the distant hum of Christmas music from the town square. I sneak glances at him, taking in the hard lines of his jaw, the tattoos that peek out from beneath the sleeve of his sweater, the way his gaze seems to take in everything around him with a kind of practiced vigilance.

I can’t believe it. He’s so fucking hot.

Easily the hottest man I’ve ever seen, even in that ridiculous sweater. I’ve never thought of being with a man like him, but even just walking beside him has my body humming in a way it never has before.

“So,” I venture, feeling the need to break the silence, “what’s the story with the sweater?”

He glances down at the offending garment and then back at me, a smirk tugging at his lips. “It’s a Christmas tradition. My aunt sends me one every year. I’ve learned to just roll with it.”

I giggle, the sound surprising even me. “It’s certainly... festive.”

He chuckles, the sound a low rumble in that enormous barrel chest. “Yeah, that’s one way to put it.”

We reach my sister’s place, and he carefully sets the tree down by the porch. I can’t help but admire the way he handles it with such ease, his movements controlled and efficient. This is a man who’s used to hard work, to taking charge. They don’t have men like him where I’m from. Not even close.

The mystery of Colton’s life intrigues me, but when he straightens up, I know now is not the time to ask about it.

“Thanks,” I say, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest as he straightens, towering over me once again. “I, um... don’t usually ask strangers to help me carry Christmas trees.”

He gives me a slow smile, his eyes locking onto mine. “Happy to help, Tessa. Anything else you need?”

His words hang in the air between us, filled with an unspoken promise that sends my mind racing. My mouth goes dry, and I fumble for something to say.

“Actually,” I blurt out before I can stop myself, “my sister is having a little family gathering tonight. You should come.”

His eyebrow quirks up, and I see a spark of curiosity in his eyes. “Is that an invitation?”

“Yes,” I say quickly, and then add, trying to sound nonchalant, “I mean, if you’re free. It’s nothing fancy, just a holiday thing before the big event.”

He studies me for a moment, and I can feel my pulse quickening under his gaze. Then, he nods. “Alright. I’ll be there.”

A smile spreads across my face before I can stop it. “Great. It starts around seven.”

“I’ll see you then,” he says.

We stand there for a heartbeat longer than necessary. I can’t take my eyes off him. I don’t want to. He’s so gorgeous and I’m beginning to wonder, could he be… no… he couldn’t, could he?

A big, sexy tattooed man like that can’t be the one to finally take my virginity?

Eventually, I force myself to step back, giving him a small wave.

“See you tonight, Colton.”

I watch him go, feeling the flutter of excitement building in my chest.

Tonight, I’ll see him again.