Ask Her At Christmas by Christi Barth

Ask Her at Christmas is a short story by Christi Barth.  It is part of a new Christmas  Anthology, Romancing the Holiday.  Below is the description from Christi’s website, and my review of Ask Her at Christmas.

Description:
Caitlin McIntyre’s heart stops when her best friend drops to one knee  and proposes.

Kyle Lockhart never once hinted over the years that he has any idea she’s in love with him. Not wanting to jeopardize their friendship, she’s never let it slip. Good thing, too, since it turns out he’s only practicing—he’s about to propose to someone else.

A business merger might not be the most romantic reason to propose to a woman he barely knows, but Kyle’s determined to win the respect of the dying father who’s never seen him as quite good enough. Kyle’s always depended on Caitlin’s friendship, while trying to ignore the physical response she arouses. So he turns to her when it comes time to craft his proposal, not realizing his decision will affect their relationship, forever.

This Christmas, Kyle and Caitlin get one last chance to admit their feelings for each other, and find a mutual happily ever after, before he commits his life to another woman and Caitlin leaves town and him…for good.

Review:
This was a cute Christmas short story, that was a fast and enjoyable read.  Of course, as we are days away from Christmas, this story continues the Christmas spirit. 

We meet our heroine, Caitlin with her working part time wrapping gifts in a store, as her best friend goes down on his knees to propose.  Her best friend, Kyle is our hero, and he is just testing his planned proposal to another woman.  Who else would you want to test your proposal with, other then your very best friend?

Kyle and Caitlin have been friends forever, each always being there for one another.  But we learn immediately, that Caitlin has always loved Kyle from afar, not letting him know how she truly feels, for fear of losing this wonderful friendship.  Kyle is a hunk, something Caitlin constantly admires, but careful not to let him know she is appreciating his physique.  When Kyle practices his proposal to Caitlin, she does what a friend is supposed to do, takes him to different places where she suggests he should propose, and at the same time hides her emotions of despair. 

Kyle is planning to propose to Monica Selford, from the very rich Selford Hotel chain.  After being pushed to explain why he wants to marry Monica, whom he hardly knows, and Caitlin realizes, he is not in love with this woman; she learns that Kyle’s father is pushing for this marriage to help in a merger of both businesses.  Kyle admits he does not love Monica, nor does she love him, but the marriage will be a convenience for both of them, and help with the business side of things. 

Caitlin has just graduated art school, and now has two job proposals from major firms, one being the Selford Museum.  A few days later, Caitlin runs into Monica, whom Caitlin does not like, as she is a bit snobbish.  Monica ends up trying to pressure Caitlin into taking the Selford job.  As it turns out Monica already knows that Kyle will propose, and is determined to offer Caitlin everything in order for her to disappear out of their lives.  In fact, she more or less threatens to destroy Caitlin if she does not accept the job, as Monica knows that Kyle and Caitlin, love each other, even if neither know how the other feels. 

It is a fun story, nice to see how great their friendship was.  I really liked Caitlin, and thought Kyle though cute, was a bit too laid back, and not the strong type.  The last third of the book had you wondering where this was heading, and if there was any hope for the true couple in love.  Very nice short story by Christi Barth with a wonderful Christmas theme.  If you want a fast fun read, and you are in the Christmas spirit, read Ask Her at Christmas.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author