Antique Hearts: Christmas Romance Short Story (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781977622419)

Emma had everything she could dream of in life. Her parents' wealth had allowed her to be raised in the finest clothes and finest school. However her father's affection for treasure hunting had often left her without him. The few adventures Emma remembers from her childhood when he took her along with him were the most important memories to her. As a result she has a strong love of treasure and artifacts, but not much faith in or love for people.

Emma presents herself as spoiled and arrogant, but really she is insecure and fairly certain she will be alone for most of her life. Even though her faith in love has faded, she still harbors the dreams of a little girl who hopes for a water slide and an elephant at her wedding in the moonlight. The only person other than her father that she feels close to is her grandmother.

She always looks forward to her Christmas presents as they are inevitably spectacular and unique. This year it is a beautiful charm necklace. Emma's father has been missing for five years, and although he has disappeared for years before, this is the longest stretch.

As she worries about her father's wellbeing she is confronted by a man who claims to be sent by him. Emma doubts that this is possible, and the sparks begin to fly. Emma doesn't like Stephan's hardened personality or the fact that he seems to think he can make her hear him out. She tries to ignore him, but he is very persistent. Only when her grandmother confirms that Stephan is in fact a friend of the family, does Emma give him the time of day.

Even though he is who he says he is, Emma is still suspicious. The tension builds between them as Emma's spoiled ways grate Stephan's nerves. When a delivery truck loaded with treasures her father left behind arrives, Emma and Stephan are stuck sorting through them together. As they grow more comfortable with one another and get to know each other, the friction they felt begins to transform into passion.

As their relationship begins to develop Emma finds herself believing more and more in love. Not only that, she is discovering that she can fall hard and fast! When they stumble across a tiny box with a lock but no key, Emma is determined to figure out what is inside. With her mind buzzing with ideas for a new business and the joy of a friend's surprise wedding, there is definitely a lot happening in Emma's world. Is everything moving just a little too fast for her?

Will she forgive Stephan for his brusque nature; will he forgive her for her arrogant behavior? Though Emma may be unsure, the universe is certainly convinced that this holiday season, is one of love.