Martha Kennerson - An Unexpected Holiday Gift

A Season for Seduction

NBA star and oil company heir Keylan “KJ” Kingsley is the ultimate player on and off the court. When a midgame scuffle leads to community service, he opts to devote his hours to his family’s cherished foundation. And once he meets no-nonsense charity executive Mia Ramirez, he’s driven to prove there’s more to him than the wary beauty believes.

Single mother Mia isn’t impressed by KJ’s wealth and fame. Her college sweetheart abandoned her—and their baby—to follow his hoop dreams. But KJ is a caring man beneath his superficial image, making an easy connection with her young son. Soon Mia plunges into a sensual relationship that ignites dreams of forever, until KJ returns to the court...and the headlines. Will the glare of celebrity blind them to the family that could be theirs by Christmas?

Mia was overwhelmed by all the emotions she was experiencing. Desire was one thing that she could handle. This was something else—a feeling of security, trust...family.

Mia felt Keylan’s hand rise from her shoulder and land in her hair, where he removed the clip and placed it on the small table that sat behind the sofa, allowing Mia’s hair to fall free.

“What are you doing?” she whispered, trying not to disturb Colby, who had his eyes closed.

“I prefer it this way. Do you have a problem with that?” he asked, running his fingers through her curls.

“No,” she uttered, looking up into his passion-filled eyes. She raised her chin, offering herself to him, and Keylan didn’t hesitate.

Keylan leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. He cupped Mia’s face with his right hand and the kiss became more passionate. Colby stirred and Keylan dropped his hand and leaned his forehead against hers. Mia whispered, “I thought I was in this alone.”

“Not hardly...”

Dear Reader,

I hope you enjoyed the first installment in The Kingsleys of Texas series, Always My Baby. It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the youngest member of the family, Keylan “KJ” Kingsley. Not all the Kingsley heirs accept the destiny set forward by their birth.

They say love and basketball don’t mix. In An Unexpected Holiday Gift, Keylan Kingsley and Mia Ramirez seem to agree. However, their undeniable attraction to each other and the developing bond between Keylan and Mia’s young son tells a very different story.

I love interacting with my readers, so please let me know how you liked Keylan and Mia’s story and look out for what’s in store for the only married Kingsley son. Let’s see if love and marriage can survive secrets and blackmail. You can follow and contact me on Facebook or Twitter, @KennersonBooks.

Peace and love,

Martha

An Unexpected Holiday Gift

Martha Kennerson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MARTHA KENNERSON’s love of reading and writing is a significant part of who she is, and she uses both to create the kinds of stories that touch your heart. Martha lives with her family in League City, Texas, and believes her current blessings are only matched by the struggle it took to achieve such happiness. To find out more about Martha and her journey, check out her website at marthakennerson.com.

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I’d like to dedicate this book to my eight-year-old muse, Keylan. Thank you for not only letting me “borrow” your name for my hero, but also allowing me to share with the world parts of your personal journey. It’s such an honor to be able to show just how cool and special a kid with Down syndrome can be.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Extract

Copyright

Chapter 1

Keylan Kingsley walked in a circle, admiring his surroundings before coming to a stand in the middle of the large NBA-inspired gym outfitted with an oversize scoreboard and arena-style seating. Standing with his legs slightly apart, bouncing a basketball, he wore a black handmade Italian suit, a taupe-colored collarless shirt, black loafers and dark aviator sunglasses.

He looked up and scanned the ceiling, admiring all the banners that hung overhead; thirty of them, to be exact. They all represented championships won by various community leagues that this foundation supported. Keylan’s mind flashed back to a time when he’d played on one of those community championship teams and the memory made him smile.

“My, how time flies,” Keylan murmured to himself, placing the ball on the floor.

“Yes, it does. May I help you with something, Mr. Kingsley?” a sweet voice asked.

Keylan James Kingsley, or KJ, as he was known by his family, friends and legions of fans, was the youngest son and only heir to the Kingsley family’s billion-dollar oil and gas conglomerate who chose not to follow his siblings into the business. The twenty-six-year-old basketball star was a marquee player for the Houston Carriers.

Keylan turned toward the sound and his breath caught in his throat. He felt like he’d just been hit in the chest by a wayward basketball. Damn! She’s stunning...and fine, too. This might not be so bad, after all. “I certainly hope so, little momma,” he proclaimed, offering up a sexy smile, removing his sunglasses and placing them in the inside pocket of his jacket.

The beautiful woman standing several feet away wore blue jeans and a white T-shirt, both splattered with green and yellow paint. She rolled her eyes skyward, dropped her shoulders and placed her left hand on her hip. “I may be petite, Mr. Kingsley, but I’m certainly not your mother,” she replied. Her voice had a sharp edge to its tone.

Maybe I spoke too soon. “My apologies.” Keylan raised both hands in surrender. “You have me at a disadvantage. You know me but I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure, although you do look familiar.”

“Mia Ramirez,” said the feisty, olive-skinned beauty.

“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. You missed a spot,” he said, pointing at the pristine-white tennis shoes she wore.

Mia looked down briefly before returning her gaze to Keylan, where she gifted him with a wide smile that lit up her eyes. It was as if she’d just experienced a pleasant memory.

Wow! “So...is it Ms. or Mrs. Ramirez?” he asked with a slightly raised left eyebrow.

“I’m the foundation’s activities director. What can I do for you, Mr. Kingsley?” she replied, dropping her smile, clearly unwilling to answer his not so subtle question.