Winner Nicola4Sparkle of our Bad Boys and Ugly Sweaters contest has graced us with an interview and a copy here of her story for your reading pleasure! Three cheers and on to the questions!!!

1. A huge congratulations on winning the contest! Do you write romance often or was this the first time you ventured into romantic territory? What are your favorite genres?

Thank you! It was such an honor to win. Especially with some of my favorite authors as judges! As I like to say Fanfiction was my first love, but Romance is my true love. I didn't start writing until two years ago and it was the Chronicles of Narnia that filled my head with a lovely romantic story that would not leave. But since then I have written a full-length original historical fiction romance and have read more romances on Wattpad than I can count. I also love dabbling and challenging myself with the short story contests like this one.

2. Can you tell us about your inspiration for All I Want for Christmas? Did your imagination run wild when you saw the contest prompts or was this something you already had in mind?

All I Want for Christmas is a spin off from another story I created for a similar contest. I loved the characters and wanted to do more with them. When I saw the prompt the story started to take shape immediately.

3. How about some juicy details about yourself! What is a typical day for you? Let us know what you are working on now, or what you would love to write about in the future.

Juicy? Not sure about that, lol. I am just a mild-mannered Mom of two young children and a non-profit administrator by day, and a reader and writer of romance by night. I do have a paranormal romance started that I really want to finish. But I am determined to complete the fourth book in my Narnia series first. (Of course, it contains mostly romance.) I also dabble in cosplay with my husband's family. So if you see a Snow White, Ariel, or Rogue at a children's charity event, it might be me.

4. Any advice for writers on how to win a short story contest? And what tips on romance can you leave for us?

I wrote this story amazingly fast, mostly in one day. I am famous for overthinking and over-analyzing everything including my writing. I took risks in this story, that I normally wouldn't and loved the way it felt. The same wisdom could apply to romance both fictional and real life. Don't overthink and don't be afraid to take risks. You never know what could happen. You might be inspired or inspire someone else along the way! Thank you for the opportunity to share. I appreciate the work that @RomanceSparks does to encourage writers and readers on Wattpad.

Love,

Nicole or @Nicola4Sparkle

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All I Want for Christmas (#BadBoyRomance, Short Story)

Blurb: Aaron Lancaster, notorious loner and bad boy, gets talked into wearing something interesting by his new best friend at a party. Will he survive the evening? And will he discover what he really wants for Christmas?

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I stared down in disbelief at the little elf jumping up and down before me. Admittedly it was cold out here, but she had way too much energy. I wanted to tell her to chill, but Lisa, the sweet and spicy girl that ruined my best leather jacket just weeks before was fast becoming a true friend. I softened at bit at that thought. But a guy had his limits.

"Lisa...there is no way in hell I am wearing that!"

"Please," she pleaded, "this party will be fun. It will help you meet new friends."

She had been right those weeks before, I never had good friends. Girls I knew well, but real friendships or a long term relationship? Not so much. I just hadn't found someone who fit me well enough to venture into those waters. Lisa had offered me a friendship I never expected. So while I still preferred to be alone, it was nice to have someone to hang with. But even those kind thoughts couldn't keep the horror away from what she had asked me to do.

"No. Lisa, I can't."

I shuddered at the sight before me, and looked incredulously at her hopeful and pleading face. She was cute, pixie like, with the most amazing light blue eyes I had ever seen. I couldn't help but smile at her wistfulness and then cringed at what this would do to my image. She was weakening my resolve. I couldn't say no to her.

"Okay," I sighed in resignation.

She squealed in delight and held it out to me.

"Only for a few minutes though..."

"Rachel will be so excited! She has been planning this ugly Christmas sweater party for weeks. If people don't wear the sweaters she will be crushed. But, you... you will win the prize for sure!" She looked at my chest with admiration.

I shrugged into the most hideous holiday themed sweater I had ever seen. Where Lisa had found this, I didn't want to know. I did know her best friend Rachel was important to her and she wanted me to make more friends. So here I was, feeling absolutely ridiculous.

We entered the house and the sight that greeted my eyes made me laugh out loud. A garish display of bright colors and holiday designs rested on everyone. I exhaled in relief and Lisa grabbed my arm.

"Here she comes..."

I looked up and had to blink, in fact I couldn't breathe for a second. I had met Rachel before at school of course, but she was always with Tom the loser. I would find a reason to quickly disappear. But tonight, Rachel was captivating. Thick dark hair with curls that were golden, equally dark blue eyes sparkling behind thick lashes, cheeks flushed with happiness, she was a vision.

My gaze drifted over her body as she made her way through the crowd toward us talking and laughing. She was taller than Lisa and slim. She wore a hideous sweater big enough to wear as a dress cinched at her waist with a wide belt. She reached us and hugged Lisa enthusiastically. She turned to me and when our eyes met, the blush in her cheeks bloomed brighter.

"Aaron, I am so glad you were able to come. And..." she laughed brightly, "thank you for wearing a sweater. I am sure it was difficult, but...you look great." Her voice had dropped at the last few words and my heart skipped a beat.

I couldn't speak so I only nodded and thought if she kept speaking to me like that, I would wear the sweater for all eternity. Or at least for the next couple of hours.

She drifted away to greet her other guests and Lisa pulled me over to the food table. I was barely aware that she was piling my plate high with Christmas cookies and pushing a cup of hot chocolate into my hand.

"You were pretty quiet back there, you okay?"

"Oh, yeah. I mean...sure."

Lisa shot me a knowing look and laughed. "You never stammer. You like her! I can't wait to..."

My hand shot out and clamped on her arm, almost upsetting her plate of snacks. "You tell her and I'll..."

Her merry laugh rang out. "Just kidding Aaron. You handle your own love life. Cupid, I am not! Oh, it's time!"

She darted away before I could respond. A crowd was gathering around the piano and I took in my surroundings for the first time. This was a very nice house, not overly pretentious, but still elegant and yet homey at the same time. It fit Rachel who was announcing that Lisa was going to sing.

I moved in closer as Lisa ran her fingers over the keys and started singing Santa Baby in sweet yet deep tones. My new friend never ceased to amaze me. As Lisa transitioned into You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch we all laughed and I felt more than saw Rachel's presence by my side. In the close press of the crowd I could smell her scent of sweet flowers.

"Isn't she wonderful?" Rachel's voice was light and close to my ear.

I turned my head and looked full into her eyes. My reply was slow and deep, almost reverent. "Yes, she is."

I was not talking about Lisa and Rachel seemed to understand for she blushed again. Her eyes dropped and she slipped away to move us into some silly games that I, of course, stood on the sidelines to watch. I was content just to feast my eyes on the beautiful friends who were having so much fun.

This crowd was different than those I had been around. Lisa had told me it was a mix of their friends from our high school and the youth group from their church. Everyone was smiling and the atmosphere was easy and light. It was nice. A definite change from the drinking, face sucking parties my cousin tended to throw. It was at one of his parties where Lisa and I first connected and my favorite leather jacket was destroyed.

At that thought I looked around for Tom. He wasn't here. My heart jumped in hope for a second before I quelled it. There was no way Rachel would want to hang out with a shaggy haired, motorcycle riding bad boy like me. In fact, I really didn't belong here at all. I drifted further into the shadows of the room trying to disappear.

All of a sudden the sweater felt confining and I moved into the kitchen determined to take it off. I was halfway toward that goal with my head caught inside the damn thing when I heard a gasp and an "oh my".

I popped my head back out of the sweater and saw Rachel's surprised face. I felt a draft on my midsection and realized the t-shirt underneath had ridden up, revealing the toned abs that came as a result of my martial arts training. She cleared her throat.

"Aaron?"

God, I loved the way she said my name.

"Why are you taking off the sweater? I mean...you can...I know it is not, really, your style. And, I understand. But...the contest is getting ready to start and I...well, I'm sorry. This is silly. I want you to be comfortable here..."

She was adorable when flustered and a rush of hope ran through me when I saw how I had affected her. I smiled a full smile at her and pushed my arms back through. She sighed and we heard her name being called. Grinning sheepishly she slipped away. My eyes followed her and it was my turn to sigh. She had a great ass! (What? I'm a guy, right? I would have to be blind or gay not to notice that.)

She started the contest on who had the ugliest sweater and I stayed far away. No way was I going up in front of the crowd to be judged by the amount of applause. Lisa stood up there proudly and tried to wave me over. I only laughed at her. She almost won the contest and after that the crowd started to mingle since the games were over.

"Having fun?" Lisa grabbed onto my arm.

"Yes," I replied. And I was surprised by that truth.

"Good!" she said emphatically. "See...I told you it would be fun. Come on, let me introduce you to some people."

I cringed but allowed her to pull me anyway. Everyone was nice. I could tell they were a little curious, but it was cool. The party soon started to wind down and it wasn't long before there was just a handful of us left.

I shrugged out of the sweater breathing a sigh of relief. It felt good to be in just my t-shirt. I helped clean up a little listening to her and Rachel's giggles and chattering. I didn't even try to follow their conversation, it was just nice hearing her voice. Then I caught the words: 'Tom', 'jerk', 'it's over', and I couldn't help my grin as I threw the last of the cups away.

Soon we were the only ones left. I found myself wanting to stay but didn't know how to make it happen. I caught Rachel's eye and I knew my stare was intense from the blush on her cheeks again. It made me smile. Look at me, bad boy to the bone, not needing anyone or anything, reduced to mush by golden curls and blue eyes. Although, I knew she was more than a pretty package that I desperately wanted to unwrap. She was beautiful inside as well.

Lisa disappeared to get her coat and Rachel moved toward me.

"Thank you for helping.... Oh, did you do that on purpose?" Her tone was teasing and her eyes lifted above my head.

Confused, I looked up. I gulped and then grinned when I saw I was under the mistletoe.

"Maybe," I said with what was sure to be a smirk on my face. I took a chance and held out my hand.

She walked forward and placed her hand in mine. My heart started to pound as I slowly pulled her in. I softly brushed her cheek with my hand gently holding it there. Warmth flooded my body. I had never felt such an instant attraction before. It was almost intoxicating. My other hand moved to her neck, under that wonderful hair. I moved closer loving her soft sigh of anticipation. Her eyes closed and lips parted ever so slightly. She was breathtaking, literally.

I brushed my lips lightly over hers relishing in the chemistry between us. Taking a breath I kissed her fully, softly, tenderly, lingering as long as I dared. The taste of her was sweet and I wanted more, so much more. My body was screaming for me to fully taste and then devour her, but I forced myself to pull back.

"Merry Christmas," I whispered, pulling her all the way into me. I wrapped my arms around her. She fit there perfectly, her head just under my shoulder, her soft curves trembling against my hard angles. Reluctantly, I pulled away as I heard Lisa approaching. Not able to take my eyes from Rachel's I knew that she was all I wanted for Christmas.

A/N: All I Want for Christmas is a short story written for @RomanceSparks Bad Boy Holiday Sweater contest. It builds on the other teen fiction short story romance found in my profile, The Way We Are which was written for @19upendi97's Cliche Crunching contest.

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Thank you for reading! Don't forget to vote and drop Nicola4Sparkle a line to tell her how much you loved the story!