A Billionaire's Christmas (The Carolina Series Book 4)

by Jill Downey

  Smiling against his chest, her voice low and muffled, she said, “Why Jesse Carlisle, you’re lower than a snake’s belly using my parents like that.”

  “I was trying to get your mind off of the plane,” he said.

  Little did he know that his male scent was distraction enough. Being pressed against his warm taut body made her pulse race. “Thanks for the reminder.”

  “But it worked didn’t it?” He tipped her chin up, his whisky colored eyes sparkling when she met his warm gaze.

  “Well I guess I can’t argue with that.”

  “See, didn’t I tell you…if you stick with me, you’ll always be taken care of.”

  “Promise?”

  He held up his hand. “I swear on a mountain of duct tape.”

  She giggled. “You sure you want to risk that much for me?”

  “Darlin’, for you, I’ll even throw in my toolbox.”

  “Now that is true love.”

  “Gimmee some sugar,” he said, touching her lips with his. “Does this mean you’re finally ready to marry me?”

  She parted her lips against his and closed her eyes, savoring the sensations, his warm breath against her skin, his soft lips…his…

  “Get a room,” her nephew Tyler said, interrupting her reverie. “I’m on vacation. It’s bad enough I have to work with you two at the Pelican every single day.”

  “Jealous much?” Jesse said.

  Tyler tilted his head considering. “A little.”

  “At least you admit it.”

  “I’ll get my revenge someday.”

  Faye elbowed Ty. “What do you have to be jealous about? You’re already beating women off with sticks. Why even the older women go for you.”

  He flexed his biceps comically, “Is it any wonder? Look at these guns.”

  His toned and inked biceps were indeed quite impressive. The tattoos he sported were works of art. The tribal design covering his forearm and bicep disappeared up the sleeve of his black tee shirt. He was pretty much a chick magnet and he knew it. His vivid blue eyes and dark complexion, along with his mop of dark hair, made the girls swoon.

  Faye pitied the girl who lost her heart to this one. They would have a lot of competition. But then again, she was in the same boat with her gorgeous fiancé. It was only competition if the object of one’s affection had wandering eyes. In her case, she never had any reason to doubt Jesse. He made no attempt to hide his devotion. The women could gawk all they wanted, but she always knew he’d be sleeping in her bed.

  Jesse nuzzled her ear. “I could devour you right here on the spot.”

  “Uh, that would be a no,” she said, smiling.

  Jesse whispered, “Marry me, Faye. Let’s fly to Vegas right after our visit with your family.” Silence.

  “Faye, not to drag you away from your obsession with that lug you’re sitting next to, but do ya think we’ll get to go downhill skiing while we’re here? That is, if we make it out if this freakin’ plane alive,” Ty said.

  Still wrapped in Jesse’s arms, she glared at him. “Thanks a lot.”

  “Um sorry…” he said, grinning unabashedly.

  The flight smoothed out and Faye began to relax again. “To answer your question, I wouldn’t be surprised. I know Griffin said they’ve got about any winter outdoor activities you could possibly imagine.”

  “Sweet. What about girls?”

  “It’s pretty remote. I imagine the ski resort would have some tourist action this time of year. Even so…this vacation is supposed to be about family…not girls.”

  “There’s enough of me to go around.”

  Laughing, she said, “Ty, what am I going to do with you?”

  Despite him sounding like a player, she knew Ty to be a one-woman kind of guy. He’d been like a protective wolf around his last girlfriend Addison. Tyler had moped around for several weeks after she’d left for college and their subsequent breakup, then he’d snapped out of it and returned to his former self. Over-confident, sarcastic, funny, cool but surprisingly sensitive to others. Faye loved him fiercely and would protect him like a mother lioness if anyone ever tried to hurt him. She sighed. Her father and Tyler had butted heads big time, and this trip was going to be an interesting test.

  Tyler hadn’t appeared until recently…in fact they hadn’t even known he existed two years ago. It annoyed the senior Bennett to have the reminder of a past he’d prefer to forget, an affair that had resulted in a child the family had known nothing about. That son was Tyler’s father. He hated that Tyler was rough around the edges and street smart. There was no denying his bloodline; he looked just like the Bennett men…tall, dark, handsome, with the same unmistakable blue eyes.

  Ty had grown up about as far removed from the billionaire lifestyle as one could get. He appeared tough, fearless and didn’t put up with much… then again, neither did James Bennett. Faye’s brow furrowed, perhaps she had it all wrong, maybe they were too alike. Faye sighed. She knew that unlike her father, underneath Tyler’s gritty persona was a vulnerable and tender heart.

  The pilot came on and announced that they’d be arriving shortly and to expect a bit of a rough landing due to weather conditions. The corners of Jesse’s eyes crinkled as he looked down at her. “Don’t worry darlin’, I’ll flap my arms as fast as I can.” She scowled at him. ”

  He flashed her a devastating smile, his eyes burning her lips. He suddenly looked hungry and she found her core responding. She felt that familiar tingling between her thighs and couldn’t wait to be alone with him tonight. As if reading her mind, he said, “I can’t wait to get you all to myself.” He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her soundly as the plane touched down.

  8

  Penelope

  While waiting for her in-laws to freshen up, Penelope arranged some snacks on a plate. Her hands were slightly unsteady, and a couple of olives dropped onto the floor. Damn. Why am I so nervous? It’s not like they are going to bite. I Hope not anyway. Bending over, she picked up the olives and threw them in the trash. Crouched behind the island bar, she was hidden from view as Giselle and James entered the room.

  “Mon amour, the decorations are, how should I say it? A bit on the gauche side. Don’t you agree?” Giselle said.

  “Giselle don’t start. I don’t know what you have against Penelope; you barely know her.”

  Giselle pursed her lips. “I’m only saying, the decorations are a bit sans classe. It’s not anything about her.”

  “Behave yourself. I know it’s hard to let go of your baby, but he’s married now. You must accept the fact.”

  Penelope’s cheeks flamed. She didn’t have to speak French to know that she’d just been called vulgar and classless. The nerve! She had two choices, she could either crawl on her hands and knees out of the room or stand up and make her presence known. Why should she be the embarrassed one? It was Giselle who should feel uncomfortable.

  She cleared her throat and stood up. Giselle’s eyes went round as she put a hand to her mouth in surprise. “Oh belle, you startled me!”

  “I’m sure,” Penelope said, gritting her teeth she let the comment dangle in the air. She was damned if she would let Giselle off easily.

  “Ah, it looks like you have prepared some snacks for us. Isn’t that lovely, James?” Giselle said smoothly, not missing a beat.

  James glared at his wife. “Penelope, how long have you owned this beautiful home?”

  “About five years. Did you get settled in then?”

  “Yes, our suite is lovely. Thank you,” he said.

  The air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Penelope knew she’d have to let this one go, or risk alienating her in-laws within the very first hour of their arrival.

  “As you can see, I love the holidays! We wanted it to be special for Savannah’s first Christmas…perhaps I went a little overboard with the decorations.”

  “Where is the bébé?”

  “I was just going to check on her. She should be waking up about n
ow. Why don’t you both have a seat on the couch in front of the fireplace and I’ll go get her. James, here is your bourbon on the rocks. Giselle can I interest you in a glass of white wine to go along with your nibblers?”

  “Merci. That would be perfect.”

  Penelope grabbed a couple of coasters and placed them on the coffee table along with the plate of olives and a variety of cheeses. “Is this Christmas music okay with you both?”

  Giselle’s lips turned up at the corners, “It goes well with your decor.” Archie chose that moment to jump up on the couch beside Giselle. “Oh no! Get down!” Eye’s narrowed, she warily gave him the once over and pushed him away.

  “Archie, down,” Penelope ordered, horrified when, instead, he jumped on Giselle’s lap and began covering her face with doggie kisses. She placed a glass of white wine on the coaster then grabbed Archie, tucking him under her arm. “I’m so sorry. He’s a very sociable little guy.”

  Giselle shuddered. “Please take him with you.”

  Penelope turned on her heel and hurriedly left the room before she said something she’d later regret. Griffin couldn’t get home fast enough. Her mother-in-law was insufferable. She had no clue how to entertain them for the next hour. Please let Savannah be awake.

  Savannah was cooing in her crib when Penelope peeked in. “Is my sweet pea awake?”

  “Da-da da da da,” she babbled, grinning up at her.

  “You stinker.” She picked up her daughter and held her close. Breathing in her baby smells immediately calmed Penelope’s nerves and brought things into perspective. She could do this. It was only ten days and she owed it to Griffin and her baby to make every effort possible to ensure that her guests had a good time. Giselle and James came from completely different backgrounds, try universes… she’d have to give them some latitude. She sat in the rocking chair and fed Savannah before taking her down to meet her grandparents.

  “Ma belle petite-fille!” Giselle reached for Savannah and Penelope placed her on her lap. Penelope’s heart melted a fraction of inch at seeing her daughter in the arms of Griffin’s mother. Savannah’s only grandmother.

  James chuckled as the baby grabbed a handful of Giselle’s hair in her tiny fist and held on. He reached for her fingers and replaced the hair with his thumb. She hung on and proceeded to stick it in her mouth. He laughed. Warm and hearty, it had Penelope doing a double-take. She’d only met him briefly, but she was certain that this was the first time she’d ever heard him laugh. It was a very pleasant sound.

  “That’s why my hair is always in a ponytail these days. It’s been a long time since your babies were this tiny,” Penelope said.

  “Oui.”

  “Yes, and I’m sorry to say that I was so busy running my company that I missed out on much of it,” James said.

  “That’s why it’s great to be a grandparent.”

  Giselle raised her sculpted brow at Penelope. “And you? What are your plans? Do you plan on giving up your film career so that you don’t miss out on raising your children?”

  “No. I’m actually reading a script for a biographical film about the writer Nellie Bly. I’ve got my fingers crossed that I’ll get the part.”

  “Je vois. I was at the peak of my modeling career when I met James. I gave it all up.”

  “I respect your decision to do that, but I’m making a different one.” She smiled to soften her words.

  “At least it won’t be the same type of film you’re famous for. Now that you have a daughter, I’m sure you’ll want to stop doing those sorts of films.”

  Penelope gritted her teeth. With a tight smile she said, “And what types of films are you referring to?”

  “Promiscuous!” Giselle scoffed and waved her hand at Penelope. “I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about. It might have impressed my son, but his maman, not so much.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Did you actually see the film we did together?”

  Her lips turned down, “I couldn’t. When I heard about the sordide scenes with my son, mon Dieu, let’s just say it’s not something a mother should witness. You’ll have to lead a better example now that you’re a wife and a mother.”

  Penelope felt her face grow warm. “I’m sorry you feel that way. For me sex and nudity aren’t something to be ashamed of. They are a natural part of life. The best example for children is to show them unconditional love and affection. As for balancing my career with being a wife and mother, Griffin supports me one hundred percent.”

  James cleared his throat loudly, “We’re probably a bit too old-fashioned. Don’t take it personally. Giselle sometimes doesn’t realize how the things she says might sound. She doesn’t censor herself. Right dear?”

  Giselle tilted her chin up. “What did I say that was so terrible?”

  “Let’s change the subject, shall we?” James said. “When the twins were born, we decided to buy another house in North Carolina. We wanted to be able to see more of our grandchildren. We weren’t thinking of that when we relocated to Palm Springs.”

  “When we’re in Malibu, we’ll only be three hours away from you,” Penelope said.

  “Griffin did mention that. Very good indeed.”

  “Can you say Mémé?” Giselle coached Savannah.

  Penelope forcibly unclenched her fists and smiled. “Good luck with that. All she’ll say is da-da. I can’t get her to say ma-ma. Maybe you’ll have better luck.”

  The front door opened, and pandemonium ensued as the entire gang descended upon them. Finn kicked off his shoes, threw his coat down, then ran to his grandparents, hurling himself onto James’s lap. “Grandpa!”

  “Finn! How are you? You’ve grown again. Didn’t I tell you to stop?”

  “Mémé!” he said, turning to his grandmother.

  “Isn’t your cousin Savannah belle?”

  “Aww! Yes. She’s smiling at me Gran-mere!”

  Griffin entered removing his jacket and boots, then immediately strode over to Penelope with a twinkle in his eyes. She sent him daggers and his brows drew together uncertainly before he bent down and kissed her. She turned her head, so he missed her lips.

  “Hi babe.” Silence.

  He leaned down to peck his mother on both cheeks. “Maman, father, are you comfortable in your room?”

  “Very.”

  Kyle and Ella were each holding a twin, whose cheeks were rosy from the cold. Tyler, Jesse and Faye brought up the rear with both of the dogs on leashes. Archie was checking out Lucy and Charlie, his curly tail wagging as they sniffed each other. Cross another worry off her list. They were greeting each other like a long-lost pack.

  “I think you can let them off their leashes now,” Griffin said. The minute they were loose the three canines began chasing each other through the house, with Archie barking playfully.

  Penelope showed them where to hang their coats and scarves then texted Walt that their guests had arrived. He’d probably grab Poke and Levi, their ranch hands to help deliver the luggage to their cabins.

  “Tyler, it looks like you’re going to have a cabin all to yourself since Giselle and James are staying in the main house with us,” Penelope said.

  “Sweet!” he said.

  “I thought you’d be happy about that.”

  “Yeah, I can only take so much of the love birds over there. Now it will really feel like a vacay.”

  “You’re not the only one who’s excited you know,” Faye said, punching his arm playfully.

  Ella and Kyle crouched down to remove the girls’ coats and Penelope reached for them. “Here give them to me. I’ll hang them up.”

  Finn came over and picked up Quinn and carried her over to his grandparents. “Here Grandpa, do ya want to hold Quinn. She’s the easy one.”

  Ella said, “Don’t say that Finn. They both have their moments. We don’t want to stick Everly with a label.”

  “Okay,” he said, but whispered something in his grandfather’s ear that made him chuckle.

&nbs
p; “Okay gang, here’s the plan. After we hang out and eat some munchies, I’ll show you to your cabins. Hopefully your bags are tagged because Walt’s depositing your luggage as we speak,” Griffin announced.

  Penelope added, “Josie and her niece Malena are going to prepare a feast for us, and we thought since you’d be tired from traveling, we’d stay at home and play games and hang out around the house tonight.”

  “Poker time. I hope y’all brought lots of money.” Griffin said, grinning. Kyle and Faye rolled their eyes at their younger brother.

  “Tomorrow they’re having a Christmas parade in town. We’ve planned on taking you there. You’re going to love it!” Penelope said excitedly.

  Ella approached and gave Penelope a big hug. “Sounds like fun. It’s good to see you sis,” Ella said. Penelope hugged her sister-in-law tight.

  They had bonded over the birth of Savannah since she’d been present for it. Penny and Griffin had made the decision to have their baby in his hometown to be around family. With Ella’s nursing degree and experience, she’d been a logical choice to assist in the birth. It had meant the world to Griffin and her. Ella and Kyle had also been witnesses at the courthouse for their marriage shortly after the birth of Savannah.

  “I’m glad you’re here. Our mother-in-law disapproves of me,” she whispered quietly.

  Ella’s eyes went round. “Why? What did she do?”

  “I’ll tell you all about it when we’re alone. She hates me.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true.”

  “Trust me…it is.”

  Ella looked at her sympathetically, squeezing her arm. “Don’t let her get to you. She comes from a different world than you and I. The Bennett’s are a rare breed. And remember, she married into money at a very young age. Plus, Griff is her baby. She might be having trouble letting go.”

  Penelope glanced around the room and caught her husband staring at her. She turned her head away, only feeling a slight twinge of guilt at his puzzled look. She knew she was being unreasonable, but it annoyed her that he was able to let everything slide off his back so easily. Sometimes it drove her crazy. Truth be told, she wished she could do the same. It would make life a whole lot simpler.