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

by Jill Downey

  “This was for your pleasure. I’m completely satisfied… the gift of being your first was enough for me.”

  “But…”

  “No buts.”

  “Can you be for real mi querido?”

  “Yes, but Cinderella I think we’d better get to work. And I’m helping with all the cabins, so no use arguing about that either. I just want to be with you.”

  She stretched like a cat, absolutely no self-consciousness…has someone else invaded my body? It was him. She knew it was. He put her at ease. She was falling hard for this man, who was currently looking at her like she could be his next meal. She deliberately licked her lips, smiling when she got the response she was hoping for…a loud groan.

  She smiled wickedly “¿Estas bien?”

  “You’re getting awfully sassy there Ms. Sanchez.”

  She stood and grabbed her bra, slipping her arms through the straps as he turned her around and fastened the clasp. He knelt down at her feet and held her panties out for her. She steadied herself with her hand on his shoulder, slipped her feet through the legs and he pulled them up, kissing her between her thighs. He did the same with her jeans. Zipping them, he planted a sweet kiss on her stomach.

  “Your skin is like satin. Why don’t you finish here without your tee shirt?”

  She put her fingertip to her lips and looked at the ceiling as if considering his suggestion. “Think you could handle it?”

  “No, not really.” He held out the shirt and she slipped her arms through the sleeves. “I love dressing my baby,” he said, and pulled her into his arms. He buried his nose in her hair. “You smell like a field of flowers.”

  “Mi principe, Cinderella has to get cracking; if you were serious about helping, I accept. I want to be with you too.”

  He bowed. “I’m at your service. You can skip the vacuuming here.”

  “No, we can’t. Here’s the dust rag, you dust I’ll vacuum.

  “No. I vacuum, you dust,” he argued.

  “Do you always get your way?” she asked.

  “Mostly. Hey I was an only child, what can I say.”

  “Now why didn’t someone warn me about that?”

  “I still had it rough…does that help?”

  “I suppose. Sometime you can tell me all about it, but right now if you’re going to vacuum, why don’t you plug it in and push.” His answer was to pick her up and swing her around in a circle before planting her firmly on the ground. He kissed the tip of her nose and got to work.

  28

  Penelope

  “Let’s show these to Walt. He’s from around here. I don’t know any of the locals except the shop and restaurant folks,” Penelope said, after studying the photographs of the two men from the bar.

  “Sure. I was so proud of myself,” Faye said.

  “Now, are you sure they said Winter Land?”

  “Yes…pretty sure anyway.”

  “Let’s go find Walt.”

  They walked together to the barn. Penelope saw Ty and Malena walking towards Faye and Jesse’s cabin. “Looks like Malena has a helper today. They are so stinking cute together.”

  “I know. They’re perfectly suited for each other. She’s happy to let him shine and he reflects it right back onto her. He’s confident, she’s soothing, both of them are wise beyond their years.”

  “Exactly.”

  Penelope poked her head through the barn door and called out. “Walt!”

  “Up here,” he called from the hay loft.

  “I have something to show you after you finish up there.”

  “I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

  “We brought treats. We’ll go visit with the horses while we wait,” Penelope said.

  She and Faye walked to the paddock and stood on the railing to watch the horses eat. Penny clucked her tongue and Raven raised her head and trotted over, followed by Breeze then Ringo. After checking them out, the rest of the herd ignored them and went back to their flakes of second-cut hay.

  Faye sighed. “Pen?”

  “Yeah?”

  “How is it for you and Griff since you got married?”

  “Great…honestly, he is the best thing that has ever happened to me…along with Savannah of course.”

  “Griff seems happier than I can ever remember. Has marriage changed your relationship?”

  “Like how do you mean?”

  “Like, are you still excited to see him and is the attraction still as strong as it was before?”

  “I’m guessing this is more about you and Jess than it is about me and Griff. What’s up?”

  “I’m so conflicted. When Jess asked me to marry him, I didn’t hesitate to say yes…but for me it was something way off in the future.”

  “And that’s not how he feels about it?”

  “Right. He’s getting more and more frustrated with me because I’m dragging my feet. He wants to get married yesterday,” Faye said, her lips tugging up at the corners. “I suppose there are worse problems.”

  “Yeah, what torture to have a gorgeous, sexy, smart, guy head over heels in love with you,” Penelope said.

  “I know right?”

  “What’s holding you back?”

  “Fear…that it will change things between us...that we’ll get bored, grow tired of each other. I’ve always been a free spirit, traveling the world, writing blogs, doing my art…for me boredom or feeling trapped are fates worse than death. I never really thought about the marriage-and-kids thing until I met Jess.”

  “And he changed that?”

  “Yes. After I moved back home, I was surprised by how much I had missed North Carolina. I was ready to plant roots again. I bought the bar then, as fate would have it, Jesse walked into my life. I fell in love with his family immediately. His parents are everything I ever wanted as a child. Stable, loving, warm, everything my parents weren’t. They’re so open hearted…just like Jesse is. I felt like part of the family almost immediately…I was finally home.”

  “That says a lot.”

  Faye’s face scrunched, “It’s funny, all three of us…my brothers and me…chose partners that are so normal…I mean I know your life isn’t ‘normal’ per say…being a famous movie star and all that goes with it… but fame didn’t change who you are. You grew up in the Midwest, no silver spoon in your mouth, nothing given to you, same with Ella, she grew up in foster care…and Jesse is as lovely and grounded as you can get. Our childhood was so insecure…we were tossed about from boarding schools to nannies, all the creature comforts but none of the emotional ones. We clung to each other and Kyle was our rock.”

  “Sounds to me like there’s no doubt that you’re with your mate, Faye.”

  “Yeah except I’m still confused. I don’t want to lose that sparkle…that zing. I’m so afraid that we’ll start taking each other for granted.”

  Penelope’s nose crinkled. “I still feel butterflies when I look at Griffin. Our sex life is better than ever…for me there is a comfort in the commitment of marriage and yet I know that the promise is only as good as you give.”

  “I just never pictured myself married and settled down…I never was one to look too far ahead. I guess if I did ever think about it, I saw kids somewhere off in the distant land of Oz…until I met Jess.” She chuckled wryly. “Then my whole world turned upside down. Suddenly I was peaceful for the first time in my life…I could see growing old with someone, that forever thing everyone talks about,” Faye said.

  “I think you’re overthinking it. I’m not trying to trivialize your feelings but some things are matters of the heart not the brain.”

  “Now that sounds like something I’d say to somebody else,” Faye said laughing out loud.

  “You know you both have full lives… and bring something unique to your relationship. You play well together, you’re compatible. As for me and Griff…our love life is just as exciting as it ever was. Now parenting is about the biggest adventure you’ll ever be on. I’m loving it…but I know it’s
not for everyone.”

  “It’s a bit daunting for sure.”

  “I have to say most prisons are the ones we make in our own minds anyway. We can be free anywhere if our minds are free.”

  “I never thought of it that way.”

  “I’m not the authority on marriage but I can say without a doubt that you and Jesse belong together. The love you share is obvious...I guess the question becomes, can you allow yourself to feel free in marriage so that you can honor Jesse’s desire to be married and take care of your own needs at the same time? You’re on your own about the kid thing.”

  Faye’s eyes took on a dreamy quality. “Little copper-headed, amber-eyed toddlers. Kind of makes me feel all mushy inside.”

  “What do you ladies have to show me?” Walt said. They both turned to greet him.

  “Hey Walt. Let’s go inside to the warm tack room to talk. My face is frozen.”

  Walt scratched his chin as he studied Faye’s phone. “I know em. A couple of locals. Been around forever. I’ll see if I can find em in town. They hang out at the diner most mornins.”

  “It might be a wild goose chase but I’m sure I heard them talking about Winter Ranch and hunting,” Faye said.

  “Got it. I’ll use my smarts and charm,” he said chuckling.

  “Thanks Walt,” Penelope said.

  “I want to catch whoever done it as much as you. I feel responsible.”

  “Walt, I hope you know that I’d never blame you for this. Please erase that notion from your mind.”

  “Yes ma’am. If you say so.”

  “I do.” They all straightened when they heard a shrill, “Yoo hoo…anyone here?”

  “Constance?” Penelope called, recognizing her agent’s voice.

  “There you are darling. How is my biggest star? They told me I could find you in the barn.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  Her eyes sparkled with glee. “Guess?”

  “Is this about the Nellie Bly role?”

  “Nope…guess again.”

  “I can’t.”

  A look of satisfaction danced across her face. “Tyler. I have news that I wanted to deliver personally.”

  “Ty?” Faye squealed.

  “Faye, this is my agent Constance. She’s had her eye on Tyler since the release of our film. She’s salivating to have him sign with her. She’s the best in the business. He’d be in good hands if that’s the direction he wants to go.”

  “Yes, and right now I’m sitting on a very lucrative contract waiting for his signature. Can you say Calvin Klein…modeling…magazine ads… runway shows in Paris and New York…for boo coo bucks…need I go on?”

  “How did you manage that?” Penny said.

  “Darling, you should know me by now.”

  “True. You’ll have to sleep in one of the bedrooms in the main house this time. You won’t have your own private cabin.”

  “I figured. When you told me how many were coming, I knew I’d be out of luck on my favorite cabin.”

  “How did you get here?”

  “Picked up a rental at the airport. I’m flying back to LA first thing in the morning.”

  Penelope linked her arm through Constance’s and said, “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “I’m glad to see that you’ve forgiven me for the last film.”

  “Long ago! After all, if not for you I never would have met Griffin.”

  Constance smiled. “I’m multifaceted…killer agent… now I can add matchmaker to my resumé.”

  “Let’s get you settled in. Then you can break the news to Ty.”

  “I’ll let y’all know if I find out anything,” Walt said. “Do ya need help with Ms. Monroe’s luggage?”

  “We have plenty of muscle at the house. Thanks anyway. Talk to you later,” Penny called over her shoulder as they trudged through the snow back to the warm and inviting holiday wonderland that was Penelope’s house.

  29

  Faye

  Kyle, Faye and Tyler, along with Constance Monroe, sat around the kitchen table in Tyler’s cabin going over the contract details being offered by the powerhouse company.

  Faye ruffled Tyler’s hair and said, “It’s great to have an attorney in the family, eh?”

  “Don’t forget a great agent, darling,” Constance added.

  Faye grinned. “Of course. Penelope speaks very highly of you.”

  Kyle’s brow was knitted as he turned the pages over, reading everything carefully. Finishing with the last page, he looked up, his blue eyes sharp and piercing as he met those of Tyler’s new agent.

  “It all seems on the up and up. I’m sure you’ve had experience with these type arrangements and there is a level of trust we’re bestowing upon you, that you have Tyler’s best interests at heart. My conclusion is that it’s a solid contract. I don’t see any disadvantages for you Ty. My recommendation is that you go for it—that is, if this is what you want.”

  “Yes, it is. I think it could open doors for me in the film industry if I decide to go that route.”

  “Yes, many actors start out in modeling ads and television commercials. It’s a splendid way to get your foot in the door. Plus, you already have connections, which is immeasurable,” Constance said.

  Kyle held out a pen to Tyler and he took it, his hands slightly shaky. Blowing out his breath he signed several pages and passed them to Constance. She held out her hand and he grasped it in a warm shake.

  “I look forward to many years of collaboration Tyler,” Constance said. “I hear tomorrow is your birthday; what a way to bring in your twenty-first! Congratulations.”

  Faye’s eyes flooded with tears as she stood and threw her arms around Ty. “I’m so proud of you!”

  Ty looked dazed as he said, “I feel like I’m in a dream.”

  “Let’s go tell the others,” Faye said.

  “I’ve got to call my mom first. Now she can quit that shit job she has. I’ll be able to support her.” That declaration made even Constance’s eyes glisten.

  “We’ll leave you alone then,” Kyle said. He gave Tyler a hug then pulled on his coat and left with Faye and Constance following right behind.

  Faye swooped into the main house and called out to everyone. “He signed! Our Tyler is going to the next Calvin Klein supermodel!”

  James looked up from the New York Times he’d been engrossed in and his lips turned up at the corners. Giselle clapped her hands together and said, “Fantastique!”

  “Luck and connections,” James replied.

  “Excuse me, but Tyler only has this opportunity because he’s determined and smart. He works hard and he nailed his performance in Die for You! Give credit where credit is due! How dare you belittle this moment by insinuating it was his connections!” Faye said, angrily.

  James frowned at his daughter. “I meant no ill will; I was simply stating the facts.”

  Kyle interjected, “Faye, calm down, everything in life takes a little luck and a few connections. That wasn’t an insult to Ty.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “It sure seemed like it. I’d appreciate it if you could for once say something positive to Tyler when he gets here.”

  James shook his head and returned to his newspaper.

  “Chérie, you are too sensitive…like a mama bear when it comes to Tyler. He is a big boy.”

  Faye took a few deep slow breaths and forced a smile. “I’m sorry if I’m a bit on the defensive when it comes to Tyler, but it’s not without reason.”

  “Faye, I think you made your point, could we please drop it now?” Kyle said, as he pivoted and left the room presumably in search of Ella and the kids.

  “I’m sorry,” Faye said to her parents. She noticed Malena standing in the kitchen doorway. “Did you hear the good news?”

  Malena nodded her head. “Si. That is so exciting. You all must be so proud of him.”

  Faye couldn’t help but see that Malena seemed sad, even as she tried valiantly to hide it. />
  “Are you okay? He’ll be over to share the news himself soon. He’s calling his mom now.”

  “Ah, she will be so happy. Yes, I am fine, just tired.”

  “Have you seen Penelope and Ella?”

  “Si, they’re in the kitchen talking about the surprise party for Tyler.”

  “Perfect. That’s next on my agenda. By the way where are all the kids?”

  “Finn is playing with the twins in the rec room and Savannah is napping. I’m going to check on them now.” Malena bowed her head and went to find the kids.

  Faye started towards the kitchen and turned when her father spoke to her.

  “You might think I’m the bad guy here, that I don’t want Tyler to succeed, but you would be mistaken. He’s a Bennett and Bennetts are winners not losers.”

  Faye suppressed a smile at her father’s stiff and backhanded compliment. “That’s the best gift he’ll probably receive…your acceptance of him as a rightful heir to the Bennett name.”

  “I was wrong,” he said.

  Faye was sure her shock was written all over her face. “Father!”

  “I’ve come to realize that I handled all of that poorly and I plan on apologizing to Tyler.”

  Tears sprang to Faye’s eyes and she ran over to her father and hugged him, feeling an unexpected compassion as his body stiffened. “I love you, Dad.”

  He cleared his throat, “I love you too, all of you.”

  Giselle fanned her cheeks, “Je vais pleurer.”

  “Go ahead and cry mom,” Faye said. She went to her mom, who looked so much like herself, and wrapped her arms around her slim shoulders. She seemed so delicate…there was nothing to her. She brushed away a tear that was trailing down her mom’s cheek. “Je t’aime, Maman.”

  “Je t’aime aussi.”

  “I am so happy right now,” Faye said. “Thank you.” She straightened. “I’d better get in the kitchen since I’m on the party-planning commission.”