Christmas Sugar ~ Melanie Moreland

by Moreland, Melanie

  “Well, as interesting and eye-opening as this has been, this ‘ath-hole’ is hungry and needs to eat.” I turned to Alex, who appeared mortified and maybe even on the verge of tears. I smirked at her. “I’m not as big an asshole when I’m not hungry—honest.”

  “Mr. Maxwell,” she choked out, her voice panicked.

  I lowered my voice, needing her to know I wasn’t upset. I should be, but I was far from it. “I didn’t realize you had to go and buy this special for me. I’ll speak to my assistant about her lack of organization. Be sure to add it to my bill.”

  “Speak or yell?” She smiled hesitantly.

  I winked at her, returning her smile. “Depends if I wait until after I eat.”

  Her smile came back again—the one that lit her face and made me want to say or do anything to keep her smiling at me like that. I was glad to see her shoulders relax a little.

  I glanced over at Seth, who was still grinning. “If Alex trusts you enough to look after her daughter, you should take better care of her. I realize she is surely safe in the hotel, but she was still your responsibility.”

  His smile fell, and he looked at Alex. “Sorry. It was a long day.”

  She rubbed his arm. “I know.”

  I smiled down at Noelle. “Thank you for keeping me company. I enjoyed meeting you, Noelle.”

  “I see you in da morning, Dywan!”

  “Be a good girl for your mommy. Go to bed,” I admonished gently.

  “Otay!”

  I scanned the tray, with no clue as to what was under the lids, but it didn’t matter. “Thank you for my dinner, Alex. I appreciate it a great deal.”

  “You’re welcome,” she whispered. “I hope you like it.”

  “I’m sure I will.”

  I pushed on my door and glanced over my shoulder at the unlikely welcoming committee I had been sent. A smart-mouthed teenager, a lisping little angel—who, for some reason, I seemed to adore instantly—and of course, Alex.

  A mystery—one minute warm and smiling, the next cool and frowning. Then, despite the fact that she found me an “ath-hole,” made me dinner, after she went out to buy my requested brand of brandy instead of telling me to drink whatever shit excuse they had in the bar.

  She certainly was an enigma.

  And she smiled at me in a way that took my breath away.

  Mrs. C was right—the trip was already full of surprises.

  Astonishingly, I quite liked it.

  I WOKE GRADUALLY TO STRANGE and unfamiliar sounds. Sitting up, I listened to the wind outside, the glass rattling in the windows from the strength of it. For the first time that I could remember, I felt . . . peaceful. Generally, when I woke, my mind was instantly crowded with my hectic schedule: everything on the agenda for the day, what was happening that evening, the next day, the next week—my brain started firing as soon as my eyes opened.

  But this morning, there was nothing. I had no idea what George Walsh wanted to discuss, or why he wanted me to stay there for a few days. Our lawyers could have handled it all, but he insisted.

  It was an odd feeling not having to hurry and be somewhere. Crossing the room, I pulled back the horrid plaid curtains and looked outside. The sun was beginning to rise, and I could see all the grounds around the inn. Towering, full pine trees encircled the property. In front of me was a view of the ocean, the light dancing across the surface as the sun rose. It was magnificent—a million-dollar view.

  Or, if I did my job well, maybe three-quarters of a million.

  I glanced around the room, my gaze falling on the empty tray from the previous night. The “snacks” Alex brought me turned out to be a thick steak sandwich with a side salad. There had even been a piece of apple pie on the tray. I’d resisted as long as I could before I attacked it, literally scraping the plate, breaking my own rule of not eating sugar. The entire meal had been as delicious as anything I’d eaten in a five-star restaurant. Even if she had made it grudgingly for me. My lips twitched as I thought about what had occurred in the hall. Seth’s non-filter, Noelle’s adorable lisp and childlike honesty, Alex’s embarrassment—and her smile.

  Especially, her smile.

  After another hot shower, and still not shaving, I went downstairs, not surprised to find the lobby empty. I could smell coffee and followed the aroma into the bar area. There was no one around, but I did see the large coffee urn, so I poured myself a cup and grabbed the local paper from the pile on the table, then sat at a table by the window.

  As I scanned the headlines, a door opened and Alex emerged, carrying a large tray. She didn’t see me, and I was able to watch her as she moved around, disappearing through the door and reemerging every few moments with another silver tray she placed on a long table. Her hair caught the morning sun, the red glints bright in the light. It hung in long waves down her back, almost to her waist. It wasn’t styled or stiff with product, but natural and full. I thought it was incredibly sexy. She turned, stifling a gasp when she saw me sitting there watching her.

  “Good morning.”

  She straightened her blouse and came closer. “Good morning, Mr. Maxwell.”

  “Dylan, please.” I smirked. “After all, you allowed me to call you Alex.”

  She bit her lip, gnawing on the pink flesh. It made me wonder what she was thinking.

  “Dylan. I hope you slept well.”

  “Surprisingly, I did.”

  “Surprisingly?”

  “I don’t sleep well in strange places, but I felt”—I paused, contemplating my words—“relaxed here.”

  That gorgeous smile broke out, and she nodded enthusiastically. “It’s so lovely here. The wind, the water, and the trees—they surround you and help you forget the rest of the world exists. It’s a small piece of heaven.” Her face suddenly changed, and she looked sad. “I love it here,” she whispered, almost more to herself than me.

  I didn’t like her sad. It made my chest feel strange. I rubbed my sternum, trying to rid myself of the ache. I wanted her to smile.

  “I think another reason I slept so well is because of the dinner I ate last night. It was truly delicious.” Reaching out, I took her hand and squeezed it. “Thank you, Alex. I realize you went above and beyond for me.” Then I winked at her, unable to resist teasing her a little. “Even if I am an ath-hole.”

  She gasped and her cheeks blazed with color, then her lips twitched and the most adorable giggle escaped. She opened her mouth to say something, but a couple of other guests came in and she stepped back. “I have to get breakfast ready.”

  “Of course.”

  “Mommy!”

  A little blur tore across the room as Noelle ran to her mother, flinging her arms around Alex’s legs. Seth followed more sedately, sitting down at the table next to me, nodding his greeting.

  Alex ran her fingers through her daughter’s wild hair, smiling at her. “Are you ready for day care?”

  Noelle nodded enthusiastically. “Iz pizza day!”

  Alex laughed. “Your favorite.” She looked at Seth. “Did you get all your homework done?”

  “Yep. Even algebra.”

  “Okay. Your lunches and snacks are in the kitchen. Have some breakfast.”

  I cleared my throat. “While others are deciding, may I have an egg white omelet, vegetables only, and low-fat cheese? Whole wheat toast, no butter please.”

  Alex and Seth exchanged a glance. “Pardon?” she asked.

  “I’m sorry. Is there someone else I should give my order to?”

  She shook her head. “It’s a breakfast buffet, Dylan.”

  It was my turn to be confused. “A buffet?”

  “You serve yourself.”

  I blinked. “You expect me to make my own omelet?” I sputtered. “I don’t know how to cook.”

  “There are no omelets.” Alex’s voice was patient and somewhat amused. “There are scrambled eggs and bacon. You can toast a bagel or grab a muffin. Make a waffle. There’s yogurt and fresh fruit. Juice. Coffee. You help
yourself to whatever you want.”

  Make a waffle? Toast a bagel?

  I looked at the tables where Alex had carried the trays. Other guests were already helping themselves, seemingly comfortable at the way the inn did things.

  Once again, I had to remind myself I wasn’t in my world anymore.

  I must have appeared shocked.

  Noelle moved away from her mother and grabbed my hand. “I hep you, Dywan. I make da bethest waffas! Wight, Sef?”

  “Right, kiddo. The best.”

  She tugged my hand. “Come on! I show you!”

  Ten minutes later, I was staring at my plate filled with a waffle Noelle and I made together. When she said she “made” the best waffles, what she really meant was, she pointed to the foam cup full of goopy batter and instructed you precisely how to pour it into the pan. She was noticeably impatient at my lack of skill when it came to flipping the waffle pan. Seth had to help me the first time, but I was proud of myself when I flipped it back with precision, Noelle clapping her little hands in delight.

  The waffles were covered with globs of butter and overflowing with syrup—both of which Noelle insisted I had to have. I did manage to convince her I didn’t need the sprinkles she told me made it taste “even betta.” There was definitely more sugar on my plate than I would eat in a year. There was another plate with bacon and eggs. Seth had assured me, as he filled his own plate, Alex made them, and they weren’t the fake kind that came in a carton.

  I had no idea you could get fake eggs in a carton.

  “Twy it, Dywan!”

  Gingerly, I picked up my utensils and cut into the thick, gooey mess. Noelle watched anxiously as I chewed and swallowed. It was sweet and dense, the butter and syrup melting in my mouth.

  It was fucking awesome.

  Seth started chuckling, and Noelle’s eyes widened. “Dywan!” she whispered. “You thaided da baddest word of dem all!”

  I stared at them both, realizing I’d uttered that thought out loud. Alex walked out of the kitchen, eyeing us all, and I knew she would not be pleased with me swearing in front of Noelle—especially, the baddest word of them all. Nerves I didn’t even know I had anymore made my palms sweat. I leaned forward, lowering my voice. “Don’t tell Alex,” I pleaded. I looked at Seth. “You owe me.”

  “We won’t say anything, right, Noelle?”

  She grinned. “Secwet.”

  She and Seth shared a fist bump.

  Somehow, I knew they now owned my ass and would use that information to their advantage at some point.

  So, I kept eating my waffle.

  It was fucking awesome, after all.

  The view from the bar was not as scenic as the one from my room, but it was still pleasant. Huge, full pine trees surrounded the inn. I wanted to explore more of the grounds and see the ocean. I could imagine its beauty in the winter winds.

  Seth and Noelle left for their day—a large yellow bus picked up Seth, and a few minutes later, I watched Alex bundle Noelle into the back seat of another minivan, waving at her as the van left. I noticed several more trucks, some SUVs, and vans in the parking lot, but no cars.

  “Doesn’t anyone drive cars here?” I muttered to myself. “Just regular, normal-sized cars?”

  Behind me, Alex chuckled. “You need to get out more, Dylan.”

  I had to laugh. “I suppose.”

  “Do you want anything else? Can I get you something?”

  I turned my back to the window. “No, thank you. I was thinking I’d go for a walk before meeting with Mr. Walsh, but since I doubt my shoes would provide much protection, I guess I’ll go to my room and get ready.”

  “Wait here,” she commanded, and for some reason, I did exactly what she said—again.

  When she reemerged, she had a pair of boots in her hand. “A guest left these and never came back for them. Seth hasn’t quite grown into them yet, so you can use them. They’re fairly large so they should fit.”

  I couldn’t contain my smirk. “Checking out the size of my feet, Alex?”

  Her cheeks darkened and her green eyes flashed at me. They were an incredible color and reminded me of the pines that grew around the inn.

  “I noticed them last night when you stomped your wet shoes on my freshly washed floor,” she reprimanded me, pulling back the boots. “You were making a lot of noise . . . and mess!”

  Instantly, my ire was piqued. There was something about the woman that drove me crazy. She could wind me up faster than even Amy—but in a very different way.

  “My feet were frozen! They wouldn’t have been so cold if the minivan you had that child pick me up in had a better heater.”

  “Seth is not a child. The minivan is perfectly acceptable.”

  “Maybe here on the East Coast.”

  “Well, a grown man such as you should know to bring boots when he travels to the East Coast in December! Or did your assistant neglect to mention the weather to you?”

  My God, this woman was infuriating.

  “She never mentioned it,” I retaliated. “So, I forgot them.”

  “She doesn’t pack for you?” She mocked me with her question and a raise of her eyebrows.

  “No, I’m quite capable of packing myself,” I informed her haughtily.

  “Well, good for you, Mr. Maxwell.”

  Was she questioning my masculinity?

  “I’m perfectly able to take care of myself,” I reiterated.

  She snorted, not even bothering to cover up the sound.

  “You think differently?” I growled, stepping closer.

  “Why, no . . .” she drawled, sarcasm thick in her tone.

  I scowled. “You don’t exactly sound convinced.”

  “Well, why don’t you check with your assistant about that? The one who booked your flight, ordered your liquor, and didn’t think to inform you of the winter weather? I bet she heats your croissants for you as well, doesn’t she? Brings you lunch daily?” She smirked knowingly. “After all, you don’t even know how to make an omelet.”

  I stalked the rest of the way toward her until we were almost nose-to-nose. “That’s what I pay her for.”

  “Money well spent, I’m sure.”

  “At least I don’t have to worry about her being rude to guests at the hotel I own. Maybe I should mention that to Mr. Walsh when I speak to him.”

  “Go ahead,” she challenged. “Tell him exactly what you think of me.”

  I would do precisely that if I knew what I thought of her. I wanted to pull out my hair in frustration.

  “Are you of sound mind?” I snarled.

  “What?”

  “You blow hot and cold. One minute you smile at me with a warmth I’ve never experienced, and the next you’re spitting fire at me with your words. Your mood swings are constant.”

  The anger melted away from her expression, making her appear vulnerable. Once again, I noticed how fatigued she looked. It caused an odd ache in my heart and made my own ire dissipate. Quiet yearning replaced the annoyance.

  “I don’t mean to,” she whispered and looked away.

  The air around us changed and became charged with a deep, tender energy I wasn’t used to feeling.

  I reached up and cupped her cheek, stroking the soft skin. “I like it better when you’re smiling. Especially at me. You have a beautiful smile.”

  Her eyes widened and her breathing picked up. “Dylan, you can’t . . . You shouldn’t . . .”

  I leaned down, my mouth hovering over hers, her sweet breath washing over my face. “I want to. Please.”

  Then I placed my mouth on hers. Her soft lips melded to mine. I wound my arm around her waist, dragging her to my chest as our mouths moved together as though they had done so for a lifetime—and lifetimes before that one. It felt as if I’d found something I didn’t know I was missing. Heat settled in my chest, blooming like a slow, flickering flame, my entire being easing at her nearness. Groaning, I pulled her closer, the kiss morphing into carnal, blistering desire
. Entwining my hands in her long, silky hair, I tugged and clutched it. Our bodies were meshed together, and I slipped my hand under the loose shirt she wore, pressing into the warmth of the soft skin of her back. Her hands fisted on my shirt, the most erotic, quivering whimpers low in her throat. I moved my lips to the smooth skin of her cheek, trailing light kisses over to her ear, pulling the lobe in my teeth.

  “Alex . . .” I moaned.

  She stiffened and stepped back, her face flushed, lips swollen. She was beautiful.

  I tried to pull her back, but she pushed against my chest, stepping back farther. Her hand flew to her face, her eyes wide with fear. “I . . . I can’t,” she breathed out. “I’m sorry, I can’t do this!”

  She turned and fled from the room as if the hounds of hell were pursuing her.

  I sat down heavily in the chair closest to me, my chest heaving.

  What had I done? One moment, we were arguing, and the next . . .

  Kissing!

  I ran a hand through my hair. What the hell was I thinking, kissing a total stranger?

  Except—she didn’t feel like a stranger.

  What was it about that woman? Why was I reacting to her that way?

  She made me laugh, and smile, then angered me—all in the blink of an eye. She didn’t take any shit from me, and I liked that. She was bossy and tough, but when I saw her with her daughter, her tenderness showed through. Add in the fact that she catered to my demanding ass, and I knew there was more to her than she let others see.

  I ran my fingers over my mouth, still tasting her. I thought how it felt when I kissed her. The feelings she stirred in me.

  God, she was sweet. Her mouth, the feel of her pressed close, wrecked me. I had no idea why I had kissed her, but once I started, I didn’t want to stop.

  Until, that was, she ran from me.

  It took everything in me not to follow her. I wanted to drag her into my arms again and kiss her until she forgot about everything but me. Us.

  I shook my head.

  Us?

  I had just met her yesterday and I was thinking us?