Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge: New Holiday Romances to Benefit St. Jude Hospital

by Sabrina York

  “Hell, no. I hope she gets so fricking mad that she decides not to marry my brother.”

  Her eyes shot to the people behind him. “Because you still care about her.”

  “Care about Tiffany? I haven’t seen Tiffany in seven happy years.”

  He took her arm as a tourist was about to run straight into her and directed her to baggage claim. “It was a college moment. And I sure as hell don’t want her to marry my brother. Listen, we can discuss this further when we get our car.”

  “You already have a car? Why didn’t you say so?” The outrage in her voice had him smiling. He hadn’t been as entertained by a woman in a long time.

  And she started taking off the wrong way again. What was with this woman and her directions? But she was willing to drive in a blizzard.

  “Lauren!”

  She swiveled. “What?”

  “You’re going the wrong way.”

  And she gave him the sweetest smile. A dimple on her right cheek. “Sorry. I’m terrible with directions.”

  And like a big sap, he was smiling at her.

  3

  Lauren tried to not stare at Gabe’s large, strong hands as he maneuvered the SUV over the mountain pass. Driving in heavy snow on the treacherous mountain roads was nothing she had ever experienced. And never wanted to again.

  The gale-force winds were blowing the snow sideways and rattling the heavy SUV. Visibility was limited. The windshield wipers couldn’t keep up with the heavy snowfall.

  They had to cross two mountain passes to get to Winthrop. Secretly, Lauren was relieved that she had another few hours before having to face Tiffany. And despite the perilous drive, Gabe’s confidence helped her relax. Something she hadn’t done much of lately.

  “Blewitt Pass is more treacherous than Snoqualmie. They must have cut the road straight through the mountain at two thousand feet elevation.” She looked up at the high cliffs covered in evergreens. The scene was stunning but intimidating with the raw beauty and the realization of one’s insignificance in the presence of nature’s grandeur.

  “I can’t imagine navigating this road in the snow at night. You don’t seem bothered at all.” Lauren decided to look away from the narrow turn they were about to take where the road dropped off to thousand-foot crevasses.

  “I’ve driven in worse.”

  Gabe appeared relaxed, but she could feel his suppressed vital energy. He was enjoying the challenge of taking the hairpin turns on the barely visible road through steep mountain passes.

  “What could be worse than this?” Lauren realized she was filling in the silence because she was uncomfortable with how intimate the car ride was beginning to feel. With Gabe’s blue jeans pulled tight across his muscular thigh within inches of her, his clean scent of soap and male, and the threat of danger surrounding them, the space was shrinking. Gabe Griffin in the flesh was bigger and better than any of her fantasies.

  “I’ve been places where there are barely roads.” His lips curved into a small smile.

  “Your mother mentioned that you’re in very dangerous places all over the world and you never can tell them your location.”

  “My mother?” Gabe whipped his head to look at her. “When did you meet my mom?”

  “I met both your parents last month. I went to dinner with Tiffany when she met your parents for the first time.”

  Gabe looked at her suspiciously. “Why?”

  “She wanted to have me there as a buffer, to make small talk. She’s not good with parents.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” Gabe had to hit the brakes as the truck in front of them slowed to take a dangerous curve. Only semis were on the road with them, which didn’t help Lauren’s sense of security.

  “My mom didn’t say anything about meeting you.”

  “Well, I’m sure she and your dad had more to say about Tiffany.”

  Gabe snorted. “I warned them what to expect.”

  Lauren could imagine what the conservative parents from Nebraska thought of her stunning half sister who oozed sensuality. “Are your parents okay with the match?”

  Lauren stared at Gabe’s strong profile, with his angled chin, his nose with a bump that looked like it had been broken—twice—and the white, shiny scar over his eyebrow. Dissecting his face, like she did in a photoshoot, she’d shoot him straight on to capture the little imperfections of a rugged, virile male.

  “We are all concerned about Gavin’s and Tiffany’s compatibility.”

  “Your brother is a very sweet guy. I liked talking to him.”

  “He’s a nerdy scientist who doesn’t know what hit him. His research has made the company skyrocket. But taking over the company, moving to New York, threw him into a world he doesn’t have experience with. He’s a Nebraska boy out of his depths. And Tiffany has played him.”

  “I wish I didn’t agree. But Tiffany gets bored pretty quickly and moves on to the next excitement. Still, she’s never gotten this close to a wedding before.” Lauren didn’t mention that she worried it was a family trait since she had met no one who kept her attention. “Your brother is a straight-up nice guy, and I’m afraid he’s going to get hurt.”

  “Exactly. I’m going to try to talk some sense into him…again.” Gabe’s sharp intake of breath was the only sound in the car. “Our last phone call wasn’t great.”

  “You think you can get him to change his mind?” Lauren shifted to face Gabe.

  Gabe’s jaw tightened as he muttered under his breath, “I’ve no idea.”

  The uncertainty and concern in his voice stirred painful memories. She had spent her life trying to repair the destruction her parents left in their wakes. Now she was here trying her damnedest to be a supportive sibling and bring holiday cheer to Tiffany and Olivia, her younger half sister who she barely knew, since Olivia lived in LA.

  “Do you want my advice?”

  His low rumble of a laugh did something totally different to her insides. God, he was sexy and he didn’t seem to notice. Not like Raphael, the Brazilian model she dated, who knew exactly how drop-dead gorgeous he was. What had she been thinking to date a model? With the hours she kept, she didn’t come in contact with many people outside her industry. She was lonely and Raphael pursued her, which was an ego boost since she’d barely dated at all once her career took off.

  “My mother is an outspoken woman. And I’ve learned not to ignore the advice of a woman.”

  God, his deep-toned voice wasn’t half as sexy as the love and respect he held for his mother.

  “Okay, my advice is not to say anything against Tiffany to make Gavin defensive. He’s a good guy, and I can’t see him allowing anyone to badmouth her.”

  “You’re right.” He ran his hand through his tousled hair. “If I hadn’t been out of the country, I could have intervened sooner. He won’t call off the wedding; he’s too honorable. He’d never hurt a fly. God, he’s a total nerd. He didn’t date until he was in college. And his first love was another scientist.”

  “What happened to her?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t get home often enough to keep up with my brother’s love life. But once he met Tiffany, he was a goner.”

  “Seems the Griffin men can’t resist Tiffany.”

  Lauren didn’t plan to bring up Gabe’s past with Tiffany, but he must remember when he was a goner?

  “I wonder if my mom would know what happened to Gavin’s girlfriend? We all thought he’d marry her. Maybe I could get her to come to the wedding. Let Gavin see the difference between the two women.” He kept his focus on the road, but she could feel his mind whizzing with possibilities.

  “Sorry, but that’s a worse idea than criticizing her. If Tiffany thinks she has a rival…she can be vi—” Lauren stopped herself from saying anything unkind. After her father had pleaded with her to design Tiffany’s gown, she had resolved that with support from Christina, her best friend, she would bring her A game for her half sister. She had survived Parsons and two designer’s houses. She�
��d be able to survive one desperate half sister bride.

  Christina, a gorgeous actress/singer from a large Puerto Rican family who fought and loved fiercely, suggested that Lauren hug Tiffany whenever she became “difficult.” Lauren figured she would probably end up with a black eye if she tried to hug Tiffany.

  Lauren stared out the window, not noticing the scenery as another episode of dealing with self-serving Tiffany flashed through her mind. “I started dating a really nice doctor—an orthopedic surgeon. I liked him and thought we might have a chance until we ran into Tiffany at an art opening and she made her usual play. I tried to warn Sam that it was a game for Tiffany that she had to win, especially with me. My father left Tiffany’s mother for my mother.”

  “How can she hold that against you? You weren’t even born.”

  “Tiffany’s mother was very bitter and blamed everything on my mother, which Tiffany heard a lot while growing up.”

  “If you’re thinking that will soften me toward Tiffany, it isn’t working. What happened to Sam?”

  “As you would expect. They dated for three months, then she broke Sam’s heart.”

  “He left you for Tiffany? You’re not sympathizing with that loser, are you?”

  Lauren’s stomach fluttered frantically. Was that a compliment? Or was she reacting to the endless curves as they descended the pass?

  “Gavin is doomed, isn’t he? I give the marriage less than a year. And then he’ll blame himself.”

  Lauren wanted to be reassuring, but she couldn’t lie to Gabe. “I can’t see Gavin calling off the wedding unless something drastic happens.”

  “I could ask my father to fake a heart attack…”

  “What?”

  “Just kidding.” He shrugged his massive shoulders. “Kinda. Or I could make a play for her again?”

  Lauren didn’t like the path this conversation was headed.

  “God, I’m not sure I love my brother that much.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I couldn’t mess with my brother.”

  Lauren didn’t want to admit she was relieved not to have to watch Gabe pursue Tiffany. It would have been terrible deja vu.

  “That would be too complicated. Your brother might never forgive you.” Lauren tried to think of ideas that wouldn’t put the brothers’ relationship at risk. “What if you told her the family business was failing?”

  “I like the way your brain works.” Gabe grinned at her and her stomach was back to performing loop de loops. “Except my father would really have a heart attack if he heard that there were rumors his company was failing.”

  “What if I tell Tiffany that your parents want a dozen grandchildren? She’s never been interested in children.”

  “But it’s true. My parents want loads of grandchildren. And I shudder at the idea of Tiffany as a mother.”

  Tiffany didn’t have a nurturing bone in her body, but maybe she would change once she had a baby. Lauren’s friends who had children said it happened.

  “I could tell her that Gavin plans to move to Nebraska.” Gabe turned and wagged his eyebrows.

  “Oh, that might work… Until she asks Gavin.” Lauren laughed. “What if you tell Tiffany that Gavin is planning on a prenup with no alimony?”

  “Woman, you’re devious.” Gabe deftly adjusted to the SUV sliding on the curve while chuckling. “Gavin would never have a prenup since he believes marriage is forever.”

  Lauren shifted her weight with the hairpin turn to avoid looking down. “He should talk to my father, who treats marriage like speed dating.”

  Gabe rubbed his hand over his beard. “Gavin would cancel the wedding if he found her with another man… Maybe I could hire an actor to pursue her.”

  “Where are you going to find an actor on top of a mountain?”

  “Good point.”

  There it was again, the grin that had her wanting this drive to last longer. She hadn’t enjoyed being with any man this much in a very long time. Possibly never.

  “Tiffany is about to be center stage in an exclusive wedding for all her Instagram followers. I don’t think she’ll be easily distracted. Her wedding is a big social media event, and she wants it perfect for her followers. That is why she enlisted my father’s help to pressure me into designing her dress. She wanted the cachet, since I don’t design wedding dresses and I’m her sister. Her followers love her family connections. She’s more in love with the wedding than—” She caught herself. “I know she likes Gavin.”

  “That sucks.” Gabe’s clenched jaw thrust forward. “She likes Gavin? When has Tiffany ever liked anyone besides herself?”

  He had a point.

  “Is liking someone enough of a reason to get married?” His anger came out loud and clear. “You met my parents … a divorce would devastate them.”

  She truly felt bad for Gabe and his family. “How about your friends? Or even Gavin’s successful friends. Are there any that Tiffany might be interested in?” Lauren was thinking if Gabe had friends who were as attractive as he was, Tiffany might be tempted.

  Gabe shook his head. “None who are available or rich enough to catch Tiffany’s interest. It’s too bad my Army buddy is engaged. Aiden would’ve been the perfect bait for Tiffany. He’s a trust fund baby, and he’d be willing to help out.”

  “I should feel terrible, plotting to interfere with their wedding, but I don’t. Your brother and your parents are really nice people.” What happened to Lauren’s resolve to bring Christmas spirit to her family this year?

  “I’m not going to stand by and let my brother make a bad decision that could ruin his life. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

  Gabe acted all calm and relaxed, but Lauren didn’t miss the clear threat in his voice and the way his big hand tightened on the steering wheel. Calm Gabe with an edge was a new side to the man. This was the Special Forces guy his mother described who went on secret dangerous missions.

  “I understand how you feel.” Lauren didn’t know what else to say. She wouldn’t want anyone she cared about marrying Tiffany.

  Gabe rubbed his beard again. “This beard is driving me crazy. I wanted to get a shave and a haircut, but the rental car place was a nightmare because of the flight cancelations.”

  “I’m sure the resort has a barber.”

  He was sexy enough with his beard stubble and shaggy hair. How much sexier would he look cleaned up? She shouldn’t be thinking of how hot he’d be in a tux when he thought of her as family and a confidante.

  Gabe twisted to look at her. “Are you involved with anyone right now?”

  Lauren jolted upright. “What does that have to do with anything?”

  Gabe chuckled. “Don’t get your panties in a knot. We both agree that Tiffany is going to get bored with marriage once all the excitement of the wedding is over. You said that bringing the ex-girlfriend wouldn’t work. But what if you bring a really hot guy as bait for Tiffany? She’ll go after your guy.”

  “Why does it have to be my date?” Lauren’s stomach dropped to her feet as it did when she looked over the guardrails down the steep cliffs.

  His nonchalant suggestion was more of a blow than she could have anticipated. He obviously didn’t feel the attraction or the intense awareness between them. She had imagined every terrible scenario with this wedding, but she hadn’t anticipated becoming a pawn in Gabe’s master plan.

  “That’s the best you can come up with?” Anger and disappointment shot through her, all the way to her toes. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “I’m dead serious.”

  With his face in profile, she could see the hard angle of his jaw thrust forward in determination.

  “You just said that Tiffany is very competitive with you, so if you brought someone who is handsome and successful, Tiffany might dump Gavin.”

  “Are you out of your mind? I would never manipulate anyone in that way. I watched my parents manipulate each other over the years, the fights, jealousy.”

  Now she was getting pissed
off. So what if he was sexy and made her heart thump? She wasn’t about to agree to the bullshit. She learned to survive her family and her career by standing up for herself.

  “Jesus, woman. I’m not asking you to lie. Don’t you know any rich models?”

  God, he was tenacious. He was in his super-soldier mode and used to people following his commands.

  “I wouldn’t ask anyone I work with. I have a professional career, and I’m not going to involve them in my family business.” Though Raphael would see it as a sign of reconciliation, and he’d jump at the opportunity. She didn’t want to relive that disastrous breakup.

  “Can’t you see it? Tiffany wouldn’t be able to tolerate a man paying a lot of attention to you and not her.”

  Lauren admitted that he might be closer to the truth than she wanted to accept.

  “How about someone you work with who owes you a favor? I’ll pay for his flight.”

  “I’m not sure if I should be more offended by the way you’re acting like I can’t get a man to act interested in me or that you think I’d agree to this cracked plan.” She was more than offended, but like her childhood fantasy that her father would love her, her fantasy of Gabe was in ashes. Not a great metaphor since the snow was piled six feet on the sides of the highway into Wenatchee. At least they’d crossed the mountain safely.

  “You know that isn’t true. I bet you have men falling all over you all the time. I watched Roger drool.”

  Gabe’s compliment was a Band-Aid on an old wound. “Roger did volunteer to be my date for the wedding. He was very sympathetic about the stress of designing “she who will not be happy’s” dress and dealing with my family.”

  “He offered to attend the wedding after just meeting you on the plane?”

  What was the change in Gabe’s voice? It couldn’t be jealousy. What was his problem?

  “Men do ask me out.”

  “I’ve never doubted it. Forget that I suggested you be involved. I’m desperate, and I’m just trying to protect my brother. I’ll talk to him, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll have my mother talk to him.”

  “Your mother might work.”