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

by Sabrina York

  Lauren felt like a voyeur and reached for her glass of wine, taking the time to check on her father, who was busy scanning the room, his eyes constantly moving. He looked tired, despite his same forceful presence.

  “Lauren, are you willing to play a little joke on our good friend?” Grinning, Aiden moved closer. “He is not happy with my lucky break of being seated next to you.”

  Lauren glanced at Gabe, who was scowling. Lauren wanted to roll her eyes as she used to do as a teenager and draw out “really?” Aiden was his best friend and was obviously very much in love with his fiancée.

  Aiden put his massive arm on her chair, leaned close, and whispered in her ear. “Do you think I can get Gabe to come over here?”

  Shocked and entertained by Gabe’s serious friend acting playful, Lauren laughed.

  “What’s so funny, Lauren?” Tiffany’s voice had the spiteful edge that Lauren had learned to be wary of.

  Lauren shook her head. “Nothing. Aiden was sharing a joke.”

  Everyone at the table looked at Aiden, most likely having difficulty believing that the reserved, silent man was capable of a joke.

  “Aiden, share the joke,” Tiffany whined.

  “Yes, tell us all what was so funny, Aiden,” Gabe, now standing next to Lauren, grumbled.

  Gabe’s sudden appearance made Lauren start to giggle. Aiden’s deep bass chortle attracted the attention of all of those around them.

  “Was it the one about the priest and the rabbi, Aiden?” Jordan shot Aidan a disapproving look.

  “I’m not sure that joke is appropriate for mixed company.” Aiden looked at Jordan, communicating in couple-speak.

  “But you were willing to tell Lauren.” Tiffany’s eyes narrowed on Lauren.

  “Yeah, Aiden, tell us what was so important that you had to whisper it to Lauren.” Gabe stood over Aiden.

  “Nothing important, man.” And then he chuckled again.

  Maybe it was over-strung tension of being with her family or that serious Aiden punked cool, collected Gabe, but Lauren burst into another fit of giggles, behaving like Olivia and Georgie. She didn’t intend to embarrass anyone and would explain to Gabe once she stopped laughing.

  “Lauren always was a funny child. I remember the time…” Her father sprawled in his chair, drawing everyone’s attention to him.

  “It’s my wedding. Not hers. Why couldn’t you tell a story about me?” Tiffany bolted from her chair, almost knocking it over before Gavin caught it. “Just once could you act like my father?”

  The room went silent as Tiffany wove between the tables and fled the room.

  “She always was one for a dramatic exit,” Thomas mused as he watched Tiffany’s departure. “I always thought she would follow in my footsteps. I was late to start my acting career…”

  “Shut up, Thomas. Believe it or not, no one cares.” Samantha’s voice reverberated against the expansive glass windows, reaching the ears of all the guests. “And for once could you not make everything about you or your other precious daughters? It’s Tiffany’s wedding.”

  Gavin jumped to his feet. “She’s exhausted. All this has been too much.”

  “I’ll go and talk to her…” Lauren stood.

  Gabe pulled out her chair. His presence helped to steady her, ease the feeling of being trapped in another family drama.

  “Are you sure?” Gavin’s eyes showed genuine concern for Lauren. The Griffin men were really good guys.

  “It’s a maid of honor’s duty.” She tried to lighten the mood, but no one laughed.

  “Needing to grandstand … just like your father.” Samantha projected her screech to the silent audience, not to be outdone by her daughter and her ex on the center stage. “When did you ever care about my Tif?”

  “Since she designed her wedding dress and has been an attentive maid of honor to Tiffany.” Gabe took a step toward Samantha.

  Lauren placed her hand on Gabe’s arm. “It’s okay.”

  “It’s not okay.” And Gabe did his Mr. Mean Military Man glare at Samantha, then Thomas.

  All heads were turned to watch Lauren and Gabe leave the dining room. She walked quickly with her head up, avoiding all the stares. She could feel Gabe’s presence behind her. His concern for Lauren would only add to Tiffany’s fury, but Lauren didn’t care. She was grateful for his show of support. It was a wonderful feeling to not be alone in facing family drama, set off by something as trivial as a joke between Gabe and Aiden.

  Gabe grabbed her arm once they were beyond the door.

  “Lauren, hold up.”

  “I need to find Tiffany.”

  He rubbed his hands along her bare arms, warming her against the draft. “You know you don’t have to do this. She has a mother and my brother.”

  Lauren gave a bounce to kiss him on the cheek. “You’re a good man, Gabe Griffin.”

  His bewildered look was such a change from his confident, in-control attitude. She found his vulnerability endearing, but she loved his fierce and passionate glances most—the kind that made her want to bring him to her room and forget the whole family wedding.

  “It’s my sister’s wedding. And I’m the only one who understands her need for our father’s attention. Her mom is no help. And she doesn’t want Gavin to see her like this. No woman wants to appear that vulnerable before her wedding.”

  “Then I’m going with you. I’m not allowing Tiffany to be bitchy at you because your father is a complete … jackass.”

  “Your presence will only escalate the drama. Look at the results of you and Aiden paying attention to me over a joke.”

  “Damn it, Lauren. What was Aiden whispering to you?”

  “He was taunting you. There was no joke, only your friend ribbing you.” She couldn’t contain the grin.

  “And you thought that was funny?” Gabe ran his finger along her cleavage, taking her breath away with his slow stroking.

  “I loved that your serious friend wanted to play a joke on you. The way men interact is a lot more fun than half sisters.”

  “I warned you that he would be relentless. He’s just getting started,” he moaned. “I’m waiting for my brothers to jump into the act.”

  “Poor baby.” Lauren went on her tiptoes, but he still towered over her. “Should I whisper to you to make you feel better?” She made each word breathless, purposely blowing air across his sensitive ear.

  The sudden change in his breathing, and the sudden heat radiating off his body, changed the teasing moment into something more exciting and dangerous. Lauren was breathless for real, a feverish need exploding through her. One touch between them and they ignited to flash fire.

  “There is only one thing that will make you feel better, Lauren.” The fierce, lustful look that followed had Lauren melting on the spot into a puddle like the Wicked Witch of the West.

  Unsteady, Lauren held on to his arm, feeling the raw strength hidden under his jacket. “I’ve got to find Tif. You should go stay with your family.”

  Lauren walked toward the women’s restroom, always the first choice of any distressed woman.

  “I’ll wait for you. And if she starts screaming, I’m coming in.”

  “That’s very sweet, but Tiffany screaming is an accepted occurrence.”

  Gabe walked next to her until she got to the women’s entrance. His heroics didn’t include women’s bathrooms.

  “I’ll be right here.” He leaned against the opposite wall and crossed his feet.

  How could a man look that gorgeous in his perfectly tailored suit and blue silk tie? He was better than any Armani model she’d ever met.

  “Thank you.”

  Lauren took a deep breath and braced herself. This was Tiffany’s wedding and Lauren came to be a supportive sister. Time to do her duty.

  The spacious bathroom continued the wedding theme with pine garlands, magnolias, and mistletoe.

  Lauren followed Tiffany’s sobs to the sitting room with big mirrors and sand-colored linen couches.
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  Tiffany was huddled into a ball on the settee. Used tissues were scattered across the floor.

  “Tif?” Lauren sat next to her.

  “Go away. I don’t want to talk to anyone.” Her voice broke into a pitiful sob.

  “You can talk to me. I understand what a bastard our father is.”

  Tiffany’s head shot up. “Did you just call our father a bastard?”

  Lauren grinned. It felt good to say it aloud. She waited for the ceiling to collapse on them for finally refuting the world view of Thomas Turner.

  “Yes. He is a self-centered narcissist. Don’t let him ruin your wedding.”

  “But you’re his favorite. He never treats you…”

  “Yes, he does. He came to one of my openings not as my father but rather to have his picture taken to promote his Broadway play. In the interview he gave at my opening, he spoke only about his show.”

  “My mom showed me the picture of you two together…”

  Lauren stifled what she wanted to say about Tiffany’s mom and how she stirred up trouble for revenge against their father. But Tiffany had to work that out on her own.

  “It was such a low point for me when I saw the picture. I had another failed relationship, my influencer stuff was bottoming…” Tiffany had used her name and beauty to become an Instagram influencer.

  “I just wanted him to pay attention to me. All the Instagram stuff is wanting people to pay attention. It wasn’t until I met Gavin I started rethinking things. He didn’t know anything about Dad or about “influencer” business. He was nerdy and sweet. And solid. The first man I could depend on to actually be interested in me… not as Thomas Turner’s daughter, or my big chest, or my Instagram success.”

  “He loves you, Tif.” Lauren was scrambling to find a way to help Tiffany not self-destruct and destroy her happiness.

  “He isn’t going to now. I embarrassed him and his family. I don’t think the good people of Nebraska have screaming fits at their weddings.”

  “I don’t think geography has anything to do with family crap. Everyone has crazy family.”

  “We seem to abound in them.” Tiffany gave a teary smile. And, for the first time, Lauren felt a true connection with her sister.

  “My God, Gavin’s parents must think I’m such a bitch. I’ve been so demanding to have everything perfect. Everything perfect for my Instagram followers and to impress Daddy.”

  “Trust me, I understand.” Lauren gave a rueful shake of her head. “And despite knowing our father will never be impressed because he’s only enthralled with himself, I still find myself trying. And then I’m mad at myself for trying.”

  “It’s why I love Gavin. He seems to like me just the way I am—bitchy, perfectionist, insecure me.”

  Lauren felt the heat moving to her face with the memory of how she and Gabe had plotted against the wedding. Not giving Tiffany or Gavin enough credit to know what they wanted or needed. She was appalled at how they came up with ideas to sidetrack the wedding.

  “And his mom was super nice, making a real effort to understand the Instagram thing. And when I tried to explain the whole premise, it sounded like such trite bullshit. Why would they want me in their family?” Tears poured down her face. “I just wanted to be part of a normal family.”

  “Tif, you’re going to be. Gavin isn’t going to bolt like Dad because you had a meltdown. Women get a wide berth around their weddings.”

  “Why are you being so nice? I wouldn’t be that nice to you.”

  Lauren and then Tiffany laughed.

  “Well, that was the most honest thing you’ve ever said to me.” Lauren was happy with this new openness with Tiffany. She would have missed this moment if she hadn’t agreed to come and try to be a sister.

  “I can’t go out there…all the stares and my mom…and Thomas.”

  “I’m sure Gavin is outside the bathroom door waiting for you. And I think you and he should return together. That’s why we’re all here—to support you and Gavin, not your mother or our father.”

  The door swung open. “I couldn’t wait any longer…Tif, honey, are you okay?” Gavin rushed in and knelt next to Tiffany, who burst into tears.

  “I look horrible. I embarrassed you and your family … but my parents … are so…”

  “You didn’t embarrass anyone. And if I had your parents, I’d have murdered them by now.”

  Tiffany gave a teary half-sob.

  Lauren decided she wasn’t needed any longer. Gabe had followed Gavin but stood by the door, watching the couple.

  “I was really wrong about their relationship, wasn’t I?”

  “You weren’t the only one.”

  Lauren laced her fingers with Gabe’s.

  “How about we skip the rest of the dinner?” He held the door open for her.

  “And hope no one will notice that neither of us gave our speeches? Good luck with that.”

  “Why are you always reasonable?” He pressed her against the wall, taking their joined hands and lifting them over her head. “I don’t know how long I can remain reasonable, Lauren.”

  She was on fire and looked down the long hallway, tempted to wrap her leg around his waist and press his hard length against her. She couldn’t believe she was considering acting like this in public… But only with Gabe, because of Gabe.

  “I know it’s crazy-making, but we’re both going to have to be reasonable until after the wedding.”

  Lauren felt his entire body stiffen.

  “After the wedding?” He snarled. “I’m coming to your room tonight.”

  The tension radiating from his body, his gruff impatient tone, and his demanding look had her burning up—forget reasonable.

  She could barely look at him. “I promised the girls that they could come tonight for a pj party since they were both too tired last night.”

  “Why in the hell would you promise that?”

  “Because I told them before…” She pointed between them as her face flushed.

  “Make any excuse. Get rid of them early…”

  “I like your persistence.” Gabe, needing her as badly as she needed him, helped her feel less irrational from her out-of-control passion. She couldn’t explain her uncharacteristic behavior. All she knew was that needing Gabe felt right.

  He pushed against her, emphasizing his persistence. “Deltas never give up.”

  Georgie appeared around the corner. “Oops.”

  Gabe dropped Lauren’s hands and stepped away.

  His sister stopped at the beginning of the hallway. “Mom sent me to round up everyone and direct them back to the dinner. Dessert is about to be served … and the toasts.”

  “Tell Mom we’re coming.”

  Georgie nodded, not looking at Lauren.

  “And squirt, you don’t need to share everything you see.”

  “Really?” Georgie’s blue eyes, the same shade as Gabe’s, widened. “I have a price. We can negotiate later.”

  “Negotiate. You didn’t learn anything about taking on bigger and formidable opponents when I had your face in the snow this morning?” Gabe started to stalk her, exaggerating his footsteps.

  Georgie flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Should I be afraid?” And laughing, she walked away.

  “What is happening to my sexy macho-man identity? My sister isn’t the least intimidated by me and the woman I’m making all my sleek moves on would rather have a girl’s pajama party.”

  And the fact that he was smiling through his grumbling made Lauren start to hope that she might be able to trust him.

  11

  Gabe snuck down the long hallway, listening, on high alert. His training had prepared him for stealth, but he had never used his Delta talents to outwit family and friends in pursuit of a woman. At least, not one he planned to keep.

  He felt like a traitor, replaying his declaration to Lauren that his sole purpose in attending the wedding was to spend quality time with his family. All he could do while in the bar with his
brothers was count the minutes until he could finally escape to Lauren’s room.

  His brothers gave him loads of shit about striking out with Lauren since she was hosting a pajama party for Georgie instead of him. None of his brothers were fooled by his laid-back shrugs and his refusal to be baited by all the trash talk they threw at him.

  He considered crashing the pajama party, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to hide his less than PG-13 thoughts from Georgie and Olivia, who scrutinized every interaction. The girls could work for the CIA with their intel gathering skills. Something he knew about, since that secret offer he’d mentioned to Lauren was from the CIA.

  Gabe listened at Lauren’s door for any sound. Nada. The girls had to be gone since Gabe would be able to hear his boisterous sister. He lightly knocked but heard no sound or movement. God, what if she had fallen asleep? She had been going nonstop since she arrived. Add the strain of coping with her wacky family, and he hadn’t been exactly low-key in his relentless pursuit.

  He should let her rest, but every single cell in his body wanted Lauren now. Any and every way he could have her. Again, he knocked lightly. He resolved not to pressure Lauren if she was too tired for company all night long. Though he couldn’t understand how she could be too tired since he was wound tight. He gave himself a pep talk. He was a disciplined soldier and he cared about Lauren. This wasn’t a one-night stand. He simply wanted a relationship; a relationship with both of them naked.

  Resolved to be the horny but all-giving hero, he turned to retreat as he heard the click of the door.

  Lauren was wrapped in a towel with her hair piled on her head, her skin dewy and pink. “Giving up so easily?” Lauren’s eyes sparkled as her dimple creased with her wide grin. “I didn’t hear you. I was in the shower.” She leaned forward to search the hallway, giving him a stupendous view down her towel.

  The blood rushed through his body, muscles tightening in anticipation. She was the early Christmas present he planned to unwrap immediately.

  “I thought it best to shower tonight since tomorrow morning might be rushed.”