Snowbound at Christmas

by Debbie Mason

  “Everyone decent?” she asked in her husky voice.

  “Come on in, Vivi. Ty was just telling me how big Chance’s feet and hands are. Not sure where he was going with it, but maybe you can enlighten us.”

  Ty pursed his lips at her, then pointed a makeup brush at Vivi. “Are you with Thor?”

  At Vivi’s confused look, Cat showed her the picture Ty had taken of Chance. Vivi smiled. “Yes, he’s mine. But I call him Superman.”

  Ty patted the counter. “Park your butt over here and tell Uncle Ty all about him while I repair Pussy’s makeup.”

  Vivi fought to keep a straight face. “Pussy?”

  “Yes, that would be me.”

  Ty moved his brush between them. “So, you knew she’s Cat and not Chloe?”

  “Vivi is about the only one, besides you, who ever does. I should probably introduce you two. Vivi, this is my friend and stylist, Ty.”

  “Best friend,” Ty corrected.

  “Right, and, Ty, this is Vivi Westfield, owner and publisher of the local newspaper and Chance McBride’s… fiancée.”

  Hopping up on the counter, Vivi leaned in to give Cat a hug. “Good to see you, and nice to meet you, Ty.” She extended her hand.

  Ty shook it while scrutinizing Vivi’s long, dark hair. “I’m not surprised you snagged Thor, you’re gorgeous. Wait a minute, did you say McBride? Is Thor related to the White Knight?”

  Vivi looked from Ty to Cat. “White Knight?

  “He means Easton. Yes, Ty, he’s Thor’s… Chance’s baby brother.”

  Vivi arched an eyebrow at Cat. “White Knight, eh? So you do still have a thing for Easton. What did she say about him, Ty?”

  “You and the White Knight had a thing, and you didn’t tell me? Holding out goes against the best friend—”

  “We didn’t have a—”

  Ty snapped his fingers and thumb together in front of her face. “Shut it so I can put on your lipstick.” She sighed and pressed her lips together. While Ty lined her mouth with brown pencil, he said, “Okay, Vivi, give me the goods.”

  “Sorry, Ty, she’s holding out on me, too. All I know—”

  Cat went to open her mouth, and Ty pinched her lips between his fingers, instructing Vivi to go on.

  “If you’d let go of my mouth, I’ll tell you,” Cat mumbled. Once Ty released her lips, she gave him the shorthand version of her and Easton’s two-year relationship, glossing over the nightmare that had been their disastrous breakup. And Chloe’s part in it.

  “He’s the one,” Ty proclaimed with a dramatic slash of the bronze lipstick. “Young love reunited. I’m loving this for you, Pussy. Don’t worry, Vivi and I will take care of everything.”

  “No, no one is taking care of anything. We have bigger things to worry about than my love life, or fun life, or whatever you want to call it. We have to figure out who’s trying to kill Chloe, and I have to learn her lines, or she’s going to kill me.”

  “You know?” he asked Vivi.

  She nodded, taking out her phone from the purple, down-filled vest she wore over a matching long-sleeve knit top. She patted Cat’s thigh. “Don’t worry, you’ve got us on the job now. You don’t have to do this on your own.”

  Ty, with an offended look on his face, pointed to himself with the makeup brush. “She hasn’t been doing it on her own. I’m on the case, too. Tell her.”

  “Ty’s been helping me—”

  “Helping? I’m the one who discovered Sam has a gun in his room.”

  “You think he had a gun. I didn’t find one when I searched his room last night.” It hadn’t been easy getting out of the house. It was as if Harry had bionic hearing. She’d finally managed to sneak out around eleven.

  “Right now, my money’s on Sam,” Vivi said. “He has two assault charges and a break-and-enter on his record. And it looks like he has a drug habit.”

  “I’m surprised the studio hired him,” Cat said.

  Vivi thumbed through her phone. “They may not know. His file was sealed. He was under eighteen at the time of the arrests.”

  “Then how… ah, Easton.” Cat saw Ty’s face light up with interest. “Don’t, okay?” she warned him before returning her attention to Vivi. “My gut says, if it is Sam, he’s not in this on his own. He’s working for someone. Either to cover the cost of his drug habit or they’re blackmailing him. Now to figure out who.”

  “I’ll e-mail you what I have on George and Molly, but it’s not much. No red flags. We need a motive—” Vivi began, then made a face when a familiar deep voice called through the door. “You okay, Slick?”

  Vivi sighed and hopped off the counter, saying under her breath, “He’s going to drive me insane,” before answering Chance with, “I’m fine, honey.”

  Cat frowned, taking in Vivi’s long, loose top and her yoga pants. She’d rarely seen her in anything other than jeans. She scanned the other woman’s face. “You’re glowing.” She considered Vivi’s reaction to Chance looking for her and grinned. “You’re pregnant.”

  “Oh my God, you’re having a baby Thor.” Ty clapped his hands.

  The door flew open, and Chance strode into the ladies’ room wearing a black shirt, faded blue jeans, and scuffed brown cowboy boots. He looked over his wife as he reached for her hand, drawing her toward him. Once he had a protective arm wrapped around Vivi’s shoulders, he turned his intent green gaze on Cat and Ty, who was making a humming sound in his throat.

  Chance nodded at Cat. “Chloe.” Then looked down at Vivi, jerking his thumb at Ty. “Who’s this?”

  Ty, his face flushed, his eyes glazed, sidled closer. “Ty. I’m Ty. And may I just say you have the most gorgeous hair.” He raised his hand as if to touch Chance’s head. “Is it real?”

  Chance drew back, his eyes narrowed. “Did you just ask if my hair is real?”

  “Ty’s a hairstylist for As the Sun Sets, Chance. And it’s me, Cat.”

  “Oh, okay.” Rubbing his head, his gaze moved from Ty to Cat, and he smiled. Ty moaned. Chance frowned at him while saying, “Good to see you, Cat. Vivi fill you in on what we’ve got so far?”

  “Yes, she did.” Cat slid off the counter and walked over to give him a hug. “Congratulations, daddy-to-be. You, too, Vivi.”

  Chance raised an eyebrow at his wife. “You told them?”

  “No, Cat figured it out. You always said she was one of the best cops you knew. Guess she just proved it.”

  “Yeah, she is.” He gave Cat a considering look. “Any chance you’d come work for me? I could use someone with your experience.”

  Vivi’s eyes widened, and she mouthed no. For a brief moment, Cat was offended until she realized what was going on. Chance had lost his first wife and their unborn child in a car accident six years earlier. Vivi already found him overly protective, and now that she was expecting, Cat imagined it had gotten worse. No doubt Vivi was worried Chance’s job offer stemmed from him wanting to be with her 24/7. It probably did.

  “Until whoever is trying to kill Chloe is behind bars, I can’t entertain a job offer. But I appreciate your confidence in me.”

  “Keep it in mind. I… Is there something wrong with him?” Chance lifted his chin at Ty, who was staring at him with his mouth slightly open.

  Cat nudged Ty with her elbow. “You’re drooling.”

  He touched the side of his mouth, then said to Chance, “I’m interested… in the job.”

  “You have experience in security, investigative work?”

  “Have you never heard the saying ‘Only my hairdresser knows’?”

  “Can’t say I have,” Chance said, fighting back a grin.

  “People tell me things. I know more about what’s going on behind the scenes at As the Sun Sets than anyone.”

  “Yeah? We should grab a beer, then, and you can fill me in.”

  Ty looked at Chance with an enthralled expression on his face. “Is it okay if I have a Chardonnay?”

  “Sure, whatever floats your boat.” Chance smoo
thed his hand down Vivi’s dark hair and kissed her forehead. “Don’t be long.”

  “Ty, what about my makeup?” Cat called when he followed Chance to the door.

  He waved his hand without looking at her. “It’s fine.”

  “But you were supposed to help me with my lines.”

  He pivoted, placing his hands on his narrow hips. “Do you want to find your sister’s would-be assassin or not? The big guy and I will handle this. All you have to do is play your part.” As he left Cat staring after him, they heard him say, “So, will the White Knight be working on the case with us?”

  Vivi laughed.

  “It’s not funny. He’s going to be worse than Nell, I just know it.”

  The door opened, and Chance popped his head in. “Slick, I’m going to grab you a burger. You haven’t eaten in a while. I’ll be back in fifteen. Stick with… On second thought, you better come with me.”

  “No, I’m staying here to help Cat with her lines.” Vivi made a shooing motion with her hands. “Go.”

  “Cat.” He nodded at his wife.

  “I’ve got her covered, Chance.” She worked to keep the laughter from her voice.

  Vivi gave her head a frustrated shake as the door closed behind him. “I’m lucky if I can go to the bathroom on my own. Speaking of which…” She moved to the stall and stepped inside, closing the door. “And yes, I know where it’s coming from, and I’m trying to be patient with him… Umm, Cat, you didn’t happen to leave the script in here, did you?”

  * * *

  Everyone’s eyes were on Cat as she stood beside the table. Harry wore a black leather jacket and sat with his long, denim-clad legs stretched out. He didn’t look like the debonair lord today. A couple inches of dark scruff lined his jaw, his hair had that just-woken-up sexy look, and the scar bisecting his brow was more prominent. He looked incredibly hot and dangerous, and he was messing with her concentration.

  She tried to focus, drowning out “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” playing on the jukebox, while avoiding looking directly at Harry. She searched her brain for her next line. She’d already flubbed one. She had to get this right and quickly went over the story line in her head to see if that helped.

  Byron had taken Tessa away for the holidays in hopes of reviving their marriage and getting her away from Rand, who followed them here in a bid to win her back. But Rand’s lying to Tessa. He wants to oust Byron as CEO of Hart Enterprises because he blames the older man for the hostile takeover of his family’s business, and he’s using Tessa to get back at Byron. And he’s using Tessa’s sister Paula to make her jealous. If that doesn’t work…

  Okay, she should be good now. She looked at the gorgeous man slouched in the chair. Harry had just propositioned her, so she says… “Harry, you shouldn’t have followed me here. I’m a married…” She turned when Phil yelled “Cut!”

  The director threw up his hands. “What the hell’s wrong with you today, Chloe? Rand, it’s Rand.”

  Standing beside Phil, Dame Alexander narrowed her eyes. Dammit. Cat fluffed her hair, trying to channel her sister… and the words for the scene. Harry must have noticed the panic on her face and pushed back his chair. “Phil, why don’t you give us a minute?”

  “Sure, no problem, Harry.”

  Phil was a nice guy, but he was no pushover, especially when it came to the show. So she found it odd that he would take direction from Harry. Maybe it was the title thing.

  Harry came to her side and held out a chair. “Sit and relax, love. I’ll get you a cup of tea.”

  “Thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you, Harry. But I just need to get this over with. I have a headache. I can’t think straight.”

  “This is the second headache you’ve had in less than twenty-four hours. Perhaps you should have your stepfather examine you.” He glanced around the bar. “Ah, there he is. How about I—”

  “No, it’s fine. I don’t want to worry my… Mommsy.” She rubbed her temples.

  He drew her hands from her head and smiled down at her. “Let me. I’ve been told I’m pretty good at this.”

  His long, strong fingers moved in small circles over her temples. He was close enough that his chest brushed against hers, her nipples tightening at that accidental touch. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth to hold back a needy moan. She kept her eyes on the planked floor, praying to God he didn’t notice. His hands moved from her temples to the sides of her neck. “Your muscles are rock-hard, Chloe. No wonder you have a headache.” As his fingers gently kneaded and caressed, her knees went weak. She reached for the back of the chair and hung on.

  “The natives are getting restless,” he said, his minty breath fanning her cheek. “I can work on you when we get home. We have a couple of hours before the tree trimming.”

  A breathy yes was on the tip of her tongue when someone loudly cleared their throat. Ty stood off to the side with a sympathetic expression on his face.

  She briefly closed her eyes. Why did she keep forgetting it was Chloe Harry was looking at, not her? She pinched the bridge of her nose and stepped back. “Thank you. I’m good now. Phil, ready when you are.”

  Harry slowly removed his hands, his brow furrowed as he searched her face. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “Fine.” She frowned. Why was Ty waving his hands at her? She glanced at her own and realized what she’d done. She pinched her nose harder, her voice coming out in a nasally whine. “Cat told me this helps. She was right. Headache’s all gone now.” She fluffed her hair and did a flirty head tilt. “But you know, a back rub sounds lovely.” She’d hide out in the barn until they had to leave for the town square.

  Harry stepped away from her, watching her with an odd expression on his face. He wasn’t the only one. George, standing next to Molly, did the same. Cat needed to do a killer job with these last lines to avoid their suspicions. Ten minutes later, she’d murdered them. She was lucky Harry was a better actor than her and managed to save her butt. The moment the words It’s a wrap came out of Phil’s mouth, Cat wove her way through the crowd, intent on making her escape. As she walked past a group of people, she heard a woman’s voice say, “Maybe we don’t have to kill her off after all.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Snow lightly fell as Grayson walked beside Molly down Main Street. They were headed to the town square with what appeared to be half the town. Young and old carried lanterns to light the way along the cobblestone sidewalks as the old-fashioned streetlamps decorated with greenery and red bows had been dimmed. Strains of “O Christmas Tree” floated on the crisp night air mingling with sounds of laughter and excitement.

  It would have been an enjoyable walk if Grayson wasn’t trying to keep an eye on Chloe. He spotted her white fur hat several yards ahead. George walked alongside her while two cameramen filmed the scene. For the next five minutes, they were to be in character. Tessa and Byron trying to reignite their loveless marriage while Rand and Paula plotted to bring the couple down.

  Molly, wearing a fur vest over a cream sweater, leaned toward the shop window to get a look ahead. “Chloe seems to be her bitchy self again. Did she tell you what the problem was at the taping? She’s never messed up her lines before.”

  “She had a headache.” Or so she said. Grayson didn’t buy it. There was more going on. The tone of her voice, her speech pattern, even her walk were off. For a split second while he massaged her temples, he could have sworn it was Cat. Even his body had been fooled. The hint of her sultry citrus fragrance nearly put him in an embarrassing situation. And when she pinched the bridge of her nose, he almost called her on it, but her excuse seemed plausible. Then she did that flirty thing with her head and hair, and he realized he was mistaken.

  “Please, I can’t stand the woman, but it would take more than a headache to explain what happened today. I’m surprised she didn’t have a meltdown. Miss Perfect isn’t so perfect after all. I can’t wait to rub it in. She was gone before I had a chance to give her a t
aste of her own medicine. If any of us makes the smallest mistake, we never hear the end of it. Karma’s a bitch, and Chloe O’Connor’s about to get hers.”

  The people in front of them glanced back. “It might be best if you lower your voice, Molly.” Besides being in the middle of a throng of As the Sun Sets fans, Sam was a few feet away with the boom mic.

  “Other than capturing a Currier and Ives moment, they aren’t paying any attention to us. It’s all about Byron and Tessa. Phil just wants a shot of us tailing them. I think we look like we’re up to something nefarious, don’t you?”

  She certainly sounded like she was. Grayson needed to figure out a way to keep Chloe at his side. She’d left the Penalty Box directly after taping and completely disappeared off his radar until fifteen minutes ago. Which wouldn’t have been a problem if he wasn’t supposed to be protecting the bloody woman. As much as he hated to admit it, GG was probably right. He had to “woo” Chloe. His gut rebelled at the thought. If Cat hadn’t left town, he wouldn’t be entertaining the idea of seducing her sister, for several reasons, the main one being he’d rather be seducing Cat.

  As the crowd crossed the street to the town square, he noticed Ty trailing behind Chloe and George. The hairstylist wouldn’t have been Grayson’s first choice for a bodyguard, but it had been obvious from the moment he caught Ty trying to sneak into Chloe’s bedroom that Cat had instructed him to keep an eye on her sister.

  No, Grayson’s choice would have been the tall, blond guy Ty was trying to strike up a conversation with. There was something about the man’s distinctive build and mannerisms, the way he scanned the crowd, that told Grayson he was ex-military or law enforcement.

  On the street, the two cameramen lowered their cameras. Molly glanced at Sam and nodded. She tugged on Grayson’s leather jacket. “Why don’t you join us for a drink?”

  “You’re not attending the tree lighting?”

  She laughed. “God, no. I’ve had enough Christmas cheer to last me through to next year. Unless it comes in a glass. Don’t you find it a little much?”

  “No, actually, I find it quite charming. It’s a nice change of pace from LA.” And he liked the people better. If he wasn’t on assignment, it was exactly the type of place he’d choose to spend his vacation.