12 Stocking Stuffers
Page 67
Slowing to a walk, Manny shook his head, smiling ruefully. “Cindy and I aren’t involved, Stanton.”
Eric’s heart lifted, surprising him. Then remembering the man’s comment about him ruining their Christmas, realization dawned. “I guess Cindy told you about my recommendation to sell the Chandelier House. I’m sorry, but that’s my—hey!” Manny pushed him from the machine with one strong shove. “What the hell are you doing?” Eric thundered.
The blond man’s face was a mask of calm disgust. “Cindy told me everything in the final report was positive, you jerk. Sounds like she was trying to spare me.” He scoffed. “You’re a chickenshit, Stanton. You don’t deserve her, and she doesn’t deserve what you’ve put her through, professionally and personally. Excuse me, sir, but I’d better leave before I pop you in the mouth and lose my job.”
Dumbfounded, Eric watched the man walk away, wiping the sweat from his wide shoulders. A slow revelation crept over him, shaming him. Manny was right. He was afraid to reach out to the people in his life he cared about—Cindy…his father.
His mind spun with scenarios. Harmon would collect insurance money for the booked value of the chandelier. Even restored, the piece would never be as valuable as before, except to Cindy. A smile crept up Eric’s face. He just happened to know a bored glass expert who might be willing to tackle the painstaking process of rebuilding the precious antique. Perhaps the project would also give him and his father the time to repair their own bruised relationship.
But first, he had to talk to Cindy and tell her how he felt. Desperate times called for desperate measures. “Oliver!” Eric called. “Wait up.”
The concierge stopped, his towel draped around his neck. “Stanton, I really don’t want any trouble.”
Eric ignored him, rushing to explain what he had in mind.
Manny shook his head and started to walk off. “That’s crazy, man.”
“I know it’s crazy,” Eric said, following him and throwing his hands in the air. “But our entire relationship has been crazy.” He pushed his hand through his hair. “This ordeal has thrown me for a loop.” He knew he was rambling, but he couldn’t stop. “I mean, when you think about it, it’s pure happenstance that our paths even crossed.”
Manny stared at him. “Happenstance?”
A flush climbed his neck. “You know—luck, serendipity.”
“I know what it means, it’s just that—never mind.” Manny sighed. “If this backfires, Cindy’s going to kick both our asses.”
CINDY CHECKED HER WATCH, scanning the crowd for Manny. He’d promised he wouldn’t be late, but where was he?
“Last boarding call,” the gate attendant announced.
Unbidden tears welled in her eyes when she realized that on top of everything else, she’d miss spending Christmas with someone she really cared about. She picked up her carry-on bag and shuffled toward the gate, looking over her shoulder one last time. No Manny in sight.
As she sidled down the crowded aisle, she steeled herself to hold her tears until she at least found her seat. Then she’d have several hours to purge before arriving home. She had to admit she was anxious to see her mother. Their phone call this morning had been such a turning point in their relationship. Her mother had actually listened and sympathized, woman to woman.
The seat next to her sat vacant, dashing her hopes that she’d somehow missed Manny in the crowd. Cindy stowed her bag, then dropped into her seat, exhausted.
“Hi.”
Cindy rolled her eyes upward, then froze. “Eric?”
Devastating in dark slacks, red sweater and a sport coat, he smiled, looking…tentative?
She straightened in her seat. “What are you doing here?”
He stretched overhead to stow the familiar black leather toiletry bag. “I bought the seat next to you.”
Her heart squeezed. “Manny sold you his seat?”
“Yeah,” he said, lowering himself into the vacant spot. “Well, maybe traded is a better word.” His mouth stretched into a wry smile. “He’s on his way to Atlanta.”
She nodded slowly. “He used to live there and still has friends in the city.” Still, she was hurt that he hadn’t informed her of his change in plans. She took a deep breath, wondering how she’d get through the next few hours. Determined to make the best of the situation, she smiled. “I guess this means you talked to your father.”
“As a matter of fact,” he said cheerfully, “I did. Things are going to be much better between us, I think.”
“That’s great,” she said, and meant it.
The intercom beeped and the captain informed the cabin that due to heavy runway traffic, their takeoff would be delayed for forty-five minutes. A series of groans rose from the passengers, including Cindy. The flight couldn’t be over soon enough.
“Well, perhaps that will give us time to talk,” Eric said.
Cindy cut her eyes over to him. “Talk?”
From the pocket of his coat, he withdrew a small package wrapped in silver metallic paper and red string ribbon. “This is for you.”
She gaped, her heart pumping. “For me? Why?”
“Open it,” he urged.
With trembling hands, she uncovered a slim box imprinted with the name of the finest jeweler in the city. She raised wary eyes to Eric, but he nodded for her to lift the lid.
She did and gasped. Two perfect diamond teardrop earrings lay against the black velvet, winking back at her in breathtaking splendor. “Oh, my goodness,” she exclaimed, swallowing hard. She traced the outline of one with a trembling finger, then turned to him, shaking her head. “Eric, I can’t accept these.”
“But I ruined your other pair.”
“That was an accident.”
“Okay, then I love you.”
“And besides, these are much too expensive—” Cindy stopped and wet her lips. “You what?”
“I love you,” he whispered. “I talked Manny into trading tickets so I could spend Christmas with you. And you wouldn’t believe the strings I had to pull to do it.” He leaned toward her and captured her lips in a sweet kiss, but Cindy, too stunned to respond, sat stone-still. He pulled back, his expression clouded with disappointment. “I messed up, didn’t I? I’d hoped you had feelings for me, too.” He laughed softly. “Other than animosity.” He sighed and fell back in his seat. “Manny warned me you’d whip us both for this stunt.”
Her body stung with jumping sensations—happiness, fear, confusion. “Eric,” she said carefully, closing the lid of the box. “I am in love with you.” At the hopeful look in his eyes, she added, “But it takes more than love to make a relationship last. Basic values, similar goals, family ties.” She smiled tentatively. “Remember, I’m going to be out of a job soon.”
Eric grasped her hand and proceeded to tell her of his hopes for buying the hotel. Cindy listened with dawning joy, her heart soaring. “And I can’t think of a better person to run the whole show,” he said with a smile. Then he added, “as long as you don’t fraternize with the male guests.”
He claimed another kiss and Cindy warmed to him, moving closer, re-familiarizing herself with his taste. When the kiss ended, she frowned slightly. “You give me a pair of unbelievable diamond earrings and I’m supposed to fall into your arms?”
His eyes crinkled with merriment. “Is it working?”
“Absolutely.”
He studied her face, smiling at her short halo of dark hair. “I think I fell in love with you the moment that woman cut your hair.”
She leaned on the armrest, propping up her chin with her hand. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t take your advice. Are you ready to meet my family?”
“Yes. Are you ready to meet mine?”
She bit her bottom lip. “I think so. Do you think your dad will like me?”
“The woman who got me playing the piano again? I’d say that’s a safe bet.”
Reeling from sheer bliss, Cindy sat back in her seat. Within a few hours, the most mi
serable Christmas Eve of her life had turned into the happiest.
Eric reached into his pocket and withdrew a slightly crumpled sheet of paper.
“What’s that?”
“When I checked out, the reservations clerk gave me a copy of the security report on my ‘switched’ pajama pants.”
Her pulse kicked up slightly at the mere mention of the problem pants.
He pressed his lips together, almost smiling. “Cindy, this report has your signature on it.”
“That’s because I filed it.”
“Really?” He leaned forward. “How did you know the color of the pants?”
She almost panicked, then relaxed and swallowed. “W-well, I remembered seeing them hanging behind your toiletry kit when you offered a bandage for my hand.”
He nodded and glanced back to the sheet. “And this note about the monogramming on the pocket, how did you know that?”
She meant to laugh softly, but it came out sounding somewhat tinny. “Don’t you remember? You told me and Manny at the Christmas party that your initials were on the pocket.”
His forehead wrinkled slightly. “Funny, but I don’t remember mentioning the specific letters.”
She manufactured an animated shrug and gave him a thousand-watt smile. “I assumed the monogram was your full name, EQS.”
“Really?” he asked, his eyebrows high.
“Uh-huh.” She nodded uncontrollably.
“And how did you know the monogram was—” he referred to the report “‘—straight across the pocket edge’?”
Perspiration moistened her upper lip. “Um, a lucky guess?”
“Ah.” He folded the sheet of paper and stuffed it inside his jacket pocket. “Just one more thing, my dear,” Eric said, tipping up her chin with his finger. “How is it that you happened to know the color of the monogrammed letters?”
She bit her lip, her mind racing. Then she smiled and leaned forward, running her finger down Eric’s nose seductively. “I have an idea,” she said. “Why don’t we go to the lavatory and finish what we started on the roof the other night?”
He grabbed her finger. “I think you’re trying to change the subject.”
“Is it working?”
“Absolutely.”
Clasping his hand, Cindy jumped up, and trotted toward the bathroom with him in tow. After they jammed themselves into the tiny cubicle, Eric laughed. “You,” he said, shaking his head, “are very naughty.”
But when her lower lip protruded in a pout, he grinned, kissed her hard, then leaned his forehead against hers and whispered, “Which is what makes loving you so very nice.”
Christmas Fantasy
By Janelle Denison
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
1
TEDDY SPENCER’S two good friends, Brenda and Laura, could always be counted on for a good time, especially when it came to marking a special occasion. It was the perfect excuse for them to get wild and crazy, and although Teddy considered herself the more reserved of the trio, after a few mai tai’s that feisty, rebellious side of her personality—the one her parents hadn’t been able to tame—usually made an appearance.
After spending the past hour and a half at a subdued birthday dinner with her parents at the local country club, and listening once again to her parents’ favorite speech lately—that she was getting older and needed to settle down like the rest of her siblings had—Teddy welcomed the opportunity to let loose with her friends. She was on her second mai tai, and thoroughly enjoying herself, even if Brenda had embarrassed her by swiping the deejay’s microphone and announcing to everyone in the Frisco Bay Bar that it was Teddy’s twenty-sixth birthday. Teddy had thought that fairly obvious by the half-dozen balloons attached to her chair and the I’m-the-birthday-girl pennant Brenda and Laura had insisted she wear, but Brenda had a way of coaxing everyone to join in on the fun.
If that hadn’t been embarrassing enough, having fifty pairs of eyes watch her open presents from Brenda and Laura brought a warm flush to her cheeks. The gifts had included an array of skimpy lingerie, not to mention other sensual delights. The single men in the room had issued wolf whistles, and Teddy found herself overwhelmed by invitations to model the silky, provocative underwear.
The bartender delivered the chocolate cake Laura had smuggled to him earlier and, as Brenda lit the single “26” candle, the deejay played “Happy Birthday.” Everyone in the lounge chorused the traditional song just for her.
It was all in good fun, and just what Teddy needed to take a break from the stress she was under at work, and make her forget about her parents’ quest to diminish the independence she’d worked so hard to gain over the past few years. She knew her mother and father meant well. Unfortunately, their views of what was important to her, and for her, varied drastically from her own.
Determined to enjoy the evening, she pushed aside those troubling thoughts. As the lounge settled back to its normal din, and she was able to relax without being the center of attention, Teddy shook her head at her friends. “You two are outrageous.”
As if Teddy had just issued a compliment, a grin brightened Laura’s classical features. “Yeah, we are outrageous, aren’t we?”
“And damn proud of it, too,” Brenda added, her eyes dancing with mischief. “Heck, there’s no telling what we might do next.”
Teddy lifted an eyebrow at the insinuation in Brenda’s voice, but her friend merely feigned innocence. Suspecting something was up, but unable to guess how they could possibly top the evening so far, she glanced at her cake…and frowned at the inscription they’d chosen.
“Happy birthday and congratulations?” She looked from one friend to the other.
Brenda nodded. “We’re combining your birthday and your senior graphic design promotion all together.”
Teddy smiled, genuinely touched. “That’s sweet of you, but I haven’t gotten the promotion yet.” Whether she did or not wouldn’t be decided for another two and a half weeks, just after the new year.
Laura gave Teddy’s knee an encouraging pat. “See how much faith we have in you?”
Teddy wished she had that much faith in herself. It wasn’t that she wasn’t qualified for the job—she’d double majored in graphic design and had a master’s degree in business administration, not to mention being an exemplary employee. It was her boss, Louden Avery, who was making her advancement within Sharper Image Advertising so difficult.
“Come on, Teddy.” Brenda nudged her with her elbow. “Blow out your candle and make a wish.”
Teddy absently toyed with the ruby and diamond band on her left-hand ring finger. It bothered her that she felt forced to wear a ring to discourage Louden’s subtle interest in her, and back up the claim that she had a steady boyfriend. But it was the only thing she could think of. Taking a deep breath, she blew out the single flame and hopefully secured her future. Her wish was simple. She wanted that promotion, awarded to her on her own merit.
“Wow,” Brenda breathed dreamily. “If I had to make a wish, he would be it.”
Teddy followed her friend’s line of vision to the entrance of the Frisco Bay, and caught her breath at the sight of a gorgeous hunk making his way through the Tuesday-evening crowd. Every woman in the establishment was staring at him—for two very good reasons. One, his mere presenc
e was captivating, and two, his unusual attire stood out conspicuously against all the power suits filling the trendy bar. He was the epitome of a cowboy, from the beige Stetson on his head, to the pearl-snap western shirt covering a wide chest, to the chaps and worn jeans that molded to trim hips and muscular thighs, all the way down to his scuffed leather boots. He looked as if he’d just stepped out of the Wild West, though he didn’t appear to be uncomfortable in the ultra-urban setting, surrounded by a crowd of Ivy League patrons.
He sidled up to a vacant spot in front of the bar and ordered a drink. While he waited for the bartender to return, he scanned the people in the lounge as if searching for someone. Annoyingly enough, the brim of his Stetson cast shadows over the upper portion of his face, but Teddy caught a glimpse of chiseled features, a well-defined mouth and dark brown hair that curled over his collar at the nape of his neck.
He turned his head her way. Even though she couldn’t see his eyes because of that damn hat, she got the distinct impression he was looking directly at her. The corner of his mouth kicked up ever so slightly in an I’ve-got-you-now kind of smile. Her skin warmed and tightened, and something deep within Teddy fluttered with awareness. It was a sensation unlike anything she’d ever experienced.
She forced her gaze from him and drew a stabilizing breath. “Wow is right,” she murmured in agreement, and was a little surprised that she’d spoken her thoughts out loud.
Laura issued a reciprocating sound of appreciation and turned to look at Teddy. A sassy grin curved her lips. “What do you think, birthday girl? Would you like to take a ride with that cowboy?”
Laura’s question made all kinds of images spring into Teddy’s mind. She thought of leather, the scent of hay, the jangling sounds of spurs and the fun she’d have if he’d let her ride…Suddenly, what he stood for had become more erotic than she cared to admit.
“He’s kind of out of place, don’t you think?” she said nonchalantly, trying to keep her friends, the bloodhounds that they were, at bay. “San Francisco isn’t known for its ranches. Maybe he’s lost.”