by Kate Kisset
“Remember, seven o’clock at the Majestic Hotel.” Cha-Cha patted the top of his hand. “Mark that on your fireman’s calendar.”
Chapter Seven
The fruitcake-baking-palooza didn’t stop, and it was Lilly’s own damn fault for lying about selling out of them and then hiding the evidence in her car.
After the first fib, when she saw how excited and giddy the grannies were about their fruitcakes being such a hit, she didn’t have the heart to bring Mimi and Cha-Cha back down to earth. After all, how many Christmases of health and happiness did her great aunt and nonna have left?
Lilly could only pray the grannies would slow down. She barely had any room left in her trunk, and didn’t bother to count the number of cakes before she left the house. They covered every counter, the top of the fridge, the island, and the toaster oven. There were too many, and the smell gave her such a headache she needed to get out of Dodge. Thankfully, the cakes in her trunk were wrapped with double layers of plastic to tone down the stench, because they’d been fermenting in there for a while now.
Instead of driving to the closest mall in Santa Rosa to shop, for a change Lilly headed south to Marin County and parked in front of Nordstrom in Corte Madera.
The air was different here, with a crisp breeze coming off the bay. She hoped the sound of seagulls and the pretty wetlands would give her a new perspective and prompt her brain to come up with a gift for Jake. Her brother was the worst person to buy for.
She adjusted her purse strap over her shoulder and entered the store, immediately inhaling her favorite scent on the planet. It wasn’t one particular fragrance that thrilled her, but the entire perfume counter area combined. If someone could bottle that fragrance-orgasm, they’d be in business. The scent had the power to make her drift to the women’s shoes section, and then float to the purses, until she finally shook off the spell and headed to the men’s section.
Jake already owned everything he wanted. Since he was a sportscaster, Jake had every suit and tie color imaginable. And he owned every bit of sports memorabilia known to man. The teams he covered gave him bobbleheads, and plaques, scarfs, gloves, jackets, mitts, hats, caps, beanies... What could she possibly buy for Jake that he didn’t already have?
A nearby pianist played “Jingle Bells” on his baby grand, transforming the tune into something sophisticated and elegant. And the niggling spirit of Christmas she’d brushed away in the rush to find Jake the perfect present started bubbling to the surface. Lilly floated from display to display. Happily, the men’s department smelled liked a gorgeous man in a suit.
A mannequin wearing ripped jeans and a furry brown jacket caught her attention. The headless man’s ensemble was creative, she’d give him that. In this lighting, his checked brown shirt and black buffalo plaid tie seemed to go together. And the red pocket scarf was a nice touch. But would Jake wear it? Never.
Lilly passed a display of masculine-themed coffee table books and kept walking until she found the sweaters. Sweaters were safe. Who couldn’t use a new sweater? She picked up a navy-blue cashmere and cotton mix. Unfolding it, she held up the Large, eyeballed the size, and then hid her face behind it.
No. Way.
Lilly peeked around the garment and watched the gorgeous hunk with his back to her fiddling with ties. The man held a tie up to the light, examined it closely and then returned it to the rack. He had the look, was the right height, but she couldn’t see his face until he turned.
Red tie in hand, he froze, peering at her. Her heart stopped as they held each other’s gaze in a split second that seemed to last a year. Jingle Bells... Jingle Bells...Brett let out a slow grin of recognition and headed straight for her.
Lilly laughed, feeling a little buzzed from the shock of seeing him here. “Ho, ho, ho, cowboy.” What a stupid thing to say. “What are you doing here?” Strike two. He’s obviously shopping.
“I’m browsing, trying to find a little gift for my dad. I thought maybe I’d come up with something down here. I’ve already tried Santa Rosa.” He cocked his head and studied her, making her feel like the loveliest gift in the store. “Who are you shopping for?”
Lilly waved the sweater. “Jake, but I’m a little iffy on his size.”
“Here, let me see it.”
She dutifully passed the sweater to Brett.
He lined up the sweater’s shoulders to his and pressed the fabric against him. “There, think it will fit him?” He held his chin up, so she could get the full proper look.
His thoughtfulness put a serious dent into every selfish, womanizing rumor she’d ever heard about him. After yesterday’s PDA granny smackdown at the barn, most men would head for the hills in a full-out run. Not Brett. Apparently, he wasn’t like most men... He was helping her shop.
“I’m still not positive it will fit him.” Lilly put her hands on her hips and stepped back, guesstimating. Brett was taller than Jake. No doubt broader in the shoulders, too. And his arms. Jake’s arms looked nothing like Brett’s. Jake wasn’t nearly as muscular as Brett. His hands weren’t as gorgeous, either... She sighed, unable to decide. Brett’s smile wasn’t helping. It was by far, better than any smile she’d ever seen, the kind of smile that would make every woman within its radius want to bask in its warmth.
And the shade of navy blue worked magic on Brett’s eyes. But, Lilly reminded herself, the gift was for Jake.
Brett nodded, looking down at his chest. “I think it’ll work.”
“You do?” This was a switch. In her experience, men did not prolong shopping by talking. Is this a dream?
“I do. I think I have a few inches on him, and have a bigger build.”
Got that right. All hunky and carry-me-in-your-arms bigger...
“And I wear an extra-large, so this should be fine for Jake.” Did he say extra-large? Brett passed her the sweater. “Two down.” He waved the tie. “Want to help me pick out earrings for Jessica?”
“Sure, why not? The jewelry department is over there.” He walked next to her so they were side by side, almost touching. The tiny hairs on her arms felt like they were standing on end, reaching out to brush against him. Lilly hadn’t imagined doing something normal with Brett, or ever seeing him outside the barn. She sneaked a peek.
He caught her and gave her a lopsided smile. “Here.” Brett walked to a rounder full of earrings. “She wears this style.” He selected a pair of plain silver hoops.
“Those are a nice, safe pick.” Lilly, rotated the rack. “How about something with a little color?” She showed him a pair of hoops with a red stone dangling from the center.
“Pretty.” Brett held the delicate pair in his enormous hands. After inspecting them from every angle, he removed one from the card. “Do you mind?” he asked gesturing to her ear, catching her off guard.
“Sure.”
Brett brought his hand to her ear and she held her breath. Apparently, he wasn’t going to hand her the earring. She caught his stare and held still while he gently ran his fingers through a piece of hair covering her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. He held the earring next to her skin.
“What do you want for Christmas, Lilly?”
“You know,” she felt a blush coming on. No one had asked her that yet. “I haven’t really thought about it.”
A few women nearby stopped what they were doing to watch, because a man like Brett Benning couldn’t walk into the women’s jewelry department and not be noticed.
“Beautiful,” he said. “Jessica has brown hair, too, but not a rich color like yours.” He ran his fingers through her hair again, and moved it back to where she had it. Then the warmth of his hand disappeared and left her craving his touch.
She remembered where she was and to breathe. “Are you sure you don’t want to shop around a little more? Look at another pair?” I like being with you.
Brett put the earring back on the card. “Nope. We’re set. Three down. Are you ready to check out? I’m ready for lunch.”
Lilly nodde
d. Was Brett asking her to lunch? Or was he just hungry? She gathered Jake’s sweater and they checked out.
“It was nice running into you today,” she said. “How weird.” She giggled. “I mean, what are the odds...that you would be here...and I would be here...at the same time.” You’re babbling now. “I considered going to Santa Rosa, too, but I came here to shop...and out of all the stores, here you are.”
“I think it means we’re meant to have lunch together.” He smiled, taking her shopping bag from her hand. “Let me hold this for you.” Brett hesitated. “Would you mind if I put my small bags in yours...or is that too intimate?” His eyes were so full of mischief, she knew that he knew the effect he had on her.
“Funny.” Lilly felt the heat rush to her cheeks and almost started giggling again. “It’s fine.”
“Good, now I have a free hand to hold yours.”
It seemed like the most natural thing to do and, without thinking twice, Lilly slipped her hand in his. Tingling, with the hair on her arms touching his, they left in search of a light meal and a glass of wine.
SEATED IN A SMALL BOOTH, they tucked into their salmon salads. And after a half glass of wine, she began to relax around him. Truth was, she didn't know much about Brett firsthand, other than casual mentions from Jessica.
But during his football days, Brett’s sexual exploits made news. Her brother reported on him, and although she didn’t live in St. Helena anymore, she heard enough gossip during her visits to get the gist of Brett’s romantic liaisons. The self-assured firefighter sitting in front of her in a sexy leather jacket didn’t seem anything like the lady-killer legend.
When he discussed his family, Brett’s voice softened, his eyes warmed, and he confessed he’d splurged on his parents and gave them a cruise for Christmas. He only bought the tie for his father so he’d have something new to wear with the suit he planned to take on the trip.
And a few times, Brett stared at her across the table in a way that took her breath away. Her brain went into what-if mode, and she hated doing that. But she couldn’t resist asking herself: What if I moved to St Helena? What if I could manage my new business and dating Brett at the same time? What if he isn’t a womanizer and wants something more? Or, what if he is just a player, and I find out too late?
Over dessert, Brett shared some of his football experiences, and she admired him for stepping away from such a lucrative career to preserve his health and follow another dream. Although, in her opinion, firefighting was just as dangerous as playing football, if not more so. Brett told her the risks were worth it now, because he wasn’t playing a game. As a firefighter, he was making a difference, and he felt lucky and privileged to wear the uniform. Something he never experienced playing football.
Lilly trusted him enough to share her dreams as well, and told him about the struggle she had deciding to leave a stable career in computer programming to start her own business.
And after only one glass of chardonnay and a full meal, they were laughing, giggling, and fighting over the last bite of Oreo cookie cheesecake.
By the time they left the restaurant, the sky had turned a purple-gray. Children and their parents were lined up in front of Santa’s sparkly house a few shops down. Rows of brightly lit windows displayed every Christmas theme imaginable, from jeweled ornaments and traditional trees to puppies in Santa suits and adornments made of twigs.
The air, the electricity, the indescribable current running between her and Brett changed as they took the path to the parking lot. The piped-in Christmas music from the mall faded.
Brett put his arm around her just as easily as he had held her hand. Matching each other’s pace, they slowed and exchanged a glance that ended in a nervous laugh.
“I’m here.” She pointed to her car.
“Right,” he said. “I knew that.” Brett removed his gifts from her shopping bag. “I guess I didn’t want you to get to it so quickly.” He laughed, and looked up at the sky. “So...”
She could cut the tension in the air with a knife.
“So...” Brett angled his head and slowly kissed her cheek. His eyelashes fluttered under hers, and his soft, tender kiss ignited a small fire. She turned, and his lips met hers for a mouth to mouth kiss that ended too quickly.
Brett brought his hand up to the back of her head and cradled it, while staring at her, as if he didn’t want her to move from his sight. Time stopped. Without a word, he grinned, tunneling his fingers through her hair, running his hand down her back, and pulling her in for a hug.
She wrapped her arms around his cool leather jacket, resting her cheek against his warm T-shirt. He smells better than the fragrance counter.
“I’m glad we bumped into each other today.” The words vibrated in his chest.
She leaned back, peering up at him. “Me too.”
Brett glided his hand up to her ear and lightly tickled the lobe. “Pretty.” Never leaving her gaze or lifting his touch, his rough fingers traced across to her cheekbones and followed the line of her jaw.
Too stunned and enraptured by the affection pouring from him, she could only stare into his eyes. There wasn’t a hint of bravado or cockiness in his expression, only tenderness. It lasted for only a moment, but it was there.
“Are you okay to drive home?”
Trying to prevent her heart from exploding out of her chest, Lilly nodded. “I’m good.” She hit the key fob and unlocked the door.
Brett went for the door handle and stopped. “One more.” He gave her another gentle kiss on the lips. “You better get in, or I’ll never let you go.”
Promise?
Brett picked her shopping bag off the pavement and opened the door.
After she settled behind the wheel, he leaned in and gave her another kiss on the cheek. “Drive safely.”
“I will.” Lilly nodded, staring out the windshield, not entirely believing what just happened. She smiled so hard her cheeks were sore. For the past year, she’d almost forgotten what it felt like to have a man attracted to her. And oh, what a man...
Chapter Eight
Seven o’clock took too long to arrive. Brett pushed through the revolving door of the chandelier-lit lobby with one thing on his mind. Lilly. The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the room, and an enormous Christmas tree fought for attention under the sparkling lights.
Adjusting the cuffs under his jacket, Brett skimmed the space, looking for the entrance to the party and trying to remember the last time he visited the Majestic Hotel during the holidays. The owner, Nico Santino, always did a bang-up job at Christmas time. Although he had carte blanche, thanks to Nico’s respect for firefighters, Brett couldn’t remember when. His relatives usually stayed at his parents’ guest house on the ranch, but why hadn’t he stopped by for a drink, a bite? He loved this time of year.
A tinkling piano and the muffled sound of a small band led him through a hall, past a bar, and into a small, dimly lit ballroom. Feeling a surge of jealousy, Brett stayed at the back of the room, grasping the situation. He rubbed his throat, scanning the couples swaying, cuddling and kissing on the dance floor to “Our Love is Here to Stay.” Tell me she’s not out there dancing...
“You’re here.” Mimi came up beside him, smelling like flowers instead of fruitcake, stealing his attention away from the dancers. When she presented her cheek, he dutifully kissed both.
“You look beautiful tonight, Ms. Santino.” Over her furry-collared dress, her brown eyes sparkled when she smiled.
“Thank you, Mr. Benning,” she said softly, while looping her arm through his, leading him away from the band and back to the cocktail lounge.
“It’s an open bar tonight, dear.” She patted his hand, and glanced at the bartender, dressed formally in a white shirt and black vest. “I find it so important to mix a little pleasure with business, don't you?” Before he could respond, she dramatically extended a diamond-covered finger and shushed him. “I just want to let you know how much I appreciate you stepping in to help
this year. Sweet Paws Rescue is one of our pet causes, pardon the pun.” Mimi giggled, reminding him of his grandmother. “And I know my grandniece enjoys working with you.”
At the mention of Lilly, he perked up. “Really?” he asked keeping his voice down, glancing around the room. Where was she?
“Oh, yes.” Mimi fiddled with her sparkling necklace. “After seeing you, she comes home with such a smile, and she raves on and on about you.”
“She does?”
“Of course. I thought for sure you would’ve expressed your feelings for each other by now.” She patted her chest several times. “I sure hope I’m not giving away any secrets.” Mimi gave him a sweet smile.
How was he supposed to respond to her? Luckily, Mimi didn’t give him a chance.
“Now we’ve had our little tête-à-tête, please excuse me while I attend to my other guests.” She winked. “I’ll leave you in the capable hands of Nico’s bartender.” She reached up on tiptoe and whispered. “Please order something special. And if you’re looking for Lilly, she’s in there.” Mimi pointed a stubby finger. “She’s in a little nook next to the dance floor.” Then she sashayed off.
Chapter Nine
Tucked in a corner booth near the band, Lilly couldn’t hear Dominique’s voice, and didn’t bother to lip-read. She couldn’t wait for her to finish the story.
As charming as Dominique was, and as much as she respected Dominique’s mom for establishing Sweet Paws Rescue, Lilly couldn’t concentrate on anything other than the man standing at the entrance, peering over the throng on the dance floor, searching the room. Brett looked edible. In a black suit, white shirt, and black tie, he roamed through the crowd until his piercing blue eyes found her.
Lilly took another sip of her second glass of chardonnay, nodding in agreement to whatever Dominique was saying, didn’t let Brett out of her sight. Dashing and smooth as silk, Brett strode across the room, parting the crowd and leaving a wake of double takes behind him.
