“That will be quite a renovation,” Evan said evenly, as he processed this new, happy turn of events.
“I know, but the property is worth quite a bit of money, and I can get a home equity line of credit. I felt bad about telling Rosemary she wasn’t going to get a commission, but she was totally fine. She’s happy to have made a new friend.” Jessie paused for a moment. “Actually, two new friends. She and Gerry are going to Van Courtland Manor to see the Lightscapes.” She sat back in her chair and placed her hand on his arm. “I do hope you’ll help me with this.”
He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “Of course I will. Anything you want.”
“Oh my gosh. I can’t believe I’m doing this.” She sat back in the chair, letting the reality of it sink in.
“And I am so very glad you are.” Evan gave her hand a comforting squeeze. “So, now tell me about Dr. Richie.”
“Ugh! That subject again?”
“Yes. Let’s just get it out of the way.”
Jessie explained about her evening job counseling the lovelorn and how she wanted to keep a low profile. As she recounted some of her funnier stories, Evan became more impressed with this remarkable woman.
“So what will happen to Dr. Richie when she moves to Croton?”
Speaking in the third person, Jessie went on, “It will be a couple of months before I can move here permanently, so Dr. Richie will continue for a while until they can find a replacement. She is a little burned out from doing both jobs and wants to spend more time working with the people in her new community.”
“That sounds like a very reasonable plan. She sounds like a very bright woman.”
She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. “Perhaps. But nowhere near as bright as this starry, starry night.”
Misttetoe and Mimosas
TARA SHEETS
Chapter One
It’s not that Layla Gentry hated snow; it’s that she just wasn’t prepared. For starters, her outfit was all wrong, and that was enough to throw her off her game. As a top real estate agent on Pine Cove Island, she prided herself on looking her best at all times, and stepping through icy sludge in her favorite stilettos was not part of the plan this morning. Why didn’t she check the weather forecast before leaving her house? It wasn’t unheard of to get mid-December snow in the Pacific Northwest, but it had happened so fast. When she pulled out of her driveway, the sky had been a crisp, clear blue. But by the time she drove into the Daisy Meadows Pet Rescue parking lot, the snow flurry was in full swing.
A thin layer of frost blanketed the pavement, and the brisk wind caught at Layla’s dark hair, pulling strands free from her carefully crafted bun to tumble around her face. Unfortunately, her thin pencil skirt did nothing to block the chilly breeze, and her fitted silk blouse was already scattered with dark water droplets from melted snowflakes. Layla sighed. So much for looking pulled together for the weekly office meeting. Maybe today wasn’t the best day to surprise her friend Kat with holiday cupcakes on the way to work, but it was too late now.
Balancing the Fairy Cakes bakery box with one hand, Layla shut her car door and tiptoed gingerly through the slushy parking lot. The front entrance of the newly remodeled animal shelter was decorated with a Christmas wreath, jingle bells, and a bright red welcome mat.
Layla pushed through the front door and paused to admire the view. If it weren’t for the surprising distraction in front of her, she might’ve taken a moment to appreciate the soft holiday music or the fresh scent of evergreens from the little tree in the front window. But the tall, dark stranger standing at the reception desk stole all Layla’s attention.
She didn’t have a clear view of his face since he stood with his back to the door, but it was a nice back, so she wasn’t complaining. He was wearing jeans and a blue flannel shirt, and he had broad, muscular shoulders, a trim, athletic build, and glossy dark hair. Even his voice was appealing—low and whisky-smooth. There was something vaguely familiar about it that made Layla’s skin prickle with physical awareness, which was unusual. Her reaction surprised her even more than the sudden snow outside.
Layla’s friend Kat sat behind the reception desk, her red hair frizzing around her head like a fiery halo. When she caught sight of Layla standing inside the front door, her face lit up in a mischievous smile. “If you linger beneath what hangs above, you’ll soon be falling deep in love.”
The man tilted his head. “Pardon?”
“Not you,” Kat said with a laugh. “My friend over there.” She pointed toward Layla. “She’s standing under my cousin’s magic Holloway mistletoe. It’s charmed to help people find true love.”
Layla glanced up at the fresh sprig of mistletoe tied with a red satin ribbon hanging above her head. Fall in love? Not a snowball’s chance. She wasn’t interested in falling, thank you very much. Occasional dating was fine, but that whole dream of “always and forever” just wasn’t for her. If there was one thing she’d learned growing up with a single mom, it was that relationships were messy, tricky things, and tumbling head over high heels for someone wasn’t worth the trouble.
Layla grinned at her friend as she approached the desk. “You should know by now, I have no intentions of falling, tripping, or stumbling into anything.”
The tall stranger turned to face her.
Layla glanced up and stutter-stepped, her smile fading fast.
No. It couldn’t be!
Her fingers clutched the bakery box to her chest in surprised shock. Of all the good-looking backsides, why’d it have to be attached to him?
Sebastian Harrington, her high school nemesis, stood smiling down at her as if they were old friends and he’d never left Pine Cove Island all those years ago. What was he doing back?
Kat introduced them, oblivious to Layla’s inner turmoil. “Dr. Harrington is taking over the new veterinary clinic down the road,” she chirped happily. “He just stopped by to check on one of our rescue dogs.”
Sebastian’s gaze settled on Layla, and his mouth curved into a slow smile—the same smile that used to grace the halls at Pine Cove High. Cocky and confident. Teasing. Bothersome. “Hi, Layla.” His voice was warm and deep, coming from some far-off place in her past she’d rather forget.
Oh, no. He didn’t get to say “hi” like it was nothing. Like they were just passing in the grocery aisle. Like he wasn’t the one who’d traumatized her with his rich kid cronies and defined the meaning of the word “humiliation.”
She lifted her chin and tried to look unmoved. It wasn’t easy, because Sebastian was one of those people who glowed. He always had been, even back in high school. It was totally unfair, in Layla’s opinion, for someone so annoying to be blessed with both a rich family and the kind of sinful good looks that could melt polar ice caps. Now, after so many years, he looked even better. He’d filled out in all the right places, and there were faint laugh lines at the corners of his dark blue eyes. Luckily, all she had to do was remember his personality, and it kept her grounded. He’d been self-centered and condescending back then, and she doubted much had changed over the years.
“How are you?” he asked. There was a flash of warmth in his eyes that, if she didn’t know better, seemed almost genuine.
“Good.” Layla cleared her throat. “Just great.” She gave him a tight smile, the kind she reserved for difficult clients or the grouchy cashier at the Gas ’n’ Go. Forcing herself to turn back to Kat, she set the box of cupcakes on the desk. “I brought you some holiday cheer.”
“Hallelujah! I knew you were more than just a pretty face.” Kat flipped open the lid and eyed the delicately frosted cupcakes with glee.
The heavenly scents of French vanilla and rich caramel wafted up from the bakery box, teasing Layla’s senses and making her mouth water, which really just seemed wrong. The delightful cupcakes were marred by the presence of the man standing next to her who, in Layla’s opinion, was the furthest thing from delightful.
“Dr. Harrington, you have to try one,�
� Kat said. “They’re so good, they’ll change your life.”
“No, thank you.” Sebastian held up a hand. “I don’t have much of a sweet tooth.”
Kat gasped. “No sweet tooth?” She lifted out a fluffy white cupcake with caramel drizzled over the top. “That’s a tragedy right there. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Sebastian chuckled, and the sound of it did warm, tingly things to Layla’s insides, which she promptly ignored.
“Layla will have one,” Kat said, pushing the box toward her. “She’s a sucker for anything sweet.”
“Not today,” Layla blurted. “Sorry. I’m in a huge rush, so I can’t stay and chat, but we’ll catch up soon.” She backed away from the desk.
“Wait!” Kat said. “You’re coming to the holiday party at the community center on Saturday, right? Don’t you dare say you’re too busy. There’s more to life than just work, Layla Gentry, and you need to let loose once in a while.”
“Okay, okay. Fine.” She hadn’t given the holiday party much thought, but if she said no, Kat would demand reasons, and Layla didn’t have time to make anything up. All she knew was that she really didn’t want to chitchat with Sebastian standing there watching her. It was unsettling to realize that she still felt like the poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks in front of him. Even after all this time. Get a grip!
“One more thing,” Kat called out as Layla pushed open the front door. “You’re up next on our pet volunteer list. I’ve got a kitten coming in who needs a temporary home, and you’re it.”
Layla groaned. “So soon?” Two weeks ago, over drinks at O’Malley’s Pub after work, Kat had convinced Layla to become a pet shelter volunteer. Layla had no idea why she’d said yes. She lived alone and was always at work. She often worked on weekends and had no time in her life to even take care of a plant, let alone a pet. But Kat could be as sparkly and charming as a Tiffany bracelet, and somehow Layla had agreed. She suspected it had something to do with Kat ordering the next round of top-shelf margaritas on the rocks with extra salt. She was brilliant like that.
“Yup, you’re foster mom of the week,” Kat sang out with a huge grin. “I’ll bring the kitten by tomorrow after work.”
Layla grumbled something she hoped sounded positive and dashed toward her car. She had the oddest feeling that Sebastian was still watching her, but she refused to turn back and check. Why waste even another moment on him? Sure, he’d hurt her feelings back when she was young and poor and vulnerable, but she wasn’t that person anymore. She’d grown up, and now she was a successful businesswoman with stability and enough money saved aside for even the rainiest of days. Running into him felt like a trip down memory lane in a rusted jalopy with bald tires, so she forced herself to take a mental U-turn. No more thinking about those days. The past was in the past, where it belonged.
Getting into her shiny Lexus, she smoothed her hair, checked her lipstick, and dusted some errant snowflakes off the shoulders of her blouse. Life was good. She had everything she needed, and she was perfectly content. Everything was just fine. She lifted her chin and pulled out of the parking lot.
Movement in the rearview mirror caught her attention, and she saw Sebastian’s tall form leaving the animal shelter, sauntering toward his truck. Why’d he have to saunter? Did he even know he was doing it? It’s like every step he took bragged, “Here I am! Look at me.”
No, thanks. She tore her gaze away and pulled out onto the highway, her eyes automatically flicking to the rearview mirror one last time. Now he was leaning against his truck with his arms crossed. It looked like he was watching her drive away, and there was a crooked half smile on his face. She flipped her rearview mirror up and kept driving.
Chapter Two
The next afternoon, Layla stood in the kitchen at Pine Cove Real Estate staring glumly at the prepackaged snack foods. This is what happened when she didn’t take her mother’s advice to take the time for real lunch breaks. Doomed to another day eating at Chez Vending Machine. She sighed and opted for the peanut M&Ms.
“Nice choice,” her coworker Jay said as he breezed into the kitchen and made a beeline for the coffee machine. “You can feel good about eating the protein when really it’s all about the chocolate.”
“Exactly.” Layla reached into the machine and pulled out the yellow bag of candy.
Jay Sheridan was the newest addition to their office. He was several years younger than Layla and still “wet behind the ears,” as their boss, Albert, liked to say, but Jay’s easygoing nature made him a great asset to the team. He was funny and charismatic, and people automatically felt comfortable around him. Layla had no doubt he’d do well in the real estate business.
She glanced over at him and gaped. “What happened to you?”
Jay’s normally smooth, boyish face sported a stunner of a black eye and a split lip. On him, it looked bizarre. He was always so perfectly groomed and put together. Even now, with a face that looked like he’d just gone a few rounds in an MMA fight, his light brown hair was neatly combed and his clothes were impeccably tailored.
“Bar brawl at Goalies.” Jay stirred his coffee, careful not to splash any on his silk tie. When it came to his clothes, Jay was like Layla. He did not mess around.
“You were in a fight?” Layla asked in disbelief. “At a sports bar?” That made no sense. Jay was more of a wine and crossword puzzle type guy. She’d never even seen him at the local pubs.
“I wasn’t there by choice,” he said glumly. “Some clients wanted to meet there, and after they left, I decided to stay and have another drink. But then some game came on TV, and people got all hot and bothered about the score. Shouting happened. Fists began to fly. Somebody threw a chair, and well . . . I caught it with my face.”
Layla slapped her hand over her mouth. “That’s terrible. Does it hurt?”
“Nah, I’m over it. Besides, it’s getting me all kinds of sympathy, so I’m milking it for all it’s worth.”
“What game were they arguing about?” Layla teased. Jay had as much interest in sports as she did, which was about zero to none. Their friendship was based on a mutual love of fashion, music, and real estate trends.
“Who knows?” Jay joined her at the small kitchen table. “I think there was a ball in it.”
“Sounds fascinating.” Layla popped an M&M into her mouth, savoring the sweet, sugary goodness. “Were we winning?”
“Yes, I believe our local sports franchise was performing admirably.” He raised his coffee mug and took a sip. “We sportsed a lot of points.”
“Well, at least we can be thankful for that. Here.” She shook the bag of candy at him.
He made a face. “If you come at me with one more sugary treat, I will explode. I already ate three doughnuts this morning.”
“Just have some,” Layla pressed. “Chocolate cures all.”
“Amen to that,” a woman sang out as she bustled into the kitchen. Mindy Martin was one of Layla’s favorite people at the office. They’d both started in real estate around the same time, and they kept each other grounded whenever things got too hectic. Mindy was adorably curvy with black ringlets and a face like a cherub. She had a penchant for wearing trendy accessories, such as the big jingle bell earrings she had on today. “Hey, are we still going to hot yoga on Sunday morning?”
“Yes,” Layla said firmly. “We made a pact, remember? Do or die, so don’t try to get out of it this time.”
Mindy sighed heavily and slapped her lunch bag on the table. She shoved her frizzing curls out of her face and fake-scowled. “I wish you weren’t so goal oriented, Layla. It really puts a damper on my plans to procrastinate.”
“That’s what makes her good at her job,” Jay said, toasting Layla with his coffee mug. “She’s driven. We should all try to emulate her.”
“Oh really?” Mindy smiled sweetly. “Then why don’t you come to hot yoga with us, Jay? It’s the eight o’clock class at the Waterfront Gym. We’ll save you a spot up front.”
> “Hard pass,” Jay said, dusting a piece of lint off his sleeve. “I’ve got plans to be deeply asleep at that time, but I’ll be cheering you both on in my dreams.”
“Speaking of dreams,” Mindy said excitedly. “Did you guys see my new dreamboat of a client? He’s gorgeous, and charming, and he’s in the market for something fabulous on the waterfront, so there’ll be a big commission there. And there’s no ring on his finger, which makes him even hotter.”
Layla shook her head, smiling. Mindy was always on the lookout for a future ex-boyfriend. She reveled in the chase and was constantly falling in and out of love at the drop of a hat. It seemed like she dated a different guy every week. Sometimes Layla thought Mindy wasn’t really looking for Mr. Right. She seemed more interested in just finding a Mr. Right Now.
“Does this dreamboat have a name?” Jay asked.
“Sebastian Harrington.” Mindy sighed softly. “Even his name sounds delicious, doesn’t it?”
Layla’s chocolate candy high took an instant nosedive. She opened her mouth to tell Mindy exactly what she thought of the man, then decided to stay out of it. It was better not to interfere with Mindy’s first impression. If Mindy was lucky, she’d never discover what Sebastian was really like, she’d make a quick sale, and that would be that.
“I’m going to show him that property next to your place, Layla. You know, that gorgeous house with the huge backyard overlooking the ocean? It’s got bay windows and an infinity pool. Can you imagine if he went for it? Cha-ching!” Mindy squealed.
Layla choked on an M&M, and Jay thumped her hard on the back. “No,” Layla said, coughing. “That property needs work. It’s a bad investment. I don’t think you should waste your time showing it.”
A Snowy Little Christmas Page 10
