Wrong Brother, Right Match (Anyone but You #3)

by Jennifer Shirk

  Kennedy’s eyebrow quirked. So cynical Matt Ellis had been engaged. Interesting…

  His judgmental inquisition made much more sense now. She’d seen it a lot when she’d talked to clients with similar backgrounds. The man obviously had been burned. And burned badly.

  Barbara dabbed her mouth delicately with her napkin. “It wouldn’t hurt to try Kennedy’s business, Matthew, and meet a woman you could share a future with.”

  “No offense to Kennedy’s business, but using that bogus computer software to meet my perfect match seems ridiculous. And I’m not interested in meeting a future wife.”

  Kennedy squared her shoulders. “Hey! My software is not bogus. It has the potential to help a lot of lonely people out there. We’re not just sticking people together. It’s very scientific.”

  He snorted again. “I don’t think so. Winemaking is scientific.”

  “Well, some people may think winemaking is ridiculous.”

  “You cannot compare the two. Besides, I’m selling an actual bottled product. You’re selling a pipe dream.”

  A pipe dream?!

  She immediately saw fire and crumpled up her napkin, throwing it down on her plate like a gauntlet. “What do you mean by that?”

  Caitlyn popped out of her seat. “I’m getting my phone. This is Snapchat worthy.”

  “Sit down,” her mother ordered.

  Before Kennedy could further defend her software and company, Justin came walking back into the dining room wearing a troubled expression. “Hey, guys, I’ve got bad news.”

  I already know. Your brother is an ass, and we’re stuck spending Christmas with him. What could possibly be worse news than that?

  “I have to head back to Boston. Only for a few days.” He looked down at Kennedy and sent her an apologetic shrug, stroking the back of her head. “I’ll be back before you even miss me, babe.”

  That was bad news. She blinked.

  Wait.

  Miss you? He wasn’t taking her with him?

  “Oh, that’s a shame, dear,” his mother said. “Work again?”

  “I’m afraid so, Mom. You know how it is when you’re trying to vie your way up the company ladder.”

  “No, we don’t know how it is,” Matt said, sounding annoyed. “Explain to us why you have to leave your family and your fiancée five days before Christmas when you’re supposed to be on vacation.”

  “Look, Matt, you don’t understand. I have to make myself available whenever they need me. Show them I’m a company man. Besides, I really should be there to supervise this portfolio presentation if it’s going to be done right. I’m sorry, but this shouldn’t take too long. I’ll definitely be here for Christmas. In the meantime, everyone can get to know Kennedy better.”

  Kennedy swallowed. They can?

  Caitlyn bounced in her seat. “Ooh, Matt can take Kennedy and me Christmas tree shopping. That’ll be fun.”

  Spending any time with Matt did not sound like her idea of fun. The man was as serious as a brain hemorrhage. “Uh, Justin,” Kennedy said, finally finding her voice, “maybe I should head back with you, since you’re only going to be a few days.”

  Barbara stood, taking her plate and then Kennedy’s. “Nonsense. Justin’s right. There’s no need for you to leave. It’ll be nice to spend some quality one-on-one time with you. After all, you’re going to be a daughter to me soon.”

  Kennedy’s heart lifted a fraction at the word daughter. Justin’s mom was so kind. Maybe this would be a good thing. It would be nice getting to know her and Caitlyn better. And if she was spending quality time with them, there was less of a chance of having to see Matt.

  Justin beamed at his mom. “You’re the best. I’m going to have to leave on the first ferry tomorrow morning.”

  Barbara nodded. “Then after breakfast, Matt can take Kennedy over to the winery with him and show her around.”

  Matt shifted in his seat then cleared his throat. “Uh, Mom, I don’t think Kennedy will be interested in the winery.”

  “Of course she would, and I think you two might get a better appreciation of each other’s work this way, too. Besides, the grounds are beautiful, especially now, since it’s decorated for the holidays. You’ll love it,” she assured her.

  Spend the morning with Matt? Oy. She glanced at Matt’s stony expression. Not exactly the face for Enthusiasm “R” Us, that’s for sure. She was hardly doing cartwheels, either. But Barbara seemed adamant about it. Kennedy didn’t see any way out—without the good fortune of sudden illness or possibly death.

  She could only be so lucky.

  “Wonderful. Now that that’s settled,” Barbara said brightly, “who wants pie?”

  …

  The next morning Kennedy tiptoed into Justin’s bedroom, hoping to get in a little snuggle time before he had to leave, but she found him showered and all ready to go. Had he even planned to wake her to say good-bye?

  “I miss you already,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist.

  Justin closed his laptop case with a final snap. “You are the most understanding fiancée in the whole world.” He kissed her then walked to the dresser and picked up his watch.

  Kennedy sat on his already-made bed and tried to smile. She didn’t feel like the most understanding fiancée at the moment. In fact, she was pretty sure she was a heartbeat away from grabbing his legs and begging him not to go. Not that she felt funny staying alone in his mother’s house with his sister. They were more than welcoming and kind. Kennedy worried more about Matt. He obviously didn’t care for her or what she did for a living, and without Justin around, she felt he would only make her stay here even more uncomfortable and possibly ruin her relationship with the rest of the family.

  “Are you sure it will only take two days?” she asked. She glanced at the digital clock on the nightstand. By her estimation, it would actually take forty-six hours until he returned. That actually wasn’t so bad.

  Justin walked over and sat down next to her. Placing his hand on hers, he leaned in. “Babe, I promise you, as soon as I’m done I will rush back here to spend the rest of my holiday vacation with you. Don’t you know it tears me apart to be away from you, too?”

  She snuggled closer to him. “It does?”

  “Yeah. And once I get back, we’ll do all the fun things you want to do.”

  “Really? Like decorate the tree and have hot chocolate with marshmallows?”

  He sighed dramatically. “Yes. Even the hot chocolate part. And you know how I feel about chocolate.”

  “Oh, Justin. You are just the perfect fiancé,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him in for a kiss.

  True, Kennedy had had some doubts about their relationship when she’d been in Vegas, but once she’d returned home, she and Justin had a long talk about each other’s wants and needs. He had promised her that he’d be mindful of not putting work ahead of their relationship. And here he was showing her that he was conscious of it. So he really was trying. “Thank you for making this Christmas the best one ever for me,” she added, smiling into his eyes.

  He chuckled. “Christmas hasn’t even come yet and you’re thanking me already? Gee, I can’t wait until you see the real gift I got you.”

  “The only gift I need is you back here with me for Christmas.”

  “You got it, babe.” Then he kissed her again, and knowing this was their final good-bye, his mouth lingered on hers for longer than usual.

  “Ugh, at least have the courtesy to shut the door. I’d hoped you guys would have gotten this out of the way by now,” Matt said from the doorway.

  Justin pulled back and grinned at his brother. “If you had a fiancée who looked like this, you wouldn’t be so quick to be done, either.” He stood and grabbed his bag. “What are you doing here at the house so early anyway?”

  “I’m heading over to the winery in a bit, and Mom gave me strict orders to entertain Kennedy for the morning, so here I am.” With outspread arms, he cocked an
eyebrow at her. “Ready, future sis?”

  Kennedy took off her glasses and rubbed her head. How had she forgotten about that? She glanced at the clock again. Only forty-five hours and forty-five minutes until Justin would be back. She could do this. She just had to channel her inner Mother Teresa.

  Justin shook Matt’s hand. “Thanks for holding down the fort, Matt.”

  “I usually do,” Matt muttered.

  “Well…yeah.” Justin ran a hand through his spiky blond hair and sighed. “I still appreciate it.”

  “Call me,” Kennedy added. She had a feeling she’d need a lifeline more than ever.

  Justin gave her a funny look. “I always call you when I’m away, babe.”

  Well, actually, you don’t. Hence the reminder. But she wisely kept that to herself. He’d promised he would not be neglectful anymore, so she had to give him the courtesy of a fresh slate.

  “Have fun at the winery, you two,” Justin said with a quick wave. “Wish I could stay, but you know how it is, duty calls and all that jazz.”

  Justin winked at her then grabbed his suitcase and walked out, leaving her suddenly feeling very lost and very alone. Something she hadn’t felt with this much intensity since her mother passed away.

  The room went silent, and she cautiously peered at Matt. He remained outside the bedroom door, staring at her like someone who just stepped foot onto a Walking Dead episode. That made her decision to put them both out of their misery that much easier.

  “Look, Matt, you don’t have to do this. I can entertain myself for the morning.” She could check in with Mia at work, maybe even answer the hundreds of emails that were probably waiting for her. She thought about her laptop longingly.

  He shook his head. “Caitlyn is at school, and if you’re here, my mom will feel the obligation to dote on you when she really should be taking it easy.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “I’m surprised Justin didn’t mention it, but she had a stroke a few months back.”

  Kennedy bit her lip. Justin never said a word to her about that. But maybe he didn’t want her to worry about coming to stay there for the holidays.

  “Anyway,” Matt said, “it’s not a big deal to bring you with me. Like my mom said, it’s really pretty this time of year, and the tasting room looks festive, too. I’m sure you’ll enjoy seeing it.”

  Kennedy could barely believe cordial words were finally coming out of Matt’s mouth. Maybe there was some hope for them yet.

  “Okay. That’s nice of you.”

  He shrugged. “I’m a nice guy.”

  She wanted to point out that his statement was a tad flawed, but he seemed to be making amends over his past actions toward her, so she gave in to a smile.

  Matt’s eyes fell to her lips for a moment, and then he took an abrupt step back. “Well, don’t read too much into it,” he murmured as he turned away. “You know how it is, duty calls and all that jazz.”

  Chapter Five

  Matt scratched his head as he walked into the kitchen. He knew Justin could be blind to everything going on around him, but damn if he could understand how his little brother could leave his beautiful fiancée behind for any amount of time on account of work. Matt had taken care of Justin and the family since their father had died, making sure the winery was still viable and his mom could still pay for Justin’s education. Even made a few phone calls to old business contacts and got Justin an interview at the firm where he was currently employed. And now Matt was left taking care of things for Justin again—which meant the redhead upstairs wearing Snoopy pajamas. A redhead Matt couldn’t help picturing out of those Snoopy pajamas.

  Dammit. He wasn’t supposed to be attracted to his brother’s fiancée. But that didn’t seem to change the fact that he was.

  He took out his phone and glanced at the time. It wasn’t even nine a.m. and it was already shaping up to be a very long day.

  “Oh, Matthew, you’re here early.” His mother shuffled into the kitchen in her pink slippers and bathrobe, brushing a light kiss on his cheek. “Did Justin leave already?”

  “Yeah, he left,” he grumbled. Without his fiancée. Although he did have to give Kennedy major points for the lack of drama about it. In fact, she took Justin leaving her behind with more understanding than he would have shown.

  “Do you want some breakfast?”

  “No fussing, Mom. Once Kennedy gets ready, we’ll stop at Nonna’s Breads and pick up something. You just relax.”

  His mom shook a finger at him. “You’re mothering again. That’s supposed to be my job.”

  “Well, now it’s mine. And apparently, babysitting has been added to my resume as well.”

  “I hardly think you could call being brotherly and showing Kennedy around while Justin is away ‘babysitting.’ I told you, be nice. No more ribbing about her company.”

  “You mean the one that sells true love at the click of a button? That company?”

  The sarcasm wasn’t lost on his mother, and she frowned. “Now, Matthew. I don’t know why you’re being so hard on her, but whether you like it or not, she’s going to be family soon. Give her a chance. For the first time in a long time, it really feels like Christmas with everyone all together.”

  “But everyone isn’t together,” he reminded her. “Justin left.”

  “He’ll be back. You’ll see.”

  Matt laid the odds at four to one on Justin making it back in time for Christmas day, but didn’t want to burst his mom’s bubble. Instead, he asked, “What do we really know about Kennedy anyway?”

  “What do you mean?”

  What do I mean?

  For some reason, Kennedy and his brother just didn’t seem to fit together in his mind. Kennedy was obviously pretty. She also happened to be a clever businesswoman, even if he didn’t happen to think much of her business. Back in college, Justin had girlfriends who were self-absorbed and served no real purpose other than being mere arm decoration. “What exactly do she and Justin have in common?”

  His mom patted his cheek as if she were calming a petulant two-year-old. “If you’re so intent on finding out the answer, you can ask her that yourself.”

  “Ask me what yourself?”

  Kennedy stood in the entryway of the kitchen, all wide-eyed and perky with her blazing red hair curling over her shoulders. In her green wool coat and matching knit hat and mittens, she looked like she could be going for a job interview at Santa’s workshop.

  And be hired in less than two minutes flat.

  “What do you and Justin have in common?” he blurted.

  She blinked. “Uh, lots of things.”

  “Name one.”

  “Don’t mind Matthew, dear,” his mom said with a scowl aimed his way. “He’s always a Grumpy Gus before breakfast. Did you sleep well?”

  “Yes, thank you. I’m actually used to sleeping in strange beds.”

  Matt folded his arms. “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  “Language,” his mother scolded.

  Kennedy’s pretty face scrunched together and the red-framed glasses she wore slid down her nose. “I just mean that my mom and I moved around a lot when I was younger. I’ve had five stepdads in my life—almost six—but then she got breast cancer and…well, it was just the two of us when she passed away last year.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, hon.” His mom walked over and gave her a hug. “That must have been hard on you.”

  “It’s fine,” she said into his mom’s shoulder, but when she pulled back, Matt noted that tears clung to her eyes. “My cousin, Trent, helped me a lot. But I have to admit, it’s really nice to be part of a traditional family again.”

  Matt let his arms hang, feeling like a fool. What was the matter with him? He’d been acting like an ass ever since Kennedy stepped foot into his family’s house. His mom was right. He needed to be nice—in a very brotherly and platonic way—and give the woman a chance.

  Matt walked up to them and laid a hand on her s
houlder. “Hey, Kennedy, we should get going now. Since you’re practically family and all, it’s probably time to show you around.”

  “That would be great.” Kennedy’s smile was alive with delight, and like a swift punch to the gut, it left him temporarily speechless.

  He turned to grab his jacket and drew in a deep breath. “Okay then. We’ll stop for coffee on the way. You haven’t lived until you had Nonna’s chocolate croissants.”

  “You like chocolate?”

  Her startled expression made him chuckle. “Of course I do. Only deranged lunatics without taste buds don’t like chocolate. Why?”

  She bit her lip, then with a dazed expression made her way to the back door. “Oh, uh, no reason.”

  …

  Kennedy immediately decided that Cape Fin Island was a darling town. Gingerbread-style homes lined up along the bay with their window boxes filled with assorted evergreen branches and pinecones. Street lamps were adorned with garland and bows, and traditional Christmas music played through outside speakers in the downtown area. Everything looked perfect and exactly how she hoped it would be. Matt was almost being cordial to her as well. Bonus. All that was needed to top this scene was a little snow.

  “It’s so adorable,” she sighed. When Matt didn’t say anything, she glanced over at him.

  His dark hair was slightly disheveled from the cold, brisk wind. He hadn’t bothered shaving, but she still noticed a tiny scar on his stubbly cheek. In his work boots and jeans, he looked more like a construction worker than a winemaker. Not that he didn’t wear the tall, dark, and rugged look well. He wore it extremely well. It was a good thing Matt was the furthest thing from her type. He was just an overgrown kid, unlike Justin, who was ambitious and also serious about settling down.

  She turned toward the window again. They passed an artisan soap store. Kennedy thought his mother might enjoy some fragrant skin care supplies. “I’d love to go Christmas shopping here this week.”

  Matt parallel parked his pickup truck then shut off the engine. “Caitlyn mentioned that. Maybe once she gets home from school, you guys can go.” He opened the truck door and got out. “I’m just the supplier of coffee.”