Stuff My Stocking

by Blythe Reid

  “I probably should have kept that, just in case,” I said. “She’s already got plans for what to do with this place. And probably enough money to make it happen.”

  “Don’t let it bother you.” He fixed a cup of coffee and sat in his usual chair across from me as the phone rang.

  “Winter Land Tree Farm, this is Mattie Simon speaking.” I had answered the phone the same way since I was eight and first came to the farm.

  The voice on the other end was so deep and sexy, it sent chills down my spine. “Mattie, that’s a lovely name. I’m Tyler Bates, owner of Premier Palace in New York City. I’m looking for a large tree for my entryway, and I was hoping you’d have what I need.” The guy’s voice not only sounded deep and sultry, but his tone was a tad clipped. Rushed.

  “What do you mean by tall, Mr. Bates?” Six feet was tall to some, not to others.

  “The tallest I can go is thirty-foot, but I don’t want smaller than twenty-three.”

  My heart started to pound, knowing how much a large tree like that would bring in, and even though I didn’t usually sell trees that large, I had a couple that were close to that. I knew positively of one that was just the right size.

  “I do have one I know is around thirty-foot. It’s a large Blue Spruce and would be gorgeous in a large entry.” I looked over as Hunter’s eyes widened.

  “Seriously? That’s perfect. I’m on my way then. If I can get a look at it and like it, then I’ll arrange a pick up as soon as possible.”

  “We’ll be here.” I shrugged and closed my eyes, not knowing what the hell I was doing. Had I just promised to sell my grandfather’s favorite tree? The one we’d planted together years ago when my grandmother passed away?

  “Perfect, I’ll be there first thing tomorrow.” The phone went dead, and I sat there blowing out a breath.

  “Did you just sell your grandfather’s pride and joy?” Hunter looked at me like I was someone else.

  A lump formed in my throat. “I think I did.”

  Chapter 3

  Tyler

  After days of trying to track down the perfect tree, I arrived at Winter Land Tree Farms in Virginia before the night’s frost had been melted by the morning’s sun. Coming out of the door of the little gingerbread house was a girl in tight jeans, a long blue sweater, and a pair of work boots. Her strawberry blond hair was tied back in a messy braid, and she carried a chainsaw. My pulse quickened.

  I parked my car and got out. “Hi there. I’ve come about the thirty-foot blue spruce. I’m Tyler Bates.” I held out my hand, and she gave it a shake. She seemed a little apprehensive, so I wondered if she was the woman I’d spoken to. “Is the owner around?”

  She gave a little shrug. “That’s me. Mattie Simon. Nice to meet you.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize.”

  The gorgeous girl didn’t look a day over twenty-three. There was no way she lived out here alone and did all the work herself. The house alone was so big it needed staff, and the tree farm went on for miles. I heard footsteps and looked up at the man coming out of the office behind her.

  “Oh, maybe your husband could show me the tree,” I said.

  The guy made a noise like the very thought of being married to the girl made his skin crawl. “I’m not her husband.”

  “Brother?” I asked.

  “Nope,” he said. “I might as well be, though. We were raised together most of our lives. I’m Hunter Garrett. You must be Mr. Bates.”

  “Yeah.” I looked back to the girl and didn’t understand how this Hunter person could not be interested in her, but I let loose a deep breath and tried to focus. “Could I see the tree?”

  “Yeah, I’ll walk you down,” the woman said. “It’s just behind the house.” She held out her hand and waved me over, and there was some kind of exchange between the two, although neither said a word. “Hunter, could you carry the saw?” She held the thing out to the guy, and he shook his head.

  “Nah, I’ve got to stay here and sharpen up that other blade. I’m sure you two can manage without me.”

  She gave him a dirty look and then let loose a breath and smiled at me.

  “I’ll carry that if you need me to.” I reached out to take the saw, but she shook her head.

  “It’s all right. I’ve been using this thing since I was eight years old. I just thought Hunter would join us.” She turned and started toward the house.

  “I take it by his repulsion that you two don’t date,” I said.

  “Heck no. He’s just being a pain in the ass. He’s a little mad at me for showing you this tree.”

  “Why is that?” I asked.

  “It’s a long story.”

  “I’ve got a little time.” I would gladly spend the day listening to her. Her voice was soft and pleasant, and it put me at ease. Her laugh did other things to me, and the chainsaw was the only reason I wasn’t going to get too flirty.

  “My grandfather and I planted it after my grandmother died.” She gave another little shrug and led me around the corner of the house.

  “So, you don’t live here all alone, then. I figured with a big house like that, there was no way.”

  “Actually, yeah. I’m all alone. My grandfather died over a year ago. I’ve been trying to hold things together. Truth is, things aren’t going so well, but I made a promise that I’d hold onto the place.”

  “Ah, but you didn’t promise not to sell that tree.”

  “You catch on fast. And it’s what you’re looking for.” She seemed like she was okay with her decision, but I felt just awful, especially when she looked up at the big spruce and smiled. Her whole face lit up, and her smile made her even more desirable. I found myself wondering what her lips would feel like on mine and how they would taste.

  Then I felt a pang of guilt. “Damn, is this the only big tree you have?”

  “No, but the others are not going to be as big as you need. I think twenty is the next size I have.”

  “Twenty? Could I look at it?” I knew my sister would be down my throat if I bought a smaller tree, but I couldn’t bear to seem so eager, and perhaps, the other tree would work.

  “Oh, you don’t want smaller, do you?” She seemed confused and a little disappointed.

  “Well, it’s not what my sister wanted. But I hate to take your tree. It’s obvious it has sentimental value, and I like the way you look at it.”

  “You like the way I look at the tree?” She giggled.

  I knew it sounded kind of lame, but it was true. “Hell yeah, if I had someone look at me that way, all would be right in my world.” She turned away and smiled, staring at the top of the tree.

  “Okay, if you insist, then follow me. I’ll show you the others.” She started off into the rows of trees. Most of the ones around us were no taller than me, but they quickly grew in size as we passed.

  “The other large trees are right here.” She pointed ahead, and the few others that were on the larger side weren’t going to please my sister one tiny bit, and I knew better than to screw with a client.

  “May I ask where the tree is going?” She walked over and gave the lower branches a shake.

  “In our gala room’s entrance. The staircase will wind up around it. It’s really quite stunning, but the smallest we’ve ever had was like twenty-three-feet tall.”

  “Then you need the other one?” She seemed somewhat eager for me to take the special one.

  “Will it break your heart?” I asked.

  “Not at all. I mean, I love the tree, but I’m hoping to sell it actually. It’s worth more, and you coming along just might buy me some more time.” She started heading back to the first tree.

  I jogged to catch up. “Time?”

  “Do you want the tree or not?” She let loose a long breath.

  “I do like it better than these. It’s got a nicer shape, and Rebecca will love it.”

  “Then you want to make your wife happy.” She turned and gave me a knowing smile.

  “No, Bex is
my twin sister, not my wife. I’m single.”

  Her eyes lit up as her cheeks reddened. “Well, then you should want to make your sister happy as well.”

  “Yeah, we have an important client. She’s got to have the perfect tree.”

  She stopped in the middle of the row and pointed to the bigger tree. “Four grand.”

  I cleared my throat. “Four grand? Does it grow money?” I was glad when she laughed a little, but then she squared her shoulders.

  She met my eyes directly. “Forty-five hundred.”

  “You’re supposed to go down, you know?”

  “I know, but I forgot to start high. It’s my asking price. Four grand firm.” She met my eyes with a hard stare.

  I gazed up at the big tree and knew that she had been just a young girl when it had gone into the earth, and for her to sell it, the money must be going to a good cause. “Okay. I’ll give you the four grand. Are you sure you want to part with it? I don’t want you hating me later.”

  “I’m a big girl, and I’m not letting sentimentality stop the sale, so why does it matter?”

  “Sounds good,” I said. “Then you’ve got a deal. I’ll make a call and make arrangements for pick up.” I snapped a picture and sent it to my sister. Then typed the amount and sent it, too. It was still in our budget, and I knew that with everything, delivery and all, it still would be.

  I followed Mattie back to the little gingerbread house and went inside. The man sat in a chair, sharpening the saw blade.

  “Do you take credit cards?” I wasn’t sure if she had the capability, but she took out her phone and did the transaction on it.

  “I hope you and your sister enjoy the tree.” She passed my card back and held out her hand for me to shake it.

  The guy behind me in the corner cleared his throat. “I can’t believe you sold it.”

  “Hush, Hunter. You know I had no choice. Besides, Grandpa would have done the same. It’s business.” She gave me an apologetic stare. “I’m sorry. Thanks again.”

  “Well, thank you. And we will enjoy it. You probably just saved our business. Our clients can be really choosy.” I headed to the door and gave a final goodbye.

  I got in my car, and when I turned the key to start it, the engine wouldn’t turn over. No. No. No. No. I hit it again. Nothing.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I got out and popped the hood, but I had no idea what I was looking for.

  “You need some help, mister?” The guy walked out of the shop and came over. “I’m a mechanic.”

  “I thought you sold Christmas trees.” I wasn’t willing to trust my car to just anyone.

  “On my days off,” he said. “I could bring it down to the shop and take a look.”

  “I’ll just have it towed.” I wasn’t sure if I should let him take it anywhere. I could have it picked up along with the tree.

  “Towed? Are you crazy? A fine car like that? Big mistake to tow a Porsche.” He turned his head as Mattie jogged over to see what was going on.

  “I can’t get held up here,” I said. Bex would kill me.

  “It won’t take but a day or two, and you could just stay here.” The guy turned and looked at Mattie, whose eyes were as big as saucers. “That would be okay, wouldn’t it, Mattie?”

  “Um, sure,” she said. “Why not?”

  I could tow my car on a trailer, and things would be fine, or I could bide my time and stay with the beautiful girl and maybe get to know her a bit better and find out what was going on. It seemed like a no-brainer.

  “Sure,” I said. “Looks like I’m staying.”

  Chapter 4

  Mattie

  “It’s not an imposition, is it?” he asked, and those piercing gray eyes had me in a daze.

  “Of course not.” I didn’t know what else to say, and the guy seemed a bit apprehensive about it.

  His mood had dampened considerably, and it was obvious he loved the car very much. “I knew I shouldn’t have driven my car. It’s my baby, and I usually take the Jeep for these kinds of trips.”

  “Wow, you have a Jeep, too?” Hunter asked. “Built or bought?” Hunter closed the guy’s hood and turned his eyes in my direction.

  “A little of both.” Tyler gave a shrug, and I hoped the two weren’t going to fall into some mechanics speak that I couldn’t and didn’t want to understand.

  “Nice.” Hunter smiled like he’d just made a new best friend.

  I rolled my eyes at their testosterone fest and was about to turn to go back into the office when Tyler took out his phone.

  “I’m just going to go call my sister and tell her what’s going on.” He stepped away, and I grabbed Hunter’s arm when Tyler was out of earshot.

  “Are you crazy? You invited a stranger to spend the night in my house?”

  “He’s not a stranger, and by the way you two have been making eyes at one another, I think you’ll get along just fine.”

  “We’re not making eyes at each other,” I said.

  “Please, the guy is totally into you. And don’t even pretend you don’t think he’s dreamy. I’ve listened to you and Clara since you were kids crushing on boys. Besides, you need a man in your life.”

  “He’s a city boy. He’s probably never been away from his penthouse.”

  “You heard him; he owns a Jeep. I trust a man who owns a Jeep.”

  “One that’s probably never seen mud. Your logic is flawed, Hunter. And if this blows up in my face in any way, shape, or form, I’m going to let you have it good, and Clara is going to have to watch me beat your ass.”

  “You can thank me later.” Hunter still seemed convinced he was doing the right thing. “Besides, I’m right out there if he gets too fresh. I’ll put him in his place.”

  “You’re impossible. Why Clara is in love with you is beyond me.” I gave him a nudge, but I knew why. He was terminally adorable, and there wasn’t much I could do now but go along with things.

  I looked up to see Tyler walking back.

  “Well, my sister’s not too pleased with me, but she’ll get over it. I guess we better get my car to the shop?”

  “Yeah, I need to get it up on the lift. I’ll call and get the flatbed. It will be safer, and don’t you worry; I’ll see to it that this car is treated like it was one of your children.” Hunter held his hand up as if he was making a vow.

  Tyler patted the black sports car. “Please, treat it like it’s one of your children.” He was heartbreakingly handsome, but I wasn’t convinced a girl like me could turn his head, much less keep his attention long. He had dark hair and devastating, slate-gray eyes. The kind that appeared to look through you instead of at you. And his face had a little shadow, too, but it didn’t do a whole lot to rough him up. His body made it clear that he’d paid his dues in the gym.

  He turned and gave me a look of uncertainty. “If it’s okay, I’ll take you up on that room, but if it’s a problem, I could just find a room in the nearest town.”

  Hunter spoke up before I could. “No, you’re good, man. I live out in the barn apartment, and Mattie here has that whole big house to herself.” I closed my eyes to keep from burning Hunter with my stare. “I’m sure she can find you a room.”

  “If it’s not too much trouble that would be great.” He gave me a warm smile, and it was so sweet that I wanted to know what it would be like to run my finger through that perfect hair.

  “It’s not,” I said a little too eagerly. “I don’t use half of the house, but there’s more than enough guest space, and I have a blow-up mattress if you can’t find a bed to suit you, and the couch pulls out.”

  “Oh, I’m sure any mattress will be fine,” Tyler said. “I’m used to sleeping on the cold ground. I camp quite a bit.”

  “Do you? And here I pegged you for a city boy.” Hunter cut me a pointed glance.

  “Oh, I’m pretty comfortable anywhere you take me. My dad and I used to go on hiking and camping trips when I was younger. It’s my passion, and I still like to go
alone now and then to feel like he’s still with me.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” Hearing his father had passed, I felt a new kinship with him. Losing family was never easy. My own father had never known me, and my mother abandoned me with her parents when I was just eight years old.

  “It’s okay,” he said. “I’ve got my sister, but her big focus is on the business. Me? Give me a patch of earth, and I’m fine beneath the stars.”

  “I think I can do better than a patch of earth.” I liked the guy even more, knowing he was not the polished pretty boy I’d first assumed, and I had a feeling that before things were said and done, I might just be thanking Hunter for the suggestion.

  “Sounds great,” Tyler said. “Looks like I’m on a surprise vacation, and I do hope you’ll allow me to pay you for my room and board. I know the last thing you expected was to have company.”

  “That’s not necessary,” I said, but Tyler cleared his throat.

  “It’s totally necessary and not at all a problem for me. I’d have to pay a hotel, and I’d rather my money go to a private place like this one.”

  I gave him a sideward glance. “We’ll talk about it over dinner.”

  His eyes lit with his smile. “Wow, you’re going to feed me, too?”

  Hunter laughed. “Don’t get too excited, man. She can’t cook.”

  He walked away before I could reach over and slap him. It wasn’t that I couldn’t cook, but he didn’t appreciate the types of food I cooked and usually ate with Clara and her family.

  “I’m not that bad,” I said.

  “I’m sure it will be fine, and maybe I could help?” Tyler stepped over to his car to get his bag out, and I closed the distance between us.

  “You know how to cook?” I asked.

  “Not at all, but if the food is bad, we won’t know who to blame.” We shared a laugh as he shut his car door, and then I turned to lead him up onto the porch.

  He stopped on the steps and looked up at the large house. “This place is huge. How many children did your grandparents have?”