Stuff My Stocking

by Blythe Reid

  Clara gave Hunter a look. “She told you that?” he asked.

  “Well, it’s not untrue, Hunter,” she said. The two exchanged looks that had me glancing back and forth between them.

  “Does she not have her degree?” I asked.

  Clara nodded. “She does, but it was an ugly time, and she’s had some failures of her own since college.”

  Hunter frowned. “That asshole, the one I told you fucked her over. He tried to run a scam on her, and now, she’s not that confident.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know,” I said.

  “Yeah, which is why I really hope you’re on the level,” Hunter said. “The last thing she needs is to be used and broken again, and I think it’s another reason she agreed she’d never sell the place.” Hunter pulled Clara a little closer, and she rubbed his back. It clearly aggravated him that someone had tried to do Mattie wrong.

  I shook my head. “As I said, I care about her, and I want to help. You’ve got nothing to worry about. Just give me that extra time.”

  “I feel you, man,” Hunter said. “I saw the way she first looked at you, you know? When you got out of that fancy car of yours, it was the first time I’d seen her smile like that in a while.” He and Clara took a step toward his truck. “Take all the time you need.”

  Billy, who had been with our company for a long time now, walked over to me and grinned. I figured my sister had sent him down to spy on me and the situation. “We’re all done, Mr. Bates. Your sister wanted me to ask you if you needed a ride home.”

  “No thanks, Billy. Tell her I’ll be home as soon as I can.” I gave him a pat on the back, and he nodded as he walked away and climbed up into the truck with the driver. A minute later, they drove away with the wrong tree, and I knew that as soon as they arrived, my sister was going to flip out on me again.

  Maybe I should have asked for another week on my car.

  Chapter 12

  Mattie

  I watched the truck carry my tree away, carrying a part of my soul with it. What was done was done. I wouldn’t beat myself up over it, and I made up my mind that once it was out of sight, I’d let it go. I stepped out on the porch with my pink mug and sat in the swing.

  “I thought you’d at least come say goodbye,” Tyler said.

  “It’s just an old tree.” I shrugged it off and let out a breath as the truck rounded the curve on the road and disappeared on the horizon.

  “Oh, I see.” He kicked at the old, loose plank at his feet.

  “Guess there won’t be any customers today.” I only said that in the hope one would show.

  “Tree business is seasonal, right?” Tyler asked. “So, what do you do in the offseason?”

  “Well, I was working full time and got laid off in the summer. And since I knew I’d have the tree season all by myself this year, I decided to just take a part-timer until after. I’ll find work. It’s no big deal.” I would find some kind of job.

  “Well, that’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about. What if you could work here?”

  “Work here? That’s what I’m doing, and no one’s going to want a tree in the spring, not even if I shape them like Easter eggs.” I’d heard a million ideas from my friends, and nothing was going to work.

  “Hear me out?” He let loose a deep breath and sat in the swing with me.

  “I’m listening.” I turned my head and looked out over the horizon into the acreage of trees.

  “I’ve been looking at this place, and it’s in great shape” he said. “If you had a backer, someone to help you get off the ground, I’m sure we could get this place ready for the spring. People are looking for places to stay, and this place is beautiful.”

  Was he serious? I’d heard this all before, and I’d nearly fallen for it once. I decided to let him finish his spiel. “It’s very beautiful, especially in the spring.”

  “I’ve been looking for investments, and you could keep the majority of the business, run it how you want, when you want, and it would pay for itself.”

  “And I suppose you’re going to give me the money,” I said.

  “Not give, but yes. I have the funds to get this place in shape. Most of the rooms are furnished with beds. I’d buy new mattresses, of course. Then there’s bedding, fresh paint where it’s needed—we’ll keep some of the rustic appeal. You could pick out the designs, make each room a different style or color theme if you like. We’d do new curtains and update the kitchen, of course.”

  “Oh, of course.” I nodded and let him continue. It all sounded wonderful, but I’d had things presented to me in pretty little packages before.

  “Can’t you picture it?” Tyler asked. “I know you said it’s your dream, so what kind of ideas do you have?”

  “You mean, I’d get to make decisions, too? Wow, how noble of you.” I rolled my eyes and took a sip of my coffee.

  He frowned. “You don’t like the idea? I thought you’d like it; it gives you everything you want, and all I’d get is a share of the profits.”

  “Please, you think you’re the first man to try and sleep with me because he saw a business opportunity?”

  “Whoa, wait a minute,” Tyler said. “You’re going to bring what happened before into this?” He narrowed his eyes, and I tried not to be distracted by how cute he looked when pouting.

  “At least now, I know why you kissed me.” I got up and headed to the door, and he followed along behind me.

  “You’re way out of line, Mattie. I kissed you because I think you’re beautiful and quite possibly the most fascinating woman I’ve ever met, but you’re also clearly the most stubborn.”

  “I’m stubborn?” I tossed my mug into the sink a little too hard and heard a crack. I didn’t dare look, but it didn’t stop Tyler from walking over and looking into the deep porcelain sink.

  He let out an irritated sound and reached in and brought out my favorite mug in three pieces. “I’m sorry.” He walked over and tossed the pieces in the trash.

  “What does it matter? It’s just a stupid mug.”

  “Right, just like it’s just a tree, but you couldn’t even stand to walk out and watch it be cut down.”

  I didn’t like him acting like he knew me. He had no idea how it felt to see everything in my life go and there not be a damned thing I could do about it. It was time to make tough choices.

  “Don’t pretend to know me,” I said.

  “You’re right, I don’t know you, but I want to. I thought I made it clear earlier, but obviously, you think everyone is out to take advantage of you. I would like to help you if you weren’t too scared to let me.”

  I turned, and my eyes bored into his. “You assume I’m scared?”

  I was terrified, but I’d never admit it.

  “What was his name?” Tyler asked.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “The guy who broke your heart so badly, you can’t even trust someone who just wants to help you.”

  Hunter and Clara had big mouths, and I had a feeling that was what the three of them were discussing when the tree was being loaded on the truck.

  “I don’t know what you heard, but it’s none of your business.” I walked into the living room, and he followed. I stood near the fireplace and busied myself by putting another log on the fire.

  “You know my idea is a great offer,” Tyler said. “You’d not only keep control and ownership, but you’d have full authority as manager. I’m only going to want back what I put in and a little profit.”

  “Yeah, so you say, and then the next thing I know, you’ll be making decisions without me and bringing in other investors who need a bigger part of my share.” Kevin, my ex, had ruined my plans with his crazy schemes, and I’d barely gotten out of that deal with my sanity. I took a big loss, and if I hadn’t trusted him, I would have been able to pay the bank. I’d gambled and lost once already.

  “I’m not that person, Mattie.” He seemed really hurt, but I didn’t know what to say to him. After a moment, he turne
d to head to the stairs. “I hope the tree money helps, but you know it’s only a matter of time before you’re in over your head again.”

  He disappeared to the second floor, and I was left alone with my thoughts.

  He was right. The money he’d given me for the tree and the money I’d collected from sales was going to be just enough to save my ass for a while and stop the banker from foreclosing after Christmas, but unless I got a good job, one that paid extremely well, it would only be a matter of time before things piled up and the house was threatened again.

  I needed to put some distance between us and go lock up the office for the day. I wanted to take a nap, and no one was going to show up if they hadn’t already. Besides, it wasn’t like they’d leave without knocking. No one ever did.

  I headed out and decided to take the cart around the perimeter of the farm. I headed off and paid careful attention to see if anyone had helped themselves to the trees along the fence. I’d made sure to leave them untrimmed for the season, but there were plenty of people who would shape the trees themselves so they could save a few bucks. Sure enough, I found a place where two had been taken from the third row. Whoever had done it hadn’t wanted to be seen from the road and had left a couple of ugly stumps. I parked and brought the saw around to trim them up, then I climbed back on and continued my search. As I drove slowly, checking the rows to see what all had been stolen, I thought of how hurt Tyler had looked, and it made me feel even worse. He seemed like a good guy, but I’d been fooled before. He was right, though; I couldn’t let what had happened to me in the past ruin a great opportunity. But it all seemed like it was too soon. If only I could get some sort of sign from Gramps that he was not only a good guy, but one with good intentions at heart.

  I wheeled around the corner, and just over the nine-footers, I saw a gap. That wasn’t right. Someone had somehow taken one of the larger trees from the other side. But there was no way. Suddenly, it hit me; Tyler had taken a different tree than the one we’d agreed upon. I continued moving, driving closer to the house, and I found Gramps’s tree standing proudly.

  I jumped off the cart and ran over to give the tree a hug. Tears stung my eyes, and I knew this was the sign I’d asked for.

  Chapter 13

  Tyler

  I heard the cart pull up to the house, and then a moment later, Mattie walked inside. I’d been too upset to sit in my room and do nothing, and since I no longer felt welcome to snoop around, I went to the kitchen and distracted myself by fixing dinner.

  I had browned some hamburger meat and poured in a can of tomato and basil sauce that I’d found in the pantry and put a pot of noodles on to boil.

  “Something smells good.” Mattie stood with her arms crossed in front of her.

  “I thought I might as well be useful,” I said.

  “I’m surprised you’re still here, actually.” Her voice was soft, but it didn’t stop my blood from boiling.

  I dropped the spatula and turned off the burners. “I see.” I walked past her to the stairs, but she stopped me on the first step.

  “I just meant that I’ve been so awful,” she said. “I’m surprised you wanted to stick around with me.”

  “Do you want me to leave, Mattie?” I was exhausted. I was waiting for the call from my sister that would surely be world war three, and the last thing I wanted to do was stick around with her and fight.

  “No,” she said. “Stay and let me finish dinner.” She walked to the kitchen and rolled up her sleeves. I walked from the stairs, over to the large bar, as she turned on the stove.

  She prepared the food in silence, and I helped her set the table and poured us a drink.

  We ate in silence, and it wasn’t until we went to sit in the living room that she got up and went to the other room and came back with a check. “I just thought I’d give you the difference back. You know, for the tree.”

  “I don’t want it.” I shook my head, and she huffed as she pushed the check at me again.

  “Seriously, I don’t want to owe you anything.”

  “I didn’t do it so you’d owe me anything, Mattie. I could tell that it bothered you, so I wasn’t about to take something that meant so much to you. You obviously think I’m someone I’m not.” She thought I was just like the asshole who had swindled her, and if I ever found out who that guy was, I was going to shove my fist down his throat.

  “I wanted to talk to you about the offer,” she said.

  “Yeah? Now you want to talk about it? What changed? I haven’t.” I wanted to go back and take it all back. It was better than fighting.

  She gave me a pointed look. “Would you stop being a jerk and let me talk?” It was all I could do to hold my tongue. “I would need time to think about it, and if I did any kind of deal, it would have to be on my terms. You’re right about the money. It’s enough to get me by for now, but if I can’t get a good job, I’m screwed. Those aren’t easy to come by around here. But I won’t do anything unless I talk to Hunter. This is my house, but the place is his home, too. No matter what would happen, that wouldn’t change.”

  If she’d listened, she’d have known my intent. “I’d never dream of him leaving. In fact, there might be something in it for him and Clara. They will need a home, and you’ll need help around here. When you’re really ready, and you’ve had all your time to think about it, let me know; we can sit down and talk it out.” I headed up the stairs and went to my room before she could say another word.

  It wasn’t just the deal, but she’d accused me of using her to get it. I couldn’t let that go so easily. Not even for her pretty face. A little time to think would do us both some good.

  I went to my room and sat at the window where I had a clear view of the stars and was reminded of the last camping trip. I’d pondered how I could really make a difference in the world. It was something I’d thought about a lot since my dad had passed, and I hoped that when I left the earth, I’d leave some kind of legacy behind.

  Dad had left his mark with Premier Palace, and so would Bex, but me? I wanted to leave my own signature. I glanced down at the trees below. The farm would be the perfect type of place for me. Too perfect to think it was ever going to happen.

  I heard a truck and saw lights shine on the barn. Hunter must have gotten home, and I wondered if he’d check on Mattie. I hoped leaving her alone to think was the best thing to do.

  I got up and went to turn down my covers and realized that hours earlier, I’d hoped I wouldn’t be turning in alone for the night, but that idea had blown up in my face. I took a shower, and once I was dry, I walked to the bed naked and slipped between the sheets. I cut off the bedside lamp and closed my eyes.

  I don’t know if it was minutes or hours later, but I heard the door creak open and the soft pad of feet on the floor. “Tyler?” Mattie whispered softly.

  I rolled over as she approached the bed and climbed up on it.

  “Is everything alright?” I reached to turn on the light, but her hand fell upon my shoulder.

  “Yes, I couldn’t sleep.” She slipped beneath the covers with me. I lay on my side and bent my knees to keep the distance between us. She’d forgotten I slept naked.

  She bent her elbow and rested her head on her hand. “I’m sorry about earlier,” she said. “I shouldn’t have accused you of using me. I guess I’m just hurt and bitter from my past, and maybe even a little ashamed of my own actions.”

  “Apology accepted, and I’m sorry, too. I didn’t mean to rush you.”

  “No, you didn’t.” She slid closer and rested her hand on my knee. “I’m the one who jumped the gun. It’s just that it’s been a while for me since I’ve been close to anyone, and I guess I just didn’t want you to think ugly of me.”

  “I don’t.”

  “I didn’t want things to stop earlier. I really hoped that you knew that.” She turned her face to the ceiling and let out a soft sigh. My cock was hard, and I wasn’t sure what I should do, but then she turned on her side and cozi
ed up next to me. “I don’t want to be alone, and I was wondering if you minded if I stayed in here with you?”

  I could barely make out her features in the dark. “I don’t mind, but I can’t promise I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

  “Good, because I can’t make any promises, either.” Her hand moved beneath the covers and cupped my balls. She gave them a squeeze and then wrapped her long fingers around my cock and gave it a stroke.

  Chapter 14

  Mattie

  Going to him was the boldest move I’d made in a long time and even bolder than my forwardness had been earlier in the day.

  I’d laid in my bed for an hour after I heard him stop stirring and contemplated my life, my happiness, and my loneliness. I kept hearing Clara’s voice telling me to let go a little, and knowing my special tree was still growing tall in the yard had made me want to show him a little appreciation.

  I stroked his hot flesh, and he closed the distance and kissed me. Our mouths moved together in the darkness, and his fingers found their way back to where they’d been before. Suddenly, he slipped down beneath the covers and lifted up my shirt. Then he kissed his way down my stomach to my waistband, where he hitched his thumbs and pulled my pajama pants and underwear down so he could kiss my mound. His tongue slipped down and parted my folds, then trailed down to my pussy where he penetrated me with his fingers.

  “Come for me, Mattie.” He met my eyes when he said it, and I felt myself on the edge. Then he took me over the edge when his mouth found my swollen bud once again. I moaned and let out a little squeal. “That’s so hot, baby. I’m going to make you feel so good.” He dipped back down and worked me through not one, but two more orgasms, and then I finally convinced him to let me reciprocate.

  “I want to make you feel good, too,” I said as he sat beside me. I gripped his cock and got to my knees on the bed. As I leaned over, he cupped my breast and pinched my nipple softly. I placed his head on my tongue and moaned at the salty taste of him.