Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology (Echo Ridge Romance Book 1)

by Lucy McConnell

  A hot shower and thirty minutes later, Keira was back at Kenworth’s, with more questions on her mind than how to fix the store.

  As she walked toward the soda fountain remodeling area, her heart fluttering. Thankfully, she could clearly see Tayton wasn’t around. They’d practically spent twenty-four hours together and that was plenty.

  Workwise, she couldn’t complain. Besides helping with the remodel, he’d managed the social media campaign, met with Ice Money up at the resorts, and delivered more Hope Tree gifts. The man was a marketing maniac.

  And yet. That soft side. Touching her cheek where he had held it, she couldn’t deny the chemistry. But was it just because she was an emotional desert and any trickle of romantic water made her heart beat faster?

  She shook her head. Focus on the work.

  As Keira observed the remodel progress, Carlos paused in the middle of drilling to answer a question for a worker. She’d heard that Anika had been helping in the evenings. The work progress showed, as did a happier Carlos. A connection here? Her smiled increased. Perhaps more than one good thing would come out of this remodel.

  Instinctively, Keira glanced around for Cecilia.

  “She’s not here.” Tayton’s voice surprised her. She turned toward it. He wore his trademark Henley Polo in navy blue and form-fitting designer jeans but had added a tool belt. It was a very nice addition. Keira ignored the whoosh in her stomach, and the fact that he intuitively knew who she was looking for.

  “Am I that obvious?”

  “No, I did the same thing a few minutes ago. But I got a text that she’ll be out of town for a few days for sure.”

  “Again?”

  His expression became concerned and then it was gone. “She mentioned trying to drum up more investors in downtown New York. Likely try to pull some family strings down there. It could go either way.”

  Keira dropped her voice lower. “How are numbers looking?”

  Again, that look of concern passed over him. “Decent. Social media is working to get the reach. But we need to keep it connecting.” He glanced at her for emphasis. “Any more Keira-inspired ideas?”

  “Hardly.”

  He returned to the spot where he was working, installing hardware for decorative items on the wall. He moved easily, and again, she felt the surprise. A marketing exec comfortable in a lowly construction situation? As unlikely as it seemed, it fit. Very well.

  “We rolled out PR on the soda fountain remodel and the Candy Cane Twist dance. The Hope Tree is going strong. Ironically, it’s created several ‘sister’ trees in other counties. The barn should do well Saturday. We just need to see the money.”

  Keira nodded. “That’s good news, better than I had hoped. Except, of course, for the money part.”

  He chuckled then stood back, more serious. “The soda fountain is on track except for the counter top and wall mirror. Schedule wise that could be a real problem.”

  Keira’s eyes widened. “It can’t be. This is the fundraiser of all fundraisers.”

  “Got it.” He smiled. “It’s not a problem at all. Forget I mentioned it.”

  “Perfect,” she said. He gave her that wink. And then came the whoosh.

  Keira’s and Tayton’s phones buzzed at the same time. Both looked at each other, confused.

  “Cecilia?” Keira raised an eyebrow.

  “Yep.”

  They read the text in silence. Then shared a meaningful look.

  Keira shook her head. “She. Did. Not. Would you believe she quit in a text?” She couldn’t. And yet, she just did. Great.

  “Yes, I can.” He paused and ran a hand roughly through his hair. “But what does that mean— for you, for the store? I know I’m just a marketing guy.”

  Keira tilted her head. As if. “Just a marketing guy. Whose bonus is on the chopping block and an important job here that affects his senior promotion?”

  He shrugged.

  She blew out a long breath, trying to appear un-phased and even-keeled. “Looks like I’m the acting CEO until we figure this out. You know, I used to hope for such a thing. But not like this. Definitely not like this.” Keira played down the rising panic inside. Would she be able to handle the store at the height of the season with so much on the line? New promotions that had to succeed, the store to keep from bankruptcy, the employees to keep paying and stay working, and then her dad’s ailing health to bolster? It looked like she had no choice.

  Keira shook her head. “Anyway, Shirley will know details, she’s Cecilia’s right-hand. Any advice?”

  “Like you need it.”

  “I’m asking.” She said it sincerely, trying not to sound desperate.

  He paused again, staring out at the remodel. “Keep doing what you’re doing, everything as is, nothing needs to change. You’ll probably meet with the board after Christmas for official changes. I didn’t see a formal letter of resignation. She might change her mind. Keep it on the down-low until after the season.”

  “Good advice.” She blew out a breath. “Were you a CEO in your college summers too?”

  “Yeah, of Wells, Inc., employee base of one.”

  He put his hand on her shoulder, gently, trailing it down her arm. A lovely tingling sensation followed suit. “You got this, Keira. Just smile and wave.”

  Keira stood taller. “Got it. On the down-low or not, I better go make a few key people aware of some things. You—” she touched his chest with her finger— “keep making promotional magic.”

  He looked down at her. “Count on it.”

  Ignore that tingle. “Okay then. I’m going to head over to check on the department contests. Tomorrow at Chips for lunch?”

  “You know it. Chicken pot pie.”

  “You’re on, at noon.” He gave a winsome easy smile that lingered on her.

  Walking down the department aisles, Keira kept that picture of him like a mental snapshot in a wallet— broad shoulders, leather tool belt hanging from his waist, and an appreciative and encompassing look that melted her bones.

  So what if she had just become a silent acting-CEO trying to save the entire store from bankruptcy? Bone-melting Tayton was here, and that made it all better.

  For now.

  Tayton watched Keira walk until he couldn’t see her anymore. He’d stopped being afraid to communicate his admiration for her. Surely she could feel it. What woman is that beautiful and that kind, and smart and savvy too? It just didn’t happen. Not in his world, anyway. The women he knew wore pouty red lipstick and designer suits, speaking business lingo from their first latte to the last.

  And that had been his world. And he’d been happy. Or had he? No, he couldn’t say happy. But he hadn’t stopped long enough to truly assess if that was the case— he was successful. But lately, successful and happy had become two different things.

  He marked the spot for another decorative wall-hanging.

  And now Keira. Being with her— that was happy. That made his entire insides feel alive and on fire. He couldn’t wait to talk with her, be with her, smell her intoxicating smell and touch her soft rose-complexioned skin. He couldn’t remember the last time he thought this way about a woman. Rather than edgy and driven, she was gentle but with plenty of moxie when it suited.

  No, he wouldn’t find another like her if he tried. Obviously, he wasn’t the first to see her that way. And her only reality was a small town and few prospects. But that wouldn’t last, not now that he— he— was bringing in more tourists, especially Ice Money.

  Ice Money. Rich guys. With her beauty, her effervescence, her wit— he blew out a hard breath. They’d snatch her up. The likely reason they hadn’t so far was lack of interaction.

  Tayton ran his hands through his hair. To be so close to her and then to imagine someone else walking in and taking her heart…Tayton stopped. The thought shafted through him like a piece of sharp glass. No, that was not an option.

  This weekend he needed to do something to let her know he was interested, yet keep the
ir professional relationship as that. How could he do it? In a letter? With a flower? What would he say? So, I’m interested, but, I can’t do anything about it until after December 25th, so, hold off on any offers until then, would you, because I want to see if this can go anywhere, possibly.

  Tayton paused. What did he want? Really want?

  He wanted Keira. Now to find a way to find out if she felt the same without compromising her professionally.

  For the next few days, Keira saw but didn’t talk much with Tayton, except at dinnertime and texts. The remodeling schedule went into high gear and it was all hands on deck. Keira spearheaded the Carol Fest, which Tayton and some of the crew came out for on the plaza. They wrapped up with donuts and hot apple cider that Tayton brought to her after she had finished greeting more community members. Banter and cider. Keira continued her holiday high just being around Tayton. Her biggest concern about the Candy Cane Twist success was surpassed only by her nighttime wonderings about what to do with Tayton.

  Reese continued with her candy and advice dispensing. “Just tell him already. It’s not like he’s unaware you’re attracted to him.”

  “It’s more than that, Reese. Sure, he’s Adonis in designer jeans, fine, I get that. But it’s the way we connect. The way he sees me, as a real person, and likes that. Possibly a lot. And I see him and I really, really—”

  “—love—”

  “—like that. A lot.”

  “Face it. You have fallen and fallen hard, like a drunk on New Year’s Eve. Out cold and no resuscitation.”

  “Nice.”

  Reese placed chocolate caramels on a tray. “It’s true. And I say, stop making it painful for both of you. This is Christmas. You could be steaming up the windows every single night. What’s the hold up?”

  Keira wiped a spot of dripping chocolate. “Come on. He’s a good guy. And more than a fling type. The hold-up is that he’s got a life back in downtown New York. I don’t recall either of us expressing a desire to move. And honestly, I can’t go with less than that. I want someone who wants to stick around.” She bit her lip, hoping her deeper emotion didn’t show. “And that’s not him. So, there we have it. Done and done.”

  Reese shook her head. “You, Miss Keira, are utterly clueless. But keep thinking your strategic thoughts and let me know how it really turns out.” She dropped two chocolates in her hand and shooed Keira away.

  Walking back to the remodel area, Keira considered the real hold up. Could she move to downtown? Would she? Moving had never been an option— it had been Echo Ridge for life. But now. If it meant being with Tayton… she stopped walking. Really? Would she be willing to do that?

  No, she would not. As much as she cared for him, her life was here, and so was her dad. And that was truly that. And his life was there. Period.

  Okay then.

  Tayton was almost to her before she realized it.

  “Hey, you alright?” He touched her arm lightly, his expression one of concern. “I saw you from over there. Well, I had been looking for… we needed to talk about the auction, and…”

  How had she looked? “I was thinking about the auction things, yes, and it got me a little concerned, that’s all.”

  “Shennedy is sharp, she knows what to do.”

  Keira shook her head. “It’s not that. Yes, I’m concerned she is stretched thin with the Barn Boutique and now this. But I’m worried about the actual auction. We need something show-stopping. Something…”

  “To draw the Ice Money.”

  “Exactly. Ski season is in full swing, as you well know, and there are movie fan rumors that Sawyer Daring is coming to town this weekend.”

  Tayton looked down at the tool in his hand. “She’s already here.”

  Keira glanced at him. The soft way he said it made her wonder. A lot. “Do you know her?”

  He shrugged. “In a manner of speaking. It was a long time ago, and she was very different then. Or I should say, is very different now. Either way, it’s on the down-low that she arrived last night.”

  Last night? “So you have connections that tell you these tabloid deets, or do you know each other well enough? I mean, no major interest here, just curious. She’s a pretty big star.”

  As in huge, all over the papers, as in how in the world did she get here and you knew and the world didn’t?

  Tayton tilted his head and stared at her. “We occasionally keep in touch, if she’s in the area. Besides, my hotel maid let it slip. And the fact that Kim Karlayan is here, her nemesis. She follows Sawyer everywhere trying to create media hype like cat fights and man-stealing, just to get air time.”

  “Your hotel maid let it slip?”

  He laughed outright. “Not like that. Man, is that what you think of me?”

  “No, I didn’t think… I mean.” Keira blew out a breath. “Excuse me while I revert to seventh-grade. For no reason whatsoever.” I-D-I-O-T. “It’s just, any girl would feel self-conscious with a star like that around, that’s all.”

  “Got it.” His small smile returned. “So about the auction…”

  “Oh, yes, that. Well, yes, we need a knock-out item that someone like Sawyer would mention on her media page or in an interview. Sort of like, I came to this hick town and look at the antique keeper find of the century I got. She’d like that.” Keira tried to temper the sarcasm.

  “You’ve got a good point there. Do you have anything like that here?”

  Keira paused, thinking. Then glanced upward. “Maybe we do. Got a minute?”

  “For you? Anytime.” It was low and hard to hear, but Keira heard it. Of course, he had a promotion riding on this, and a hefty bonus that she would find some way he got, so schmoozing possibly came with the territory. No biggie. Ish.

  He unhooked his tool belt and grabbed his phone, all while Keira looked on. Man oh man, what he did to her in those simple masculine movements. Thoughts of the cabin, helping him check the pipes, his soft touch on her face…

  FO-cus.

  Keira led the way to the back elevator, rarely used anymore, to reach the second floor, even more rarely used. The eighteen-foot high ceilings and paper-covered windows created a semi-spooky feel, as well as an echo in the place each time they walked. In its heyday, each area had been like the downstairs departments. Now the vast space held storage items shrouded in white sheets turned gray, old office equipment, cardboard boxes holding who knew what, obvious large holiday decorations and more. The hodgepodge clutter made her feel hopeful and hopeless at the same time.

  Keira gestured. “This is what we call Kenworth’s Graveyard. No one’s really gone through this stuff for years. Mom used to organize and mark things but… that was a long time ago, before she got sick.”

  He nodded then glanced around. “Maybe we should split up to see what catches our eye. There could be a few excellent finds for the auction, besides a wow piece.” Pulling back the dust covers, occasionally Keira would squeal with delight. She’d call Tayton over to check her find and he, in turn, would do the same. After an hour they had a good size stack of items on a nearby banquet table such as ornate lamps, clocks, and vintage clothing pieces.

  Tayton checked his watch. “I should get back to help with the install of the counter. That’s a big job. But great finds. Shennedy will be out of her mind. Some of this stuff is really amazing and likely pricey.”

  “How much do you think we need to clear to make the auction and dance worth it?”

  Pausing, Tayton stared at nothing, adding and processing in his mind. “Honestly? We need to hit thirty or forty thousand from this to make it really worth our while. We can add that to the Big Barn money and the sales so far. Every bit helps. I’ve got store reps from a few semi-money counties who have agreed to show for the auction. We can plan on maybe 50 percent of them attending, if we’re lucky.”

  Keira tsked. They needed a gotta-have. An item they could promote and yet connect back to the store. “You know,” Keira gazed around. “There was a huge rocking horse on
a pole, very old-fashioned, gorgeously painted. I bet it’s worth a mint now. Can we try ten more minutes? I haven’t checked back in the south corner where all those boxes are stacked. Maybe it’s behind there.”

  After pushing and shoving boxes in the back corner area and finding nothing, Keira walked to the mid-section which revealed a back entrance. “This used to be the front until they did the bigger parking lot.” A smaller makeshift utility room sat off to her right, the door slightly ajar. Opening it she found more stacked boxes and a few extra draped dust cloths. They turned to go, opening the door wide, when the light from the doorway caught something in the room.

  Keira glanced back, casually following the origin— a light at the bottom of one of the covers. Odd. While Tayton walked out, Keira stepped back and walked toward the dust cover, about five or six feet high. Could it be the horse? She didn’t remember it being that tall, but maybe.

  With a swoosh of her hand she revealed the nearest part. “Oh. My.” A soft gasp escaped her. “Tayton. Tayton!” He walked back in. By then she had removed the entire dust cover.

  Tayton shook his head. “Unbelievable. You are incredible, Keira. Absolutely incredible.”

  They stood, mesmerized by a life-size 1940s Italian crystal chandelier designed like a three-part tear-drop. A brass chain draped down the side.

  Keira’s eyes flooded. “I remember this, Tayton, I remember it.” She gestured. “It used to be in the back entrance that was the front entrance. In the evening you would walk in and the sunset light made the crystals sparkle. I felt like a princess, and I’d twirl, or imagine myself at a ball.” She dabbed at her eyes, chuckling. “Then years ago they remodeled and meant to put it up in the real front, but they never did, and I have no idea why. Except that Cecilia had some designers helping with modernizing things. And now, for it to be shoved in a utility closet…”

  “I’m betting no one realized its value. Maybe they thought it was fake. Or they didn’t want to go toe-to-toe with Cecilia.”