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

by Lucy McConnell

  In silence they took it in, gently fingering the crystals, the tarnished brass, the timelessness of it. Keira breathed in. “Can’t you almost feel the memories tucked in each crystal? It’s magic.”

  Tayton stood inches from her, gazing at it, nodding, gazing at her. “I wish I could have known you as a little girl. I’ll bet you were,” he glanced at the chandelier, “mesmerizing.”

  Keira blushed. “I would say clumsy best described me.” Changing the topic, she put a hand on her hip. “This is a perfect wow piece. But what do we do now?”

  “Get it appraised.” He whipped out his cell phone, holding it up to get more bars.

  “Let me guess, you know a guy—”

  “Actually, I do.” He gave her a slight smirk and went back to his phone gazing. “But whether or not he can do it from a picture to give a ballpark remains to be seen. If you could find someone local to do an official one, that would be great.”

  “I’m on it.”

  “I’ve no doubt.”

  Both of them put the cover back on and closed the closet, placing boxes in front. The security guard would need to know about this immediately.

  Talking together as they walked back to the soda fountain area, Keira felt a helium type of happiness in her soul. Luck had held on and they had found a wow piece that even Sawyer would go for. She was a nut for antiques. But how would they make her aware of it being auctioned?

  An obvious immediate thought came about Tayton asking Sawyer but her insides rebelled. Besides, she wasn’t even sure how much it was worth yet. She’d deal with that later.

  ON THE MORNING OF THE CANDY CANE Twist, Keira stood before the finished soda fountain and the 1950s converted room. A tender feeling moved through her, and for a moment, she wished her mother was with her. The red bar stool seats, the gleaming brass, the backsplash tile. All of it came with the sweet smell of ice cream and the sound of the juke box. For a moment she transported through time: she was eight years old and slurping a Hal’s Homemade Float. That’s how this Christmas had begun to feel… like the old days.

  Keira breathed deeply, releasing the anxiety of wanting this evening to go so right and worried about all that could go so wrong.

  Including Sawyer. She had to bid on the chandelier. And Tayton had issued the invitation. But exactly when, or how, he had extended that invitation, she didn’t know. Or want to.

  Stop it. She had no dibs on Tayton. He hadn’t even kissed her. Besides, it sounded like the Sawyer thing was a long time ago. In a galaxy far, far away. So…

  But in her soul, a rumbling began. Keira couldn’t explain it, but she could feel a storm brewing and it did not feel good.

  An hour later the Candy Cane Twist was in full swing with the teen girls doing a great job of dance instruction. And the crowd had swelled to at least a hundred, making it a tight but doable fit.

  She tried to not look for Tayton, several times, with absolute success in finding him gone. But she’d made herself scarce with him today, replying briefly to his texts. Whatever he chose tonight, however he behaved with Sawyer, Keira wanted him to feel the freedom to do what he desired. She wouldn’t complicate matters.

  Unless it was truly necessary.

  Walking toward the jewelry department, the stomach gurgles returned. Too much rode on this auction. Selling the chandelier would certainly help Kenworth’s get back on its feet.

  Entering the auction area, Keira exhaled a soft, “Oh.” Shennedy and company had decorated the night before. Gorgeous creamy white and black satin was draped from the ceiling in decorative styles to create a lush environment. Black portable fabric screens enclosed the area. Low crystal lighting reflected off the jewelry cases making the gems sparkle.

  To the right of the opulence sat several rows of gold and black Louis XVI chairs. Already the seats were filled to capacity with overflows on the side, even boasting some of the finer Parley’s Way people. Word must have gotten out about the antiques.

  Well, and the news that Sawyer Daring may attend. Word had “leaked” —likely by Trav and friends— that she was a likely show. Thanks to Tayton’s connection, she had apparently agreed to give it a shot. Again, Keira wasn’t sure if she was happy or not about that. That would be determined by Sawyer’s purchases.

  Keira moved quietly up the far side near the front of the space and stood for a few minutes, listening to the final items being successfully auctioned. Tayton stood on the opposite wall by a portable screen exit. He smiled. He shouldn’t have. Keira’s stomach went into overdrive. She smiled back, keeping an even expression. With a sudden move he looked down at his phone, looked closer with confusion, then left the room through the screen.

  Where was he going at a time like this? They were about to bring out the chandelier. Just as she thought it, Bill cued for them to bring it from the black curtain behind him. Carefully…wait, on an inventory lift? Keira almost moaned aloud. A $40,000 chandelier on a beeping fork lift? In his twang he droned on about the potential history of the piece, most of it non-confirmed.

  This was not going well.

  Keira squinted her eyes at the back of the room. What was that? The screens parted slightly and with a subtle movement, Sawyer Daring entered the room in black sunglasses and tight washed jeans, a hand trailing down Tayton’s extended chivalrous arm. With a lingering and grateful smile at him, she chose the distant back, discreetly taking an auction paddle. Her bodyguard, a bull of a man dressed in black, stood behind her. Although most hadn’t seen her, a ripple of whispers began.

  Tayton’s arm? A grateful, lingering smile? Keira ignored the biting jealousy that lunged into her throat and focused on being happy she was here. That is, if she truly were bidding on the chandelier.

  Bill continued his historical account, the certified cut of the crystals, and the appraisal value today. Then he paused, rang the gavel and shouted, “What am I bid?”

  It began.

  Smaller bids in the lower thousands embarrassed her and their town, but at least it got the auction started. Sawyer made no movement. What was going on?

  In a second flurry of activity, the screens parted dramatically this time. Keira’s mouth dropped. In walked Kim Karlayan, and about ten paparazzi cameras flashing. Dressed in an outlandish and figure-hugging snow bunny outfit, Kim waved as she passed down the rows to the front of the auction crowd. People scooted and stood to accommodate her and her three bodyguards.

  Unperturbed, Bill paused, nodded to her, and continued with his country twang of the current bid at $15,000. Sawyer held up a paddle and Kim quickly rebutted with hers, and that officially began the bidding war. People’s heads swiveled like a tennis match--$20,000, $25,000, and up and up. Finally, Kim made a dramatic show of shaking her head— just too much— and Sawyer won the bid at $55,000— a gift for Kenworth’s. Paparazzi cameras flashed, Kim stood and waved as if she’d won Miss America, and exited the building. Keira saw the back of Sawyer and her bodyguard exiting through the side screen with Tayton.

  With Tayton? Well, wasn’t that chummy.

  Keira fought between elation about the chandelier— thank goodness it had worked— and frustration with Tayton. But why? He was likely making sure Sawyer got out safe and secure, right? That was his way. Okay then.

  Keira focused on the exciting news and remaining narrative but found a convenient time to slip away. Shennedy had it in good hands and would encourage everyone to return to the dance. The main prize was won, and with much-needed relief, so the rest was wrap up.

  However, still no Tayton.

  Walking back through the crowd, trying not to look for him in every nook, she found herself at the Hope Tree. It was gloriously empty and peaceful. With the background sound of the 1940 and 50s Christmas dance music, she made her way to the far side of the tree that was mostly hidden from view. Here the Santa chair had been moved back when out of use. Sitting on the arm of the red velvet wingback, Keira stared up at the massive tree, twinkling in the low light, and considered all that had h
appened in the past few weeks.

  She closed her eyes as memories flashed through her mind, every one of them involving Tayton. Their first meeting with Cecilia. Planning lunches at Chips. Delivering gifts to the trailer park. Putting on the Big Barn Boutique. Sitting together at church. Restoring the soda fountain. Finding the chandelier. Snowed in at the cabin.

  A warmth spread through her body. How was it possible for one person, one man, to weave himself into her daily life in such a short time? But that was due to work, and work it needed to remain. She was professional and so was he. And he wasn’t staying, so that was that.

  “I knew I’d find you here.” That low knee-buckling voice. She was already in trouble. He stood next to her, too close. The Tommy Hilfiger mixed with man smell enveloped her. “I didn’t see you… are you doing okay, do you need anything?”

  Keira put on a cheery smile, trying to appreciate his kindness and forget how effortlessly gorgeous Sawyer had looked. “Thanks for asking, I’m doing great, really. I didn’t see you either— I mean, to celebrate the incredible success of the evening. Can you believe the closing bid on the piece?”

  He gazed down at her. “Another miracle. When I saw Kim enter the room after Sawyer, I had no idea what would happen. What an amazing night. Another 55K in the hopper for Kenworth’s, and a huge stress relief for all of us.”

  Keira nodded, taking in the tree lights and a deep breath. “Finally, I feel like we can let down for two minutes. It’s been breakneck speed, that’s for sure.” Truly, she did feel a lessening of the Kenworth’s burden, thanks to everyone’s help, especially Tayton’s. If it wasn’t for him, Sawyer wouldn’t have come.

  Sawyer.

  Now that she could be still, thoughts that had kept their proper place vied for attention. Should she broach the subject that gnawed at her? “Thanks for all you did to make that auction happen. I’m sure it could have been…uncomfortable with Sawyer. But you were professional from start to finish.” She spoke carefully, not wanting to appear nosy but needing to know about female competition, and if there was any. “Did Sawyer have a good time? Did she say anything about the chandelier?”

  Tayton looked over the tree. “Not to me. I only made sure she avoided a mob. Which she did.” He glanced at her. “Nothing more.”

  The relief had to show in her face and she quickly looked back at the tree too. “I thought you might make sure she got home okay.” Keira swallowed. Had that sounded too personal?

  Tayton stared ahead. “The limo driver does that. I’m only interested in seeing one certain person get home safely tonight.”

  What did he mean? Was that her? Keira knew in her soul she was being utterly and completely ridiculous. Was it the season, so much so fast with events and promotions? Or that she had two minutes to truly consider the possibility of a relationship? Or was it simply the nearness of this too-good-to-be-true but here-in-the-flesh man?

  Who knew. Part of her wanted to throw her arms around him right there and let him know all she felt for him but hesitated to say. Competing with that desire was a nagging, rational thought about two different cities and lives. But an overriding thought shushed the first with, we can work that out, we can find a solution.

  Ack.

  Tayton’s phone rang and he looked at it, furrowed his brow and threw a glance at Keira. As if making a decision, he forwarded it.

  Whoever it was, he was clearly choosing her. The joy of it rose within her. And then the reality of how she had been with him today— distant, ridiculous, and jealous. What in the world was with her lately?

  “Tayton, I’m sorry for how I’ve been today.” Her relief had turned to genuine penitence. “A great deal has happened, in such a short time. And you’ve been… pivotal to all of it. Kenworth’s owes you so much.” She hazarded a look at him. “I owe you so much.”

  “You owe me nothing, Keira.” His voice was low and tender. “I’ve enjoyed every single minute.”

  “Every minute?” She tried to be light, but her voice shook. His arm barely grazed hers but a palpable electrical current grew and sparked between them.

  “Every. Single. One.” He gazed at her without flinching.

  Deep emotions threatened to rise. She held them back but her lips trembled a tell-tale sign. “I’m sorry, guess I’m a little emotional… with all that’s happened. It’s— I can’t explain.”

  “Can’t you?” He said it quietly then gently trailed his fingers along her hand. A shiver traveled her arm and shoulder. She glanced at his soulful brown eyes and they drew her in. He rested his fingers on hers. “I’ll tell you what I can’t explain. How since last Sunday night, I haven’t been able to focus right.” He brought her fingers to his lips and softly kissed them. Keira blinked, trying to manage the sensations pulsing through her. “How I thought I was content, living the downtown New York life, the executive dream. Chasing a promotion as my next big thing. Having no idea,” he laughed short, “no idea how empty my life has been.”

  He pulled her closer to him, weaving his other fingers through her other hand, bringing both now to his chest. Keira fought to keep her breathing even but could feel it rising and falling. His lips, inches away. His cologne, his presence, his broad shoulders, and gentleman ways…

  What was happening? Did she want this to happen?

  Oh. Yes.

  Think Rational.

  No. Way.

  The faint sounds of the 50s love song “Chances Are” could be heard from the dance area. Sweet aromas of pine needles and chocolate surrounded them. The soft twinkling lights framed his dark hair and eyes, the firm line of his jaw, the intensity of his gaze. “Keira. What have you done to me, to my life?”

  His voice was low and rumbling, pulling her in, calling her his own. “This time together, you and me. This store, this town. Every day this journey, you and I, creating and solving and sharing. Your life and spark and…you. Wonderful, lovely you.” One hand reached up and brushed a tendril back behind her ear, lingering longer. And longer.

  He hesitated. Keira guessed the fight within him.

  “Keira.” His voice was even lower. Keira’s legs began to shake. “I don’t know what this means. But I know what I feel, have felt since I met you. I don’t have answers for us but I want to find them. With you.”

  “Tayton—” Her voice sounded like someone else, breathless and encouraging.

  His eyes widened. “Are you sure—”

  She reached one of her hands up to his neck, tenderly touching his face in answer. Immediately, he tilted his head to hers, gently kissing her soft lips, almost as a request, a seeking to know he was received. At first, Keira soaked in the sensation— gentle, tender, and magnificent. Her body’s senses seemed to wake from a long, long sleep. Popcorn sensations began all over her skin. The tenderness gained more energy and Tayton’s reserve ebbed, freeing his pent-up feelings for her. Unabashedly, she leaned into him, releasing feelings she had so carefully held back. His hand slid up her neck and into her hair, his other hand pulling her to him. Fervently, they alternated between asking and receiving.

  At last he pulled away, resting his forehead on hers, his unsteady breathing matching her own. “It’s not professional and I know I should be sorry. But I’m so not.”

  She laughed softly, catching her breath. “Me neither.”

  With small tender kisses he slowly enveloped her, down her jaw line, and finally on her soft lips again. Deep emotions tumbled and collided between them, and he pulled back once more. “Man, oh man. Just a minute.”

  He held her close and stroked her hair, kissing the top of her head until his breathing evened out.

  “Hey, what’s going on there?” Burt the security guard peeked around the corner. “Oh, Miss Keira… I’m so… I’m ever so sorry. Thought it was one of them young kids. Not that you’re not. It’s, well… you know what I mean.”

  Tayton and Keira had stopped to look at Carl but Tayton hadn’t let go. “I’m making sure she’s not carrying a concealed weapon
.”

  He patted his nightstick with a smile and chuckled. “Carry on, then.”

  Tayton turned back to her with a grin. “By all means.”

  Keira tried and failed to say so much of what was in her heart. But there would be time for that tomorrow. For now, she gave into the sweet freedom of being wanted and wanting.

  THE BRIGHT MORNING SUN PEEKED into Keira’s bedroom window warming her face. With a blink, she awoke, then remembered the night before. Tayton’s declaration, his kisses. Ooh. She burrowed into the covers feeling the shivery tingles all over again.

  Ridiculously giddy, that’s how she felt, and completely unapologetic. Not only would she not be demure about her excitement to see him this morning, she would let him know it in no uncertain terms. Something she had failed to do last night, at least verbally. And strangely so. Never had she been at such a loss for words, or had actions so perfectly spoken them.

  Looking over at the clock, she frowned: 7 AM. Was it too early to call, text, breathlessly whisper sweet nothings? Last night felt like a dream. Literally. Still high on Tayton, she had wandered in and out of sleep and wakefulness.

  Hmm. Eight wasn’t too anxious was it? Last night had changed everything, although she wasn’t exactly sure how. Life possibilities suddenly exploded open for her…for him…for them. Was this too strong too soon? Keira frowned. This was so unlike her. How was it possible so many layers of change could trigger for her in a single action, like a kiss?

  And yet, it hadn’t been a single action. It had been every day actions— asking for an opinion and using it, helping to nail a floor, finding an auction item, delivering a gift. Every bit of it felt like heartfelt memories on the Christmas Tree, filling between the branches and making it hers.

  She hugged her pillow. Maybe she could text at 7:30?

  A knock sounded on her front door. Could he have come this early? Was he as anxious as she? Keira jumped of out bed with a quick look in the mirror. Agh. She wrapped her tousled hair in a quick updo. The jersey and yoga pants…oh well. Grabbing a mint from the side dresser she hurried to open the door.