Mistletoe Magic

by Fern Michaels

  “Stop!” Hannah shouted, then lowered her voice to a normal volume. “Sorry. Your seat belt. You forgot to fasten your seat belt.”

  He looked down. “Habit. I hate the things.” He put the Hummer in PARK, then fastened his seat belt.

  “Yes, but they’re a lifesaver.”

  “You’re right. Now let’s get this clunker on the road,” Liam said, turning to her. He gave her the sexiest smile, and her heart flip-flopped.

  She was in deep trouble for sure.

  “So it says here,” he glanced at the sheet of paper he’d found on the dash, “that I’m to drop you off first at Forest Hills. That’s the name of the condos where you’ll be staying,” he explained.

  She wanted to say “duh” but kept it to herself. She’d already acted like a jerk more times than she cared to remember. As soon as she was settled in, she was going to call Camden and tell her about this . . . setup, if that’s what it was. She was becoming more suspicious by the minute.

  Liam was a good driver, even on the slick and winding road that led to Maximum Glide. There were piles of snow on both sides of the road, and Hannah was reminded of Florida and how easy it was to jump in her car and drive anywhere without worrying about icy roads and bad weather. Yes, they had hurricanes, and yes, it rained a lot in the summer months, but rarely was she in a situation where she couldn’t just jump in her little red Thunderbird and go. Now, Liam was driving very slowly, never taking his eyes off the road. She didn’t want to distract him, so she glanced out the window at the scenery.

  The small town was decorated with strings of bright, colorful lights. Pines of all kinds were draped with giant red bows. Even the traffic lights were decorated. Giant plastic Santas in sleighs with reindeer appeared as though they were about to take flight from the rooftop of a restaurant named Snow Bunnies. Hannah couldn’t help but grin as she saw yet another business decorated in shiny red and green lights that blinked “Merry Christmas!” Telluride was definitely caught up in the spirit of the season.

  “Well, what do you know? Max’s directions are right on the money. Looks like we’ve arrived at your destination, Ms. Ray.”

  Forest Hills.

  “I’m to see you to the front desk and nothing more, as per Max’s instructions,” Liam said as he pulled the yellow Hummer up to the guest-entrance parking area. “No questions asked.”

  Hannah opened the passenger door. “And I suppose this is as per Max’s instructions, too?”

  “You got it,” Liam replied.

  Chapter 8

  Liam found the turnoff to Gracie’s Way without any trouble. The directions were quite clear, but frankly, he wasn’t so sure he wanted to be this high on the mountain, even if this cabin was Maximum Glide’s top vacation rental.

  The inside lights were on just as Max said they would be, plus the entire outside of the cabin had been decorated with thousands of colorful lights. Giant pine wreaths with red ribbons tied around them were in every window.

  Liam hit the garage control Max had left in the car and pulled the Hummer inside. He shut off the engine, then clicked the key fob to open the Hummer’s hatch. He grabbed his luggage and the ridiculously large package and entered the cabin through the door leading to the kitchen.

  He was pretty impressed when he stepped inside. The kitchen was enormous, with a giant range, two ovens, and more counter space than anyone could ever use. Liam set about exploring his new temporary digs. A Sub-Zero refrigerator was stocked with enough food for an army. Liam took out a can of Coke and guzzled it as he scoped out the kitchen. A table and chairs made of real logs seated twelve. Red and green rugs were scattered over the honey-colored wood floors. A great room off the kitchen boasted a giant fireplace across an entire wall. A fire had been started, and the smell of pine and something sweet filled the giant room. “Max doesn’t do anything by halves,” he said to himself as he wandered through the rooms. He followed the staircase that led upstairs to two bedrooms plus a loft. He located the master suite at the end of the hall.

  Centered in the room was a giant king-size bed made of the same honey-colored logs as the walls. The bathroom had a huge, glassed-in shower. A giant Jacuzzi tub stood smack-dab in the center of the bathroom. “Good old Max,” he said. Heated towels and plush bath sheets were strategically placed, and pleasantly scented soaps were on the long, dark green marble countertop. Two mirrors, their frames made out of branches, made him laugh out loud. “Talk about bringing the outdoors inside. Leave it to Max. He’s really into this.”

  Satisfied that he’d be living more than comfortably for the next couple of weeks, Liam went to the kitchen to retrieve his luggage. He was about to take advantage of that Jacuzzi.

  * * *

  A bellman escorted Hannah to her condo. He insisted, telling her she was listed as a top-priority client by the owner, and duty required that he obey his instructions. More Max, she wanted to say, but didn’t want to get the guy into any unnecessary trouble. He unlocked the door for her, then stepped aside, allowing her to enter first.

  When she saw the view, it almost took her breath away. “Oh, wow,” she said. “This is glorious.”

  “It’s pure heaven, isn’t it?” the bellman concurred.

  For a few seconds, she’d forgotten she wasn’t by herself in the room. “It is,” she said, then handed him a twenty-dollar bill. She hoped that was enough. Her social skills were a bit rusty.

  “Thank you, ma’am. If there is anything you need, my name is William. Here is my number.” He handed her a card. What was this? Her personal escort/bellman?

  “Thanks, but I think I have everything I need, at least for now.”

  “Shall I draw a bath for you before dinner?” he asked.

  Hannah felt like an eighteenth-century heroine in a romance novel. What the heck. “I would like that very much, thank you, William.” She’d play along with this. It wasn’t like she had a man—or anyone else, for that matter—to draw her a bath at home. Well, come to think of it, she took showers at home, so there really wasn’t any need.

  “Indeed, ma’am. How shall I select the temperature?” He stood ramrod stiff next to the wall-to-wall windows that allowed a full view of the majestic mountainside. It truly was breathtaking. Of course, she could say this now because it was warm inside, and a fire was burning in the real-wood fireplace. The scent of something sweet lingered in the air. This was not a bad scene for snow and cold. As long as she stayed inside, she’d be fine. All she had to do was find Max’s thief, aka hacker, then she could go home. For now, she’d make the best of it.

  “Very hot, William,” she said. “I’ll just take a look around while you tend to my bath.” She laughed. If Camden heard her now, she’d crack up. If her employees heard her now, they would bust a gut.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said before heading down a long hallway to what she assumed was the bathroom.

  The entire wall of the living area was glass, which was the big wow factor. Across from the window was a floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace. Plush sofas in soft beiges faced one another. Several tables were scattered throughout with books and magazines. Brightly colored pillows were placed invitingly throughout the area, just begging for one to curl up with a good book or simply enjoy the view of the mountains. She found the kitchen to be just as perfect, with a small dining-room table for six, stainless-steel appliances, and a black-bear theme throughout: bear canisters, salt-and-pepper shakers, a paper-towel holder, plus place mats and matching curtains. Hannah liked the idea of the bears as long as they were just a decoration. Anything more . . . well, she wasn’t sure how she’d react if she were to encounter a real live bear.

  The condo, at least as much as she’d seen so far, was eminently, completely suitable for her. As soon as William left, she planned to soak in the tub and call Camden. She wanted to check on Leanne, and to tell her about Liam McConnell.

  William chose that moment to appear. “If you need anything else, please call the number on the card and I will see to your
every need.”

  “Thanks, William, I’m good for now,” Hannah said, hoping he was finished. She wanted that bath and a strong cup of coffee. She wondered if she asked William for a cup of coffee, exactly how many seconds it would be before a steaming mug was in her hand. That was something she didn’t care to find out at the moment. Or any time soon, for that matter. No use getting spoiled rotten when she would be leaving sooner rather than later.

  “Then I’ll be waiting for you at eight o’clock promptly.”

  She must have had a strange look come over her face because William looked quite shocked at whatever her expression was. “Mr. Jorgenson has arranged for you to join him for dinner tonight at Eagles Nest.”

  And here we go again, she thought. More Max. “I wasn’t told, but if it’s on the agenda, then I’ll be ready at eight.” And not a moment sooner, she wanted to add. It was just after five. That gave her three hours to relax in the tub, talk to Camden, and prepare a list of questions for Mr. Max Jorgenson. And make herself presentable, just in case Liam was invited to this dinner, too. Something told her that he would most certainly be there as well.

  “Then I’ll see you at eight o’clock,” William said before nodding and quietly leaving the room.

  She wanted to run behind him and lock the door, not because she felt unsafe but because she feared he would return and offer some other service.

  “This is the life,” she said out loud. “No, it’s not. I have the perfect life in Naples; close to perfect, anyway. I come and go as I please, I have a very successful business, I love my work, I love my friends. And if I wanted to live like this, I could. I certainly have much more than enough to support this sort of lifestyle.

  “Yes, Hannah, you are talking to yourself. Now go make the coffee.”

  She rummaged through the cupboards, finding them fully stocked. “Did I expect anything less?” she asked herself as she found a bag of Elevation Coffee. “Never heard of it,” she said, then read the label: Join the mile-high club.

  “Okay, let’s see if this merits joining the mile-high club.”

  Hannah made fast work of preparing the coffee. While she waited for it to brew, she found her cell phone in her bag and turned it on. She had a few voice mails, but nothing urgent. She punched in Camden’s cell-phone number. Her friend answered on the first ring.

  “I was starting to worry. You said you’d call when you landed in Denver and, according to my schedule, you’re about three hours and four minutes behind. What gives?”

  Camden was the most organized person on the planet. Hannah loved those skills in their professional relationship, but as her friend, she wasn’t so sure she cared for them. But she had promised to call. She’d been sidetracked. Big-time.

  “I’m in a condo in Telluride. I have a manservant, and Liam McConnell flew me here in his private jet,” Hannah explained as she made her way back to the kitchen. She found a dark green mug with black bears on it and filled it to the brim. She took a sip. Good stuff. She might consider joining the mile-high club, at the least the one that served such good coffee.

  “Slow down and start from the beginning. I thought you had a long ride ahead of you. Explain,” Camden said.

  For the next twenty minutes, Hannah told her about meeting Liam, and how Max seemed to have arranged everything so the two of them would be thrown together. “I’m having dinner with Max tonight at eight o’clock. William plans to escort me to dinner.”

  “And you’re wondering if Liam McConnell received the same invitation?”

  “I’m pretty sure he did. I would guess we’re going to discuss whatever it is that Max brought us here for.”

  “Makes sense,” Camden said, but she didn’t sound 100 percent convinced.

  “Is there something you’re not telling me?” Hannah asked. “Because if you’re up to no good, I will find out.”

  “Good grief, Hannah! What would I be up to? I have no clue what’s going on, at least no more than you do. From what you’ve said, it sounds like you’re attracted to Liam, and maybe you’re trying to read more into the situation than what’s really there. It has been awhile since you were in a relationship.”

  “Coming from Miss Hot Lips herself, please!”

  “For your information, and not that’s it any of your business, but I just so happen to have a date tomorrow night with someone,” Camden singsonged.

  “Someone? That could be a bird in your case,” Hannah teased. Camden truly didn’t get the meaning of the word date, at least not in the sense that she was using it now. She used the word as it suited her needs.

  “Well, it’s not. Remember Art Greenfield?”

  Hannah tried to recall the name. “No, I don’t remember him. Should I?”

  “Remember the guy who was caught stealing catalytic converters from the Lincoln dealership in Cape Coral last year?”

  Hannah almost dropped her mug of coffee. “You’re going out with a thief? Please tell me I heard you wrong.”

  “Not him. Art was his assigned counsel. He defended the guy,” Camden explained.

  Hannah gave a sigh of relief. “That’s good news. So, how did this come about?”

  “I was at the grocery store earlier, he was buying lox or something, and we started talking. He invited me over to his family’s house tomorrow evening to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. It starts at sundown.”

  Camden would make sure to bone up on any and all Jewish traditions before her date, of that Hannah was certain. Which was good. Camden needed a little bit of romance in her life, too. They both did. They worked too hard and too much. And neither was getting any younger. They’d discussed having families, and both wanted children and all the traditional things that went along with raising them. Camden was also an only child.

  “Good. I’m happy. I wouldn’t want you spending the holiday alone.”

  “Oh, stop it! You don’t give a hoot about holidays. Never have. Unless Liam has suddenly changed your mind,” Camden retorted.

  “No, he has not. And I’ve never said I didn’t like the holidays, I just think it’s silly to . . . it’s okay when you’re a kid.”

  “Sure, whatever you say, Ms. Scrooge,” Camden teased.

  Odd, since Hannah had referred to herself as Ms. Scrooge just a few hours ago. “Listen, I need to ask about Leanne, then I have to go. Did you see her at the hospital today? Was that brute of a husband skulking around?”

  “Leanne is okay. She’s still in a lot of pain, and no, that bastard was nowhere to be found. I think I’ve finally convinced her to take out an order of protection against him, but she’s really afraid of him and his family. I feel so bad for her.”

  “Keep trying to convince her, Camden. Do whatever it takes. Get ugly if you have to. It just might save her life.”

  “I can do ugly. I’ll stop by first thing in the morning to check on her.”

  “Thanks. Keep me posted.”

  “I will. And let me know how dinner goes with Liam tonight,” Camden added, then said good-bye before Hannah could respond.

  She poured another mug of coffee and headed for the master suite.

  A giant tub was filled with steamy, scented water. An array of bath products had been placed in a basket next to the tub. “Perfect,” she said before stripping down and sliding into the warm water.

  “Decadent, if I do say so myself. Colorado might be cold, but right now I’m loving it,” Hannah said as she succumbed to the amenities.

  Chapter 9

  The ride up the mountain to Eagles Nest was quite unique to the area, Hannah learned. She and William traveled in an enclosed snow coach, which he explained to her was an MPV, a multiple-passenger-vehicle type of sleigh with skis. They were pulled by a small, tractorlike contraption, and Hannah was delighted when she learned that the snow coach had heat. What she didn’t know, and William had neglected to tell her, was that Eagles Nest was one of the highest fine-dining restaurants in North America, at almost twelve thousand feet. She’d never been
so high on a mountain in her life and wasn’t sure if she was a wee bit frightened or just a little bit excited at the thought that she might see Liam at dinner.

  Inside, she was greeted by a young man dressed in an elegant black suit, though he wore a Stetson on his head, which kind of ruined the image for her. But she remembered what part of the country she was in and knew this was accepted as normal. She tried not to laugh.

  The restaurant itself was beautifully decorated for the holiday. Several giant spruce trees were placed throughout the rooms, all decorated with bright-colored lights and western ornaments that blended perfectly with the western decor. Hand-hewn beams and what appeared to be furniture made from wine barrels gave the place a rustic ambience. Eagles Nest was inviting, to say the least. Several wood-burning fireplaces throughout made it comfortably warm, and the stone floors and exposed wood beams added to the frontier flavor. Sheepskin throws were tossed casually over the backs of sofas and chairs. Hannah found herself wanting to curl up and get comfy, but maybe another time. Tonight’s dinner was all about business. She’d dressed with that and warmth in mind.

  She wore her black tights and boots with a dark green wool skirt and matching sweater. Her burgundy coat, along with a matching scarf and gloves, completed her ensemble. She’d need a warmer coat if she lived here, but this would do since she only planned on running in and out of the cold; she certainly had no plans to frolic in the snow. Though she had to admit, it might be fun. It was the cold she didn’t like. If only you could have snow without the cold.

  The dressed-up cowboy, as she thought of him, led her to a small room that overlooked the mountain. A table for six was set, yet there was no sign of Max or anyone else. The cowboy must’ve seen her look of surprise. “They’re outside at the wine bar. Would you care to join them?”

  An outdoor wine bar? In these temperatures? Of course she wanted to join them.