Christmas Break With the Billionaire

by Nomi Summers

  It was a fair question, and one he hadn’t considered at the time. All he knew was the way he had felt with her last night.

  “Believe it or not, I’m not that kind of guy either. And last night, playing board games with you and talking, learning about your life—that was the most fun I’ve had in a very long time.”

  She frowned. “Somehow, I find that hard to believe.”

  “Why’s that?” He felt himself growing defensive and willed himself to stay calm.

  “Because aren’t you some multimillionaire? I’m sure you have women falling at your feet. You probably have more dates and weekend flings than you know what to do with.”

  “That’s what you think of me?” he dropped his arms from her waist and took a step back, her words punching him in the gut. By now he should be used to it, but it didn’t make hearing those assumptions any easier. People always judged him because he had money. This was exactly why he’d wished Shane hadn’t outed him about it yesterday.

  “Well, am I wrong?” she asked with a chuckle, as if she wouldn’t believe him no matter what he said.

  Luke could hear the song was about to come to an end, so he had to get his final words out quickly because he may not get another chance. But by now, he was hurt and frustrated and questioning if she was really who he’d thought she was after such a judgmental comment.

  “Think that of me if you want, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is, I haven’t felt a connection with a woman the way I felt with you last night in a long time. Or even ever. I wanted to kiss you because I like you, and I thought you were feeling it, too. Now I know I was wrong.”

  The song ended as he got out his last word. The DJ quickly transitioned to a dance tune, and the dance floor began to fill around them. This time, it was Luke who wouldn’t look her in the eyes.

  He turned and headed for the doors at the back of the room. Leaving Jordyn alone to contemplate his words on the dance floor.

  Jordyn tried to swallow, but the lump in her throat made it difficult. Had he really been into her? Was he telling the truth? If so, she shouldn’t have been so cold to him. Perhaps she should let down her guard with him. But what if he really was just a player and this was all part of his plan? How could she know?

  All she was sure of was that she’d wanted that kiss as badly as he’d said he did. And she’d felt the connection he’d claimed to feel, too. She just wished there was some way to know who he really was, because she didn’t want to have her heart broken again this Christmas like she had last year.

  Unable to deny the pit in her stomach, she decided to call it a night. Shane and Avery had been so wrapped up in the wedding events, they probably wouldn’t notice if she slipped out. She grabbed her clutch and headed to her room to take a long, hot bath.

  Making her way into the lobby, she noticed Luke stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling windows, hands shoved into his pockets, staring outside. She had an idea—one that would tell her all she needed to know about him. She would wear her heart on her sleeve, and his response would tell all.

  She walked up beside him and faced the window, mirroring his stance.

  “Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve,” she said, startling him with her presence. She seemed to have pulled him from deep thought. “Have any plans? Spending the day with your laptop perhaps, or is it your cell phone’s turn tomorrow?” she joked as she shot him a grin, attempting to lighten the awkwardness between them.

  He pulled his hands from his pockets and held them up, showing her they were empty. “Nah, I decided to break it off with both of them.”

  “How are they taking it?”

  “I wouldn’t know. They are powered off down in the cabin.”

  Something about his admission made the wall around her heart begin to crumble just a little. “Seriously, though. What are your plans for tomorrow?” She turned to face him.

  “I don’t have any. I figured I’d hang around here, maybe have some of that hot chocolate this place is known for.” Now it was his turn to shoot her a playful grin.

  “Well, I’ll be heading into town to my dad’s to make Christmas Eve dinner. It’ll just be the two of us this year. You’re welcome to join us. I mean, nobody should be alone on Christmas Eve.”

  She held her breath and awaited his response as he went silent. Heat flushed to her cheeks. Why had she thought he’d want to come with her to her? They’d just met after all. She opened her mouth to retract her invitation.

  “I’d love that,” he said, turning to her.

  Had she really heard correctly? “All right, then. Be ready by noon. I’ll meet you here in the lobby.”

  “It’s a date,” he winked and flashed her a smile that made her knees threaten to give out once and for all.

  “Good night,” she said and started toward the elevators.

  “Jordyn,” he called out after her.

  “Yeah?” She turned to face him.

  “Thank you.”

  It was her turn to offer him a wink before turning to walk away.

  Had he really just accepted her invitation to spend Christmas Eve with her? Her heart sped up at the thought of it. A giddiness ran through her as she smiled to herself and waited for the elevator.

  Tomorrow would tell her all she needed to know about Luke Bradford.

  Chapter 8

  Luke made it to the lobby before noon so he could get them each a hot chocolate. He hoped the gesture would make her laugh because when she smiled, her presence lit up the room.

  “I think I owe you this,” he said, handing her the cup as he took a sip of his with a grin.

  “Well, good thing I’m wearing brown today.” She took it from him and cupped it with both hands before taking a sip. “Thank you.”

  He took a moment to admire Jordyn in her brown cowl-neck sweater and matching boots, paired casually with blue jeans. He hadn’t been sure how to dress to meet her father and had decided on jeans and a nice sweater himself, so he was relieved to see that he'd made the right choice.

  “Who’s driving?” she asked as she set her cup down on a side table to put on her coat.

  “I’ll drive. I don’t want to end up in any more ditches,” he teased.

  “Hey, that wasn’t my fault.” She swatted at his arm playfully.

  “I know, but the roads look clear out there so I don’t mind escorting you around Arbor Shores today. You’ll just have to tell me where to go.” He pulled on his leather gloves. “Ready?”

  She nodded and he placed his hand on the small of her back to lead her out front where the Porsche was parked, opening her passenger door for her and helping her inside.

  “This is the car you rented? Not very practical for Northern Michigan in the winter.” She wore a puzzled look. The heat of humiliation crept up his neck. This is the first time he’d ever felt foolish for having a nice car. Jordyn sure wasn’t like the women he was used to, and it was a refreshing change.

  “My assistant rented it. I don’t think she’s ever been to Michigan either. Next time, I’ll rent something with four-wheel drive.”

  “Next time?” She looked over with an arched brow. “Plan on returning?”

  “I could be persuaded.” He shot her a grin and powered up the engine.

  The resort sat a mile north of town, up the lake coast. As they grew closer to downtown Arbor Shores, the town’s decor epitomized Christmastime in a small town, or at least what he’d imagined that would look like, having never actually been to a town this small. Green garland adorned with red bows wrapped all the light posts in town. All the businesses had decorations in their windows, and most of the houses in town had a snowman built in the yard, with kids outside playing, and large wreaths hanging on the doors. Luke had never been anywhere so charming.

  As they drove through the small town, Jordyn pointed out all the best places. “That’s Callahan’s Town Store. Literally, the only store in town. Across from it is Ripples Bar and Grille, the place to be in the summer. The deck out ba
ck sits right on the beach and overlooks Lake Michigan.”

  “I bet it’s nice here in the summertime. I’d love to see it,” he said, taking it all in. What he meant was he’d love to see it with her, but he’d leave that admission out for now. He still wasn’t sure if she was into him or just felt bad for him being alone on Christmas Eve.

  In the center of town, a large evergreen stood in the town square. “Each year, they put up that Christmas tree and have a lighting. The entire town comes to witness it and sing Christmas carols. It’s beautiful at night all lit up.” She pointed out the window.

  “Maybe we’ll get to see it later?” he asked, feeling her out once more.

  “Maybe.” She flashed him a bashful smile. “Okay, slow down. It’s the third house on the left.”

  Jordyn’s family home was an old Victorian house right off Main Street. He slowed the car and pulled into the empty driveway only to hear Jordyn gasp from the passenger seat, “What in the ...?”

  Jordyn couldn’t believe her eyes. A For Sale sign?

  How could her dad sell the family home? She’d grown up here. Her parents had lived here her entire life. The house was filled with memories and love. Didn’t that count for anything?

  Luke placed his hand on her knee. “Hey, you okay?” he asked softly.

  She shook her head slowly. “I’m just in shock. He could have told me.”

  “I’m sure he meant to.” Luke offered her a comforting smile, which she needed, because her heart had tightened inside her chest.

  They got out of the car and made their way to the door. Jordyn let out a sigh. No decorations. No wreath on the door. It was nearly unrecognizable from the outside, so she was almost afraid to see it from the inside.

  She turned the knob to open the door, only to find it locked. That was odd. Her dad never locked the door. She rang the doorbell and exchanged a glance with Luke as they waited. This didn’t make sense. She’d called her dad a week ago and told him she’d be in town for the holidays. They’d never made formal plans, but they’d always spent Christmas Eve cooking and watching A Christmas Story on TV. It was their family tradition. Granted, her mom wouldn’t be here this year, but she expected to carry on the same tradition with her father. Perhaps he just went to the store? Still wouldn’t explain why the door was locked.

  She stood on her tiptoes and pulled a key from above the door frame since she didn’t have the code to the lock box dangling on the knob. When she turned the lock and opened the door, there was no sign of her father.

  And no sign of Christmas.

  “Hello,” she called out.

  The silence was deafening. She moved toward the kitchen, Luke in tow. On the counter, sat a note.

  Hey darlin’,

  I didn’t know when you were coming so I tried to call. Went to Janice’s for Christmas Eve. She’s cooking, and you’re welcome to join us. I’d love for you to meet her. Call for directions when you get here.

  ~Dad

  “Who’s Janice?” she said out loud at the same time she let the note fall from her fingers.

  Strong arms wrapped around her as Luke pulled her in for a hug. She buried her face in his chest as he held her, placing his chin on top of her head.

  She fought to stifle the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. She didn’t want to cry in front of Luke. She was a grown woman after all, so why was she being so emotional over her parents splitting up? It was just a bit too much to take. First, her mother booked a cruise. Then, she discovered her dad was selling the family home, and he had a girlfriend named Janice?

  She’d thought last year was as bad as it could get, but maybe she’d been wrong.

  “Do you want to go over there? I’m happy to go with you.”

  “No,” she answered quickly. She didn’t have to think about it. She wasn’t ready to see her father with another woman. “I’ll just send him a text so he knows I’m not coming.”

  Luke’s heart went out to Jordyn. He wanted to tell Jordyn he knew her pain; he wanted to say something to make it all go away but he couldn’t. All he could do was hold her and be there for her.

  After a few long minutes, she slowly pulled back and wiped a strand of hair from her face and looked up at him. “I’m sorry. I guess Christmas Eve isn’t happening this year. I didn’t mean to waste your time.”

  “Waste my time?” He reached out and grabbed her hands and looked deep into her eyes. “Jordyn, no time spent with you is ever wasted.”

  For a brief moment, a smile cracked at her lips. She shrugged. “Thank you, but . . . now what?”

  “Weren’t you just telling me how great this town is? Why don’t you show me?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Let’s go spend the day in town. You can show me around Arbor Shores. We’ll make new Christmas Eve traditions.”

  Jordyn’s face brightened, igniting something inside of Luke that he’d never felt before.

  Could it be, that for once, he was excited about Christmas?

  Chapter 9

  Jordyn and Luke spent the day walking around the downtown business district and window-shopping all the stores. They had peppermint mocha lattes at NovelTea Books and Tea House, which was owned by Jordyn’s friend Emma, also in the wedding party. They had an appetizer at Ripples, to hold them over for dinner, before they tried ice skating in town square. Luke had never been on ice skates before, so that adventure didn’t last long but was filled with loads of laughter. Finally, they ended the day with a nice dinner at La Fresca’s, which Jordyn explained was the new fine dining restaurant in town, and the only restaurant that had stayed open late on Christmas Eve. They’d both enjoyed surf and turf, which Jordyn declared was a new Christmas Eve must-have.

  He seemed to have taken her mind off her family problems and turned the day around, and that felt good. He’d grown close to Jordyn over the course of the day, and although he’d just met her, it felt as if he’d known her for years.

  Sitting in the lounge of La Fresca’s, having an after-dinner drink while they shared a warm apple crostata, the lounge singer began, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Luke was sure he’d felt what he’d describe as Christmas spirit rush through him for the first time in his life. He just hoped Jordyn felt it, too.

  “I had a really nice time with you today,” he told her, the light from the candle on the table between them illuminating the features of her face. Man, was she ever gorgeous. He wondered if she knew just how breathtaking she was. She sure didn’t act like she did. She was the kind of woman who was beautiful but had no idea just how much so. Not like the women he was used to dating back in LA who were obsessed with their appearance and social status.

  “I did as well. Thank you for spending the day with me.” She spooned the last bite of dessert into her mouth.

  “And thank you for showing me around Arbor Shores.” He reached across the small high-top table and lightly squeezed her hand, the warmth of her skin sent a tingling sensation up his arm and through his entire body.

  “So, do you think you’ve been persuaded?” she asked with a grin.

  “Persuaded to do what?”

  “To come back to Arbor Shores.”

  “Only if I come back with you,” he said with a smile, but her smile fell with his words. Had he said something wrong?

  Jordyn took a sip of her drink and looked away, breaking the eye contact they’d held.

  “What’s wrong? Is it something I said?” he asked.

  “No, it’s just that I realized you’ll be leaving tomorrow. I mean, you live in LA, I live in Illinois. Let’s face it; I’ll probably never see you again.”

  “I already told you, I love Chicago. I can see myself spending a lot more time there in the future. And who knows, you might really like LA. Have you ever been?”

  “No.” She shook her head and looked down at the napkin on her lap, smoothing the wrinkles from it.

  “Well, I say it’s time we change that.”

  She l
ooked up with seriousness on her face. “Luke, I just don’t know if I’m up for the long-distance thing, you know?”

  His chest tightened. If he didn’t know better, he’d think he was falling for this girl, but she was ready to put their day behind them and not even give any chance of a real relationship a try?

  “Well, I can’t tell what the future holds for us, but I know I’d like to give it a shot. I’m not willing to throw away the connection we have over geography. You know, I can do my work from anywhere with an internet connection.” He winked at her.

  “And we all know the internet connection is important.” She smiled.

  “About leaving tomorrow. I’ve decided to stick around another day.”

  “You have? What about work? What about the app?”

  “Tomorrow’s Christmas. The deal will have to wait. Besides, I’m declining the buyout and countering their offer.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You made me realize money isn’t everything. I already have plenty of that. No need to sell the rights to my creation. I’ve decided to offer a licensing deal instead. This way, it’s a win-win for all.”

  She smiled and sat up in her chair. “You ready?” she asked.

  Luke paid the bill and called over the maître d’ while Jordyn was in the restroom. La Fresca’s was a few blocks out of downtown, and Luke had an idea. He’d eyed the horse and carriage offering rides through town all day, and now that the sun had set and the town was lit up in Christmas lights, the timing couldn’t be any more perfect.

  Jordyn pulled on her coat with the assistance of Luke. What a gentleman he’d turned out to be. She sure wouldn’t have guessed it from their first run-in in the lobby.

  “After you,” he told her, and held the door open for her to make her way into the chilly winter night. As she stepped outside of La Fresca’s, a horse and carriage awaited in the street. “Ready?”