Yours for Christmas

by Susan Mallery

  Right on time she heard steps on the stairs, then a knock at her door. She opened it to find Kenny standing there, looking way too good to be legal.

  He had on a long camel-colored coat and a dark suit. He looked as if he’d showered and shaved. He smiled at her and stepped into her apartment.

  “You look great,” he said by way of greeting.

  “You, too.” She frowned as she noticed there were melting white flakes on his shoulders. “Is it snowing?”

  He grinned. “Just started. Don’t worry. I have all-wheel drive.”

  Because they were heading up the mountain. What if they got snowed in?

  She allowed herself exactly four seconds to imagine herself and Kenny in a hotel room, with a fireplace and a very big bed. Then she gathered her “I’m a mother and I have to be sensible” thoughts and ignored the tempting, naughty ones.

  The light snowfall became steadier as they headed for the restaurant. Near the resort, they passed a plow already doing its thing. So much for being snowed in, she thought with only a little regret.

  The Gold Rush Ski Lodge and Resort had been decorated for the holidays. The bright lights were visible from the road. Kenny turned onto the property, then followed the signs to the valet.

  The Christmas cheer continued inside the main building. There were several trees set up in the lobby, with garland around all the doorways. Carols played from hidden speakers and several of the staff sported festive Santa hats.

  “It’s this way,” Kenny said, pointing to a long hallway.

  She started in that direction. He put his hand on the small of her back. Even through her coat she felt the warmth and strength of his hand.

  He was just being a gentleman, she told herself. She shouldn’t read anything into his actions.

  Only a few more weeks, she reminded herself. She would see Kenny regularly through the toy drive and then he would be gone from her life. She would allow herself to be hopeful and even wistful through the holidays, right up until the New Year. Then she would return to her happy, busy, sensible self.

  Henri’s was a five-star restaurant. Bailey wasn’t sure what, exactly, that meant, beyond the food being good. And probably expensive. She’s never eaten there before. In fact, she hadn’t spent any time up at the resort, except when she’d helped Dellina with a Score party there over the summer.

  She had to admit the quiet elegance was very nice. A hostess took their coats, then showed them back to their table. Jack and Larissa and Sam and Dellina were standing next to it, talking.

  The four of them turned and greeted her and Kenny. Jack and Sam surprised her by kissing her on the cheek. Her friends hugged her. They were all seated and a server appeared with a bottle of champagne and six glasses.

  “There’s a lot to celebrate,” Jack said, his gaze locked firmly on Larissa, his fiancée.

  “I’ll second that,” Sam added.

  They toasted the holiday season. Bailey sipped her bubbly drink and tried not to stare at the bottle of Dom Pérignon—a champagne she’d only ever read about in books or seen in movies.

  Kenny leaned close. “You eat red meat, don’t you?”

  “Of course.”

  “How do you like your steak?”

  “Medium rare.”

  He grinned. “You get more amazing every time I’m with you. Want to split the chateaubriand for two?”

  She’d seen it on the menu. It was a holiday special and cost more than her electric and cable bills combined.

  “I’ve never had it before. I’m sure it will be great. Thank you.”

  “You’re going to love it,” he promised.

  They sipped champagne and talked about what was happening around town. Dellina was busy with several holiday parties.

  “January second, we’re out of here,” Sam said, taking his wife’s hand in his and kissing her knuckles.

  Bailey knew they were heading off to Australia and New Zealand for a three-week belated honeymoon.

  “I’ll be back in time to finalize everything for your wedding,” Dellina told Larissa.

  Larissa, a pretty blonde with an easy smile, shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. I have the dress and we’re all set for the venue.”

  Kenny nodded approvingly. “You’re smart,” he told Jack. “No way you’ll forget your anniversary.”

  Because Jack and Larissa were getting married on Valentine’s Day. It fell on a Saturday next February.

  “Chloe’s excited,” Bailey said. “She’s never been a flower girl before. She loves her dress.”

  The event was going to be an evening affair, here at the resort. Jack had already arranged for rooms for the entire wedding party, including Bailey and Chloe. Bailey was determined that she would be over Kenny by then. Maybe she would even be dating someone.

  Although right now, that seemed impossible to imagine. Who could be nicer or sweeter or more fun to be with? Oh, those first few Kenny-diet days were going to be ugly, she thought. But not something she had to worry about now.

  The server reappeared and they placed their orders. Jack talked about his new job at Cal U Fool’s Gold and Kenny mentioned a few clients. Talk turned to holiday happenings in town.

  “We’re doing incredibly well on the toy drive,” Bailey said. “We’re going to fill up our trailer for sure.”

  “Let me know if you need anything extra,” Sam said.

  “Me, too,” Jack told her. “Take advantage of us.”

  “He means financially,” Kenny said, glaring at his friend.

  “I knew that,” Bailey told him. “I will be in touch if we fall short on anything.”

  Their salads and soups appeared. Bailey had chosen the crab bisque. It came in a beautiful gold-rimmed bowl. There was a little tower of crab in the middle of an empty bowl. The server set it in front of her, then poured steaming bisque into the plate, followed by a drizzle of truffle oil. The combination of smells made her stomach rumble.

  Conversation continued. Dellina asked about Bailey’s house and she admitted to being nervous about all the work she had to do between closing and moving. Sam entertained them with stories about his bawdy parents and how they were pressuring him to get Dellina pregnant.

  Partway through the meal, Kenny draped his arm across the back of Bailey’s chair. She felt enveloped by his warmth and wanted to lean in. But when his fingertips lightly rested on her shoulder, she allowed herself to pretend, if just for that minute, that they were a couple.

  * * *

  “WHY DO WOMEN go to the bathroom in packs?” Kenny asked as they drove back to town. It was after eleven and the temperature was in the low twenties. But the snow had stopped and the road was plowed.

  Bailey laughed. “I don’t know. It’s just a thing we do. I guess we want to talk without you guys around.”

  “I figured. While the three of you were off doing your thing, Jack, Sam and I had our own conversation. What are you doing about the move?”

  “I have the name of a company I was going to use. Why?”

  “We’ll take care of it. You don’t have a lot of stuff. I’ll rent a truck for the morning of the ninth. You’ll only need to pack up the breakables. We’ll take care of the rest of it.”

  She stared at him. “I can’t let you do that.”

  “Technically I don’t think you could stop me. I’m bigger than you.” He reached across the console and squeezed her hand. “You have plenty going on, Bailey. Think of it as a holiday surprise.”

  The unexpected gesture floored her. If she didn’t have to pay for movers, that would mean an extra four or five hundred dollars in her pocket.

  “Thank you,” she murmured. “I really appreciate the help.”

  “It’s what friends do.” He withdrew his hand.

  They drove through town and parked in front of her building.

  “You don’t have to walk me up,” she told him.

  “No way. I was raised to walk a lady to her door.”

  He came around the
side of his SUV and helped her out, then followed her up to the front door. Bailey braced herself for what was going to be an awkward moment. Because they weren’t on a date. There wouldn’t be any kissing. So what was she supposed to do? Shake his hand?

  They reached the door and she got out her key. For a second she thought about offering coffee. Only it was late and he might think she was hoping for more than coffee, which she was, but it was probably for the best if that information wasn’t confirmed.

  “Thank you for tonight,” she said when she’d opened the door. “For the dinner and the offer to move our stuff.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She stared into his face. He was a good-looking guy, but that was the least of it, she thought with a little sigh. His actions were turning out to be even more impressive.

  “Good night,” he said and started to turn away.

  “’Night.”

  But before she could step into her apartment, he spun back, put his hands on her shoulders, bent down and kissed her.

  The soft, warm contact of his mouth on hers caught her by surprise. She didn’t know what to do, so she stayed where she was. A second passed, then another. His lips moved against her—lightly, sweetly. She leaned in a little.

  Deep inside she felt wanting and hunger. Fire burned hot and bright. But there was more than that. There was a sense of rightness, of belonging. As if she’d been waiting for this moment, for this man, all her life.

  He drew back. “Good night, Bailey.”

  She nodded and watched him go down the stairs. Then she went into her apartment and closed the door.

  * * *

  KENNY WENT OVER the account information. He had a couple of client meetings in January. And a list of new clients he wanted to start wooing. That was the part he liked best. Meeting with a client for the first time and blowing them away.

  He could usually get a meeting. That came from having a recognizable name. But people who didn’t know him often assumed he was just a dumb jock. They didn’t expect much, which gave him an advantage. One he wasn’t above using.

  His phone buzzed.

  “Yes?”

  “You have a visitor, Kenny,” the receptionist said. “Her name is Chloe.”

  He smiled. “Send her back.”

  He got up and walked into the hallway. His smile widened when he saw her. She had on a coat and scarf, with a backpack over her shoulders. Long red hair hung down below her hood.

  “Kenny!” She flew toward him and hugged him. “It’s snowing again. Isn’t that the best? We’re going to have snow for Christmas.”

  “I know. Pretty cool.” He showed her into his office.

  It took a couple of seconds for her to drop her backpack on the floor, then shrug out of her coat. He saw the reindeer barrettes in her hair and felt a distinct tugging in the center of his chest. Chloe was a sweet kid and she got to him.

  “How about a cup of coffee?” he asked, keeping his voice serious.

  Chloe giggled. “I’m seven. I don’t drink coffee.”

  “Right. Good point. Let’s go get a hot chocolate.”

  Her green eyes widened. “You have hot chocolate at your office?”

  “Sure. We have one of those coffeemakers with the pods. It’ll do anything.”

  They walked into the break room. He showed Chloe how to use the Keurig brewer. She watched as her drink poured into a mug. There was a plate of cookies on the table. While his coffee brewed, they each picked a cookie, then took them and their drinks back to his office.

  She sat on one side of his desk, while he took the other.

  She blew on her drink before tasting it, then she smiled. “This is really good.”

  “I’m glad. So what’s up?”

  “I want to make a jewelry box for my mom,” she told him. “For Christmas.” She dug some sheets out of her backpack. It showed how to decoupage a box and then seal it. “I’ve saved money for the box and I have lots of pictures to put on it. But my friend Allison’s mom said I’ll need help to get it finished. Can you help me?”

  Self-preservation meant saying no. Chloe’s big green eyes told him that wasn’t going to happen. He was in dangerous territory, but that couldn’t be helped.

  “Sure thing. We can go get the supplies now, if you want. Then work on it over the next few days.”

  She smiled. “Thank you. I also need to get my mom some presents for her stocking.” She shrugged. “I know there’s no Santa, but stockings are important. She doesn’t have one. Just me. Don’t you think my mom should have a stocking?”

  “I do. Have you thought about what to put in it?”

  “It’s supposed to be fun stuff. Candy and little toys. Maybe a lip gloss.” She pulled several crumbled dollar bills out of her pocket. “Is this going to be enough?”

  She might as well have reached into his chest and pulled out his still-beating heart, he thought as he stared at what looked like three dollars and change. Kids were tough—and the best part of life.

  “Yeah,” he told her, trying to keep any emotion out of his voice. “That’s plenty.”

  Because he would pay for whatever Chloe wanted to get. Not just for the girl herself, but for her mom, who’d done a great job with her daughter.

  * * *

  “THANK YOU,” BAILEY SAID, telling herself it would be bad to start sobbing. Her real estate agent had been incredibly supportive. Breaking down in tears, however happy, would only frighten the woman.

  Her agent smiled at her. “Merry Christmas, Bailey. You’re a homeowner.”

  Bailey nodded and walked out of the office. She clutched her house key tightly in her hand. It had really, really happened. She officially, legally and every other l-y word she couldn’t think of right now, owned the house. It was hers. Escrow had closed.

  Outside the sky was clear and the sun shining. There were holiday decorations everywhere. She wanted to stop everyone she passed and tell them the good news. She owned her own home!

  But rather than frighten her fellow citizens, she walked toward through town and up toward her new neighborhood. She wanted to see the house for just a few minutes before she went to pick up Chloe from school.

  Five minutes later she stood on the sidewalk and told herself to keep breathing. That this was really happening.

  She stared at the house she’d bought and felt a rush of gratitude. Moving to Fool’s Gold had changed everything, she thought happily. She had a great job, friends and a future. The mayor had given her the rest of the day off, along with Monday and Tuesday so she and Chloe could get moved and settled before the holidays. A few friends were coming by over the weekend to help her paint. Chloe’s bedroom furniture would be delivered on Monday. What more could she ask for?

  Right then, a familiar dark SUV pulled into her driveway. Her already thundering heart kicked it up a couple of speeds as Kenny climbed out.

  “Congratulations,” he said. “You did it.”

  “How did you know I’d closed?”

  “Your real estate agent called me. I asked her to.”

  Bailey tried to summon some indignation, but just couldn’t. “So much for her working for me.”

  He flashed her a grin. “She thought I was charming.”

  “I’ll bet.”

  He moved to the rear of his vehicle and popped the hatch. Inside were gallons of paint, tarps and brushes, along with bags filled with cleaning supplies, Spackle and sandpaper.

  She sighed. “You picked up my hardware store order for me? Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Come on. You can help me carry it inside.”

  She took a few shopping bags while he grabbed three paint cans in each hand. She followed him to the front door and tried not to let her gaze linger on his butt. Although she had to admit it was a pretty impressive butt. Kenny looked great in a suit, but in jeans and a leather jacket, the man was devastating.

  He bumped his shoulder against the front door.

  “Oh, let me unlock that,” Ba
iley told him.

  “Not necessary.”

  The door swung open. Before she could figure out how that was possible, she saw over a dozen women waiting in her new living room. Larissa and Isabel stood together, with Dellina right behind them. Noelle and Patience, Heidi, Annabelle and Charlie, the Hendrix triplets, Consuelo, and even Mayor Marsha was there. They were all dressed in jeans and sweatshirts.

  “Surprise!” they yelled.

  Bailey blinked. “I don’t understand.”

  Isabel hugged her. “We’re here to help. We’re going to clean and sand and paint and put down shelf paper. By Sunday night, your house is going to be ready for you to move in.”

  Larissa laughed. “Don’t look so surprised. We love you. We were planning on helping when Kenny talked to me about it. The two of us arranged everything.”

  “I’m on lunch duty,” Noelle said, patting her stomach. “I can’t do paint, what with being pregnant. But I’m happy to run errands.”

  Bailey looked at all her friends and felt their affection wash over her. Turning to Kenny was a different story. She was afraid of what he might see in her eyes if she looked at him just now.

  “I don’t know how to thank all of you,” she said honestly.

  “Child, we’re your family now,” Mayor Marsha told her. “All right, everyone, let’s get to work.”

  By the time Bailey had collected Chloe from school, her house was controlled chaos. Charlie Stryker, a firefighter in town, had taken control of the work parties. The bathrooms and kitchens were being scrubbed from top to bottom. Kenny had been joined by Jack and Sam. They were hard at work, prepping the walls.

  “I want to complain about the traditional division of labor,” Charlie said when Bailey walked in with her daughter, “but the guys are doing good work. So I won’t.”

  Bailey listened to the happy conversations from every corner of the house and knew that she would treasure this memory always. As for the man who had made it happen...well, that was a problem for later.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  THE DAY BEFORE the move, Bailey packed up her kitchen. At least the breakable items. Pots, pans and flatware she simply placed loose in boxes. She wasn’t going to move across the country—just a few blocks away.