One tree was completely upturned, lying on the ground, parts of a fence smashed to pieces. Heavy branches littered the area, making it hard to get to the actual damage. Nate huffed and I knew he was seeing a lot of work. That gave me pause, because I wasn’t really sure how he was paid. Did I owe him a check?
We jumped off the sled and made our way toward the fence. For something I thought was pretty, it sure was dangerous. I looked up over my head and hoped nothing else fell from the trees while we were exposed.
“Leave your helmet on.” As if reading my mind, Nate tapped my helmet before looking upward.
I nodded my head, but he didn’t see. His eyes were back on the mess in front of us. He lifted a branch out of the way, and crawled closer to the fence.
“Well, the good news is that the tree is from the neighbor’s property, which means he will have to pay to have it removed. The bad news is that we need to set up something temporary.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I need some boards and wire from the barn, but it should be easy enough to set up.” Nate walked back to the snowmobile.
“Thank you. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” I frowned. What was I even doing considering keeping this place? I had no idea how to take of a place like this.
“Oh, don’t thank me. This is the easy part. You get to tell Cameron it was his tree.” Nate reached out slowly and moved some of the hair that had escaped my helmet.
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“Don’t worry. You’re cute. That’ll help.” Nate sat back down on the sled and pat the seat behind him. “C’mon. We need to get something set up quickly, before any of the reindeer get out.
“What? They’d quit without notice? No reindeer union?” I laughed at my joke, but he only rolled his eyes. “It’s funny! Why would magic reindeer run away? Aren’t they smarter than usual or something? Wise beyond their age? Well, no. I guess they’re old as dirt, huh? Like the man in the red suit. So they should know better by now.”
“You’re rambling.” Nate looked at me with worried eyes. “I know this is a lot to take in, but it’s true. All of it. And I’m here to help you.”
“Nate, I don’t even know how you’re getting paid. I have no idea how any of this stuff is taken care of. Maybe it would be best if I didn’t find out anything else and just went on my way.” I didn’t sit down, still thinking. “I have no idea how much money it takes to sustain a place like this, and let’s face it, the fat checks for my books aren’t exactly rolling in.”
“I’m here to help, Molly. There are simple answers for most of your questions. As for paying me, you don’t have to worry about that. Gertie set everything up before she died.” When I didn’t move, he sighed and swung his leg back over the seat. “Remember when I told you that Christmas Hill gives us what we need? It really does. You just have to believe.” He looked like he was going to add something, but closed his mouth.
I still didn’t move, my eyes darted down to the green boots I was wearing. “I’ll give it a few days, but I need more. More information. More proof. My brain just doesn’t work on faith.”
“It took me a long time to accept it.” Nate leaned forward, his elbows braced on his knees. “Sometimes I’m still awed by the things that happen here, but I’m grateful every day that I followed that little driveway to Gertie’s door. It changed my whole life.”
The sincerity in his eyes was what got me. He believed in Christmas Hill. I looked around us, at the beauty of the woods; everything doused in fresh snow. Listened to the wind in the empty tree branches, and closed my eyes for a long second. There was something here, something that resonated inside me, but that didn’t make it magic.
“Okay. I won’t just run off, but I need answers. I need proof.” I opened my eyes and met his warm stare.
“Then come on. We’ll get this fence fixed and then head to town. I’ll try to answer your question on the ride.”
I nodded my head and climbed up behind him. This time as we drove over the property, I catalogued things in my head. A pond near the little cottage Nate used. A large area that looked like it was used for a garden. A couple of farm machines, which I supposed would be handy here. Especially in the snow. But underneath all of the mundane things, there was a glow. Something that gave the impression of a Norman Rockwell painting. Homey, yet magical.
Remy was waiting inside the barn where we’d left him. Thankfully no doggie doors had appeared to help him escape. I knelt next to him and rubbed behind his ears while Nate looked through materials and tools.
“Well, pup, what do you think? You like it here, don’t you?” I looked down into Remy’s warm brown eyes and smiled when his tail thumped. “Wouldn’t you miss the beach? Chasing seagulls?” He got up and ran for the door that was still open and I followed. For a moment, my heart caught and I stared in disbelief. The reindeer were gathering outside of the barn.
One came right to me, and nuzzled my hand. I bent backward a bit to avoid the antlers, but otherwise didn’t move. Eventually he huffed warm air against my cold fingers, satisfied with whatever he was looking for before raising his head. Slowly, I ran my fingertips along his brow bone and down his nose. The others came forward, each sniffing and pushing to get closer.
Remy yipped and ran between their feet, but none of them seemed concerned. A young reindeer pranced a bit, knocking into my hip so that I almost lost my balance and a laugh bubbled out of my throat. The little guy was acting just like an excited puppy.
“It’s nice to meet you, too.” Running my hand down his back, I marveled at the muscles under his coat.
“Looks like we’ll have to take that trip to town before I can mend the fence. I don’t have enough chicken wire.” Nate’s voice sounded from the barn and I turned to look at him. He stopped walking when he saw me, his face serious… and hopeful. He was carrying a bucket and poured the contents into a trough. “They’ve been excited to meet you, I guess.”
“Huh.” I looked back at the little one that was butting at my hip again. “They certainly are friendly. I guess Aunt Gertie spent a lot of time with them?”
“You could say that.” His eyes held that twinkle again and I knew he was thinking it was all about magic. “So, what do you say? Ready to go to town?”
“Sure. I just need to put Remy up.” I’d already stuck my phone and wallet in my pockets when getting dressed.
“Bring him with us. People bring their dogs to Silver Town all the time.” Nate knelt down and Remy ran straight to him. “What do you say, little man? Want to go for a ride?”
“Remy never turns down a ride. He’d drive if you’d let him.” I made my way back to the barn, taking the time to pet the reindeer as they all said their hellos. Once I was inside, I hung up my helmet on the board where Nate had gotten it from earlier. I turned to go back outside, but ran into a brick wall instead.
Looking up, I realized Nate had followed me. “I really need to stop running into you.”
“I don’t know, I’m getting used to it.” His hand rested on my hip. When his eyes darted down to my mouth, I couldn’t fight the impulse to lick my lips. We stayed frozen for a minute, pressed against each other far longer than was necessary. Maybe it was because I had to look up to see his face, but I was the first to notice the mistletoe. The old lantern hook above my head sprouted green leaves that quickly morphed into a very familiar plant. A red bow attached the plant to the hook and a wave of awe washed through my mind. There was a tinkling sound as it shimmered there above our heads, drawing Nate’s attention.
“Thank you, Christmas Hill.” His words were quiet, almost reverent. Without saying anything else, he pressed his mouth to mine.
I’ve been around the block once or twice, but to say this kiss was knock-your-socks-off-good, would be an understatement. The man could kiss like no one’s business. His free hand reached up to cup the back of my head, while his lips teased my mouth open. It was like finding the most decadent dessert and diving in.
I didn’t realize we had moved until I felt the wall pressed against my back. I ran my hands up over his chest and into his hair, knocking his hat off. When he pushed closer to me, my body responded and I moaned into his mouth. His fingers tightened on my hip and he nudged one leg between mine. My body strained to be closer to him and I yanked at the buttons on his coat until I had it open, my fingers tracing the muscles under his shirt.
“Molly.” He pulled away from me, breathing heavily. “You’re killing me here.”
I could feel the hard length of him straining under the denim of his jeans and knew just what he meant. I pulled his head back down to mine, not willing to give up his taste just yet. His hand on my hip slid lower, gripping my calf and lifting my leg until he was tucked against my center. When I rocked against him, he groaned loudly and nipped my bottom lip between his teeth before diving back into the kiss.
I barely knew Nate, was pretty sure he might be crazy, and yet, I had never wanted someone as much as I wanted him. I wanted all of him and why shouldn’t I? I was a grown woman and he was all man. A delicious, sexy man.
A low rumbling caught my attention, but it wasn’t until Remy started to bark that I pulled away from Nate and his kisses. As soon as I did, reality snapped back and I realized there was someone coming up the long drive.
“Bad, bad timing.” Nate kissed me once more, softly, slowly. His lips like a whisper against mine. He stepped away and I adjusted my jacket and shirt. “This is just postponed.”
I blushed. I couldn’t help it. I wanted to finish what we had started and felt more than a little irritation at having been interrupted. I hoped it was something good, otherwise I was really going to be pissed.
Chapter Five
An old pick-up rumbled into view with an older man behind the wheel. He was wearing a hat with flaps that hung over his ears and a sour expression. He parked next to my car and slammed his door when he got out.
“Hey, Cameron.” Nate raised an eyebrow at me and smiled as if to say, sorry.
“What the hell is wrong with you, Nate! You not takin’ care of this place like you’re supposed to?” The old man was thick through the waist, with a white mustache and bushy eyebrows. “You got trees down all over my fence!”
“That’s not your fence, Cam, but they’re your trees.” Nate shook his head and walked back into the barn.
“The hell they are.” Cameron barely spared me a glance before marching after Nate.
“The roots are on your side of the property line.” I followed after him, irritated that he was being so rude.
“Who’s this?” He jerked a thumb in my direction.
“Molly, this is Nick Cameron, your neighbor. Cameron, this is Gertie’s niece.” Nate winked at me.
“I heard about Gertie. I hated to hear that about the old bird.”
“Old bird?” I put my hands on my hips.
“She was a feisty broad.” Cameron glared at me. “I guess you’re all for that women’s rights mumbo-jumbo, huh? Don’t like the word broad.”
“I’m all for that being respectful mumbo-jumbo.” I narrowed my eyes. Was he trying to test me or was he really that pig-headed? Nate snorted and I looked at him to see that he was smiling.
Cameron snorted. “Are you gonna clean up that mess then?”
“No. We’re going to set up a temporary boundary until you can get it taken care of.” I walked up to him, my hands still on my hips. “And you’re going to get it taken care of quickly, because that’s what my aunt would have expected.”
“You aren’t your aunt.” He glared at me from under his thick eyebrows. “But you sure do sound like her.” Something in his eyes brightened and his mouth curved just a bit.
“Thank you. I think.” I let my hands slide off my hips.
“Well, Nate. Looks like you got a spitfire on your hands.” The old man laughed like that was the funniest thing in the world. “Got your Christmas present early, huh?”
“Looks that way.” Nate’s eyes gleamed as he watched me and I felt heat wash over my face as I remembered his hands on my body.
“Okay.” Taking a deep breath I shook my head. “We were about to head to town for some supplies. When do you think you’ll be able to get the tree removed?”
“Well, the snow’s gonna make it hard. And tomorrow is Christmas, of course.” Pulling his cap off, Cameron scratched at the bald spot on top of his head. With the hat off, he looked a bit like a gnome and I chewed my lip to keep from laughing.
“You know I’ll help, old man.” Nate slapped his shoulder.
“You aughta.” Cameron mock glared at Nate, making him laugh. “You sure you gonna have time? When I pulled up, it looked like you might have your hands full.”
My eyes widened when the old man waggled the furry caterpillars on his face. I covered my mouth with my hand, frozen in place. Nate’s smile never changed, he just shook his head.
“Get outta here, old man. Before you chase her away.”
“I’m going.” Pulling his hat back on, Cameron winked at me. “I remember what it’s like to be young!” The old man laughed all the way back to his truck, as if that had been the funniest joke in the world.
I wanted to melt into the ground. Not only had he seen my make-out session with Nate, he thought it was funny.
“C’mon.” Nate grabbed my hand and tugged gently. I followed him around the side of the barn to where a large truck sat under an awning. He walked to the passenger side door and opened it for me. The truck was gigantic and I had to jump to reach the sidestep.
“Geez, Nate. Why didn’t you get the bigger truck? This one seems a little small.”
“Well, I wanted something bigger, but I didn’t think it would fit on the road.” Nate picked Remy up and handed him to me.
I shook my head at him and tucked my dog close to my side. Nate swung into the driver’s side with a goofy grin before turning the key in the ignition. With an ease I didn’t feel, he reached over and laced his fingers through mine as we drove down the driveway. Butterflies flipped in my stomach as his fingers traced over my knuckles.
“So, Christmas Hill. How does it provide for itself?” I angled my body so that I could see him clearly, even with the seatbelt on.
“Gertie sold cookies.” Nate adjusted the dials on the dash, sending more warm air out over our legs and feet. “A lot of cookies. But from what I can tell, things just took care of themselves. She paid me a salary, and that’s been taken care of for the next two years.”
“Okay.” How do you process an answer like that? Things just take care of themselves? Yeah, right. “She already paid you for the next two years salary? What if I decide to sell? What will you do?”
“I really hope you don’t sell Christmas Hill, but if you do, I will be okay. There are lots of people out there that need stewards for their properties.” Nate squeezed my fingers before letting go of my hand so he could drive.
“I don’t bake.” There I said it. “Trust me, there is no way I can support Christmas Hill on my baking skills. I count my blessings when I don’t kill people with something I cook. It’s scary.”
“Baking was Gertie’s magic, not yours.” Nate didn’t look at me as he maneuvered around a steep bend. “There will be a way for you to take care of things with your own gifts.”
I huffed and forced myself to not cross my arms. This magic business was starting to get on my nerves. Even if he was hot, his faith in Christmas magic was a bit much. Thankfully, it wasn’t long until I saw Silver Town in the distance. Soft snow fell through the air, and everything glistened from the fine dusting. The buildings ranged in shapes and sizes, most of them having an old English cottage look. There was a long line of row houses that seemed to house shops and the closer we got, the more details I could make out on their signs. Smoke billowed from chimneys and holiday lights were strung everywhere. People crowded the sidewalks, while very few cars actually drove down the main drag.
“Wow.” There wasn’t much els
e to say. It did look like something out of a Christmas card, complete with shiny decorations and bundled up tourists.
“Welcome to Silver Town,” Nate said.
He drove down the main drag, I assumed to let me have a good luck of the area. People waved at the truck as we passed them and Nate nodded his head to each one that acknowledged us. After driving a short ways, he pulled into a small parking lot tucked between some of the shops. I cringed, not sure how he managed to get the massive truck into one of the tiny parking spots and then cringed again at the thought of trying to exit said parking spot.
As soon as we were still, I grabbed the handle of the truck and opened the door, letting it swing free so I could hop down. Nate managed to make it around to my side before I had figured out where to put my feet and I was grateful for his assistance. Grabbing a leash out of the glove box, Nate attached it to Remy’s collar and we were off.
We didn’t say much as we walked, I was intent on taking in the sights. A candle shop, followed by a leather store, and a home goods store flanked one side of a block. Across from that were the ornament shop, a seamstress, and a bakery. I could smell the baking bread on the cold wind and my stomach growled. Remy was obviously impressed by the smell too, because I had to tug on his leash to keep him walking.
“Do you think we have time to eat before we head back?”
“Sure. Mattie’s is around the corner and next to the hardware store.” Nate reached down and grabbed my hand, his fingers warming mine. Tugging gently, he pulled me closer to his body as we walked. “I hope you like home cooking.”
“I have a great appreciation for home cooking, since I can’t do it.” I smiled up at Nate.
“No wonder you were so impressed with my chicken,” Nate chuckled.
“Well, there is something doubly impressive about a sexy man that can cook.”
“Sexy, huh?” Nate stopped and pulled me against his chest. “I’ll remember that when we get back. What do you want for dinner?”
“Hot dogs.” I laughed at the face he made.
On Christmas Hill Page 3
