Robyn

by Lucy McConnell

  “Hi.” Was it any wonder Robyn ached to be loved? She was surrounded by newlyweds every day of the year. “It’s fine. Same as always. Not great. But there’s hope.”

  Tannon gently moved Frost aside and yanked the drawer open for her.

  Frost grinned up at him, her pixie nose wrinkling. “Thanks.” She walked her fingers along the files until she came to Nick’s. Robyn reached for it, but Frost flipped it open, scanning and reading bits out loud, sounding like an audiobook set to 4X. “These first two ask to live with his brother. Then there’s a couple years that he’s into remote-controlled cars. Then … oh.” Her hand went to her lips. “Here.” She handed the letter to Robyn and twisted her lips, waiting.

  Tannon put his arm around Frost, and she leaned into him.

  Seriously, did they have to make this marriage thing look so good?

  Robyn scanned the letter. “He wants a family.” She looked up. “But he has Gabe.”

  Tannon took the letter and scanned it. “I get this kid. For a long time after my cancer, my parents were highly functioning dysfunctional. I would see other kids playing catch with their dad or sitting between their parents at church, seemingly safe and content, while I was surrounded by stony silence and the echoes of trauma. Family doesn’t mean the number of people you live with—it’s a feeling. Frost gave me that feeling.” He gave her a look so full of love it had a heartbeat.

  “Yeah, but she was in love with you.” Robyn reread the letter, feeling the ache that seeped through the ink.

  Frost nodded in agreement.

  “What can I do as an outsider?” She tucked the letter back into the file and threw her body weight against it to slide it shut.

  Tannon lifted a palm. “I don’t know.”

  “Thanks,” Robyn said dryly.

  Frost’s hands shook as she reached for the letter in her pocket.

  “You need food and a letter,” Robyn observed.

  “Stat,” Frost agreed. She took the basket from Tannon and sprinted away. She’d be at her desk before either of them figured out the maze.

  Tannon chuckled after her. His prosthetic leg didn’t allow him to run over ice well—even with the spikes he’d attached to his shoes. “Eat first!”

  “Will do!” She was already several aisles over, and her voice echoed off the ceiling, sending a sprinkle of water drops falling down.

  Robyn wiped one off her arm.

  “I know you want to help this kid—” Tannon glanced around to make sure they weren’t overheard. “—but you should probably focus more on finding Mr. Right. I’m not sure how much more water the mail room can take.”

  “I know.” The guilt built up inside of her. “I’m working on it. We’re filming again tomorrow.”

  Tannon’s shoulders relaxed. “No pressure, but we’re counting on you.”

  “No pressure at all.” She punched his shoulder. Feeling the burden of finding her needle in the haystack, she headed off to the kitchens to lose herself in baking and candy making. If she worked fast enough, she could outrun her not-so-Nice-List thoughts of Gabe—kissing him was at the top of her list of things not to think about! The man had a nice mouth, and it begged for some attention.

  That was one need she should ignore but had a hard time forgetting about.

  Chapter 9

  Gabe

  Gabe switched spots with Ralph, the security guard assigned to Studio F for the day, so he could be in with Robyn. Not that she needed him in particular, but because he wanted to make sure she was okay. And yes, spending time with her in the same room made him feel good. That didn’t mean he liked her any more than any other woman he worked with; it just meant that she was a good person to be around.

  He was getting good at deluding himself.

  For her part, Robyn looked even prettier today than she had yesterday. She wore a cream-colored sweater with tight black pants. The pants were shiny and made her legs look like they went on and on and on. He gulped. Her hair was pulled over one shoulder with soft tendrils framing her face, and her makeup was a little heavier. He suspected Stella had a hand in that and wasn’t sure he liked it. Robyn didn’t have to try to be beautiful; she was naturally stunning.

  The show started out the same as it always did, with the theme music and the montage. Brian did a new introduction, telling everyone that Robyn was a repeat guest and why. They cut to clips from yesterday—leaving out Kylo. He’d called the front desk this morning, irate that they’d aired the show last night. Sarah was still shaking after the things he’d yelled at her and the threats he’d made. The police were called, and the security department waited for their investigation. There was more to Kylo than any of them suspected.

  Robyn was still his main target. He wanted to know where she lived. Of course, Sarah didn’t give out the information. The woman was a Robyn fan to her core. She’d finally transferred the call to the security office, and Kylo hung up. He didn’t like the good guys that much but had no trouble intimidating a woman. The jerk had better hope he didn’t run into Gabe anytime soon. Just the thought of him anywhere near Robyn made Gabe’s blood hotter than the gourmet cocoa Robyn provided for the crew this morning.

  From there, the show went almost exactly like yesterday. Contestant two was an aspiring screenplay writer who was on the verge of taking off. Robyn deduced that he wouldn’t be able to commit until he’d chased down his dream. Contestant three had cheated on his last three girlfriends and promised Robyn to get into counseling for the New Year before he dated again.

  “Bachelor number one?” Robyn asked.

  Gabe folded his arms, wondering what was wrong with this guy. The way Robyn worked through them all was fascinating. Last night’s show hadn’t done that well when it aired, but the replay had gone viral. The whole studio buzzed with the news. Viewers loved how Robyn called the guys out on their crap. Apparently, that was what had been missing from the show all along: honesty. And the drama that came with it. Even though Robyn was as cool as Frosty the Snowman, the guys didn’t take her assessments of their characters all that well.

  “Yes?” The drywaller, dressed in a new pair of jeans and a polo shirt, sat up taller. Gabe had forgotten his name. The determined look in Robyn’s eye meant he wasn’t going to stick around for long, though. With three new contestants out of the game, Gabe was on high alert for another meltdown. So far, so good.

  Robyn narrowed her eyes. “You need to go back to your sweet wife.”

  There was a collective gasp from the crew watching the show.

  Brian’s mouth hung open. Camera number three got the host’s shocked look on film. No doubt that would be a teaser for the episode. Gabe shook his head. If he’d known what he was walking into, the guy wouldn’t have shown up today.

  “We’re divorced,” the contestant protested.

  Robyn narrowed her eyes. “It’s not finalized, is it?”

  Her voice was crazy interesting. It wasn’t that she threw the accusation out there. It was more like she caressed the truth. If she’d used that tone on Gabe, he’d want to tell her his deepest secrets.

  Contestant one dropped his head like a scolded child. “No.”

  Robyn inched forward in her chair. “She loves you. She tried so hard to make it work, and you were all caught up in your band and didn’t see her. Do you miss her?”

  He nodded. “Yeah.” Sniffing, he swiped at his nose. “A lot. She used to love to watch me play, and then she stopped coming.”

  “That must have been hard. Did you ask her why?”

  “She said she felt ignored.”

  Robyn smiled softly. “Grovel. Beg. Plead. Take care of her. And do it over and over again. She’s amazing, and if you pass up this chance to get her back, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”

  He sat on his stool, staring at the floor.

  Robyn pressed her hands together. “What do you love more? The band, or her?”

  He lifted his chin, revealing eyes full of tears. “Her,” he croaked.<
br />
  Geez! Gabe looked away. Get a hold of yourself, man!

  “Christmas is her favorite time of year.” He sniffed again and rubbed at his eyes. “She does it right, ya know?”

  Robyn’s smile lit up the studio. “Run to her.”

  He bolted from his chair. The cameras followed him all the way to the door before swinging back to Robyn. She glanced at them and then at Brian, realization flooding her face. “Oh no! I’ve done it again, haven’t I?”

  Brian chuckled good-naturedly. “I think you just saved a marriage. Who can be upset about that?”

  He was right. If they were looking for a love match, Robyn had just created one. And what a whiz-bang way to make it happen, too. A Christmas reunion. Romantic. Sweet. Not to mention a twist ending. No on anticipated having a married man on the show.

  He hoped it worked out for the guy. Christmas was a lonely time when you didn’t have someone to hold close. Gabe should know.

  Brian leaned on his fist. “Christmas makes us all into hopeless romantics.”

  Maybe that was what Gabe was going through. A huge case of holiday nostalgia. That must be why he had dreams of mistletoes kisses and holding a certain rising television star in his arms at night.

  Sure, and reindeer fly.

  “Maybe, if we knew a little more about you, we could find the right kind of guy.” Brian dropped his arm and looked at the camera. “What are you looking for in a man, Robyn?”

  She reached for her hair, thought better of it, and placed her hands in her lap. “I’d like a man who’s honest. One who will treat me with respect. And he has to love Christmas.”

  “That’s kind of generic. How about some specifics? Hair color? Age? Occupation?”

  Robyn laughed. “I guess I don’t think that much about what he’d look like, and material possessions aren’t important to me. I want someone I can connect with on an emotional level, someone I can laugh with on a daily basis and share the holidays with all year long.”

  Brian lifted his palms. “Is there a man out there who can win Robyn’s heart? Join us tomorrow night as we break out of Thirty-Minute Match’s routine to find this woman a husband by Christmas.”

  “Cut!” called Chelsea.

  “Tomorrow?” Stella rushed Jerry sending him back several steps. “You didn’t say anything about filming again. We’re on a tight deadline here, and we both have jobs.”

  They’d said Robyn managed a kitchen. He wondered where. They were in a hotel. Would she consider relocating? He shook himself. He wasn’t a bachelor on the show. He was the security guard and therefore not eligible to date the contestant.

  An intern ran in gasping for breath, his face shiny. “The phones are lighting up! We’ve had fifty-two guys offer to come on the show. They all want to meet her.”

  Gabe’s heart plummeted. Robyn would have her pick of men now.

  “The point of this was to find Robyn a fiancé,” Stella reminded everyone in the room. “We need a wedding, people.”

  “We have to start with a date,” said Chelsea. “And we’d like to film it. That’s what Brian meant when he said we were going to try something new. We’d like to skip the selection process and go right to dinner and flirting.”

  “But—” Robyn got to her feet and crossed to the camera.

  Gabe’s eyes were drawn her to stunning legs in those shiny black pants, and he had to force them away.

  Robyn gave him a side look and a sly smile, like she could read his thoughts. “I’m not good at flirting in front of the camera. I’ll get all nervous and flustered.”

  “You’ve been great here,” prompted the intern.

  Add one more to the Robyn fan club. Gabe glanced around. The crew had gathered close. Normally they’d be rolling up wires and cleaning up, but they loitered, interested in what was going to happen to their new sweetheart.

  “Thanks, but—” Robyn stared.

  “And it will give us two more weeks of work,” added Jerry. “After the response to last night’s show, the network is willing to give us three additional spots for December.”

  “So I won’t have to pump gas during the break?” asked Jared. He had two kids and a wife and worked his tail off to make ends meet.

  Jerry scratched his neck and pointed at Robyn. “Not if she agrees to continue with us.”

  All eyes went to her. Robyn licked her lips, searching the faces. Her eyebrows came together, creating the smallest crease between them. Stella reached for her hand in a show of support. Her eyes were full of worry for her sister.

  “Will we be out by the 23rd?” Gabe asked. That was when most of the kids started winter break. He wouldn’t mind the extra hours and pay, but Nick came first.

  “Yeah. The final show will air the 24th,” replied Chelsea.

  They all went back to watching Robyn. Her face was red, like she was trying to hold back but words were forcing their way out. “All right, I’ll do it.” She gasped for air.

  Stella patted her hand and shook her head. It was like she knew Robyn wouldn’t be able to say no.

  The group cheered and then dispersed, many of them whipping out their cell phones and sending texts. A few made calls to loved ones to arrange the new work schedule.

  Stella gave a huge sigh. “I’ll hash out the details.” She hugged Robyn. “You’ve got to figure out how to put your needs first,” she said quietly. “How are you going to make stocking stuffers if you’re here?”

  “I don’t know,” Robyn whispered.

  Only Gabe heard the exchange. He wasn’t sure how he’d gotten into their personal space, but he was suddenly there. He took a small step back, his mind puzzling over the importance of stocking stuffers.

  Robyn smiled an apology at her sister as she rubbed her hand over her throat.

  Gabe also released a breath. He hadn’t been aware he was holding it. But if Robyn had said no to the longer filming schedule, then she’d leave town. She was staying in a hotel, which didn’t imply permanency. Still, he wasn’t ready to say goodbye.

  If he was in a better place, he’d invite her to dinner. Nick would love it.

  “I’d love to,” Robyn said, looking up at him with those big gray eyes.

  Gabe looked around. It was just the two of them left in the middle of the bustle to wrap things up for the day. “Love to what?” He must have missed something she’d said, being so deep in his own thoughts.

  “Go to dinner.” She blinked at him expectantly.

  His heart thundered in his chest. “Did I say that out loud?” he blurted. He hadn’t meant to, and he felt stupid for not realizing that he’d spoken.

  Her face pinched. “I heard you ask me.”

  He was making a mess of this—whatever this was. Was he asking her out? “I mean, I didn’t … I mean …” He could have sworn he hadn’t said a word, but suddenly, all he wanted was to take her home for dinner.

  “Robyn, we need you for a voice-over,” called Stella from across the room.

  She lifted a hand in acknowledgement. “I’ll probably be here until five. Do you want to meet by the front desk, and then we can go to your place?”

  Her lashes rested against her cheeks for a brief moment before lifting. He’d never noticed a woman’s lashes before, but hers were long and thick—elegant. The world around them faded as their eyes met. Noises disappeared, and a thick fog of attraction surrounded them.

  He reached out and touched her arm. A zing went right from his fingers to his heart. “I’ll be here.”

  Her whole face relaxed and brightened at the same time. She smiled, and he realized that all her other smiles that day had been half smiles. He’d gotten the best one of the bunch. “Great.” She hurried off to do what television stars did to make the show a success.

  The happy buzz he’d felt lingered for half a minute more before popping like a red balloon. “Shoot.” He grabbed for his phone and dialed Nick. “Pick up,” he said through gritted teeth.

  “’Sup?”

  “I took y
our stupid advice, that’s what’s up.” Gabe began to pace as the state of their house loomed before him. Had he thrown out the pizza box? “Robyn’s coming to dinner tonight.”

  “Yes!” Nick replied.

  Yeah, you think. “I’ll take care of food. You get that place clean. And I mean clean.”

  “I’m on it.”

  Gabe pulled the phone away to check the name on the screen. Yep. He’d dialed his little brother. The kid who would wear pants until they could stand up by themselves to avoid doing laundry. He clicked his tongue.

  “What?”

  “She must have cast a spell over the two of us. We’re acting like complete idiots.”

  “I don’t care. I like her. Don’t screw this up.” Nick hung up on him.

  Gabe rubbed his hair, making it stand on end. He hurriedly patted it back down. He needed to figure out how to cook, and fast.

  “Gabe—can you check in with security? We need someone to escort Robyn to her hotel again,” said Jerry.

  “I’ll do it,” he said quickly, putting his phone away. One of the cardinal rules of security was to leave your electronics in your pocket. He put on his don’t-mess-with-me face.

  “Take it up with your manager.” Jerry walked away.

  Gabe nodded, hurrying to the security office. He doubted anyone else would volunteer for the extra work, but he needed to make sure he was on the schedule. It would be awkward to explain why he was picking Robyn up right after they dropped her off when he shouldn’t be dating the show’s most popular bachelorette.

  He stopped dead in his tracks. Holy shoot! He was going on a date. If ever there was a Christmas miracle, this was it!

  Chapter 10

  Robyn

  “I think you should really get me a room at the hotel,” Robyn told Stella as they left the sound booth.

  The door swung shut behind her, but Stella was still on the other side, staring at her though the glass. “What did you say?” Her voice sounded like it was in a tin can.