Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold) (10 page)

“You’re welcome.” He studied her for a second. “I’ll be your date.”

She blinked, sure she’d misunderstood. “Excuse me?”

“For the dinner. I’ll be your date.” One shoulder rose, then fell. “I’m a good date. Not just because you get to bring Jonny Blaze, but because Ted needs to be taken down a peg and I’m the man to do it.”

“I, ah, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Which part of it?”

The part where she got to walk in with a famous movie star as her date? Or watching said date take down Ted? “It’s a little calculated.”

“And his invitation isn’t? Does it occur to you that Ted and Marigold come here for a reason? One of them needs to show you they’re still together and happy. Maybe Ted thinks of you as the one who got away and Marigold wants to be sure you know they’re still blissfully happy. Maybe Ted has a secret thing for you. Maybe they’re just jerks. Regardless, there’s an agenda. If they get to have one, you should, too.”

Madeline felt her mouth drop open. She had never once considered that it was kind of strange her ex-boyfriend visited her every year.

“Wow,” she murmured. “You’re good.”

“Thanks.”

“That was really insightful.”

One corner of his mouth turned up. “You don’t have to sound so surprised.”

“Sorry. It’s just, you’re a guy, plus what Ginger said about—” She slapped her hand over her mouth.

Crap. Double crap. Why had she said that? Now she was going to have backtrack, and with Jonny staring at her expectantly, she didn’t know how that was going to happen. It wasn’t as if she could think of something else on the spot.

“What did Ginger say?”

“Nothing.”

“Madeline, tell me.”

She dropped her hand. “You’re going to get mad. She loves you and thinks you’re great.”

His expression was unreadable. That whole actor thing, she thought glumly. Talk about an unfair advantage.

“Do you want coffee? We could get a coffee.”

He waited.

“Fine. She said that because of all the loss you’ve had in your life, you’re worried about admitting you care about anyone. That you never tell her you love her. You won’t say the words. But you need her to know, so you show it. Sometimes that’s great, but sometimes it gets out of hand. Like with the giant wedding cake.”

Madeline bit her lower lip and wondered how deep she was digging the hole.

“She knows you love her, Jonny. She doesn’t need you to prove that. She’s worried the wedding is going to turn into something she doesn’t want.”

“Did she say that?”

Madeline nodded.

“And ask you to keep me in line?”

“Not in those exact words, but yes.”

“Good to know.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

Madeline thought about going after him, but there wasn’t much else she could say. She’d told him the truth. What he did with it was up to him.

Which was the mature response. The less grown-up part of her pouted at the realization that there was no way Jonny was going to be her date now.

* * *

Jonny walked out of Paper Moon with no particular destination in mind. All he knew was he had to get away from the soft, caring worry he saw in Madeline’s blue eyes.

She felt bad for him. Him! He was Jonny Blaze. How was that possible? Only she’d been the one delivering the character assessment from his sister. An assessment Ginger hadn’t bothered to deliver herself.

He turned left onto Fifth Street, then walked up to Mickey Lane and turned right. The neighborhood was unfamiliar, but solidly residential. Good. He was less likely to run into anyone he knew here.

He looked at the houses lining the street. They were decorated for the holidays with everything from traditional snowmen and Santas to a cement lawn ornament dressed in a Christmas outfit.

Talk about a town that did it up right, he thought. Only they hadn’t been talking about the town. Madeline had been talking about him.

He wanted to protest that his sister should have come to him. That she didn’t need to be discussing his issues with anyone else. The problem was Ginger had tried many times and he’d refused to listen. Like when she’d turned eighteen and he’d taken her to Europe. Not that uncommon, only he’d arranged for private viewings in several museums and then had flown in three of her closest friends for a girls’ weekend in Paris. That might have been a little over the top. Or when he’d rented out the downtown Seattle Nordstrom store for her twenty-first birthday, giving her and her friends free run of the place with the ability to purchase anything they wanted.

While Ginger had appreciated the gesture, she’d patiently explained that a dinner out with him would have been enough. That she knew he loved her and he didn’t have to always be showing it. That he could simply tell her instead.

Only he couldn’t. He remembered the last time he’d told Kristen he loved her. She’d been fading fast and he hadn’t been willing to let her go.

“I love you. If you love me back, you won’t die.”

“It doesn’t work that way.” Kristen had smiled then. “I’ll love you for the rest of my life. I promise.”

A macabre joke—one someone facing death should be allowed. But it had cut him.

He remembered his last conversation with his dad. He and his father had talked about the usual stuff as his father was driving to work and Jonny was getting ready to go to classes at college. They’d ended things as they always had.

“I love you, Dad. I’ll call you over the weekend. Have a good day.”

“You, too, son.”

Two hours later, his father had dropped dead of a heart attack.

Saying you loved someone put everything at risk, he thought. He’d learned that lesson well. While intellectually he knew the words weren’t a death sentence, in his gut he wasn’t willing to take a chance. So he showed Ginger and sometimes that showing got out of hand. Was that so bad?

He came to a stop on Forest Highway and took a second to figure out where he was in relation to where he’d left his SUV, then he made a right and circled back toward town.

Maybe he should back off a little on the wedding, he thought. The cake had been too big and Ginger was clear on what she wanted. Madeline had a good handle on things. He would trust her, he told himself.

A small import pulled up next to him and the passenger window rolled down. He walked over and saw Mayor Marsha behind the wheel.

“Mr. Blaze,” she said cheerfully. “Just the man I was looking for. Do you have a moment?”

“Sure.”

“Excellent.”

She motioned for him to get in. He did and fastened his seat belt. She started driving.

“Every year we have a Christmas Eve performance called
The Dance of the Winter King
. It’s a ballet performed by students here in town. The story is very meaningful and it’s all very lovely, as you can imagine.”

Kids doing ballet? “I can,” he said, doing his best to keep the irony out of his voice.

“There is a narration that goes along with the dance. Usually Morgan does it but he and his family are going to be traveling for the holidays.”

Jonny nodded slowly. Mayor Marsha wanted him to narrate the dance. He could do that, he thought. It would be fun. And having his name would be a big—

“I was wondering if you happen to know James Earl Jones,” the mayor continued. “He has a wonderful speaking voice and it would be very exciting if we could get him to come to Fool’s Gold for the performance.”

Jonny stared at her. “James Earl Jones?”

“Yes. Do you know him?”

“Not personally, but I can ask my agent.”

“That would be lovely. Thank you.”

She pulled up next to his SUV and wished him a good day. Jonny got out and stared after her. Then he started to laugh.

He’d wanted to be just like everyone else, he reminded himself. He had to remember to be careful what he wished for because it sure as hell had happened.

EIGHT

M
ADELINE
SORTED
THROUGH
the veils. They were a tangle of lace and tulle, the result of three unexpected brides freaking out about accessories on the same day. Two had placed special orders, one had left in tears.

She rubbed her forehead, hoping the beginnings of a headache would fade rather than grow. Worse, she had to deal with Ted and Marigold that very evening. Because it was just one of those kinds of days.

The front door opened. Rosalind had escaped to the back, leaving Madeline to gather herself and smile sweetly at the—

Only instead of a hysterical bride, Jonny walked in the store. She hadn’t seen him since the previous day and she wasn’t sure if he would be back. But here he was, striding toward her, looking as sexy as ever.

She let the tingles wash over her. They were a welcome relief from bride stress. When he stopped in front of her, she thought longingly of a kiss. Because a little tongue would go a long way to setting her day to rights.

“I’m still in,” he told her. “For the date with Ted. If you’re interested.”

In having him protect her from Ted and Marigold? In spending an evening with him as his pretend date?

“Yes. I’m interested.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at six?”

“Perfect.”

“Where should I pick you up?”

“Here. I have to work until we close, then I’ll get changed.”

“See you then.”

Madeline smiled as she realized not only was she going on a date with Jonny Blaze, but that her headache had miraculously faded. Funny how that had happened.

* * *

“Don’t make me get shrill,” Isabel said firmly. “Trust me, with the pregnancy hormones I’m experiencing, shrill is just a heartbeat away.”

Madeline studied the beautiful dress her business partner held. It was midnight blue, with a plunging neckline and ruching in all the right places. She’d already tried it on, had spent three days lusting after it, and then had carefully put it back on the rack. The dress was stunning and way too expensive. Her money would be better spent saving to buy another share of Paper Moon.

Now Isabel held out the dress. “I’m serious.”

Because her friend was offering it to her for the evening. On a sort of borrow and return program.

“I’m going to mark it down in the morning, anyway,” Isabel added. “You know this is the perfect dress to dazzle nasty Ted and make Marigold sweat. Just put it on.”

They were standing in the nonbridal side of the store. Taryn and Shelby were sitting and watching the exchange with great interest.

“I’m thinking we should take bets,” Shelby said.

“I want to know which dress she’s wearing so I can flash some jewelry,” Taryn told them. “I brought sapphires, like Isabel said, but I also have diamonds and pearls.”

Because Taryn was nothing if not fashion prepared.

Madeline looked at her friends, then back at the dress. “Thanks,” she said, taking it from Isabel. “I owe you.”

“Yes, I know.”

Isabel took a seat and waved toward the dressing rooms. “Go on. Dazzle us.”

Madeline retreated to the dressing room and pulled off the plain black dress she’d worn for work. She changed out black tights for sheer stockings, then shimmied into a shapewear slip that kept things from jiggling too much. She stepped into the dress and pulled it up, then walked out of the dressing room.

Shelby was on her feet immediately.

“You look great,” she said, coming up behind her and doing the zipper, then the little hook and eye at the top. “The color is amazing on you.”

“Thanks.”

Madeline walked over to the mirror and studied herself. She’d already redone her makeup and her hair was up in hot rollers. In five more minutes, she would take them out, finger comb her hair, then spray it into submission.

Taryn nodded. “It’s a good one. I have several shoe options, but I think I know what will work.” She pulled out a box and opened the top. Inside was a pair of high-heeled pumps in a shimmering kind of silver.

Madeline looked closer and saw the shoes were covered with crystals.

“Christian Louboutin. The crystals are hand-set Swarovski.”

“Of course they are,” Madeline murmured. “Just tell me this. Are they worth more than a thousand dollars?”

Taryn rolled her eyes. “All I hear is a buzzing sound. Take them, Madeline. They’ll look fantastic with the dress.”

Madeline tucked her hands behind her back. “No way.”

Taryn’s brows drew together. “They’re just shoes. You’re my friend and I love you. I also dislike Marigold and Ted. Take the shoes.”

Taryn could be stern and determined but she was also incredibly generous with her friends. Madeline picked up the ridiculously high heels and sat down before slipping them on her feet.

They were stunning. “I’m not sure I can stand,” Madeline admitted. “But I don’t know if I care.”

“Exactly. Just sit and look beautiful.” Taryn eyed her. “You know, the sapphires are going to be too matchy-matchy. Let’s do diamonds.”

She dug through her tote and pulled out a couple of Tiffany boxes. Inside one was a pair of simple diamond studs. In the other was a diamond pendant necklace.

Shelby took the necklace and fastened it around her neck. “Just hope that at midnight this doesn’t turn into a pumpkin, because that could hurt.”

Taryn held out the earrings. “I insist. Come on. You know you want to.”

“You have to.” Tears started down Isabel’s cheeks.

Madeline hurried to her side. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m pregnant. It’s a beautiful moment, so I’m crying. Put on the damn earrings, would you? Then go do your hair so we can ooh and aah over you.”

Madeline did as she asked, returning less than five minutes later. She stepped into the stunning shoes, then made a slow circle.

Everyone nodded and applauded. “You’ll devastate Marigold for sure,” Isabel said. “And that jerk Ted.”

Taryn rose and put her arm around Isabel. “I’m going to get her home. I think she needs a couple of hugs from her husband.”

“I need wine,” Isabel said with a sigh. “Only a few more months until that happens.”

“Unless she plans to breastfeed,” Shelby murmured.

“I can hear you,” Isabel yelled as she and Taryn left.

Madeline slipped out of the shoes. No way she was going to wear them a second longer than necessary. She needed to save her high-heel time for actually walking into the restaurant.

“Where are you meeting them?” Shelby asked.

“Henri’s.” It was a five-star restaurant, up at the Gold Rush resort.

“Nice.”

Shelby helped her tidy up the boxes and bags. Madeline figured she would come in a half hour early in the morning and collect all Taryn’s things, then return them to her. As for the soon-to-be-marked-down dress, she was going to have to think about buying it. Returning it after wearing it seemed tacky.

“Are you excited about your date?” Shelby asked.

“It’s not a date. It’s a mercy dinner. Jonny’s helping me out. Nothing more.”

Her friend nodded knowingly. “That’s a lot of energy for a nondate.”

“I know. I can’t help it. It’s just he’s so...”

“Jonny Blaze-like?”

“Yes. When I’m around him, it’s hard to see anything beyond the blinding light of his appeal.”

“As long as you’re not getting in over your head,” Shelby teased. Then her humor faded. “Do I have to worry about you?”

“No.” Madeline held up a hand. “I swear, I’m fine. Am I attracted to him? Of course. I’m breathing and into guys. It’s inevitable. At the same time I’m clear on who he is and what I want in life. Someone to love. Someone to be with for the rest of my life.”

“That could be him.”

“Do you really see him falling for someone like me and settling down in Fool’s Gold?”

Shelby looked at her and nodded. “Absolutely. Why not?”

Madeline laughed. “Which is why we’re friends. You’re very sweet, but full of it.”

“I disagree. Why not you?”

An interesting question, Madeline thought when her friend had left. One to which she didn’t have an answer.

At a minute before six, she slipped on the infamous shoes and reached for her coat. Jonny walked into the store wearing a tailored suit that fit him perfectly. Most likely handmade, Madeline thought as her throat went dry. He’d shaved and looked good enough to be on a movie poster. Probably a good thing, considering his profession.

Her body reacted in the usual way. Tingles and heating, with a bit of breathlessness thrown in for fun.

“Hi,” she managed.

“Hi, yourself.”

He walked toward her, then circled around her, before leaning in and kissing her cheek. “Wow. You’re stunning. More beautiful than usual, which isn’t easy.”

Talk about a great compliment, she thought with a smile. “You’re very shiny yourself. Ted and Marigold won’t know what hit them.”

He glanced down at her shoes. “Christian Louboutin?”

She raised one foot. “Should I be scared you know who designed these?”

“The red soles are well-known.”

“Maybe in your circles. If I hadn’t read the name on the box, I wouldn’t have had a clue.”

“Part of your charm,” he told her.

Really? He thought she had charm? Was that the same as being charming?

He took her hand. “Come on. We have people to dazzle.”

She drew in a breath for courage, reminded herself that, unlike Cinderella, she could stay out past midnight and not turn into a pumpkin, then promised herself that she was going to have a good time, no matter what. For one evening she got to pretend she was on a date with famous actor Jonny Blaze. Even better, she really
was
going out with a guy she liked. He might just be doing her a favor, but a girl could dream.

The drive up to the resort went by more quickly than she’d thought it would. Madeline found herself growing more and more nervous. By the time Jonny parked by the valet and she was stepping out of his SUV, she found it difficult to breathe.

What if this was a mistake? What if Ted and Marigold figured out it was all fake? Because they would. No one could possibly believe Jonny was interested in her. So they were all going to laugh and point and she would be left humiliated.

She glanced around for an escape, but before she could plot a course she could manage in Taryn’s borrowed shoes, Jonny put his hand on the small of her back and guided her into the hotel.

The decorations were festive, the music soft. Madeline felt as if everyone was staring. They weren’t, but she still felt awkward. And with awkward came the babble.

“My parents used to bring me here for special events,” she told him. “It was a big deal to have dinner at Henri’s. Some of the decorations in the main lobby go back generations.”

She pointed to the massive tree stretching up over twenty feet. “The tree skirt is handmade and an heirloom. There’s an actual insurance policy on it, which is crazy, right? Some of the decorations date back to the 1800s.” She swallowed. “Oh, wait. I just said that.”

She was about to launch into a detailed explanation of the original mercury glass when Jonny pulled her into a small alcove. He put one hand on her waist and lightly stroked her cheek with the other.

“Don’t worry,” he said quietly. “You’re the prize that got away. That’s why he wants to have dinner with you. Because every time he’s hoping to find out you’re not all that and it doesn’t happen. You’re beautiful, you’re sweet, you’re smart and he’s an idiot.”

The words were magical. She hoped they were real, but even if he was just acting, she didn’t care. She suddenly felt taller and thinner and a whole lot more capable of handling Ted and Marigold.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” His gaze dropped to her mouth. “Damn lipstick,” he muttered, then took her hand and drew her back into the hallway.

Wow, she thought happily. Bringing him along had been one of her best ideas. Only she sort of remembered it had been his idea, which made him even better to have around. Smart
and
pretty.

They reached the entrance to the dining room. Before she could give her name to the hostess, Ted and Marigold walked up.

Ted was tall and good-looking. Madeline had always thought he was swoon-worthy. But somehow his star seemed to burn a little less bright this year. She knew she had Jonny to thank for that. Marigold was also tall and willowy. A beautiful redhead with pale skin and wide, brown eyes.

Next to her, Madeline always felt dowdy. Not tonight, she told herself. In her borrowed finery, she was a princess for sure. Or, at the very least, a successful businesswoman out for an evening.

“Madeline,” Ted said, glancing from her to Jonny. “You brought a date.”

The tone of surprise was a tiny bit insulting, but she overlooked that. Because she didn’t just have
a
date. She had a killer date.

“I thought a foursome would be more fun,” she said easily. “Hello, Ted.” She leaned in and they hugged. “Marigold.” She turned and smiled at Jonny. “I’d like you to meet friends of mine. Jonny, this is Ted and Marigold.”

Jonny shook hands with both of them. “The old flame. I appreciate the chance to size up what used to be the competition.”

Madeline knew it was probably wrong, but she’d deliberately not used any last names. She wanted Ted and Marigold to stare, to wonder. She wanted to see the exact moment they—

“Jonny Blaze?” Marigold asked, her voice a squeak. “Ohmygod! You’re Jonny Blaze.” Marigold lunged for him, stopping inches before engulfing him. She cleared her throat and stepped back. “I can’t believe it. What are you doing here?”

Jonny reached for Madeline’s hand and brought it to his mouth where he lightly kissed her knuckles. “I’m with the beautiful blonde.”

“I don’t understand.”

Marigold’s look of confusion was as funny as it was insulting. Madeline told herself to enjoy the moment and not worry that Marigold couldn’t grasp that she and Jonny were a couple. It wasn’t as if Madeline would have believed it, either.

“You’re dating Jonny Blaze?” Ted asked, sounding as perplexed as his wife.

“So it seems,” Madeline said, then turned to the hostess. “Would you please show us to our table?”