Tinsel Town (6 page)

“You said you worked in the deli during the summer.”

She nodded and wiggled back in her seat. “Hey, we were free labor. I didn’t mind, really; Dad taught me a lot about patience, fortitude, and hard work. And Mom’s hair salon kept me up to date on all the gossip.”

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She saw the sign for Johnsburgh and tried not to panic. Almost there, she thought, and they were still discussing their families. This was never going to work. Ever. They were going to know in the first three minutes that she’d taken desperate measures.

Clive reached across and laced his fingers with hers. “It’s going to be all right, I promise. If we have to, we’ll just make it up as we go along, and if we really screw up, we’ll just look at each other with gooey eyes, and they’ll pass it off as infatuation-instigated brain meltdown.”

She took a deep breath and swallowed, trying hard to believe his words. Oh God, she didn’t know if she could do this. Lying to her family…it seemed wrong. Yet, she also knew that without Clive, her lone-sister status would make for small-town gossip and too much worry. Maybe it was selfish of her to want to hide behind a hired boyfriend, but she just wasn’t up to the task of defending her singlehood, let alone assuring everyone she was well and truly over her ex-fiancé.

“Let’s see if I remember everything you told me. Dana is your oldest sister, married to Josh, has twin boys, and manages the accounting office that her husband owns.” He gave her fingers a squeeze before letting go to steer the car around a right turn. “Molly is your youngest sister, engaged to Zach Bowman, the assistant high school football coach. She teaches kindergarten at Roosevelt Elementary.”

Happy to have something for her mind to latch on to, she concentrated on what he was reciting. She nodded and listened as he continued with the facts she’d given him about the town. If she had a good memory, then he must have a photographic one, she decided.

Her vision focused only when he slowed the car. “Good Lord, you weren’t kidding when you said they take their holidays seriously.”

Kate looked out her window at the sparkling decorations, strung twinkle lights, and snow-painted, glass-paned windows. “I suppose it’s a little shocking the first time you see it.”

Tinsel Town

39

“It’s what I used to think the North Pole looked like.” His eyes were wide as he maneuvered the rental car slowly, gawking at the glittery state of the small town. “I know I’m going to be branded a tourist, but this is…amazing. Look at that tree. Is that the town Christmas tree?”

She swiveled to see the tall spruce that grew beside the white gazebo. “It is. We’ll have a decoration party tomorrow night, and the mayor will light the tree right after.”

“Will there be hot chocolate and cookies?”

She had to chuckle at his little boy look. “Yes, plus popcorn and brownies.”

He grinned back at her and she felt her anxiety ease. But when they passed over the railroad tracks, her stomach clenched. “Two streets up on the right.”

Clive seemed to feel her tense mood and didn’t press her. Instead, he drove where she directed and finally stopped in front of the brick colonial. She stared up at her childhood home, a home that had seen plenty of changes inside, but none outside. There was still the sturdy oak in the yard, the row of hedge bushes along the front, the shutters painted black, the columns white, the sturdy swing on the front porch. Her mother had kept the yard and outside of the house as organized and serene as the inside had been wild and chaotic.

“I see your parents are in the spirit, too.”

She quirked an eyebrow as Clive leaned across her. His scent, dark and masculine, was like a heady aphrodisiac. He was so close, close enough to touch, to taste, to enjoy. But more than his sexuality was the fact that, through the whole trip, he hadn’t treated her feelings or fears flippantly. He’d been…kind. She wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting; a man who had nothing on the brain but having sex and collecting a paycheck would have been easier to deal with. She probably could have dismissed him right after that first dinner. But Clive was different, and that difference was definitely putting her off balance.

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“A wreath and candle in every window, lights around the columns and bushes, red ribbon on the door. But the huge wreath around the doorway…that’s impressive.” He said it all with a bit of awe and a touch of disbelief.

“If you like all of this, just wait until you see inside.”

“I can’t wait.” He grinned and hopped out of the sedan, leaving behind his distinct scent and a blast of cold.

A moment later, he was opening her door, holding out his hand to help her stand. Over his shoulder, she saw a curtain flicked aside and knew they were being watched. Well, we might as well start now, she thought, and sent him an adoring look. His eyes flashed for a moment, a look that could have easily been pleased shock, but it was gone so quickly she couldn’t be sure.

“We’re being spied on,” she said between her closed teeth.

“Oh.” She could have sworn he sounded disappointed, but she discarded the idea when his lips tilted up. “We should give them something to talk about.”

Suddenly, his mouth was on hers, warm, delicious, and coaxing. He nipped on her bottom lip, drawing a groan from her as he laved the spot with his tongue. She felt her knees wobble and was pulled against his hard length. Even through his leather coat, she could feel his heat, so alluring that she curled into him without thought. He continued his gentle assault, rasping his tongue along her teeth until she opened for him. He delved in, swiping and tangling, teasing and tormenting, as she clung to his shoulders.

Memories of their time in bed together came flooding back, potent and real, in bright Technicolor: His calloused, skilled hands; his hot, persistent mouth; his hard, demanding body…everything that had turned her on and drew her out. His words were there, too, the promises he’d made about teaching her what she wanted to know. The things she found herself desperately wanting to learn. Her skin tingled at the idea of them all, her desire dominating her embarrassment.

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41

When he eased the kiss, she gave a sound of protest, a verbal manifestation of her body’s disappointment. He leaned in to press one last, tender kiss on her lips before pulling away. Her breath came in jagged spurts now, but if hers was harsh, so was his. She didn’t have to ask if he’d enjoyed their embrace as much as she had; she could feel the thick proof pressing against her belly. Need snapped like a whip, stinging her nipples and her clit at the same time.

“Don’t forget our agreement. I’ll lead you in bed, and you take the lead with your family and friends.”

She nodded mutely as he tweaked her nose.

“Tonight,” he promised, and stroked his knuckles down her cheek.

“Kate! Kate, you made it!”

The sound of her little sister’s voice was like a bucket of snow in the face. God knew what would have just happened if they hadn’t been interrupted. And the hell of it was, she didn’t know whether to be disappointed or not.

“Kate!” Molly collided with her and squeezed her so tightly that she had to wheeze for air.

Kate did her best to keep her voice light. “Hi, Molly. Is Zach with you?”

Her sister pulled back, a wide grin on her pixie face. Snow-bunny Barbie, Kate thought, and took Molly’s ungloved hands in her own.

“No, he’s in town helping Mr. Tyler get the inflatable snowman to the top of the hardware store. He’ll be over for dinner.” She turned a knowing eye to Clive, who was busy pulling wrapped packages from the trunk. “And who is this fine specimen?”

“Molly!”

Her sister shrugged, looking completely unashamed. “What? I’m curious…and I’m sure not blind.”

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Clive chuckled and moved to stand beside Kate. “Hi, I’m Clive, Clive Thibodaux. Nice to meet you.”

“Very nice to meet you. I’ll call you Clive, and you can call me Molly.”

He sent her a charming smile, and Kate had to stifle a laugh as the other woman blushed. It was nice to know his heart-stopping appeal was universal. Or, at the very least, affected Frazier women.

“Why don’t we go inside,” Kate suggested.

She trailed behind Molly, keeping herself beside Clive. He leaned down, bringing his warm mouth directly against her ear. She felt like steam was curling from her toes, and wouldn’t have been surprised if the snow underneath her melted into a slick puddle.

“I think your sister likes me.”

Kate couldn’t stop the shiver that ran along her nerves and tangled deep in her stomach. “I think you have a way with women.”

He chuckled, the sound so sensual that she could have sighed from it. Instead, she swallowed her reaction and took a deep breath. “Well, here goes nothing.”

With a determined tilt of her chin, Kate stepped over her parents’ doorstep and into the warmth of her childhood home.

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43

Clive stepped into a Christmas movie spectacular. The stairway banister was wrapped in greenery, fat red and white candles dotted the entryway tables along with small ceramic international Santas, and handmade snowflakes were stuck to the walls. But that wasn’t the half of it.

The holiday section of their local superstore had apparently exploded in the living room, leaving behind a bright, chaotically beautiful scene. Mismatched stockings hung in front of a black grated fireplace. Ceramic gingerbread houses with candy canes sticking out of the top sat on each end of the mantle, with what looked to be a hand-carved nativity scene featured prominently in the center. The scrollwork around the two doorways was covered with red velvet ribbon, with holiday greeting cards pinned down each side. The windows were draped with evergreen dotted with red and white berries. Crocheted snowmen and women kept each other company on the top of a tall piano. A ceramic Victorian collectible village had been set up on the coffee table, complete with ice skaters, horse and buggies, and lampposts. Holiday music played from an unknown source, gently filling the air with glee.

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And in the corner, standing like the crown jewel of the season, was a tall, slightly uneven, tree. Its limbs were draped with layers of silver tinsel and multicolored lights.

Ornaments of every shape, color, and size hung from the branches, some handmade and looking years old, others plainly newer and store bought. He even saw several that were obviously made by children’s hands, hanging like precious gems among the glittery jumble.

“Told you.”

He turned to see Kate smiling, mirth dancing in her eyes. He shook his head and headed toward the tree with the packages. He heard more voices float into the room, followed by greetings and laughter. He chose to stay in the background, allowing Kate time to get her bearings. When she was ready, she would call him over.

After placing the presents, he stood and turned to find several people had gathered around the green striped couches. A bull of a man had his arm draped around Kate, his gray hair thick and bushy, with a hint of a light wave. His voice had a thick, full tone that spoke of no-nonsense. An older woman stood across from the man, her maternal smile sweet as she watched Kate. Her gently cropped hair was meticulously styled, her red holiday sweater draped over her slim curves. Obviously this was where Molly had inherited her blue eyes and blonde hair. It was just as obvious that this was where Kate had inherited her fine facial structure. Another woman stood chattering to Kate, her gold hair pulled back in a sensible braid, her blue eyes framed with thin-rimmed glasses. A tall man stood beside her, one of his large hands resting on the woman’s shoulder while the other was tucked into his khaki pants. The joy that surrounded the small group cascaded out in waves to fill the room.

Kate turned then and beckoned him over with a wave of her hand. He came, a smile on his face, and enclosed her hand in his. He faced her family, saw the skeptical looks, the open curiosity, and readied himself for a night of grilling.

* * * * * *

Tinsel Town

45

It hadn’t been as awful as he’d anticipated. The family had introduced themselves, had welcomed him with smiles, and then launched into stories about what had been happening around town. Kate’s twin nephews, Mikey and Tommy, had come barreling in demanding their Aunt Kate’s attention. The three-year-olds were covered with chocolate, their brown hair spiked and wild as most young kids’ was. With their arrival, the family had begun telling stories about the girls and their past Christmases when they’d been babies. The arrival of Molly’s fiancé had set a whole new conversation in motion, this one a discussion about the upcoming wedding.

All in all, he considered himself fairly lucky to have escaped the most pressing questions. Now, as he sat at the large dinner table, his plate piled with roast chicken, vegetables, potatoes, and homemade rolls, he was actually relaxed. The voices, all talking at once, some over each other, sat comfortably in his ears. This was something he was definitely used to, thanks to his own family.

He was just forking in a bite of potatoes when Kate’s father, Mike, spoke.

“It’s strange. Our Katie hasn’t ever mentioned you, Clive.”

He swallowed as he set his food aside. Times up, he thought, and smiled. He cast a quick glance at the glass doors that led out to the back deck; if it got bad, he supposed he could make a break for it with Kate in tow. Taking a fortifying breath, he gave her father his full attention.

“Well, she told me that she didn’t want to take away from Molly’s day.”

“Take away from my day?” The woman in question sent Kate a wide-eyed look. “How can your having a boyfriend take away from my wedding?”

Kate shifted in her seat, her thigh bumping into his. “Well, you know how people are.

I’m such an oddity around here that everyone would be speculating about the man I was dating.”

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Dana twisted her lips in annoyance. “Oddity…really, I wish you’d quit saying things like that.”

“We’re all strange,” Molly put in. “We’re Fraziers, aren’t we?”