Yours for Christmas (Fool's Gold series) (7 page)

He punched the pillow a couple of times and closed his eyes. He’d nearly fallen asleep when he heard footsteps in the hallway. They were light and hesitant.

He saw up and turned on the light. Chloe stepped into view.

She had on a long flannel nightgown with pink flowers on it. Her bright red hair was pulled back in a braid and her eyes were huge. As he watched, a single tear slipped down her cheek.

He’d gone home to pick up sweats and a T-shirt to sleep in. He pushed aside the blankets and patted the sofa next to him. She crossed to him, but instead of settling beside him she threw herself at him and began to cry.

Bailey had been emotional earlier, he thought as he instinctively wrapped his arms round Chloe’s skinny body and held her close. A reaction to the accident, but still. Females and tears were a tough combination.

Not knowing what else to do, he let her cry for a few minutes. He rubbed her back and murmured reassuringly. Finally she raised her head and looked at him.

“I had a bad dream about my dad.”

“What was the dream?”

“He was lost and I couldn’t find him.”

He brushed he tears from her cheeks. “Yeah, that’s a bad one. It woke you up, huh?”

She nodded and sniffed.

“Can you keep real quiet for a minute?” he asked.

She nodded.

He picked her up and carried her into her mother’s bedroom. Bailey lay asleep on her bed. Kenny returned to the living room and sat on the sofa with her on his lap.

“You see she’s okay, right?”

Chloe nodded.

He smiled at her. “You’ve had a lot to deal with, munchkin. Moving to a strange town, then losing your dad. You’re about to move into a new house. And while the new house is going to be wonderful, it’s still a change. And sometimes change is upsetting. Even a good one. We like our routines.”

She watched him, her big green eyes focused on his face.

“When your mom fell, you were scared.”

Chloe nodded.

“You know she’s okay, right? That it’s just a sprain and she’s not in danger.” What he wanted to say was Bailey wasn’t going to die, but he didn’t know if that was too much. “Normally you’d be okay with it, but right now it’s harder.”

Another nod, this one a little slower. Some of the worry faded from her eyes. “It’s like when I’m tired and I get cranky when I wouldn’t usually?”

“Yeah. Just like that. There’s a lot going on and then you saw your mom hurt. It scared you. It would scare anyone. I think that’s probably why you had the dream about your dad.”

He touched her nose. “You know your dad loves you. He’s always going to love you. Just because he’s not here, doesn’t mean the love goes away. It’s like the blue sky. Just because you’re not looking doesn’t mean it’s suddenly purple or green.”

She smiled. “Because he’s my forever dad?”

Soft, sweet words that hit him in the gut. Longing so fierce and intense that it stole his breath caught him in a vise grip and didn’t let go.

Because that was what he’d wanted with James and what he still wanted. He was one of those traditional guys who had always assumed he would get married and have kids. Not special dreams, but his all the same.

The problem was after Natalie, he’d been reluctant to trust again. There had been girlfriends, but none of them had truly touched his heart. In fact the first woman to get his attention in that way happened to be the mother of the little girl sitting on his knee.

Chloe slid to the floor and yawned. “Thanks, Kenny. I feel better. I’m going back to bed.”

“I’ll walk you.”

He got her settled, kissed her on the forehead, then retreated to the sofa. But he didn’t bother lying down. He knew he wouldn’t sleep. Not when everything he wanted was so damned close, and yet completely out of reach.

CHAPTER SEVEN

B
AILEY
WIGGLED
INTO
her Spanx camisole and smoothed it into place. Tonight was the triple-date dinner at Henri’s with Kenny. Not that they were dating. They were friends joining two other couples, one of whom was married, while the other was engaged. No big deal.

Except thinking about that over and over didn’t seem to be getting the message to the butterflies currently practicing their
Nutcracker
ballet in her stomach.

She’d been lucky with her sprain. The following morning she hadn’t needed her crutches at all. The swelling had gone down quickly and by the second day, there wasn’t much pain. She’d been careful to wear flats for the week so she could save her ankle for tonight.

She pulled her holiday sweater over her head. It was black with stylized bows knit into the pattern. All of the bows were white, except for one red one. She had her faux diamond-stud earrings she’d purchased on sale and a pair of too-high sexy black heels she’d gotten at a clothing exchange.

Bailey studied her reflection in the mirror. She’d done her best with her makeup. Her hair was good—long and thick with a curly wave. She thought she looked nice. But what would Kenny think?

She’d given up on the just-friends thing. She had a crush on him and all the sensible talk in the world wasn’t going to change that. The truth was they would be seeing a lot of each other over the holidays. She would enjoy every minute of that. But come the first of the year, she was going on a Kenny diet. She had a feeling that giving him up was going to be a lot harder than giving up carbs, which happened to be the second of her resolutions for January.

She didn’t have a choice. Not only had he made his feelings extremely clear, but she’d also actually taken the time to do an online search of him the previous night. The results had not been easy to see. While there weren’t many pictures of Kenny with the woman he’d thought of as the mother of his child, there were more than enough of him with beautiful, talented, sexy,
thin
women. Models and actresses. A couple of athletes and a woman who had founded a successful nonprofit while still in her teens.

If one ignored the beautiful and successful part, he didn’t seem to have a physical type. There were blondes, brunettes and a smattering of redheads. Some were short, some were tall. But not one of them had been curvy. Or plump. Or fighting an extra twenty pounds. There also hadn’t been any executive assistants or schoolteachers or hairstylists. In a word, Kenny didn’t seem to favor normal when it came to the women in his life.

Which made the need to get over him even stronger.

She got her coat and her least sensible handbag, which was still a pretty utilitarian black shoulder bag, and walked into the living room. Chloe was staying with her friend Allison for the night, saving Bailey the cost of a babysitter.

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.

* * *

“W
HY
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.

* * *

K
ENNY
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.