Her Plus One: Stand-alone Friends to Lovers, Military, Boy Next Door, Home for the Holidays (Pine Haven Holiday Romance Book 1)

by Jenn Sable

  Clay: Sorry. He’s a jerk, and you’re my girl. If he gives you any problems, I’ll be there.

  Me: So I’m your girl, huh?

  Clay: 100% and I’m your man. Tell Grove that.

  Me: You’re cute. Say goodbye to your folks for me today when you drop them off at the airport.

  Clay: Of course. All right, remember, take NO crap.

  Me: Love you.

  I stared at the last message I typed and immediately deleted it.

  Oh, God. Am I in love with Clay?

  I was over the moon about him. I certainly loved a lot of things about him, like his laugh and sexy, silver eyes, heart-melting smile, the smell of his skin, and the feel of it against mine. I loved how he made me feel cherished and protected. My heart hammered in my chest, and my pulse quickened.

  Holy shit. Is this love? Already? Is that even possible?

  But I already knew deep down, even if I wasn’t ready to admit it out loud, I was in love. Clay McCade had swept into my life and stolen my heart.

  I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. Oh my God, we promised one another that we would take this one day at a time. That we would enjoy the present moment and not get wrapped up in the worries of the future. Not allow the things that were out of our control to ruin the time we knew we had with one another.

  The knock on the window startled me, and I jumped several inches out of my seat. I snapped my gaze over to see Michael Grove standing beside my door, howling with laughter.

  “Sorry that was just so funny. Are you going to take photos of me from your Jeep? My God, this thing is an antique. It has to be how old now?”

  I haven’t officially seen this ass since I found him in a room at a New Year’s Eve party with a girl’s head between his legs. Now he wants to joke around?

  I cleared my throat. “It was my mom's, and I'm going to drive it as long as it runs.”

  He looked crestfallen. “Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot that it was your mom's.”

  “Yeah, clearly, which is kind of crazy since we dated for four years and were engaged for two.”

  Michael stared at me. His shocked expression was priceless.

  I pushed open the door, and Michael stepped back a few steps. I looked at the lake house and shook my head.

  Michael regained his composure and cleared his throat. “Before we go in there, I just want to say I'm thrilled that you're here, Melissa. I truly appreciate you coming out in a professional manner. Since we'll regularly see one another in the professional arena and social functions like the awards ceremony, can we let bygones be bygones and start fresh as friends? What do you say?”

  “Sure, Michael, that's fine. I'm going to pop the trunk, and you can help me take in some of the equipment.”

  Shock and amusement crossed the planes of his face. “Yeah, yeah, of course. That's why I came outside. I’m here to help you.”

  “Well, good. I'm going to put you to work then.”

  He laughed. “Lead the way. You're the boss today.”

  We piled my equipment into the massive living room lined with a wall of windows that looked out over the lake. I stood and stared for a moment. I called out over my shoulder. “The wall of windows was an excellent call.”

  Michael walked over and stood beside me so close our shoulders almost touched. I took a step away.

  He eyed me curiously. “You did an amazing job designing this house, and I’m eternally grateful for it. You always had great taste, and I reaped the benefits. I hope it's not too painful for you to be in this home today.”

  I took a breath. “To be honest, I was apprehensive about it for a little while. I dreaded the idea of coming here. But now, it just seems so far removed from my life. I’ve found happiness, and I'm happy for you and Kimberly. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials.”

  Michael's brows rose. “I don’t know what I expected to hear, but that wasn’t it.” He stood and blinked a few times. “Wow, I'm pleased to hear you are happy. Thank you for your congratulations. I'm glad you're here today. I'm going to make some coffee, would you like a cup?

  I nodded. “Yes, that sounds great. I'll be ready to go in about twenty minutes. I have to set up a few lights, but I think we'll focus on getting a picture of you in the living room, in the den, and out on the back porch. We'll start here in the living room. Is that what you're wearing?”

  Michael straightened his button-down shirt. “Yes.” He looked down at his attire and then back up at me. “It's a $750 Milmox shirt. What do you think? Do I look stunning, dashing, wickedly handsome?” He wiggled his brows.

  I studied him for a moment, and our eyes connected. I felt absolutely nothing. "That shade of blue washes you out a little bit. I suggest either navy blue, black, or just plain white.

  His face fell. “Are you serious?”

  I laughed. "Yeah, I'm just telling you my professional opinion. The better these photos turn out, the better for all of us. After you get the coffee, why don't you bring down a few shirts from your closet, and we'll pick one or two of them that you can wear.”

  He nodded. “All right, that sounds like a plan.”

  I pulled my phone from my pocket, double-checked my emails, and scrolled straight to the new one from Roz.

  Melissa,

  I would like to see Grove in a few different settings. Remember that the article’s goal is to make our readers fall in love with our dear Mr. Mayor. I'm looking for genuine smiles and passionate glances. Good luck.

  Roz,

  P.S. Be professional but don't take any shit.

  I laughed.

  “You always did have a nice laugh.” Michael returned, carrying three shirts, two sweater options, and a sports coat. “I brought a variety since I'm going to play dress-up today. Can you work with this selection?”

  I looked over the pieces he had brought. All were designer clothes. “Yes, this will work just fine. I'd like to start with you in the button-down with your gray sports coat over it. No tie.”

  Michael raked his eyes over my face. “Sure thing, boss. I'll be right back. He picked up the navy-blue shirt and the gray sports coat.

  I frowned. Is this ass flirting with me? I finished setting up the lights, and Michael returned.

  “Better?”

  I glanced. “Yes, much better. Okay, we're going to start by having you stand by the fireplace. I want you to be holding this glass of water, and you're going to put your left hand into your pocket. Pretend there's a party, and someone said something hilarious.”

  He laughed. “Oh, Jesus, Melissa. I don't know if I'm going to be any good at this.”

  “Just like that! You just did great.”

  A shimmer crossed his blue eyes, and he lowered his voice. “Well, you make it easy.”

  I nodded, ignoring his flirtatious comment, and scanned through the photos.

  “I think that coffee is ready. How about I pour us two cups, and you select my next outfit. Where are we going next? The den, the deck?

  “Outside. The lighting is perfect right now.”

  Michael nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

  I selected a plain white shirt with a sweater over it for the outdoor shoot. My directives were professional and straightforward, and Michael didn't mind me guiding him through the photos. The shoot produced excellent results. Michael looked relaxed, happy even. I was excited to share them with Roz.

  “All right, that should do it for the outdoor images. One more to go, and then we can wrap things up.”

  We walked inside to the den, a light-filled room with a large mahogany desk. Michael leaned against the edge of the desk and crossed his arms. “I took off all day, so if we need to look at revisiting a few photos in the living room, just let me know. You warmed me up to the camera.”

  “Well, you're certainly doing great. Your smiles are genuine, and those are what our readers want. Tilt your chin a smidge, thanks.”

  “My smiles are genuine because of you. You came into your own while I was away, Mel. It’s inc
redible; you’re incredible.”

  I glanced up from the camera. “Right. Thanks. How about a wardrobe change for this one? Let’s go with the black button-down with the sleeves rolled up and the top button open.”

  Michael’s eyes glittered. “The casual look, huh? I like it.” He disappeared, and I downed the rest of my coffee and fired off an email to Roz, letting her know things were going well.

  A few minutes later, Michael reappeared with his shirt completely unbuttoned. “How did you want me to wear this shirt again?”

  “Buttoned—except for the first one or two buttons—and tucked in with the sleeves rolled up.”

  He nodded and stood in front of the desk, taking an extra-long time to button his shirt. When he finally leaned against the desk with his shirt tucked in, he struggled to make the one rolled-up sleeve congruent with the other. “Can you help me with this sleeve?”

  “Okay, yeah. Unroll it for me.” I walked over and stood in front of Michael, who leaned against the edge of the desk.

  He did as I asked, but once I started rolling his sleeve into place, his other arm slid around my waist, and he pulled me against him.”

  “What the hell, Michael?” I shoved away from him, and he dared to look hurt, as though I were the one who did something out of line.

  “I’m sorry, Melissa. I misread your signals.”

  I gaped at him. “My signals? I didn’t give you any signals.”

  His chin dipped, and his brows skyrocketed. “Oh, come on, Mel. I see the way you’re looking at me, studying me, bossing me around, telling me exactly what you want with your bedroom eyes.”

  “You’re delusional. This is a photoshoot, Michael. That means I’m going to look at you to instruct how best to pose for your pictures. I do that with all of my clients.”

  Michael held up his hands in surrender. “I apologize. As I said, I misread your signals.”

  “You have some nerve trying to start anything with me. You cheated on me, and you think I’m going to let bygones be bygones and start having an affair with you when you’re living in my old lake house design with your new fiancé? Unbelievable. I’m done.” I turned and left the den.

  Michael came after me, pleading his case the entire time I packed my equipment. “Let’s face it, Mel. You came here today as a single woman after our relationship ended two years ago. I thought you still harbored feelings for me since you haven’t moved on. If you do, in fact, still have feelings for me, I want you to know that you’re not alone. It pains me that we left some stones unturned.”

  I laughed and marveled at how well Michael tried to manipulate the situation. “Nope, no unturned stones here, Mayor Grove. And if we’re going to be working with one another in a professional capacity, then you need to stop making assumptions about me and my feelings for you. Because there are none.”

  Michael frowned. “Oh. I am sorry, Melissa. I think we’re on the same page now.”

  I picked up a few bags and headed for the front door. Michael carried the rest of the equipment out to the Jeep, and wordlessly helped me put them in the trunk. I slammed the truck door and turned toward him. “You are not permitted to ever touch me like that again, understood?”

  Michael nodded but said nothing.

  “And for the record, I am seeing someone.”

  His eyes flashed connected with mine. “Who?”

  “Clayton McCade.”

  Michael’s brow line puckered, and the corners of his mouth turned down. “Isn’t he leaving Pine Haven?”

  Something stopped me from telling Michael about Clay’s upcoming interview at Lyons Medical. “We’re spending Thanksgiving together.”

  He blinked, and his eyes rounded in surprise. “You’re spending Thanksgiving together?”

  I nodded and wrenched open the driver’s side door of my car.

  Michael ambled around the side of the vehicle, hands in his pockets. “Mel?”

  “What, Michael?”

  “Is it serious between you two?”

  “Very.”

  *****

  Aunt Eve gently tapped the side of her glass with her fork as we sat around Leona’s dining room table. "Clayton, we are thrilled you were able to join us this year.”

  Clay flashed his most charming smile. “Thank you, Eve and Leona, for welcoming me on such short notice. I’ve never seen such a lovely spread and never eaten turkey-shaped cornbread before.”

  Eve smiled triumphantly. “I just purchased the turkey molds this year, despite someone who shall remain unnamed complaining that they were overkill. I’m glad that you like them, Clay.”

  Leona played with her pilgrim-shaped name card. “Well, expect holly-shaped cornbread at Christmas since Eve bought a set of those, too. We’re quite festive around here. Tell me, who uses name cards at the table for four people?”

  Clay chuckled. “I love it. Thank you again. I’m glad to be here tonight with you, ladies.”

  My heart palpitated over the mention of Christmas. It wasn’t clear yet if Clay would be here for it. He had promised his mother he would fly to Scotland if he didn’t score a second-round interview. I didn’t want to think about that just yet. My thoughts were on Thanksgiving and tomorrow night’s awards ceremony.

  Leona sipped her wine and pursed her lips. “Clay, why did you decide not to join your family in Scotland this year?”

  I glanced over at Aunt Leona and tried to shake my head without Clay noticing. Clay’s not traveling to Scotland didn’t sit well with his mother. She continued to pressure Clay to abandon the longshot interview and spend his remaining holiday break with his family.

  Clay cleared his throat. “I don't know if Melissa told you, but I have a job interview at Lyons Medical. I'm hoping it works out. The interview is this Monday. Wish me luck.”

  Leona and Eve exchanged glances then looked at me. They, too, had become increasingly worried over my attachment to Clay—Leona more so than Eve. Neither one wanted to see me step back into the dating world and immediately fall for someone who most likely wouldn’t be here after the New Year’s.

  Leona held a hand to her heart. “Lyons Medical? Heavens, I didn’t know you were looking at job opportunities here at home.”

  Eve looked excited; Leona appeared bewildered, and I bit my lip, trying not to smile like a goofball when Clay threaded his fingers through mine under the table.

  Leona continued to press forward with questions. “This news is quite surprising and sounds like you set up this interview quickly. I thought you were preparing to go to Scotland and then back to your base in Alaska.”

  Clay slid his eyes over to me, and his cheek rounded in a half-smile. “That was the plan, but something changed. When I got home this time, I realized that a lot is missing from my life. Spending time with Melissa has helped me recognize what’s most important to me. It feels like my heart is here.”

  My heart skipped a beat. I hadn’t told Clay that I was in love with him. The job interview had already created pressure; I didn’t want to heighten the stakes anymore.

  “I want this job, but I know it's a long shot. I don't have the required amount of years of experience, and I only got this interview because the CEO is a fan of the military.”

  Eve’s smile slipped slightly. “Oh, so if things don't work out, then...”

  Clay's eyes dropped to his plate, and he cleared his throat. “Then it's back to Alaska. I've got a four-year contract waiting for me to sign. It's lucrative and steady and will give me a lot of great experience that will help me secure a job afterward.”

  I felt a twist in my stomach, and although I knew that it would be a miracle if Clay somehow landed this position, I still held out a tiny shred of hope that he would.

  “Okay, Melissa, your Aunt Leona and I would like to give you something. It’s a holiday housewarming gift.” Eve rose from her chair and lifted a large, neatly wrapped box from behind the hutch, effectively sweeping away the somber mood that had settled over the table.

  I straight
ened in my chair. “Aunt Eve, Aunt Leona, you two have already done so much for me. You certainly didn’t need to do anything else.”

  Leona waved her hand. “It’s not anything expensive.”

  Eve sat the box down on the empty side of the long dining room table with a heavy thud. We rose and circled the mysterious box.

  “Go on, open it!” Eve nudged me forward.

  I pulled the shiny leaf-patterned wrapping paper from the box, and Clay slid a knife from his pocket and cut away the packaging tape. Eve stood with a toothy grin, and Leona had a small, demure smile pasted on her face as I opened the box.

  I stared at it and blinked. Clay’s head tilted sideways.

  “Oh, goodness, here!” Eve pushed through us, hefted the fabric up out of the box, and threw it on the floor.

  My jaw loosened. It was an enormous Thanksgiving hug rug. “Oh, my God!” I clapped my hand over my mouth to suppress my laugh.”

  “Go on, kids. Give it a try. The first hug sets the tone.” Eve shooed us forward.

  Clay extended his hand and looked at me from under his dark brows with sparkling, silver-gray eyes. “Melissa Monroe, may I have this hug?”

  Eve lightly clapped her hands together, and Leona’s eyes twinkled. I slid my hand in Clay’s big warm one, and we stepped onto the rug together.

  His thick arms encircled me and pulled me close to his sculpted chest. His warm breath danced along my neck as he whispered, “I’m most grateful for you this Thanksgiving.”

  “Oh my God, it’s like we just watched a wedding ceremony. I may cry!”

  Leona reached over and slapped Eve on her shoulder, and the sisters glared at one another.

  The shrill ring of the house telephone sounded in the kitchen. Eve smiled at Leona.

  Leona pinched the bridge of her nose. “Don’t even think about answering that phone. You know who it is.”

  Clay released me from his arms, and I turned to Leona. “Who?”

  Eve shrugged innocently. “It could be a neighbor in need or notice that we won a million-dollars sweepstake.

  Leona gave Eve a deadpan look. “It’s Sherm Porter trying to convince me to go on a drive through the valley like a teenager with you and Robby Lennox. We are much too old to be gallivanting around, taking late-night drives.”