“Shopping for toilets,” the CEO added drily.
Kurt wiped a hand across his brow and sighed. “What a relief. I’ve always had horrible stage fright. Worse than poor little Jessica tonight.”
He leaned over the counter and touched a spot on the back of his head. “Feel this,” he commanded.
“What the...” Christian muttered as Maggie stepped forward. Kurt had always been eccentric, but he was a decent person.
She reached out two fingers and rubbed them against his scalp. The scent of wood shavings and Old Spice drifted toward her. “There’s a bump.”
He nodded, straightening. “I fell off the risers during our spring recital when I was in third grade. Passed out and knocked my head against the corner of the metal. I had a concussion and eight stitches. The bone never healed quite right.”
“That explains a lot,” Christian said under his breath as he joined Maggie at the counter.
She darted him a quelling look. She liked Kurt and wouldn’t have anyone making fun of him.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mention it right away.” She patted the older man’s rough hand. “We certainly don’t want to stress you out. I forgot that everyone was staying open tonight for filming. I can stop in tomorrow during my lunch break.”
Kurt waved away her concern. “Might as well look now. I’m here, and I’d much rather have you shopping than making me into some kind of Clark Gable wannabe.”
“I bet you would have given him a run for his money back in the day.”
A small snort from Christian had her glaring at him again.
“You’re not my only customer, anyway,” Kurt continued, oblivious to any judgment coming from the man next to her. “I might need to extend my hours on a regular basis.”
“Although I’m not in the market for something as exciting as a new toilet,” a deep voice said from down one of the aisles.
Griffin appeared at the endcap, wearing a thick down jacket over a dark sweater and jeans.
“Hey, man.” Christian immediately moved forward, shaking Griffin’s hand enthusiastically. “What are you doing here?”
“Great question,” Maggie added, lifting a brow even as butterflies flitted across her stomach. The last thing she needed adding another complication to this night was Griffin, although she couldn’t deny how happy she was to see him.
* * *
Griffin smiled as the CEO shook his hand. Christian’s palm felt as smooth as a baby’s bottom, another mark against him as far as Griffin was concerned. “Brenna called and said they were looking for extras for filming tonight. I needed a few things from here, anyway, so it will save me a trip into town tomorrow.”
“Don’t tell me that a trip to the hardware store is the most excitement this town has to offer on a Saturday night,” Christian said with a groan. “Throw me a bone.”
“You should grab a drink at O’Malley’s across the street,” Griffin answered, faking enthusiasm. “Chuck pulls in a decent crowd.”
He knew Maggie had spent the evening with Christian. Hell, it was the reason Griffin had agreed to an after-hours trip into town. As far as he could tell, the whole town was buzzing about Maggie going on a date with the CEO. He wanted to believe she was doing it for the competition but had to see for himself.
He glanced over at her now, and his heart squeezed when she gave him a quick, private smile.
“Yeah,” Kurt agreed from behind the counter. “And they’ve got karaoke on Thursday nights with a professional machine. Irma Cole can belt out Lady Gaga like nobody’s business.”
“Fantastic,” Christian said with an eye roll.
“It’s fun.” Maggie stepped forward, placing a hand on the other man’s arm. Griffin felt his eyes narrow. “We should all go sometime.”
“Um...okay.” Griffin had never known Maggie to show up for karaoke night and he sure as hell wasn’t planning on—
“You probably heard Griffin leading the carol tonight,” she continued. “He has a great voice. Thanks for that, by the way.” Pink colored her cheeks. “It helped keep everyone calm while we figured things out backstage.”
“Sure.” He tipped his head to study her, trying to figure out what was wrong. Her eyes were too bright and one of her hands was clenched in a tight fist, pressing against her stomach.
“Right now I could use a drink,” Christian announced. He draped an arm over Maggie’s shoulder, winding his fingers through the ends of her long hair. “Maggie, do you mind holding off on the bathroom shopping until tomorrow? I’d like to get out of here.”
She shifted away slightly, but when the other man didn’t let go seemed to settle into the embrace. “That’s fine.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Kurt, I’ll stop by in the morning.”
The older man held up a hand. “I’ll plan on having a bran muffin for breakfast so I’m ready to talk toilets.” He laughed at his own potty-humor joke. “If you know what I mean?”
“Unfortunately, I do,” Maggie answered with a nod.
“You want to join us?” Christian asked, but Griffin shook his head, not trusting himself to speak when the guy was hanging on to Maggie like she belonged to him. “Fine then. I’ll give you a call when I’m coming to town next. I’d like to talk more about the sustainability of your new tasting room construction. If LiveSoft ends up in Stonecreek, the board is going to want to implement some of those initiatives in building the headquarters.”
“Fine then.” Griffin echoed Christian’s words when it was clear he had to say something.
He turned without saying goodbye to Maggie and headed back down the aisle to pick up a new blade for his miter saw. Kurt didn’t seem like he was in any hurry to lock up for the night, so Griffin took his time. There was no way he wanted to take a chance on running into Maggie and Christian walking through town arm in arm.
By the time he got to the counter, snow fell outside the window, coming down in thick, heavy flakes that almost created a whiteout effect.
“Mind if I come back in the morning for the wood?”
Kurt glanced from the flatbed cart stacked with boards then behind him at the sudden storm. “No problem.” He used the scanner to ring up Griffin’s purchase. “Maggie’s doing us a solid, you know?”
“Know what?” Griffin tapped an impatient finger on the counter.
“That CEO guy is obviously smitten and she’s going above and beyond to make sure he’s happy in Stonecreek.”
He had no interest in knowing what Kurt meant by “above and beyond.”
“The town can sell itself. If the company picks Stonecreek, great. If not, we’ll be fine.”
Kurt shrugged. “The tax money would go a long way around here.”
Griffin waited while Kurt bagged his purchases, trying not to think of Maggie and Christian together—and failing miserably.
“I guess we’ll see what happens in a few weeks. Have a good night, Kurt. Enjoy your muffin tomorrow.”
“The wife puts extra raisins in them,” Kurt said, “because that’s how I like it.”
“You’re a lucky guy.” With a final wave, Griffin left the store and was immediately covered in snow. The flakes were fluffy and cold on his heated skin, and he could almost hear them sizzle as they landed. It had been a stupid idea to come to town tonight. Maggie made it clear she’d accept his friendship and nothing more. Now he had an ill sensation in his gut to accompany him on the way back to the vineyard. His car was parked around the corner. As he approached, he saw the outline of a woman sitting on his back bumper.
Maggie.
Her head was bent forward, her hands folded in her lap. A dusting of white snow covered her, giving her almost an ethereal quality. He guessed she’d been there at least five minutes.
The streets were empty as most of the town would be home at this hour. Unless there was an event, Stonecreek rolled up the sid
ewalks early.
So why was Maggie here waiting for him?
His boots crunched in the wet snow as he approached, but she didn’t look up. There was something about a heavy snowfall that made the world close in on itself. It felt like they were the only two people for miles. The air was already cold, and he could feel the temperature dropping quickly.
“Hey,” he said when he was directly in front of her. Her eyes remained closed, dark lashes resting against her pale skin. Griffin crouched down in front of her, dropping his bag to the ground and covering her hands with his. “Maggie, what’s going on?”
Her fingers were like ice, and he suddenly realized she was shivering madly. He brushed the snow out of her lap and off her shoulders as she blinked and focused her gaze on him, seeming almost surprised to find him in front of her.
“You’re freezing,” he said, pulling her to her feet. “Let’s get in the car.”
“I’m messing it all up.” She let herself be led to the passenger side of the Land Cruiser. He unlocked the door and she climbed in.
“I want to hear everything,” he promised. “But we need to reheat you first.”
He plucked the bag off the ground then got into the car, placing his purchases in the backseat. Turning the key in the ignition, he prayed for the heat to kick in quickly as he adjusted the vents to aim at Maggie.
“I’m going to take you home,” he told her, already pulling onto the street. “I don’t know what’s going on but you’re in no shape to drive in this weather. We can pick up your car wherever it’s parked tomorrow.”
She shook her head. “Chr-christian picked m-me up,” she said through chattering teeth.
“The date,” he muttered. “I heard. Where is he now?” He glanced at her huddled in the seat next to him and then cursed when he felt the vents, which were still blowing cool air. “Why didn’t he take you home?”
“H-he wanted me t-to come to h-his hotel,” she said and Griffin wished he could transfer some of the heat raging through his body to hers.
“I’ll kill him,” he whispered automatically.
She shook her head. “N-not for that. A d-drink. That’s all.”
Right. Griffin could only imagine how the amorous CEO wanted only to share a nightcap with Maggie. In his hotel room. Because that’s just how powerful men worked.
Luckily Maggie lived in the neighborhood adjacent to downtown, and he was pulling into her driveway within minutes.
As he came around the front of the car, she started to climb out. He scooped her into his arms and slammed shut the door, stalking toward the house.
Maggie laughed into his coat. “Th-this is like m-my wedding d-day. I c-can walk.”
“I’m well aware,” he said under his breath but didn’t put her down until they were on the front porch. In truth, it was difficult to force himself to release her even then.
Yes, he’d carried her to her house after she’d twisted her ankle fleeing from the church and her impending marriage to his brother. But six months ago felt like a lifetime in the past. At that point, he’d felt sorry for Maggie. Before he’d even known the details, it was clear Trevor had hurt her. He’d appreciated her spunk and the way she’d tried to be brave but now...
Now he loved her.
Something about her interaction with Christian Milken tonight had forced her out into a snowstorm and clearly messed with her head.
Truly, he was going to destroy the man, if not literally then he’d find a way to wreck him for hurting Maggie.
No one hurt Maggie.
He inwardly cringed as he watched her struggle to unlock the front door with trembling fingers. The only thing that stopped him from taking the key from her was the knowledge that he’d hurt her—probably far worse than whatever Christian had done.
Griffin should see her safely inside then leave. She was stronger than she realized. He had no doubt she’d find a way to make right whatever it was she thought she’d “messed up.”
But he wouldn’t leave. He couldn’t.
The door clicked open and he followed her in, watching as she flipped on lights and cupped her hands in front of her mouth to breathe warm air onto them.
“You should get out of those clothes.”
She gave him a dubious look. “And you’re upset about Christian asking me for a drink?”
“Into something warm and dry,” he clarified. “I’ll heat water for tea.”
She studied him a moment longer then sighed. “Thank you.”
He ran a hand through his hair as he watched her disappear up the stairs. On the way to the kitchen, he texted his mom to tell her something had happened with Maggie and he might not be home until later. She confirmed that Joey was sleeping soundly and that she could handle things if the boy woke.
For years, Griffin had prided himself on the fact that he didn’t have messy attachments to people. Any attachments, really. He’d been estranged from his family and although he would have done anything for his army buddies, now he felt completely enmeshed in the lives of the people he cared about. Downright domesticated if he faced the truth.
It suited him, much to his surprise.
He heated water on the stove and opened cabinets until he found a container of chamomile tea bags. He dropped one into a mug and waited for the kettle to whistle.
A few pieces of sample tile and paint swatches were spread across the counter. Maggie was taking control of her life, and pride flooded him at her determination.
That determination filled her gray eyes as she walked into the room wearing a thick fleece pullover and black yoga pants. Were yoga pants supposed to be sexy? Probably not, but the fact that he found them seriously arousing said a lot about his state of mind at the moment.
“Thank you for getting me home tonight,” she said, her tone crisp. “I overreacted.”
“To Christian putting the moves on you?” He shook his head. “I doubt it.”
A keening whistle sounded from the teapot and he flipped off the burner then poured steaming water into a mug.
“You aren’t joining me?” she asked, stepping closer.
“Tea isn’t really my thing.”
“A beer?”
“If you have one.”
She opened the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle. He dunked the tea bag several times then they traded—tea for her and a microbrew for him.
“You could lace it with whiskey,” he suggested as he lifted the bottle to his lips.
She smiled and shook her head. “I had wine with dinner. I’m kind of a lightweight.”
“Only when it comes to alcohol,” he reminded her.
She sipped the tea, spreading her fingers around the mug. “This is perfect. I thought I’d never be warm again. Probably not in the best interest of the town if I let myself freeze before the competition is over.”
“The town will be fine.” He repeated his earlier words to Kurt then held up a hand when her eyes widened. “Without LiveSoft,” he clarified. “Not you. We need you.”
“I appreciate that, especially after tonight.”
His grip tightened on the beer bottle. “What happened with Christian?”
“Nothing.” She bit down on her lower lip. “Yet.”
“Remember when I punched Trevor in the sanctuary after you walked away from the wedding?”
She nodded and rolled her eyes. “I don’t need—”
“If I decked that sanctimonious CEO,” he interrupted, “it would be as much for me as for you. That guy rubs me the wrong way.”
“He likes me,” she blurted.
“He’s human,” he countered, earning another eye roll.
“It’s going to mess up everything. He basically told me that I’d be his biggest reason for choosing Stonecreek as the headquarters.”
“I thought the social media follower
s voted and the board makes the final decision.”
“Well, yes, but Christian’s assistant edits all of the content. She directs the narrative, and apparently they want me to be part of it.”
“What do you want?” he forced himself to ask.
“To take care of the town.”
“By dating our potential rainmaker?”
“I don’t want to date Christian,” she insisted with more conviction than he would have expected after she’d spent the evening with the guy.
“But you went out with him tonight.”
She set the mug onto the counter then pressed her palm against her forehead. “I asked them to delete the footage of Jessica’s embarrassing moment at the pageant.”
“Good for you.”
“He suggested I go to dinner with him in return—just the two of us. Well, the two of us and a camera. They needed replacement content.” She shook her head. “Brenna called everyone about staying open late. I thought it would be an easy way to get additional publicity for some of the local businesses.”
“The town is doing great on its own.”
“There are still struggles. Budget constraints that most people don’t see. With an influx of tax revenue, I could do so much. The community deserves more. Everyone thinks we’re going to win the competition.”
“We could,” he said quietly.
“Christian needs an incentive to give up the big city for small-town life.”
“How is it that you don’t want me to kill him?”
“I want to believe he means it as a compliment.”
“Maggie, come on.”
“Okay,” she said, throwing up her hands. “But I can’t be rude about it.”
“Hell, yeah, you can.”
“I’ll mess up our chances,” she protested.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“You don’t understand.”
“I understand that you aren’t going to be bullied into dating or whatever else with some powerful corporate honcho to win. You aren’t part of the bargain. Not even your grandmother would expect that.”
She gave a small laugh. “Have you met her?”
A Stonecreek Christmas Reunion Page 11