Christmas With You

by Heidi McLaughlin

  “I really thought I could control myself and act cool with you being here, but I don’t think it’s possible. I love your designs.” She ran down the steps and held out her hand. “I’m Brianna, Colin’s sister.”

  They had the same dark brown hair and green eyes. “Yes, I can see that,” I replied. “It’s nice to meet you.” She seemed like a nice girl, probably in her early twenties. What I loved most was the top she had on. It was one of my designs.

  I grabbed my bag out of the backseat, and Brianna took it. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Layla. When I found out you were moving to Friendship, I couldn’t believe it.”

  A laugh escaped my lips. “Neither could I. Although I am happy to see that someone around here likes me.”

  Brows furrowed, Brianna nodded toward the house. “Colin didn’t make you feel unwelcome, did he? If he did, I’ll slap him upside the head.”

  “No.” I laughed. “He was very friendly. However, the man at the general store didn’t seem too thrilled to be around me.”

  She scoffed. “That’s just Earl. He’s a grumpy old man. Don’t let him sway your opinion of our town. The people of Friendship all stick together. We’re like family.”

  I followed her down the walkway and around the back of the inn, where a quaint little cottage sat by a small, frozen lake. A gazebo sat at the water’s edge, covered with bright white Christmas lights and red bows. The stone path leading up to it reminded me of something you’d see in a storybook. “From the front, I didn’t even know this place was back here,” I murmured.

  Brianna glanced at me over her shoulder with a big smile on her face. “This is where you’ll be staying. I can’t believe the heater froze up on the house. It never did that when I was growing up there. Although it has been colder this winter.”

  It was colder than what I’d ever experienced. “Thank you for the gift basket. Colin said it was your idea.”

  We stopped at the cottage door. “You’re welcome. I’m one of your biggest fans. Not many people around here care about fashion though.”

  I sighed. “But they know who I am, don’t they?”

  She snorted. “Everyone knows who you are. Did you think a small town like ours wouldn’t know who you were?”

  “Kind of,” I replied with a shrug. “Was that naive of me?”

  She burst out laughing. “Yup. You can’t escape who you are, especially when the world already knows you.”

  The door to the cottage opened, and Colin stepped out with a duffel bag draped over his shoulder. He nodded toward the door. “It’s all yours. The guest bedroom is up the stairs on the right. Feel free to use whatever you want in the kitchen.”

  “What?” I gasped, glancing at them both. I looked at Colin’s bag and then into his striking, emerald eyes. “Is this your home?” The last thing I wanted to do was inconvenience him.

  He nodded. “It’s yours tonight.”

  I shook my head. “Definitely not. I don’t want you giving up your place for me.”

  “It was either that or the tiny twin bedroom in the inn,” Brianna cut in. “I figured you’d want more space.”

  “I’m fine with the smaller room.” She had a hold of my bag, and I reached out for it pleadingly. “Seriously, I don’t mind. I’m just grateful I won’t be freezing to death.”

  Brianna handed me my bag, her gaze curious. It was obvious they had misconceptions about me. Hopefully, I’d be able to change that.

  Brianna and Colin stared at each other, but Colin spoke first, his lips tilting up in a small smile. “Take the cottage, Ms. Aberdeen. The whole inn is my home. You’re not putting me out.”

  “Are you sure? I feel bad.”

  “Don’t,” he said, setting his bag on the porch. He reached for mine and picked it up. “Come on, I’ll show you around.”

  Grinning wide, Brianna backed away. “I’ll leave you both to it. Oh, and Layla?” She winked. “My mother and I make the best breakfast in town. Just come in through the back door, and you’ll be right in the kitchen. If you need me, I’ll be just inside.”

  “Thanks. I’ll be sure to do that.” I really liked Brianna. As she walked toward the inn, I couldn’t help but notice how amazing she’d be on a runway. She had the perfect height, a pretty face, and amazing silky hair. If only I had designs to put on a runway.

  Colin cleared his throat. “You okay?”

  I jerked my attention back to him. “Oh yeah. Just lost in my thoughts for a second.”

  He opened the door, and it smelled exactly like the other house—cinnamon apples and crisp snow—mixed in with Colin’s cologne. I breathed it in and smiled. The walls were a light yellow, very homey and inviting, and most of the furniture was Victorian antiques. Not exactly what I’d imagine a man like Colin to live in. He looked so rugged on the outside with his flannel shirt and jeans and five o’clock shadow.

  A giggle escaped my lips, and I held my breath when he turned to me, clearly having heard me. “Something funny?”

  “No,” I announced quickly. I looked around the living room, loving how beautiful it was. Antiques were my favorite, and the room was filled with various vases and paintings. “It’s just … I’m a little shocked. It doesn’t look like a man lives here.”

  His gaze narrowed, but I could tell he wanted to smile. “Are you questioning my masculinity?”

  Cheeks burning, I held up my hands. “Oh my God, no. That totally came out wrong.”

  He burst out laughing. “I’m just messing with you.” He pointed at some of the antiques, and his gaze turned sad. “My grandmother decorated all of this. It was her dream to keep the inn and this place as close to her heart as possible.”

  He walked over to the fireplace mantel and picked up a picture. It was an old black-and-white photo of a young couple. “When my grandparents left this place to me, they made me promise not to change a thing.” He set the picture back down and turned to me. “Even if I didn’t promise, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I have too many wonderful memories here.”

  “I don’t blame you,” I agreed. “It’s a beautiful place.” In a way, I was envious of his memories. I would’ve loved to have ones like he had.

  “Thanks,” he said as he nodded toward the stairs. “Your room’s up here. Mine is the one on the left.” I followed him up the stairs to the first room on the right. Colin opened the door, and the room was absolutely breathtaking. The walls were a light purple with a hint of gray. It complimented perfectly with the silver and light purple comforter and canopy that draped over the bed. “This used to be my grandmother’s antique storage room before I changed it to a bedroom for Bri. She likes staying here sometimes, especially during the busy season at the inn. It’s much easier and quicker to get over there.”

  He set my bag down, and I walked over to the window. I had a perfect view of the small pond. “So your grandparents left all of this to you and not her or your mother?”

  I could see his reflection in the window. He looked down at the floor and sighed. “My grandparents knew that, when the time came, Brianna would leave Friendship for bigger and better things. And as for my mother, she’s been sick for a while, a rare disease called Addison’s. Basically, her adrenal glands don’t function properly.”

  “Oh no,” I gasped, turning to him. “I’m so sorry. I’ve never even heard of that before.”

  He met my gaze. “Not many people have, and not that many medical professionals know how to treat her. After my father died, she had an adrenal crisis. The stress of his death put too much strain on her body. I was afraid we were going to lose her, too, but she made it through.” With a heavy sigh, he averted his attention to the window. “She knew she couldn’t handle this place on her own, so she asked my grandparents to leave it to me.”

  My heart hurt for him, even though I couldn’t relate. I didn’t know what to say. My parents were healthy and traveling the world. I used to do the same thing until my latest line tanked. I wanted to hold on to the money I had saved.

/>   Colin cleared his throat and stepped out into the hall. “I guess I’ll let you get settled in. If you need anything, I’ll be inside the inn.”

  I nodded. “Sounds good. Thank you.”

  He turned to walk away and stopped, leaning his body against the door frame. “I don’t know if you know or not, but the Christmas tree lighting ceremony is tonight. If you want to go, you can ride with me.”

  My heart skipped a beat. There was a time when Christmas used to fill my heart with joy, but I’d forgotten what all of that felt like. “I’d love to,” I answered.

  His grin made my heart skip another beat. “Good.” Then he glanced down at my clothes. “But you might want to wear something warmer. It’ll be cold out tonight.”

  My breath stilled as he made his way down the stairs and out the front door. I watched him walk toward his truck and drive away down the long, decorated driveway. Heart racing, I hurried out of the house to the back door of the inn. The snow seeped through my designer boots, and I hissed. I was not prepared for rural life. The kitchen was immaculate with fresh baked breads on the counter and chocolate chip cookies in an antique-looking glass bowl. Across the way was a library, and Brianna was on the window seat, reading a book. She jumped up when she saw me.

  “Layla, you okay?”

  I shook my head. “Your brother just invited me to the town Christmas tree lighting tonight.”

  She squealed. “That’s freaking awesome. Is it a date?”

  I shook my head and gasped. “No, of course not. We just met.”

  “I’m just kidding, silly. Then again, he’s good looking and single. What’s not to like?”

  “That’s not it,” I claimed in all honesty. “Colin is very hot, and he makes me nervous, but that’s not my problem right now.”

  “Then what is?” she asked, clearly confused.

  I glanced down at my clothes. “I have nothing to wear.”

  Brianna burst out laughing and tossed her book onto the old oak table. “Who would’ve thought a fashion designer wouldn’t have the right clothes?”

  “Exactly,” I agreed. “I didn’t realize how cold it was going to be up here.”

  She nodded toward the hallway. “Let me get my keys, and I’ll take you to my house. My mom and I live just down the road from here. I’m sure we can find you something to wear.” An amused smile lit up her face. “I’ll make you look like a local in no time.”

  I followed her to the kitchen and watched her grab her purse off the counter. “I’m surprised you don’t live here in the inn,” I said.

  Shrugging, she pulled out her car keys. “I could if I wanted to, but it gives us more space to accept guests. Also, my mom didn’t want to sell our house. She has too many memories there of my dad. It helps her feel close to him.” I could see the sadness on her face at the mention of her father, but I didn’t want to pry into her life. Grabbing my arm, she plastered on a smile and pulled me toward the door. “Enough sad talk. It’s time to get you fixed up.”

  Brianna and I wore the same size, so it didn’t take long to find something that would fit. What intrigued me most about her closet was the amount of my designs she had, only she’d told me she couldn’t afford the ones from my expensive label. I was going to have to change that. Looking in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. I loved the skinny jeans and the thick, cream-colored sweater. Brianna even put my hair up in a messy bun so I could wear her cream-colored ear warmers.

  My phone rang, and I stared at it, watching it light up on my bed. I’d gotten so many calls from the media requesting interviews, but I refused to do any after my last fashion line bit the dust. My humiliation wasn’t for the world to see. All I wanted was to regroup and get my head together before I even attempted to put out a new line. Unfortunately, privacy wasn’t a luxury I had. With everyone in Friendship knowing who I was, it was only a matter of time before my semblance of a normal life would be cut short. Someone would eventually post a picture, and I’d be found.

  Sighing, I walked over to my phone, and luckily, it wasn’t anyone from the media. It was my parents. “Hey,” I answered.

  “Hey, honey,” my mother replied. “How are you?”

  I shrugged and looked at myself in the mirror again. “Not too bad. Getting ready to go to a tree lighting ceremony.” I certainly wasn’t going to tell her about the heating issue at my house. My parents already thought I was insane for moving to a town in the middle of nowhere. The last thing I wanted to hear was I told you so.

  “That sounds fun. How are you liking your little country town?”

  Turning away from the mirror, I looked out the window at all the snow. Colin’s truck was parked in front of the inn. “I like it, Mom. I’ve met some really nice people. In fact, I’m riding to the tree lighting with the guy I’m renting the house from.”

  “I see. You need to be careful, Layla. Remember what happened with the last guy you got mixed up with?”

  “Colin’s not like that,” I replied, my gut clenching with the memories.

  My mother scoffed. “Don’t let them fool you, honey. You’re beautiful and successful.”

  The last guy I dated was an up-and-coming actor. He’d landed his first major role when we were together. However, when my business profits took a dip, he split. The embarrassment of my failure wasn’t something he wanted connected to him. It was another reason why I wanted to disappear for a while.

  “The people here are different,” I said. At least, that was what I hoped. I was about to meet a lot of them for the first time tonight.

  “For your sake, I hope not.” She blew out a sigh. “Your father and I are getting ready to get back on the boat. We’re in Rome right now. Figured it was a good time to call. We’ll make sure to get in touch with you again to wish you a Merry Christmas.”

  “Sounds good, Mom. Be careful out there. Tell Dad I said hello.”

  “I will.” She blew a kiss through the phone. “Love you.”

  “I love you too.” We hung up, and my heart felt heavy. I wished they were going to be home for Christmas. I’d always had friends to spend the holidays with, but this year, I was alone.

  My eyes burned, but I sucked the tears back and joined Brianna in the living room. She jumped up from the couch and clapped her hands together. “I know you’re probably getting tired of me acting like an idiot, but this is seriously a surreal moment in my life. I’m hanging out with Layla Aberdeen, and she’s wearing my clothes.”

  Laughing, I ran my hand down the soft, fluffy sweater. “Pretend I’m just like everyone else … because you know what, I am.”

  Brianna looked out the window. “It’s killing me not taking pictures of us together so I can share them with my friends.”

  “Why haven’t you?” I asked curiously. It hadn’t escaped my notice how she hadn’t pulled out her phone at all since we’d been together.

  Her gaze saddened, and she shrugged. “I know you’re here to escape. I’m not about to ruin that for you by sharing pictures on my social media.” She held up her hands. “Now, I’m not saying I have a huge following, but if word were to get out, it might leak to the wrong people.”

  I nodded. “You’re right, it possibly could.” I didn’t know Brianna that well yet, but I could see us being close. I pulled her in for a hug. “Thank you for that. You have no idea how nervous I’ve been about the media finding me. All I want is to be normal.”

  She locked her arms around me and patted my back. “But you’re not. Although I do think you’ll be surprised by our town. A lot of people know why you’re here, and they respect that. They’re not going to exploit you.”

  I let her go, wishing I could believe that. “Guess we’ll see.”

  There was a knock on the door, and she opened it to Colin. He’d changed clothes from earlier. He had traded his plaid button down for a nice gray sweater, covered with a gray wool coat. Even his face was freshly shaven. My heart skipped a beat, and I smiled. He looked so different.

  Colin�
��s brows furrowed when he saw Brianna. “Still here?” he asked her.

  Brianna opened the door all the way, and that was when he saw me. “I was just leaving,” Brianna replied. “Layla needed my help.”

  Colin stepped inside and cleared his throat, his attention solely on me. “Wow, you look …”

  “Beautiful?” Brianna added, winking slyly at me. “Yes, she does.”

  Colin rubbed the back of his neck, a trait I’d noticed when men were nervous. “Actually, I was going to say different, but definitely beautiful as well.”

  My cheeks burned. “I could say the same about you,” I said.

  Brianna snickered and stepped outside onto the porch. “All right, you two, I’m heading out. I’ll see you at the ceremony.”

  Colin turned to face her. “You don’t want to ride with us?”

  With a twinkle in her eyes, she shook her head. “Nah. I’m riding with Mom. See you there.” She winked at him and took off for the inn.

  Colin glanced at me over his shoulder. “I think she’s up to something.”

  I chuckled. “I’d say so.” And we both knew what it was.

  “Are you ready to go?” he asked.

  “I am.” Brianna had let me borrow one of her coats, so I slipped it on and stuffed some money and my phone into one of the pockets. Colin locked the door behind us, and we walked slowly to his truck. The smell of snow lingered in the air as it crunched beneath our feet. Brianna’s boots kept my feet warm, not like my designer heels.

  We stopped at his truck, and he opened the passenger-side door for me. I held up my hands. “So, what do you think? Could I pass for a local?”

  Colin’s smile made my heart melt. “You could, actually. Sometimes it’s hard imagining a celebrity like you being normal.”

  “But I am,” I murmured. “I’m hoping you’ll see that.”

  He smiled again. “Working on it. You’re doing a good job making me believe it, especially with how nice you’ve been to Brianna. She looks up to you.”

  “And I admire her. She’s been nothing but kind to me. I owe her big time for the clothes. I’m going to see if she’ll do a trade-off with me. My clothes for hers.”