A Billionaire's Christmas (The Carolina Series Book 4)

by Jill Downey

  Her eyes got wide and she said “¡Yo nunca! Never!”

  “See that’s the advantage I’m talking about.”

  Malena laughed out loud. His gaze roved over her face landing on her lips, looking like he’d like to kiss her silly. She wouldn’t mind that in the least.

  Their food arrived and they eagerly picked up the utensils. “I’m famished,” she said.

  “Me too. Dig in. Would you like a bite of my steak?”

  “Sure.” He cut a small piece and held his fork out for her. She took the bite and chewed looked heavenward. “¡Delicioso!”

  She held a fork full of snapper across the table aiming for his mouth, he opened and she fed him. His eyes sparkled at her. “Mm. Thanks.”

  They were mostly quiet while they ate, enjoying the piano music and the company. Malena found herself relaxing as she basked in Tyler’s warm personality. Relaxed was probably not quite the right word because she felt like her whole body quivered with electricity. The awareness of his knees touching hers under the table, the lock of hair falling across his forehead, curling out of submission despite the gel, his beautiful smile…she sighed.

  “Do you want any dessert?” Ty asked.

  “No, gracias.”

  He signaled to the waiter that he was ready for the bill. He was absolutely the coolest guy she’d ever met. How in the world could a twenty-one-year-old be that self-confident? She had to admit that she liked it. It turned her on. What was even more attractive was that he was nice…and warm…and sweet…and…

  Ty cleared his throat. “Malena, I asked if you were ready.” He nodded to the leather folder on the table. “I’ve settled up.”

  Dang it…face…hot…flaming…on fire… She reached for her water and took a big gulp then started coughing when it went down the wrong way. Disaster. How can I be such a geek? Oh dios mio!

  He chuckled. “Are you alright?”

  She nodded, wanting to crawl under the table. If only the floor would open up and swallow her whole, she’d die a happy girl. But when she opened her eyes she was still there, and Tyler was sitting across from her biting back a smile. She quickly scrambled out of the booth and practically ran to get her coat.

  18

  Malena

  They held hands on the drive home. Tyler told her stories about all the trouble he’d gotten himself into in high school. “The tides turned when I got arrested and sent to juvie my senior year. It was sheer stupidity. I was dealing pot. I didn’t even smoke the stuff. Some old dudes had approached me one day and said I could make some serious cash if I’d deal to my classmates. I was poor and I went for it.”

  “Oh no!” She said.

  “Juvie was actually a gift in disguise. That turned things around for me. Suddenly it was no longer cool or fun and games. I realized that if I didn’t get my shit together, that could become my life. I didn’t want that. My mom had worked too hard to raise me, all by herself. It about broke her heart.”

  Malena felt her heart melting and squeezed his hand.

  “So, short version, I cleaned up my act. There’s a lot more to my story but I’ll leave it at that for tonight.” He put on his turn signal and pulled onto the lane leading back to the ranch.

  After he parked, he turned to face her. “Can you come to my cabin for a little while?”

  “Yes,” she said, softly.

  He caressed her cheek then unbuckled and hopped out to open the car door for her.

  Once inside the cabin, he flipped on the lights and took her coat. “Here, have a seat in front of the fireplace. I’ll start a fire.”

  “Okay. Can I use your restroom first?”

  He pointed to the hallway. “Sure, it’s on the right.”

  “Si, I prepared it for you.”

  “Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot. Thanks.”

  As she washed her hands, she looked at her reflection in the mirror over the sink. She hardly recognized herself. Her eyes were as big as saucers and luminous. She was happy to see that at least her cheeks weren’t beet red, just slightly flushed. She touched her lips with trembling fingers, she wanted Tyler to kiss her. She hoped that he would. Just thinking about it had her pulse fluttering.

  Tyler was sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace. She plopped down next to him. He put his arm across her shoulders and hugged her against his side.

  “Do you want to watch a movie?”

  She tilted her head up to look at him, his face only inches from hers. She felt his warm breath against her cheeks. Unconsciously she licked her lips and heard him groan.

  “Ah Malena. You’re killing me.” He took her hand and placed her palm against his chest. “Can you feel that?”

  She nodded.

  “That’s what you’re doing to me. I want to kiss you.”

  She nodded again and her breath hitched as he lowered his head and kissed her softly. He lifted his lips slightly but lingered almost hovering over hers. So soft. She darted her tongue out and slipped it between his lips. He inhaled sharply then covered her mouth with his.

  Cradling her head, he kissed her slowly and thoroughly. She wrapped her hands behind his head, interlacing her fingers, lost in a swirl of desire like she’d never experienced. More. She felt wet between her thighs and her heart pounded. She didn’t care about anything except this moment…being held and kissed by Ty.

  He pulled away and she could hear his ragged breath. “Malena, my God! I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you…I crave you.” He rested his forehead against the top of her head. His labored breath stirred her hair.

  “I want you too,” she said.

  “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I’d better walk you home now, before we do something you might regret tomorrow.”

  “I won’t…regret it I mean.”

  He stroked her kiss-swollen lips with his thumb, gazing intently into her eyes. “You’re not experienced enough to know if you’ll regret it or not. I promised I’d take care of you. I asked you to trust me.”

  She reached for his hand and placed it on her breast.

  His breath hissed. “Malena, please, you’re not making this easy.”

  “Touch me,” she whispered.

  Tyler rolled his thumb over her silk clad nipple and she could feel his hand trembling, his breath coming in shallow and rapid bursts. It made her feel feminine and powerful. He wanted her. He stretched out on the couch, pulling her with him so that they were on their sides facing each other. She could feel his erection pressing into her and she snuggled her leg between his thighs, rubbing against him. The tension built inside her and she felt like she’d go crazy if he didn’t touch her down there.

  “Please,” she pleaded.

  Tyler suddenly pulled away. He framed her face in his palms and said, “Malena, look at me.”

  She opened one eye, then snapped it shut again.

  “Malena,” he said, using his index finger to lift one of her eyelids.

  “No. I’m embarrassed.” She buried her face in his neck. “Don’t look at me.”

  “Baby, why are you embarrassed?”

  “Because I was moaning... I was out of my mind. Oh my God…I was practically humping you!”

  He sounded like he was holding back laughter. “Practically?”

  She opened one eye again and saw him smiling. She hit at his chest. “It’s not funny. You probably think I’m easy.”

  He started laughing.

  “I said…It’s not funny,” she said, her voice sounding sulky.

  “Yes, it is. Kiss me.”

  “No. I’m never kissing you again.”

  “For real?” He said, his amused disbelief very apparent in his barely contained laughter.

  She opened her eyes and felt herself heat again from the warmth of his gaze. He lowered his lips to hers and planted a chaste kiss on her mouth.

  Stroking her hair away from her face he said, “I don’t want you to ever feel ashamed of your sensuality. You’re a Goddess Malena. You’re so res
ponsive, so real. Don’t ever try to bury that.”

  “I’ve never felt like that before.”

  “If I don’t walk you home now, I’m going to be the one to lose it. Let’s go.”

  Malena sat up and her chest ached with something she couldn’t name. She felt vulnerable, what she would imagine a new hatchling might feel when it first emerged. Utterly exposed, raw and open. Tyler stood and reached out his hand, tugging her up.

  “I hope everyone is in bed,” she said.

  “Me too. Maybe you should refresh your lipstick to hide the evidence,” he said, grinning.

  “Good idea.”

  “That’s an example of that experience thing I was talking about.”

  “You! What a braggart.”

  He held her coat as she slipped it on and they walked slowly back to the main house. The Christmas lights on the front porch were on but the inside of the house was in darkness except for the twinkling tree lights. Malena slipped quietly inside and tiptoed to her bedroom in the back apartment without disturbing anyone. It took her a long time to fall asleep. She pined, for what she didn’t know. She only knew that the humming sensation in her body demanded some kind of release. Her last thought as she drifted off was of a pair of penetrating blue eyes that had the uncanny ability to see into her soul.

  19

  Penelope

  The following morning, Penelope went to the barn to see Walt off. His quick search the day before had turned up nothing. He and Poke were already saddled up and ready to go.

  “So, you say it was north of the pine trails?” Walt asked again.

  “Yes, as far as I could tell, directly north. We weren’t right up on them, but close enough to spook the horses.”

  “How long had you been on the trail?”

  “About forty minutes into our ride,” Penelope said. She brushed back a tendril of platinum blond hair that had escaped its clasp. “Please be careful. We have no idea who we’re dealing with.”

  “Yes ma’am.” Walt tipped his hat and clicked his tongue at his horse Rogue. “Probably nothing more than teenagers getting in some shooting practice. We’ll see what we find.” He nudged the gelding and they took off at a canter.

  Penelope chewed on her bottom lip. She had an uneasy feeling about this. Her stomach twisted into knots. She hoped it was just rebel teens being rowdy. She walked thoughtfully back to the house. Most of the group were going skiing today, leaving her alone to deal with the kids and her in-laws. Josie would be around, but that was it. She had no one to blame but herself. She’d insisted on staying home to babysit; after all she was the host… Plus she wanted to be around when Walt returned.

  When she stepped into the house, most of the group had finished with eating breakfast and were in varying states of dress, preparing for their day on the slopes. Griffin pulled her into his arms. “Are you sure you don’t want to take my place? I’d be happy to stay home.”

  “No. Go. You have a contest to win.”

  “Does this mean you’re rooting for me? Somehow I thought girl code would trump true love.”

  “I’m not saying who I bet on. My lips are sealed.”

  Finn piped in, “I’ll bet it was Ella. She is fierce.”

  “And you don’t think your Uncle Griffin can beat her?” Penelope asked.

  Finn grinned. “I’m not sure.”

  “At least you’re honest,” Griffin said.

  “Don’t give up Uncle Griff. You have a shot at it at least,” Finn said kindly.

  Griffin snorted. “I have more than a shot. I’m going to kill it.”

  Finn rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

  Ella slung her arm across Finn’s shoulders and leaned down to kiss his cheek. “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” she said. “Loyalty will get you everywhere.”

  This time it was Griffin who rolled his eyes. “Blind loyalty is not a vote of confidence.”

  Ella batted her eyes and smiled prettily. “Says who?”

  “Be prepared to accept defeat, I’m fearless on the slopes,” Griff said.

  Griffin turned back to Penelope and gripped both her arms, studying her closely. “If things get too gnarly here, text me.” He kissed her on the lips and headed out the door. Her throat tightened. She hesitated then decided that maybe it was time to start over with her in-laws. Now was as good a time as any to become better acquainted.

  Giselle and James were sitting on the sectional in front of the roaring fireplace with the twins on the floor in front of them playing with their dolls. Savannah sat between them chewing on a teether. Penelope took a deep slow breath then blew it out. Unclenching her fists, she walked over and sat on the floor with the girls, smiling up at her in-laws.

  “Are you enjoying your stay?”

  “Yes, chérie. What about you? Are we wearing you out yet?” Giselle asked.

  Penelope laughed. “Not yet. I think I’m getting in the groove.”

  “I never thought I’d see the day Griffin would become so domesticated,” James said. “Being our youngest, he was always the wild child. We probably spoiled him more than the other two.”

  “I’m sure it’s a bit of a shock,” Penelope concurred. “No one could be more surprised by our lifestyle than us. We didn’t plan it…it just happened. Call it destiny or fate…whatever, but I wouldn’t change it now, even if I could.”

  “How nice for you, and why would you?” Giselle said.

  Penelope felt herself bristling and shook it off. Pen, quit being so hypersensitive. You get more bees with honey so they say.

  “Exactly, why would I? I’m the luckiest girl in the world. Thank you for raising such a beautiful son.”

  Giselle smiled, pleased by the compliment.

  “Griffin told me you are all alone…no family, pauvre cher.”

  Penelope bowed her head, “Thank you. It’s been hard. I miss my mom a lot, so it’s good that you’re here.”

  “Oui.”

  “How was it for you…uprooting…leaving your home, your family and moving to another country? I can’t even imagine. You must have been scared,” Penelope asked.

  Giselle put her hand to her throat, surprised by the question. She glanced over at James before answering. “Oui. But we were so in love. He swept me off my feet. I had always longed to see the world and I was only twenty-two… too young to appreciate what I would later miss. Fortunately, because my husband was so generous, I was able to return to France anytime I wished. My family could visit me as well. My children grew to think of the South of France as their second home.”

  “But still…I admire your courage.”

  Everly chose that moment to grab Quinn’s doll right out of her hands and hold it tightly in her arms. Quinn began to wail. “Mama, I want Mama.”

  “Everly, that’s not your baby, this one is.” Penny picked up the discarded doll and held it out as she gently tried prying Quinn’s doll from her determined grip.

  “Mine.”

  “No, let me have it,” Penny said firmly.

  “No. Mine.”

  Quinn crawled over and grabbed her sister’s hair and tugged. Everly began to cry. Dueling two-year-old’s…their little faces were turning red with frustration. A small taste of what was to come. Giselle and Penelope exchanged a look and both bent down and grabbed a kid.

  Penelope chose the recalcitrant Everly, deciding to distract her with the Christmas decorations. She walked her to the tree and began pointing out various colorful balls. Soon Everly was engrossed with the visuals and had completely forgotten about the dolls. Giselle had left the room with Quinn and returned with the toddler nibbling on a graham cracker. Giselle held out a cracker to Everly.

  “Veux-tu un biscuit?”

  Everly grinned and reached out her chubby little hand. “Quacker.”

  “Oui, but only if you are a good girl. Can you promise your grandmère you’ll be a good girl?”

  Everly nodded yes, her fingers clenching and unclenching as she reached for the snack. Giselle
and Penelope exchanged victorious smiles. Penelope felt a warmth in her belly. Progress. For once they were on the same team.

  An hour later the twins and Savannah were napping and the three adults were watching Christmas Vacation in the den.

  Walt stuck his head through the door. “Pen, you got a minute?”

  “Walt, you’re here.” She got up and followed him out, calling over her shoulder, “I’ll be right back.”

  “Any luck?” she asked.

  “We found a fire ring, some beer cans and cigarette butts, tire tracks. Probably some teens partying. Didn’t see any evidence of poaching. We’ll keep our eyes open but I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I posted a new ‘No Trespassing’ sign. The old one was pretty faded. Hopefully if they come back, they’ll get the hint.”

  “Thanks Walt. I feel a lot better.”

  “Me too. Now enjoy your family and quit worrying.”

  “Yes sir.”

  20

  Ella

  Ella gripped both poles, knees bent as she squatted low; the scenery rushed by on the run down. The fresh powder made for almost perfect conditions. She pivoted left then right, carving her skis as she snaked around the turns, keeping her body fluid. She loved the rush of downhill skiing and found it to be one of the most exhilarating and challenging sports out there. She’d always been athletic and competitive and this was definitely her happy place.

  She and Griffin had ridden the lift up together and started down at the same time. Malena and Kyle were on the bunny slopes with Tyler and Finn. It was Tyler’s first time on skis and Malena was teaching him the basic ski techniques. Kyle worked with Finn to help him gain some confidence before he graduated to a steeper run. Finn was still relatively new to the sport so the gradual decline was perfect for him as well. Faye and Jess were taking it easy on an intermediate slope. They had no desire to risk their life and limbs on the black diamond course.

  Ella kept her eyes focused, the goggles shading them from the sun and glare. She zigzagged down the mountainside at break-neck speed. With Griffin in her periphery she saw that they were neck-and-neck, but keeping a safe distance between each other. She could hear her own breath and the skis cutting through the snow. When she had almost reached the bottom, Ella slowed down as they approached the runout. Griffin pulled ahead. He didn’t appear to be decreasing his speed at all. Crazy!