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

by Jill Downey

  At the last second, he turned his skis parallel, digging into the snow with the inner edges, using a technique called a hockey stop to stop at speed, finishing ahead of Ella.

  Grrrr! She’d never hear the end of this one. He grinned from ear to ear as he removed his goggles and she couldn’t help but smile. “I let you win. I felt kind of sorry for you,” she said.

  He bent over laughing. “I wish you could see your face right now Ella, it’s priceless.”

  “Don’t be a braggart.”

  “Who’s bragging. That’ll come later.”

  “When you have an audience.”

  “Of course. What fun would it be otherwise?”

  “You’re nuts.”

  He tweaked her nose, still grinning. “Who’s the champ? Come on say it…repeat after me…Griffin is the champ.”

  “It’s your word against mine, so don’t get too cocky.”

  He snorted. “You wouldn’t dare.”

  Teasing him she said, “Try me.”

  “Don’t be a sore loser, it’s a bad look.”

  She pushed him hard and he lost his balance, falling down in the snow. She laughed at his surprised expression. “Let’s go find the others.”

  “They’re probably at the lodge by now thawing out.”

  “We’ll check there first after we stow our gear. Come on chump.” she said, giving him a hand up.

  “I’m sure my brother has never seen this side of you. He’d be appalled.”

  “Nice try. Do I look worried?”

  Slinging his skis over one shoulder, he taunted, “Your secret is safe with me. I wouldn’t want to come between you and my brother. You can buy me a shot of bourbon to warm up. Loser’s treat.”

  “You’re incorrigible. How does Penelope put up with you?”

  “She finds me irresistible. What can I say?”

  “I guess love really is blind.”

  “Ouch.”

  They caught up with the gang at the lodge lounge. It had a gorgeous view of the snow-covered mountains and was festively decorated in keeping with the rustic tone of the chalet. A large spruce tree full of twinkling white lights, shiny red balls and silver tinsel sat next to the long U-shaped bar. The staff were all dressed in red, black and white uniforms with Santa hats, looking like Saint Nick’s helpers. Pine roping draped around the entire ceiling, with red beads twisting through the greenery, and acoustic Christmas music filled the air.

  Finn and Tyler were sipping steaming mugs of hot chocolate and Malena, Faye and Jesse were drinking bottles of Heineken. Kyle was enjoying a hot buttered rum.

  Finn’s face lit up when he spotted them. “Who won?”

  Penelope and Griffin exchanged a look, playfully glaring at one another. Griffin puffed out his chest and gestured with both thumbs pointing at himself.

  “I now hold the title. I hope you bet well, my lad.”

  “No way! Ella is it true?”

  “Unfortunately for all of us, it is…because we’re going to have to listen to your Uncle Griffin gloat for the rest of the week.”

  Jesse gave Griffin a high five, “I knew you could do it bud.”

  Ella sputtered, “What? You bet on him?”

  “Sorry Elle.”

  She turned her gaze on her husband. “And you?”

  He chuckled. “I bet on you, my love.”

  “So did I, Ella,” Finn said glumly.

  “And Ty?”

  “I’m not saying.”

  “Me either,” Faye said. Rubbing her palms together she grinned. “But it’s only the second challenge. I’ll be announcing the next one at supper. Stay tuned.”

  Finn pumped his fist. “Yes, I forgot. Ella you’re still in this.” Suddenly he looked dejected. “But it is two to nothing.”

  “Yes, and I intend to win all the remaining contests.”

  “Go Ella…go Ella…go Ella,” Finn chanted.

  Ella tugged on his ear. “You’re my little Muppet.” He looked up at her adoringly.

  “What can I get you both to drink,” Kyle asked as he stood to pull out a chair for Ella.

  “It’s on Ella, and I’m having the finest bourbon they have, on the rocks.”

  “And you?” Kyle said, arching one eyebrow at his wife.

  Ella crossed her arms over her chest, sticking out her bottom lip. “Baby, please, can’t you do something about that pesky barnacle you call a brother? He’s bothering me.”

  “Imagine how I feel. I’ve had to put up with him for thirty-one years. And he was always favored by both of our parents, when they found the time, right Faye?”

  “Yes. Especially Mom. It was disgusting.”

  “You poor dears,” Ella said. “I guess for your sakes I’ll endure. I’ll have the same as him only make it a double.”

  Kyle leaned down and kissed her pouty lips. “You’ll win the next one babe. I have full faith in you.” She watched as he made his way to the bar, smiling inwardly. She’d already won.

  21

  Faye

  Faye and Finn sat huddled alone on the floor of the den, brainstorming ideas for the next challenge between Ella and Griffin. “What about a three-legged race in the snow? Ella and Dad against Uncle Griffin and Aunt Penny?” Finn suggested.

  “You know what? That’s a great idea! We could also have a snow fort building contest. Assign teams… then have a snowball fight afterwards,” Faye said, warming up to the snow themed ideas.

  “Yeah but who’d be the judges?”

  “How about Grandmère and Grandpa?”

  Finn’s face scrunched up as he considered it. “Only if they didn’t watch who builds what. They could stay inside until we’re done. That’s the only way it’d be fair.”

  “Good thinking. We’re on to something here. We’ll pick the teams tonight after supper.”

  He put up his fist for a bump. “Now we only have to come up with one more challenge to make it an odd number, so we don’t end up with a tie.”

  “Finn, you’re so smart. You must take after your dad.”

  “Dad said my mom was smart too.” His earnest expression tugged at her heart.

  Faye felt her eyes moisten, “Yes Finny, she was very smart. She loved you so much.”

  “I wish I could remember her voice. I used to be able to hear her but I can’t anymore.”

  “She’s still with you Finn. Don’t worry about that. It doesn’t mean you’re forgetting her. She was your mom; that’ll never change.”

  “I remember the last Christmas and her smiling at me when I opened my big gift. It was the train set. I still have it in my room.”

  “I remember that year. I came that afternoon to see what Santa had brought you. Your mom’s parents were there and Grandmère and Grandpa Bennett. You were so enthralled with the trains that we had to force you to open our gifts.”

  “What did you get me?”

  “A firetruck. You were less than thrilled. Nothing could compete with that train. Your dad and mom had already set it up by the time we got there, with scenery and tiny towns that the tracks weaved through. It was a very special Christmas.”

  “Yeah and Mom was already sick,” Finn said, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. “I miss her.”

  Faye wrapped her arms around her nephew and held on tight. She kissed his mop of curls. “The holidays make us remember…and that is a gift. Your mom is a part of it and always will be. We’re making new memories now that will be part of the tapestry of your life and your mom will always be an important part of them.”

  “Thanks Aunt Faye. I love you.”

  “Ahh Finn, but I love you more.” She squeezed one last time and released him as Jesse appeared and sat down next to them.

  “Can I join you two?”

  Finn rubbed his sleeve across his eyes and nodded. “We’ve come up with a plan but we need one more idea.”

  “What have ya got so far?”

  Finn shared their ideas and Jesse enthusiastically gave his approval. “We should make the final
one really difficult,” he said.

  Finns eyes lit up. “What do you have in mind?”

  “Hmm, I haven’t got anything yet, but let’s keep thinking about it and reconvene tomorrow.”

  “Dealeo,” Finn said.

  Faye looked at her fiancé, once again struck by how lucky she was. He was everything she could have conjured up in her wildest dreams. He led with his strength and kind nature but was also playful and a riot to hang out with. He exuded a quiet confidence that was like a soothing balm to her spirit.

  He also happened to be the sexiest man she’d ever met, his coppery hair and amber colored eyes compelling and irresistible. Not to mention his killer body. The construction company he owned kept him in prime shape and she was not complaining. She leaned in and kissed him full on the lips.

  “Not you guys, too! Geesh,” Finn said.

  “Finn, one day you’re going to meet a girl and you’ll have all these wonderful mental notes on how to treat her,” Faye said.

  “Whatever, I’m going to see what everyone else is doing…I’ll leave you two lovebirds to yourselves.”

  “Bye,” Faye said, giggling. “So dramatic. Who does he sound like?”

  “Exactly,” Jesse said. “Tyler has a mini-me. Thankfully the smooching worked.” He grabbed her, pinning her underneath him. She felt his erection pressing into her pelvis and was immediately aroused.

  “Now about that detour to Vegas…”

  Faye gazed at him from under her lashes. He was also persistent. Dang him. Why couldn’t he just enjoy things the way they were? She was terrified to get married. She’d seen it with her friends. It changed things. It would start out fine then as time went on, couples began to take each other for granted…tried less and less…next thing you knew, the spark was gone.

  Jesse had grown up in a large family and his parents, Ruby and Hank, were the quintessential perfect mom and dad. Still affectionate with each other after all these years, they were warm, loving, dedicated, and compassionate… he’d had an idyllic childhood. Completely the opposite of hers. It was easy for him to believe in a happily ever after.

  She didn’t want to blow the best thing she’d ever had. She wasn’t ready to give up on the tear your clothes off part yet. She needed to feel loved every single day. She wanted a love that stayed passionate and interesting. She wanted to always feel special. Marriage could be the nail in the coffin and she didn’t want to risk it. This was the happiest she’d ever been in her life and it was all because of this man. Why rock the boat?

  She pulled his head down for another kiss. “You’re ruining my mood. Quit talking and kiss me.”

  His expression was serious as he stared into her eyes. “You can’t put me off forever.” He kissed her softly. Her skin heated and she parted her lips.

  “Was your ‘yes’ an empty promise?” he said against her lips, sweeping his tongue inside her mouth. Tempting her, teasing her… “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me Faye. I want to get married. It’s important to me.”

  “Jess, I’m just not ready. I don’t want things to change between us.”

  “They won’t. Things keep getting better and better with us. I’m more in love with you today than I was yesterday. How do you think marriage will change that?”

  She reached up and stroked his face. “Can’t we just live in sin for the rest of our lives?”

  “No, you promised.”

  “Maybe I’ve changed my mind.” At his wounded look she quickly clarified. “Not about us. I love you with all my heart… it’s the marriage thing. Why be traditional?”

  “Because I’m made that way. You knew that before you said yes.”

  She sighed. It was true. She had known. That was one of the things she’d been attracted to. His values, his steadfastness… she could feel herself softening. He was wearing her down like warm water dripping on an ice-cube.

  “I’ll consider it, but not until spring.”

  “No. Now. That’s all I want for Christmas. We’ll fly to Vegas on the twenty-sixth and tie the knot.”

  “You are so stubborn. Let me think about it. Don’t get your hopes up.”

  “Too late,” he said, kissing the tip of her nose. “I’ll have you saying I do if I have to throw you over my shoulders and drag you to the altar.”

  Faye laughed at the vision; she could totally see it…he would definitely do something like that. “You and whose army?”

  “Me, an army of one. You weigh about as much as a feather. I think I can handle a stubborn little southern belle such as yourself.”

  “Oh, you do, do you? I’m pretty feisty.”

  “I’ll give you that, but when I want something, I reckon you don’t stand a chance.”

  “Despite your bossiness, I love you Jesse Carlisle.”

  “Likewise.”

  “After tomorrow’s contest let’s explore a little, just you and me,” he said.

  “That sounds like fun.”

  “Yeah, blow off some of the cobwebs fogging your brain, make you see what a catch I am.”

  “You are relentless... a one-track mind.”

  “I told you, I always get what I want.”

  She rolled her eyes and pushed at his chest. “Let’s join the others, shall we?”

  He rolled off of Faye and jumped to his feet, then reached his hand down to pull her up. His warm hand completely swallowed hers. She loved how tiny and feminine she felt next to him. Made a girl swoon, yes indeedy.

  22

  Penelope

  “Finn, go get your dad and Uncle Griffin and see if you can talk them into playing some Christmas carols on the piano,” Penelope said.

  “Okay.” Finn ran to the rec room to try and pry them away from the pool table.

  “Dad,” he rounded the corner and stopped short when he saw his dad bent over the table, cue stick in hand, about to take a shot.

  Kyle looked up at him and winked before striking the ball and making a bank shot.

  “Whoa! That was a good shot Dad! Who’s on your team?”

  “That would be me,” Ella said. “We’ve already beat team Jesse and Faye and now we’re about to tromp Griffin and Jesse.”

  “Way to go. Where’s Ty?”

  “Take a guess.”

  Finn rolled his eyes heavenward, “M-a-l-e-n-a.”

  “Yes. They went for a full moon walk. They’ll be back soon.”

  “Penelope wants Dad and Griffin to play the piano for us before Grandmère and Gramps go to bed.”

  Kyle said, “We can do that. Go tell her we’ll be finishing up this game within ten minutes.”

  “Hurry,” he said as he went flying back out of the room.

  Penelope stood by the fireplace with Savannah resting on her hip. The baby had on her onesie, ready for bed. Penelope hoped they’d finish their game before Savannah fell asleep. She loved when her daddy played for them.

  “Chérie, can I hold le bébé?”

  “Of course. If she gets fussy, I’ll take her back. She’s past due for her bedtime.” The twins sat in front of the fire engrossed in playing with blocks, their eyes growing heavy.

  “Come here to your grandmère, ma douce.” Savannah loved Giselle and happily reached for her.

  “Would you like something to drink? How about a hot toddy or maybe a hot buttered rum?”

  “Now that is tempting. Oui, I’ll have a hot buttered rum. It sounds delicieuse.”

  “What does?” Griffin asked, as he entered the room.

  “Hot buttered rum. Want one?” Penelope said.

  “Yes.” Griffin walked over and put his arms around Penelope and pulled her tight against his chest. “Are you feeling neglected?” He whispered in her ear.

  She rubbed her cheek against his soft sweater. “I’m okay. It’s just…I didn’t have any siblings… I’ve never been around so many people before, unless I’m on a movie set. Mostly it’s fun, as long as I let go of my perfectionism and go with the flow.”

  “You’r
e doing great. Everyone loves you Pen. And may I say, you’re the most beautiful woman on the planet, even when you’re frazzled.”

  She smiled, “Go on…”

  “I still can’t believe I get to crawl in bed with you every night. Unbelievable that we found each other and all the twists of fate that had to happen…Thank you for taking such good care of me and my family,” he said.

  “Speaking of, I’d better start on those drinks.”

  Griffin let her go and turned to his parents. “A famous actor, a wife, a mom, now a bartender; Stars, they’re just like us,” he said chuckling. “My green-eyed goddess has turned into a domesticated pussy cat.”

  Penelope glared at him as she mixed drinks. “You’re entering into dangerous territory.”

  “Son, you’d better quit while you’re ahead,” James said. “Your dubious charm will only take you so far.”

  The rest of the pool team showed up and Penelope took everyone’s drink requests, jotting it down on paper. Tyler and Malena came in from the cold and took off their coats and boots at the door. The three dogs ran to greet them, barking and wiggling like it’d been weeks since they’d left. Malena picked up Archie and held him.

  Finn’s eyes danced as he ran over to greet them and announce the evening’s entertainment. “Dad and Uncle Griffin are going to play Christmas songs on the piano!”

  “That’s great buddy,” Ty said.

  “Don’t you play guitar?”

  “Yep, but I left it at home.”

  “Uncle Griffin has one, right Aunt Penny?”

  “Yes, he does. You want to go get it? It’s in our bedroom, in the walk-in closet.”

  “Sure,” he said, running out of the room.

  Penelope chuckled, “That kid never does anything at a walk. I wish I had his energy. Malena, would you mind getting Josie and asking her if she wants to join us?”