Snowbound at Christmas

by Debbie Mason

  “I didn’t have time, sister dearest, since you left me without a ride. I had to take a sled.”

  Harry scratched the back of his neck. “How exactly did you manage to get here on a sled?”

  She raised her eyebrows and held up her helmet and goggles.

  “Ah, I see, a snowmobile then.” There was a warm glint in his eyes, but she didn’t think it was amusement. “You are a resourceful woman, love. Filthy, but resourceful.”

  Odd, he made it sound like that was something he appreciated. Honestly, the guy could be weird sometimes. And her reaction, the pitter-patter in her chest, was weird, too. She reminded herself that he wasn’t interested in a relationship.

  She drew her attention back to her sister, whose suspicious gaze sliced from Harry to Cat. She couldn’t figure out what else she could have done wrong in the space of a few minutes, until she remembered Harry had called her love.

  Since she didn’t feel like getting reamed out in public, Cat said, “I need a cup of coffee. Jill.” She lifted her chin in Chloe’s direction, silently reminding the tall, dark-haired woman in uniform who she was supposed to be watching, then headed toward a table at the back of the hall. Grace, the owner of the Sugar Plum Bakery, was in charge of refreshments. Just what Cat needed to feel human again: cupcakes and hot coffee.

  As she made her way across the room, she located her suspects. Both Molly and George were surrounded by adoring fans, looking happier than Cat had seen them in a while. Not that Harry’s manager was a suspect, but Cat searched the crowd and found Dame Alexander set up at a table at the other side of the room beside Phil. Two of the director’s assistants were attempting to manage a long line of would-be extras, including Nell and her friends. Good. Cat could eat in peace. As soon as she had a status update from Ty.

  None of the crew appeared to be here, which wasn’t surprising. Filming wasn’t to take place for a couple of days. She put her phone to her ear, waiting for Ty to pick up.

  He answered. “Arrived 0900 hours at the lodge. I’m on the job. Suspect is in bed watching Good Will Humping and drinking beer.”

  She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Ty, how do you know what he’s watching on TV?”

  “I’m peeking through… Oh my God! I think he saw me. What should I do?”

  Cat heard a door slide open. “What the hell are you doing out here, man? You scared the shit out of me.”

  “I… ah, I went out to do a doobie. Got myself turned around. Sorry for freaking you out.”

  “You got any more?”

  “Any more what?”

  She was going to strangle him. “A joint. He wants a joint, Ty. Tell him no and get over to the town hall now.”

  “You have the most interesting conversations, Catalina,” a familiar, amused voice said from behind her. Cat hated to be called by her given name, but hearing it in that deep, accented voice sent a heated quiver up her spine.

  She disconnected and turned. “And you have an annoying habit of sneaking up on people. Shouldn’t you be signing autographs instead of listening to conversations that are none of your business?”

  His mouth quirked at the corner. “Methinks the lady doth protest too much. Do you have secrets you don’t wish me to hear?”

  “No, I…” She caught sight of the twins, Holly and Hailey, and groaned. They owned the Rocky Mountain Diner. But her groan had nothing to do with the food they served. It was because of their side job. They were Christmas’s self-appointed beauty experts, and Cat didn’t have fond memories of the last time they attempted to make her over. “Dammit,” she muttered, and grabbed Harry by the arms, using his tall, muscular frame to hide behind.

  He looked down at her, his eyes glinting with amusement. “So is this your secret? You want to ravish me?”

  Yes. “No, I’m hiding from…” She went to bow her head at the sound of Hailey and Holly calling her name, but hadn’t accounted for how close she and Harry were standing. She ended up doing a face-plant in his chest. She felt his silent laughter against her forehead.

  “Cat, we’ve been… Oh, hello.”

  Cat lifted her head to see the twins staring at Harry. She took a step back. “Hey, Holly and Hailey, how’s it going?”

  Hailey waved her hand as though to tell her to be quiet and allow them to enjoy the splendor that was Harry in peace.

  Cat had no doubt that once they finished ogling Harry, they’d turn their critical eyes on her. So in order to save herself from a twenty-minute critique, she had no choice but to throw Harry under the bus. “Harry, this is Holly and Hailey. Ladies, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Harry has an in with the director. So if you’re looking to be extras, he’s your man.” She winked at Harry, who looked like he wanted to strangle her, and headed for Grace and her cupcakes.

  Cat was five feet from reaching her destination when she heard Chloe call her name.

  Her sister’s manicured hand closed over Cat’s bicep just as she was about to make a run for it. “Kit Kat, I need to talk to you.”

  Chloe calling Cat by her pet name should have eased some of the tension in her shoulders. It didn’t. It put her on instant alert. “What’s going on?”

  Chloe gave her a winning smile, one obviously intended to butter her up, and looped her arm through Cat’s. “We need to talk in private.” Chloe led her toward the far wall.

  Cat dug in her heels. “Let me get a cupcake first.” She had a feeling she’d need one.

  “We don’t have time. Get one after we talk.”

  When they reached their destination, Cat leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. “Okay, spill.”

  Chloe moved closer and leaned in, her eyes sparkling, her color high. “I got the audition. They want me, Kit Kat. Can you believe it? They really want me.”

  “Of course I believe it. And I don’t know why you don’t. Honestly, Chloe, when are you going to realize how good an actress you are?”

  Her sister stayed quiet for a moment, then bowed her head, shaking it slightly before looking up. “I’m sorry, Kit Kat. You’re so supportive, and I’m… well, I’m not. But I’ll make it up to you, I promise. As soon as I get back from London—”

  Cat stiffened. “Hold it. What do you mean as soon as you get back from London?”

  “Shush.” Chloe cast a nervous glance over her shoulder. “No one can know I’m leaving. It’ll be for only a day or two at most. You’ll just have to cover for some of the publicity stuff. We’re not filming—”

  “No.” Cat shook her head. She couldn’t believe her sister was asking her to do this. “No way, Chloe. I’m not covering for you again.”

  “But this could be my big break. I feel it, Kit Kat.” She patted her chest. “Right here, I feel it. This is my chance. I’m not getting any younger. I—”

  “I’d like to help you, Chloe. But I can’t. We can’t do this anymore. It’s not right.”

  “I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll tell Mommsy to change the will back. Please, Kit Kat, please.”

  “You’re unbelievable. Don’t try and manipulate me with the ranch, Chloe. You never should have asked Mom to change her will in the first place.” She took advantage of her sister’s desperation to ask the question Cat knew she’d never get a straight answer to otherwise. “Why did you do it?”

  Her sister looked away, rubbing her chest with her fingers. When she finally returned her attention to Cat, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she said quietly, “Because Daddy was proud of you and Ethan, and he was never proud of me. I wasn’t smart like Ethan, or strong like you. I was just an actress. I—”

  Cat sensed that Chloe was telling the truth. Her sister genuinely believed their dad hadn’t been proud of her. She laid a hand on Chloe’s shoulder. “That’s not true. Dad—”

  “Yes, it is. He… he called me the day you made detective. He was organizing a big party for you and wanted me to come home. I told him I couldn’t get away. I was auditioning for the part of Tessa Hart, and I told him it looked like
I was going to get it. I thought he’d be happy for me. Maybe even a little proud. But he said I needed to grow up and stop living in a fantasy world and get a real job like you and Ethan. A job that mattered.” Chloe looked away again and surreptitiously wiped a finger across her bottom lashes.

  “I’m sorry, Chloe. But you have to know Dad didn’t mean it. He probably just—”

  “He meant it, Kit Kat.” Her sister cleared her throat. “I couldn’t make him proud of me when he was alive, so I thought if Mommsy left me the ranch, I could make sure it stayed in the family. The taxes and upkeep are expensive, and you know how much he loved the ranch.” Chloe frantically wiped at her face as tears began to slide down her cheeks. “This is so embarrassing, I didn’t mean to cry.”

  Cat gathered her sister in her arms, feeling like a bitch for pushing back on the will. She was angry at her dad, too. He’d been a good man, a good father, but he’d also been competitive and driven. His expectations were tough to live up to. Chloe wasn’t the only one in the family who thought she’d failed him.

  Dammit, she didn’t want to think about that now. This wasn’t about her. It was about Chloe. And after her sister’s emotional confession, she couldn’t bring herself to say no. “Okay, I’ll do it.”

  Chloe leaned back and rubbed her palms across her cheeks. “Are you sure? I’m going to tell Mommsy to change the will back anyway, so if that’s why you’re agreeing to—”

  “I’m doing it for you. But Chloe, you have to be careful. Obviously, you can be you at the audition. But other than that, you have to pretend you’re me. And absolutely no contact with Lord Darby.” The more Cat thought about it, the more she realized this could work to her advantage. It would be easier to figure out who was trying to kill Chloe if she wasn’t constantly worrying about her.

  “I love you. You’re the best sister ever.”

  Cat held up her phone. “Say that again. I want it on record.”

  Chloe grinned. “Sorry for leaving you behind today and splattering you with snow.” She wrinkled her nose. “You really are a mess, Kit Kat.” Chloe’s eyes widened. “Oh no, if I’m supposed to be you, I’ll have to look like a hot mess, too.”

  Cat rolled her eyes. “How do you think I feel? I’m going to spend more time doing my makeup and hair in the next couple of days than I do in a year.” Good thing Ty would be around to help. At the thought, she searched the room for him. Instead of finding Ty, she locked eyes with Harry, who’d obviously been watching her and Chloe’s exchange. She felt a small twinge of regret at the thought there’d be no more flirting with his lordship. Given that he wasn’t interested in a relationship—and he made her forget that neither was she—maybe it was for the best.

  * * *

  Grayson couldn’t put it off any longer. He had to tell Cat who he was. If Chloe continued to pull crap like she did this morning, at least Cat would know he was there to protect her sister. Telling Cat who he was would be easier than what he had to do next. He had to make Chloe understand that he wasn’t interested in her. As he’d discovered, she wasn’t good at taking a hint. He’d kept an eye on the sisters while trying to shake off Holly and Hailey. They were about as shakable as drug-sniffing dogs on a dealer’s backpack.

  He lifted his chin and waved at Phil, then threw the director under the bus. “There’s your cue, ladies. Phil will see you now. And rest assured, I’ll put in a good word for you.”

  They thanked him profusely, then made their way to Phil. Grayson headed toward the refreshment table. He should be able to get a better idea what was going on between Chloe and Cat from there. He worried that once again, because of him, Cat was on the receiving end of her sister’s jealous temper.

  He frowned when Cat drew her sister into her arms. Maybe he’d misjudged the situation. They seemed to be getting along fine now. Unlike a few moments ago when he’d worried Cat intended to strangle Chloe.

  Grayson smiled at the pretty blonde behind the refreshment table. He’d met her briefly last night at the party. “Hello, Grace. Lovely to see you again, my dear.”

  “Lovely to see you too, Your Highness.” She curtsied. “What can I get you?”

  Grayson drew in a breath and released it slowly. He was more than ready to end the charade. It was fine in LA, but it felt different here. They were nice people, and he didn’t like lying to them. He smiled at Grace. “Please, it’s Harry. And no need to curtsey. I’ll have a coffee, if it’s no trouble.”

  “No trouble. No trouble at all, Your High…” She blushed. “Harry.”

  A tall, dark-haired man wearing a black leather jacket came around the table. He angled his head, then waved his hand in front of Grace’s face. “You going to get the man his coffee, sweetheart, or should I?”

  “I was just going to ask what he takes in it, Jack.”

  “Sure you were.” The man grinned and stuck out his hand. “You’ll have to excuse my wife. She’s got royal fever like the rest of them. Jack Flaherty.”

  “I do not.” She looked at Harry and smiled. “Maybe just a little. What would you like in your coffee? Or I have tea, if you’d prefer.”

  “Coffee’s good. Black. Thanks,” Grayson said as he shook the man’s hand. “I’ve read about you. It’s an honor to meet you, Jack.” The man had been a POW in Afghanistan for seventeen months before he’d escaped, leading his crew to safety.

  “Thanks. Good to meet you, too.”

  Grace nudged her husband with her elbow while handing Grayson his coffee. “He’s a lord, Jack. You should—”

  “Are you using your title to get special favors again, Harry?” Cat asked, coming to stand beside him.

  He took in her helmet hair, the way her sunburnt cheeks and nose stood out against her creamy white skin, and her mud-spattered green sweater, and wondered what it was about this woman that made every word out of her mouth a sexual turn-on. “What special favors did you have in mind, love?”

  She snorted. “Obviously not the ones you’re thinking about,” she said, then turned and smiled at the couple behind the table.

  The three of them began talking about mutual friends who were hoping to become extras. Grayson half listened to their conversation while studying Cat. Lifting the cup of coffee to his mouth, he contemplated the best time to reveal his true identity. There was a part of him that was anxious to get it over and done with, while concern for how she’d react to his deception had him wanting to put it off for another day. He didn’t know what bothered him more, realizing how much her opinion mattered to him or realizing his attraction was more than physical. The two, he supposed, went hand in hand. But right now, watching as she took a bite of a chocolate cupcake, then wiped her full, kissable lips with a napkin, his reaction was purely physical. To the point of possibly becoming embarrassing.

  “Maybe we could do it another night.” Cat cast him a sidelong glance as she continued. “I’m leaving town for a few days.”

  He choked on his coffee, droplets splashing the front of his shirt. He reached for a napkin, but Cat intervened.

  “Here, let me,” she said, and began dabbing at the stain, only to smear chocolate all over his shirt instead. “Oops.” She grimaced. “Sorry about that.”

  Now he wasn’t as particular as Harry, but at any other time, at the hands of any other person, that would have ticked him off a bit. He covered her hand with his. “It’s fine.”

  But he wasn’t. All he could think about was her leaving town. She had a sister to protect, didn’t she? “Where are you off to, love?” He intended to keep his tone light, but came off sounding a little growly. He cleared his throat.

  Her eyebrows shot up. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m heading to London to see a friend.”

  London? Friend? He didn’t like the sound of that. Could she be looking into him? Jesus, he was beginning to think like Harry. Or more disconcerting, like a jealous boyfriend. Before he could question her further, he noticed Ty staring at Cat.

  “You can’t leave. We hav
e—”

  Shooting an anxious glance at Grayson, she grabbed Ty by the arm and started to walk away. As though as an afterthought, she turned and gave them a finger wave. “I’ll, uh, see you all in a couple of days.”

  He heard her telling Ty to shut it as she hustled him out of the main hall. Grayson stared after her, wondering what had just happened. It was possible she didn’t realize her sister was in danger. It was also possible that he’d scared her off when he told her that he was interested in her this morning. As several different scenarios crowded his brain, he realized it was probably for the best that she was heading out of town.

  He was invested in the case now and wanted to see it through, but he had only eight days left of his vacation. Cat was a distraction. It would be easier to stay focused without her around. And if there were no further attempts on Chloe’s life while Cat was away…

  Chapter Eleven

  Cat tugged on the white lace comforter. “You’re a cover hog.”

  Ty, with his arm tucked behind his head, lay beside her on the bed staring up at the canopy. He’d been worried about Cat’s safety and had arrived after midnight. At least he hadn’t blown her cover by ringing the doorbell. He’d fired snowballs at her window until she’d woken up and hauled him inside. The last thing she wanted to do was arouse Harry’s suspicions. As soon as she’d gotten Chloe safely out of town, Cat had retired to her sister’s bedroom, pleading a headache.

  “This room is kind of freaking me out. I feel like I’m in Sleeping Beauty’s bed. Good thing you’re awake or I’d have to play Prince Charming and kiss you.”

  “Good thing you didn’t. I would have slugged you.” She yawned, glancing at the princess clock on the bedside table. Her sister’s room had been the same since she was four. Cat had redecorated hers when she was twelve. Ty was right, it was kind of freaky. “Well, Prince Charming, if you plan on putting those extensions in my hair, we better get up.”