Gift Wrapped for Christmas: A Contemporary Romance

by Ingram, Mona

  There was an uncomfortable moment of silence. Maddie was taken back to the time many years ago when she’d had a crush on Jimmy Freeman. He would stand beside her in the schoolyard, tongue-tied, digging the toe of his running shoe into the dirt. Brent was acting like that now, and it was more than a little appealing.

  “Well, I’d better get upstairs.” Brent’s words startled her out of her reverie. “I enjoyed helping you, Maddie LaRocque.” He picked up the ladder.

  “Here, let me take that. I can manage.” She reached for the ladder, and their fingers brushed together, igniting a spark of awareness that crackled in the air between them.

  He glanced quickly toward their hands, and his eyes darkened. “I’ve got it.”

  “Okay, thanks.” She tried not to watch him as he walked away, but she wasn’t that disciplined. She judged him to be well over six feet, and every inch of him was appealingly masculine. His soft leather bomber jacket revealed a very nice butt.

  Maddie LaRocque, you’re shameless, she told herself and scurried inside her shop so she wouldn’t be standing there staring when he came back. It was becoming easier to understand why Lily had been bowled over the first time she saw Chase. These Drummond men had something, and they had it in spades!

  “’Bye, Maddie.” He popped his head around the corner and gave her a jaunty wave. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Me too.” She gave him what she hoped was a normal smile. “And thanks for the help.”

  “Any time.” The elevator opened, and he jogged across the lobby to catch it. Was she going to be distracted every time the elevator opened?

  Oh, yeah.

  * * *

  “Brent, you’re back.” Chase looked up as Brent came into the office. As usual, his brother looked as though he’d been out on the prairie, letting the wind blow through his hair. Sometimes Chase wished their positions were reversed, but he was the older brother and had been groomed to become the company head ever since he could remember.

  “I saw Annie downstairs. She asked me to tell you she’s at the rink with some kids from school.” Brent paced around the office, looking at the items on display as though he’d never seen them before.

  Chase glanced toward the windows. “Are they supervised?”

  “Until four thirty.”

  “One of us will have to go and get her, I suppose.” Chase looked at his brother hopefully. “Could you do it? I’m right in the middle of something here.”

  “Maddie volunteered to go over at four thirty.” Brent sat down abruptly. “Where did she come from?”

  “Maddie volunteered? That was nice of her.”

  “Annie seems to like her.” Brent watched his brother. “Where did she come from?”

  Chase leaned back in his seat. “She was working for that accounting firm on the sixth floor and was laid off a few days ago. She’s leased the space downstairs for two months.”

  “She’s attractive.” Brent picked up a glass paperweight from his brother’s desk and toyed with it. “Are you interested in her?”

  “No, but...” his eyes narrowed. “Why do you ask?” Chase threw back his head and laughed. “This is rich! What about–“

  Brent held up a hand. “I know, I know. But there’s something about her.” He frowned and looked into the distance. “She seems real. I liked her.”

  Chase leaned forward. “You’re right about that. You know David downstairs in the lobby?”

  Brent nodded.

  “He told me that Maddie introduced herself and asked him his name within two days of coming to work in this building. She says hello to him every day. How many people do you think do that?”

  “Probably none.” Brent and Chase were both fond of the old pensioner.

  “Well, enough chit-chat.” Brent rose, and there was a gleam in his eyes. “I’ll be in my office for the next hour then I think I might mosey on over to the rink.”

  Chase shook his head. “You be careful. “

  “Always.”

  Chase watched his brother leave the office. He hadn’t seen him so enthusiastic in ages.

  Chapter Eight

  Fine snow started to drift down as Maddie made her way to the rink. She could hear childrens’ voices well before she saw them, and smiled. She chose a spot on the top row of the tiered cement steps that overlooked the ice and waved to Annie as she skated by.

  There was something comforting about watching children at play. In that moment, she was reminded of Connor’s exuberant antics, although the truth was she seldom thought about him anymore. As for Allan, she thought about him even less.

  A flash on the far side of the rink caught her eye. Annie’s group was taking pictures of each other, amid much giggling. How did children do that anyway, worm their way into your heart when you weren’t looking? She sighed and tucked her hands into her pockets.

  “That was a big sigh.”

  Brent stood above her, his hair dusted with snow. He motioned her to get up, and she complied wordlessly. She hoped she wasn’t imagining his presence.

  He carefully folded an old blanket and placed it on the step. “Sit on this,” he said. “That cold cement isn’t good for you.”

  It felt much better, especially when he sat down beside her.

  “Hello again,” he said, bending his legs and draping his arms over his knees. He scanned the ice. “Where is our girl?”

  “Last I saw her she was over there, taking pictures.” Maddie pointed to the far side of the rink. “There she is; they’re still at it.”

  “Good.” He watched for a moment, then turned back to her. “Thank you for doing this. I know you must be busy, setting up your business and all.”

  “I’d done about all I could for today.” She lifted her face to the falling snow. “Besides, I’ve been inside far too much recently.”

  The way he was looking at her made her heart go all skittery in her chest. “I guess that’s not a problem for you. Don’t geologists spend a lot of time outdoors?”

  “Yes, but not as much as you might think. Even so, I wouldn’t trade it.”

  They sat silently for a while, watching the skaters. Annie spotted them and waved, but kept on going.

  “A penny for your thoughts.” He’d leaned closer, and she could see individual snowflakes on his eyelashes.

  She looked into his eyes. They appeared darker than before, but that was a trick of the light. Dark or light, they were compelling.

  “Shall I make up something outrageous, or do you want the truth?”

  “The truth,” he said simply. “Always the truth.”

  She nodded as if this was an ongoing conversation. “Okay then. I was hoping that my business is successful. I know it’s only for a couple of months, but I’ve never done anything completely on my own before.” She tilted her head and smiled to herself. “It’s a matter of pride, I suppose.”

  He leaned into her for a moment. “You’ll do fine.”

  She pulled back, giving him a little attitude. “And you know this because...”

  He wasn’t deterred. “Because you’re good people, Maddie LaRocque.” He turned back to the ice, and the moment he spotted Annie, his eyes softened. “How about I give you your first piece of business? I’d like you to get something for Annie for Christmas.”

  She followed his line of sight. The girls were catching snowflakes on their tongues. “I told Chase what she wants, but I got the impression that there’d been some negative feedback from someone within the household.”

  “Cynthia!” He almost spit the word out. “She’s not part of the household.” He seemed to be struggling to maintain his composure.

  Maddie wasn’t sure how to respond, but he was easy to talk to, and she wanted to stand up for Annie. “She really does want a sewing machine, you know. My friend Lily knows about these things, and she says that Annie could easily master using one. She says that girls even younger than Annie have no problems if they’re shown the basics.” She was starting to babble, and forced herse
lf to slow down a bit. “Annie’s going to visit Lily’s studio one of these days. She’s fascinated by anything to do with fashion.”

  He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Sewing machines, fashion, people named Lily. See what happens? I go away, and it’s as if I’ve lost my place.”

  “It’s not as if you were off shooting craps in Las Vegas.” She feigned horror. “Were you?”

  He laughed, and his shoulders relaxed. “No, you’re right. Things are bound to happen when I’m not here.”

  It was her turn to bump shoulders with him. “Annie’s lucky that you care so much.”

  He nodded absently. “So who’s Lily?”

  “My roommate. Lily Hsu. She has a silkscreening studio out by the airport.” She lifted her shoulders. “I don’t know how it happened, but Lily and I sort of adopted Annie.”

  “Does Chase know about this?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Oh, yeah. He’s met Lily and everything.” She smiled to herself, recalling the sparks between the two A-type personalities.

  Brent looked at her oddly. “Why did you say it like that? About Chase meeting your roommate.”

  “No reason.” Maddie shrugged again. “You should ask him.”

  “Uncle Brent. Put your arm around Maddie so I can take your picture.” They’d been so engrossed in their conversation, they hadn’t noticed Annie. She stood before them, her camera raised.

  He put an arm around Maddie. “How’s this?” he said, posing for his niece.

  “Perfect,” she said, flashing a surprisingly adult smile at Maddie. “Just perfect.”

  More parents had arrived, and most of the girls were taking off their skates. “Five more minutes, okay, Munchkin?” Brent called to her retreating back.

  She waved and skated off.

  “And then there’s the puppy.” Brent shot her a cautious look out of the corner of his eye.

  “What puppy?” Maddie frowned.

  “For Annie. For Christmas.” Why was he looking guilty?

  “Has she asked for a dog? And how long has she been asking, or is this a spur-of-the-moment thing?”

  “Well...” Brent looked uncomfortable. “She didn’t exactly ask for one. But she’s plenty old, don’t you think?”

  Maddie gave him a punch on the arm. “It’s for you, you phony! You’re the one who wants a dog.”

  He grabbed his arm. “Ow! That hurt.”

  “Did not, you big baby.”

  “Okay, I confess. I’d like to have a dog in the house, but I really do think Annie would benefit from having a dog of her own.”

  “Are you asking me to get one? I’ll need to know what kind.”

  His gaze rested on Annie. “A family dog. One that’s gentle.”

  “I’ll do it, but only if I can get a dog from a shelter.”

  “That’s a great idea. And the company can make a generous donation, as well.”

  “How much?” She looked at him with a challenge in her eyes.

  “Five hundred dollars?”

  “I thought you said generous.”

  “Okay then, a thousand.” They laughed together, and when they stopped, their heads were close. This time she didn’t imagine the desire in his eyes. For a moment she thought he was going to kiss her, and then he shook himself, dislodging the snow that had gathered on his jacket.

  “Brent?” she said softly, raising a hand to his cheek. His beard wasn’t at all prickly, it was soft and inviting. “Is there something wrong?”

  “Yes.” The desire in his eyes had turned to something close to desperation. “I have to go away again.” His gaze darted around the rink, as though he was looking for a way out. “My timing sucks.”

  He stayed silent for a few moments.

  “I want to see you again when I get back.” He looked into her eyes. “Would that be okay with you?”

  Her smile was her answer, but to be sure, she nodded. “I’d like that,” she said. “I’d like that a lot.”

  He leaned forward, his intention clear. Heart pounding, she lifted her lips to meet him. He cupped her head with one large hand, his fingers splayed in her braid. Then his lips covered hers, and she met him eagerly, reveling in the touch and taste of him. Large flakes began to fall, but lost in the sweetness of their first kiss, they barely noticed.

  He pulled back with a shy smile. “Sorry,” he said. “That was a bit awkward.”

  “Was it?” She smiled up at him. “I didn’t notice.”

  He ran his thumb over her bottom lip, and every nerve ending in her body caught fire. “To be continued,” he said softly, just as Annie skated up.

  * * *

  “That was fun.” Annie climbed into the front seat of Brent’s SUV and reached for her seatbelt. “Was Maddie surprised to see you?”

  Brent made sure she was settled, then pulled out of the garage. “I’m not sure,” he said, his thoughts returning to Maddie, recalling how the snowflakes had dusted her hair, and the taste of her lips. What he was sure of was that nothing could have kept him away from the rink this afternoon. From the moment Maddie LaRocque had fallen into his arms, he’d been a goner. Nothing in his scientific training had prepared him for the surge of emotion he’d felt the first time he looked into her eyes. There had been something...an instant connection...that had him wondering just what he’d been doing with his life up until that moment.

  He looked across to see Annie fiddling with her camera. “Did you get some good pictures?”

  “Uh-huh. I’ll show you when we get home.” She scrolled through the shots and paused when she came to the one of Brent and Maddie. “The one of you and Maddie is good. I think I’ll print it out and put it in a frame in my bedroom.” She was silent for a moment.

  “What is it, Munchkin? You look sad.” He reached across and squeezed her hand.

  She continued to stare at the photograph. “Do you think it will be wrong for me to have some happy pictures in my bedroom? You know, besides my pictures of Mom and Dad?”

  A lump rose in Brent’s throat, but he managed to get past it. “Not at all.” He paused. “Are you saying that the pictures of your mom and dad make you sad?”

  “Yeah.” She rubbed a finger across the display screen. “Maddie said it’s okay to be sad. She told me I’ll never forget them, but after a while it will stop hurting.” She gave him a sideways look. “Do you think that’s true?”

  “Yes, I do.” A stab of jealousy caught him by surprise. He wanted Annie to confide in him, and in Chase, and yet she’d been discussing her innermost secrets with a woman she’d only known for a short while. And yet somehow he wasn’t surprised. If Annie was going to talk to anyone, he’d prefer it to be Maddie.

  “Maddie says that happy memories will start to crowd out the sad ones.” She clutched the camera as if it were a lifeline. “So I’ve decided. I’m definitely going to put your picture up in my bedroom. The one of you and Maddie together. You both look so happy.”

  Brent relaxed his grip on the steering wheel. The child was right. All it had taken was sitting beside Maddie and happiness had washed over him. How had he gotten his personal life into such a mess?

  * * *

  Brent turned off the highway and rolled down his window as he drove along the road leading to the sprawling family home. He did this every time he came home; there was something about the air out here on the edge of the prairie that had a calming effect on him. His grandfather had built the home on a section of rough land that wasn’t suited for farming, but had been an amazing place to grow up. ATVs in the summer, Ski-Doos in the winter, fishing in the trout stream that meandered through their property...the memories crowded happily together.

  A small sports car sat off to the side of the six-car garage. “Cynthia is here,” said Annie, her tone flat.

  Brent raised his eyebrows and pressed the garage door opener.

  Chase’s vehicle was parked in its usual spot. “Oh, look. Uncle Chase is home already.” Annie jumped out as soon as Brent parked and grabbed he
r backpack from the rear seat.

  They entered the mudroom and were met with the enticing aroma of chicken. Annie wiggled her nose. “Smells like Hannah made chicken again.” She dropped her backpack and ran into the kitchen to greet the housekeeper. Hannah and Declan O’Farrell had worked on the estate as long as Brent could remember. They lived comfortably in a suite over the garage, content to take care of ‘the boys.’

  Brent hung up his jacket, followed Annie into the kitchen and sniffed appreciatively. “Hannah my love, are you sure you won’t marry me?” He gave her an affectionate kiss on the cheek. “You’re too good for that scoundrel you’re married to.”

  “One of these days I’m going to say yes, then where will you be?” The housekeeper’s eyes flashed in amusement.

  Brent put a hand over his heart. “Then I’ll be in heaven.”

  “Go on now.” She darted a look toward the sunken living room. “Miss Cynthia is here. She’s having a drink with your brother.”

  Brent stifled a groan. “I’d forgotten until I saw her car. We’re supposed to meet some people later.” He snatched at a piece of chicken, and Hannah swatted at his hand. “I wonder if I can get out of it.”

  He took a deep breath, pasted a smile on his face and sauntered into the living room. Cynthia was curled up in a chair by the fireplace, her straight blonde hair gleaming in the light of the fire.

  “Hello, darling.” She glanced at her watch, and a slight frown furrowed her brow. “I hope you haven’t forgotten that we’re meeting the gang at the club tonight.”

  “Actually, I had forgotten.”

  Her pale green eyes darkened angrily.

  “But I couldn’t have gone anyway. I have to head out first thing in the morning. Sorry.” He didn’t sound sorry, and he knew it, but he was tired of pretending. He had no idea why he’d ever allowed himself to become involved with Cynthia Fairbairn. He raked his fingers through his hair and sat down as far away from her as he could. Standing beside Chase’s chair, Annie watched the exchange with interest, and he gave her a broad wink.

  Actually, he did know why he’d become involved with Cynthia. It had made sense at the time, but looking back now, his reasoning had been completely irrational. At the rate Chase was going, he was never going to get married, and it had seemed to Brent that someone needed to give Annie a stable home life. Why he had thought Cynthia would be the one to do that, he didn’t know. He couldn’t have made a worse choice if he’d tried. Thank goodness they hadn’t actually announced an engagement. Cynthia had been pressing for some time for a ring, but he supposed that deep down he’d known it was a mistake. A mistake that he needed to rectify, and soon. He was leaving tomorrow, but he’d sort things out with her as soon as he got back.