The Christmas Inn

by Stella MacLean

  He was so relieved to be chatting with Walter Pearson, it was infinitely less embarrassing than gawking at Marnie. Marnie didn’t seem to be aware of how gorgeous she was, and he found that a very attractive quality. She had a whole lot of other great qualities, starting with how unassuming she was....

  I could really like this woman. Really. Like. Her.

  But he had paying customers who were eyeing him quietly as they approached the bar. He turned his attention to Walter’s wife. “What would you like to drink?”

  “I’ll have a glass of red wine, please,” Mae said.

  “And I’ll have a Scotch, neat.” Walter Pearson put his arm around his wife’s shoulders. The sweet retired couple had been coming to the inn for the past six years and always insisted on the same suite. Luke enjoyed their company, especially Walter’s stories about fishing salmon on the Miramichi River in Canada, told late in the evening after everyone but he and Jack had gone to bed.

  “Coming right up,” he said, taking down a bottle of Talisker Scotch and opening a bottle of Napa Valley Merlot. As he chatted with the Pearsons about the weather, he kept stealing glances at Marnie. He loved the way she slid forward on her stool and watched him tend bar, a smile on her lips.

  When Mr. and Mrs. Pearson were settled with their drinks at a table in the corner, he served the other waiting customers before returning his attention to Marnie. “And what will you have?”

  “I usually have a glass of white wine, but I’ve never personally known the bartender before, so I think I should be more adventurous. What’s that?” she asked, pointing to the second shelf where the specialty liquors were lined up.

  “It’s sour apple liquor. You drink it over ice or it can be part of a martini.”

  “I’ve never had sour apple liquor in or out of a martini.”

  He ducked his head to look under the counter. “Jack has a drink recipe file here somewhere. I’ll make one for you.”

  “Why don’t you have one with me?”

  “I’m drinking Scotch. I don’t think it would make for a good mix. Besides, my evening is just getting started.”

  “Oh…sounds interesting.” She winked at him.

  She was flirting with him, and he suddenly was having second thoughts about how the evening would go. What was wrong with him? He wanted to spend time with her… “Not interesting, more like…snow-packed. A drink with you will be the bright spot of my night. After that I have to check on the weather again, email the guests who canceled and advise them that I’ll be in touch tomorrow as soon as we know the road conditions. Then I might find a few minutes for dinner.”

  “Why do you have to email the guests? Can’t someone else do it?”

  “They could, but I believe in having personal contact with all my guests. And sure, I could get Amanda to email them using my email, but that doesn’t seem very honest. Besides, I want to stay in touch with them. They’re important to the inn and to me.”

  Afraid he sounded old-fashioned, he busied himself with putting together the ingredients for her drink in a martini shaker. He poured it into a martini glass and slid it across the bar toward her.

  “I always call my clients to remind them of their appointments. Or I did…”

  Was she missing her business? he wondered. “So, you understand where I’m coming from,” he said, relieved to be talking business.

  “I do, and if I were a guest here I would appreciate hearing from you.” Her glance was both shy and direct, and it occurred to him that he was really enjoying himself.

  “I doubt anyone would start out without checking the weather first, but so many people rely on their cell phones and messaging systems that I don’t want to take that chance. And then there’s the snow removal, and keeping doors clear so that people can get out in the case of fire—”

  Damn! He was babbling like a teenager on a first date.

  * * *

  MARNIE TOOK A SIP OF her martini as she listened to Luke’s chatter. He seemed very worried about the storm, his concern for his staff and guests making her like him even more. “This is a delicious drink, sort of sweet and sour at the same time. I’d like to have the recipe,” she said.

  “That’s Jack’s department, but I’m sure he’ll give it to you.”

  “Tell me more about Jack. You say he and his wife are expecting a baby.”

  “Yeah, their first. They’ve been trying for years, and they’re going to be parents any day now.”

  Marnie saw the longing in his eyes, the vulnerability, and wanted to reach out to him. Instead she directed the conversation to other things, fearful that if she didn’t, she’d find herself behind the bar, touching him, telling him everything would be all right. “So, he’s bringing her here for the night?”

  “They’re seldom apart these days, with good reason. I’ve kidded him about moving in here, but I was only half teasing. I’ve never seen two people more in love,” he said, his tone wistful.

  Walter Pearson appeared at her elbow, his Scotch glass in his hand. “I think I’ll have another,” he said, smiling at Marnie before turning his attention to Luke. “Isn’t it time you introduced me?” he asked, nodding at Marnie.

  “Marnie, this is Walter Pearson. He’s a notorious cribbage player.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” she said.

  “Don’t get too friendly with Walter or he’ll regale you with his fishing stories.” The two men laughed as Luke refilled his drink and passed it to him.

  “You two youngsters have a good evening.” Walter raised his glance in salute.

  “I take it he’s a bit of a character,” she said, watching him return to his seat.

  “He is, but he’s also a friend. He was once the head of Obstetrics at one of the hospitals in Boston…can’t remember which one. He and Mae don’t have any children but they’ve been involved in all sorts of work with underprivileged kids around Boston, and still are, I believe.”

  “That’s so nice. To care so much about the welfare of others.”

  “It’s the secret to success in any line of work, don’t you think? Or at least that’s how I see it.”

  As he stood across from her, she suddenly became aware of his height, the width of his shoulders under his sports jacket. She wanted to stay here and let him keep looking at her just the way he was now. She’d definitely lucked out. Maybe her bad luck in the man department was about to become history.

  “Starting out, most of my clients in the hairdressing business were friends from school, or friends of my family. But after that, it was word of mouth that brought in new clients.”

  “So you were good at what you did, with a client list to prove it. And now you’ve decided to sell your business?”

  “I faxed the signed agreement today. I haven’t heard back from Shane yet.” Then again, she’d turned off her cell phone and hadn’t checked her messages....

  “Congratulations. So, what do you want to do now?” he asked, and there was genuine interest in his eyes.

  No guy in her life had ever asked her what she wanted before....

  “Marnie?” he prompted.

  She clutched the stem of her martini glass tightly. “I would love it if my family would let me run my own life.”

  “I take it Scott leads the charge on that front.”

  “He does, but the others are right behind him.”

  “Why? Have you ever done anything that would make them think you couldn’t manage your own life? Or am I prying into something that’s none of my business?”

  If Luke had been anyone else whom she didn’t know well, she would’ve changed the subject, but his interest was genuine. It showed in his eyes. “No, it’s fine. It all started because my brothers were older, and they were all fantastic athletes in high school and university. They all went to the best colleges and graduated at top of their class. Then I came along, and I’m neither a great student nor an athlete.”

  “But you’ve got a successful business, and now you’ll have a chance t
o start over doing whatever you’d like. Are you considering going back to school?”

  “Not really. Making a commitment to go back to school means I’d have to be really sure about what I want to do in life, and I haven’t had enough time to think that through. I’d always wanted to be a hairdresser, but that’s not true anymore. And getting the offer to buy out my half of the salon is a fantastic opportunity that I don’t want to miss. It’s a chance for me to reconsider what I really want out of life. The trouble is, I’ll be subjected to so much unsolicited advice from my family this Christmas....”

  “And you’re not looking forward to that.”

  “I’m not. Oh, and Mom expects me to play Mrs. Claus at her annual holiday get-together.”

  His dark gaze moved over her face. “I’m having a hard time picturing that.”

  “Me being Mrs. Claus?”

  “Yeah, it doesn’t fit somehow. The image of you as a little round woman…”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “I meant it to be one,” he said, his smile warming her all the way down to her toes. “Your family sounds close, involved in each other’s lives. I realize that’s not always a good thing....” He wiped the counter and straightened the swizzle-stick jar.

  The silence between them stretched, leaving Marnie suddenly unable to think of anything but the improbable image of Luke sitting at her parents’ dining room table. “Sometimes, I wonder if I would have been better off if I were a boy.”

  “A boy? You’d never make it as a boy,” he said, his eyes teasing.

  The fire his gaze ignited deep in her body threatened to rage out of control. She wanted to jump across the bar and rip his clothes off, run her hands over every inch of his body. Instead she drew a long, deep breath into her lungs and forced herself to be calm and smile up at him. “So glad you think so.”

  He leaned across the bar, placing his hands on either side of hers as they gripped her martini glass. “If you had been a boy this evening wouldn’t be happening,” he whispered, his lips so close, his eyes capturing hers.

  She leaned forward angling her head, her lips parted. “My good fortune,” she murmured.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  THE LOOK IN MARNIE’S EYES did something to his core. He’d forgotten that feeling, that sensation that life was about to begin, that the waiting for that one special person was over. He touched her neck, his fingers picking up the tattoo of her heart beating against his skin. He had so much he wanted to say to her, to share with her. But at this moment, he couldn’t remember any of it. All he wanted to do was kiss her.

  And he did—gently—the tingling awareness of need floating through him. He angled his head slowly toward hers, cupped her chin and pulled her face closer to his, aching for more.

  But he had to remember where he was…his job. A quick glance around confirmed that they were all but alone—the one remaining couple in the corner were completely engrossed in each other. “It might be smarter for me to come around the bar,” he said.

  He heard the deep chuckle that started in her throat and rose past her lips, the sexiest laugh he’d ever heard.

  “Please do, before I’m forced to jump over it,” she said.

  He rounded the bar, pushed the bar stool out of his way and reached for her, holding her arms, feeling the silky softness of her top as he slid his hands up toward the bare skin at her throat.

  He fought the desire tearing at his gut. He was making out with a woman in the bar at his inn, a place he was expected to behave like a civilized person, totally in control, but all that was quickly being submerged beneath the ache that began near his heart. “Do you suppose the guests will understand this?” he asked, not really caring about the answer.

  “I’m supposed to be your date, aren’t I? Wasn’t this the whole point?” She raised her face to his, her eyes aware.

  “So true,” he whispered against her throat, his arms going around her, his fingers eagerly caressing her back. He kissed her again, tasting her lips, enjoying the way her body pressed into his. He stiffened, blood roaring in his ears. Lust blurred his thoughts, as he pulled back, afraid that he might frighten her with his demanding, pulsing need.

  He heard her quick intake of breath, and suddenly the lights in the room flickered and went out. Off in the corner, two points of light flared.

  “What’s going on?” she asked, her fingers clutching his lapels.

  “Didn’t know I had that kind of power,” he said, joking to hide his annoyance at the interruption. “The power just went out and the generator kicked in. Nothing to worry about.”

  The words had no sooner passed his lips when Kevin Bailey appeared at the entrance to the bar and waved to him, a heavy frown on his face. “Or maybe there is,” he said, nodding in Kevin’s direction. “I’d better see what’s going on.”

  He crossed the room to meet an anxious Kevin. “Sorry, boss, but there might be a problem with the generator. Can you come and have a look?”

  He knew next to nothing about generators, but if they needed to make a repair he had better have a look before calling someone to service it in weather like this. “Be right with you.”

  Trying to hide his disappointment as much as possible, he went back to Marnie. “Sorry about this, but Kevin needs me.”

  “Should I wait for you?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll be back as quick as I can.” He searched the room. “Don’t know who will tend bar while I’m gone.”

  “I can. I’ve had lots of experience doling out Christmas booze at the McLaughlan clan get-togethers.” She gave him a lopsided salute. “You can count on me.”

  “Thanks.” He hugged her close, her body fitting perfectly to his, reigniting his driving desire. “There’s a flashlight under the bar if you need more light until the power comes back on.”

  * * *

  MARNIE WATCHED HIM LEAVE. She wanted to have dinner with him tonight more than anything she’d ever wanted in a long time. She spotted another couple entering the bar, their arms linked, their eyes on each other. And Marnie was suddenly flooded with a sense of yearning so strong she could hardly breathe, reminding her that she was once again alone during the Christmas season.

  The newly arrived couple leaned on the bar, and Marnie remembered that she’d offered to be bartender. “Good evening. What can I get you tonight?”

  “A little more light, maybe,” the man joked.

  “I’ll see what I can do.” She reached under the counter, brought out a large flashlight and placed it on the bar.

  “White wine for my wife, and I’ll have a gin and tonic,” the man said, settling on a stool next to his wife. Marnie fixed the drinks and was about to check with the other couple sitting in the corner when Jack came into the bar with his very pregnant wife beside him.

  “Well, hello. Did Luke leave you in charge?” he asked as he moved in beside her.

  “He did. But now that you’re here, I’ll go back to being decorative.”

  “Don’t quit on my account. I was just going to get a glass of sparkling water for Lindsay. She’s going to take a table near the bar and keep me company for a few hours.”

  “That sounds nice.”

  Jack introduced his wife to everyone as they gathered around him. From the talk it was clear that everyone knew Jack and Lindsay, and about their baby. Marnie didn’t mean to stare but she couldn’t help it. Her four sisters-in-law were big during their pregnancies, but Jack’s wife looked as if she could have the baby any minute.

  While Jack chatted with everyone, Marnie lit candles on each of the tables, and placed extras along the bar, in between filling drink orders. Several of the husbands chatted with her as they ordered drinks or returned glasses. In a way it was comforting to mix drinks and pour wine. It kept her from thinking about everything else.

  She was pouring a glass of Chardonnay when Brad and Cindy showed up. For a moment, she considered walking out. After all, Jack could take over. But walking out was not her style, an
d besides, she’d had her say where Brad was concerned. “What can I get you?” she asked, secretly enjoying Brad’s surprised expression.

  “Marnie, it’s so nice to see you again,” Cindy said, a smile of genuine pleasure on her face.

  “It’s great to see you, too,” Marnie replied.

  “I didn’t know you worked here,” Cindy said.

  “I’m helping out,” Marnie answered, which was the truth. And she was suddenly appreciative that the years of bartending at family functions had paid off.

  “Jack’s letting you behind his bar—you must be good.” Cindy leaned on the bar. “I’ll have my usual,” she said.

  “One dry martini coming right up,” Marnie said, aware that Brad had moved closer to his wife.

  As Marnie mixed Cindy’s drink for her, the other woman chatted about her trip to Wakesfield. “Why don’t you and I go shopping tomorrow…as soon as the snow lets up?”

  Marnie was tempted to say she’d go, if only to make Brad uneasy. It would be payback, and so tempting. But when she met Cindy’s hopeful glance, she remembered that this woman deserved to be happy, that if Brad made her happy Marnie had no right to interfere.

  Regardless of how much Brad had hurt her, she was no longer interested in any aspect of his life. And with that realization came a sense of freedom. Having met Luke, she realized that Brad had never been the man for her. “Cindy, that sounds great, but I’m working straight through until Christmas Eve.”

  “Well, maybe another time,” Cindy said, looking at her husband with love in her eyes.

  Another couple arrived at the bar and stood next to Cindy. They were obviously acquainted with one another and Cindy and the other woman immediately struck up a conversation.

  Feeling completely calm and in control, Marnie turned to Brad. “What can I get you?”

  “I’ll have a Scotch…and thanks, Marnie,” he said, softly, his gaze contrite.

  “Not a problem,” she said, reaching for the Scotch. “I hope you have a wonderful stay here.”