A Snowy Little Christmas

by Fern Michaels

  “Some elves are, um, girls,” Layla said lamely, without looking at Sebastian.

  “But elves are small,” the little boy insisted. “And they have pointy shoes with jingle bells.” He stared at her black stiletto boots, clearly suspicious.

  “Not all elves, Charlie,” Sebastian said. “Sometimes if you’re really lucky, you get to meet one like her.”

  Charlie tilted his head and looked at Layla thoughtfully. “Girl elves are lucky?”

  “Yeah,” Sebastian said. “Especially the ones who wear naughty boots.”

  Layla tried to keep her expression neutral, but it wasn’t easy. He was flirting with her in front of his son. The nerve!

  “Layla, this is my nephew Charlie,” Sebastian said warmly. “Charlie, meet Layla of the North Pole.”

  She blinked. “Your nephew?” she managed, glancing between them.

  “Yup. It’s date night for my sister Olivia and her husband, so I’m on babysitting duty.” He ruffled Charlie’s hair.

  “Hey, I’m not a baby,” Charlie said indignantly. “I’m five already.”

  “That’s right,” Sebastian said. “We’re just two guys hanging out. No babies in sight.” He raised his hand, and Charlie gave him a high five.

  Wow. Sebastian just went from super schmuck to superhero in the blink of an eye. Layla felt like she was on an emotional teacup ride, spinning from one extreme to the other.

  “My dad’s taking my mom out to dinner,” Charlie told Layla matter-of-factly as he eyed the candy. “Then he’s taking her to pound town for dessert.”

  “Charlie!” Sebastian’s voice was thick with barely restrained laughter. “Who told you that?”

  “I heard him telling my mom,” Charlie said absently, digging through her basket of candy canes. “I hope they bring me back some pound cake.”

  Layla slapped a hand over her mouth.

  Sebastian shook his head at Layla, his blue eyes sparkling with humor.

  She grinned, happy that she’d been wrong about Sebastian having a wife and son. Not wanting to examine that emotion too closely, she turned her attention back to the little boy. “Did you tell Santa what you wanted for Christmas?”

  “Yup.” Charlie’s face fell. “But I’m not gonna get it.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Because my mom says no pets allowed in the house.” He finally selected a strawberry-flavored candy cane. “And giraffes are too hard to potty train.”

  “Yes, I can see how that might be difficult.” Layla lowered herself so she was at eye level with Charlie. “But do you know there’s an animal sanctuary over on Griffin Road? My friend Kat runs it, and she has a very cool miniature donkey named Waffles, and a one-eyed goat named Lulabelle. Maybe you could go visit one of these days. She might even let you feed them. I can put in a good word for you.”

  Charlie’s face lit up. “Can we go now, Uncle Seb?”

  “I’m pretty sure the animal sanctuary’s closed for the day,” Sebastian told him. “But I promise to take you there soon.”

  Charlie hooted with glee, then pointed his candy cane at Layla. “Can she come?”

  Sebastian’s warm gaze settled on her. “She can if she wants.” His voice was rich and smooth, and something about it sounded almost decadent. Like he was standing there offering up her favorite dessert on a silver platter, and all she had to do was reach out and take a big bite.

  Layla had to look away, because, apparently, the more charm he used, the more brain cells she lost. For a split second, she actually considered saying yes. She gave Charlie an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I won’t be able to go with you.”

  Charlie batted his eyelashes, which, paired with the angelic face and the oversize Santa hat, was some powerful stuff. Five years old, and he’d already mastered the art of puppy-dog eyes. “Why not?”

  Because as much as I hate to admit it, your hottie uncle gets me all flustered, and he makes me feel like I’m flying out of orbit into unknown territory. “Um, I have to work some extra shifts at the North Pole.”

  Charlie’s sweet face grew very solemn. “Is it because of your naughty boots?”

  “I—”

  “Ho ho ho!” Albert boomed. “I’m heading out to feed the reindeer,” he told Layla. “I’ll be back in half an hour.”

  She waved good-bye to Santa as he waddled off toward the volunteer building.

  “If you’re on a break, want to walk with us?” Sebastian asked. “We’re heading over to the refreshment tent.”

  Layla paused, considering it. Her knee-jerk reaction was to say no, but it was an innocent request. She was headed in that direction anyway. “Okay.” She set her candy canes behind Santa’s sleigh. “I was planning to get a hot buttered rum.”

  The three of them meandered through the crowd, Charlie darting back and forth between the activity tents. His childish exuberance was contagious, and Layla couldn’t help laughing when he ran squealing for the petting zoo.

  “Charlie, wait,” Sebastian called. “We need to get drinks, first.”

  The little boy was already entering the goat pen, patting the goats and chatting excitedly with the other kids.

  “Why don’t you go,” Layla said. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

  Sebastian nodded, then took off toward the refreshments. Layla leaned against the fence as she watched Charlie. He was young, but it was clear he had that same charisma his uncle had. It looked like he’d already made a couple of new friends.

  “Oh, good. I’ve found you!”

  Layla turned to see Mindy breaking free from the crowd, speeding toward her like a sparkly Christmas comet. Her bright gold holiday sweater had a reindeer wearing sunglasses and the words “Sleighin’ It” across the top in blinking twinkle lights. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Mindy’s face was flushed with worry, and she seemed distracted. “Listen, I have to talk to you.”

  “What’s going on?” Layla searched Mindy’s face in concern. She’d never seen her friend so frazzled.

  “My mom just called from Kansas, and we have a family emergency. My dad had a stroke.”

  “Oh, my God.”

  “He’s in the hospital, and my mom’s not handling it well, so I need to take the next flight out tomorrow morning.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Layla wrapped an arm around her friend and gave her a tight squeeze. “Is there anything I can do to help? Do you have someone to watch Pickle?” Layla didn’t know how well her foster kitten would get along with Mindy’s excitable Chihuahua, but if she had to make it work, she would.

  “No, but thank you. Jay’s taking Pickle while I’m gone, but I need something else,” Mindy said. “I need you to take Sebastian.”

  Layla frowned. Take him? Take him where? Her overactive imagination chose this moment to kick into high gear. There were all sorts of places they could go. Dinner, for example. Home. Pound town. Enough! She forcibly shoved those ridiculous thoughts aside. “What do you mean?”

  “I won’t be able to show him houses, so I need to cut him loose as a client. I’m giving you Sebastian Harrington. If you want him.”

  Before Layla could speak, a deep voice interrupted them.

  “Throwing me away so soon?” Sebastian teased Mindy as he handed Layla a hot buttered rum. “Was it something I said?”

  Mindy turned beet red. “Oh, not at all! I was just coming to find you next. I’m so sorry, but I’ve got a family emergency and I’ll need to fly back home to Kansas tomorrow morning.”

  Sebastian looked concerned. “I hope it’s nothing too serious.”

  “My dad had a stroke, so I’m heading there to help my mom.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone, so I’m afraid I have to transfer you to another real estate agent. But I already talked to Albert about it, and we both agree Layla’s perfect for you.” She glanced at Layla. “I can e-mail you his information, if that works for you both?” She turned back to Sebasti
an. “I’m so sorry to spring this on you, but Albert and I just thought, since Layla’s famous for finding people their dream homes . . .” She trailed off and looked hopefully at the two of them.

  Sebastian raised a dark brow at Layla. She couldn’t read his expression because she was too busy managing her own. Helping Sebastian go house hunting was not a good idea. Even if he was a perfect gentleman, it was going to force her to be in close contact with him, which only meant more opportunities to feel flustered and unsettled. Layla hated feeling that way, and he seemed to bring that emotion out of her every time they met. Like right now, for instance.

  He waited patiently for her to respond.

  Layla opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She was having trouble forming her thoughts.

  Mindy looked pleadingly at Layla.

  “I don’t want to cause problems,” Sebastian said. “Especially at this time of year when everyone’s so busy. Why don’t I head back into the office tomorrow and maybe Albert can set me up with someone—”

  “No,” Layla blurted. “I can help you.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked. “It’s okay if you don’t have time.”

  “It’s totally fine,” Layla said, nodding vigorously to prove just how totally okay it was. She could suck it up. It wasn’t that big of a deal. If anything, this was good because she could use the commission if she ended up making another sale. The extra money would be a nice windfall, and she could use it to help her mom with bills. “Why don’t I go over your requirements this week, and we can set up a time to view some of the available listings?”

  He studied her for a moment, and Layla got the feeling he could see her internal struggle. She threw up a shield by giving him a cheery smile. She could tell he wasn’t exactly buying it, but he’d play along.

  “All right,” he finally said.

  Mindy erupted with sighs of relief and encouraging chatter about Layla’s ability to match people with great homes. As she and Sebastian talked, Layla focused on Charlie and the kids petting the barn animals.

  Her friend Kat stood in the midst of all the animals with her cousins Emma and Juliette. They made a striking trio, with Kat’s bright red hair, Emma’s curly blond ringlets, and Juliette’s long dark locks. Even though they all looked so different, there was a distinct bond between them that couldn’t be denied. They were more than just friends; they were family.

  Kat caught Layla’s attention and waved. Then she saw Sebastian standing beside Layla, and Kat gave her The Look. The one with the wiggly eyebrows.

  Layla pressed her lips together and shook her head. Solid no, Kat. So, don’t even start with me.

  Kat just gave her a sassy grin and crossed her arms, as if to say, We’ll see. Emma and Juliette watched their silent interaction with amused interest.

  A strange breeze suddenly swirled through the crowd, caressing Layla’s cheeks, kissing her eyelashes, and stirring the fine hair near her temples. She brushed the back of her neck and glanced around, no idea what she was searching for. She had the oddest feeling that change was in the air. Yet another reason to feel unsettled. Change was unpredictable, and unless Layla had carefully planned and orchestrated it herself, she didn’t care for it.

  She sipped her hot buttered rum, letting the sweet, rich flavor soothe her senses as she stole a glance at the man standing beside her. He was deep in conversation with Mindy, but his cerulean gaze flicked to hers, as if a part of him was tuned in to an invisible wavelength that only they shared. The wind blew a wave of dark hair across his handsome face, and Layla had the sudden urge to reach out and brush it back. What the heck? She peered into her drink, wondering just how much rum was in it.

  When Charlie called out to them, Layla was grateful for the distraction. Anything to keep her attention from Sebastian and the pull he seemed to have on her. That odd breeze swirled around them again, but this time she ignored it.

  Chapter Five

  The following week flew by, and Layla still hadn’t called Sebastian to discuss house hunting. Every time she planned to do it, she found reasons to keep her from making contact. It wasn’t that she was being a coward. Of course that wasn’t it. She was just really busy. At least, that’s what she told herself until Wednesday evening rolled around. By then, it couldn’t be avoided.

  Layla stretched out on her sofa with Toonces purring in her lap. It had only taken the kitten two days to settle in to her routine. A couple of times, he’d tried to run outside when she opened the door, but now he seemed pretty content just to lord over her house. She had to admit it was nice having the little furball around. He snuggled deeper as she scratched him behind the ears.

  When her cell phone rang, she reached for it and answered, careful not to disturb him.

  “Hey, foster mama,” Kat said on the other end. “How’s our little guy doing?”

  “He thinks he owns the place. This morning I woke to him meowing in my face. He wouldn’t stop until I dragged myself to the kitchen to feed him.”

  “I knew you guys would get along,” Kat said happily. “Listen, I have a favor to ask.”

  “If you want me to take in one of your miniature donkeys, the answer’s no. I don’t care how many margaritas you ply me with.”

  “Nothing like that,” Kat assured her. “I need you to run Toonces by the veterinary clinic tomorrow morning because he’s due for a couple of shots. I made the appointment weeks ago and totally forgot.”

  Layla stood up, letting the kitten slide onto the sofa cushion like a melted marshmallow. “Oh, I don’t think I—”

  “It should only take twenty minutes, tops.”

  Layla bit back a groan. Sebastian would probably be there. “Why can’t your favors be easy ones, like ‘Hey, can I use your mixer?’ or ‘Can I borrow a cup of sugar?’”

  “Please,” Kat scoffed. “As if I’d bother baking when I’ve got Emma in my family.”

  “True,” Layla had to admit. “I ate one of her cinnamon rolls last Sunday, and I swear I heard angels singing.”

  “So do you think you could swing it? I’m sorry to ask, but I have puppy training class to teach at that time.”

  Layla eyed the kitten, who was slumped in a boneless, purring heap on her sofa. She wasn’t sure she was ready to see Sebastian. But would she ever feel ready? Besides, Toonces needed shots, and she was responsible for him, even if it was only for a little while.

  As if he knew he was the subject of her thoughts, the kitten lifted his head and meowed at her.

  She leaned over and smoothed the fur above his nose.

  He nudged her hand, then licked it with his sandpaper tongue.

  Fine, then. Gripping her cell phone tighter, Layla made her decision. “Yeah, okay. I’ll take him in.” It wouldn’t be a problem because she had to talk to Sebastian anyway. Maybe this was a good thing. They’d talk about kitten stuff, then maybe set up a meeting time to look at houses, and that would be that. Purely professional, all business. If there was one thing Layla knew how to do, it was stick to business.

  * * *

  The veterinary clinic on Griffin Road was a bright white building with cheerful blue trim and two separate entrances, one for dogs and one for cats. When Layla pushed through the cat entrance with her pet carrier, the waiting room surprised her. She’d never owned a pet, so she hadn’t been to a veterinary office before, but she fully expected it to look like a sterile doctor’s office. Instead, the place had a cheerful, homey vibe. Two dark leather couches sat at one end of the room, flanked by turquoise end tables and potted plants. Framed art prints of cats added warmth and color to the walls, and a large ficus tree stood in the window. White twinkling lights were strung along the ceiling for the holidays, and colorful ornaments hung at different lengths above the reception desk.

  “Good morning,” a young woman called in a chipper voice. She appeared to be in her early thirties, with wavy blond hair and a perfunctory smile. “You must be Dr. Harrington’s eight o’clock appointment.” She held out a pen with
a plastic poinsettia flower taped to the end. “If you can just sign in, someone will be right with you.”

  Layla filled out the form, then settled on the end of the sofa. A few minutes later a vet tech in leopard print scrubs greeted them and showed them into a small room. Layla was scrutinizing a feline anatomy poster on the wall when she heard the door open.

  Even though she was prepared to see Sebastian, it still knocked the wind out of her. Why did he have to be so perfectly handsome? Was it too much to ask for just one tiny flaw? In slacks and a collared shirt, he should’ve looked boring and basic, but no. Not him. Instead, with the sleeves rolled up his strong, tanned forearms, he looked like he could be lounging at a seaside resort in a magazine ad.

  “Layla.” His voice slid over her like a velvety caress, and he gave her a warm smile. “It’s good to see you again.”

  “I’ve been meaning to call you about viewing some houses,” she began in a clipped, professional tone. Because that was her. No-nonsense and all business. “It’s just been a very busy week, but this weekend might be good if you want to view some properties.”

  “I’m ready whenever you have time,” he assured her. Then he nodded to the pet carrier. “And who do we have here?”

  “This is one of the kittens from the Daisy Meadows Pet Rescue.” She opened the carrier door.

  Toonces poked his nose out, and Sebastian’s attention went straight to the gray tabby. He coaxed him onto the table, his large, powerful hands gently soothing the tiny cat. Layla suddenly wondered what it would be like to have Sebastian’s big, strong hands on her. Oh, what the? Cheeks burning, she cleared her throat and focused on the kitten, who was now purring loudly.

  “You’re a good one, aren’t you?” Sebastian said softly. “Of course you are.”

  Watching him interact with the kitten made Layla’s heart feel all loose and fluttery, like the tail of a kite caught in the breeze. Sebastian was so tall and muscular, but the way he handled his tiny patient with such attention and gentleness proved how much he cared. She could tell just by looking at him that he loved his job. “When did you know you wanted to become a veterinarian?”