Home for the Holidays: A Contemporary Romance Anthology

by Christine Bell

  But Ashley saw it. And she knew.

  Two people perfectly in sync without even trying. When Ashley danced with Eric, they managed to step all over each other. It had even become a bit of a family joke. But, with no effort, Taylor and Eric’s steps matched. He twirled her in an intricate series of spins without a single misstep, all while they talked.

  Eric didn’t talk to Ashley that way or smile that way. The blatant connection between her sister and her boyfriend smacked Ashley between the eyes. How had she missed it? Yet, deep down, hadn’t she always known? Those two were always laughing and sharing things. Nothing heavy. Goofy things. Ashley had been thrilled her sister and her boyfriend got along so well. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

  Shock, along with a tumult of mixed up emotions, drove Ashely outside, despite the snap in the winter air. Reluctant to return inside for a jacket, she’d tucked herself into a dark corner of the wrap around porch attached to the sprawling community center.

  “You okay, Hughes?”

  Ryan’s deep voice feathered on the air, and for once his mere presence didn’t irritate her.

  Thanks to her discovery, she felt like the coyote in the cartoons with little tweety birds and stars circling her head as she sat in a dazed stupor. Anger should have been her reaction at Ryan finding her in this raw emotional state. After all, the guy had severed their friendship nine years ago, then proceeded to spend years bugging her about how Eric wasn’t the right guy for her, teasing her about still being with him. He made his disappointment clear in her choice to follow Eric to a smaller college when she got into Texas A&M. Finally, six months ago, he’d really cut the ties after their blow out fight concerning an engagement that hadn’t happened. Granted, so had she. They hadn’t spoken since.

  But right then, faced with a life changing revelation about her choices in life, she appreciated Ryan’s steady presence. Odd.

  “You were right. About Eric.” She couldn’t keep the bitterness from her voice.

  Ryan crossed his arms over his broad chest. “What do you mean?”

  She shrugged. “He’s not the man for me. Turns out…” She took a shuddering breath and put her heartbreaking thoughts into words. “He’s the man for Taylor.”

  Ryan jerked, stunned shock written across his features in the moonlight, and Ashley felt marginally better. The all-knowing, all-seeing Ryan McAdams hadn’t picked up on it either.

  “He’s cheating on you?” Righteous anger filled every syllable. “Where is he? I’ll kill him.”

  Ashley rushed forward and put her hand on his arm. “No. I don’t think he even realizes the truth. I’m not sure either of them do. I could just…see it.” Her throat constricted around the words and tears burned the back of her eyes. Tears she was determined not to shed in front of Ryan.

  “Oh, darlin’,” He yanked her close, wrapping her in those big, strong arms, the heat of his body warming her. “I didn’t want to be right, you know. For your sake. If he made you happy.”

  Rather than push him away, Ashley laid her cheek against his chest and absorbed the comfort he offered. Strangely, Ryan McAdams happened to be the only person on the planet who understood.

  With a gentle hand under her chin, he tipped her face up to his. “You’re going to be okay, Ashley Hughes. This is the start of the best years of your life, not the end. Do you hear me?”

  The tears that had been threatening spilled over, steaking down her cheeks in cold, wet rivulets, and her lips wobbled as she tried to hold her reaction in.

  “Don’t cry.”

  If a tumult of emotions weren’t overwhelming her, she might’ve laughed at the panic in his eyes. She’d cried in front of him only once before, when they were thirteen, and he’d reacted the same way. Like a printer with a paper jam that brought it to a screeching halt. Funny to think of a big, capable man like Ryan being brought to his knees at the sight of a woman’s tears.

  “Please darlin’,” he begged.

  Need—for comfort, for connection—pulsed through her and she quieted, her tears slowing as she stared at Ryan. With a hitch to her breath, she went up on tiptoe and laid her lips over his. A quick peck, but her need burned hotter even as she pulled back. Rather than release her, Ryan groaned low and took her lips in the most profoundly gentle kiss she’d ever experienced.

  Surprise parted her lips, which he took as an invitation—maybe it had been unconsciously given—and he deepened the kiss. The man could seriously kiss, too. In an instant, she moved from black despair to fire in his arms. Every stroke of his tongue against hers, every sweet movement of his lips as they clung to her own, the spicy scent of his aftershave, the heat of his body. She couldn’t get enough, wanting to climb into his lap and stay there forever as deep- seated longing bloomed in her chest.

  A gasp of awareness and realization hissed out of her, and Ashley jerked back, startling Ryan enough to break his hold. She raised a trembling hand to her lips, which still tingled from his kisses. What had she done?

  “Ashley—” He reached for her, but she backed up, shaking her head hard. Without another word, she fled.

  Rather than ruin the party, she waited until the next day to break things off with Eric—a heart wrenching, tear-filled conversation. Following that, she’d been frankly honest with her sister about why, telling Taylor in no uncertain terms that if Eric was the man for her, she should grab tight with both hands and never let go.

  Taylor, stricken, refused to talk about it, but Ashley knew her twin too well. Which meant she needed to give her sister space to figure things out on her own. Consequently, with zero job prospects, she left for Dallas a few weeks later in mid-January.

  Hardest thing she’d ever done in her life. She spent the first three months finding a job, getting settled, and dealing with a pathetically constant state of tears. At the same time, she hadn’t missed Eric as she’d expected. She missed her family, the ranch, his companionship, and her plans for her life. Eventually, she made friends and built a new life—and the pain lessened. Faster than anticipated. If anything, in quiet moments alone, her mind dwelled not on Eric, but on a certain New Year’s Eve kiss and the infuriating man who held her that night.

  “It’s for you.”

  Ashley blinked away the memories to find her mother standing in front of her holding the house phone. “What?”

  “It’s Ryan McAdams,” her mother mouthed, a twinkle in her eye.

  Ashley ignored a stomach- clenching sensation, putting it down to irritation, because no way could it be anticipation. She set down a half-finished jar of hot chocolate ingredients and took the phone. “Hello?” Out of the corner of her eye, she made sure her mother left the room.

  “Hi.” His deep voice sent a zing through her, which was even more irritating.

  He didn’t go on, so she waited. He’d called her—therefore, he could get to the point. The question was, would he agree to her terms or not? At dinner the previous night, she’d told him to think about the deal she’d offered.

  Ryan cleared his throat. “I agree. I’ll be your boyfriend for a few weeks.”

  Ashley wrinkled her nose, even as her heart faltered. “Good.”

  “So you’ll come over and look at my books?”

  She had planned to go even if he said no. Fraud was a serious matter she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy. But this was better. “No more teasing and stuff? I have your word?”

  “Scout’s honor.” She pictured him holding up the two-fingered salute. If memory served, he made Eagle Scout, so he would take the vow more seriously than most. Odd that she even remembered that about him.

  She sighed. “What time?”

  “I’ll pick you up around noon.”

  No way. Her mother practically had them married already. While she wanted their deception to work, she didn’t it to work too well. “I know where you live, McAdams.”

  “I’ve recently moved into a new house on the family ranch.”

  Huh. “Okay. How do I get there?”

&
nbsp; He rattled off the directions.

  She checked the clock. Noon gave her about forty-five minutes to change and get out there. “Okay. I’ll see you in a bit.” She hung up and ran upstairs.

  Twenty minutes later, dressed in jeans, boots, and her favorite white sweater, which clung to her in a subtle, yet flattering, way, she hustled downstairs.

  “Mama?” she called out.

  Her mother appeared in the kitchen doorway. “You’re going out to lunch with Ryan?”

  “No. I’m going to check over his books. He thinks he has an accounting error.” She wouldn’t say fraud until she knew for sure.

  Linda Hughes twisted her mouth in distaste. “That’s too bad. I hope you can help him with it.”

  “I’m just being neighborly.” A blush warmed her cheeks. Shouldn’t she be hinting that they were dating? He’d agreed to the charade after all. But the words stuck in her throat.

  Her mother crossed the room and took Ashley’s hand. “I’ve never said this, because I want my girls to make their own decisions in life, but I often wondered if Eric was right for you.”

  Ashley’s mouth dropped open.

  Her mother held up a hand. “He’s a decent man and perfect for Taylor. She needs a softer touch. Eric is helpful on the ranch, but it’s probably a good thing he won’t be running his own someday. I think the stress of the decisions would be too much for him, and, in the long run, he would’ve irritated you with his lack of initiative. You need someone more ambitious, with broad shoulders to take on a lot of responsibility. Eric will share the load with Dad and Taylor here, so everything works out.”

  Having come to the same conclusion about Eric, at least from a logical standpoint, her mother’s words didn’t sting so much as reinforce her reasons for breaking things off. “Why are you telling me this now?”

  “Like I said…Your life. Your decisions. Besides, Eric wasn’t bad for you. However, now I suspect you’re doubting yourself. I know you and Ryan had a falling out in high school.”

  Understatement.

  “But he’s a good man. He’s strong and tough but also loyal and kind.”

  “Kind? He ended our friendship because he thought I spent too much time with Eric.”

  Her mom tucked a strand of hair behind Ashley’s ear. “Did you?”

  Honesty meant she didn’t answer that, lips clamped shut. “Ryan’s criticized every decision I’ve ever made.”

  Her mother squeezed her hand. “Ryan reminds me of your father. Caring for that man comes out in the form of what he thinks are direct discussions and what I used to take as criticism or commands. Really, his heart is in the right place.” She rolled her eyes. “His communication skills just need work.”

  Fondly familiar with how her Dad’s gruff ways were his version of love, Ashley got what her mom was trying to say. But, no way.

  However, she needed people to believe she and Ryan were dating now. She might not be able to lie to her mom, but she could be vague. “Maybe. It would be…nice to know he’d actually cared all these years. But today he only needs my accounting skills.” She didn’t have to force the blush that accompanied those words. An odd ache of yearning banded her heart. Did she want him to care? If she were really honest, she often missed her old friend. Missed his teasing. And the way he’d listen to her.

  “Okay. But think about this. Why did he save you from Mason’s bidding last night?” her mom asked. “And take care of you the night before? Christmas charity?”

  “He’s been in direct competition with Mason since grade school. That was more about them than me.” The excuse felt as flimsy as a used tissue, even to her.

  “You would know better than I would. But at least give Ryan the benefit of the doubt.”

  Supposed to be dating him, dummy. “Maybe you’re right, Mom.”

  “That’s my girl.” Her mother seemed oddly satisfied about their discussion, a knowing smile gracing her mouth.

  Walking out to her car, Ashley nibbled at her lower lip. Asking Ryan to pretend to be her boyfriend might have been her most idiotic idea ever. She’d been thinking of Taylor and Eric—easing their guilt over her so they could enjoy their wedding—but not how others would react. She’d asked Ryan because his actions at the bar and the auction had already set the stage. Now that she sort of got things rolling, however, getting her mother’s hopes up didn’t seem right either.

  She sighed. What a mess.

  9

  “What happens under the mistletoe, stays under the mistletoe.” --Anonymous

  Ryan did another pass through his house as he waited for Ashely to arrive. Naturally tidy, the place didn’t need much straightening, but, strangely, he wanted her to be impressed. His new home was a point of pride.

  The doorbell chimed, and he waited a beat before moving to open it, reluctant to appear eager. Reluctant to admit to himself that he was. He pulled back the rustic wood door to find her standing on his front porch. Damn. Gorgeous didn’t even begin to describe Ashley Hughes. And off limits, as her stiff shoulders and smile screamed. Frustration tugged at his gut. When was he going to give up on her?

  Fine. She wants distant and polite? I can do that. He’d be interested to see what changed when they had to parade their fake relationship in front of people. She’d have to loosen up around him. A lot.

  “Come on in.” He opened the door wider, closing it quickly after her to shut out the cold and blustery winter wind.

  She glanced around as she shrugged out of her jacket, revealing a white sweater that highlighted her assets. Not f’ing fair.

  Maybe this whole dating scheme of hers was a horrible idea. He gave a mental snort. Horrible didn’t cover it. Pretending to date her and be romantic in public might be a slow form of torture given her attitude toward him and his convoluted feelings concerning her, including his body’s apparently uncontrollable urges. What had he signed up for?

  “Your house is terrific,” she said, still looking around. “And I’m impressed you put up Christmas lights outside. I bet it looks lovely at night with that large porch and being two stories. And icicle lights are my favorite.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I didn’t remember two houses on your ranch.”

  “There weren’t.” When he eventually got married and had kids of his own, he wanted his family to have their own space rather than live with his parents and siblings in the sprawling main house. “I built it.”

  She turned surprised eyes his way. “Wow! Did you buy plans for a layout or something?” She ran her hand over the banister.

  “No. I designed it.”

  “Again, wow!”

  So, she’s impressed. So what? No need to get a big head about it.

  “It suits you,” she commented.

  “Yeah?” He glanced around, trying to see it through her eyes.

  “Yeah. Kind of rough around the edges rustic, but smoothed over with clean lines and an open feel to it. And you always loved two-story houses.”

  Ryan hid his amazement she remembered that, let alone recognized all the things he loved most about his home in one quick glance. The open and airy layout--with a kitchen, dining room, and family room on the first floor and all the bedrooms upstairs—sported large windows, which seemed to bring the outdoors inside. The family room and foyer rose all the way to the second story, giving his home a more spacious impression.

  “It’s not your typical bachelor pad,” she added.

  “No. I built it with a family in mind.”

  “Oh.” She flicked him a glance he couldn’t interpret. “Are you seeing someone? I didn’t know. Is our—errrr—situation going to cause problems?”

  “I’m not seeing anyone. Don’t worry. No cheating or jealous girlfriend to be concerned about.” He’d promised to be all business today, so stopped there, though he was tempted to tease her more. “The office is this way.” He led her down a small hallway off the family room.

  After a short hesitation, she followed. At the office door, she
paused, taking in the space. “I love the built-ins!”

  Ryan watched with interest as she crossed the room to admire the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stained in a dark wood. He’d even installed a ladder rail. She turned to him, face glowing with pleasure. “I’ve always wanted a library with a ladder that slides along a rail. I’m so jealous.”

  “Thanks.” He squashed the swell of satisfaction at her admiration and waved toward his laptop on the desk. “All my financial records are on the computer.”

  The delight on her face faded, but she’d set the rules. “Right.”

  He spent twenty minutes explaining the general setup and his concerns. Her brows drew down in a cute frown—the same one from childhood. “Got it. Give me an hour to look things over.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He walked to the door, but paused. “Can I get you anything? Water? Coffee?”

  She leaned back in her chair. “That’s kind of you.”

  His raised an eyebrow. He couldn’t help it. “I can be kind sometimes, Hughes.”

  Her lips flattened, but for once her irritation didn’t seem genuine, almost as though she forced it. “I know that, McAdams.” She focused on the computer.

  “So, something to drink?”

  “No, thanks.”

  “Okay. I’ll be out in the barn.” She nodded, though he could tell her concentration already moved to the numbers on the screen.

  “Ryan?” Ashley’s voice floated across the yard into the barn where he was wrapping up his work. A few seconds later, she appeared in the doorway, a shadow against the dull, cloud-covered early afternoon sun.

  He waved to catch her attention. “Almost done.”

  “Okay.” She waited while he hung a bucket of oats for Charlie, his best horse, then closed and locked the stall behind him.

  Quickly, he put away the rest of the gear and joined her in the doorway. “Did you find anything?”

  Ashley was swamped in one of his jackets. He liked it on her. With her cheeks rosy from the chilly winds, she’d obvious wrapped up to ward off the cold. She glanced up at the rafters, then jerked her gaze back to Ryan. “Yes. I’d like to show you.”