In Love by Christmas

by Cari Lynn Webb

  He guided her hands into the dance hold Anton had taught them. He asked, “Shouldn’t you be inside networking? The Coast to Coast Living gala prides itself on bringing together the best in business.”

  “I did mingle for a while. Even handed out a business card or two.” Josie laughed. Her steps matched his, in perfect time. “But the city lights drew me out here. It’s a good quiet night. I can hear my thoughts out on this balcony.”

  She’d drawn him outside. Away from vendors, customers and potential shareholders. He wanted to hear her voice. Share her laughter. For a moment, with Josie, he could just be Theo. Not the CEO. Not the man who made the final decisions. Not the one responsible for growth, profit margins and family accord. “Care to share any of your thoughts?”

  “Not right now.” She broke the proper dance formation and smoothed her hand over his lapel. “I want to just enjoy this.”

  He spun her in a circle, twirling free her laughter...and his own. He said, “I’ve been practicing at home.”

  “I think I might need more lessons to keep up,” Josie said.

  He spun her one last time and slowed the dance. The side door opened.

  Fran peeked out and winced. “Sorry to interrupt, Theo. But you’re needed.”

  Theo bowed to Josie. She dropped into a curtsy and said, “Until next time.”

  “You could join me.” He offered her his arm.

  “You go ahead.” Josie leaned to the side. “I see Adriana. I wanted to talk to her.”

  Theo eyed her. “Fine. But if you linger out here much longer, I might have to come back for another dance.”

  “I’m counting on it.” She drifted down the balcony toward his sister. Theo stepped inside and back into his corporate persona.

  * * *

  JOSIE PRESSED HER hands to her cheeks. She was hot and cold at the same time. In love and terrified. She called out to Theo’s sister, “Do you have a moment to talk?”

  Adriana released the door and turned to Josie. “I’d love to. It’ll keep me from the idle conversations inside.”

  Josie jumped right in. “Theo offered me a segment on the Coast to Coast TV show.”

  “That’s fabulous news.” Adriana hugged Josie. “We’ll get to see even more of you. I know my brother will want that. I saw you two dancing.”

  Josie’s cheeks heated again. “It’s not all great news.”

  “Did Theo do something?” Adriana walked with Josie to a private area on the balcony.

  If making her fall in love with him was something. Then, yes, he definitely did that. “No. It’s not Theo. It’s the terms and conditions in the contract for the show.”

  “I’m sure Theo can change those,” Adriana said.

  “I’m not certain he wants to.” Josie gripped the balcony rail and looked out over the city. He’d liked her original sweater dress on her. He’d liked Shanna’s upscaled wedding gown. But he hadn’t liked anything enough for his sister. Or enough to change Josie’s contract. She assumed he believed his show would make her better. Turn her into a popular dressmaker that was good enough.

  Adriana touched Josie’s arm. “Why don’t you tell me what’s in the contract?”

  “None of my exclusive gowns can be worn until after the first season’s finale.” Josie shifted to face Adriana. “That includes my upscaled vintage gowns like your Grandmother Pearl’s dress.”

  Adriana pulled back. “If you alter my grandmother’s gown, I can’t wear it next weekend? In my own wedding?”

  Josie shook her head and stressed. “If I sign the contract. I haven’t signed yet.”

  “Why would he ruin my wedding like this?” Adriana’s eyebrows lowered.

  “It’s what the producers requested,” Josie said.

  “Theo has the final say,” Adriana argued. “He could change their minds if he wanted to.”

  If Theo let the contract stand as it was, he wouldn’t have to reject Josie’s original gown or his grandmother’s upscaled gown. Was that it? Had Theo been counting on Josie signing the contract this whole time. “Why wouldn’t he change the contract for you?”

  “Profit.” Adriana scowled. “The company and profit always come before family.”

  What about Josie? Was she only good enough for the show because her story could be turned into a financial gain?

  “Why are you two looking so serious?” Adriana’s fiancé, Ryan, walked toward them, carrying two plates of appetizers. “This is supposed to be a fun evening.”

  Adriana brushed at her eyes.

  Ryan slid the plates on a small table and took Adriana’s hands. “What happened?”

  “I don’t have a wedding gown,” Adriana cried. “It’s Theo’s fault and the TV show. And Theo won’t change it.”

  Ryan glanced at Josie, then Adriana. “Have you talked to your brother?”

  “You know how he is,” Adriana mumbled. “He won’t listen.”

  “This is our wedding,” Ryan argued. “It’s your wedding gown. You should wear the gown you chose.”

  “You know it’s more complicated than that.” Adriana used a tissue to wipe away her tears.

  Ryan set his hands on his hips. “Then let’s elope. Forget the wedding madness and get married. Just the two of us in a private ceremony. The way we want.”

  Josie covered her mouth.

  Adriana shook her head. “I can’t do that to my family.”

  “But look what they’re doing to you? First your mother. Now Theo.” Anger slashed through Ryan’s voice. “I’m tired of your meddling family, Adriana.”

  Adriana stilled. “What are you saying?”

  “I can’t compete with them anymore.” Ryan scrubbed his hands over his face. “I can’t do this.”

  “Do what?” Adriana whispered.

  “Watch you be loyal to a family that isn’t loyal to you.” Ryan shook his head, misery weighting down his words. “I can’t spend the rest of my life waiting for you to stand up to them.”

  Adriana threw her hands to her sides. “What do you expect me to do?”

  “Defend us to your family.” Ryan’s mouth flattened. “Stand up for what we want. What we chose.”

  “They’re only trying to help,” Adriana said. Her voice lacked conviction.

  Ryan nodded. Defeat slumped his shoulders. “I love you, Adriana, but I can’t marry you. Not like this.” He turned and walked away.

  Adriana covered her face with her hands. “Tell me that didn’t just happen?”

  Josie hugged Adriana, guided her to a bench and promised everything would be fine. It would be fine once she found Theo. She’d make him fix this. He had to fix this. For his sister. For Ryan. For the rare love the two shared. Josie eased open the side door and waved to Fran. “I need to find Theo. Now. It’s Adriana.”

  Worry passed over Fran’s face. She straightened in her heels and scanned the crowd. “He’s over there with his mother.” She lifted her arms and waved in a big SOS signal.

  Several groups of guests responded. Fran waved more. More guests turned to look.

  Josie ignored the spectators and searched for Theo.

  “He saw me.” Finally, Fran lowered her arms. “He’s coming.”

  Josie sighed. Then noticed the number of people trailing after Theo, including his mother.

  Theo reached Josie first. “What’s wrong?”

  “Adriana and Ryan had a fight.” Josie held open the door to the balcony. Where had all the guests come from?

  “Where’s Ryan?” Theo walked out onto the patio.

  “He just left.” Josie blanched. The guests hadn’t remained inside. They trailed after them. Worse, Adriana ran down the balcony and disappeared through an exit door. Everywhere Josie looked, cameras were recording every second.

  “Prewedding jitters, I’m sure.” Lilian Rose waved her jeweled
fingers in the air. “That’s quite common.”

  “It’s more than that.” Josie grabbed Theo’s arm, pulling his attention to her. “The wedding was called off.”

  Lilian Rose lost her indifference. She rounded on Josie, her voice rising. “What did you say to my daughter?”

  Josie stumbled over her words, lost her voice at the venom in Lilian Rose’s tone. Josie had hugged Adriana. Then lied, promising the poor woman everything would be all right. Suddenly, nothing seemed right anymore.

  “Do you know what happened?” Theo reached for Josie.

  “Obviously Josie told Adriana that she couldn’t wear any of Josie’s gowns on her wedding day.” A snarl twisted across Lilian Rose’s bloodred lips. “Now Adriana has no dress for her wedding in less than a week.”

  Theo asked, “Did you sign the contract, then tell Adriana?”

  Josie answered with her own question. “Who added the upscaled consignment gowns to the exclusion clause in the contract?”

  “I don’t remember,” Theo said. “Why does it matter?”

  Because he would never accept a used gown. Even altered it would always be used, dated and imperfect in his eyes. He’d never accept Josie as she was, either. Nausea clawed up her throat, chewed at her insides. But this time, there was no yelling “bathroom.” No outburst, calling for a fountain. There was no escape. “You weren’t ever going to let Adriana wear one of my exclusive gowns, were you?”

  Theo opened his mouth. The truth came out, unspoken and soundless.

  But the weight barreled through Josie like a runaway carriage, its horses spooked.

  “Of course, you were never going to be Adriana’s wedding-dress designer.” Lilian Rose marched forward. “Who do you think brought your name to the production team? My son is a very gifted strategist.”

  Josie looked at Theo. Her heart withered. Her body drooped, overloaded. He wanted to rescue the poor foster kid, the same as her ex-husband had wanted to, and like her ex, Theo intended to build his own name in the process. She’d been nothing more than a business deal. A part of his corporate task list. How could she have misread every moment so horribly wrong?

  Lilian Rose launched another sarcastic barb. “Tell Josie that you weren’t considering her for the TV series this entire time, Theo.”

  Again, that noiseless silence came from Theo. Josie wanted to scream. Scream at him to say something. Like she had wanted to scream at all those potential families that passed her by. But her scream only echoed inside her emptiness.

  She already knew: she wasn’t perfect for Theo. She was perfect for his makeover TV show. All those nights together he’d used to gain her backstory. And she’d shared herself. Shared her secrets.

  “You’ve quite the backstory, my dear.” Lilian Rose touched her diamond earring. “You must know it will play exceedingly well to a TV audience.”

  Josie covered her mouth, holding back her anguished gasp. It was her life. The one she’d lived through—not a backstory fabricated in a screenwriters’ room. She’d never wanted to capitalize on her childhood. She’d only wanted to forget the pain and loneliness. She’d almost believed she’d moved on. Found a place where she wasn’t alone. Someone who made her feel like she belonged. Like she was wanted. How many times did she have to live this nightmare? How many times did she have to slam face-first into the truth?

  She never knew it was possible for a broken heart to hurt even more. An ache built from deep within her.

  Lilian Rose continued her verbal assault. “It’s too bad you’re already in breach of your contract, dear.”

  “Excuse me,” Josie said. She hadn’t signed a contract yet. Surely Theo would correct his mother.

  Theo’s voice finally gained traction. A warning slid through his tone. “Mother.”

  “It’s not about your tête-à-tête on the balcony earlier.” Lilian Rose gave a small, hollow head shake. Pity shaded her eyes. “Although with my son, I suspect there was an angle to that, as well, for the bottom line. Romance plays well, even if it’s invented for the show only.”

  Another warning rumbled from Theo. “Mother.”

  “Did I pass?” Josie raised her chin and leveled her gaze on Theo. “Am I good enough to be on your TV show?”

  “Josie, it’s—” Theo began.

  Lilian Rose cut off her son. “Josie already sold one of her exclusive gowns meant for Adriana to the highest bidder. Pocketed the cash and played you, too, Theo.”

  “Did you sell one of the originals?” he asked.

  Ironic that he discovered his voice when he became the prey. As if he’d somehow lost in all of this. Josie nodded.

  “When?” he prodded.

  “Last Sunday.” She watched the betrayal appear on his face. She’d lied to him, too. How did it feel? “But that gown was never the one for Adriana. I knew it. And your sister did, too.”

  “That wasn’t your call to make.” He slid his hands into his pockets, pulled himself in.

  “Your grandmother’s gown is—” she said.

  He interrupted, “You let Adriana put it on after I asked you not to.”

  “It doesn’t matter now. It never mattered.” Josie turned and walked away. Her chin didn’t waver. Not until she reached the elevators.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  “JOSIE. WAIT!” Theo hurried toward the elevator bay. “You don’t understand.”

  Josie’s arm blocked the elevator door from closing. “What more could I need to know?”

  Theo stopped on the other side of the elevator doors. “There’s more at play here than just a wedding. It’s business, but I can’t discuss the details quite yet.”

  “It’s always business, isn’t it?” Tears pooled in her eyes. Her cheeks were damp.

  He caused her pain. Made her cry. Hated himself for that.

  “Is that why you turned your sister’s wedding into a billboard for Coast to Coast Living?” Anger pooled in her voice, stilling her tears from falling. “Because business is more important than your sister’s dream wedding.”

  “I was giving her a dream wedding,” he argued.

  “But not her dream wedding.” Josie’s fingers curled into a fist. Frustration hardened her words. “Did you really believe the little girl Adriana once was dreamed about product launches and business deals at her wedding? That little girl dreamed of unicorns, princes and forever love.”

  Dreams. Forever love. Those wouldn’t sustain a legacy. Those wouldn’t give someone worth. Or value. “We all have to grow up sometime.”

  “Still, a wedding should be the one time to dream again. To celebrate that forever kind of love.” Josie’s free hand tugged on her gown. “A wedding is not just a reason to display Coast to Coast Living’s new housewares.”

  “The flatware and dinner sets were inspired by Adriana and Ryan,” Theo countered.

  “Do they know that?” She never waited for his answer. “Of course not. The gesture might’ve been special if the focus was on the couple and not your corporation. Not the bottom line.”

  Why couldn’t she understand? “There’s more at stake.”

  “So you’ve said.”

  “Why is that wrong? This business was built for our family.” By Theo. To prove to everyone that he hadn’t turned his back on his family. To prove his worth. “As long as the business stays strong, the family stays strong.”

  “I would have thought it was the other way around.” She rubbed her forehead as if searching for more of Mimi’s fortune-cookie wisdom. “A strong family makes everything stronger. Everything better.”

  “I won’t apologize.”

  “Can you at least tell me why you never stood up for me?”

  “You never stood up for yourself,” Theo countered. “You give your work away for free because you don’t believe it’s good enough. You leave your custom clothes stashed i
nside your closet because you don’t believe in your talent or skill. You’re walking away now for the same reasons.”

  “No one stepped on you on their way up the ladder.” Josie flicked her hand and her disappointment at him. “You took the ladder out from under them and left. They had to climb the rest of the way on their own.”

  Theo crossed his arms over his chest and widened his stance, prepared to let her lash out. He’d hurt her.

  “You don’t risk your heart, either.” She straightened, stiffened her arm and her voice. “You reject first so you never really have to open your heart.”

  He could take the accusations. But he wasn’t discussing hearts or himself. “This was never about hearts.”

  “No, it’s always been about business and the perfect look of success.” Josie leaned out of the elevator. Her voice lifted above a harsh stage whisper. “But do you want to know something? I didn’t fall in love with you because you were good for my profit line.”

  A weight like a twenty-pound steel ball smashed into his chest. He blanched and resisted. “You don’t love me.”

  “I don’t want to love you,” she snapped. But her chin quivered, and those tear pools swayed, almost overflowing. “You made me feel safe. Safe enough to let myself love. Really love again. For the first time since Mimi.”

  The fury in her voice rattled his own. How dare she love him? He’d never wanted her love. He didn’t even know how to love. That steel ball crashed through him again. Now he lashed out. “That was your mistake.”

  “But it’s your loss.” Josie removed her hand from the elevator door. The doors started to close. Her last shot was a direct hit. “One you’re going to regret.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  BING-BONG. BING-BONG. Josie smashed her face in a pillow and groaned into the feathers. Her doorbell rang again. Bing-bong. Muffled voices followed.

  Josie pushed off the couch, where she’d slept last night. She’d fled Theo’s gala, stumbled into her apartment, traded her dress for fuzzy pants and an oversize sweatshirt. Grabbed a box of tissues and curled into a ball on the couch. She still wore the fuzzy pants and sweatshirt, and had added fuzzy socks. She padded to the door and opened it.