Welcome To Winterville: A Small Town Holiday Romance

by Carrie Elks

  “I will.” Holly nodded. “And thank you.”

  “It’s going to be a good day,” Dolores said, her voice warm.

  Yes it was. A very good day, not least because Josh would be back in a few hours. Until then, Holly’s job would be to keep Everley calm.

  She could definitely do that. Because it was Christmas Eve, and everybody deserved to be happy.

  The snow began as Josh drove around the town square, parking his car so he could head into the Jingle Bell Theater. It was a little more than a dusting, but it made everything look pretty. He walked around the white stucco building, smiling when he saw the huge banner strung at the front.

  Winterville Presents For One Night Only

  A Very Candy Christmas

  He opened the stage door and a cacophony of sound and vision rushed over him. People were shouting at each other, a band was tuning up, and there were roadies dressed in black walking to and from the trucks parked at the rear, their expressions set as they carried equipment and scenery into the main auditorium. Josh kept close to the walls of the snaking corridors as they pushed past him, looking in each room in an attempt to locate Holly.

  The last time he’d been backstage in these hallways was the day he’d presented their vision of Winterville’s future to the town. This was where he’d confronted Holly after she’d heckled him during their question and answer session.

  It felt like a lifetime ago.

  He’d been attracted to her even then. Had been from the start. But he’d been fighting that undeniable pull. Telling himself it was just the energy she created because she was pissed with him.

  And now he was in love with the woman who’d stood up and denounced him in front of Winterville.

  “Oh my God!” Holly ran toward him in a rush of movement, slamming into his body so hard he was almost winded. He caught her in his arms, laughing despite the lack of oxygen in his lungs. His heart warmed as she grinned up at him, her eyes shining as they met his. “I missed you,” she told him, kissing his neck. “Don’t go away again.”

  “I missed you, too.”

  She ran his hands over his hair. “Is it snowing already?”

  “Only a dusting.” He pushed a stray tendril of hair from her cheek.

  “Well we need to get rid of the evidence. If Everley sees that she’ll have another fit.” Holly grimaced. “She’s convinced there’s going to be a storm and we’ll have to cancel the show.”

  “Classic displacement.” He smiled at her warm expression. “Worry about the weather instead of the important stuff.”

  “Right? Alaska’s removed the weather app from her phone, and I’ve been keeping her away from the windows. They’re about to do the sound check, so that should keep her busy.” Holly traced the line of his jaw with her warm fingertip. “How was your drive?”

  “Long.”

  “But fast. Am I right?”

  “Faster than a snail, yeah.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Damn, it’s good to see you.”

  “Holly, do you know where the set lists are?” Alaska ran in, breathless. “Everley’s put hers somewhere and can’t find it.”

  “I printed a whole bunch up and put them by the lighting equipment. You can grab one there.”

  “Thank God for you.” Alaska blew her a kiss.

  “I should go so you can work,” Josh said, reluctant to let her go.

  “You could stay,” Holly suggested hopefully.

  “I have a little work to do myself. Plus I want to wrap your gift before tomorrow. Then I need to shower and get ready for your mom’s cocktail party.”

  Holly let out a low sigh. “About the party…”

  “Don’t try to get out of it.”

  “But Everley needs me.”

  “No she doesn’t,” Alaska said, running past Holly with a fistful of printed papers. “We’ll be fine. Go.”

  Josh smirked. “It’ll be okay.” Spending an hour at her mom’s couldn’t be any worse than telling his grandfather he was taking a step back. And the truth was, he wanted to know her family. Wanted to be accepted by them.

  “Okay. But only for an hour. Then we come straight back here.”

  “Of course. I’ll pick you up at the Inn at four.”

  Holly nodded, looking pale. “You owe me for this, Gerber.”

  “I’m pretty sure I already know how to make it up to you.” He kissed her lips, her jaw and then her neck, where it always made her sigh. “It’ll be fine. I promise.”

  She tangled her fingers into his thick hair, her head tipping back as she let out another sigh. One that had nothing to do with her mom, and everything to do with the heat from his mouth.

  “I’ll see you in a couple of hours,” he said again, stepping back. Holly blinked, her gaze glassy.

  “Okay,” she whispered. “But I demand retribution tonight.”

  Holly caught a glance of her reflection in the mirror beside the Winterville Inn’s inglenook fireplace. She looked okay, considering she’d gotten ready in a huge rush. Her dark hair was swept into a low, smooth bun, and her lips were painted scarlet. She was wearing a simple black cocktail dress, the lace bodice and short skirt clinging to her curves. It was understated and elegant, set off with a pair of diamond earrings and necklace that once belonged to Candy.

  “You look beautiful,” Josh whispered in her ear, kissing the exposed curve between her neck and shoulders.

  She felt beautiful, too. Not just because this dress fit her perfectly, or that her hair had behaved for once, but because of the way Josh was staring at her in the mirror.

  “We could skip the party,” he murmured.

  “No way.” She met his gaze in the mirror, amusement pulling at her lips. “You’re the one who insisted on this.”

  “But I didn’t know how delectable you were going to look. How quickly can you drink a cocktail?”

  She leaned back against him, inclining her head so she could kiss his jaw. “Really, really fast.”

  “Thank God.”

  “And then we’ll head straight to the theater before Everley has a complete breakdown.”

  Her mother’s sweeping driveway was full of expensive cars as Josh slowed to a stop. There was a big ‘for sale’ sign at the front of the gravel drive. Holly blinked at it but said nothing. Though her mom’s – and uncles’ – houses were outside the Winterville city limits, she guessed they were ready to move on. It made sense, because her mom spent hardly any time here. She much preferred the warmer climate of the Mediterranean.

  They walked up the stone steps, and the door was opened by a maid, “May I take your coats?” she asked.

  Josh slipped Holly’s dress coat from her shoulders and passed it to the maid, thanking her as he shucked off his own jacket. He was wearing a dark gray suit, with a white shirt and blue tie. It fit his broad, muscled body perfectly.

  “I’d forgotten what you looked like in a suit,” she said to him as they walked into the main living area. A waiter passed them two non-alcoholic cocktails.

  “My grandfather thinks you’ve corrupted me into wearing jeans and sweaters.”

  Her eyes sparkled. “I’m so bad.”

  “He thinks you’re seducing me to get your town back,” he teased.

  She lifted her brows. “Perhaps I am.”

  “Darling, you came.” Her mom walked over, a glass of champagne in her hand, and air kissed Holly before smiling at Josh. “It’s a pleasure to have you here, Mr. Gerber. I guess you’ll be heading back to Cincinnati soon?”

  He slid his hand into Holly’s. “Not too soon.”

  “Which is good,” Holly said softly to him. “Because I only just got you back.”

  Her mom frowned, as though she wasn’t sure what to say next. “Um, let me introduce you to my husband. Garrick?”

  An elegantly dressed sixty-something man walked over, taking her mom’s hand in his and lifting it to his lips. “Yes, my darling?”

  “This is Holly, my daughter. And her… friend? Josh Gerbe
r.”

  The silver-haired fox tipped his head to the side. “Surely not, my angel. You’re too young to have a daughter that age.”

  Her mom laughed, the tinkle so shrill Holly was amazed her glass didn’t shatter. “Oh Garrick, you know how to flatter a lady.”

  Garrick kissed her on both cheeks, then shook Josh’s hand. “Why are you drinking non-alcoholic cocktails?” he asked them. “I’m mixing some amazing Martinis right now.”

  “I’m driving,” Josh said, shrugging.

  “And I have to help Everley with the show. I need a clear mind.”

  “Wait a minute. Josh Gerber? Aren’t you the one who bought the town from my angel?” He stroked her mom’s arm.

  Josh nodded. “That’s right.”

  “And you’re here with Holly? I thought you two were on opposing sides.”

  Josh shrugged. “We are , but we’re keeping business separate from pleasure.”

  “You don’t mind about the new plan?”

  Her mom turned pale. “Garrick, perhaps you should go work on those cocktails now.”

  “Of course, my darling.” He nodded at Josh. “I love these modern relationships. You young people are so much more laid back than my generation.” He inclined his head. “We would have felt emasculated if our girlfriends bought a town out from under us.”

  Josh’s smile didn’t waver. “Holly hasn’t bought the town.”

  Garrick laughed. “So true.” Holly’s mom was tugging at his arm, but he was ignoring her, as though on a roll. Holly felt her stomach shoot through the floor. “Still, it’s a cunning plan, isn’t it? Find some old deed and use it to buy up some buildings.”

  Holly felt herself freeze. She couldn’t look at Josh.

  “Garrick!” Her mom widened her eyes. “We need those drinks, now.”

  Josh cleared his throat. “I don’t understand. What old deed?”

  Garrick blinked, as though realizing for the first time that he’d said the wrong thing. “Um, I really should make those cocktails.”

  “What do you mean?” Josh asked again, his voice low. Holly inhaled a ragged breath, because she could feel the tension wafting off him.

  Garrick looked from Josh to her mom, then back to Josh again. “Oh dear, it seems I’ve put my foot in my mouth. Ignore me.” He cleared his throat. “Two virgin cocktails, was it?”

  “Holly?” Josh looked at her. There was no emotion in his eyes at all. “What’s he talking about?”

  This was it. There was no getting out of it. And it wasn’t how she’d planned to tell him at all.

  She was going to do it tomorrow, when they were alone. When he had time to listen and understand.

  But then Garrick started talking again, and she wanted to pull his damn tongue out and wrap it around his neck.

  “He really didn’t know?” he murmured to her mom. “Oops.”

  “Of course he didn’t know,” she hissed. “I guess he does now.” Her mom looked at Holly with sympathy. “I’m so sorry. Dolores told me. I didn’t think to tell Garrick it was a secret.”

  “What secret?” Josh persisted. A mixture of hurt and anger flashed across his face.

  Holly swallowed hard. “We found a way to stop you from redeveloping Winterville.”

  25

  His grip on Holly’s hand was so tight it was cutting off her circulation, but he couldn’t loosen it. He was afraid she’d run away if he did.

  Holly was pale and silent as he attempted to find somewhere they could talk. Somewhere away from the infernal Christmas music and the low level chatter, and Holly’s new stepfather who looked like he was about to join Holly in tears.

  Somewhere that he could figure out what the heck was going on.

  The third door he pushed open revealed an empty room. There was a huge gleaming table in the center, surrounded by plush velvet chairs.

  “Sit down,” he said, pointing at the nearest chair.

  “I can’t.” She shook her head. Her fingers were trembling in his grasp.

  “Why not?”

  “Because you look so angry, and I’m scared.”

  He tried to neutralize his expression. He didn’t want her to be scared of him. He just wanted to know what was happening here. She was acting like he was some kind of mass murderer. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm the rush of thoughts in his brain, and slow the pounding of his heart against his ribcage.

  “I’m sorry. I have no idea what your stepdad is talking about. It’s like everybody knows but me.”

  “I was going to tell you.” Her voice was imploring. “I really was. I just wanted to wait for the right time.”

  “So tell me. Somebody needs to.” He was trying really hard to keep the hurt from his voice, but from the way she winced, he was clearly failing.

  “I found some handwritten deeds from when my grandma first created the town. There was a clause that allowed tenants to buy their houses and buildings at market value. For cash only. We’ve had them valued and the documents drawn up and we’re having them sent to your office tomorrow.”

  Josh blinked. “My office is closed tomorrow.”

  “I know.” Holly inhaled raggedly. “That was part of the plan. To catch your team off guard, give us more time. I’m sorry, so sorry, Josh. I was going to tell you tomorrow, I swear. I wouldn’t have let you walk into that unprepared.”

  There was a stabbing pain in his heart. It felt like she was plunging a dagger between his ribs.

  “You were going to tell me tomorrow,” he said dully.

  “Yes.” Holly nodded. “I really was.”

  “On Christmas Day.” The day he’d been looking forward to ever since she’d invited him to spend it at the Inn with her. He’d been expecting singing and food, not her telling him she’d been lying.

  Holly bit her lip. “I wanted to tell you before somebody else did.”

  “So on Christmas Day you were going to tell me you’ve been lying to me for weeks.” He tried to keep his voice steady. “Isn’t that, I don’t know, cruel?” About as cruel as smashing a LEGO Millennium Falcon he’d been working on for days. No, it was crueller, because he believed in her.

  And she’d decided to hurt him on the day she loved most.

  She winced at his words. “I wanted to tell you before. We talked about this. We agreed we’d keep business and our private lives separate.”

  “You could have told me at any time. I wouldn’t have stopped you.” And wasn’t that the bitch? He was in love with her. He’d let her do anything. “But on Christmas?” No, not then.

  “I promised the others I wouldn’t.” She was blinking back tears. “It’s been horrible, keeping this a secret. And I’m so sorry you’re hurt. I’ll make it up to you, I will.”

  Josh gripped the table behind him. She was right, they had agreed not to talk about the future of Winterville. But he hadn’t agreed to be lied to. Kept in the dark. Treated like he wasn’t important at all to her.

  And that’s how he felt. Insignificant. Unwanted. Like he was a stranger in the town all over again, and everybody knew something he didn’t.

  “You promised the others you wouldn’t.” He ran his fingers through his hair, raking it from his face. “Because your family is more important to you than I am.”

  “That’s not true.” She shook her head. “You’re the most important thing to me.” She took his hand. He let it hang limply against her palm. “I’ve fallen for you, Josh. Now that this is all out in the open, we can start to plan our lives.”

  He pulled his hand away from hers. She blinked to stop the tears from falling. How was it possible for a heart to physically ache so damn much? “I was going to give it to you.”

  “Give me what?”

  “The town. It’s one of the reasons I went to Cincinnati, to get the contract drawn up. I was going to give you the town to run the way you wanted to. That’s your Christmas present.”

  A loud sob escaped from her lips. “That’s… oh God, Josh. That’s beautiful.” A tear
rolled down her cheek. “I’m so sorry I ruined it.”

  “It doesn’t matter either way, does it? You got what you wanted.” He stepped back, trying to give himself some distance. Building a wall around his heart, brick by brick. His grandfather’s words echoed in his mind.

  She’s seducing you to get what she wants, and you’re falling for it. Thinking with your pants instead of your brain. I thought better of you, I really did.

  Was he right? Had he spent the past few weeks falling for this beautiful woman in front of him, while she’d spent the same time planning his downfall?

  “I need to go,” he muttered. Because he had this stupid ache in his chest and he had no idea what to do with it. He felt like a wounded animal seeking its home, where he’d curl up to die.

  But he didn’t have a home. He had a rented house in a town that didn’t want him. Near a woman who chose everybody over him.

  Holly grabbed his hand again. “I’ll come with you.”

  He pulled it out of her grasp. He couldn’t bear her to touch him. “I fell in love with you. Did you know that?”

  She nodded, her breath hitching. “I heard you tell me last night.”

  “And you didn’t say it back.” Another stab. This one felt fatal.

  “I wanted to.” Tears were pouring down her pretty cheeks. “But I couldn’t say it until you knew the truth about all this. I didn’t want my words to be tainted once I told you the truth.”

  “Then say it now.” His voice was full of grit.

  She looked up at him, her eyes red, her lips trembling. “Josh…”

  “Say it.” For some reason he had to hear it. Wanted to watch her lips form the words. Even if it killed him.

  “I can’t. Not while you’re looking at me like that.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like you hate me.”

  He shook her hand away. “So you can’t say it.” She couldn’t even give him that. “I get it now. You don’t trust yourself to say it because you’re afraid. Not of me, but of yourself. You’re afraid of giving yourself to somebody. Afraid of ending up like your mother. So much better to be a fucking ice queen than to admit that you have feelings for somebody.”