Mistletoe (Clairmont Series Book 4)

by S. Jane Scheyder

  Cam cleared his throat as he hung their coats on a nearby coatrack. “Can I take your coat Ms. Michaels?”

  Why was everyone after her coat tonight? Liz shifted as she felt the perspiration start to act as an adhesive on Becky’s ridiculous blouse. If she didn’t take her coat off soon, the blouse would be clinging to her in a way that would be seriously revealing. Then she’d never be able to take her coat off, and already she could hardly breathe.

  “Yeah, Mom, aren’t you hot?” Kelly asked, sitting down next to her.

  “I am getting kind of warm,” she admitted, easing the coat off of her shoulders. Kelly helped her with the sleeves and gasped.

  “Mom! This is gorgeous! Where did you get it?”

  It shouldn’t have been a big deal, but she and Kelly both knew that she rarely wore silk and never wore red. The combination was stunning, but Liz felt like a giant Christmas ornament. She tried not to gauge Christopher’s reaction, but she couldn’t help looking at him as the simple silk blouse was revealed.

  He snapped his mouth shut almost immediately, but the look of appreciation remained in his eyes.

  “Becky lent it to me,” Liz explained, failing to come up with any compelling reason why she was borrowing clothes from the sister of the owner of the inn where she was staying.

  “Well, you should let Becky dress you more often. You’re going to break some hearts tonight,” Kelly grinned. “I’d better go check in with Grace. Be right back.” She jumped up from the table and turned back. “Feel free to dance!” Her eyes twinkled as she moved away through the crowd.

  ***

  An hour later, the crowd had ebbed and flowed a number of times and had finally settled into a comfortable group that actually fit into the shop. Kelly had taken Liz around, introducing her to Grace, the owner, and her husband, all of her co-workers, and many of the people whom she knew from around town. Christopher was more impressed with Kelly every time he saw her. She was bright, engaging, eternally energetic, and had a vision for bringing people together that he actually envied. He glanced at his son to see how he felt about his fiancée being the belle of the ball. Cam was hunched over his phone, as usual, oblivious to what was going on around him. Christopher sighed. Kelly deserved better than this. When had Cam become so withdrawn?

  Kelly’s voice sounded through a speaker above them and Christopher turned in his seat to see her standing on a make-shift stage in back.

  “Okay everybody, we have the karaoke set up, so here’s your chance to charm us with your favorite Christmas song.” She appealed to the crowd so eagerly that Christopher almost offered to sing. He stifled that urge with little effort, but still applauded her invitation.

  Cam groaned behind him. “She’s crazy. No one’s going to get up there and sing in front of everyone else.”

  “That’s the nature of karaoke, Cam. People do it.”

  “Not me.”

  “Not surprised.”

  “Not you, either.”

  “Absolutely not. Doesn’t mean some people don’t enjoy it.”

  “I don’t understand why people like to humiliate themselves.”

  Cam looked back down at his phone as Liz walked past with Becky. Christopher tried not to stare, and then settled for not gawking, as Liz, relaxed and happy, laughed at something Becky said. Her red silk blouse floated around her, lighting on her curves in ways he wouldn’t soon forget.

  “Dad.”

  Christopher shifted his gaze to his son.

  “She’s going to be my mother-in-law.”

  Busted.

  “Nothing wrong with appreciating a beautiful woman.” Christopher sipped his cold coffee.

  Cam eyed him with interest. “I haven’t heard you talk like that ... ever.”

  Christopher shrugged. “More coffee? Mine’s cold.”

  “No, I’m good.” Cam went back to his phone, and, for once, Christopher was relieved. Someone started a rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and the crowd hushed a little to listen. Christopher stood, contemplating whether to get more coffee or head out. The second option didn’t hold much appeal. If he only had a few more days with Liz, he was going to make the most of them, one way or another.

  Halfway to the counter where coffee flowed freely and a variety of baked goods from the shop were laid out, Kelly stopped him.

  “Have you seen ... Wait, there she is. Thanks!”

  She slipped past and then turned suddenly. “You’re not leaving, are you?”

  “No, just warming up my coffee.”

  “Good. ‘Cause I need you to dance! Be right back!”

  Christopher reconsidered his escape as he marked Kelly’s path to Liz. When she glanced over at him and quickly looked back at her daughter, shaking her head, he knew he wasn’t going anywhere. If Kelly had just assigned him a dance partner, he was going to dance, even if he never danced. He continued to the coffee table and picked up some sort of delicious-looking fudge cookie, sprinkled with bits of candy cane. He warmed up his coffee and walked back to the table, poorly feigning surprise when Kelly approached him, her mother in tow.

  “Mr. Harrison, you have to convince my mom to dance. I really need people to use this dance floor - Drew worked so hard to make it happen for me!” She glanced affectionately at her friend who stood behind the coffee counter, his arms crossed as he surveyed the room. He looked about as comfortable in the party setting as Christopher felt. He probably owed it to the guy to make use of the space he cleared.

  “I’d be happy to dance with your mom.” He glanced innocently at Liz, who narrowed her lively eyes at him for an instant before Kelly turned to her.

  “Oh, great! It’s not like she doesn’t dance; she usually loves it. But she’s being difficult tonight,” Kelly edged the last words with disapproval, and Liz rolled her eyes.

  “I’m going to round up a few more people, then see if I can drag Cam out here,” Kelly said. “So, go ahead and start.” She stared at them a moment, then took Christopher’s coffee and cookie. “We’ll just put these here.” She set them on the table and turned back to them. After a moment she nudged them gently toward the dance floor. “Okay. Any time.”

  Liz looked up at Christopher as Kelly moved away. “Okay, Prof., I’m sorry, Dr. Harrison. Lead the way.”

  Christopher rested his fingers at her waist, then picked up her hand. He didn’t fight his grin. “Now we can blame Kelly if we fall in love dancing to ‘Winter Wonderland.’ “

  “Would you stop talking about falling in love?” Her bright eyes tried to look disapproving. “Remember our game, Bobby?”

  Christopher began to sway gently as several other couples joined them on the small dance floor. “Speaking of Bobby, I wonder where he is?”

  Liz looked around the room, putting a little more distance between them. “I’m surprised. I was sure he was coming.”

  They moved as two more couples joined them, Becky and her fiancé among them. The space was getting tight; Christopher pulled Liz in a little closer.

  “Chris,” she whispered, “we can’t!”

  Something about her using his nickname undid him. “Looks like we are.”

  She seemed like she was almost ready to give in and relax a little, and Christopher had a moment to contemplate how perfect that might be. Then she pulled back, a decidedly sassy look on her face.

  “Oh, Dr. Harrison!” She batted her eyes. “Imagine! Slow dancing in front of everyone! What if they find out about us!” She all but whispered that last bit in his ear.

  He dropped back a step, but kept her with him. She grinned, and he could see her brain working, planning her next attack. It came quickly.

  “I think it’s awesome that you’re not worried about our age difference,” she said, brushing her hand across his shoulder, leaving a trail of warmth. “I just adore older men.” Her eyes twinkled as she dared him to respond.

  “I would really like to kiss you right now,” h
e said, matter-of-factly. She faltered a moment but quickly found her footing.

  “So, is that you talking or Bobby?”

  “That was all me.”

  “Okay, so did you want to kiss me or my student alter-ego?”

  He narrowed his eyes at her. “You. Only you.”

  She met his gaze, matching his intensity for a moment, then continued with her light-hearted air, which was probably a good thing. “There are just so many people to account for, it’s hard to keep track.” She batted her lashes again and he grinned. Whatever she thought she was doing to put him off wasn’t working at all.

  They navigated their little corner of the floor, and Christopher pulled Liz close as a couple passed on their way to the stage. Soon the strains of “Merry Christmas, Darling” began, and she looked up at him - all Liz. Then she rested her head on his shoulder, and he tucked back behind Becky and her giant of a fiancé. At an even six feet with a healthy frame, Christopher wasn’t always easy to hide, and he smiled that there was someone taller and bigger to conceal his dance with Liz. He glanced over at Cam and Kelly dancing in the other corner. He pulled Liz in and rested his cheek against her head. They were safe for a song.

  ***

  They walked into the parlor and Liz hurried to warm her hands by the fire. “Well, that was nothing short of a miracle. I still don’t know how I managed to avoid riding home with Bobby. What did you say to him?”

  Christopher laid his coat over a chair and joined her. “Do you honestly think I would have allowed him to take you home after he cut in on ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’?”

  Liz laughed. “Well, he chose well. If there was a Christmas song written for your brother, that would be it.”

  Christopher grunted. “His attitude toward women is usually infuriating, but tonight I honestly wanted to level him.”

  “Well, whatever you said to him was equally effective. He backed off right away.”

  Christopher stared into the fire then turned with a small grin. “Sometimes it pays to be the big brother.”

  Liz smiled back. “You know we had lunch together today? Literally drove to New Hampshire. I was not happy with him. Believe me, I would have found a way to keep from getting back into that car.”

  “You don’t like his BMW?”

  She nudged his shoulder with hers as they stood by the hearth. “Just pointing out that I can fight my own battles, Dr. Harrison.”

  “I didn’t want to take any chances.”

  “I find that both flattering and insulting.”

  Christopher grinned. “Three days into this interesting relationship; we’re bound to get on each other’s nerves.”

  “How could I possibly get on your nerves?” she batted her lashes at him again. “And, incidentally, you got on my nerves the first night, so I guess you could say it’s a bit of a pattern with you.”

  “The first night? At the coffee shop or here?” He nudged her in return. She liked the feel of his arm against hers. The silly silk blouse allowed more detailed contact than the sweaters she’d been wearing.

  “At the coffee shop,” she replied airily, when she remembered the question.

  “I hardly spoke at the coffee shop,” he gently argued.

  “Precisely. There I was, the new kid on the team, and you left me at the mercy of Bobby.”

  “Oh,” Christopher replied thoughtfully, “I did, didn’t I?”

  “I kept hoping you’d have something to say besides your little eruptions about literature, but you just brooded in your corner.”

  “It was a round table.”

  Liz nudged him a little more emphatically.

  Christopher turned from the fire and picked up her hands. “Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Then Christmas Day.”

  “I believe so.”

  He smiled, then his face grew serious. “And then you leave?”

  She was taken aback by the sadness in his eyes. “The day after Christmas.”

  He thought about this for a moment. “You can’t stay any longer? You’re a professor, so I know you don’t have to rush back.”

  She smiled. “You ever stay at a B&B? It’s been great, but I’ve spent half of my retirement on this little adventure.”

  “Right,” he smiled ruefully as the realization dawned. “No room at Kelly’s, huh?”

  Liz shook her head. “Her apartment is small and her roommate is ... well, it would just be crowded.”

  Christopher nodded. He looked at her slyly. “And I don’t suppose I can offer?”

  “Nope. No way,” Liz replied with feeling. “Though I am curious,” she admitted, “do you live in town?”

  “No, I’ve got a farm several miles north.”

  “Really? Cows and everything?”

  “Afraid not. Barn, lots of land, very scenic, but no animals. Unless you count the cats. I don’t.”

  She laughed. “Sounds nice.”

  “It is,” he replied, and she couldn’t look at the almost-invitation in his eyes.

  “It’s too much room, now that Amy’s married and Cam is gone most of the time. But I have a hard time letting it go.”

  Too many memories, Liz silently supplied.

  “I should probably think about down-sizing, but then I think, it would be a great place for the grandchildren to visit.”

  Her eyes were drawn back to his. “Our grandchildren,” she swallowed with effort.

  “Maybe so,” he conceded.

  Liz turned back to the fire. “There’s something - I’m not really sure how to bring it up, but I feel like it needs to be said.”

  “Okay.” He waited for her to continue.

  She kept her eyes on the flames, then took a big breath. “I’m concerned about Kelly’s relationship with Drew.” She looked over at him to gauge his response. “Have you seen them? Really noticed how they are together?”

  Christopher sighed. “I’ve wondered if Cam’s noticed. He seems oblivious to their relationship.” He shook his head. “Not that they’ve behaved in any way that isn’t appropriate, but you can tell they’re close. If I were Cam, I’d object, but he either doesn’t notice or doesn’t seem to care. Either way it doesn’t reflect well on him.”

  Relieved, Liz replied, “I’m glad you saw it, too. I honestly don’t even think Kelly realizes how attached she is. And I don’t know Drew at all, but if I was to guess, I’d say that he’s not too happy with her engagement.”

  Christopher nodded. “And it’s not like we can point this out to them.”

  “No, they’re going to have to figure it out for themselves.”

  “And that will take time.”

  “Yes. Time together, which they don’t have. But she’ll have plenty of time with Drew.” Liz tucked her hair behind her ear and turned to Christopher again. “Maybe this will just all play out on it’s own, without us. I don’t mean to sound hopeful, but I think we both know that this probably isn’t it for them.”

  He tucked the hair on the other side, leaving her face tingling. “And that leaves us?”

  She smiled sadly. “Five hours apart. Even if the kids had a peaceful break-up and the way was clear for us.” She put her hand over his, leaning her cheek into his touch. “So, I’ll go home and you’ll stay here, and we’ll concentrate on seeing our kids through the tough times that are probably ahead for them.”

  “That’s not the answer I was looking for.”

  “It’s the only one I have.”

  He looked at her sadly, and Liz got lost a little in his dark brown eyes. The kiss that followed wasn’t really unexpected, but the intensity took her breath away.

  Somewhere far away, a door opened and they slowly drew apart. Liz tried to catch her breath as she listened vaguely to the voices belonging to whomever had come in from the cold. A couple, laughing together, passed by the parlor and walked upstairs.

  “We won’t be alone in here for l
ong,” she reminded him. “I’m surprised we’ve had the place to ourselves as it is.”

  Christopher rubbed his jaw, dark as it always was this time of day. Liz smiled to herself. “Always” was, for her, only three days, as Christopher had pointed out earlier. How had they moved so fast in such a short time? How could they possibly be critical of their children?

  Christopher looked at her intently. “I don’t want to leave you here.”

  Liz nodded. It was hard to say good-bye when they had so little time together. And, of course, his brother would be coming back eventually. She didn’t look forward to dealing with him.

  He stroked her cheek. “I want to take you home.”

  She stilled. Part of her wanted to fall into his arms and forget about doing what was right and smart. Another part of her had to consider what Bobby had warned her would happen. She could hardly ask Christopher to clarify. Expressing any kind of interest would be a dangerous thing.

  “I would have to object.”

  They moved apart at Bobby’s voice. How long had he been standing in the doorway? Probably since the couple had come in laughing and making lots of noise. Liz could hardly say; her heart still hadn’t slowed down.

  “Spying?” Christopher asked. Liz wasn’t deceived by the mildness of his tone.

  Bobby stepped casually into the room. “Just trying to keep my brother from doing something stupid.”

  “I’d return the favor, but I’m afraid there’s not enough time in the day.”

  Liz turned, surprised at the venomous remark.

  “Ouch!” Bobby mocked. “That was harsh, even for you, Chris.” He approached with a slight weave, giving Liz a knowing glance. “I already told her about your little problem.”

  She could feel the fury rolling off of Christopher. She wasn’t entirely sure it was all directed at Bobby.

  “Which little problem is that?” he asked, his voice low.

  “Well, now, let me narrow it down.” Bobby’s own venom kicked in. “How about your commitment problem? How about you letting me wear the ‘ladies’ man’ title when you’re the one who leads them on and leaves them hanging? At least I’m honest about keeping it short and sweet.” He stopped in front of Christopher. “How many women have thought that they were finally the one to fix your eternally broken heart? Maybe it’s Liz, eh?”