by Kate Kisset
“Listen, nothing's going to happen to you with me here, okay?” Warm breath caressed her ear. “I promise you, I can get you out in two seconds, but I don’t want to break the door just yet.” She could tell he was smiling. “We want to rent this place, remember?” he teased. “Why damage the building if we don’t have to?”
“Okay.”
“Okay, what? Okay you want me to break the door down? Or okay, you can handle being in here for a few more minutes? Because if you need me to, I’ll bust through right now.”
Knowing Brett would end her nightmare with a second’s notice filled her with relief. And it didn’t make sense to sabotage their chance to rent the most beautiful barn in wine country… “I think I can manage. And thank you…”
“I want you to always feel safe with me,” he said quietly. “But just say the word if you change your mind.”
“Okay, I will.” Lilly closed her eyes again and tried to picture a serene, aqua river. “Brett, do you think there are any black widows in he—”
“Lilly, we’re here!” Cha-Cha’s unmistakable voice sounded through the door.
“Where are those two hiding?” ChiChi asked.
Lilly bumped into Brett’s side. “Did you give them this address?”
“We know you’re in here somewhere.” ChiChi called out. “Brett, your car is parked out front…”
“I didn’t give her this particular address,” Brett whispered. “I texted her all the options, though. Why are we whispering, by the way?”
“I have no idea. Nonna!” Lilly yelled. “We’re in the closet!”
“You don’t have to scream,” Cha-Cha corrected her. “Many people live their lives in the closet and come out later in life…”
“Nonna! Please. Brett and I are stuck in here.”
Silence.
“Go to the first door on your right as you enter the barn,” Brett shouted. “Follow the sound of my voice.”
“This is like hide and seek,” ChiChi giggled. “Remember when we used to play that game, Sister?”
“Oh, we had so much fun tearing around Mama’s property. Do you remember that time we—”
“Nonna!” Lilly tripped on a shovel, banging her ankle against the hard wooden handle on her way to the door. “Open up.” She thumped the wood with the palm of her hand. Thump, thump, thump.
“So close.” Cha-Cha’s voice became louder, and Lilly stopped to listen. “I think they’re in there,” Cha-Cha said, louder still. And then Lilly heard it. The sweet, sweet sound of the door knob being rattled from the other side. “Are you in here, honey?”
“Yes. Oh, yes. Thank you, Nonna. Please try to find the key.” Her heart stopped. “Oh, my God, Brett. You don’t have the key in your pocket, do you?”
“No, I put it back. Don’t know why, but I did.” He raised his voice. “Ladies, the key is above the door, on the frame. Can you reach it?”
“You have such a lovely voice, Mr. Benning.” Cha-Cha had a lilt to her voice. Was she actually flirting at a time like this? “I never noticed how masculine it is.”
“Nonna,” Lilly cried. “Please help. You know I don’t like the dark.”
“Goodness gracious. I didn’t know you were in the dark. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“See if you can find the switch.” ChiChi’s voice sounded through a crack. “Turn the light on.”
Brett brushed against her. “The closet doesn’t have power, ChiChi.”
“It’s pitch black.” Lilly was just grateful she managed not to sob.
“Hold on,” Cha-Cha said, sounding worried. After a moment something bulky thumped up against the door, and Lilly hoped it wasn’t wearing a caftan. A loud bang followed. “No, no, no, it won’t do,” her grandmother muttered. “ChiChi, crouch down and let me step on your back.”
“No, Nonna.”
She heard two sets of rubber-soled shoes scuffle and squeak against the slick cement floor, followed by a muffled crash.
No crying out in pain, thank God… No screaming. What are they doing out there?
“This isn’t going to work.” ChiChi sounded out of breath. “And I can’t let you step on my back. I’d never be able to move again.”
“Then how about a lift?”
“No. No lifting, Nonna. ChiChi.” Lilly smacked the door with her palm. “No. No lifting, Nonna. ChiChi.” It was the last thing Lilly wanted. “You’ll hurt yourself.”
Brett shifted next to her and cleared his throat.”
“Whatever you’re doing out there doesn’t sound like a good idea. If you step away from the door, I can break us out.”
“Uh, no need Brett. Now interlock your fingers,” Cha-Cha instructed her sister. “And I’ll step on them, brace my elbow on the door, and hop up, like this...” The door shuddered.
Brett stepped in front of Lilly. “This isn’t worth either one of you getting hur—”
The door rattled, and something scraped against the wood. “Got it!” Lilly held her breath and heard a plop and rubber soles hitting the floor. The door knob jiggled, and the closet flooded with light.
Lilly bolted from the room into a haze of gardenia and butterscotch scents. “Thank God. Thank you, thank you…” The grannies wrapped their arms around her for a group hug and she let the jitters and panic seep out of her system.
“There, there now, child.” ChiChi patted her back when they broke from their embrace.
“And just so you know,” her grandmother said smirking, “you do not have to tell us why you were locked in a dark closet with Mr. July.”
“Brett and I were just taking inventory,” Lilly explained. But by the looks of the coy, mischievous grins they were exchanging, ChiChi and Cha-Cha didn’t buy it. Lilly added extra oomph to her tone. “We need to know what to bring tomorrow when we decorate…”
Cha-Cha winked. “I’m sure you have a perfectly good reason,”
“As for the space,” ChiChi huffed, straightening the cuff of her plaid jacket and getting down to business. “It does have its charm. I remember when Mr. Callahan built this for his daughter’s wedding…” She gazed through the open doors at the vineyards. “It must be fifteen, twenty years ago now.”
“It’s much prettier than that, old smelly Ladies Club building.” Cha-Cha extended a bejeweled hand, and made a full circle, gesturing to the walls. “Let’s keep this to ourselves. We don’t want Bob Barnes getting wind this place is available.”
“Agreed.” ChiChi’s gaze flicked from Lilly to Brett. “Will you take care of the rental arrangement?”
“Of course,” Brett offered.
“And the decorations?”
“I’ll break down the hall tonight.”
Lilly shot up her hand. “I can help.”
“No worries, I’ll find a crew.” Brett’s eyes softened. “You get some rest, okay? I think you were a bit traumatized in there. I’ll transfer the decorations over tonight, as long as there’s no problem with the rental arrangement.”
“I’m sure Mr. Callahan will be agreeable. I’ve known him forever.” ChiChi considered her sister. “We’ll be here at first light tomorrow morning.”
“We have enough of a head start on our fruitcakes to spare a few hours.” Cha-Cha nodded to her sister, then wedged her petite elbow into Lilly’s waist. “Who knows? You might get locked in the closet again.”
CHAPTER SIX
Brett
More than amiable, and a pet lover himself, Mr. Callahan refused to take a dime from St. Paws Rescue. He insisted they use his barn for as long as they needed, and Brett couldn’t wait to give Lilly the news.
Last night, Adam, was called to a fire in Yosemite, but he had a large enough crew without him to drop off the decorations from the hall at around midnight. Brett pulled into the grass lot. One of the many charms of Saint Helena included being able to leave pretty much whatever you wanted unattended in a barn overnight and find it untouched the next day.
ChiChi and Lilly’s cars were parked side by side near th
e open barn doors.
A crystal-clear sky covered the vineyards. Although there were no signs of rain in the forecast, he knew better than to trust the reports, and hoped the weather would hold out through the fair.
Brett quickened his pace and stopped in his tracks when he reached the barn. B.B. King’s “Merry Christmas, Baby” played on a beat-up old boom box in the corner. Christmas trees of different shapes and sizes, covered with masses of lights, garlands, candy canes, and ornaments, lined the perimeter of the barn, and every five feet or so, a grapevine wreath wrapped with lights adorned the walls. He couldn’t imagine how three women could have decorated the place so quickly unless they never slept. The crafts tables, folded when he left last night, now stood with tablecloths in place.
Then he saw Lilly, and his heart fell to his stomach. He’d seen his share of accidents, but the thought of her falling, hitting her head, or getting hurt in any way, shape, or form, made him go into action mode.
With her back to him, balancing precariously on a rickety old ladder braced against the wall on two legs, Lilly reached above her head and tacked Merry Christmas bunting on the wall. She’d obviously used this ridiculously dangerous tactic—on the top rung, no less—all morning, since Christmas garlands covered every wall except one.
The muscles in his jaws tightened. Brett started for her, and then checked himself. Lilly hadn’t seen him yet, and he didn’t want to startle her, and maybe make her lose her balance. She’d somehow made it this far without falling. He would quietly get behind her and hold the ladder. She’d eventually look down and see him...and hopefully not startle.
The closer he got, the more Brett appreciated his vantage point. Above him, in jeans hugging two luscious and perfectly cup-able cheeks, Lilly reached up again, her thin T-shirt lifting to reveal a patch of skin well below her tiny waist and above her curvy, heart-shaped bottom.
Brett was so busy enjoying Lilly's delectable butt cheeks and wondering if her bra was lacy and see-through, he accidentally bumped a box on the floor, scattering a pile of loud sleigh bells.
In a flash, Lilly looked down and locked eyes with him. “Oh!” The ladder swayed.
Damn it.
Then the ladder rocked. “No!” It wasn’t a scream or a yell, but a notch below panic.
Tripping over the bells, Brett hurried to the ladder. “Careful, Lilly.”
“Crap.” She pivoted, holding the bunting, and her foot slipped on the rung. The red tissue swirled and fluttered.
He scrambled for her just in time for Lilly to fall, delectable cheeks first, into his arms.
“Hi.” Brett almost laughed, because her tumble was the clumsiest move he’d ever seen such a beautiful woman make. Relieved, he grinned down at her, doing his best to keep a straight face.
Holding her in his arms wasn’t bad, either. Lilly’s silken hair toyed with his arms, her cheeks flushed and, up close like this, her lips were insanely beautiful. Soft…and full…and she smelled like heaven. They locked eyes, and he wondered if maybe she wanted him to carry her to his car and take off. He could drive her to his place and maybe check for injuries or something…
“I’m so sorry,” she said, wrapping an arm around his neck, the only permission he needed to adjust his grip under her legs, and pull her up closer to his mouth.
“Wait,” she laughed. “I think you can let me down now, but thank you.”
“Why?” he teased, inches away from her pink lips. “Don’t you like being in my arms like this?” He lifted her closer, but Lilly only returned a blank stare.
He’d thought for sure she was attracted to him, and he knew women. It wasn’t like he didn’t have any experience… Brett tried to read the expression in her beautiful eyes but couldn’t, and it threw him for a loop. Without words, he reluctantly let her down.
“Thanks again,” she muttered, looking a little flustered but not half as confused as he felt. Lilly tossed him a quick smile and unfortunately straightened her T-shirt.
He liked it better riding up on her. God, was she sexy. Then he remembered what she was doing when he found her. “What made you decide to climb up on that death trap of a ladder?” I could’ve found you unconscious on the floor, or worse... He didn’t want to think about the other possibilities.
She stepped back, frowning. “I realize ladders are your expertise, not mine.” She shrugged and brushed her hair back off her shoulders. “But I wanted to get an early start, and you weren't here, so I improvised.”
“I see. So, it's my fault you almost broke your neck?”
Out of nowhere he detected that horrible fruitcake smell, and turned right before ChiChi, looking out of place in a fancy cream pant suit and pearls, barged between them. “Now, there's no need to bicker.”
Cha-Cha, wearing her usual George Harrison-Maharishi mash-up muumuu chimed in, “You both had a lovely moment.” Smelling like she’d been hitting the rum, she tottered over to his side. “You were locked in his arms Lilly, in an exquisite embrace.” She pulled the collar of her caftan away from her chest and blew down into it.
What is she doing? These women are so confusing.
“I almost fell, Nonna. That’s all you saw.” Lilly crossed her arms. “I take that back. I did fall, and thankfully Brett was there…and he helped me… And I thanked him.”
“Of course.” Cha-Cha rolled her eyes and shot a look at her sister.
“What were you doing, spying on me?” Lilly pivoted from one granny to the other. “Were you in here watching the whole time?”
Cha-Cha adjusted the bangles on her wrist. “It's not our fault you’re comfortable with public displays of affection.”
Brett stepped back, wishing he could fade into the wall.
“I think it’s called PDA these days,” ChiChi added.
Maybe he’d rather sink through the floor.
“Whatever you’d like to call it. Lilly,” her grandmother scolded, “you knew we were just outside the door, and obviously didn't mind us seeing whatever you were doing, so please don’t be snippy.” Cha-Cha abruptly turned to him.
Brett looked up at the light fixtures. “Did you see these?” He pointed. “Twinkle lights. They’re good, right?”
“Brett, if you were on your way to the closet with my granddaughter again, I sincerely apologize for interrupting.”
Not knowing how to respond, Brett turned to Lilly for backup, but her mouth was hanging open like a Pez dispenser. ChiChi stood off to side, watching his every move. Sweat beaded on the back of his neck while Brett deliberated the nearest exit. “We really don’t need to discu— ”
Cha-Cha sighed. “Poor Liliana has been single for a while now. She’s a hard worker, Brett, and could probably use a little affection…”
Worst. Case. Scenario.
“Please stop talking, please stop talking.” Lilly hung her head. “I’m sorry about this, Brett...” Her voice trailed off.
He shifted weight, put his hands in his pockets, and tried to keep it light. He’d whistle if it would help. “No problem.”
Lilly kept staring at the floor. He hoped her grandmother hadn’t embarrassed her so much she’d never want to see him again.
“Are you upset, Liliana?” Cha-Cha folded her arms making her long necklace bump against her caftan.
Brett wished he could look away. The silent pause from Lilly was deafening. But the exchange between her and her grandmother was like waiting for an inevitable train wreck, and he wanted to be there to save her after.
“Lilly,” her grandmother huffed. “Darling…” She waited for a beat, and then looked up at the ceiling. “Oh, all right. Okay, okay, I’ll zip it up.”
Lilly finally raised her chin and eyeballed her grandmother.
“See? Zip, zip, zip.” Cha-Cha brought her thumb and index finger to her mouth and pretended to zip her mouth shut.
Lilly mumbled under her breath, “Please keep it that way.”
“As I was saying.” ChiChi cleared her throat. “We double-checked the dim
ensions for the Santa Paws photo shoot, and I’m happy to report the photographer will have all the space she needs.”
“So, if you’ll excuse us, we need to attend to our fruitcakes.” Cha-Cha raised her brows and then smiled at Lilly. “I’ll see you at home, darling?”
“And I expect to see you Friday night.” ChiChi reached up on tiptoe to smack his face affectionately.
Brett flinched before she smacked his cheek again. “Friday night?”
“For the party. I’m sorry. I thought Lilly would’ve invited you by now.”
Lilly’s cheeks turned crimson. “I’m so sorry. I forgot.”
“Never mind, dear. I’m sure no offense is taken. Isn’t that right, Brett?”
“No, of course not.” Lord help me. I can NOT keep track of these grannies.
“I’m throwing a little party for all the volunteers,” ChiChi explained, wrapping an arm around him. “And you’re at the top of the list.”
“Why wait until the fair is over?” Cha-Cha grabbed his free hand. “Will you come?”
A thousand other options rushed his brain, but then Lilly caught his eye. She seemed to be waiting for his answer. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Remember, seven o’clock at the Napa Grand Hotel.” Cha-Cha patted the top of his hand. “Mark that on your fireman’s calendar.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Lilly
The fruitcake-baking-palooza didn’t stop, and it was Lilly’s own damn fault for lying about selling out of them and then hiding the evidence in her car.
After the first fib, when she saw how excited and giddy the grannies were about their fruitcakes being such a hit, she didn’t have the heart to bring ChiChi and Cha-Cha back down to earth. After all, how many Christmases of health and happiness did her relatives have left?
Lilly could only pray the grannies would slow down. She barely had any room left in her trunk, and didn’t bother to count the number of cakes before she left. They covered every counter, the top of the fridge, the island, and the toaster oven. There were too many, and the smell gave her such a headache she needed to get out of Dodge. Thankfully, the cakes in her trunk were wrapped with double layers of plastic to tone down the stench, because they’d been fermenting in there for a while now.