That tugged at his heart. Heath bent down low and squeezed the kid. “I do need an Ella around so I can see you more, but it sounds like she’s busy with Gav.” It had been really smart of Gavin to hire Ella. He knew Gavin had done it because Ella wanted to be close to home, but she was really smart and organized. Heath had great managers and employees at his resorts, but there were just some things he couldn’t pass off to someone he didn’t trust implicitly. “Maybe I can fly you to see me more often,” Heath suggested.
“Yes! I love your private jet, bro. Is it fun being a loaded rich dude?”
Heath chuckled. “Sometimes fun, mostly a lot of work.”
His stomach sank as he said it. He loved what he did, but he was insanely busy. Besides his family and some friends like Jed that he could go ski with or join for a game of pickup basketball, he wasn’t forming any lasting attachments, especially splitting his time between four locations.
“Hey.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially, pushing thoughts away that would’ve given Mama even more fodder to push him toward marriage. She often hinted that settling down with the right woman was a good thing. “Do you want to make some snowballs while I grab my suitcase? We’ll sneak them inside and pelt Trey and Stetson.”
“Yes!” Austin pumped both fists in the air. “Let’s do it. Oh, and Ella. I get to hit Ella, but not Cassie or Mama. They’re too nice to me, and I don’t want to lose any chocolates.” He winked, headed for the piles of snow next to the driveway, and started forming snowballs.
Heath smiled, mostly in relief but also in anticipation of hearing Ella shriek when they brought snowballs in to throw at her. He felt like a teenage boy again when he came home. It was almost as much fun as flirting with Hazel had been.
Pushing the button on the rear of the Audi, he waited as the back rose up. As soon as he glimpsed Hazel, he put a finger to his lips.
She sat up and gave him a concerned smile. “Everything okay?” she mouthed.
He leaned into the back and whispered, “My little brother is making snowballs over there.” He tilted his head to the left. “Most of the family is inside, dipping chocolates.”
A wistful expression settled on her face. “I love dipping chocolates with my mum,” she said.
Heath felt a pang for her. He was going to help her get her name cleared and then get her home to her mum. Could he do both? He doubted he could do either before Christmas. He handed over the blanket.
“Thank you.” She tucked it over her legs.
Pulling his phone out, he opened the Kindle app. “You’re welcome to read anything, or download something you’d like to read better. The passcode is 7878 if it goes to sleep.” He handed the phone over. Their fingers brushed, and a warm jolt passed through him. He really, really liked when she touched him. Staring into her green eyes, he found himself wanting to lean in closer, maybe share some of his warmth.
“Heath!” Austin called. “I think I’ve got enough!”
“Hopefully, I’ll come get you inside soon,” Heath murmured to Hazel.
“I’m okay.” She smiled bravely, but Heath was worried. It was cold out here and getting colder, as the sun was now gone completely.
Heath gave her a smile, backed away, and shut the back of the sport utility. He hurried over to Austin, who handed him four well-made snowballs. “Oh, yeah, these are perfect,” he said.
Austin grinned at him, picked up four of his own snowballs, and started toward the house. “And Ella says you’re a boring workaholic. She’s crazy, right, bro?”
Heath didn’t take offense. Ella was dead-on, but he could be fun for Austin this Christmas, and he made himself a mental note to come see Austin or get his brother to one of his resorts more often on school breaks. If Gavin was basically raising the kid, Heath could try to ease the load. He wasn’t trying to compete with Gavin like he did sometimes. It was interesting that while Heath’s net worth and public persona were many multiples of Gavin’s, Gavin could still make Heath feel like he needed to be more to ever measure up to the man Gavin was. He loved and revered his brother; he just didn’t like feeling competitive with him.
They hurried up the porch steps and Austin paused by the door, grinning wickedly. “Ready?”
“Yes, sir.”
Pushing the door open, Austin let out a rebel yell as he rushed for the kitchen and aimed first at Stetson. Heath followed him, lobbing a ball at Trey and then one at Ella. The group shrieked, and soon everyone was picking up stray snowballs and tossing them back or rushing at Austin and Heath to tackle them. Heath laughed and wrestled with Stetson and Ella at the same time. He really was happy to be home and excited to spend time with his family. If only he didn’t have precious cargo in the back of his vehicle who needed him, badly.
Chapter Eight
Hazel’s teeth were chattering, her feet were ice cubes, her back and rear were stiff, and she could barely grip Heath’s phone as she read to pass the time. She’d tried to be brave and tell Heath she could sleep in the car, but she couldn’t remember being this cold before. Maybe dry cold was more miserable then wet. It rarely went below freezing in London, and she suspected it was many degrees colder than freezing here.
She burrowed into her coat and tucked the blanket Heath had brought tighter around her legs and feet. Picturing her family gathered around their Christmas tree, chatting and drinking tea, filled her with such longing that her stomach pitched. Why had she ever wanted to come to America? She should be home, safe, loved, and not being framed for an attempted murder.
Setting the phone aside, she peered out the windows at the gorgeous home all lit up with lovely twinkling lights as well as the interior lights beaming to her, twenty feet from the vehicle. Night had covered the picturesque valley a while ago. If she had to wait much longer for Heath to come back, she might just rush into that inviting home with all those big windows, announce to his family that she was a fugitive and they could take her to prison, but would they please give her a warm bath and a cuppa first?
Thinking of being a fugitive made her think of Jamison. At least she wasn’t near death like her friend. Hot tears formed in her eyes and cascaded down her face. They warmed up her cheeks, so that was good. She let herself wallow for a few seconds, worrying for Jamison and terrified for herself.
The front door of the house opened, and a couple of people walked out. Hazel sank down onto her back again, listening intently. The pair walked past the vehicle, chattering and laughing. She couldn’t make out what they were saying, but they sounded happy. She wanted to be with them, be friends with Heath’s family, be happy and warm again. Yet she knew she had to stay hidden, for her protection and maybe even for Heath’s. If the evidence kept pointing to her as Jamison’s attacker, couldn’t Heath get charged with aiding and abetting a wanted woman?
The rear door of the Audi opened, and the interior lights came on. She had been studying the house’s warmly lit windows earlier, waiting for Heath to appear. She’d slid down as the people approached, but she imagined she’d hear or see someone coming from the other direction. She curled against the side of the vehicle, terror racing through her. What if the police or Brigham had somehow tracked them down?
She scrubbed at the tears on her cheeks and blinked at the large person standing at the back of the vehicle. It was a man; she could tell that. The interior lights illuminated his face. He was almost as handsome as Heath, more thickly built. He looked like a rugby player, tough and nobody to mess with, while Heath looked like a cricket player, lean and fit.
“You must be Heath’s brother. You’re almost as handsome as him.”
The brother smiled and gestured for her to climb out. “I’m definitely more handsome than him,” he said. “Gavin. Nice to meet you, Hazel.”
She climbed out on wooden, frozen legs, wobbling. He caught her elbow, and she was grateful for the support as she was about to fall over. “It’s nice to be met.” She smiled but then sobered. “I’m so sorry to put you in a tough position. I promise
I didn’t ruddy try to kill anyone, and Heath is my hero. I’ll do anything I can to keep him and any of your family from harm.”
He nodded slowly. “From what Heath said, none of this is your fault. Let’s get you inside.”
He was definitely more serious than Heath, but she felt reassured with two such men on her team. It would take a rough crew to get past Gavin and Heath. She looked up at Gavin; he might be an inch or two taller than Heath. She hoped he was on her side. He was most likely simply supporting his brother.
Her teeth wouldn’t stop chattering. He led her around the side of the house and through a door past the garage. The garage wasn’t balmy by any means, but it was warmer than the car had been. There were a couple of nice-looking sport utility vehicles in the four-car garage, along with a four-door truck. There was an organized work bench and a bunch of weight-lifting equipment at the front of one deep bay.
“I can’t believe he left you out there so long,” Gavin growled. “Stupid.”
“It wasn’t his fault. He said everyone was here, and he doesn’t want them to know about me.”
“I know, and I’m afraid some of them are still here. I figured I could hide you in the laundry room for a bit until they clear out for the night. Then we’ll get you settled.”
“Thank you so much.” Hazel was almost near tears again at another man being so kind. These brothers had no reason to trust or help her, but they’d both done it without her even having to beg. Well, maybe pleading for Heath’s help originally had been begging, but he’d been so great about it that she didn’t mind.
Gavin opened the door that led into the house. Warmth and light and laughter spilled out into the dimly lit garage. Hazel wanted to run in there and hug everyone, then try some of whatever was making that delicious smell. She sniffed. Chocolate. Heath had said they were dipping chocolates. Her stomach rumbled. When was the last time she’d eaten? On Brigham’s plane about lunchtime. She couldn’t believe she could even be hungry with the stress surrounding her.
He gestured for her to go first. She walked up into the house.
“Can you wait over there?” Gavin whispered, pointing toward a padded bench in the corner. “I’ll try to figure out a way to get you upstairs and in Heath’s bedroom soon.” His brow kind of squiggled as he said that, and he rushed on. “Don’t worry. He assured me it’s not like that. He’ll sleep with me. I’ve got a huge king bed, and we’re brothers, so it’s not weird.”
Hazel tried to smile to reassure him, but she felt like her lips were frozen. She was still clinging to the blanket Heath had given her and her coat was tightly buttoned, but even with the warmth of the house, she imagined it would take a while to de-ice her. “Thank you,” she whispered back.
He nodded gravely, turned, and strode through the archway and out into the main area of the house. Hazel heard chaos erupt and a holler of, “Gav! My best bro is home!”
She settled into the padded seat and pulled her knees up. She still had her fashionable boots that she’d worn all day, but her feet were so cold, even in the boots, that they’d gone past numb. She cuddled into the blanket and waited. She’d never been the patient sort, but today waiting was her lot. At least it wasn’t waiting in a prison cell, or worse, in Brigham’s grip. She was eternally grateful to Heath and now his brother for helping her. Squeezing her eyes shut and resting her head against the wall, she prayed. This time it wasn’t a ferocious prayer of needing help, but rather a mutter of thank you over and over again.
She started feeling a little warmer and cozy, and she must’ve dozed off.
“Hazel, Hazel.” Heath’s deep voice roused her, and one of his hands was gently holding the side of her head.
She smiled sleepily up at him. “Cheers, handsome. I finally feel like my feet aren’t going to fall off.”
He gazed down at her. “I’m so sorry you were out there so long. Mama and Cassie left earlier. Ella and Trey barely left, but Trey will be back after he kisses her for a while. Stetson and Austin are watching a football game, so I think this is our chance to move you.”
She remembered him telling her about his family, but the names were blending together for her. “Okay.” She nodded, trying to get to her feet.
Heath helped her up. “Gav and I are thinking we can kind of sandwich you between us and get you upstairs. Those two are so into the game I doubt they’ll look up, but the staircase goes right past the living area where the TV is. It’s all one open room.”
She heard cheers and smiled faintly. “Catcalling for their favorite team.”
“Yeah. Stetson plays college ball, and Austin thinks he’s going to be even better than his brother.” He lifted his eyebrows. “That might be tough. Stetson is really good.”
“That’s wonderful. You’re talking American football, not the real kind, right?”
He chuckled softly. “We might have to agree to disagree on that subject.”
Gavin appeared at the doorway leading into the main area. “Ready?” he asked.
Heath and Hazel both nodded. Heath wrapped his arm around her. She’d think with her thick coat she couldn’t feel the pressure of him, but his manliness, confidence, and protection surrounded her. Someday soon, if he was agreeable to the idea, she was going to give him a lovely kiss of gratitude. A drawn-out lovely kiss. She smiled up at him. Gavin came around to her other side, and though he didn’t put his arm around her, he shielded her with his body and pressed in close. Gavin’s muskier scent mingled with Heath’s crisp cologne.
The awkward trio hobbled in, past a large dining table and a massive bar in the kitchen. She wanted to check out this beautiful home—she could barely glimpse a tall Christmas tree with homemade decorations—but they kept her moving. She heard more cheers, and then a young voice called out from not very far away. “Gav! Where you going, bro?”
“I’ll be right back,” Gavin said quickly. “Just showing Heath his room.”
“Can I come?”
Hazel’s heart raced and she could feel Heath’s arm tighten around her. Just what she didn’t need, one more person knowing she was here, and this time it sounded like a young child who probably wouldn’t understand the need to use discretion.
“You watch the game, and I’ll make you popcorn when I come back down.”
“Yes!” the little boy cheered. “Me loves the buttery popcorn.”
Gavin let out an audible breath. They reached a grand staircase and shuffled up it. Hopefully, the two boys really were that into the match; the way the three of them awkwardly ascended the staircase would’ve been comical if she weren’t so concerned about being discovered. They made it to the landing and Gavin moved a respectable distance away, saying gruffly, “They won’t be able to see you up here.”
“Great. Thanks.”
Heath released his hold on her. She didn’t love that, but what right did she have to his arm around her? She was just a stowaway who he’d been very kind to. The men stayed as her bookends, though, and they all walked across a short, open landing that looked over the great room below. She imagined that during the day the view would be incredible.
They escorted her into a bedroom that was lit by a lamp next to the bed and some soft light coming from the bathroom. Large windows probably showcased the mountains surrounding them, and she felt a rush of excitement for the sun to come up tomorrow morning so she could take it all in. The furniture was made of barnwood, and the dark wood floor was covered by a plush white rug. The bedspread was navy and white, and the walls were pale blue. There was a spacious attached bathroom with a separate marble shower and a huge jetted tub. Everything was sparkling clean, as if a maid service had recently been by.
“This is absolutely exquisite,” Hazel breathed. She glanced up at Gavin. “Thank you so much for hosting me.”
He ducked his head slightly as if embarrassed by her praise. That struck her as interesting. He was a large, tough man, and Heath had alluded that he ran a successful resort. Could he be interested in her? The though
t made her cheeks redden, and she bit her lip. Heath’s gaze swung between them and his dark gaze narrowed.
“Sure,” Gavin grunted out. “Are you hungry? I can bring up a plate from dinner.” He smiled, and she was struck by how eerily similar he and Heath looked. Both were handsome, but she preferred Heath’s lean look. “With a side of Mama’s chocolates.”
“Oh yes, please. I fancy chocolates like you wouldn’t believe.”
Gavin tilted his chin to her and strode toward the door.
“Cheers,” Hazel said.
Gavin smiled over his shoulder and said softly, “Cheers.”
Heath watched him go, then turned back to Hazel. His gaze wasn’t as warm as it had been earlier. Had she upset him? Maybe he was just upset at having to sneak her around, hide her from the police and Brigham, and make him share a bed with his big brother when it was obvious he had his own mansions that he didn’t share with anyone. Yeah, he had good reason, in addition to her bringing trouble to his family, to be vastly annoyed with her.
“Gav and I will try to sneak you some of Ella’s or Cassie’s clothes,” Heath told her. “He also said he’s got a big lost and found pile he can sort through and find some stuff.”
“Oh, that’s so kind of him.”
Heath arched his eyebrows. “Hey, this is really not my place, but if you’re interested in Gav, you might want to be careful.”
“Excuse me?” Interested in Gavin? Heath was her hero and the one that made bubbles erupt in her stomach and heat everywhere else. She hardly knew him, but she was definitely, definitely interested in him. Were her flirtations toward him lacking somehow?
Heath looked away as if frustrated with himself for saying anything. “He’s emotionally closed off. I haven’t seen him date anyone seriously since high school.”
The Strong Family Romance Collection Page 35