Tangled Lights and Silent Nights

by Kelly Stone Gamble

  Darren served in the army, fell out of airplanes, climbed mountains, raced bicycles, hiked the Appalachian Trail, is a good cook and a bad gardener, and will try almost anything; much to the chagrin of the very patient woman he lives with in Rhode Island.

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  A Katie Christmas

  Featuring Cooper and Katie from

  To Katie With Love

  by Erica Lucke Dean

  A light dusting of snow dotted the sky as Cooper pulled into the bank parking lot for the client-appreciation holiday brunch. He counted three other BMWs in the lot besides his—two red and one white, as if they’d color coordinated for the occasion. Maybe I should wait until after Christmas. Hell, maybe I should wait till after the new year. What was another week when he’d had a thing for his banker for almost a year without acting on it?

  With the engine still running, he darted his eyes to the rear view, running a shaky hand through his hair before exhaling into his cupped hand. Peppermint. He straightened his red tie for the umpteenth time since putting it on and fastened his top jacket button while contemplating heading back home. “I should’ve worn the gray suit.”

  Before he could back out, his former banker, the slightly terrifying Silvia Something—it was right on the tip of his tongue—burst through the door and rushed toward his idling car. The woman was tiny but formidable. He understood why the entire bank considered her the de facto manager, whether she carried the title or not.

  Silvia wagged a manicured finger at him from outside his car window and shook her head. Somehow, her spiky amber mane didn’t move a centimeter. Even though he couldn’t hear a word she said with the engine running and the heater on full blast, he could read her lips, loud and clear. “Cooper Maxwell, don’t you dare chicken out, again!”

  “Shit,” he muttered. Caught. He unbuckled his seatbelt and killed the engine, sending up a silent prayer for strength as he grabbed the wrapped gift from the seat beside him and climbed out. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m coming.”

  “Don’t sass me.” Silvia snatched the package from his hands, tucking it under her arm as she expelled a cloud of hot breath. “She’s leaving right after brunch to spend Christmas with her family, so this is your last chance until next year.”

  Cooper chuckled. “Silvia, next year is two weeks away.”

  “No more stalling. You’ve been secretly in love with her—”

  He grunted but couldn’t ignore the truth anymore.

  “Don’t even think about denying it.” She narrowed her eyes at him, pursing her rust-colored lips until the lines around them puckered. “You’ve had a crush on Katie James since the girl started here, and I’m tired of watching the two of you dance around each other like a pair of lovesick teenagers. It’s time to act!”

  Definitely formidable.

  “What makes you so sure she’d even agree to go out with me?” Cooper shoved a hand through his hair then quickly smoothed it down again. He almost felt stupid for being so insecure, but Katie James wasn’t just any girl. She was smart, funny, kind, and whether she knew it or not, beautiful.

  “Trust me. All she needs is a little push.”

  “When you say push—”

  Before Cooper could finish his sentence, Silvia pulled him into the building and all but dragged him into her office. With a quick scan of the lobby, she shut the door and placed the wrapped package on her desk. “So is this what I think it is?”

  “Of course. You said she loved—”

  “Love?” Silvia snorted. “That’s an understatement. She’s absolutely obsessed with these books.”

  With wide eyes, he dropped into the chair across the desk from her and glanced toward Katie’s office. “Really?” He wasn’t sure if this knowledge worked in his favor… or not.

  “You have no idea. She’ll be utterly thrilled to have the next one in the series. She talks about the vampire character as if he’s a real person. I swear she could describe his rakish good looks and dark sense of humor for hours.” Silvia rolled her eyes. “As if any man could actually live up to that.”

  Cooper shifted in his seat and brushed a speck of lint from his perfectly pressed trouser leg. “So basically, I’m competing with a fictional character for her attention?” Did he even have a chance with Katie if her idea of the perfect man was a dark, dangerous vampire? He certainly didn’t look the part in his navy bespoke suit, with his hair parted to one side and slicked back like a run-of-the-mill investment banker or corporate lawyer. Hell, even his hands were freshly manicured. Pussy.

  “Basically.” Silvia nodded absently. She didn’t seem to notice his discomfort. “I’m almost positive that girl will spend the rest of her natural life with her nose in a book if we don’t do something about it.”

  “That’s—”

  “Crazy? I know. But that’s our Katie.”

  Cooper caught a glimpse of the object of his desire scrambling across the lobby, with her dark hair swinging frantically over her shoulders and a determined spark in her green eyes. He sighed. He’d sat across from her twice a week for almost a year, and like an idiot, hadn’t found the guts to make a move. What would she say if she knew what he did for a living? “I don’t think she’s crazy. I think she’s beautiful…”

  “You’re as bad as she is.”

  “I guess that’s a good thing, right? But…” Guilt twisted Cooper’s insides. “Do I tell her—”

  “Your secret? Well, of course. You’ll have to… eventually. But we both know she’s not ready for that yet. Give her some time to get to know you a little first.”

  He had to agree. He wasn’t ready to come clean just yet either. Silvia knew the truth, of course. Keeping a secret from her was near to impossible. The woman had a sixth sense and the instincts of a bloodhound. Even if she hadn’t sniffed out the truth, he would’ve eventually caved.

  Silvia slid the package to her side of the desk to inspect his expert wrapping job. He’d even tied the bow with his own two hands. His mother would be proud.

  Silvia flicked the tag with a fingernail until Katie’s name, scrawled out in elegant script, faced up. “You didn’t sign it?”

  He shrugged. “I wanted to write something, but I didn’t know what to say.”

  Silvia tossed back her head and let out a loud bark of laughter.

  Cooper slumped down in the chair and crossed his arms like a spoiled child. “I’m glad you find that so funny.”

  “Oh, I really do.”

  Cooper heaved out a breath. “So what’s the plan?”

  Silvia’s face lit up, and she rubbed her hands together like the evil genius she was. “Mistletoe!”

  It didn’t take long for the lobby to fill with an assortment of people grazing on mini quiches, fancy pastries, and chocolate-dipped berries. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air. Cooper reached for a goblet brimming with some sort of sparkling juice but didn’t dare eat. Nervous excitement twisted his stomach into knots.

  The jazz soundtrack from A Charlie Brown Christmas played in the background as he scanned the perimeter. He recognized a few people, mostly the other employees. One or two faces looked familiar, but he couldn’t find the only one he wanted to see anywhere in the crowd.

  “Do you think these mushroom puffs have cheese in them?” An older woman with an impressive silver hair helmet nudged his shoulder. As she swayed from side to side, the string of pearls around her neck dipped down until it nearly landed in the gravy boat.

  Mushroom puffs? Cheese? Cooper opened his mouth to respond but never got the chance.

  “I adore mushrooms, but I simply ca
n’t eat cheese. You couldn’t possibly imagine the horrible things it does to my digestive tract.”

  “Edna, why don’t you try the vegan spinach quiche instead?” Silvia swooped in, throwing Cooper an eye roll as she steered Edna toward another tray of treats.

  That was close. The last thing he wanted was to hear exactly what happened to Edna’s digestive tract when she consumed too much cheese. He took a sip of his drink and shuddered.

  “Not a fan of the spiced cider?”

  Cooper spun around, and there she stood, a tentative smile on her pink lips and a question in her green eyes. “Spiced cider?”

  Katie gestured to his goblet. “You made a face.”

  “Oh…” Understanding dawned on him. “No, it’s fine, I…” He shot a quick glance over his shoulder then dropped his voice to a whisper. “Someone named Edna tried to give me a lengthy description of her lactose intolerance.”

  “No!” Katie covered her mouth to laugh, and her hand trembled slightly. “I wouldn’t be able to eat after that either.”

  Cooper’s pulse quickened. She has no idea what she’s doing to me. “What about you? I didn’t see you eating.”

  “Me?” Her voice climbed an octave as she fiddled with the top button on her blouse. “The last thing I need is another gooey pastry.”

  “Hmm…” He studied the food table, debating how to respond. If he agreed, she might assume he thought she was fat. If he told her he found her to be perfect, she’d think he was overcompensating. Classic no-win situation. “Those little things definitely look dangerous. Let’s walk away while we still can.”

  With a nod, Katie led him toward the center of the room. She drew in a shaky breath and cleared her throat. Her shy smile gutted him. “So, Cooper… doing anything exciting for Christmas?”

  “Flying home to see my parents, actually.”

  “Oh! Me too… well, driving home.” She choked back a laugh as if she knew something he didn’t.

  “What’s so funny?” He cocked his head to one side, casually appraising her bright eyes and flushed skin. God, she’s beautiful.

  “Katie!” Her obnoxious redheaded coworker shouted at them from across the room, waving her arms over her head.

  Cooper couldn’t remember her name, but he knew to stay as far away from that one as humanly possible.

  The girl cupped her hands around her mouth. “Could I have a word?”

  “Oh, um… sure?” Katie nodded then turned to Cooper with an apology in her eyes. “Can you excuse me for just a minute? I’ll be right back.”

  “I’ll be right here… waiting.”

  Katie giggled, and his skin tingled. She glanced at him over her shoulder as she crossed the lobby.

  “What are you doing?” He bristled at the sound of Silvia’s annoyed voice. He turned to face her, and she planted her small hands on her narrow hips.

  “Making conversation?”

  “You’re supposed to get her over to the mistletoe.” Silvia whisper shouted, hooking her thumb toward the rear of the lobby.

  He held up his glass. “I needed a little liquid courage first.”

  “You certainly won’t find it in a glass of non-alcoholic cider!” Her voice cracked as she flailed her arms.

  Cooper frowned. “Fine. As soon as she’s done talking with her friend.”

  “Friend? Vicky?” Silvia barked out a laugh. “Oh, that’s rich.”

  “What do you mean?” He hazarded a glance toward Katie and Vicky.

  Vicky winked at him.

  Note to self: avoid Vicky at all costs.

  “Never mind.” Silvia waved a hand. “Oh, hell. I need to go get Edna before Phil turns an even darker shade of green. The man has a weak stomach and a gag reflex with a glitchy trigger.”

  Cooper scanned the room for the mistletoe and spotted a tall, leggy blonde heading his way. He’d seen her at the bank before but never paid much attention. While he could admit she was attractive, her stick figure, platinum hair, and icy blue eyes did nothing for him.

  Those icy eyes locked on him like a missile, and her lacquered lips curled up at the corners.

  “Shit,” he muttered as he searched the crowd for Katie. Where did she go?

  “Well, hello again. It’s Cooper, right? Fancy seeing you here.” The blonde reached a delicate hand toward him, and Cooper fumbled in his pocket for his phone, pulling it out and quickly pressing it to his ear.

  He held up one finger and forced a smile. “Sorry, I need to take this.”

  Her face fell, but she put on a fake smile and nodded. “Of course. I’ll catch up to you after.”

  Not if I can help it.

  As soon as he ditched his tail in the crowd, Cooper pocketed his phone. The Christmas jazz playing from speakers in the ceiling droned on as he circulated among a throng of people he would’ve typically avoided at all costs; the rich elite with nothing better to do on a Friday morning than stuff their surgically altered faces with microwaved canapés in a bank lobby. A cocktail party without the cocktails.

  Why am I here? As if to answer his question, Katie’s natural, unaffected laugher floated through the room, drawing his attention from talk of business mergers, interest rates, and lactose intolerance. She was the reason for all of it.

  After placing his nearly full goblet on a nearby table, Cooper made his way through the crowd to where Katie stood, talking with an exuberant client.

  Cooper tapped her on the shoulder. Call her Katie. His insides clenched. He couldn’t do it. Her friends called her Katie, and until he could break out of the client-zone he’d stick to formality. “Excuse me, Kate. Can I steal you for a second?”

  “No, Katie, don’t leave!” The other man gripped Katie’s hand in both of his and dropped to a knee.

  What the hell? A red-hot flare of emotion struck Cooper squarely in the gut.

  “Knock it off, Dean.” Katie laughed as she tugged her hand free. “Don’t mind him; he’s being dramatic.”

  Dean sighed. “You never take my proposals seriously.”

  “Because they never are.”

  “One day, I’ll surprise you.”

  “I doubt it.” She shook her head then turned to Cooper. “I’m sorry, I was on my way back when I ran into Dean.”

  “So I see.” The hair on the back of his neck prickled, and Cooper struggled to keep the smile on his lips while fighting back the urge to strangle Dean where he stood. “He’s one of your clients?”

  Katie leaned in to whisper. “One of my more colorful clients, yes. He’s a little loud and obnoxious but totally harmless.”

  “Good to know.” Cooper glanced over his shoulder to where Dean watched them walk away. Harmless, my ass. Cooper recognized the familiar look in Dean’s eyes as he watched Katie retreat.

  “So where were we?” Katie smiled up at him. Her attention seemed to zero in on the ball of mistletoe hanging just a few feet above their heads.

  “Actually…” Cooper cleared his throat. “There’s something I wanted to ask—”

  “There you are! I was wondering what happened to you.” The icy blonde from before zoomed forward, knocking Katie out of her way to get to him.

  What the hell?

  “I see you found the mistletoe. I guess we have no choice.” Without another word, she lunged at him, attaching her glossy red lips to his open, protesting mouth.

  Cooper managed to disengage himself from her tentacles but not before Katie wordlessly disappeared into the crowd. “No, Kate, wait!”

  “Oh, no…” The blonde fluttered her fake eyelashes and pouted. “Did I interrupt something?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes.” Cooper fumed. “You did.”

  “I’m sorry.” Her lizard-like smile called her a liar.

  With a growl of frustration,
Cooper stormed across the lobby toward Katie’s office.

  “Cooper Maxwell! Glad to see you made it,” Phil, the branch manager stopped him halfway there with a clap to the back. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”

  “Yes. At least I was.” Cooper fought off the urge to flip him off and keep walking. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with Kate before she leaves.”

  “Sorry, you just missed her. She must have left her stove on again or something. That girl took off as if her hair was on fire!”

  “Damn it!” Cooper’s heart sank, and he shoved a hand into his hair, squeezing until his roots screamed for mercy. “That’s just my luck, isn’t it?”

  “If there’s something you need, I can get one of the other bankers to assist you.”

  “No. I’m fine.” Cooper pressed out a stiff smile. “It’ll keep.”

  “All right then.” Phil gave him one last light slap on the back. “Well, Merry Christmas!”

  “Thank you. Merry Christmas to you, too.”

  “What happened?” Silvia charged toward him like a bull in Pamplona. “Did I just see Katie’s car screeching out of the parking lot?”

  “She… we… and then this woman just kissed me…”

  “What?” Silvia craned her neck to search the room. “What woman?”

  Cooper let out a long breath and propped his shoulder against the wall. “It doesn’t matter. Kate’s gone. I blew it.”

  “I’ll call her.” Silvia fumbled for her cell phone. “You can explain.”

  “No. Don’t. I need to rethink this whole thing. I mean, look at me.” Cooper motioned to his expensive suit with a groan. He looked exactly like every other stuffed-shirt, rich businessman in the building. “This isn’t what she wants. She wants dark and dangerous and—” He huffed out a hollow laugh. “Isn’t that ironic?”