Holiday Treasure (Billionaire Bachelors - Book 10) (3 page)

Chapter Four

K
yla leaned against
her door and took a deep breath. Normally, men didn’t intimidate her. She’d grown up with a loving family, and had enjoyed high school and the first two years of college. She’d had a healthy dating life.

Then…boom.

Her picture-book world had fallen apart in the blink of an eye. On a family vacation, they’d all been driving down a mountain road after a fun day of snowboarding. And then their car had skidded on black ice.

She was the only survivor.

After a week in the hospital, she’d been released, with nowhere to go where she felt safe. After dropping out of school — she couldn’t face anything or anyone — she’d found herself at this apartment, both her place of refuge and a spot where she hoped to heal someday.

She knew it wasn’t her fault that her family was gone. But why was she the only one to live? Why wasn’t it her mother, who did charity work, or her father, who made a difference in the world through his teaching? Why couldn’t her brother have survived? He’d graduated from high school the previous June and planned to join the military after college. He’d have been an officer and a gentleman.

No, she’d been the one to survive. The only one who still didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. So now she found herself taking odd jobs, just trying to hang on, instead of really living.

She’d been left her parents’ home when they’d passed, along with a substantial inheritance, but she couldn’t find it in her heart to use the funds or to stay in that house. She hadn’t been there since the accident. She was too afraid to face the memories of those empty rooms. Seeing her dad wrestling with her brother on the living room floor, hearing their laughter and her mother’s sweet singing ringing in from the kitchen. They were such an old-fashioned family in many ways — more than half a century later, they’d somehow captured the best of the 1950s without the worst that went along with it.

Never again would she and her brother wake up on Christmas morning and rush downstairs to open the gifts her parents had so lovingly picked out. The realization that these memories would play continually and vividly in her mind, although she would never see her family again in real life, whatever that was, made it all too overwhelming to face.

Kyla shook off the thoughts. It had been months since she’d allowed such painful memories to intrude so forcefully, but with Christmas not much more than three weeks away, her family was front and center more than ever before.

After all, December 23rd was the day her life had been irrevocably changed, the day she’d lost her family and suddenly found herself an orphan. It didn’t look as if she’d ever again be able to enjoy the holiday she had once cherished.

Kyla was trying to put herself out in the world again, trying to meet people. She wasn’t interested in dating, but the odd tingling her new neighbor had inspired shocked her. He couldn’t have touched her heart — it was encased in ice. But he’d still had some effect on her, and considering his standoffish behavior, that made no sense at all.

Maybe it was because he’d been so cold in the way he spoke, and then so very hot to the touch. No matter. She closed her eyes, took a breath, and then told herself she wouldn’t think about her temporary neighbor again.

Heck, the current owner of this stupid mass of brick and mortar, whoever had taken it over wanted them all kicked out on the street. She really didn’t know how long she was going to get to stay. The thought of moving, of leaving the place she’d chosen as somewhere to heal, was terrifying. She didn’t want to leave yet. She just wasn’t ready.

Kyla felt herself drawn to her kitchen. What was going on? She went there slowly and was surprised when for the first time in two years she found herself succumbing to the urge to bake. It was something she and her mother had always done together, since before Kyla could have been any use at all except in licking the bowls. They would spend all day in the kitchen, whipping up goodies for family, friends, and neighbors. It had been a tradition, one that had died the minute her mother’s heart had stopped beating.

As Kyla set out the items needed to make cookies, she found herself singing Christmas hymns, feeling a measure of peace that she had feared she would never feel again.

Three hours later, she pulled out the last batch of gingerbread men — and women and children, of course — and looked at her covered counters. Tears sparkled in her eyes as she painted frosting faces on the ones that had cooled off. When she lifted one up and took a bite, a soft smile lit her face. It felt like her mom was right there beside her. Kyla closed her eyes to relish the warmth of the moment.

Reluctantly coming back to reality, Kyla whispered, “Merry Christmas, Mom,” before putting everything away, turning off the lights in the room, and getting ready for bed. Tomorrow she had work to do at the mall.

For now she was going to get lost in a good book while she waited for the forgetfulness of sleep to take her away.

Chapter Five

S
pecial delivery.”

Tanner stood at his door with his jaw locked and fire burning in his eyes. This was so not happening to him.

“What in the hell are you doing here?” he snapped.

“Is that any way to treat your relatives?”

His brother Ashton and a newfound cousin, Max Anderson, were standing at his door with big grins on their faces.

“I didn’t tell anyone I was going to be here, so I don’t know how in the hell you managed to track me down,” he said, opening the door and letting them inside, though he wanted to slam it in their faces instead. There was no use in trying to keep them out now that they knew where he was stuck for the next few weeks.

“Wow! This place must really suck for you, big shot,” Ashton said with a laugh.

“Damn! I’ve seen cardboard boxes that have more class,” Max added.

“Okay, are you going to crack jokes the entire visit?” Tanner asked. “Or are you going to tell me how you found me here and what you want?” He was pacing the room, really irritated that he had nowhere to sit and no alcohol to drink.

“I talked to Dad and he told me about your current situation. You know I had to check it out for myself. Max happened to stop by as I was getting ready to leave, and he didn’t want to miss out on all the fun either.”

“I’m so glad you care so much, little brother,” Tanner snarled.

“I’d say you got one of the crappier properties. Don’t forget that you did choose it.”

“I chose it because I was planning on ripping this wretched place down and then building something that would actually add value to this benighted neighborhood. But with Dad’s clauses, I can’t force the tenants out. I’ve upped their move-out bonuses by triple and they’re still being stubborn fools. Then some cracked judge made me stay here to show me what it’s like for people who have less than I have. He’s the one who will be shown, because I don’t cave under pressure.”

“I don’t know, Tanner. I think one night here would be hell, let alone three or four weeks. Plus, I can’t wait to see you in a nice fat Santa suit.” Ashton wasn’t even trying to hide his mirth — his brother’s predicament was a doozy!

“I’m going to kill him. Dad must have gloated about all this. Fess up — he told you both, didn’t he?”

“Nope. I learned it from the media,” Max said. “Your horrified expression said it all.” Max moved to one of the windows and looked out.

“Great. The entire city knows.”

“I don’t think the entire population cares,” Ashton pointed out before breaking out into another grin. “Just the reporters and those who would love to hang you by your toes and let rats nibble on your hair.”

“It’s always such a pleasure to talk to you, Ashton. Why I don’t invite you over more often, I’ll never know.”

“You didn’t invite me this time, but I came anyway.”

Ashton had always had a good sense of humor, but he tended to be more thoughtless and self-absorbed than any of his siblings. He had no problem taking delight in Tanner’s suffering, because he’d never truly experienced any of his own.

Until now. That was all changing with the little game their father was playing.

“How is your own project going?” Tanner asked as he went to the kitchen counter and pulled himself up. He needed to get off his feet.

Ashton lost the grin on his face. “I’m in too good a mood to even talk about that.”

“Oh, I see. You can mock me all you want, but when it comes to you, the subject is closed.”

“You may think you got the raw end of the deal, but I’m not so sure about that. I don’t know what Dad was thinking when he picked up all these businesses, but I don’t see how in the hell I’m supposed to do anything with mine,” Ashton huffed.

“Damn, I wish I’d known you guys so much sooner. You both sound like little kids throwing a tantrum right now.”

Tanner turned toward Max. He’d been so focused on his brother that he’d forgotten his cousin was even there with them.

“You lucked out, Max. You got a great father. Ours is a pain in the ass.”

“I happen to like Richard,” Max said.

“That’s because you’ve only known him a year.”

“Well, I look forward to many more,” Max replied. “Since you have no furniture and no beer, I think it’s time we head out.”

“Yeah. That’s a great idea,” Tanner told him, but he was surprised by the way his stomach dipped. He might be acting as if he didn’t want them there, but once they left, he knew he’d be stuck in this hellhole with nothing to do and no one to talk to.

Fighting with his family members seemed much more appealing than being utterly alone. He would rather swallow razor blades than admit that out loud, though.

“Get out of here. I obviously have things to take care of.”

His brother and cousin took off, and Tanner slumped down on the counter. It was time to make some phone calls, time to decide who he was going to fire.

Chapter Six

T
anner stretched luxuriously
before climbing from the surprisingly comfortable bed. When he’d called about the furniture, furious that his assistant hadn’t thought about it, Randy had said that it was already arranged, and that everything should be there within the hour. Tanner felt more than a bit bad right now. Why had he yelled at the poor guy? Maybe it was time to give him a raise.

Damn. This wasn’t like him at all. He’d gone from wanting to fire an employee to considering increasing the fellow’s pay. That turnaround was surprising, to say the least. but he had to blame his rash decision-making on the ridiculous mess of a situation he was in. In short, not his fault.

After a quick shower, Tanner walked into his living room. His assistant had done well there, too, with comfortable pieces that didn’t appear too out of place in this dump. Yes, the man was good, he had to admit. And when he opened his front door, he was happy to find the newspaper waiting for him, another point in his assistant’s favor. He grabbed it and went to sit down.

While he read his paper and drank a cup of coffee, Tanner leaned back, thinking this wasn’t going to be so bad. Yes, the apartment sucked, but he could get through his sentence.

It was under a month, after all.

Just as he stood up to grab his wallet and coat and head over to the mall, a mouse ran across the floor, less than a foot from where he was standing. Normally not a man who scared easily, Tanner found himself jumping back and fighting the urge to shout. The creature squeezed behind his kitchen counters and disappeared.

Snatching up his phone, he punched the buttons and pulled up his assistant’s contact information. “Get the damn rodent company out here today, Randy; hell, get every pest-control company in the city out here. I want this building purged of all rodents, insects, and any other of vile things that infest places like this. If I see a single one when I get home tonight, find another job!”

He hung up before the guy could say anything. Tanner didn’t care if it took every exterminator in the forty-eight contiguous states — he wasn’t going another night sharing sleeping quarters with those disgusting creatures.

The thought made him think of his unusual neighbor. How in the world could she possibly name the damn things? What was wrong with her?

After throwing a leery glance at his now fully stocked cupboards, he walked out of the apartment. If he was late to his Santa gig, he had a feeling the cops would be showing up with guns drawn.

He could almost forget about the leash on his ankle. Almost, but not quite.

Not paying attention to where he was walking, Tanner pushed through the front doors of the apartment complex and tripped. He tried to catch himself before hitting the cold, hard cement, but it was too late. With a raging fury, he found himself sprawled out on the ground, his new pair of jeans ripped at the knees.

After shaking off the shock of falling, he picked himself back up and then turned toward the door and looked at the entrance. The cement steps were cracked and uneven, an obvious hazard.

Wrath pouring through him, he lifted his phone again and barely managed to keep from yelling as he told his assistant to have a construction foreman meet him at the mall during his lunch break.

Yes, it would be humiliating having to meet with the contractor at a mall, but he wasn’t going to have someone trip coming in or out of the building and then get sue-happy. If he’d fallen, he was sure others would follow. And it was all on his ass now. Just great.

It took him only a few minutes to reach the mall by taxi once he took care of business, and then Tanner found himself in a stuffy changing area with the ugly-as-sin Santa suit hanging before him. Eyeing it as if it were a snake about to strike — or maybe a rabid rat — he finally got up his courage and ran his fingers gingerly down the red fabric, then watched the white faux fur instantly pouf back out. He squeezed it now — take that! — and it still bounced back.

At least the suit didn’t appear to be as scratchy as his jailhouse clothes. That was some consolation. Sure it was. After getting into the damnable thing, Tanner turned toward the mirror and looked at himself with a disgusted snort.

“You have
got
to be kidding me,” he gasped in abject horror. But at least no one would recognize him. The freaking thing even came with bushy glue-on eyebrows.

The added padding around his body made him feel like a stuffed animal, and he probably looked like one, too. He was surprised the mall didn’t insist that he wear blush for a hint of jolliness; he certainly didn’t have any otherwise. He had one reason to be thankful; with the fluffy mustache and beard, he didn’t have to worry about pretending to smile at his young tormentors.

He had nothing to smile about.

Lifting the phone to his ear, he waited impatiently for his lawyer to pick up. “Keep trying to get me out of this,” Tanner snapped.

“We’re working on it, sir,” the man replied.

Tanner hung up and made his way grudgingly into the main part of the mall Just out the door, he found himself confronted by kids who were there shopping with their parents.

“Santa!” a horde of them cried; they tugged free of their parents’ hands and rushed forward. Hell, he hadn’t even made it to his “throne” yet, and he was already suffering an onslaught of grubby fingers.

“Ho, ho, ho,” he bellowed a bit menacingly, and he kept on moving forward. This was community service and he would do his job — but nothing said he had to like it.

Tanner turned the corner and beheld his new prison, which was decked out with so many sparkling decorations, he knew he’d end up with a headache from the glare before the day was out.

His elves began lining the children up as he took his seat and tried to prepare himself for the next eight hours. This was going to be an excruciatingly long day.

“Hello, Santa. Are you ready for your first visitor?”

Tanner’s head whipped around as he recognized that voice.

Once again, he found himself caught in the bold blue gaze of his neighbor in the slums. What was her name? Kyla! Wow, he was stunned that he remembered. She’d been wearing a baggy sweatshirt the night before; she now had on a little elf costume that did her body far more justice.

Taking his own sweet time, he looked at her from head to toe, appreciating all the nice curves the costume did nothing to hide with its short skirt and fitted elf top. Her chest was a bit smaller than he normally liked, but on her frame, those puppies worked perfectly, and the nice curve of her delicious behind had him practically drooling in his Santa beard. His idle thought of spending a few weeks with his neighbor warming his bed had just become a serious plan.

“Bring the children up,” he said, his voice deep with instant lust. She paused and he knew she had no clue that he was the neighbor she had met the afternoon before. Why not have a bit of fun with her then and lighten up his day? “Do you want to sit on Santa’s lap?” he asked, grinning widely enough that she could see his teeth through all the fake hair.

He expected some sarcastic reply, something to show she was irritated with the dirty old man hitting on her. What he got instead took his breath away.

She leaned in close so none of the children could hear. “I’ve always had a Santa fantasy,” she practically purred, making his heart rate soar before she doused him in cold water. “Too bad you won’t get to hear what it is.” With that she smiled and walked away.

Mmm, the things he would do with his neighbor. His attitude improved tenfold. When the first kid landed a bit too hard on his lap, he didn’t even growl.

“I want a Barbie doll, and her Dream House, and an iPod, and…” The kid went on and on until she ran out of breath.

Tanner looked toward the camera as the bulb flashed and he wondered if he would be blind by the end of the day. After giving the girl a pat on her head, Tanner handed her a coloring book and then took the next kid, and the next, and the next.

By hour six, Tanner wasn’t feeling nearly as happy as when he’d first discovered his hot Santa’s helper. By closing, he was downright pissy.

This was going to be a hellacious few weeks. Even though he got to enjoy the view of his enticing neighbor’s backside, it didn’t quite make up for ordeals like these.