Welcome To Winterville by Carrie Elks

24

And by the way, I’m completely and totally in love with you.

She woke to the memory of those words. He’d said them as she was falling asleep, and for a moment she’d wondered if she was dreaming. But then he’d carried on with his description of his drive, and she’d somehow managed to keep breathing.

But she hadn’t said it back.

She’d wanted to. Because she’d fallen for him, too. But her chest had felt tight and the words were frozen on her tongue. She was afraid and she had no idea why.

Maybe they needed to get this thing with Winterville over and done with, for once and for all.

Yes, it was business. And yes, he’d agreed that whatever they did meant nothing to them as a couple. But she was still finding it difficult keeping a secret from him.

She wanted everything out in the open. Wanted there to be nothing between them except the feelings they had for each other.

Surely she’d be able to tell him she loved him then.

She walked out of the Inn, breathing in the cool outside air. The sky above was a dull gray. It looked like they’d get a little snow today, but not the storm that Everley had been panicking about. It didn’t stop her from worrying about Josh driving back from Cincinnati in bad weather though.

The sooner he got here, the better.

“Good morning,” Dolores called out as Holly walked through the café door. “Usual?”

“Yes, please.”

“No Josh today?”

“He’s in Cincinnati. He’s coming back later.”

“Is he coming to the show?” Dolores asked. She looked pleased as punch at the idea.

“Yes he is. And to the Inn for Christmas.”

Dolores caught her eye. “He’s a good boy. Your grandma would have liked him.”

It was the best kind of compliment, because there was a truth to it. Her grandmother definitely would have liked Josh, she did when she met him all those years ago, after all. Not just because he was good looking – although, Candy did have a well documented weakness for handsome men – but because he was funny, kind, and made Holly happy.

And that would have made Candy happy, too.

“It’s going to be a hard Christmas without her,” Dolores said. Holly nodded, her throat tight. “But at least we have tonight’s show to look forward to. It’s almost like there’s a piece of her here still, isn’t it? She would have loved all this fuss.”

She would have adored it. She would’ve been fighting for her town the way Holly and her cousins were. There was nothing Candy Winter loved more than a challenge.

Dolores reached across the counter and squeezed Holly’s hand. “It’s going to be okay,” she said, as though she could sense Holly’s anxiety. “The show is going to be perfect, and tomorrow we save Winterville. You achieved everything you came here for.”

“Thank you.” Holly gave her a half smile.

“Now go warm up by the fire and I’ll bring your coffee over. It’s on the house.”

“Oh no, I’ll pay.”

Dolores waved her off. “I get so confused over who’s paying what, I figured I’d make my life easier today by paying for it my damn self.”

Holly made a mental note to put a huge tip in the jar on her way out. She had ten minutes to drink her coffee before she needed to get over to the theater to calm Everley down. Alaska had already called her this morning to ask for her help. They needed their cousin to stop panicking and conserve her voice for that evening.

The fire was crackling and spitting as she sat down on the easy chair, wishing Josh was opposite her as usual. Dolores had put on an old Christmas playlist with some of Candy’s most famous songs, her soft, throaty voice sounding melodic as it flowed from the speakers. Holly took a deep breath. It was going to be fine. Candy was so missed, but she’d want them to be happy.

She looked down at the message Josh had sent her first thing this morning.

I need to head into the office to pick something up, then I’m driving straight to Winterville. Can’t wait to see you. – J

She couldn’t wait to see him either. She’d been really good and hadn’t called him this morning, wanting him to concentrate on the road ahead. He’d probably laugh when she told him, but that’s because he was a hare and she was a snail.

And Holly was perfectly okay with that.

Her phone lit up again.

Holly? Are you almost here? Everley just checked weather.com and is in a full-blown panic. Come fast. We need you. Alaska xx

Holly stood and smiled at Dolores. “Can you make that coffee to go?” she asked.

Dolores nodded, grabbing a Styrofoam cup covered with pictures of reindeer across a red background. “Problems?” she asked.

“Nothing a little cousinly hug won’t solve. Everley’s panicking about the weather forecast.”

Dolores nodded. “It’s a little gray out there, but we won’t be having much more than a dusting of snow today. And I know Charlie already has the plow ready in case he needs to clear the roads.” She grabbed a bag and slid a few pastries inside. “Give this to Everley and tell her she needs to keep her energy up. And give her a big hug from me.”

“I will.” Holly nodded. “And thank you.”

“It’s going to be a good day,” Dolores said, her voice warm.

Yes it was. A very good day, not least because Josh would be back in a few hours. Until then, Holly’s job would be to keep Everley calm.

She could definitely do that. Because it was Christmas Eve, and everybody deserved to be happy.

* * *

The snow began as Josh drove around the town square, parking his car so he could head into the Jingle Bell Theater. It was a little more than a dusting, but it made everything look pretty. He walked around the white stucco building, smiling when he saw the huge banner strung at the front.

Winterville Presents For One Night Only

A Very Candy Christmas

He opened the stage door and a cacophony of sound and vision rushed over him. People were shouting at each other, a band was tuning up, and there were roadies dressed in black walking to and from the trucks parked at the rear, their expressions set as they carried equipment and scenery into the main auditorium. Josh kept close to the walls of the snaking corridors as they pushed past him, looking in each room in an attempt to locate Holly.

The last time he’d been backstage in these hallways was the day he’d presented their vision of Winterville’s future to the town. This was where he’d confronted Holly after she’d heckled him during their question and answer session.

It felt like a lifetime ago.

He’d been attracted to her even then. Had been from the start. But he’d been fighting that undeniable pull. Telling himself it was just the energy she created because she was pissed with him.

And now he was in love with the woman who’d stood up and denounced him in front of Winterville.

“Oh my God!” Holly ran toward him in a rush of movement, slamming into his body so hard he was almost winded. He caught her in his arms, laughing despite the lack of oxygen in his lungs. His heart warmed as she grinned up at him, her eyes shining as they met his. “I missed you,” she told him, kissing his neck. “Don’t go away again.”

“I missed you, too.”

She ran his hands over his hair. “Is it snowing already?”

“Only a dusting.” He pushed a stray tendril of hair from her cheek.

“Well we need to get rid of the evidence. If Everley sees that she’ll have another fit.” Holly grimaced. “She’s convinced there’s going to be a storm and we’ll have to cancel the show.”

“Classic displacement.” He smiled at her warm expression. “Worry about the weather instead of the important stuff.”

“Right? Alaska’s removed the weather app from her phone, and I’ve been keeping her away from the windows. They’re about to do the sound check, so that should keep her busy.” Holly traced the line of his jaw with her warm fingertip. “How was your drive?”

“Long.”

“But fast. Am I right?”

“Faster than a snail, yeah.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Damn, it’s good to see you.”

“Holly, do you know where the set lists are?” Alaska ran in, breathless. “Everley’s put hers somewhere and can’t find it.”

“I printed a whole bunch up and put them by the lighting equipment. You can grab one there.”

“Thank God for you.” Alaska blew her a kiss.

“I should go so you can work,” Josh said, reluctant to let her go.

“You could stay,” Holly suggested hopefully.

“I have a little work to do myself. Plus I want to wrap your gift before tomorrow. Then I need to shower and get ready for your mom’s cocktail party.”

Holly let out a low sigh. “About the party…”

“Don’t try to get out of it.”

“But Everley needs me.”

“No she doesn’t,” Alaska said, running past Holly with a fistful of printed papers. “We’ll be fine. Go.”

Josh smirked. “It’ll be okay.” Spending an hour at her mom’s couldn’t be any worse than telling his grandfather he was taking a step back. And the truth was, he wanted to know her family. Wanted to be accepted by them.

“Okay. But only for an hour. Then we come straight back here.”

“Of course. I’ll pick you up at the Inn at four.”

Holly nodded, looking pale. “You owe me for this, Gerber.”

“I’m pretty sure I already know how to make it up to you.” He kissed her lips, her jaw and then her neck, where it always made her sigh. “It’ll be fine. I promise.”

She tangled her fingers into his thick hair, her head tipping back as she let out another sigh. One that had nothing to do with her mom, and everything to do with the heat from his mouth.

“I’ll see you in a couple of hours,” he said again, stepping back. Holly blinked, her gaze glassy.

“Okay,” she whispered. “But I demand retribution tonight.”

* * *

Holly caught a glance of her reflection in the mirror beside the Winterville Inn’s inglenook fireplace. She looked okay, considering she’d gotten ready in a huge rush. Her dark hair was swept into a low, smooth bun, and her lips were painted scarlet. She was wearing a simple black cocktail dress, the lace bodice and short skirt clinging to her curves. It was understated and elegant, set off with a pair of diamond earrings and necklace that once belonged to Candy.

“You look beautiful,” Josh whispered in her ear, kissing the exposed curve between her neck and shoulders.

She felt beautiful, too. Not just because this dress fit her perfectly, or that her hair had behaved for once, but because of the way Josh was staring at her in the mirror.

“We could skip the party,” he murmured.

“No way.” She met his gaze in the mirror, amusement pulling at her lips. “You’re the one who insisted on this.”

“But I didn’t know how delectable you were going to look. How quickly can you drink a cocktail?”

She leaned back against him, inclining her head so she could kiss his jaw. “Really, really fast.”

“Thank God.”

“And then we’ll head straight to the theater before Everley has a complete breakdown.”

* * *

Her mother’s sweeping driveway was full of expensive cars as Josh slowed to a stop. There was a big ‘for sale’ sign at the front of the gravel drive. Holly blinked at it but said nothing. Though her mom’s – and uncles’ – houses were outside the Winterville city limits, she guessed they were ready to move on. It made sense, because her mom spent hardly any time here. She much preferred the warmer climate of the Mediterranean.

They walked up the stone steps, and the door was opened by a maid, “May I take your coats?” she asked.

Josh slipped Holly’s dress coat from her shoulders and passed it to the maid, thanking her as he shucked off his own jacket. He was wearing a dark gray suit, with a white shirt and blue tie. It fit his broad, muscled body perfectly.

“I’d forgotten what you looked like in a suit,” she said to him as they walked into the main living area. A waiter passed them two non-alcoholic cocktails.

“My grandfather thinks you’ve corrupted me into wearing jeans and sweaters.”

Her eyes sparkled. “I’m so bad.”

“He thinks you’re seducing me to get your town back,” he teased.

She lifted her brows. “Perhaps I am.”

“Darling, you came.” Her mom walked over, a glass of champagne in her hand, and air kissed Holly before smiling at Josh. “It’s a pleasure to have you here, Mr. Gerber. I guess you’ll be heading back to Cincinnati soon?”

He slid his hand into Holly’s. “Not too soon.”

“Which is good,” Holly said softly to him. “Because I only just got you back.”

Her mom frowned, as though she wasn’t sure what to say next. “Um, let me introduce you to my husband. Garrick?”

An elegantly dressed sixty-something man walked over, taking her mom’s hand in his and lifting it to his lips. “Yes, my darling?”

“This is Holly, my daughter. And her… friend? Josh Gerber.”

The silver-haired fox tipped his head to the side. “Surely not, my angel. You’re too young to have a daughter that age.”

Her mom laughed, the tinkle so shrill Holly was amazed her glass didn’t shatter. “Oh Garrick, you know how to flatter a lady.”

Garrick kissed her on both cheeks, then shook Josh’s hand. “Why are you drinking non-alcoholic cocktails?” he asked them. “I’m mixing some amazing Martinis right now.”

“I’m driving,” Josh said, shrugging.

“And I have to help Everley with the show. I need a clear mind.”

“Wait a minute. Josh Gerber? Aren’t you the one who bought the town from my angel?” He stroked her mom’s arm.

Josh nodded. “That’s right.”

“And you’re here with Holly? I thought you two were on opposing sides.”

Josh shrugged. “We are , but we’re keeping business separate from pleasure.”

“You don’t mind about the new plan?”

Her mom turned pale. “Garrick, perhaps you should go work on those cocktails now.”

“Of course, my darling.” He nodded at Josh. “I love these modern relationships. You young people are so much more laid back than my generation.” He inclined his head. “We would have felt emasculated if our girlfriends bought a town out from under us.”

Josh’s smile didn’t waver. “Holly hasn’t bought the town.”

Garrick laughed. “So true.” Holly’s mom was tugging at his arm, but he was ignoring her, as though on a roll. Holly felt her stomach shoot through the floor. “Still, it’s a cunning plan, isn’t it? Find some old deed and use it to buy up some buildings.”

Holly felt herself freeze. She couldn’t look at Josh.

“Garrick!” Her mom widened her eyes. “We need those drinks, now.”

Josh cleared his throat. “I don’t understand. What old deed?”

Garrick blinked, as though realizing for the first time that he’d said the wrong thing. “Um, I really should make those cocktails.”

“What do you mean?” Josh asked again, his voice low. Holly inhaled a ragged breath, because she could feel the tension wafting off him.

Garrick looked from Josh to her mom, then back to Josh again. “Oh dear, it seems I’ve put my foot in my mouth. Ignore me.” He cleared his throat. “Two virgin cocktails, was it?”

“Holly?” Josh looked at her. There was no emotion in his eyes at all. “What’s he talking about?”

This was it. There was no getting out of it. And it wasn’t how she’d planned to tell him at all.

She was going to do it tomorrow, when they were alone. When he had time to listen and understand.

But then Garrick started talking again, and she wanted to pull his damn tongue out and wrap it around his neck.

“He really didn’t know?” he murmured to her mom. “Oops.”

“Of course he didn’t know,” she hissed. “I guess he does now.” Her mom looked at Holly with sympathy. “I’m so sorry. Dolores told me. I didn’t think to tell Garrick it was a secret.”

“What secret?” Josh persisted. A mixture of hurt and anger flashed across his face.

Holly swallowed hard. “We found a way to stop you from redeveloping Winterville.”