Page 28 of Take Me Home for Christmas

Elle had never wantednotto be somewhere as much as she didn’t want to be sharing a car with West and Hayden at that moment. West because he was gloating about taking Hayden’s aunt out tonight—whilenotwriting his damn book. Hayden because she hated the idea of him and Livi together. Added to that was the guilt she felt about being jealous that he might have found someone to share his life with. He was her best friend. Even if he couldn’t be happy with her, she should want him to be happy. That was what self-actualized adults were supposed to do.

Obviously, she wasn’t a self-actualized adult because a tear leaked out of the corner of her eye as they pulled up in front of Hayden’s childhood home. She’d spent so many happy moments here, before everything changed.

The Lovell house was a neat little split-level that backed up onto the Intracoastal Waterway. A perfectly shaped Christmas tree was visible from the wide front window, it’s lights glowing like a beacon in the evening storm. Two cars were already tucked beneath the carport decorated with icicle lights, which meant they’d have to walk in the rain to go inside.

Elle had every intention of remaining in the car. Not only because she didn’t want to get soaked, but mostly because she had no desire to come face-to-face with Hayden’s mother. West upended her plan, however, when he pulled her door open and offered to share one of the inn’s big golf umbrellas with her.

Of all the times for him to be nice.

She hobbled to the door, grateful when Hayden’s dad opened it as soon as they got to the porch.

“It’s a frog drowner out there tonight,” Tim Lovell joked once they’d all slipped inside.

He immediately pulled Elle in for a tight hug, not caring that he was soaking himself in the process.

“Where have you been hiding, stranger?” Tim asked.

She was grateful for the rain dampening her cheeks so that she had an excuse for swiping at the tears that threatened. Tim never held the events of Hayden’s youth against her. He was fair and kind, attributes he’d passed down to his son. Elle adored him for it.

“Elle’s been building a life in New York, Dad,” Hayden said. “Putting Chances Inlet in her rearview mirror.”

His terseness was so unlike Hayden that it stunned even Tim, judging by his expression.

“Great city,” West interjected. “Ten out of ten, as the young folk say.”

If Hayden was peeved by West’s remark, it didn’t show on his face.

Tim shot his son a confused look. “I agree. New York City has a lot going for it.” He offered his hand to West. “I’m Tim. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve been a fan for eons.”

“Eons sounds about right,” West joked. “I’m a dinosaur in this business.”

“Are Mom and Aunt Kitty ready?” Hayden asked, obviously eager to hurry this little tête à tête along.

“Oh, you know your mom. She’s probably fussing over her hair and her outfit. Go tell her we think she’s beautiful just the way she is. She’ll listen to you.”

Hayden disappeared down the hall.

“Can I ask how long you are in town for, Mr. West?”

West leaned a shoulder against the doorframe. “My stay is open-ended.”

Elle bit back a gasp.It most certainly is not!

“Does that mean indefinitely?” Tim asked.

No!

West shrugged. Elle almost choked on her tongue.

Tim looked toward the hallway Hayden had just disappeared down. He lowered his voice. “Kitty has been through a lot these past several years.”

“She told me,” West said. “I’m glad she has someone like you looking out for her. She’s safe with me tonight, though. Don’t worry. Hayden and his girlfriend here will be chaperoning us the entire time.”

What?

Elle spun her head around to glare at West.

Was he drunk?

---