Page 15 of Love, Lies and Sleigh Rides
Tyler shrugged. “Why not?”
His brothers were good-looking guys, dark-haired, dark-eyed, a little lankier than himself. Tyler had the charisma to boot. On the occasions when Kade made it back home while still in active service, he’d been introduced to a new woman each time. If Tyler had been in a committed relationship at some point, he would have heard about it from his parents.
“She’s not like that.”
Tyler looked at him with wide-eyed innocence. “Like what?”
“Like someone who’s into superficial relationships.”
Tyler hooked his fingers in the air. “‘I don’t even know her.’ Did you not just say this a minute ago?”
Before Kade had a chance to defend himself, Fallon came around the corner. She wrapped her arms across her chest as she scanned the room.
Gone were the Santa pajamas and the knot of hair at the nape of her neck. Fallon had brushed her hair out, letting it hang loosely over her shoulders. He guessed she wore the same clothes he’d met her in yesterday, but she looked polished and refreshed, as if she had a lunch date at Fernando’s within the hour. His hand holding a portion of the roof to his gingerbread house hung midair. Beside him, Tyler snorted.
“Easy does it there, KB.” Tyler eased his hand down to rest on the tabletop.
That broke his trance, Tyler’s comment and the realization that Fallon spotted him and was walking toward them.
She stopped on the other side of the table. “This is an extra charming scene.” Her arms still hugged her chest, but at least her smile looked genuine. Twin dimples popped on her cheeks. Was he smiling too? His face felt frozen.
“Want to join us? We saved a spot just for you,” Tyler said, patting the spot on the bench beside him. He stood, knocking the table slightly so that the walls Kade secured with frosting a few minutes ago toppled. “I’m Tyler, by the way. Kade’s younger, more charming brother.”
That loosened her arms. She dropped them and extended a hand to Tyler with a laugh. “Nice to meet you. And no, thanks.” She waved her hand. “I’m about to head into town to find some clothes since it looks like I’ll be sticking around a few more days.”
“If you need a chauffeur, I’d be happy to give you a ride,” said Tyler. He pointed to the cookie platter. “And cookies. Don’t go anywhere until you’ve tried one of these.” He took another chocolate snowball which disappeared as fast as the last one.
Kade slid over to put some space between him and Tyler since he practically landed on Kade’s lap when he sat again.
“She has the rental,” he said from the side of his mouth.
“I’m just being courteous, dude.” Tyler chuckled. Then, under his breath, “Jealousy doesn’t look good on you.”
If Fallon caught Tyler’s comment, she didn’t let on. Fallon glanced around the room with a tentative smile. “I appreciate the offer, but again, I think I’ll be okay. Besides, I don’t want to take you away from the party.”
He had to get away from Tyler before he made a fool of them both. The gingerbread house could wait. He stood.
“Did you get any food yet?” Kade came around the table and steered her toward the buffet across the room. Even though it was midday, breakfast still weighed in his gut. He couldn’t imagine Fallon was hungry either. Despite her obvious discomfort being around his big, talky family, she’d quietly refilled her plate at the breakfast buffet while everyone else filled the room with chatter.
“Oh no.” She rested her hand against her stomach. “I couldn’t possibly eat anything more after this morning.”
His mother breezed past them with a platter of jalapeño poppers held at shoulder level. She stopped and retraced her steps until she stood in front of them.
“Fallon, honey! I’ve been hoping you’d come join the fun.”
Fallon hooked her thumb toward the door. “Actually, I’m just about ready to—”
“Oh, not yet. I want you to meet Chase Ford.” She gripped Fallon’s forearm with her free hand, smiling with all her teeth. “I think we’ve found our truck.”
Fallon took another step toward the door. “I’m going to sneak out really quick to buy some clothes—”
“I have plenty of clothes you can borrow,” said Elaine. Kade noted the death grip his mother still had on Fallon’s arm. The poor woman wasn’t going anywhere.
“Really, Elaine. You’ve been too kind already. No, I need to get some for myself. And also check on a room. But it sounds like today is worse for travel than yesterday.”
“You’re leaving us?” Elaine dropped her arm, disappointed at the news.
Fallon gave her a pleading look. “I’ll be able to focus more on work if I do.”
