Chapter Four

Elena’s house was eerily quiet when she came home from work Tuesday night. That alone would have been depressing enough, but then she remembered she hadn’t gone food shopping since returning from the Pocono Mountains.

No wonder she’d been so crabby these last few days. Vacation cut short and now undernourished. Maybe she should buy some vitamins. She glanced at herself in the hallway mirror and thought she looked a little pale. She needed to take better care of herself.

Grabbing a butter cookie from the plate that her coworker Chef Rick had sent home with her, she automatically headed to the guest room. Although honestly, the room wasn’t much of a “guest” room, considering she still had piles of unpacked boxes of her parents’ belongings scattered around so that she could barely walk.

Surrounded by her family’s things, the room offered her a bit of comfort whenever she had a bad case of loneliness. Like today. And like Monday. Okay, like most days since her breakup with Scott.

She sat down on the floor and pulled out one of her favorite photo albums—around the time she was a junior in high school. The pictures of her dad trying to teach her to drive always made her smile. But when she pulled out the album this time, a slim book that was stuck to the back of it fell at her feet. It was a diary. Her mother’s diary.

Her heart began pumping wildly. All these times she’d rummaged around these albums to discover it only now. Such a gift to have these special thoughts from her mom written down as a keepsake. She was about to open it when her cell phone began ringing.

Scott.

She blinked at the name. Wait. Was that her Scott? It had to be!

“Hello,” she quickly answered.

“Elena.” His deep voice draped over her like a warm blanket. “I’m glad I caught you. Can you talk?”

“I—uh, yeah. Of course,” she said, setting aside the diary.

He let out a sigh on the other end. “Lucas mentioned he ran into you this past weekend.”

Ran into? More like barged into. “Um, yes, I…saw him.” Unfortunately.

“He told me you looked and seemed to be doing well.”

She sat up. “He did? I mean, did he?” She was a little surprised Lucas would have told Scott that. He’d seen her at her low point. She most certainly could not have seemed “well.” And she knew she didn’t look so hot, either. But a diet of wine, s’mores, and butter cookies over the past few days could do that to a girl.

“I know we’ve texted a few times over the last couple of months, but after he told me about this past weekend, I started thinking about you. A lot.”

Aww… He’s thinking about me! Take that, Lucas Albright III!

“So I thought maybe we could have dinner this Friday,” Scott said. “To talk. I could get down to Cape Harmony by six.”

Talk. Talking was good. She could talk. She smiled into the phone. “Sure, I’d like that.”

“Great. I’ll see you then.”

After Scott hung up, she sat in stunned silence, trying to make out what him inviting her to dinner could mean to their relationship. She thought about calling Arden or Kinsley, but it was kind of late. Things weren’t exactly the same now that they were both married and had their own lives to lead. She didn’t want to be a bother. She’d have to wait and talk to her friends in the morning. Then she remembered her mom’s diary.

Feeling the need for comfort and some kind of guidance, she picked it back up, and began to read.

…

When her boss, Kinsley St. James, plopped two chocolate chip muffins in front of her on Wednesday morning, Elena knew she had done a poor job this week of hiding her disappointment at having her vacation cut short.

“I brought you coffee, too,” Kinsley added in a hopeful tone. “Oh, and Judy at the Drip N Sip wanted me to remind you that all you need to do is say the word, and she’ll fix you up with someone really nice. She posted a picture of him on the Cape Harmony Facebook group if you want to take a peek. She heard he’s shaving the goatee, by the way.”

Elena snorted. Judy Tavish owned and operated the local coffee shop downtown and prized herself as being a phenomenal matchmaker. No offense to the woman, but Elena had seen her handiwork. No, thank you. Last year, she even tried to fix up Kinsley’s brother, Wade. But love was the last thing Wade had wanted. He even had to pretend to be engaged to her friend Arden to get Judy off his back. Elena had thought they were a real couple, too, though it was supposed to be all fake. Poor Wade. The joke was on him when he actually fell in love with Arden while pretending.

Elena popped the lid off her coffee and tasted it. Kinsley had made it just the way she liked it: two sugars and plenty of cream. “I hope you didn’t encourage Judy,” she said before taking another sip. “I don’t want another relationship.”

She wanted Scott. And now, there was a good chance they could get back together. After all, he’d just said he was thinking about her.

Kinsley waved away her response. “Please. Do you think I would sic Judy on anyone, let alone a friend and one of my best workers?” She eyed Elena with concern. “However, Damon and I have noticed that since the fall wedding season, you have been a little…”

Elena waited. “A little…what?” she finally asked.

Kinsley pointed to Elena’s mouth. “That. We, uh, haven’t really seen you smile lately.”

“Hey, I smile. I smile all the time! I’m smiling now.” And she proceeded to show her friend right then and there. At least…she thought she was. Her cheeks did feel a bit stiff.

Kinsley squinted. “Maybe you’re smiling on the inside.”

“Oh, yeah, tons of smiling on the inside,” she said, nodding but not feeling the least bit of joy.

“Look, I’m sorry your vacation was cut short. Arden and I were really hoping it would lift your spirits.”

Elena placed her hand on Kinsley’s arm. “Thank you. I really do appreciate it. But no one could have predicted Lucas Albright showing up and ruining my time.”

“I’m so sorry. It must have been awful for you.”

“It was.” Fairly awful, anyway. If she didn’t count the fire he’d made, or the coffee and bagels he’d brought with him. Or the things she’d shared with him. Or having to put up with looking at his all-too-handsome face.

Ugh! Why am I thinking about his good traits? She needed to refocus on how he’d ruined her life.

“And then to be stuck there overnight,” she went on. “I don’t know how I didn’t strangle him in his sleep.” There. That’s more like it.

Kinsley wrinkled her nose. “Well, I’m glad you didn’t. I’d hate to lose a good employee to hard jail time.”

“Thanks for your concern,” Elena drolled.

“Not that anyone would blame you. I still can’t believe he said those terrible things about you to Scott.”

“Speaking of Scott, I’ve wanted to tell you but haven’t had the chance. The one bright note to that whole horrible weekend was that Scott called me last night.” Elena’s tummy still fluttered whenever she thought about it. Scott had actually called her. Just like she’d hoped he would. Knew he would.

Well, knew he would eventually.

Kinsley blinked. “Oh my gosh, he did? What did he say?”

Elena broke off a piece a muffin and dunked it in her coffee. “He wants to come down and take me out to dinner on Friday. But I’m nervous.”

“Well, what did you say?”

She gave her friend a look. “What do you think I said? Of course he could! I’ve wanted to have a heart-to-heart with him for months, and now I suppose he’s ready. I don’t think he would want to see me again unless he’s having second thoughts about ending things. Right? That’s a good sign, don’t you think?”

Kinsley bit her lip. “Yes, it actually might be. I hope it is, anyway.”

Elena hoped so, too. More than anything. Besides, she could understand if Scott had doubts and wanted to slow things down. Everyone had doubts about making a huge commitment like that now and again.

“Where are you eating?” Kinsley asked.

“I don’t know yet, but he even booked a room here overnight and mentioned getting together for lunch before he went back to the city.”

Kinsley tapped her finger against her lip in thought. “Huh. That definitely doesn’t sound like a permanent breakup dinner. Otherwise, he’d be planning to go home that night or in the morning.”

Elena slapped her palm down on the front desk. “Yes! My thinking exactly. And you know what else? Right before he called me, I found this.” She pulled out the diary from her purse and held it up.

Kinsley frowned. “What’s that?”

“My mom’s diary.”

“Whoa. Did you even know your mom kept a diary?”

“No, and that’s not even the strange part.” She flipped open the book then handed it to Kinsley. “Look at this date, two years from this very week.”

Kinsley look down and began to read. “Finally went to the doctor today for that bunion. It looks like—”

“Not that,” she said whipping the book away from her. She glanced at the page and pointed, handing it back to her. “Read this.”

Kinsley read again. “Worry about my Elena sometimes. She’s such a sensitive, romantic girl. Hope she finds a man just like my George. I want her to be happy. Looking forward to the day when she gets her own December engagement.” Kinsley looked up and shrugged. “It’s very sweet, but I—”

“Don’t you see? My mom wanted me to get engaged in December just like she and my dad did. And with Scott calling out of the blue and now this, there’s a real chance.”

Kinsley frowned. “Honey, your preoccupation with dates and timelines is scaring me. I don’t want you to get your hopes up too high.”

Elena sighed. “I’m not, but can I please just enjoy the possibility of it for a few days?”

Kinsley rolled her eyes but smiled. “Okay. At least there’s one positive aspect to this whole thing. You’re really smiling now. On the outside for a change.” She chuckled and held out her arms to hug her.

“You’re right. I haven’t felt this happy in months,” Elena said, hugging her friend back.

Oh my gosh. Her heart felt so light, like it was going to float out of her body. She finally felt like her future was getting back on track to where she’d dreamed it’d be.

Kinsley pulled away and looked at her. “I’m glad you’re so happy, but that might change when you hear the weird request from room 202 that I need you to take care of.”

Elena laughed. “I’ll handle it. At this point, nothing and no one can ruin my good mood this week.”

And then someone cleared his throat from behind them.

Elena glanced over her shoulder and—ugh, just like that—she realized she indeed stood corrected. There was someone who could ruin her good mood.

Lucas Albright III stood behind the check-in desk a mere three feet away in a blue striped dress shirt, no tie, and navy blazer, with a smile just this side of legal.

What in the world is he doing here?

“May we help you?” Kinsley asked, ever the perfect professional.

“Yes, actually,” he said, smoothly stepping up to the registration desk. “I’m checking in today.”

“To this hotel?” Elena asked.

Kinsley chuckled. “Elena, are you feeling okay? Of course, he means checking into this hotel.”

Lucas’s eyes glittered. “That’s right. I reserved two whole weeks here.”

Two weeks?!

“He can’t!” The words shot past her lips before she could stop them, so she smacked her hand over her mouth before she added any colorful phrases to them.

“Why on earth not?” Kinsley asked.

Because behind that perfect smile and charming persona he’s an awful, vindictive person. “H-his name isn’t listed on the register.” And Elena would know. She knew which guests were leaving and which guests were coming in like she knew her own face. That was why she was such a valued employee. Nice try, Lucas.

Lucas had the nerve to point his perfect patented charming smile in Kinsley’s direction. “Elena’s right, of course. My name is not listed. The reservation is under my company’s name: Bold Mine Advertising.”

Elena felt her frown deepen. Curses. That name she did recognize. She rushed to the computer and looked up the reservation to double-check. “Oh, yes, it is here.” Unfortunately.

Kinsley smiled. “Excellent.”

Elena scanned the reservation details. No. Not excellent. True to his word, Lucas had booked two whole weeks, which meant his stay would overlap when Scott came down on Friday. She wondered if either of them even knew they would be in town at the same time. Lucas could ruin everything for her all over again.

Kinsley picked up her coffee, about to go back to her office. “Well, I hope you enjoy your stay, Mr.…”

His eyes seared Elena’s for a brief moment. “Albright,” he answered, his deep voice as smooth as melted chocolate. “Lucas Albright.”

Kinsley cocked her head. “Lucas…Albright?”

“The third,” Elena couldn’t help adding.

Kinsley’s eyes got as wide as soup bowls. “Oh, my…” Then she looked at Elena in horror as she finally recognized the name and put the situation together.

Yeah. Oh, my was putting it mildly.

…

The pretty brunette standing next to Elena folded her arms and looked at him like she was about to declare verbal war at any second. He braced himself, but Elena placed her hand on the woman’s shoulder and said, “I’ve got this, Kinsley.”

“Okay,” Kinsley said, “but you know where to find me if there’s trouble.” She glared at him an extra beat then walked into the offices backward, keeping narrowed eyes on him as she did so.

Extra friendly staff around here, he thought wryly.

He looked at Elena, lifting one brow. “Trouble? Do you really think I’m the kind of person who would cause trouble here?”

“To be honest, I didn’t think you were the kind of person to break up friends’ engagements, so I can’t really say for sure. And I need to see I.D. and a credit card.” Her voice was measured and professional.

He handed her his license and company VISA. She reached for them and their fingers slightly grazed one another, but it was enough to send a jolt of awareness through him. Strange. He hadn’t felt a spark from a woman’s touch in a long time. Must be the adrenaline rush of closing the deal. But then he saw her eyes widen and she snatched her hand away, so she must have felt something, too.

He took a moment to study her, which wasn’t a hardship, as she typed his information into her computer. Her face was flushed and her lips were pursed. Oh, she was furious with him for showing up like this. In fact, he had a feeling that if Elena were a shark, he’d be missing both legs by now. But she was still beautiful. She had long, dark eyelashes he assumed most women would kill for and smooth cheeks he assumed most men would love to caress. His own hands itched to see if her skin was as soft as it looked.

Elena’s fingers froze over her keyboard and she glanced up. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He swallowed. Staring.

Definitely the wrong answer to give.

He backed up a step. “Nothing.”

“Then why are you even here?” she asked, placing his cards down on the counter in front of him. “There are other hotels in the area. And I thought I made it clear that I never wanted to see you again.”

“I know, but…” But what? I need your help? I need this promotion? I need your drawings? I need… “I need to work on my Christmas spirit.”

Christmas spirit? Ugh. That was the best he could do?

She folded her arms. “Oh? Been haunted by the Ghost of Christmas Past recently? I’m not surprised.”

“Cute, but no. It’s for work. Work that you…might be interested in,” he hedged.

She smiled tightly. “If you’re involved, then no, I won’t be interested. Thanks anyway.”

Riiiight. Well, whatever minor breakthrough they had in the mountains was obviously defunct. It was going to be slightly tougher to get that back so she’d be willing to work with him, but he had a little time.

“This place came highly recommended as a holiday getaway location,” he added, “since I need to take some time away from the city and relax to get in the Christmas spirit for this project I’m currently working on.” Not exactly a lie. He looked at all the festive decorations in the hotel then noticed a pamphlet on a table and picked it up. “Ooh, and look at all the events to help me do just that.” He winced when he immediately saw Christmas “sing along” and a gingerbread house decorating contest.

Seriously?

Where am I, Mayberry?

Elena chuckled. “As you can see, Cape Harmony can certainly help with your holiday spirit. Hope you brought your ugly Christmas sweater. There’s a contest this Monday at the city hall tree lighting ceremony. First prize gets a year’s supply of chocolate peppermint fudge.”

Ugly Christmas sweaters. Tree lighting ceremony. Fudge. Lucas began to sweat. Maybe there was a limit to what he would do to get Elena’s artwork.

No! Of course not. He worked too damn hard to get so close to making partner to throw it all away over some silly small-town Christmas events. He wasn’t Scrooge, after all.

He forced a grin. “I love fudge.”

She handed him his room card with a smirk. “Good luck then.”

“Thanks.” He advanced another step and leaned in. “Uh, listen, I was wondering—”

“No.”

He raised both eyebrows. “You don’t even know what I’m going to ask.”

“It doesn’t matter. The answer is still no.”

“I wanted to ask you to dinner.”

She flinched. “What? Why?” she asked with wide eyes. “You mean on a date?”

Lucas tried to hold on to the last shred of self-esteem he had after hearing the horrified tone in her question. “Uh, no. Just a friendly dinner so we can talk.”

“Oh!” she exclaimed, relief on her face. “Then definitely no.” She turned away and took off down the hallway with a purposeful click click click of her heels.

He wanted to laugh at her stubbornness; however, he knew that would only get him into more trouble. But he couldn’t help it. Even when she was trying her best to be unlikable, he found her way too charming.

“Elena,” he said, following her down the hall, “I just need you to hear me out.”

She stopped so suddenly he almost ran over her tiny frame. She turned around and they were practically nose to nose. “I’m not interested in hearing any more of your apologies, Lucas.”

“Actually, I wasn’t going to apologize.” Her brown gaze blazed, and he quickly raised spread hands in mock surrender. “I have a proposition. One that could be lucrative for you.”

She watched him with guarded eyes. “How lucrative?”

“You’ll have to listen to me to find out.”

She planted a hand on her hip. “Is this some kind of scam?”

“Absolutely not.” However, she didn’t seem pacified by that answer. Beads of sweat began to break out along the back of his neck. “It’s totally legit,” he added.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“You haven’t even heard me out. I could make you a lot of money doing everything you’re already doing. What’s the big deal? One dinner is all I’m asking.”

She stared him down for several more seconds then let out long sigh. “Oh, fine,” she muttered.

Hope sprang into his chest. “Really? You’ll have dinner with me?”

“No. I don’t have time for dinner out. You’ll just need to talk quickly, because I have to get the back room ready for Trivia Night tonight. It’s been very popular with the guests, and if I don’t set it up on time, they get ornery.”

“Tell you what,” he said, rolling up his sleeves, “let me go drop off my luggage in my room and I’ll come down and help you set up.”

She frowned. “Lucas, I don’t want your help.”

“Hey, it’s the least I can do, since you’re hearing my proposal, right?”

“You say that now, but it’s a pretty bloodthirsty crowd this week.” She sized him up. “You might not be able to handle it.”

He grinned. “I’m touched. You’re worried about my feelings getting hurt.”

“It’s not that. I just don’t want a city boy like you breaking a nail on my account.”

“Not a problem. I’m due for a manicure anyway.” He flashed his fingers in her direction.

She threw her head back and laughed, and he was struck with the thought that it was probably about the sexiest thing he’d seen in his life. Which suddenly had him second-guessing his offer to help her. That’s all he needed: having sexy thoughts about his friend’s ex. Not to mention that if Elena suspected even a fraction of what he’d been thinking, she’d ship his body back to New York in a box.

“Okay, but it’s not just Trivia Night,” she told him. “It’s Christmas Trivia Night, so be on the lookout for cheaters. These people will do anything for a box of saltwater taffy and a coupon for a free coffee and doughnut at the Drip N Sip. It’s real work keeping them corralled.”

Lucas chuckled. Elena was cute for warning him, but he’d handled plenty of cutthroat people in his line of work and in New York City in general. He doubted a few families vacationing in small-town America during the Christmas season would be problematic for him.

And if helping her got him into her good graces and she agreed to help him in exchange, then he’d consider the “work” and his time in Cape Harmony well worth it.