He didn’t suppress his groan this time.
Chapter Five
FOUR DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Why, oh, why had she let her kids talk her into coming to the book signing? But more than that, she couldn’t believe that she’d tricked her kids. Instant guilt hit her. Okay, okay, she’d actually lied to them. She’d called the book store and found out the signing was from one to three, but she’d told the kids four to six. She couldn’t believe she had lied to her kids just to keep from confronting Kyle Miller again. Whatever had possessed her?
And she’d lied to Kyle, too. Twice in twenty-four hours. She was on a roll, but it wasn’t good.
Trista pulled on her hand. “Come on, Mom. There’s going to be a long line.”
Oh, no, there wasn’t. Guilt nagged at her. She wasn’t a good liar. And that’s probably why her kids had believed her--because she had never lied to them before. Oh, sure, the shot wasn’t going to hurt that much, that type of thing--but an out-and-out lie? No.
“Remember last year when we went to the bookstore party at midnight?” asked Steven.
“That was awesome,” said Lexi, feeling worse each moment.
When they reached the book store, there was no line. Just an empty table with a big sign and a picture of the artwork of the new book.
“Oh, no,” Steven cried out. “He’s not here.”
“He’s got to be.” Trista stopped. “There’s a book signing.”
Obviously trusting their momentarily untrustworthy mother, they both turned to Lexi. She’d really done it now. She couldn’t bear the disappointment in their eyes. “I’m sorry, kids. I must have made a mistake.” Another lie. You’re doing great, Lexi. Great role model here.
Trista’s lip quivered. “I wanted him to sign our book.”
Steven, more practical, said, “Well, at least we can still buy the book.” He scowled. “Unless they’re already sold out.”
Lexi tried to keep her voice light and free of lies. “Let’s go find out.”
Luckily there were still copies left, though they were apparently going fast. Lexi purchased a copy of Jared Strong and the Mystery of the Haunted House on Walnut Grove and wondered if she would ever enjoy reading a Jared Strong book again. She’d find out tonight when her kids insisted on hearing the first chapter.
Trista sighed. “I really wanted Mr. Miller to sign it.”
Lexi did her best to soothe her daughter--as well as her own guilty conscience. “Perhaps we’ll see him around.” After all, he did live next door. Unfortunately.
“Sure, Mom. We’ll meet Mr. Miller some day. Right.” Steven shook his head and led the way down the aisle toward the front of the store.
A door opened, revealing an office.
A man stepped out in front of them. Behind him, still in the office, stood another man. She recognized him immediately. Kyle Miller.
Her heart did double time. With adrenaline pumping through her veins, she should be able to lift up the floor to hide beneath. She turned her head and hoped he wouldn’t pay attention to her.
Her kids moved past the two men. He hadn’t seen her. The kids hadn’t seen him. Relief filled her.
The men shook hands, and the other man said, “I’d like to thank you again, Mr. Miller. It was the best book signing we’ve ever had.”
Her children spun around.
Trista gasped and grabbed Steven’s arm. “It’s him.”
“No, children, you must be mistaken,” Lexi said. She was busted. “I know this man. He murders snowmen.”
Kyle held out a hand and smiled at her traitorous children. “Kyle Miller. And you are?”
“I’m Trista Anderson. And this is my brother, Steven. Oh, Mr. Miller, we’ve read all of your books. We love your books.”
He glanced at Lexi and an irritating smile twitched at the corners of his smug mouth. “Oh, you do, do you?”
Steven spoke up. “We sure do. Our mom reads them to us. She’s read us every single one, lots of times. And we just bought your new one. Would you sign it for us?”
His gaze penetrated hers. She flushed warm from her head to her toes. He knew she’d lied to him, as well. He knew she read his books to the kids. Oh, crap. “I read it to them to show them the horrendous mistakes an author can make.”
“Oh, Mom,” Trista said with a curious look on her face, “you’re so funny.”
“Yes, isn’t she?” Kyle tapped a finger against his thigh. “I’d love to sign your book.”
Steven handed it over to him, excitement shining on his face. “I can hardly wait until Mom reads this to us.”
“I figured she’d read you Dick and Jane.” Kyle Miller smiled and flicked Lexi a glance.
Oh, well. Things couldn’t get worse, could they? She might as well joke with the man. “Actually, I can hardly wait for The Snowman Murders book that you’re obviously working on now.”
“Really?” Steven asked with wide eyes.
“Your mom’s such a joker.” Kyle ignored her, and smiled at the kids. “Would you like to join me for ice cream?”
“Hey, there’s the Jared Strong guy.” A young voice called out.
Lexi looked up to see a group of excited boys moving toward the author, who glanced at his watch. “Join me at my house at seven. Otherwise, we won’t have any privacy. It’s been nice to meet you, Trista and Steven. See you later.”
He turned to greet the approaching group of boys. She was surprised he did it so graciously, as if he really cared about these kids.
Sigh. She supposed it was only snowmen who were in danger around him. But she was determined not to go inside his house again.
It wasn’t until they were in the car that Trista wailed, “But we don’t know where he lives.”
Lexi’s conscience nagged at her again, but she didn’t say a word.
* * *
Kyle glanced at his watch. Seven-fifteen.
It didn’t look as though she was going to bring her kids over. Well, it probably served him right. After all, he had destroyed her snowman, the one she’d had to fix so the camera crew could film it the following day. He still felt guilty over that--guilty enough he’d invited her and her children over. He didn’t usually do that sort of thing.
He smiled at the memory of her face when her kids had spilled the beans about her reading his books to them. He had to admit it had helped his self-esteem, too, to know the next person he’d encountered after his conversation with his brother had known who he was, after all.
Yes, he knew that in the eternal scheme of things, it didn’t matter. But in his insecure author’s heart, he needed the confirmation. Any author would feel the same.
And she had given him an absolutely wonderful idea for hiding the weapon.
He guessed he probably owed her an apology, as well. Part of him was reluctant. But another part of him, the part that had seen the kids’ faces when he’d said to come over, made him want to not disappoint them.
And, if he was totally honest with himself, there was something about the woman that intrigued him. She wasn’t the most ravishingly beautiful woman he’d ever encountered--but she made a definite vivid first impression. And second. And third.
Well, he’d just go over there. Take his ice cream and his scooper and walk right next door and knock on the door. Why not? What could she do? He already knew she read his books and loved them, and the knowledge made him smile all over again.
Yeah. He’d go over.
Chapter Six
“Okay, kids, it’s time for the angel. Help me know when she’s straight.” Lexi stepped onto the stool, and held the new white-robed tree-top angel she’d found. It was gorgeous, topped with bright red hair and holding a bouquet of tiny lights. “How do you like her?”
When Steven came back into the room from the kitchen, he tilted his head and stared at the top of the tree, his forehead wrinkled in concentration. “Why do we have Ronald McDonald on top of our tree?”
&
nbsp; Lexi caught Trista’s eye, and they laughed together.
“What’s so funny?” Steven demanded.
“Oh, sweetie. This isn’t Ronald McDonald. It’s just an angel with red hair.”
“Maybe it’s Mom,” Trista said.
The doorbell rang. Lexi glanced at her watch. Seven-twenty. Maybe it was neighbors delivering holiday goodies. “Would you go answer that, Trista, while I finish straightening Ronald McAngel?”
Trista nodded and disappeared into the entryway. Lexi hummed along with the Christmas song on the radio--Deck the Halls--and bent one of the top branches. There. The angel stood straight now.
Lexi surveyed the tree with satisfaction.
She and the kids had decorated it with wooden candy cane shapes painted to look like little horses, candy cane ornaments they’d collected, real candy canes, and red bows, and it made a striking tree. Yup. This one worked.
A squeal came from the entry area, and Trista called out urgently, “Steven, come here. Quick.”
Steven raced toward the door.
“Who is it?” Lexi asked as she started down the ladder. No one answered, but when she reached the bottom and turned around, she saw for herself.
Kyle Miller. Looking impossibly handsome, his presence filling the room though he hadn’t even entered it yet, but stood on the edge of the carpet. He smiled. “You guys didn’t come to my party, so I brought the party to you.”
“Look, Mom,” Steven yelled. “He brought us ice cream. We’re going to have ice cream with Kyle Miller.”
“How’d you know where we live?” asked Trista.
“I’ve got connections.” He smiled. “Besides, it wasn’t hard to discover. I live right next door.”
The kids’ eyes grew larger.
“We live next door to Kyle Miller,” Steven said in hushed, awed tones.
Lexi resisted rolling her eyes at the hero worship. Like the guy needed a bigger head. “Need more titles for your snowman capers?”
Kyle smiled at Steven and handed him a bag. “If it’s okay with your mother, why don’t you go scoop up the ice cream for us?”
The kids looked at her. She was trapped. She smiled what must be a sickly smile. “Sure.” Yeah. Scoop it up. Great. She’d known she couldn’t keep her kids from learning he lived next door for long--but she wasn’t ready to deal with this tonight.
As the kids raced off toward the kitchen, Kyle took a step into the room. “Listen, we got off to a bad start the other day, and I’d like to fix that, if I could. I’m very sorry that I ruined your snowman. This house has been empty for so long and the neighbors are always decorating my yard with lights and snowmen.” He smiled again. “They think it’s funny to Christmas my yard. I didn’t realize it was your snowman, or that anyone would care what I did with it. But I’m very sorry.” Then he just stood there, all handsome and solemn, waiting for her to speak.
Well, she’d be a total jerk if she didn’t accept an apology that nice. She stepped forward, too. “I forgive you.” She scowled in mock ferocity. “But don’t think that’s going to keep me from coming up with future titles for your books.”
To her surprise, he laughed. “So what’s the title of the day?”
“Let’s see.” She put her fingers to her forehead, stretching out the moment. “To Kill A Snowman.”
“I like it.”
She relaxed. And that was probably a foolish thing to do with a handsome man like this. Especially one who had that “interested” gleam in his eye, whose smile warmed her, and who seemed to fit in too easily with her family. She needed to keep up her guard.
She didn’t need a man in her life. Remember?
Everything was fine just the way it was.
No changes.
Remember?
And then her kids raced back into the room, their faces bright with delight at having their favorite author here.
* * *
Kyle watched the expression on Lexi’s face and wondered what made her look so pale.
She must have realized he still held his coat, because she finally offered to take it from him, and hung it in a closet.
“Your house looks great.”
“Well, it should.” Finally, she smiled. He’d guessed right--without the scowl, she was very pretty. “I have a decorating show and people expect it of me.”
“A show?” he parroted, sounding like an idiot. That must have been what the film crew had been doing yesterday.
The little girl spoke up proudly. “On Channel Four. Alexis Anderson.” She sounded like she knew he’d recognized her mother’s name.
He did recognize her mother’s name. That’s why she’d looked so familiar. “You’re Alexis Anderson? The up-and-coming Martha Stewart of the new millennium?”
“Guilty.” Lexi smiled. “Only without the prison term.”
“You look taller on television.” He whistled. “No wonder your house looks gorgeous.”
“Thanks.” She motioned toward the kitchen and the two kids who stood there, waiting for him. “Besides, I love Christmas.”
“Well, of course you love Christmas. You’re paid to love Christmas.”
Instead of being offended, she simply smiled. “I already loved Christmas. I just also happen to get paid for it now.”
“My family should have called you to host the family party, not me. I’m no good at this kind of thing.”
She led the way into the kitchen, and the kids fell back with him, and started asking questions. The questions all kids asked him: What’s going to happen in the next Jared Strong book? Will Melinda ever get Jared to notice her? Will anyone ever outsmart Jared?
By the time he’d given his standard answers--can’t reveal any secrets ahead of time; maybe; and never--he was seated at the table in the kitchen.
Lexi sat across from him. The kids sat on either side like bookends.
And suddenly the scene overwhelmed him. Everything was perfect. She’d just moved in, but her house was already totally decorated. He’d lived out of boxes for six months after his own move. Everywhere he looked touches of home and holidays jumped out at him.
On the front door hung a large red and green wreath.
In the living room, the beautiful candy cane tree appealed to the little boy in him.
In the entryway, large whimsical wooden reindeers pulled a sleigh filled with brightly wrapped gifts, and on top sat a stuffed Santa.
Boughs of holly entwined their way up the oak banister.
Mistletoe hung in the doorway to the kitchen.
Cinnamon and baked bread scented the air.
The closing notes of Deck the Halls faded, and Silent Night, Holy Night rang out.
His mother’s favorite Christmas carol. Homesickness swept through him. Not for his house, or his father’s or his brother’s. But for the home of his childhood, before his mother had died on Christmas Eve and left him and his dad and his two brothers to muddle through each subsequent Christmas season with just one skinny little Wednesday’s tree and a sleighful of aching hearts.
He needed to get out of here so he could breathe. At the same time, he wanted to stay and be part of a real family Christmas, if only for a few moments.
Before he could do anything, the boy asked him another question.
He took a deep breath for calm, and tried to listen.
* * *
Lexi watched Kyle across the table. He seemed so far away, as if he were in one of his books instead of here.
Her son repeated his question. “Mr. Miller, do you ever go speak at schools and stuff?”
That brought his attention back to the table. “Please, call me Kyle.”
Steven glowed.
“And, yes, sometimes I do speak at schools.”
“Would you come speak at my school?”
Lexi said, “Steven!”
“No, that’s all right. I’d like that, but I’m on deadline right now. I won’t be able to do it until I’ve s
ent my book to my editor.”
The boy’s face fell. “Oh.”
Trista said, “Steven’s birthday is on January fourth and we’re having a big party. Would you like to come over for cake and ice cream, Mr. Mil--um, Kyle?”
Kyle caught Lexi’s eye. Slowly a smile widened on his face. “Sure. What time?”
Steven’s eyes got big. “You’ll come to my birthday party?”
He shrugged. “Sure. Why not? I like parties. You’re going to have cake and ice cream, aren’t you?”
“Yeah.” Steven’s grin filled his whole face. “I’m gonna have Kyle Miller at my birthday party. Wow. Thanks.”
Kyle smiled.
Lexi didn’t. “It’s very nice of Mr. Miller to offer to do such a nice thing, but I’m sure he’s much too busy to come here for your party during his deadline.”
“Ah, Mom.” Trista frowned. “He said he would.”
“Really. It’s okay.” Kyle said and his eyes darkened, though with what emotion Lexi couldn’t tell.
Before Lexi could say anything else, Steven overflowed with excitement. “This is so cool. My friends aren’t going to believe it. Kyle Miller will actually be at my party, and maybe you could read some of your book to us. Maybe we could have a mystery party like Mike had.”
Even Trista was swept away. “Oh, Mom, can I invite my friends, too? Maybe we could dress up like some of the characters. I’ll be Melinda.”
“And I’ll be Jared Strong!” Steven stood up and struck a heroic pose. “Ta-dah!”
Dismayed, Lexi saw change she wasn’t ready for. She didn’t want anyone to come in and upset their life. Her children were very vulnerable and she didn’t want them disappointed. She didn’t want to be in this man’s debt. She’d worked too hard to be independent.
She felt compelled to offer him something in exchange. “Hey, kids, why don’t you go up and get our first three Jared Strong books and ask Mr. Miller if he’ll autograph them for you.”
“Cool,” Steven said.
As the kids raced up the stairs, Lexi turned to Kyle. “It’s very kind of you to offer, but I need to do something for you in return.”
* * *
He raised an eyebrow, wondering what new, surprising thing she would come up with next. “What did you have in mind?”
“I’ll allow you to do my son’s birthday party.”
“Very generous of you.” He smiled.
She smiled back, brightly. “In exchanged, I’ll do your family’s Christmas party.”