Home for the Holidays Read online

  Home for the Holidays

  Lucy Darling

  Copyright © 2020 by Lucy Darling

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  “When the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands.”

  – Maria Shriver

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Epilogue

  Only Her

  Chapter 1

  Also by Lucy Darling

  CONNECT WITH ME!

  Summary

  Escaping the big city to go home for the holidays is the only bright light in the year I’ve had. I’m constantly surrounded by people, but I’ve never felt more alone or out of place. Going home had been the plan until a historic snowfall downs all air traffic.

  Well, not all of it. A handsome billionaire with a private plane can still fly, and when he asks me to accompany him for the holidays and pretend to be his fiancé, we strike a deal.

  They say Logan Duncan is hard, brooding, and seemingly cold. But with me he manages to send hot tingles down my spine whenever he touches me and holds me close. He makes this all feel too real. The closer we get the more I see he’s never been loved. I make it my mission to show him the magic of Christmas.

  My holidays started out grounded, but now they’re soaring. The only problem is, what happens when I want this fake fiancé to be the real thing?

  1

  Angel

  I love snow. It’s one of the many things I love about the holidays. Everything looks so pristine when it’s covered in a fresh blanket of it. I’ve been so excited to get home to see snow again. But Mother Nature has decided to play a cruel joke on me. Snow is going to be the very thing that’s going to keep me stranded in LA.

  It hasn't snowed in LA in more than fifty years. I look out the window of my small apartment that I share with three other girls. Small snowflakes fall to the ground. It wasn’t even supposed to start until tonight. I didn’t think I had anything to worry about because by then I’d be back home and in my parents’ house to enjoy three weeks off of work.

  I’m looking forward to being back in Rocky Hill. I need this trip. I’m barely hanging on by a thread, and now everything might be ruined. The disappointment makes my stomach hurt. I know that a drive home would take days, not to mention how hazardous the roads might be along the way. I also don’t have a car, so there’s that.

  “Can we use your room for storage while you’re gone?” Victoria asks. I peek over my shoulder to look at her. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.

  These models and actresses out here can’t handle the cold. This is the first time I’ve ever seen Victoria in so much clothing. Unlike me, who’s on the shorter and curvier side, the girls I live with are stick thin and have legs for days.

  “I-”

  “Thanks.” She cuts me off before I can answer, turning to head back to her bedroom but not before she cranks the heat up more. It’s already a freaking sauna in here. Barbie comes stumbling out of her room next. She doesn't say a word as she makes her way to the coffee machine.

  “What is this?” she snaps. Crap. I rush over toward the coffee pot and grab my sugar container.

  “Sorry.” She only glares at me. I had no idea how hard living with models was going to be. They get pissed if I leave any sweets or unhealthy things in the fridge. “If you cut the sweets—” Her pretty blue eyes flick over me, finishing her sentence for her.

  I really wish my roommates were as pretty on the inside as they are on the outside. I often think sometimes they are only mean to me because they must always be hangry. Now that is something I can relate to.

  “Morning.” I give her a soft smile that does nothing. My mom is going to have to explain this whole kill people with kindness thing because all these girls are still alive and kicking.

  “Aren't you supposed to be gone already?”

  I ignore her, going back to my bedroom and putting the sugar on top of the mini fridge I have in there. It’s where I keep most of my food.

  The only things in the kitchen refrigerator are bottles of water, a box of baking soda, and yogurt. The freezer isn't much better, with only grapes in it. I feel insulted whenever they call those frozen grapes dessert.

  That was another thing I was looking forward to. All the home cooking my mom and I planned to do over the next three weeks. I know it’s going to be amazing. My throat grows tight thinking about not making it home. I missed Thanksgiving at home this year. I didn’t have enough time to take off for both, so I saved up all my time so I could stay for one long trip.

  Of course when Mom heard what I was planning, she, Dad, and my brother showed up here for a surprise visit. They rented an Airbnb for the long weekend. It was wonderful, but there is nothing like being home for the holidays.

  My phone dings, letting me know the driver is here. I roll out my two giant suitcases from my bedroom toward the front door.

  “Bye,” I say to Barbie, who rolls her eyes at me.

  “Let me get those,” the driver says, taking the bags from me.

  “Thanks.” I look up at the snow, which seems to be falling harder than it was ten minutes ago before I get into the car.

  “They’ve already cancelled some flights,” the driver informs me. I quickly check my phone but see that mine is still on schedule.

  “I’m good.” He gives a nod and pulls out, heading toward the airport. My phone dings with a text from my brother telling me to text him with my flight information before takeoff. The drive to the airport is slow due to the worsening weather.

  When I make it in and past security without my flight being cancelled, I let out a giant sigh of relief. I’m going to make it home. No sooner than I have the thought my phone dings with an alert.

  My stomach drops as I look down at my phone. I don’t have to read the message to know my flight isn't only delayed but cancelled. The people around me all let out curses and groans.

  My eyes start to burn with tears. I’m a terrible crier. My face turns red and starts to swell. Not to mention I can’t do it quietly. And I know I’m about to burst into tears. I’ve been so freaking homesick.

  I grab the handle of my carry-on bag, needing to get away from everyone to breathe. I walk quickly, not sure why I think I can find somewhere to be alone. I take a sharp turn, thinking I’m going into a dark nook, but the door is open, going down a long hallway. I head down it, the sounds of the people behind me fading away as I break into some waiting room.

  I drop down into one of the chairs, burying my face in my hands before I burst into tears.

  2

  Logan

  “Don’t kill me.” I look up from the email I’m reading on my phone as Kelly and I make our way to the airport. We’ve been in LA for a week now, and I was ready to get the hell out of here. Though it may not be all that terrible if I got stuck out here over the holidays. At least I wouldn't have to see my family. T
hat would be a nice perk.

  “What did you do?” I know it can’t be over the Canister deal. The three-day grace period to break the contract is over, and I made a killer deal on a shipping port.

  It was going to not only make me millions on my imports, but it was going to save me money as well. Land like that is hard to get out there. A decade ago, my family owned one there. Then my father went and sold it because he needed the money. In the long run, it only hurt the company. That was all my father seemed to do when it came to Duncan Imports and Exports.

  Under his reign of the company, he blew through a few billion dollars, taking the company to its knees about the same time I was graduating college. I stepped into a mess and started cleaning it up. It wasn't long before my father was off the board and I had taken his spot. My grandfather was on the committee and voted his own son out and me in.

  I’ve turned things around not only because it is my job but because it’s my family name. And to be totally honest, it was also a small fuck you to my father as well. It’s always nice to get a few in on that bastard.

  “I can’t do the holidays with you and your family.”

  “What?” I pull at my tie I still have on. “Why the hell not? We’re engaged.”

  “Tell them I’m sick?” Kelly suggests.

  “They’ll think you’re knocked up,” I say dryly. That would spread like wildfire.

  “I’ve met someone. I’m sorry, Logan. It was fast, and well, I’m pretty sure I’m in love and hope that maybe one day soon she’ll let me knock her up.” I stare at Kelly waiting for her to laugh and tell me she’s joking. But her laughter never comes. Shit.

  This whole fake engagement shit started when the board suggested I settle down to put some people at ease. Kelly actually made the suggestion. It worked out well. With her being into women, she could still date and no one would think she was out cheating on me. As for me, I didn't get to do anything. It wasn’t only due to the whole engagement thing. I don’t have the time or inclination to date for real.

  I drop my head back, closing my eyes. I can already see my mother trying to hook me up with someone. She is all about image. Not much matters to her other than that. She was pissed when I told her Kelly and I were engaged.

  Kelly didn't come from a rich family or bring any connections that my mom deemed as worthy to the table. That was another perk to being engaged to her. It made my mom mad. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t give me some sort of pleasure.

  “I’m going to miss you taking my mother on.” I let out a long sigh. Kelly never let my mom get away with her backhanded compliments. She didn’t outwardly call her out on them; she just tossed them right back at her, and Kelly’s cut to the bone. It was entertaining to watch. “I guess I’m supposed to say congratulations,” I grumble.

  “Come on. We had to break up at some point. Everyone is already asking why we haven’t gotten married yet.” I don’t say anything. There isn't anything to say. She found someone. I’m happy for her. Kind of. Marriage and the whole kids thing looks miserable, if you ask me. My parents can’t stand each other. Who would willingly sign up for a lifetime of that bullshit? Not me. No fucking thanks.

  “Would it be so bad for you to try to date? You might actually want to get married if you find the right person.” I glare at her. “I know we said marriage is for losers, but we might be wrong.”

  “There is something wrong with you. I can’t believe those words came from your mouth.”

  “Yeah, I know. I think love makes you do and say crazy things.” She lets out a small laugh before her face grows serious. “All we do is work, Logan. From the moment we left college we’ve had our feet on the pavement. I don’t want my entire life to be work anymore.”

  “And look what we’ve done.” Fuck, I hate change, and this has change written all over it.

  “I really wish I could explain what I’m feeling so you would understand, but I think this is one of those things you have to live and learn yourself to understand fully.” She’s drunk the Kool Aid, and I don’t think there is saving Kelly at this point.

  We ride the rest of the way to the airport in silence. We both grab our bags and hurriedly make our way to the private entrance area knowing we need to get wheels up before the runways start to get any slicker than they already are. Kelly alerts them that we’re here and to bring the plane around as we walk quickly.

  I lean up against the wall, playing with my phone as we wait. My eyes are drawn to a dark-haired girl that is pulling a piece of luggage coming our way. I stand up straighter as she starts to draw closer. Her head is down, and I will her to look up at me. Why? I have no fucking clue. But I can’t seem to stop myself from staring at her.

  For a brief moment I see her face. Full cheeks that are flushed with plump lips and a button nose. She’s a tiny thing.

  “You’re staring.” Kelly elbows me in the side. I keep right on staring, not wanting to look away from the young girl. When she drops her face into her hands and bursts into tears, I find myself moving. Kelly grabs my arm. “What are you doing?” I look from Kelly to the girl. What was I doing? “Actually, never mind.”

  She releases my arm before I can shake her off, and I continue on my path straight for the beautiful girl crying her heart out, knowing nothing could stop me. I am a sick bastard. She’s crying her eyes out, and I’m harder than I’ve even been in my whole fucking life.

  3

  Angel

  “Are you okay?” I jerk my head up at the sound of someone talking. I look up at a man in a fancy suit towering over me. His dark green eyes stare down at me almost to the point of glaring. His hands are in his pockets.

  “I’ll be okay.” I sniffle. He pulls out a handkerchief from the inside of his suit, handing it to me. “Thanks.” Of course one of the hottest men I’ve ever seen in person is in front of me right now. I’m sure I look like a hot mess. This day is getting worse by the second.

  “Are you waiting for your plane?” the man asks.

  I shake my head no. “My flight was cancelled.”

  He gives me a puzzled look. “The private flights are still heading out for the next”—the handsome man looks down at his watch—“thirty minutes.”

  I glance around the area I’m sitting in. “I was booked on a commercial flight.” Clearly. I blow my nose into the soft napkin. I hear a soft laugh which draws my attention to the woman who is about ten feet behind the man in front of me. I’m guessing it’s his wife. She too is dressed in a suit. She’s stunning. They make a beautiful couple.

  “Where are you headed?” he asks.

  “I was hoping to get home.” I notice the handkerchief he handed me has his initials embroidered into it. “Oh my God! I’m so sorry. I blew my nose in this.” I bet it’s one of those crazy expensive handkerchiefs that's a hundred dollars or something nuts for a small square of cloth.

  “Is your boyfriend waiting at home for you?”

  My eyes jerk back to him. Is he trying to see if I'm single? All I can think about is that I’m a freaking mess and that I’ve ruined his handkerchief. Why is he asking me about a boyfriend when his wife is standing a few feet away? I shake my head no, but I have to admit that I’m a little annoyed.

  “Family.”

  “Where?”

  “Rocky Hill.”

  “What’s your name?”

  “Angel.”

  His eyes roam over me, and he smirks.

  “Logan, our plane is ready,” the woman behind him says.

  “Give me your ID, Angel.” He holds his hand out. I find myself digging for it in my purse. My Kindle and a few other things fall out onto the floor in the process. He bends down, picking them up. The screen of my Kindle comes on, and I watch his thumb slide over it to open it.

  “Don’t!” I smack his hand, making him drop it. It hits the ground again. I cringe, hoping I didn't break it.

  He stares at me in shock for a moment. “You hit me.”

  The woman behind him lets out
a small laugh.

  “Oops?” I say. I can’t believe I hit him either, but a Kindle is private.

  “I think you meant to say sorry, Angel. Now if you would give me your ID.” I go back to finding it for him. I just tossed it into my bag after I got through security. This is what I get for not putting it back into its slot.

  “Found it.” I hold it up. “Wait. Why do you want this?” He snatches it out of my hand, taking it over to the woman at the counter. They share a few hushed words before he returns to me.

  “I think it might be our lucky day. I can get you to Rocky Hill, and you can get me through the holidays.” I furrow my eyebrows because I have no idea what he’s talking about.

  “What?” I finally ask, confused. “You’ll get me home?” That’s the only part I really hear. I jump to my feet and throw myself at him. He catches me, taking a step back. I hug him tight.

  “I said I can get you home, Angel. I didn't say I would.” I release my hold on him. but I don’t go anywhere. I realize my feet are dangling at least a foot off the ground. But he’s not making any attempt to put me down. It’s then I remember that his wife is standing behind us. Before I can say I’m sorry, he starts talking.

  “I need a fake fiancée, and you need a plane. I’m sure we can work something out.”

  “We’re good to go.” The woman holds up my ID. Her eyes bounce between Logan and me. I think it’s safe to say they aren't a thing because the man holding me is looking for a fiancé?