Deadly Christmas Read online

  “If it’s last minute Christmas shopping on your mind, I’m sure we have some pieces here that will fit whatever you’re looking for,” Art said, gesturing toward the display case. “I can give it to you for cost.”

  “That’s very generous,” James said. “I’m actually going to buy my wife, mother and sister something here. I’ve found something for everyone and put the items on hold. I’m paying full price, though.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “It is necessary,” James countered. “You’re paying me to do a job. I don’t need other perks on the side.”

  “If it’s not Christmas shopping on your mind, why can’t you stay another night?” Art pressed.

  “Because I can’t be away from my wife for another night,” James replied, guileless. He didn’t care if he sounded schmaltzy. “I miss her so much it hurts.”

  Art’s reaction wasn’t what James was expecting. “Well, that’s the best answer I’ve ever heard,” he said. “It’s nice that you and your wife are so close.”

  “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” James said, nodding. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, to be honest. I want to take more out-of-state jobs, but I can’t take long stretches away from her. Quite frankly, one night is too long to be away from her.”

  “Why don’t you bring her with you?” Art asked, furrowing his brow. “I know I wouldn’t have a problem if you had her in the same hotel room. It’s the same cost to me. I’m sure most other people wouldn’t care either … as long as her presence didn’t get in the way of your work.”

  “It’s not me that’s the problem,” James replied, moving to the security monitor and booting up the new system. It officially went online in two hours. Then he had to monitor it for the rest of the afternoon to make sure there were no kinks. After that he was officially free to return to his blonde. “My wife has a job and she’s serious about doing it.”

  “What does she do?”

  “She’s a clerk at the county courthouse,” James answered. “I’m not particularly fond of it, but she won’t leave until … well, until she feels she can. It’s all very convoluted and annoying.”

  “I would think you make enough money for both of you,” Art said. “Why not force her to quit?”

  James snorted. “Yeah, trying to force my wife to do something she doesn’t want to do is like trying to make a cat like water,” he said. “She’s going to do what she wants to do regardless of what I think.”

  “You’re the man, though.”

  James stilled. Art was older, in his early sixties if James had to guess. He had an antiquated way of looking at things. His wife, Ava, was thirty-five years his junior. James never said it out loud, but he had a feeling the rich businessman was paying for the privilege of his much younger wife. That wasn’t a life James was interested in living, and the ideals associated with it were distasteful.

  “I like my wife to have a mind of her own,” James said, wondering briefly if he was sticking his foot in his mouth. “I fell in love with her because she was outspoken.”

  “She sounds like a pain in the ass,” Art said.

  James ran his tongue over his teeth, tugging on his limited patience as he regarded the man who would be signing a huge check over to Hardy Brothers Security in a few hours. “She is definitely a pain in the ass,” he said finally. “I still love her with my whole heart. I wouldn’t change a single thing about her.”

  “That’s not how I like my women,” Art said. “That’s why Ava is so great. She does what she’s told and she doesn’t complain when I tell her to sit there and look pretty.”

  James swallowed the mad urge to laugh as he pictured Mandy’s response to the same instructions. “My wife is the best person I know,” he said. “I wouldn’t want her to be any different than she already is. I like her mouthy.”

  “Well, if that gets your motor running … ,” Art said, although James could tell he was still dubious. “You’ll probably change your mind by the time you move on to the second one. My first wife was mouthy, too. When I was picking out my third one, I knew better what to look for.”

  James tamped down his irritation. “I’m only going to have one wife,” he said. “She’s all I need.”

  “It’s easy to say that when you’re young,” Art said. “Priorities shift when you get older.”

  James didn’t argue further. He didn’t feel it necessary when he already had one foot on a plane back to his wife. He knew without a doubt, though, that his first marriage was built to last. There would never be anyone else for him, and for that he would be eternally grateful.

  “WHERE is Art?”

  James glanced up from his computer screen a few hours later, his gaze falling on the platinum blonde goddess Art hitched his third marriage attempt on. Ava Carmichael was … hard to describe.

  She was young and lithe, her body honed from hours in the gym and constant diets. Her hair color obviously came out of a bottle, and her fingers were topped off with acrylic monstrosities that looked as if they could claw a man’s eyes out if she was so inclined.

  She was dressed in an expensive suit – one James had no doubt cost more than every item in Mandy’s closet combined – and her six-inch pumps showed off her legs to perfection.

  James couldn’t stand her. She was overtly sexual and expected men to fall at her feet. She flirted with him nonstop – as long as her husband wasn’t in the room, that is – and she made it very clear she would be willing to stop into his hotel room if he so desired. James was glad this would be the last time he had to see her.

  “He went out to pick up lunch,” James replied, keeping his focus on the computer monitor. There hadn’t been so much as a blip on the new system since installation. In exactly one hour he would be able to collect the gifts he’d purchased for Mandy, Ally and his mother – and then put California in his rearview mirror. He couldn’t wait.

  “Oh,” Ava said, wrinkling her nose. Since everything else about the woman screamed “fake” – including her pumped-up cleavage – James figured her perfectly sculptured nose was also on the list of enhancements Art’s money paid for. “I thought he would be here. I need the black credit card. I want to buy a boat.”

  “He should be back in a few minutes.”

  “I guess that gives us time to hang out,” Ava said, moving toward James with slinky purpose. “Are you coming to our Christmas party tonight?”

  James fought to hide his revulsion to Ava’s proximity. She made his skin crawl. “I’m hopping on a plane as soon as I’m done here,” he said. “I’ve already checked out of the hotel and all of my bags are in my rental. Sorry. I couldn’t stay even if I wanted to.” Which I don’t, he silently added.

  “We’re having it catered by the finest restaurant in the area,” Ava said.

  “I … .” James had no idea if that was meant to entice him. “I’m going home. I’m actually looking forward to it. California is a nice place to visit, but I’m anxious to get back to Michigan.”

  Ava made a face. “Isn’t there snow in Michigan right now? Art mentioned wanting to check on our store out there. I can’t go out there if there’s snow.”

  That was a relief. James forced a smile. “I like seasons,” he said. “Summer is my favorite, although my wife prefers fall.” James brought Mandy up as often as he could. He hoped Ava would catch on and back off. It never seemed to work. “The last month of winter is a pain, but by the time February rolls around, spring is so welcome that you hardly remember how bad the winter was.”

  Ava didn’t look convinced. “Why would your wife like fall? Isn’t it cold … and dark … and rainy in the fall? What kind of woman likes the fall?”

  James didn’t believe in hitting women. For some reason, though, he wished Ally was in California to do it for him. “She likes horror movies,” James replied. “She likes wearing cute little boots and she loves a good mug of hot chocolate. This year we went to one of those haunted mazes out in the northern comm
unities and she had a great time.”

  “That sounds horrible.”

  “Well, she likes it,” James said.

  “What do you like?” Ava asked, her eyes predatory as they moved up and down James’ strong body. “Do you like hokey haunted mazes?”

  “I actually had a great time at the maze,” James said, skirting around Ava so he could check the monitors behind the display case again. He was really looking for a way to put distance between the two of them. “I liked most of the haunted houses we went to, also. I hated the last one, but that was for different reasons.”

  “Wouldn’t you rather live in a place like California, where it’s always warm and sunny?” Ava pressed.

  “Nope.”

  “But the women back in Michigan must be so … pedestrian.” Ava wasn’t giving up. It was almost as if she realized she was running out of time and decided to put all her cards on the table.

  “My wife is the most amazing person I know and she’s not pedestrian,” James countered. “You don’t know her. I would appreciate it if you stopped talking about her.”

  “I … well … I didn’t mean anything by it,” Ava sniffed.

  “We both know that’s not true,” James said, refusing to play Ava’s game. “My wife is magical. When she smiles the whole world gets brighter. I don’t know any woman in California – or the rest of the world, for that matter – who can hold a candle to her.” James meant every word.

  “Maybe you haven’t met the right woman yet,” Ava suggested.

  “I’m positive that’s not the case.”

  “Maybe you have met the right woman and you’re just so … caught up in being a good guy that you can’t see clearly,” Ava said, changing tactics. “No one says you can’t keep your wife and have fun on the side.”

  That did it. James was at his wit’s end. “I say that I can’t,” he said. “I don’t know how it works in your marriage, but in mine we don’t cheat on each other. I wouldn’t want to cheat on Mandy even if I could. The thought of it makes me sick.

  “In fact, the idea of anyone going after me when they know I’m devoted to my wife makes me sick,” he continued, his message pointed. “The whole endeavor reeks of desperation and if it’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s a desperate woman.”

  Ava was affronted. “Now you wait just a second … .”

  Whatever she was about to say was cut off by the bell jangling above the front door. Art moved into the display room, his arms full of food bags. Ava wisely took a step back at the appearance of her husband.

  “I got sandwiches from a local deli,” Art said. “Do you like sandwiches, James?”

  “I love them,” James replied, exhaling heavily. Art’s appearance meant that Ava couldn’t play more games. This was the last time he would have to see her so he was thrilled with that realization. “I will say you have great sandwiches out here.”

  “Doesn’t your wife cook?” Art asked.

  James snorted. “My wife can’t cook.”

  “That doesn’t sound like a very good wife,” Ava said.

  Art’s reaction to Ava’s pronouncement was almost comical. “When have you ever cooked? I hired a chef at the house because you can’t cook.”

  “I oversee the chef,” Ava replied primly. “That’s the same as cooking.”

  “Not really,” Art said, turning back to James. “Did you know your wife couldn’t cook when you married her?”

  “My wife has many talents and gifts, but cooking has never been part of the package,” James replied. “I’m fine with it. We order takeout. We grill. We go out a lot. Personally, I prefer going out and ordering takeout because that allows my wife to focus her other considerable … talents … on me without having to worry about providing meals.”

  Art smirked. “I see. It sounds like you and your wife have quite the marriage.”

  “I honestly never thought marriage would be like this,” James admitted. “It was something I never planned on doing – at least not for a really long time. Then I saw her and … I knew all those plans were going to fly right out the window.”

  “That sounds romantic,” Ava said, her face dreamy.

  “It is,” James replied, shaking himself out of his reverie. “She’s my other half. Hell, she’s my better half. I never understood what people meant when they said that. Now I know.”

  “And now I know why you’re so desperate to get back to her,” Art said, his smile genuine. “I hope you and your wife have a fantastic Christmas.”

  “You, too,” James said, projecting a fake smile in Ava’s direction.

  “Oh, it’s definitely going to be a great Christmas for me,” Ava said. “I’m going to buy a boat. Speaking of that, Art, I need the black credit card.”

  Art dramatically sighed but otherwise remained silent as he dug into his wallet. James internally chastised himself for every instance he made fun of Mandy and her shopping habits. Ava gave him unwanted insight into the mind of a woman who really liked to spend money. James was never more thankful for what he had than when forced to spend time with Ava.

  “The security system is set and in place,” James said. “You’re ready to roll and … I’m out of here.”

  “Have a good Christmas, James.”

  “I have every intention of having the best Christmas ever,” James replied. “I just need to get back to my wife to do it.”

  Three

  Three flight delays – one for ice on the runway in Detroit – had James seeing red by the time he pulled into his driveway a little after midnight. The house looked quiet and James was annoyed that his fantasy homecoming wasn’t going to happen. Mandy probably fell asleep waiting for him. He was four hours later than he expected, and even though he managed to text her an update, James could practically read the disappointment in the responding text.

  James killed the engine of his Ford Explorer and grabbed his bag out of the back seat. He quietly let himself into the house, dropping his bag on the floor at the bottom of the stairs and locking the door before moving farther into the house.

  It was dark, the only light coming from the Christmas tree in the living room. James frowned. Mandy promised not to decorate without him. She’d been looking forward to doing it as a couple. Had she lost patience and filled her evening with tree trimming? James’ heart painfully rolled at the prospect. He shouldn’t have left her so close to Christmas. He’d made the happiest time of the year miserable for them both.

  When James walked into the living room he realized that the tree was bare except for the twinkling lights. There, under the tree and on top of the festive skirt they’d purchased together the previous year, James’ beloved wife slept.

  James studied her for a moment, her flaxen tresses spread out over her shoulders. She was on her side, her shoulders bare. That’s when James realized she’d wrapped herself up for him – like the ultimate Christmas gift – and she was waiting for him to unwrap her.

  She had a satiny bow tied over her breasts, although the bow appeared to have shifted in sleep and was hanging dangerously low. She was wearing a matching pair of panties and nothing else.

  Love washed over James and it was quickly followed by regret. She’d made big plans for his return and all he wanted now was to scoop her up in his arms and crawl into bed. He would finally be able to sleep if he had her with him.

  James shuffled over to the tree, being careful not to make any noise. He bent over and gently rolled Mandy into his arms, hoisting her up and cradling her close to his chest.

  “James?” Mandy forced her sleepy eyes open.

  “Hello, my baby,” James murmured, dropping a soft kiss on her mouth. “I’ve never been so happy to see anyone in my entire life.”

  “I … .” Mandy was always muddled when she first woke up. She seemed especially confused now. “What time is it?”

  “It’s after midnight, baby,” James said, carrying her out of the living room and toward the staircase. He walked past his bag, ignoring it as he
started to climb the steps. Unpacking could wait for the morning. He had all he needed for the next eight hours. Check that: He had everything he needed for the rest of his life. She was warm and snuggly, and James was desperate to crawl under the covers and hold her.

  “I’m sorry I fell asleep,” Mandy said. “I had big plans for you. Just give me a second to wake up.”

  “I don’t want you to wake up.”

  “But … .” Mandy bit her bottom lip and James could read the worry there. “I thought you would want to spend time with me when you got back. I thought that would be the first thing on your mind.”

  James chuckled, the sound warm as it washed over Mandy. “I thought it would be the first thing on my mind, too,” he said. “I didn’t realize I would be exhausted because of the trip. All I really want is to go to sleep with you. We can celebrate tomorrow morning.”

  “Are you sure?” Mandy was conflicted. “I wanted to give you a great memory. I … wanted you to unwrap me.” Her smile was rueful. Sometimes it was hard for her to admit certain things because she was certain he was going to laugh at her.

  “Oh, I’m going to unwrap you, wife,” James said, nudging their bedroom door open with his toe. “I’m going to do it when I have the energy to unwrap you properly, though. My whole body hurts and I’m exhausted. You can welcome me home the right way in the morning.”

  James balanced Mandy’s small frame against his hip as he pulled the covers down. He placed her on the mattress, gave her body one more appreciative look, and then pulled the covers over her. It didn’t take him long to strip, making sure he was completely bare for the promised reunion in the morning.

  James climbed in next to Mandy, immediately sliding his arm under her waist and tugging her body on top of his. They’d been sleeping this way for more than a year now. It was their natural slumber state these days.

  Mandy slipped her face into the hollow between James’ neck and shoulder, sighing loudly as she tightened an arm around his waist. “Finally,” she murmured.

  James kissed her forehead. “I wasn’t joking, Mandy. I’m not leaving you again. My poor heart can’t take it.”