Page 74 of Holiday Hopefuls
My entire system freezes, with the exception of my driving capabilities. Thank all that is holy.
But even those become endangered when Callie reaches across the console and rests a dainty hand on my leg for thebriefest moment. “Thank you,” she says, her warm voice melting away any residual anxiety. “It’s perfect.”
If my face was heated before, it’s undoubtedly on fire now.I hope she likes what’s in my bag as much as she likes the mug.
“And, uh, Ian and Aaron always get me a new baby for birthdays and Christmases.” Callie takes another sip from her new mug. “Since they usually go in together, I’ve got some expensive plants,” she laughs.
Indulging in the twinge of one hundred percent irrational jealousy, I ask the question I’ve wondered since that first night in the bar. “How did you and Ian become so close? And, I guess, his brother too, for that matter?”
My girl puts the tumbler back in the cupholder, and resituates herself to get comfortable in her seat. “Nothing too crazy. They moved in next door?—”
“To the next mansion?”
“Pretty much. Their dad is one of the big wigs in Benedict International’s software division. And they have family money, too.” Callie shrugs, as if it’s all so normal. But to her, it is. “Ian was right between the twins’ and my age, while Aaron was Connie and Chris’s age. Since the twins had each other, they really weren’t interested in anyone else. At least, that’s what I thought until Connie told me otherwise. I’d decided at a young age I wanted to teach. I would play School with my stuffed animals since no one else would play with me.”
“Not even Connie?”
Callie hesitates, considering her next words. “She did, sometimes. But I think she always felt guilty leaving Chris, so it was usually pretty brief. It was fine—I was typically left to my own devices. So when I found out that their mom was an elementary teacher, I suddenly found their home much more interesting than the Rutherford ivory tower.” She scoffs. “That’swhat all the kids in our classes called our house, anyway. No one was allowed over.”
“I’m surprised you all weren’t homeschooled,” I admit.
“You and me, both,” she laughs. “Their mom is amazing. Their dad, too. Mrs. Fairchild actually teaches right across the hall from me. I eventually conned Ian into playing School with me and, I think, he’s the one who got Aaron involved. Even with the age difference, the three of us became inseparable. If I wasn’t at my house, I was at theirs.”
“I’m guessing your parents didn’t mind,” I say dryly. It’s not a big leap for Ira and Lillian.
Callie quirks her lips to the side. “I honestly don’t think they noticed. If you were to ask, they probably wouldn’t even remember.”
Man, my girlfriend’s parents are frustrating.That’s what I’m here to fix.
Hopefully.
Something Callie said sticks out. “Did you say their dad works for Benedict International?”
That lovely face scrunches. “Yeah. Why?”
“Last week, at your program—” shaking my head, I try to remember the exact details “—Ian congratulated your dad about something to do with that company.”
Callie nods. “Oh, that’s right. They signed a merger. My father’s firm now oversees BI’s legal division while still maintaining their outside firm, as well.” Snickering, she bites down on her lower lip. “Should be fun for Prescott.” With a quirk of my brow, Callie answers the unspoken question. “The owner of BI, Charles Benedict? Prescott used to date his daughter back in law school. But she was a little younger, I think. Still an undergrad at the time, even. Rumor is she’s an attorney now, too. And working at her father’s company.”
Snorting, I roll my eyes. “Is this what first-class gossip is like?”
Laughter fills the car. “Pretty much.”
“Then I guess I’d better catch up,” I grin, “since we’re headed to a premier winter resort, and all.”
Grinning right back, Callie is stunning. “Don’t worry, Rhodes. I’ve got your back.”
14
Callie
“Wow,” Oliver mutters under his breath. “This place. This scenery. It’s no wonder only a handful of people can afford to come here regularly.”
Stepping out of his car, I’m met with all the reasons I’ve come to love returning to this place over the years. Birds singing off in the distance, the smell of pine lingering in the crisp air. The complete and utter lack of noise pollution made even by a town as small as ours. Aspen Point Lodge has found perfection in its seclusion.
Oliver turns himself in circles trying to take everything in, awe written all over his handsome face.
Brow furrowing, I glance around the parking lot for any sign of the Rutherfords.
