Mix-Up under the Mistletoe (Glenbriar #11)

Chapter Ten

Tilly

W ith this many books to choose from, Tilly would never be lonely again. She could live in this room quite happily for the rest of her days. Someone had a penchant for romance novels and Tilly smiled as she read the back covers. Why did all the heroes look like Rafe in her mind?

The door opened, and she almost threw away the book she had in her hand, only just keeping hold of herself and slipping it back onto the shelf before turning around to see Rafe and his mum.

He knocked on the open door with an apologetic smile. ‘I should have done that before opening the door, shouldn’t I?’

‘It’s fine.’ Tilly gave a little shrug. ‘I was just looking at the books. I hope that’s ok.’

‘Of course it is.’ Hilary came across the room with her arms spread wide. ‘Oh Tilly, Tilly. Come here.’ She took Tilly in her arms and wrapped her in a hug. ‘I’m so glad you’re back here with us. I was worried sick when I heard the trains were cancelled.’

Speechless, Tilly relaxed into the hug. Tears welled in her eyes again. They’d been so close to the surface the past few days. Blaming it on tiredness was her go-to excuse, but this time it felt like so much more. Hilary rubbed her back and Tilly had to work hard not to let out a sob. Why was this woman being so nice to her? After all she’d done? She knew from experience that people who behaved badly were rejected, with good reason. And she’d behaved worse than anyone today.

‘You’re not to worry about a thing while you’re in this house,’ Hilary went on. ‘Rafe has explained everything, and we fully understand. Sounds like you work for a bunch of tyrants.’

‘Mum.’ Rafe’s low voice cut into her monologue with a warning edge.

‘Thank you.’ Tilly made her best attempt at a smile.

Hilary stepped back, still holding Tilly’s shoulders, and looked her over. They were about the same height. Average. Tilly was pretty average in everything really. Average height, weight, looks, income, et cetera. Nothing to make her stand out from the crowd.

The half-open door swung inward and two black labradors pushed their way in, sniffing around and wagging their tails; their huge eyes gleamed with adorable please-pat-me expressions.

‘Seriously, you two?’ Rafe said. ‘These dogs are so nosy. Tilly, meet Horace and Dax.’

‘Hi.’ She leaned over and patted them. They both seemed to smile. One of them sat while she smoothed his velvety head under her palm.

‘You treat this house like your home,’ Hilary said. ‘You may only be here for a day or two, but don’t be a stranger. You’re welcome to join us at any time.’

‘I really don’t want to intrude.’

‘It won’t be an intrusion, but if you prefer your own company, we’ll respect that.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Do you want to have a look at the bedroom?’ Rafe said. ‘I’ll get your case if you do. Or you can stay here and read the books if you prefer.’

‘Could I take one up with me?’ she asked.

‘As many as you like,’ Hilary said. ‘I have far too many and haven’t even read most of them. I really need to make more time for it.’

‘I liked the look of this one.’ Tilly pulled the one she’d hastily shoved onto the shelf back out. It had a shirtless man on the front. The picture cut off at his neck and she imagined Rafe’s face fitting perfectly.

‘Oh, don’t let Rafe see that one.’ Hilary’s cheeks reddened a little. ‘He doesn’t need to know what kind of books I read.’

Rafe looked away and smirked. ‘You read whatever you want. It’s entirely up to you.’

Hilary winked at Tilly, then nodded at the book and mouthed. ‘Good choice.’

‘I’ll get your case and put you two back in the lounge.’ Rafe left the room, taking the dogs with him. Hilary followed him out and Tilly clutched the book close to her chest, stupidly imagining she was actually hugging Rafe; somehow that was satisfying and comforting – not really how she should feel about hugging the CEO of a rival company, who only a few hours ago she’d been planning to extract vital information from. But if she did as he suggested earlier and took business out of the equation, she saw a nice guy standing in front of her. Someone she could easily like. Exactly the kind of person she dreamed of and wished would walk out of one of the dollhouses and into her life. But why here? Why now?

‘We have a lot of bedrooms in this house,’ Hilary said. ‘We like to have family and friends around and to be able to offer them places to stay. Geoff is in the renewables business, so everything is heated in the most cost effective way. To keep everything economical, we make sure all the rooms in use are together rather than spread out. I hope that’s ok. I don’t like the idea of you being stuck in another part of the house anyway. Even now, I like to keep my babies close. I know you’re not technically one of them, but while you’re under this roof, I’ll be taking care of you.’

Tilly swallowed back another lump in her throat. Was this for real?

‘We’re all in what Geoff calls the west wing. I think it’s because he used to love watching the TV show with that name.’

Rafe caught up with them, carrying Tilly’s case as they headed up the stairs.

‘The doors have numbers on them. I know it looks a bit like a hotel,’ Hilary went on, ‘but we find it easiest this way. All the doors look the same and in a corridor like this, guests often get confused.’

Tilly saw why immediately. The corridor curved around, and rows of doors went off it to one side.

‘Your room is here. Number five. You’re next to Rafe. He’s in number four and no one’s in room six.’ Hilary opened the bedroom door and Tilly gasped.

‘Are you alright?’ Rafe asked.

‘I just didn’t expect the room to be so beautiful… Well, not that I thought it would be bad. It’s just so gorgeous.’ She’d have been happy in a plain room with a bed and a blanket, but this was like something out of a magazine. A modern styled bed with a rustic wooden headboard dripping with fairy lights took centre stage. Fluffy blankets and cushions adorned the bed, and a distressed-wood end table was laid with a tray of snacks.

‘Mum likes her How to Hygge book almost as much as those romantic ones.’ Rafe put Tilly’s case just inside the door.

‘I hope it didn’t take you long to set this up,’ Tilly said.

‘Not at all. I already had the bed made up for Geoff’s sister in case she wanted to come over, but she can’t make it now. I just popped on some lights to make it a bit festive and I’ve left you snacks, in case you’re hungry. You’re welcome to have dinner with us later, of course.’

‘Or you can have a tray up here if you prefer,’ Rafe said.

‘You’re all so kind…’ Tilly gazed around the room, hardly daring to believe she was here, inside the dollhouse world. She wanted to hug them both but didn’t dare. ‘I don’t want to make any extra work for you. So, don’t worry about feeding me.’

‘Nonsense,’ Hilary said. ‘Like we’d have a guest here and not feed them. I’ll not have that.’

Tilly caught Rafe’s eye. He gave her a brief shrug and pulled a face indicating his mother had spoken and he wouldn’t disagree.

‘Well, you take some time in here if you like,’ he said. ‘Or do whatever you want. It’s entirely up to you.’

‘There’s a small shower room in here too.’ Hilary pushed the door open. ‘If you’d prefer a bath, then along the corridor, just after bedroom eight, is the main bathroom. Feel free to use it.’

‘I really can’t thank you enough,’ Tilly said. How big was this house? More than eight bedrooms!

‘No need.’ Hilary put her arm around Tilly’s shoulder. ‘You just keep warm and don’t hesitate to ask for anything if you need it.’

‘Thank you.’ Tilly only just held back the tears. She was getting worse. Why so emotional?

‘Come on, Mum, let’s give her some space.’ Rafe ushered his mum from the room.

Tilly sank onto the bed, and it seemed to beg her to lie back, so she did. The soft blankets engulfed her like she’d landed in a cosy nest. So dreamy. Turning onto her side, she propped herself up and opened her phone. So much had happened today and none of it had got her anywhere with the job she was supposed to be doing.

Expecting to see a text or an email from Mitchell, checking in with her, she frowned at his lack of communication. Nothing. Why was it when she didn’t want anyone from work to contact her, she had several messages? But the day she felt like someone should at least have checked she was ok, there was nothing.

No request for updates or anything. She half wanted to message both Arnie and Mitchell and let them know how she’d got on, but the other half talked her out of it. Maybe it was best to say nothing about anything that had happened here.

She let out a sigh. Other than going on the world’s most insane wild goose chase, what exactly had happened here? Nothing that she wanted to share with them. This adventure had landed her in a beautiful room in a house with a loving family. Somewhere she most certainly didn’t belong, but she could think of worse places to be. If she could switch off from work for a while, she might even enjoy herself here.

Who knew how long she’d be stuck? Maybe the snow would stop, and the roads would be clear by morning. She had to get back to work on Monday, but part of her just wanted to snuggle up and hibernate here for the winter. Under different circumstances though. She still couldn’t rid herself completely of the creeping guilt of being here at all. But it was such a comfort knowing people were downstairs, and she wasn’t alone.

She lifted the book she’d taken from the book room and started reading it, stifling a yawn. Exhaustion was creeping up on her. It had taken its toll the last few days and she could quite happily close her eyes and drift off in this wonderful soft nest.

Tilly’s eyes opened to a knocking sound. Blinking, and trying to fix her glasses which were at a weird angle on her face, she rolled over, taking a moment to remember where she was and why her stomach felt wobbly despite the deep contentment in her body amidst these wonderfully soft blankets.

‘Tilly,’ a low voice said from the other side of the door. ‘Are you ok?’

Shit. She was in Rafe Harrington’s house. Struggling to unwrap herself from the mass of blankets, she pushed them aside and tried to flatten her hair before opening the door.

‘Hi.’ She pulled it open, adjusted her glasses so they were perfectly straight, and hitched on her smile.

Rafe returned it with a side-quirk of his lips. ‘We’re about to have dinner if you want to join us.’

‘Oh…’

‘Or shall I bring you something up?’

‘I don’t want you to go to any trouble. Maybe I could come and get something, but I don’t think I should eat with your family. I’ll just get in the way.’ She glanced away. Why were tears so close to the surface today? The cork had well and truly popped since she got here.

Rafe didn’t reply, but she was hyperaware of his eyes on her. Even without returning his gaze, she felt them x-raying her.

‘I don’t know what to say,’ he said after a moment. ‘I can give you all the assurances in the world that my family will be happy to have you join us, but I don’t think you’ll believe me.’

She willed herself not to cry.

‘Hey.’ He reached out and placed a warm hand on her upper arm. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.’

She shook her head and flapped her hands in front of her face, forcing out the words, ‘You didn’t.’

‘Then…’ His fingers gently applied pressure to her arm, rubbing her with the pad of his thumb. ‘Of course you’re welcome to come and get food and take it wherever you like. It just seems so lonely.’

The pain in her chest cracked, and she let out a little sob.

‘Tilly?’ he said, his voice questioning. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘I’m so sorry.’

‘Please, don’t be. Here, do you need a hug?’

‘I…’ Did she? She had no idea. ‘Probably.’

Before she could fathom what he was doing, his arms were around her and she was resting her head against a wide, firm chest. ‘Everything’s ok.’ He rubbed his hand over her back in a soothing circle.

‘Is it though?’ she sniffed. ‘I feel so…’ She wasn’t sure how to describe it. ‘Adrift.’ The word popped from nowhere. And she wasn’t sure that was what she meant. Because despite the muddled situation, Rafe’s arms were anchoring her better than anything she could remember.

‘I get it. Business travel is never easy to start with, and this has got to take the cake for weirdness. I wish I could convince you that my family don’t want to add to your problems. They genuinely care what happens to you now. We’re all invested in your wellbeing.’

She closed her eyes, controlling her breathing; it seemed to want to come in fits and starts. Why did this hug feel so good? Why did he feel so good? Normally, no one was around to give comfort for anything, and it was so gorgeous to have someone treat her like this. Some of the weight dropped from her shoulders as he continued to gently massage her back.

Wind whistled past the window outside despite what she assumed was top-level double glazing. It sounded wild, but she was in the safest, warmest place she could imagine.

Thank my lucky stars I landed here.

How could she have stayed outside on a night like this? She brushed away the thought of what might have happened had Rafe not come looking for her. Of course, she wouldn’t be here at all if it weren’t for her own stupidity, but right now, it seemed like this was exactly where she was meant to be.

‘Ok,’ she whispered, pulling back and using the heel of her hand to wipe away the tears from under her eyes. ‘I’ll come down for dinner.’

He smiled, relaxing his grip on her but not fully releasing her. ‘Good. Come and join the chaos.’

Their gazes met, and Tilly was caught in a tractor beam, tugging her closer. Did he have some hidden power commanding her to come to him? She’d obey in an instant. Why deny how attractive she found him? Where was the harm? Looking wasn’t a crime. Having a crush wasn’t either. Not if that’s all it was.

If she didn’t know better, she might think he felt something for her too, but that wasn’t a road she was prepared to travel. Oh no. She mustn’t do that. She did know better. Therapy had taught her to be on her guard whenever she was faced with possible romantic encounters. That’s when limerence reared up and took over, feeding her all sorts of fake ideas. This shouldn’t be classed as a romantic encounter, but… Well, she definitely felt something for him. Maybe just gratitude. And that definitely wouldn’t be two way.

‘I, um, should tidy up a bit,’ she said.

‘Sure.’ He still didn’t release her completely, watching her with an almost puzzled expression. ‘Come down when you’re ready.’

She smiled, and he finally dropped his hands, letting her go. If she hadn’t been prepared for it, she might have toppled over. Dizziness washed over her, and she was suddenly lightheaded. Maybe just because she hadn’t eaten much all day.

‘You really do have a beautiful smile, Tilly,’ he said, then with a little grin of his own, he left her to get ready.

Taking steadying breaths, she returned to the bed and sat on the end.

He thinks I have a beautiful smile.

He hugged me and looked at me like I was someone who mattered to him.

Why was he being so nice? Making himself so damn loveable? Just like his whole family. Tilly made her way to the bathroom, took off her glasses, and gave her face a wash. She dabbed it dry and applied some make-up. Something was needed to hide her blotchy eyes. Her naturally curly dark hair looked wild after getting wet earlier, but she didn’t have time to do much about it. Raking in her bag, she found a claw clip and pulled her hair back into a messy updo. The finished result was far from perfect, but it would do.

Hallmark movies had never been her thing, but she’d watched odd bits of them occasionally, when trying to force herself into being festive – not that it had ever worked. But here she was, bang in the middle of one, or so it seemed. This house was like a film set lavishly decorated with greenery, ribbons, gold glittery baubles and even sprigs of mistletoe hung in doorways. The grand stairs had evergreen garlands all the way down the banister and Rosemary Clooney crooned ‘The Christmas Song’ gently from a hidden speaker.

At the half-open door to the dining room, Tilly paused, hearing voices. Should she go in…? Or knock? Or turn on her heel and run?

Hilary’s voice rose above the others and too late, Tilly realised it was because she was at the door on the other side. She opened it fully and Tilly pulled a smile, hoping it looked like she’d just arrived and hadn’t been standing like a ninny for the last few moments.

‘Tilly!’ Hilary beamed at her, then gave her another wonderful hug. ‘I’m so pleased you decided to join us. I’ve set you a space, right beside Rafe. He’ll be delighted too. Now in you go.’

Thrust into the limelight, she couldn’t exactly back out now, but she wasn’t sure where to look. Rafe got to his feet and pulled out the chair next to his. ‘Here you go.’

‘Thank you.’ She took the seat and made a bit of a business about tucking it in before looking up at the family.

‘Let me introduce you to everyone.’ He went around the table and Tilly put faces to the names he’d told her in the car earlier. Genevieve gave a little wave when Rafe reached her.

‘We’ve already met,’ she said. ‘And Tilly, I’m so thrilled you’re here for real.’

‘Nice to meet you,’ Geoff Harrington said. He was very like his son, only with almost white hair and a less imposing figure, though he still looked in good shape and his smile was very charming. ‘I hear you work for a travel company too.’

‘Um… Yes.’

‘But we’re not talking shop,’ Rafe said.

‘I know, I know,’ Geoff said with a grin. ‘Old habits die hard.’

‘ Die Hard ?’ Cressida said. ‘Please tell me you’re not going to make us watch that again. It is so not a Christmas movie.’

‘Uh-oh,’ Rafe said aside to Tilly. ‘We have this argument every year.’

‘And is it a Christmas movie?’ Tilly asked. ‘I’ve never seen it.’

Rafe let out a half laugh. ‘If Dad gets his way, you can watch it with us and decide for yourself.’

‘Really? Surely it either is or it isn’t.’

‘It doesn’t exactly have the usual Christmas themes, but it’s set at Christmas, so it’s open for debate. As you can see.’ He raised his eyebrow across the table to where his dad and his sister were still arguing about it, though both were laughing.

Rafe lifted a bottle of sparkling wine from the centre of the table. ‘Fancy some of this?’ he asked Tilly.

Should she?

His eyes pressed her to say yes.

‘Ok, a little. Thank you.’

He poured some into her glass. Tilly’s mind strayed back to what his mum had said about him being pleased to have her next to him. Why would he? He certainly didn’t seem upset about it, but did he particularly want her beside him?

Hilary returned to the room and Tilly caught her eye. The older woman’s lips turned up as her gaze moved from Tilly to Rafe. She put her hands together and tapped her fingertips as if silently applauding.

What was she up to?

Tilly chanced a half glance at Rafe and caught the end of what could have been an eye roll. He shook his head, pouring himself some wine.

Was Hilary trying to set them up? Maybe she wanted the situation Rafe had invented to be true.

Did he?

More to the point, do I?

That would be mad. They hardly knew each other. Was this just her seeing what she wanted to see? Clinging to anyone who showed her kindness and concern? That was what her previous boyfriend had accused her of being – too needy and too clingy. And he was right. A therapist had confirmed it. Since her early years, she’d dreamed of being part of something like this. Dreamed of the dollhouse opening and letting her step inside and be part of the world. Now she was here, but she couldn’t afford to get too attached because this couldn’t last. When the snow melted and disappeared, she’d be going with it. She was nothing but a fleeting winter visitor.