Santa Maybe (The Duchess Hotel #1)

Chapter 4

Four

52 Days Until Christmas

A blast of wind buffeted Rosie as she and Charlie walked along the paved path overlooking the ocean. Below them, the stiff breeze whipped the waves into whitecaps. Rosie inhaled the briny scent and wiped the spray from her face. Fishing her knitted gloves from the pocket of her fleece jacket, she put them on and tugged her woolen toque tighter onto her head.

“I can’t believe you wanted to go walking today,” Charlie said. “I was sure you were going to suggest we go for coffee instead.”

“We can go after. My treat. But I was really wound up last night, and I need to burn off some nervous energy.”

An understatement, at best. Rosie had spent most of the night tossing and turning as she considered Drew’s proposition. She needed to talk to someone before she took him to dinner at her parents’ house, and her Saturday morning ritual with Charlie—a brisk stroll along the Dallas Road walkway—was the ideal setting. In the summer and fall months, the oceanfront path was usually crowded with dog walkers, joggers, and families, but today, it was practically empty.

“Are you worried about the next two months at the Duchess?” Charlie asked. “Don’t be. We’re going to crush it. Preston’s gonna be so impressed.”

“Thanks, but that wasn’t what kept me awake.”

“Was it Drew?” Charlie’s voice rose an octave. “Did something happen after we left? I knew I sensed a romantic vibe between the two of you.”

“Is that why you and Selena made up that half-assed excuse? There’s no way she’d buy an Instant Pot. She hates all forms of cooking.”

“I’ll admit it was weak, but I was trying to improvise. You and Drew were bonding, and we wanted to give you some space. Was it the sexy Santa thing that did it for you? Drew would make a seriously hot Santa.”

Rosie sighed. When she’d gone to bed last night, the idea of Drew playing Santa had spurred a delicious set of fantasies. Like the one where she was sitting naked on his lap and asking him what she could do to get on the “nice list.” But her naughty dreams weren’t the cause of her restless slumber. She still couldn’t believe she’d accepted his offer.

Honestly, given everything she was dealing with right now—trying to save her job, protect her team, and keep the hotel afloat—she should have turned him down. Drew had even given her the opportunity when he’d called it a goofy idea. But she hadn’t been able to resist the thought of spending more time with him.

Hoping for Charlie’s support, she told her friend all about it, explaining the no-strings, fake-dating ruse she’d agreed to. Once she finished her confession, she stopped and leaned on the railing overlooking the water. Another blast of spray hit her cheeks, and she wiped it off with her scarf. In the cold light of day, pretending to date someone sounded like the plot of a Hallmark movie.

“It’s messed up, isn’t it?” she asked. “Should I call Drew and tell him it’s off?”

“No!” Charlie turned to face her. “You’re totally into him, and he clearly likes spending time with you. Plus, this deal works in your favor. All you have to do is attend one measly wedding, and in return, he’ll be spending a ton of time with your family. Aren’t your parents’ dinners, like, every Sunday?”

“Every other Sunday. But, yeah, they’re a lot.” Rosie paused. “Does this mean you think it would work?”

“In theory, it sounds solid. But what if you end up wanting more from Drew?”

That exact question had taken root in Rosie’s psyche sometime after midnight and had refused to leave. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. With my job on the line, I’ve got too much at stake to invest any emotional energy into a real romantic relationship. This way, I won’t have to apologize if I’m constantly busy.”

Charlie wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck. “I dunno. Even if you’re super busy, Drew seems like the kind of guy who could deal with it. Like, his ego wouldn’t take a beating because you’re not available twenty-four seven.”

Rosie wasn’t so sure. Her last boyfriend, Erik, had initially praised her for the way she’d risen in the ranks of the Duchess. Until he’d realized she was making more money than him, in a job that was far more demanding. When he left her, he’d claimed it was her fault because she was too obsessed with work to satisfy his needs.

“It’s not just about my work schedule,” she said. “Drew flat-out told me he didn’t want a relationship. His ex really messed with his head. Plus, he’s dealing with other baggage.”

Charlie resumed walking. “Really? What kind of baggage?”

“He doesn’t get along with his parents—so much that he avoids spending time with them at Christmas.” His revelation had come as a surprise to Rosie because he’d always seemed so happy-go-lucky. “It actually works in my favor since he’s not on the hook for any big holiday events with them. All he needs from me is a date for his ex’s wedding. It’s a total win-win.”

“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”

“Um…both of us, I guess,” Rosie said. “I want this to work. And who knows? Maybe down the road…”

Nope. She wasn’t going there. This was a friends-only agreement. Developing feelings of passion—or even love—could lead to serious heartbreak. She couldn’t handle the emotional fallout, not when she was already anxious about potentially losing her job in January.

When they approached the long, concrete breakwater that led to the Ogden Point lighthouse, Rosie paused. This part of the path was more exposed to the elements, which meant the spray from the ocean would be even fiercer. Above them, the raucous cries of Victoria’s ever-present seagulls rose in volume.

Charlie stopped beside her. “Don’t get me wrong—I understand the appeal of a pretend boyfriend. Even if it’s just for show, having a plus-one for the holidays sounds like a good deal.”

Rosie nudged her. “If you want a date, why don’t you ask Knox out?”

“What? No . We’re just friends. He doesn’t think of me that way.”

“You sure? Because he’s nicer to you than anyone else, which is saying a lot. He’s the grumpiest bartender I’ve ever met. And I know how you feel about him.”

“It doesn’t matter how I feel. He’d never go for it. Heck, he doesn’t even like the holidays.” Charlie narrowed her eyes. “Besides, my dating life isn’t the issue here.”

“Right. Sorry.” For now, Rosie would let it go. “So, do you think Drew and I can pull this off?”

“Sure. If you’re both on the same page, then it should work. And Drew’s a nice guy, so no matter what happens, you’ll have fun with him.”

“Exactly.” Rosie felt a surge of excitement. Not only was this plan going to succeed, but it also might make the next two months more enjoyable. She leaned over and gave her friend a side-hug. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“Happy to help.” Charlie took off her mittens and blew on her hands, then rubbed them together. “Now, can we go get coffee? This weather is for the birds.”

* * *

Saturday mornings at Northlife Fitness were chaotic at best. Everyone who was too busy to exercise during the week felt the need to make up for it, plus the schedule was packed with classes from 5:30 a.m. until noon: boot camp, spin, yoga, power lifting, and speed training. The cold, blustery weather had also driven a lot of people indoors.

Having just finished teaching a boot camp class, Drew parked himself at the smoothie bar to fuel up before his next training session. As he sipped his almond butter and banana smoothie, he scrolled through his phone, rereading the messages Rosie had sent him late last night, occasionally chuckling at her snarky tone. To prepare him for Sunday, she’d given him lots of information about her family.

Evelyn snagged the stool next to his. “Drew. How are you doing?”

His jaw tightened at the sight of her. As always, she looked cool and controlled, her blond hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. Though she’d just come from teaching an hourlong spin class, she hadn’t broken a sweat.

“I’m okay,” he said. “Just catching a break before my next client.”

She placed a hand on his knee and lowered her voice. “No, really. How are you? I heard you were upset when you got our wedding invitation. I didn’t do it out of spite. I literally invited everyone who works here.”

Even so, he would have preferred to miss it. “I guess it just seemed so sudden.”

“Not really. I’ve known Jared for over two years. And honestly? The last time I ended things with him, I kept wondering if I’d made a huge mistake.”

“Funny how you never mentioned that to me before,” Drew muttered.

“I was trying to move on. But once I reconnected with him, it was obvious he was always the right one for me. I just couldn’t see it before.”

Never mind that I got caught in the middle.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she added. “But when you know, you know. Right? You have to follow your heart.”

Rather than let her words eat away at him, he struck back. “True. That’s why I’m glad I found someone who accepts me for who I am.”

She pulled her hand away quickly, but not before an irritated look crossed her face. Knowing he’d blindsided her, he savored the moment. There were times when a little pettiness was incredibly satisfying.

“I didn’t realize you’d started dating again.” She turned away from him and signaled to the woman behind the counter. “I’ll have my usual. A green smoothie with avocado, apple, and extra protein powder.”

Drew drank up his smoothie, feeling better with every sip. “I figured it was time to get back out there. Wasn’t that what you told me to do after you left?”

She responded with a tight smile. “It’s better than wallowing in self-pity. Is she anyone I know?”

“Rosie Gonzalez from the Duchess. I used to be her personal trainer. I think she took a few of your spin classes last year.”

“The name doesn’t ring a bell, but I’m sure if I saw her, I’d remember. Is it serious?”

Her question put him on the defensive. “Does it matter? You’ve moved on, so why shouldn’t I?”

“Oh, Drew.” She released a drawn-out sigh. “This isn’t about me. I just hope you’re not leading her on. Not when you can’t offer her anything.”

Not this again. He clenched his hands. “I offered you plenty.”

“In bed, sure. But you never gave me your whole heart. That’s why I went back to Jared.” When he opened his mouth to protest, she held up her hand to stop him. “I tried to make it work with you, but you’re emotionally stunted. I’m not sure you’re capable of giving more.”

She’d told him that before, and he’d tried to change, just for her. After years of casual hookups, he’d been ready to let someone in. To open himself up to a real relationship. But he’d still had a hard time breaking down his walls.

And then she’d gone and destroyed his trust.

“Are you bringing Rosie to the wedding?” she asked.

“Yep. So you can put me down as a ‘yes’ and include her as my plus-one.” The words should have empowered him, but they felt hollow. Even now, three months after Evelyn had ended things, she still had the power to diminish him.

She grabbed her smoothie and stood up. “I’m glad you’re coming. But if you’re bringing Rosie to get back at me, take her feelings into consideration.”

After Evelyn left, he crushed his empty cup and threw it in the trash. She was wrong. He wasn’t using Rosie. When he’d proposed this scheme, he’d done it to benefit both of them. They were embarking on it together, with a clear plan and no romantic expectations.

There was no way either of them would end up getting hurt.