The New Year's Wish (8 page)

“Awww . . . Dad, do we have to?”

He glanced at Olivia. She smiled at him and his heart lurched. “Sorry, sugar.”

Gracie groaned, but thankfully didn't argue any further.

Olivia walked them to the door.

He turned back to her. “I'll see you around, huh?”

“Sure.” Olivia looked as though she might cry, and Garrett had to resist the urge to swoop her up in his arms and kiss her better. Instead, he turned and walked away.

NINE

O
LIVIA CLOSED THE DOOR
behind them and leaned against it. The sound of their footsteps and Gracie's laughter receded down the hallway toward the stairs. She dropped her head back and swiped at the tears that had begun to fall. The ache in her chest increased.

It was obvious Garrett wasn't going to pursue any kind of relationship with her. Whatever his reasons, he'd walked away. Maybe it was her. Could she be misreading him? Sometimes when he looked at her, she melted from the intensity of his gaze. She pressed a hand to the side of her face, the memory of his fingers lingering against her jaw teasing her. Olivia scrubbed angrily at her cheeks. She pushed away from the door, flopped onto the couch, and propped her feet on the coffee table. Barney dropped his head onto her lap.

“It's not your fault, boy.” She twined her fingers into his fur. “I guess he just isn't interested.”

She sighed and pulled the computer onto her lap. She signed on to the proofreading site and checked her in-box. One message. She anxiously opened it. “I got my first job, Barney.” A flare of excitement chased away some of the sadness Garrett's sudden departure had left her with.

“A hundred-page business book needs to be proofread by tomorrow.” She glanced at the clock in the bottom corner of the screen. “Oh well, it's not like I have anything else to do tonight.” She shrugged and hit
accept
, happy to be starting on her newest career path. Who knew, maybe she'd find some helpful information for her business.

She pulled the afghan around her shoulders, used the remote to turn on the stereo, and curled up in the corner of the couch with the computer.
Chapter one. Strategies for finding good employees.

Two chapters later, her eyes burned and her mind was pretty much numb.
Do people really read this crap?
She struggled to focus, but her mind kept wandering back to Garrett . . . and Gracie. Examining her feelings for Gracie was easier. She loved that little girl. Tears pooled in her eyes at the thought of Gracie's energetic smile that just radiated happiness, and she fought to suppress them. No use. She wiped them away and forced her attention back to the screen.

Another chapter.
How many chapters are in this thing?
She scrolled ahead.
Twenty-four? You have got to be kidding me.
If I have to read twenty-four chapters of this drivel, my eyes might fall out.

She settled more comfortably and tried again to focus on reading one chapter at a time. Barney turned over and lay on his back at her feet. “This isn't what I signed on for. I figured I'd get to read some nice romance novels, not this nonsense.” She shifted the computer. “ ‘
How to get your employees to work harder for you with no extra compensation
.' That's actually the name of a chapter. Can you even believe this?”

She groaned and settled back for a long night. By the time she'd made it through ten chapters, her eyes burned so badly she couldn't keep them open. She let them fall shut for just a minute to ease some of the strain. She'd get up and try some Visine in a minute.

BRIGHT LIGHT PENETRATED HER
eyelids, and Olivia's eyes fluttered open. Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing her in warmth. She pulled the blanket over her shoulder and snuggled deeper into the cocoon of the sun's rays.

Beep. One new message.

She opened her eyes and found the computer lying sideways on the floor. Anger surged through her. She'd done it again. Screwed up another opportunity.
What is wrong with me?
She sat up, pulled the computer onto her lap, and checked her mail. “Well, you don't have to get nasty.” It was only an hour past the deadline. She looked for the manuscript she'd been working on. How many chapters had she actually gotten through?
Twelve. Hmmm . . .
ah, no one will get this far into the book anyway.
She saved the work she'd done and sent the manuscript back with an apology for being late.
Good enough.
Except it wasn't.

She'd messed up again. She shoved her fingers into her hair and squeezed. Just once she wanted to finish something she started . . . the right way. An idea niggled at the back of her brain. She looked at the clock and bit her lip.
Oh well, he'll just have to get up.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

“This better be important.” The gruff, scratchy voice affirmed her fears. He'd definitely been sleeping.

“Would I wake you at nine in the morning if it wasn't?”

She could hear his smile over the line. “Hey, honey. What's up?”

“Listen, George, could I ask you a favor? It's really important.”

Sheets rustled over the line and she figured George was sitting up in bed. “Of course you can.”

She ran to the corner, grabbed her bag, and rifled through it.
Aha . . . found it. Yes.
She held her breath. Her whole idea hinged on this. “I need to find out if the money for the New Year's Eve party was credited back to the Harrises' credit card. If I give you the number, can you find out?” She paused. “Without anyone knowing about it?” She held her breath.

“Actually, I already know it was. I did it immediately after I called you. Why? What are you up to, girlfriend?”

Olivia laughed. “Do you know anyone I could get at this late date to cater a New Year's Eve party?”

“Where are you having it?”

“Well, I'm not exactly sure yet, but I am having it. Do you know anyone?” She waited, but George didn't say anything. “Please, George, it's really important to me.”

He sighed. “I'll do it for you, hon.”

Her heart rate ratcheted up. “Are you serious?”

“Sure. I'm off the week between Christmas and New Year's, so I'll have plenty of time to prepare.”

“What about New Year's Eve? Don't you have plans?”

“Nah. Chip has to go to some function with the senator, and after we were just going to spend a quiet night at home. He won't mind if I do this.”

Olivia huffed out a breath.

“He feels bad, Olivia. He never meant to hurt you, but his father . . . well, you know.”

She sighed, relenting. “I do know, George.”

“He's so thankful you agreed not to say anything.”

Olivia picked at a loose button on the front of her bag. “I would never say anything. You know that. I love you both. I'm sorry things with Chip and me ended the way they did, and it hurt that he lied to me . . . but I do understand.”

“I know you do, and so does Chip.”

“I'll tell you what.” She took a deep breath. “If Chip finishes up with his obligations, tell him to come to the party. Okay?”

“Sure, Olivia. Thank you.”

“No problem.” She shoved the bag aside and pulled out the computer.

“Now, what do you want to have for dinner?”

She laughed, tension flowing from her body as she scrolled through the list of businesses in Times Square. “You decide, but make it elaborate . . . and tasty. Oh, and I want a kids' menu, too.”

“You got it. I'll talk to you in a few days. Have a merry Christmas.”

Christmas? “You, too, George. Thank you.”

His laughter echoed through the line before she disconnected. She tossed the computer aside, frustrated. She would never find what she needed this way. It was Christmas Eve already. How had it crept up on her like this? She had less than a week to organize this whole thing.

The computer dinged with a new message, but she ignored it. She threw clothes on, brushed her teeth, and pulled her hair up as she ran for the door. Barney followed her. She wouldn't be able to hop onto the train with Barney. “Not this time, boy. Stay. I'll come back for you in a little bit.”

She ran for the train and reached the platform just in time to squeeze between the doors before they closed. She dropped onto a seat and scrolled through a list of restaurants in Times Square. One rejection after another left her dejected by the time she reached her destination. Where was she going to have this party?

She walked through the city streets, the wind tearing at her each time she reached a corner and left the shelter of the buildings. She pulled her coat tighter and mixed with the crowd bumping and jostling each other as they surged through the next intersection.

Olivia stood in Times Square and looked around. People rushed by, packages precariously balanced as they hurried through their last-minute shopping. Tall buildings loomed over her. She studied the businesses. Large retail chains, restaurants . . . wait. Her gaze skimmed back through the row of buildings she'd just been studying. A small sign above one of the bigger stores grabbed her attention. Comics. No light poured through the windows. She ran toward it.

A narrow stairway led the way to a door with windows on either side. The sign on the door read Closed for the Holidays. She peered in through the windows. The space was larger than she had expected. Bookshelves lined the walls and formed aisles through the center of the store, but little else cluttered the space. She turned and ran.

TEN

“G
RACIE, GET THE DOOR.
” Garrett pulled a tray from the oven and placed it on top of the stove. He put the next tray in and closed the oven door. He didn't usually have his family for both Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, but his mother didn't like to travel too far, and the rest of his siblings lived out of town. His sister-in-law usually hosted Christmas Eve, but he'd offered to do it since she just had the baby. So all five of his siblings, their spouses, and their children had invaded his home again. He smiled at the thought.

“Hey. What can I do to help?” His brother Jimmy rolled up his sleeves as he walked in.

“Mix some drinks and relax. How's the baby?”

Jimmy's answering smile was huge. His first child had been born only two weeks before, and he still seemed to be in shock. “Well, she doesn't sleep.”

Garrett laughed. Maybe it wasn't shock. Maybe it was exhaustion. “How's Laura doing?”

Jimmy picked an olive from the antipasto and popped it into his mouth. “She's good, just tired. I keep telling her to sleep when the baby sleeps, but she just sits and looks at her instead.”

A pang of regret hit Garrett. He remembered that feeling so well, the joy of cradling his newborn daughter in his arms, counting her fingers and toes over and over again, as if one of them might disappear. He smiled. “Let her enjoy it. Trust me, they grow up way too fast.”

The doorbell rang in the background.

“So, how's Olivia?”

Garrett shrugged and turned toward the stove to stir the sauce, knowing his observant brother would see everything right there on his face. “She's okay, I guess.”

A commotion from the front of the house saved him from having to answer more questions. Screeches and squeals pierced the air.

“What the . . .”

Garrett and Jimmy ran toward the living room and rounded the corner into chaos. The front door was open and Olivia stood on the doorstep with Barney at her side. Barney wagged his tail furiously as all the children attacked him.

“Guys, guys.” Garrett tried to peel them off.

Olivia's laughter warmed him. “They're fine. Are you kidding me? Barney loves the attention.” Her eyes met Garrett's over the commotion. “Sorry to crash your party.” Her shy smile touched his very soul.

“That's okay. It seems to be becoming a habit.” He smiled to let her know he was kidding around. He stood there, unable to pull his gaze from her. She was beautiful. Her mass of hair, backlit by the Christmas lights, formed a halo around her head. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and her eyes shone an even deeper blue than usual. He halted his scrutiny at her eyes. Mischief lit them.
Uh-oh.

“Come on in.” He stepped back, but she shook her head.

“I can't stay, really. I just came to tell you something, if you have a minute.”

“Sure. Come in, though. If my mother finds you standing outside in the cold, she'll have my head.”

She glanced down at Barney and looked around as if searching for a place to leave him.

He saved her the trouble. “Bring him in, guys.” He stepped back quickly to avoid the stampede as Barney and the kids shot through the door and ran into Jimmy. He hadn't even realized his brother was still standing there. “Could you take the leash off, please, Jimmy?”

“Sure. No problem.” Jimmy's laughter receded with him down the hallway.

Garrett led Olivia into the kitchen. “Sorry, I'm on stove duty.”

“No problem. It smells delicious.”

“Thank you. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat or drink?” He pulled out a stool from the breakfast bar and gestured for her to sit.

“No, thank you. I can't stay. I just wanted to let you know I've made a decision.”

He studied her eyes again, knowing he was headed for trouble. “Oh, and what's that?”

“The Harrises are having a New Year's Eve party.” She waggled her eyebrows at him.

“What are you talking about?”

The words poured out in a frantic rush. “Cresthollow credited the money back onto the Harrises' credit card. I've already booked a venue and found a caterer, and once everything's ready, I'm going to tell Ms. Harris and hopefully she'll be really happy. But even if she's not, I really, really wanted to finish this. I just need to take care of music, decorations, invitations . . .” Her voice trailed off as the enormity of the undertaking suddenly hit her.

Garrett simply stood there, staring at her. He thought she'd walked away without giving the party a second thought. Could it be she was more responsible than he'd given her credit for? Then a thought hit him, and his blood chilled. Gracie. He'd promised her he'd take her to Times Square for New Year's Eve after the party was canceled. “Olivia, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but—”

Olivia cut Garrett off with a knowing look. “Oh, and I forgot to tell you the best parts. The party is in Times Square, and families are invited.” A radiant smile spread across her face. She shrugged. “I figured, what the heck, I'm already fired and may end up in jail for using the credit card Ms. Harris authorized for me. And I may have to spend the rest of my life paying it off . . . but it'll be one hell of a party.”

Garrett couldn't help but laugh. “You're crazy, you know that?”

“Yup.”

He shook his head. “How in the world did you get a venue in Times Square for New Year's Eve?”

“I found a comic book store that was closed for the holidays, tracked down the owner in Florida, then called and offered him the same amount we were paying Cresthollow to rent the store for the party. He agreed, as long as I promised to put everything back exactly the way we found it afterward.”

“Livvie.” Gracie ran into the kitchen waving a snowman cookie in the air. “Can Barney have a cookie?”

Olivia took her bag from the back of the chair and dug through it. “Here you go. He can't have people cookies, but you can give him this.” She handed Gracie a treat and watched her run squealing from the room.

Garrett yelled after her. “Tell everyone dinner's ready.”

“So?” She fixed her gaze on Garrett, eyes wide and hopeful. “What's the verdict? Are we having a party?”

Garrett grinned. “I guess we're having a party.”

“HEY, HOW WAS YOUR
Christmas?” Garrett ushered Olivia and Barney inside and closed the door behind them.

“Good. How was yours?”

“Good, but hectic, as is everything with my family.” He led her to the living room.

“Thanks for agreeing to help with the invitations.”

“No problem. I'm sorry to make you come out. I would have come to you, but Gracie passed out on the love seat while I was doing the dishes. Between Christmas Eve here, Christmas at my mother's, and ice-skating at Rockefeller Center today, she's beat.” He flipped the light switch on but dimmed it when Gracie stirred. “Will this be enough light?”

“Yup. It's fine. The invitations are all printed. All that's left to do is put them in envelopes and print the names on the front.” She dropped a box on the coffee table. “I'm really excited we're doing this.” Her gaze met his.

He shifted away. “Can I get you something to drink? I was just going to have a glass of wine. I haven't had a minute to relax all day.”

“Sure. That sounds great.”

“Why don't you set everything up, and I'll be right back.” He headed for the kitchen. He pulled two glasses from the cabinet and uncorked the wine. Then he busied himself setting out cookies on a platter. He poured the wine and placed both glasses on a tray with the cookies, all the while being careful not to let his mind wander toward thoughts of Olivia.

He lifted the tray and headed toward the living room but paused when he reached the entrance. Olivia was gently pulling a blanket from the back of the couch and tucking it around Gracie's sleeping form. She smoothed back Gracie's hair, then turned to find Garrett watching her.

A blush warmed her cheeks. “She seemed cold.”

Garrett smiled and continued into the room. “Thank you.” He avoided making eye contact with her as he placed the tray on the coffee table beside the stacks of invitations, envelopes, and lists she'd spread neatly across the table.

“Mmm . . . those cookies look delicious. Are they homemade?”

“Yeah. Gracie and I baked them Christmas morning.” They settled on the floor in front of the coffee table and started work on the invitations. “Have you found anyone to do the music yet?”

A frown marred her smooth features. “Not yet, but I have an idea. I'm going to call an old friend of mine who used to be a DJ. He doesn't do it anymore, but I know he still has all of his old equipment because his wife complains about it cluttering up the garage. They're away for Christmas, but they'll be back tomorrow.” She grinned devilishly. “I'll call him bright and early.”

“You have quite the mean streak.”

She laughed and handed him a stack of invitations. “Here you go. All you have to do is put one in each envelope and seal them. I'm going to write the names on the envelopes in calligraphy.” She pulled out a pen and ink and settled in to work, stopping every now and then to sip at her glass of wine or nibble on a cookie.

Working next to her again brought Garrett a certain sense of familiarity, a rightness he had missed since she'd been let go. He studied her profile as she stared intently at the envelope she was addressing, her bottom lip caught between her teeth in that gesture he found adorable. “How are we going to get these to everyone in time?”

She looked at him like he was a bit slow. “I'm going to track everyone down and hand deliver each one.”

“Are you serious?”

She shrugged. “What else can I do? It's too late to mail them. The party's in five days. You do think people will come on such short notice, right?”

He laughed. “Of course they'll come. No one ditches the Harrises' parties. Besides, the fact you invited their families will make a big difference. This time, they'll
want
to come.”

She smiled at him, and his heart stuttered. The flickering flames in the fireplace sent shadows dancing across her face.

He looked at Gracie sleeping on the love seat, her arm draped over the side, her hand resting on Barney's head. Barney squirmed closer to the side of the love seat.

“Olivia.”

She glanced over at him, distracted. “Huh?”

He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, but this time, instead of pulling his hand away, he let it linger, brushing against the softness of her curls. He trailed his fingers down her cheek.

His heart slammed against his ribs. He threaded his fingers through her hair, cradled the back of her head, and gently pulled her toward him. Her gaze locked onto his, her breathing shallow, the pulse in her neck fluttering rapidly. He touched his lips gently to hers and pulled back just a little to gauge her reaction.

Her eyes had fallen partly closed and she peered at him from beneath thick lashes. His hard-won control snapped in that instant and his lips crashed down onto hers. He snaked his other arm around her back and pulled her closer. He couldn't get enough.