Christmas Secrets

It had to be someone they could trust. It also had to be someone who didn’t have to fear Roth if he won the custody battle. It had to be someone who understood the airline, who brought true value to the board and who could be strong in the face of divided loyalties, uncertain times and extraordinarily high stakes.

She couldn’t think of a single person who fit the bill.

“You,” Max told her softly.

“No.” She gripped the back of her chair and shook her head. “No.” It was unthinkable. “No.”

“You underestimate yourself, Amber.”

“Coco chose me because she knew I would love Zachary. She had no idea it would put me in this position with the company.”

“Coco had no idea about anything,” said Max.

Amber didn’t know how to respond to that. Her sister wasn’t the most analytical person in the world. It was fair to say that Coco had operated on emotion rather than logic. It was also fair to say that Coco had never really grown up. She’d wanted what she’d wanted, and she’d usually wanted it right away. She’d never spent much time worrying about the impact on others.

“There’s no one else,” said Max, spreading his palms.

“There has to be.”

“It’s one vote. You take the appointment. You go to one meeting. You vote. You leave. And the new president takes over the reins.” He glanced around her small office, all but wrinkling his nose. “You can come back here an hour later and take over your regular duties.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my job.”

“Nobody’s saying there is. Though not many new billionaires would keep working in this particular office.”

“I’m not a new—”

“Amber, please. I can see that your instinct is to be humble. But you’re Zachary’s guardian. Anytime you want to exercise it, you have control of a billion-dollar company.”

“Temporarily.”

“Maybe. But maybe not.”

She slid back into her chair, propping her elbows on the table. “It’s not that simple.”

“It’s very simple.”

She couldn’t, wouldn’t, didn’t dare let her head run away with any aspect of the situation. There was too much at stake for her to let her guard down.

She tried to explain her feelings to Max. “I can’t let myself think it’s real until it’s really real. You know?”

“Amber, this is no time to be superstitious.”

“I can’t jinx custody of Zachary. I can lose anything else, but not him.”

“Coast Eagle needs you to step up.”

Her stomach went hollow, and her pulse began to pound. It wasn’t exactly what Cole had said, but it was close. Two apparently smart men were telling her the same thing.

“How long do I have to decide?”

“Twenty-four hours. After that, we may lose MacSweeny.”

“Let me think about it.”

Max gave a sharp nod. Then he rose. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“I’ll be here.”

“Max is a very intelligent lawyer,” said Destiny over Zachary’s cries.

They were in the penthouse kitchen, Amber jostling Zachary and Destiny doling out linguini and salad.

“You’re a smart lawyer, too,” said Amber.

“Sure, but I’m looking after your interests. Max is looking after the interests of Coast Eagle. From the perspective of what’s in the best interests of the company, you should absolutely take the board appointment.”

“And from the perspective of me?”

“You’ll make a lifelong enemy out of Roth.”

“I’ve done that simply by breathing.”

Destiny grinned, while Zachary’s cries increased.

Amber jiggled harder. She was growing exhausted. “I swear, if I had Cole Parker’s phone number, I’d call him up and beg him to come over.”

“He’s the other Alaska guy?”

“Yes, the one who put Zachary to sleep Sunday morning without lifting a finger.” Amber knew she should feel miffed by that, because it sure didn’t seem fair.

Destiny picked up her phone. “I’ve got Luca’s number.”

“Yeah, right,” Amber chuckled.

But Destiny raised her phone to her ear. “Luca? It’s Destiny.”

“Don’t you dare,” said Amber.

Destiny stopped talking and smiled. “Thanks.”

Amber shook her head in warning.

“That’s not why I’m calling,” said Destiny. “No. It’s really not. I’m looking for Cole.”

Amber shook her head more frantically, moving closer.

“Not even close,” said Destiny. “Tell him Amber needs him to put Zachary to sleep.”

“She’s joking,” Amber called out, causing Zachary to cry louder. She turned away, walking toward the living room. “Shh, shh, shh,” she whispered in his ear. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Hi, Cole,” said Destiny from behind her. “Yes, Amber needs the baby cavalry. Can you come?”

Amber couldn’t believe this was happening. Cole was a stranger. You couldn’t ask a stranger to drop everything, drive over and soothe your baby. The world didn’t work like that. With any luck at all, he’d be bright enough to say no.

“They’re on their way,” called Destiny.

“You’ve lost your mind.”

Destiny set down her phone and moved to the wine rack recessed in the kitchen wall. “How’s Zachary been doing with the nanny?”

“Sometimes he’s good with Isabel, sometimes not. Evening is always the worst. We’re been helping each other, but tonight’s her night off.”

Perusing the shelves, Destiny chose a bottle. “Do you think maybe we could give him a little of the merlot?”

“I wish. But definitely pour me a glass.”

Destiny located the corkscrew, peeled the foil and opened the bottle. She moved two glasses to the center of the island and poured, placing them next to the two plates of linguini.

Then she slid onto a stool while Amber jiggled her way back to the island.

Amber knew there was no point in sitting down. Zachary had a built in altimeter. His preferred height was precisely five feet off the ground, not four feet, not four and a half. And his preferred swaying arc was approximately nine inches. Any deviation from the pattern brought an immediate vocal protest.

Luckily, Amber had become adept at simultaneously standing, swaying and eating. She lifted her fork and swirled a bite of the seafood linguini.

“Say I was to appoint myself to the board,” she ventured.

“Say you were.”

“Would it hurt my custody argument? I mean, would it look like I was the kind of person who used Zachary to gain power in Coast Eagle?”

Destiny thought for a moment. “Maybe. I mean, we’d spin it that you were willing to step up and look after Zachary’s interests.”

“Would a judge believe that?”

“Maybe. It’s a fifty-fifty shot. Then again, a judge might just as easily take you not joining the board as a sign you weren’t a suitable guardian.”

“Problem is we can’t separate the two.” Amber set down her fork to free her hand for a drink of wine.

Zachary batted his arm out, nearly knocking the glass from her hand. She gave up on the drink.

“If you do it,” said Destiny, “Roth will spin it that you’re power hungry. If you don’t, he’ll spin it that you’re incapable. But Coco wanted you, and that’s important.”

“But Samuel wanted Roth.”

“He did,” Destiny agreed.

“And in a character and intellect debate, Samuel is going to win out over Coco every time.”

Destiny took a drink, and Amber couldn’t help but feel envious. She settled for another bite of the linguini.

A knock sounded on the door.

“That was fast,” said Amber, starting for the path through living room.

“They’re staying at the East Park.”

With a tired and tearful Zachary on her shoulder, Amber crossed to the entry hall. She checked the peephole and opened the door to Cole and Luca.

She couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the dog at Cole’s heels. He’d told her about the shoe altercation, and his decision to take the animal back to the hotel. She also knew he’d been planning to drop the scruffy dog at a shelter. He hadn’t done it yet, and that was somehow endearing.

His expression was sympathetic as he gazed at the pathetically sobbing Zachary.

“I hear you’ve got trouble?” he said.

Zachary instantly perked up. He straightened in Amber’s arms, turning to Cole and blinking his watery eyes. Then he lunged for him.

Cole reflexively reached out, stepping forward to catch the baby. “Hey there, partner.”

“It’s hard not to take this personally,” said Amber, even though her arms and shoulders were all but singing in relief as the weight was removed.

For some reason, Luca was grinning ear to ear as he took in the sight of Cole and Zachary. “Nice to see you again, Amber.”

“Hello, Luca. I’m really sorry that Destiny called you guys. It wasn’t a fair thing to do.”

“No problem at all,” said Luca. “She in here?” He brushed past Amber.

The dog kept his position next to Cole.

“In the kitchen,” Amber called to Luca’s back.

Cole moved into the entry, and Amber shut the door behind him. Zachary heaved a shuddering sigh and laid his head on Cole’s shoulder.

“Do babies always react to you like this?” she couldn’t help asking.

“I don’t know. I’m not usually around them. Mostly, they ignore me.”

“Do you mind if I have something to eat while you hold him?”

“Not at all.” Cole shrugged out of his jacket, draping it over the brass coat tree. “Do whatever you want. Have a bath. Take a nap.”

“Tempting,” Amber admitted. “But I’ve got a glass of merlot in there with my name on it.”

Cole and the dog followed her into the kitchen, where Destiny had dished up some linguini for Luca.

“Peace and quiet,” she noted, taking in Zachary’s posture.

His little hand was stroking one side of Cole’s neck, his face buried in the other.

“Hungry?” Amber asked Cole.

“You go ahead. But I’d pour myself a glass of wine.” He took the remaining of the four stools, and the dog curled up at his feet.

Amber took a satisfying sip of wine and another bite of linguini. It was wonderful to have the use of both hands.

“What’s his name?” Destiny nodded to the dog as she poured wine for the men.

“I don’t know,” said Cole, looking down. “We met in the alley after the dance, and I wasn’t really planning to keep him.”

“I think he’s planning to keep you,” said Amber.

“That’s because I fed him a burger that first night.”

“Cole’s got plenty of room in Alaska,” said Luca.

“You’re taking him home with you?” asked Destiny.

Cole glanced down and seemed to contemplate. “I suppose I am. I’m not liking his chances stacked up against those adorable puppies at the shelter. I don’t know who would choose him.”

“He’s not that homely.” Amber sized up the square, tan muzzle, the floppy, uneven ears and wiry, mottled coat. “Okay, maybe Alaska’s not such a bad idea.”

“You’re so diplomatic,” Cole said with a smile.

“He’ll need a name,” said Amber.

“Rover?” Cole asked the dog.

It didn’t react.

“Spot?”

Nothing.

Amber smiled as she ate and drank.

“Lucky? Butch? Otis?”

The dog glanced sharply up.

“Seriously?” asked Cole. “Otis?”

The dog came up on its haunches and lifted its chin.

“Otis wins,” said Destiny.

“Otis it is,” said Cole, reaching down to pat the dog’s head.

It sniffed at Zachary’s bare foot.

Zachary looked down with curiosity, and the two stared at each other for a long moment.

“Sizing up the competition?” said Destiny.

“Which one?” asked Amber.

Zachary looked suspicious of Otis, and Otis looked suspicious of Zachary. The adults all chuckled at the picture.

Amber quickly polished off her dinner, knowing it wasn’t fair to take continued advantage of Cole.

She moved her plate to the sink. “I should give this little guy his bath.”

“I’m guessing you mean Zachary and not Otis,” said Luca.

“Definitely Zachary.” She couldn’t help but picture Coco’s reaction to Otis in her expensive bathtub.

Cole shifted Zachary on his lap. “Otis had a bath in the hotel car wash the first night I found him.”

“Did he mind?” asked Amber.

“Didn’t seem to. He smelled pretty bad, so I bribed the valet.”

She couldn’t help admire his ingenuity.

“Smells a little like Showoff Gold now, but it’s a big improvement.”

Zachary reached for Otis, grabbing a handful of his ear.

“Careful there,” said Cole, gently pulling Zachary back. But Otis just gazed at Zachary, not seeming the slightest bit concerned.

Much as Amber hated to disturb Zachary when he seemed so happy, it was getting late. She moved toward him.

“Time for a bath?” she asked, a lilt to her voice as she smiled brightly, trying to send him the message that something fun was about to happen.

She held out her arms. “Bath?”

Zachary shrank against Cole, his face scrunching up in discontent.

“I can come with you,” Cole offered.

“That seems like a cop-out,” said Amber. She was already feeling a bit inadequate as a guardian.

Cole rose. “It’s a bath. No big deal. Sometimes it’s good to just go with the flow.”

She couldn’t deny she was tempted. “Okay, maybe just this once. But I’m supposed to be convincing a judge that I’m the best guardian for Zachary. I’d hate to have to tell him it was you instead.”

“Definitely just this once,” Cole answered. “I can hardly give the kid a bath from Alaska.”

“In that case, let’s make my evening easier.”

She led the way down the hall to the main bathroom.

It was easy to tell which of the rooms had been redecorated by Coco. The living room and kitchen were luxurious, with the finest appliances and handcrafted furnishings. But they were subdued and sophisticated, with the obvious touch of a professional decorator.

The master bedroom and the three bathrooms were in stark contrast. They were bright and flamboyant, every feature an extravagance of brilliance and color.

“I should probably prepare you for this,” she told Cole.

He was behind her in the wide hallway, followed by Otis.

“I don’t mind a mess,” he answered.

Amber couldn’t help but laugh. “I wish I was talking about a mess.”

The bathrooms were very well cared for. Samuel had employed the same housekeeper at the penthouse for nearly a decade, and Amber had no intention of letting the efficient woman go. She paused with her door on the handle.

“What’s wrong?” Cole asked.

“It’s purple.”

“Okay?”

“Very purple.” She pushed the door wide and pressed the light switch, watching for his reaction.

The floor tiles were a deep, mottled violet. The wallpaper was mauve with violet pinstripes. Two ultramodern sinks were purple porcelain on clear glass.

The skylight glowed with perimeter lighting, while spotlights twinkled above the shower, sinks and tub. In addition to the complex purple tile work, the walls were decorated with pink-hued abstract paintings, while violet-scented candles and whimsical figurines were placed on glass tables.

“This is very purple,” Cole agreed, moving inside as he gazed around in obvious amazement.

She followed. “The tub in here is a relatively manageable size.”

She pushed up the sleeves of her sweater and twisted the taps on the oval tub. “The one in the master bedroom is nearly a pool.”

Cole grinned. “I guess if you’ve got the money, you can do whatever turns your crank.”

Straightening, Amber retrieved a couple of thick towels and a facecloth from a recessed cabinet, balancing them next to a pink porcelain cat. For all its size, the room was hopelessly impractical. There was only one small cabinet, and the counter space was minimal, most of it taken up with decorations.

“It was pretty interesting to see what Coco did when she was suddenly presented with money,” said Amber.

“Did you offer your opinion?” Cole asked, shaking his head at the outlandish decor.

“I didn’t see this room until after she died.”

Cole perched himself on the edge of the tub and began to pop the snaps on Zachary’s one-piece suit. “But you don’t think your stepsister handled money very well?”

“I think it overwhelmed her. She grew up in downtown Birmingham without a lot of advantages. She was nineteen when she met Samuel.”

“He must have been fifty.”

“At least.”

There was an edge to Cole’s voice. “Nice.”

“She was pretty, stunningly beautiful, actually. She was outgoing and fun loving, and she seemed to idolize Samuel. I’m sure a psychologist would have a field day with the relationship.”

“I’m sure,” Cole agreed.

Amber knelt down and tested the water temperature with the inside of her wrist. She shut off the taps. Then she suction cupped Zachary’s bath safety ring to the bottom of the tub and dropped a couple of brightly colored plastic fish into the water.

“Based on my single college psychology elective,” said Amber as Cole lowered the naked Zachary into the ring, “I would say Samuel was everything Coco’s father was not. Conversely, I suspect Samuel secretly feared he’d never have children and saw Coco as someone he could care for and protect.”

“And sleep with,” said Cole.

“He did marry her. I have to give him credit for that.”

Zachary grabbed for the green fish, sending splashes of water over the edge of the tub, dampening Amber’s sweater and jeans.

“To be fair,” she continued, “from what I saw, he genuinely loved Zachary. I think he’d have had more children if Coco was willing.”

Cole had gone silent, his attention fixed on the baby.

After a long moment, he spoke. “You liked Samuel?”

“Not really. I mean, I barely knew him, but it’s hard to admire a fiftysomething man who marries a nineteen-year-old. Especially one who…” Amber tried to reframe her thought, but there was no way to put it that wasn’t insulting to Coco.

She stretched to retrieve the facecloth, dampening it in the bathwater then squirting some rose-scented soap from a china dispenser.

“So how is it that you and Coco became stepsisters?” Cole asked.

Amber started to wash Zachary’s back, relieved that he’d let her blow past the nonanswer. “My mother died when I was a baby. When I was seven, my father remarried. But shortly after, he was killed by a drunk driver, and then it was just Tara and me.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thank you.” At first, Amber had been inconsolable over the loss of her father, while Tara had seemed overwhelmed by the responsibility of Amber. So Amber had grown up fast, accepted the situation and learned to be strong.

She continued with the story. “Shortly after he died, Tara remarried and got pregnant with Coco.”

“Did you and Tara have a good relationship?”

Zachary splashed happily, cooing in the tub while Amber washed him.

“We didn’t fight or anything. She worked as a waitress. I was in after-school care. She made sure I was fed and had clothes. Meanwhile I was a pretty good kid, and stayed out of her way.”

“That sounds lonely.”

Amber shrugged. “It was okay. I didn’t really know any different until Coco came along.” She dampened Zachary’s soft hair and rubbed in a dollop of baby shampoo.

“What happened?”

“I saw a different approach to parenting.”

“Let me guess, Coco was the golden child.”

“She was the princess of the family. She was their biological baby. While I was ten and didn’t belong to either of them.”

“I’m so sorry, Amber.”

She gave herself a mental shake as she removed Zachary from the bath ring. “It was a very long time ago. I don’t know why I’m even going into it.”

“Because I asked.”

Crouched over the tub, she leaned Zachary along her arm to rinse his hair. He squirmed but didn’t cry.

“I never knew my father,” Cole said from beside her.

“Divorce?” she asked.

“Yes. Before I was born.”

“Did you have a relationship with him?”

“None.”

“Why not?”

“My mother wanted nothing to do with him, and neither did I.”

“Do you still feel the same way?”

“I do. But it wouldn’t matter.”

Amber guessed at what Cole meant. “He passed away?”

“He did.”

She stood Zachary up, checking to make sure he was squeaky-clean. “Any regrets?

“Not a one. He never knew about me. My mom was absolutely fantastic. It was just the two of us, but she was hardworking, loving, supportive.”

“That’s nice to hear.” Amber lifted Zachary from the tub, wrapping him in a fluffy mauve towel.

He cooed happily, but then spotted Cole. He wriggled in her lap, reaching out and whimpering.

“This is definitely insulting,” she said.

“You’re great with him.”

“I’m not sure about that.” She was honest. “But I’m what he’s got, and I do love him.”

Cole rose from the edge of the tub, reaching out to take Zachary in one arm and then helping her to her feet. It took him a minute to speak.

“Sometimes,” he said softly, “families just happen.”

His hand was warm and dry beneath hers, broad, strong and slightly callused. He didn’t immediately let her go, and a strange feeling surged up her arm, pushing into her chest.

Time seemed to stop. She stood still and drank in his appearance. He was such a gorgeous, sexy man. His smoke-gray eyes were warm with emotion. She noticed once again that his shoulders were broad, arms strong, chest deep. He seemed to radiate a power that was more than just physical.

She fought another urge to throw herself into his arms.

“Amber,” he breathed.

He lifted his hand to brush her damp hair from her cheek.

His touch was featherlight, but she felt herself sway toward him.

He leaned in, slowly, surely.

Then he touched his lips to hers.

He tasted like fine wine, his lips warm and firm. The scented steam rose between them while his fingers slipped back, delving into her hair.

The kiss deepened, and her desire skyrocketed.

“Gak,” called Zachary, his hand smacking her ear.

She jerked back in shock.

“Gak,” Zachary repeated, pressing his feet against her as if he needed space.

“All right, partner,” said Cole. “You have my attention.” But his gaze stayed fixed on Amber.

Embarrassment flooded her. “I don’t know what happened there.”

“I do,” said Cole. He held her gaze for a long beat. “And I’ve never taken a single psychology course.”

Then he backed away to the bathroom door, leaving her awash in arousal and confusion.

Four

Cole sat across from Luca at a small table in the festively decorated lobby lounge in the East Park Hotel. A blue-and-silver Christmas tree towered thirty feet above them. Lit reindeer bracketed the entrance. Strings of garland and clusters of icicles cascaded from the high ceilings, while the windows were frosted with scenes of ice and snow.

Carols played softly in the background as guests enjoyed the breakfast buffet.

“There’s not a doubt in my mind that Amber is the right guardian for Zachary,” said Cole.

He couldn’t help but worry about Amber’s description of her stepsister, and how Roth’s legal team might use Coco’s background and reputation. Amber was definitely going to have a fight on her hands in court.

“This is what I’m talking about,” said Luca, seeming not to have heard Cole’s comment as he swiveled his laptop around to face Cole. “That’s Samuel at the age of thirty-three, a year older than you are now.”

Cole focused on the picture of his biological father. The eyes were similar, but Samuel’s hair was lighter, his chin narrower and his nose had a bit of an upturn.

“It’s only there if you’re looking for it,” he said. “And nobody’s looking for it.”