Christmas At Hollaway Castle (A Holiday Mix-Up) Read online

  “You are to keep your interactions formal, and you will be sent an email every evening regarding proceedings for the following day. You are to announce the company statements word for word.”

  An uncomfortable apprehension twisted Tori’s stomach. Next was a sentence regarding her holiday pay, but the number was ridiculous. $32,000? It had to be a typo. Tori typed a reply quickly, but she couldn’t get herself to write the full number. She was sure Ms. Ava would laugh herself silly if she did.

  Am I correct that pay is $3,200?

  She sent the question and stared at her screen, imagining what she would do with such a payout. It was a mesmerizing thought. It was more than enough to pay for the surgery.

  Her computer dinged as she received Ms. Ava’s response. She read over it quickly.

  “Your pay will be $32,000.”

  She fell back into her chair with her head spinning.

  Chapter 2

  “Ma’am, are you traveling alone?” the perky flight attendant asked. Tori took a moment to brush aside her sudden discouragement before answering.

  “I am.”

  “We have a couple wanting to be seated together if you wouldn’t mind moving to the first row?”

  With a shrug, Tori agreed and followed the bouncy-haired Cindy to her new seat. The front row in coach, she was convinced, had been invented to make you wish you’d paid extra for the ultimate comfort of first class. She settled down and tried not to look. But every time a flight attendant passed by, the curtain swung open and wide, and velvety recliners mocked her cramped vinyl seat. She was sure if it had been the actual Ms. Ava flying, she would be in one of those recliners.

  As the flight progressed, it irritated her more and more. And her glances into first class went from curious, to irritated, to glowering. At one such moment, a man looked back, catching her stare. She quickly pulled her lips up, but the fake smile made him laugh.

  “Excuse me, Miss?” he asked, motioning for her to join him.

  Unused to feeling awkward, Tori stood slowly as she tried to come up with reasons she loved flying coach. Why was it bothering her anyway? It wasn’t like she’d ever flown first class. It was Ms. Ava’s treatment of her. That was the real problem. And it stung like a thorn stuck under her shirt. But as she sat down across the aisle from the man, trying not to enjoy the luxurious softness she was cradled in, she finally took the time to study him. Suddenly, the strength in her body vanished like smoke. He was crushingly handsome. How had she not noticed?

  The way he looked at her was imploring and honest, like he had no idea what his grey-flecked, blue eyes were capable of. His wavy hair fell forward a little, the lightened tips hinting at time in the sun. She was sure her smile looked a few degrees off in her shock, but her cheeks seemed to be stretching in the right places anyway.

  “I just wanted to ask you a couple questions if I could?” he asked.

  “Sure.” Tori’s voice cracked. She cleared her throat.

  “I’m wondering if you’ve ever been to London before? What are the top spots to visit?” He leaned forward a little and rested against the arm of his chair, waiting eagerly for her response.

  “Um…” Tori had to break away from his stare to even remember the question. “No,” she finally answered. “I’m sorry, but I’ve never been to London before. I’ve never been anywhere before. Well, I guess I’ve been to Florida. It’s nice there. It’s warm.”

  Appalled at her rambling, she snapped her mouth shut. What was she talking about? She needed to find her professionalism. She was the most sought-out event planner at Avalon. She crossed her legs and tried again. “What I meant was, I’ve never been outside of the U.S. If that’s what you were asking.” She honestly couldn’t remember his question anymore.

  “Oh, you haven’t? Not ever?” He seemed shocked. Her thoughts scrambled to figure out why, but he continued before she came up with an answer. “I just wasn’t sure where I should go while I’m here on… well, vacation. It’s a nice place to visit.” He stopped abruptly.

  For a moment there was only silence as she looked back at him, her eyes growing wider and her throat drying like cotton. “So you’ve never been to London, either?” she asked. The moment the question left her lips she knew it was ridiculous. Hadn’t he just told her that? What was going on with her? “I mean, are you planning on, you know, going there a lot?” Her cheeks felt hot.

  He didn’t answer. He only stared back at her like she was insane.

  She could feel sweat gather in her hair and was sure it would roll down her face at any moment. “It was nice meeting you,” she rushed. “Have a great trip.”

  With that, she fled, ignoring the way he held out his hand like he had more to say. The humiliation was just too much. But in the two steps it took her to get to her seat, she’d flung the curtain open. She brushed her hands over her face and looked up to see him staring back at her.

  She grimaced as she reached forward to pull it closed while her cheeks flamed. If only she’d stayed in her original seat, this never would have happened. Glancing back, she saw the adoring couple snuggled up together in the middle row. Ugh. Why? Tori dropped her head to the window with a clunk, wishing more than ever that she was home making sugar cookies with her mom.

  When they landed, the first-class passengers exited long before the rest of the plane. Tori twisted in her seat and worked to find him out the window… what was his name? Had she even gotten his name? She groaned, catching a woman’s eye and lifting up the airsickness bag with a wink. The woman looked away.

  It didn’t matter—he wouldn’t want to call her anyway. With the way things had gone, he would probably only want to call the authorities.

  Tori followed the line of passengers as they filed off the plane. At least her hotel was bound to be a better experience. But she’d barely set foot in the airport when she was tapped on the shoulder.

  “Hello, miss.” A boxy-suited man stood in Tory’s way. “I am to escort you during your stay. Ms. Ava has made all the arrangements.” He stood stiffly and waited out the uncomfortable pause between them.

  “I was never told about an assistant,” Tory answered, noticing the way he bristled when she said assistant.

  “Just call me John.” His attempt at smiling was as natural as watching metal bend. They were stopped in the center of the hall, and passengers were forced to maneuver their luggage around them. But he took no notice of it, and instead held up a cell phone. “She would like to speak with you first.”

  Tori took the phone and began to make her way through the terminal. “Hello?” she said, confused at the strange turn her trip had taken. She was now being trailed by a mammoth assistant—or whatever he was, and was using his phone to talk to her boss. It didn’t sit well.

  “Yes, Tori. Glad you made it.” Ms. Ava sounded like she was driving with the windows down, even though it was the middle of winter. “John is to accompany you everywhere you go. Well, when you leave your suite that is. Since you’re there on my behalf, it’s only reasonable that you should have some sort of protection. It’s customary.”

  Tori glanced back at John, sure that nothing about him was customary.

  “He has a car and will act as your driver. He knows the area well and can take you to your room. I will be in touch.” Another woman’s voice could be heard in the background, laughing. “Talk to you tomorrow.” She hung up before Tori could answer.

  “Okay, goodbye,” Tori said to the dead air before handing the phone back to John.

  It took the entire walk through the sprawling London airport to situate her thoughts. She’d been ready to enjoy the city on her own, hopping cabs and searching out the best cafes and shops. Now, it felt like she’d been put on a leash. And it was too short for her liking.

  At least the driver was skilled—if a little reckless. He whipped through traffic without a pause, making the fact that they were in a limo seem irrelevant.

  Tori gripped the armrest as they changed lanes again. “Hav
e you lived in London long?” she asked. As he turned the corner without breaking her gaze, she was suddenly sure he’d spent his entire life there.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he answered. She waited for more, but nothing came.

  The city melted into farmland, and wilderness after that. It was more rugged than she would have expected a mere hour’s drive from London. Pine trees towered in clumps, their branches weeping more than the redwoods near her grandmother’s home in northern California. And the hills didn’t follow the usual undulating dance. Instead, they popped up in the oddest places and displayed themselves proudly. It left her mesmerized.

  The limo turned onto a narrow lane with pine trees standing at attention along each side. They bathed the roadway with deep shadows, and Tori pulled off her sunglasses. Ahead of them a stone bridge appeared, arched and glowing with lanterns atop its pillars. “How charming,” Tori said, turning to look back and admire it again. When the car stopped, she looked ahead, only to have her mouth fall open.

  “We’re here, miss,” John said, clearly unimpressed.

  Stepping from the car, she could hardly believe it. “This is where I’m staying?” she gasped. A grey stone castle towered over her, dripping with moss in the most subtle way. A turret was partly obscured by pine trees, making her want to follow the meandering walkway to investigate.

  John stepped in front of her and settled her luggage on the cobblestone. “Yes, ma’am, this is where everyone’s staying. It’s customary for the Kent Company to host their grandest events here at Hollaway Castle.” With that, John waved her forward and followed as she pulled her luggage ahead of him.

  But the tiny wheels of her suitcase clattered along the cobblestone so loudly that the entire forest seemed to hush at the sound. Tori ignored it and charged ahead. But when they crossed under the entrance to an enormous inner courtyard filled with tables and guests, it became obvious she was making a scene. Heads turned mid-conversation, and caterers shook their heads discretely. But, quickly deciding that she would rather die than hoist the entire suitcase over her shoulder, she continued on.

  “Ms. Randall-Cullens!” An official-looking gentleman strode across the courtyard. Tori looked behind her. Had Ms. Ava come after all? But there was no one there. And now the entire courtyard was eyeing Tori and John suspiciously. Some of them rose to their feet, and hushed gossip filled the air.

  It wasn’t until the man stopped in front of Tori that she realized he’d been referring to her. His hand hovered for a moment before she grasped it, not wanting to shun him the way Ava undoubtedly would have. But she couldn’t let the mix-up continue. She shook her head. “No, I’m terribly sorry, but—”

  “Oh, of course! I apologize, yes I do. So sorry. We were requested to address you as such. Would you be more comfortable with Ms. Randall? We could most definitely oblige.” The man bowed, and his hand, as it cranked Tori’s up and down, trembled ever so slightly.

  “But, you see, I’m not—”

  “Please, don’t feel you need to explain to me.” The man looked close to panic, and Tori scanned the courtyard quickly to see more than one forehead glistening with nerves.

  “I am only trying to fix this mix-up—” Tori began.

  “Mix up?” the man nearly screamed. He seemed unable to speak for a moment, his eyes searching the shadows around them.

  “May I help?” a voice called from beyond the courtyard. Tori put her hands on her hips in frustration and turned to face this newcomer. When he stepped into the sunlight, she could hardly believe her eyes.

  “You!” they both said together.

  Tori laughed—it was the man from the plane. He seemed surprised, but he quickly sobered. “I have a confession, Ms. Randall-Cullens,” he began. Tori meant to object, but he stepped in so close her thoughts scattered. “I knew it was you on the plane. I apologize. My only intent was to spread a little cheer—you seemed upset. But as I hadn’t taken the time to introduce myself, the entire act was shameful. Your words, as well as your beauty, left me stunned. Please accept my apology.”

  Tori was speechless, locked in his gaze again. “And your name would be?” she finally asked, a bit breathless.

  The man dropped his head into the palm of his hand, the sound echoing through the courtyard. “Forgive me, again. I am Oliver Kent, son of Andrew Kent.”

  Trying not to gasp, Tori nodded politely. She’d studied the Kent Company enough to know that she was speaking to the man who would take over the business in a few months’ time. Much like a royal family, he was next in line to rule over the Kent Company kingdom. They had estates and manors scattered all over Great Britain—Hollaway Castle was just another jewel in their crown. And Avalon needed this partnership.

  Swallowing the panic that had built up in her chest, Tori took a breath—determined to make things right. “I have to tell you,” she said, her voice beginning to shake, “I’m not who you think I am.”

  Oliver straightened at the change in her tone, and Tori looked into his face and the kindness in his eyes. “Please, don’t mention this,” he whispered. “I’m embarrassed and ashamed. Just tell me now, and I will personally assure it is handled—how would you wish to be addressed?”

  She was caught again in those blue eyes. They’d faded to grey under the quickly gathering clouds. It was like a glimpse into his character—his soul. And somehow, his gaze broke apart all her professional confidence.

  “Ms. Ava is fine,” she finally answered. The moment the words had left her lips she regretted it. But for some reason she couldn’t explain, her insides had turned to jelly.

  “Ms. Ava then,” Oliver said quietly, pausing long enough for Tori to wish she could place something cool on her forehead. “I’m sure you wish to have some time to yourself after such a long trip. I hope the drive went smoothly?”

  They’d begun walking through the courtyard together, and a drop of rain landed on Tori’s cheek. She brushed it away before noticing how intently Oliver gazed at her.

  “I… “ she glanced across his face quickly, not allowing her eyes to linger as long as they wanted. But the small distraction rattled every thought from her mind. “I’m sorry, what was your question?” She finally asked, sure his opinion of her was sinking with each encounter. But he laughed in a way that had her feeling adored, and she couldn’t help but laugh with him.

  “It wasn’t important Ms. Ava,” he said in a huff, still catching his breath. “I’m sure you’re tired. I’ll let John escort you to your room.” He lifted her hand, holding it for a moment. His warmth seemed to sink straight through her skin to settle against her heart. “Have a good night,” he said quietly, glancing across her face.

  “Thank you—you too.” Tori answered, watching him for a moment. She couldn’t help but notice the strong, confident way he walked. But as she thought over the last few minutes, her mood darkened quickly. She’d never been dishonest at work—she abhorred lies. And here she was deceiving someone who had the power to fire every one of her friends at Avalon.

  But what bothered her most was that whenever Oliver thought of her—if he ever did think of her—he would say Ava’s name.

  Chapter 3

  John led Tori to her suite without missing a single step—as if she’d been Ms. Ava all along. “Goodnight, miss.” He dipped his head, preparing to leave.

  Tori bounced on her heels. She quickly scanned the hallway and pulled him inside, dragging him by the elbow. “Come in—just for a second.” She was sure a complete breakdown was looming if she didn't talk to someone. As they entered her suite, she hardly noticed the elegance of her room, the way the rugged stone was brushed with furs and tapestries. It was the last thing on her mind.

  John allowed her to pull him forward, even though she was sure not even a tractor could move him if he refused.

  “John, what am I going to do?” she asked, on the verge of complete panic. “It was just such a mix-up, and then he looked so sincere and devastated and… did you notice anything else? Did he lo
ok like anything else to you?”

  John raised his eyebrows.

  She shook her head. “Okay, forget that. I just need to tell them the truth. All of them! The entire courtyard, John!” She brought her hands to her face, realizing just how far this mistake had gone.

  “Now, Miss Victoria,” John finally said, his tone surprisingly consoling, “the mistake was theirs. Clearly, you have nothing to apologize for. Simply find Mr. Kent and explain the situation. Or if you would like, I could gladly take care of it for you.”

  It was the most she’d ever heard him say, and in those few sentences, she realized she had been completely wrong about John. Her nerves slowly unwound as she looked at the situation from his perspective. It seemed so simple.

  “Thank you.” She sighed. “Maybe you’re right.”

  “It is nothing to worry over, ma’am—” He stopped mid-sentence and reached into his coat. Pulling out his phone, he turned it briefly to Tori before answering. Ms. Ava’s name had been displayed on the screen.

  Tori felt her stomach tighten, but before she could panic, John began to explain the situation. The way he described the mix-up was calm and easily understood, but when he had finished, his eyebrows pinched together and his lips turned down at one end. “I disagree, ma’am,” he finally said. And then he was silent—listening again. He didn’t look happy with whatever Ms. Ava was saying. He shifted his weight, and his eyes lifted to Tori’s before he handed the phone over without another word.

  Tori took it, trying to read his expression. “Hello, Ms. Ava?” she said.