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

  “Victoria!” Ava sounded thrilled. “This is so perfect! I couldn’t have come up with a better idea.”

  Tori’s face fell. “I’m sorry, what?” There had to be some misunderstanding.

  “Let them believe that you’re me,” Ava continued, nearly out of breath. “That way, I won’t ever have to come out to Hollaway Castle. It is something I have been dreading so dearly. And this could help you as well. Having experience like this—representing the entire company! That will serve you well in your future. I’m so happy with how this afternoon turned out.”

  Tori could hardly believe what she was hearing—how could she seriously expect her to keep this up? “I’m sorry, Ms. Ava, but that isn’t possible. We need to set things straight. If you really want to avoid the Kent Company, then I can represent Avalon whenever you need—but I have to come as myself!” Her voice was strained with exasperation.

  “No, dear, you don’t. And this is where I draw the line. I will have things the way I want them!” Tori could hear the shaking that had entered Ms. Ava’s voice again, and it sent shards of ice tingling up her spine. “Look at what you stand to lose—the least of which is your job. I’m paying you a considerable amount to be there. I’m sure you’ve already imagined what could be done with that? And if you don’t go through with this, everyone at Avalon—your friends—will lose their jobs.”

  Ms. Ava had transformed again. It was a strange thing to clearly hear the loss of reason in her new boss’s voice. Tori swallowed. “But, ma’am, this is wrong,” she stated simply. She’d left no room to argue, and the phone fell silent for a moment.

  “Tomorrow, they will want a statement,” Ms. Ava said, her voice shaking hard. “I will email it to you. Read it word for word. And, let me add—if anyone figures out that you’re using my name, I might be inclined to call the police. Thank you, Victoria.”

  The call cut off, and Tori looked back at John with shock tingling on her lips.

  She was trapped.

  * * *

  The night had been restless at best. And even though she’d spent it wrapped in downy soft blankets, Tori needed to escape. She crunched through the frozen grass behind Hollaway Castle, wearing some old boots she’d found in the closet. They were comfortable but not warm. Frost had caked the pointed leather toes, and her feet ached from the cold. But even with her numb toes, it felt good to have her heart pumping.

  She was expected to speak at the welcome dinner that evening, and it wasn’t something she would normally fear. But, as she thought about what it would be like to have to speak as Ms. Ava, it seemed ridiculous. What was that woman thinking? There had to be some way of talking her out of it. She would play along for now, but sooner or later Ms. Ava had to see reason. And then things could be straightened out.

  With a sigh that produced a cloud in front of her, Tori looked out across the landscape dusted in early morning pastels. Snow-covered hills and farmland mixed with gatherings of pine. The air around her was filled with birds singing like it was the last morning on Earth.

  But as she stood there catching her breath, the twittering stopped and a bird fluttered from the tree beside her to coast down over the fields. She noticed movement in the small grove of trees below, and a man emerged, riding a tall white stallion. He paused at the edge of the trees, seemingly lost in the view.

  Tori didn’t recognize him at first. But when she took a crunching step back, his head turned in her direction. She identified Oliver easily, and lifted a hand briefly before turning to leave, walking as quickly as she could without running. His face had been sad—his lips downturned and his eyes far away. Like he was watching the morning sun take something from him, but it was hard to imagine what someone like him could want for. He likely had everything he’d ever dreamed of, and more.

  “Ms. Ava,” Oliver called as he galloped over the frosty hill. His horse slipped and slid on the way down, tossing his head to keep his balance. When they trotted to a stop next to her they were both breathing out smoky puffs of air. “Let me apologize for just now,” Oliver said, pausing for a breath. “I didn’t realize you were there.”

  Tori was suddenly very conscious of her pajamas and college sweatshirt, and of how hastily she’d tied her tangled hair up in a knot. But then she noticed Oliver’s hair—sticking up a bit on one side, and his shirt wrinkled and untucked like he’d gone straight from his pillow to his horse. He smoothed his hand over the shaggy side of his head as he waited out her response.

  “No,” She finally answered. “It’s not a problem, Mr. Kent.” She was determined to address him formally in person. But in her thoughts, he was always Oliver. “The countryside here is beautiful—if a little frozen.” She wondered if she should say anything more since she was supposed to be speaking as Ava. In a sudden wave of irritation, she brushed the thought aside. She would be herself, and Ava could worry about it later.

  Before she could continue, Oliver’s stallion pushed his muzzle at Tori, and she stumbled to the side. “Hello there,” she laughed, scrubbing her hand along his soft face. She glanced up to see Oliver watching her.

  He swung one boot over his saddle, dismounting and standing awkwardly for a moment. “I…” he paused, looking into her eyes. His face was an intoxicating mix of color and strength, with the cold having tinted his cheeks. A small muscle in his jaw appeared in the silence. He seemed to be too nervous to continue, and the thought warmed Tori all the way to her frozen toes.

  When she smiled he finally exhaled, a puff of frozen breath dusting her face. She blinked away the frost with a giggle. “I’m sorry,” he said, laughing with her. “You must be freezing.” His hands flew to his thick flannel over-shirt, and he pulled open a button. Tori shook her head, stopping him with her hand on his chest.

  “I’m not taking your shirt,” she objected, meaning to laugh and compare her thick coat to his absence of coat. But her hand stayed settled against his chest a moment too long. She could see it in his eyes—the question that hung there. His smile had faded and in the few seconds that passed, the warmth from his skin thawed her cold palm. She whisked her hand away. “It’s not far, I meant,” she breathed, her voice considerably hushed.

  He rubbed the back of his neck, looking out at the country again and allowing the same sadness she’d seen before to fill his eyes. “Yes, you’re right,” he finally agreed. “I wouldn’t mind walking with you, if that’s alright?”

  They began in silence, with Tori searching her mind for any conversation that might fill the void. But all she could think of was the tiny space between them, and how his arm brushed against hers at almost every step. In her distraction, there was only the sound of hooves on the stone path to accompany them.

  “I’ll see you this evening,” Oliver finally said when they’d reached the castle. His voice seemed cheery but his eyes were still sad. “Feel free to wander the grounds and enjoy the vendors here.” His lips lifted into a half smile and he led his horse around the back of the castle.

  Tori stared after him, lost in thought—until she realized she’d completely lost feeling in her toes. With a huff, she pulled the door open and headed to her room. She was determined to find out what was troubling Oliver the next time they spoke.

  But for the rest of the day, it seemed she wouldn’t get the chance. She looked for him at each of the classes she attended. The first was a brief motivational speaker. He addressed the group and spoke of his time climbing mountains in Asia. The way he compared his experiences to the two companies was inspiring, and Tori was lost in the beauty he described. The image in her mind of using such extreme physical strength and mental drive was exhilarating.

  For a brief moment, she imagined the trips she could afford if she didn’t have to pay for her mother’s surgery. The thought had her feeling miserably guilty, and she pushed it away. It wasn’t something she had to consider—she knew what she was going to do.

  In one segment of his presentation, the speaker asked the audience to briefly get to know those
sitting next to them. Tori turned to the woman on her right, but she was already lost in conversation. The man on her left, although not speaking with anyone, was twisted in his seat so that she only saw his back. She waited for him to turn, and considered tapping his shoulder as the minutes stretched on. Finally, he did swivel a bit, enough for her to lean forward and catch his eye. She could see some reluctance on his face and it had her feeling suddenly self-conscious. Had he been trying to avoid her?

  Mumbling a hello, Tori asked a couple questions, learning that this man was close to retirement and that he’d worked at the Kent Company for almost twenty years. He seemed kind, but he didn’t ask her any questions in return. After answering hers quickly he faced the front with his arms crossed, waiting out the rest of the time. It was strange, and left Tori puzzled. And discouragingly, his wasn’t the only odd behavior—every time she started a conversation she sensed a false kindness, like something secret was hidden in their thoughts while they smiled and found excuses to walk away. After a rather boring class on time management, she was glad that classes had ended for the day… even though it left her with an entire afternoon alone.

  Walking the halls of the castle, her thoughts turned to Oliver. He hadn’t been in any of the classes. Not that she was looking for him, she told herself. It was only that he talked to her like a friend—unlike everyone else.

  Tori glanced up as a group approached her. They were absorbed in lively chatter, but the conversation hushed the moment they saw her.

  A couple of the men nudged each other until one of them stepped forward. “We’re going riding, Ms. Ava. Would you like to join us?” he asked, lifting his chin a little as he glanced back at his friends. Tori couldn’t think of a reason not to go; it sounded much better than staying in her empty suite all day.

  She glanced across their faces, hoping she might be given more of a chance with this group. “I’d love to,” she answered, joining them as they headed to the courtyard. “Where are the stables?” she asked, but there was a stretch of awkward silence. The group glanced back and forth uncomfortably and Tori’s discouragement suddenly turned to irritation. For goodness sake, she grumbled to herself, it’s just Ava.

  “Just through the west entrance, ma’am,” Stephen said politely, the man who’d first spoken to her. He seemed content to break whatever rule the rest of the party was following. They continued on, and Tori pried until she learned the names and occupations of those around her. Everyone held positions at the Kent Company. And it seemed like they were all stealing glances at her when she wasn’t looking. In fact, everyone seemed on edge since she’d joined the happy party—their jubilance and laughter had disappeared. Eyeing Stephen, Tori hoped she could get him to tell her what was going on.

  When they reached the stable, horses were already saddled and tethered to their posts outside a long, shallow barn. A stable hand counted the riders quickly. “Another horse, ma’am?” he asked, directing the question at Tori.

  “If it’s not too much trouble,” she answered, half hoping he would send her on her way. She was beginning to wonder if hiding in her bedroom suite might be the best way to spend the rest of her time at Hollaway Castle.

  “Of course not,” he answered, rushing to a nearby stall and bridling the tall, white stallion she’d seen with Oliver earlier in the day. “Zeus here is as smooth a ride as you’ll get, and he’s already warmed up.” Saddling the horse quickly, the man handed her the reins. The rest of the party sat waiting, already astride their horses. She stepped up, settling into the saddle, and kicked her heels against Zeus’s strong sides.

  Stephen was near the front of the group as they started on a narrow mountain trail, which had Tori grumbling to herself from her spot at the back. No one else had anything to say to her, although she still had no idea why. The horses moved in single file, and after only a few minutes Tori noticed Stephen pull his horse aside. He waved the other riders forward and waited for her to catch up. Motioning for her to go ahead of him, Stephen followed behind. “Have you ridden out here before?” he asked, as they clip-clopped over a wooden bridge. The shallow creek underneath trickled around ice-crusted rocks and fallen branches.

  “I haven’t,” Tori answered, looking up at the trees that weaved together overhead. The sunlight only showed through in small patches that danced along the ground. “It’s a mystical place.” She pulled back on the reins a little, encouraging the huge horse to slow. When there was a little more space between them and the rest of the group, she turned in her saddle. “I can’t help but think that I’m making people nervous,” she said, watching the way Stephen froze. “Is there a reason for that?”

  A tree branch hit her in the back of the head, and she swung forward, smoothing her hair. The trail was rounding a shallow lake, with grasses and fronds sticking up through the water. Ice laced the edges of the lake, encircling it with its slowly growing fingers. Stephen cleared his throat behind her, but she kept facing forward. More low branches hung across their path, and she pushed a few aside as she waited for an answer.

  “I believe,” he said quietly, “that there are several rumors circulating. But they’re not so much about you as they are about the Kent Company.”

  Tori turned around again, resting her hand on the back of the saddle. “What kind of rumors?”

  Stephen seemed more uncomfortable with each passing second, but Tori kept her gaze steady. “I don’t believe it’s my place to spread gossip, ma’am,” he finally answered. “There’s never any truth to such stories.”

  “Well, everyone else seems to have heard these rumors,” Tori grumbled. “What’s the harm in me knowing what everyone else has already heard?” She let her eyes bore into him and felt a little guilty when he gave in.

  “Yes, I see your point.” he glanced ahead at the other riders. “There has been talk of financial trouble within the Kent Company. But nothing has come from Mr. Kent Sr. or Mr. Kent, so I doubt it’s factual.” Tori nodded.

  “And there’s more?” she asked, watching him squirm.

  “Yes, there’s just one other thing. I believe you have something of a reputation growing. It’s been said that you’re here to…” he paused, shifting in his saddle and slowing his horse even more. Tori slowed with him. “Well, ma’am, people have heard that you’re here to claim the young Mr. Kent.”

  With a jerk on the reins, Tori’s horse stopped, tossing its head. “What? Claim Mr. Kent?”

  Tori mentally reviewed her conversations with Oliver. Was that what he thought? The very idea that people would assume such a thing about her was infuriating. It took a moment before she had checked her thoughts and put herself in the proper perspective. The rumor wasn’t about her—it was about Ava. And Tori was posing as another woman and lying to the entire group. She flinched. “Well, that’s not true,” she answered, her voice as crushed as her spirits.

  “Of course not,” Stephen answered, his kind eyes lingering on her face.

  “Well, what do you think?” Tori asked, looking into his dark eyes and knowing she shouldn’t be so desperate for him to answer—she would probably never see him again. Still, she waited with her heart pounding, anxious to hear his thoughts.

  “You seem genuine to me,” he answered, tipping his head in a quick nod. It was only a tiny morsel of validation, but Tori breathed it in like fresh air in the dust storm of gossip.

  They’d caught up with the group, who were all lost in conversation. But at Tori’s glance, they hushed more completely than the half-frozen lake they’d left behind… and she was tired of it.

  Adjusting her seat, Tori kicked the stallion into a run, past their questioning faces and past the painful truth that simmered in her chest. But she must have kicked Zeus harder than she’d meant. She lifted a hand in a wave as she flew past the group, faking confidence when really she was nearing panic. The powerful horse was going from a run to an all out charge. He bolted forward like he’d waited his whole life for it.

  “Whoa,” Tori breathed, pul
ling back on the reins timidly. The horse stretched his neck and ripped the strips of leather from her hands. Clinging to the saddle, she reached down the massive white neck and grasped at the reins. But Zeus changed directions and the saddle dug into her ribs. With a gasp, she gripped handfuls of mane, desperately trying to stay in the seat. They had circled back around the pond and were heading to the barn. The stallion had reached his full speed, and his body moved fluidly beneath her. She was sure at any moment she would slide off.

  Tori glanced up as she whipped past Oliver. “Hey!” he yelled in surprise. The rest of his words were lost with the wind. “Zeus!” He finally shouted, his voice thundering above the whooshing sound in her ears. The horse finally let up, his head lifting and body relaxing as he dropped to a trot. Tori reached down and grabbed the reins, holding them loosely as the massive horse slowed. She stayed frozen in the saddle until Oliver jogged up to meet them. When he reached her, she was sure her face was white with fear.

  But luckily, he wasn’t focused on her just yet. He stepped in front of the horse and held the bridle with one hand. Lowering the horse’s head, he looked into its big, dark eyes. “Now, Zeus, what have you been up to?” he scolded, refusing to let go as the horse shook his head in irritation. “Ms. Ava is a guest here. You are not allowed to run away with her.” The horse dropped his massive white head to nibble at Oliver’s shoes.

  When Oliver did finally look up at Tori, their eyes met in a steady gaze that seemed to communicate directly with Tori’s heart. A rush of adrenaline shot through her, and she closed her eyes with a deep breath.

  “I’m sorry, Ms. Ava, Zeus can be a handful.” Oliver said. He stood beside her, and she handed him the reins. For a moment it seemed his hands lingered over hers, and she looked into his eyes. “It’s safe to slide down now,” he said quietly.

  She thought he was about to reach for her, but then he stepped away. “Thank you,” Tori managed, sure her heart would beat out of her chest as she slid to the ground. Standing so close, she suddenly wanted to tell him everything—why she’d come to Hollaway Castle—that she wasn’t really Ava. And mostly, what she was beginning to feel for him. She glanced over to see him watching her, waiting with the reins in his hand.