Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold) (5 page)

There was plenty of conversation. He heard snippets of different discussions on everything from the favorite part of the parade to what side dishes a certain mother-in-law expected her new daughter-in-law to make. When the faint notes of music drifted toward them, the crowd went quiet, then began to cheer.

He turned with everyone else, eager to catch his first glimpse of this small-town parade.

“Oh. My. God. You’re Jonny Blaze. I can’t believe it. What are you doing here? Do you live here? Is it really you? Can I have an autograph and take a picture?”

It took a second for the frantic words to register. Jonny turned and saw a woman in her thirties staring at him. She was holding a toddler and there was a slightly older girl hanging on to her free hand. He knew he’d never seen her before and guessed she was a tourist in town for the long weekend.

The woman stared at him, then nodded. “It’s you. I can’t believe it. Mike, hurry. It’s Jonny Blaze. You need to take our picture. This is amazing. Can we kiss, because wow, would I like to kiss you.”

This happened all the time. He knew exactly what to do, how to establish boundaries. He’d been doing it for years. Only in the past few weeks, he’d forgotten what it was like to have the public intruding into his life. So he wasn’t prepared and in the seconds it took him to figure out what he was supposed to say—beyond “Hell, no, we can’t kiss”—the woman was moving in for her picture.

“You’re going to feel really foolish in a minute.”

The voice came from behind him, then a woman who had to be in her seventies pushed in front of him.

“I know what you’re thinking,” she continued cheerfully. “That he’s that movie star Jonny something, right? Happens all the time.” The old lady slapped him on his upper arm. “This is my no-good grandson. He can’t hold a job to save his soul. My daughter is pulling her hair out, let me tell you. Now he’s not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but he’s learned how to clean out gutters. You have some work he could do? He’s honest and he’s cheap.”

The woman holding the baby took a giant step back. “You’re not Jonny Blaze? And you were going to kiss me? I don’t think so. Yuck.” She rolled her eyes. “Why would I want to kiss a stranger?”

My point exactly
, Jonny thought as the woman and her family hurried away.

He turned to the old lady. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I saw them moving in for the kill and figured you could use some help.”

“I’m usually better than that.”

She shrugged. “It’s okay. Everyone gets to have an off day. I’m Gladys, by the way.”

“Jonny Blaze.”

She grinned. “Like I don’t know that. Nice to meet you officially. You’re very handsome.”

He laughed. “Okay, don’t get scary.”

She winked. “I know things. You’d be amazed.”

“I probably would be. And then you’d dump me and break my heart.”

“Very possibly.” She eyed him speculatively. “I do have a great-niece who’s single. Actually, Nancee’s in a relationship with a no-good jerk, but does she listen?”

“They never do.”

She motioned to someone he couldn’t see. “I’m leaving you with protection, seeing as you’re woefully unprepared to take care of yourself.”

He turned and saw Madeline walking toward them. Gladys quickly explained what had happened.

Madeline turned to him. “Are you okay?”

She was genuinely concerned. He could read it in her blue eyes. Talk about strange—people didn’t look out for him, they took from him. He was expected to be the one to provide. If he needed help, he hired security.

She was dressed in a bright red coat that matched her lip gloss. A matching scarf was wrapped around her neck and she had on mittens. Nothing overtly sexy, yet he found the outfit appealing. And very Fool’s Gold.

“I’m fine,” he told her. “Just an overly zealous tourist. Gladys shut her down.”

“Gladys is good at doing that. But brace yourself. She’s going to want payback.”

“She already mentioned us sleeping together,” he said, telling himself she really had been joking.

“If only it would stop there.” Madeline glanced around. “You’re a sitting duck out like this. Come on.” She pointed down the street. “You can hang out with my family. We’re small in number, but mighty in spirit.”

He wanted to say he could take care of himself—that he wasn’t some dweeb who needed protecting. Only he liked her looking out for him. It was strange, but kind of nice. Like the town, he thought as he walked with her.

Madeline stopped in front of an older couple. Jonny remembered what she’d said about being a late-in-life surprise for her parents.

“Mom, Dad, this is Jonny Blaze. Jonny, my parents, Joseph and Loretta Krug.”

If the older Krugs were surprised, they didn’t let on. They both greeted him, then shook his hand.

“No relationship to the French Krugs,” her father said with a wink.

It took Jonny a second to make the connection. “The champagne guy,” he said.

“That’s the one.”

“I wouldn’t mind being related to a champagne baron,” a tall, younger man said.

Jonny took in the similarities between Joseph and the man standing next to him, then held out his hand. “You must be Madeline’s brother.”

“Robbie. Nice to meet you. And this is my daughter, Jasmine.”

“Hi,” the young woman said with a smile. “Wow, you really are Jonny Blaze.”

“It’s just a rumor,” he told her.

The music got louder and everyone turned toward the street. He could see a banner carried by members of the high school drill team. Behind them was his car with Mayor Marsha sitting on the open back, her feet firmly planted on the rear seat.

“She’s beautiful,” Madeline teased. “Does it hurt to see her in public like that?”

“No. Better for her to be admired by all.”

Robbie moved next to them. “We’re talking about the car, right? Not that I don’t love Mayor Marsha, but words like that would make me really uncomfortable.”

Madeline linked arms with her brother. “Don’t worry. Jonny is already spoken for. Gladys has made her play for him.”

Robbie slapped him on the back. “You’re a braver man than me.”

“Gee, thanks.”

Behind the car with the mayor was the marching band. Jonny wondered if the good mayor had thought to invest in earplugs, because the music was loud. Then he remembered this wasn’t her first rodeo. She was California’s longest-serving mayor and he would guess there was very little she wasn’t prepared for.

After the marching band came the floats. Some were expected—like the decorated fire truck. Others surprised him. There was a giant plastic polar bear, all decked out for the holidays. Of course, that was nothing when compared with an actual live elephant, dressed like Santa.

Loretta, Madeline’s mother, moved next to him. “Before you ask,” she murmured, “they keep it on with Velcro. Several women in town banded together to make the costume. The tricky part is getting it on her. Not that she doesn’t cooperate. She does. But she’s a big girl.”

He nodded, wondering how on earth an elephant came to be dressed as Santa in a parade. Of course, she was trailed by a pony and a goat, both in elf costumes, so hey.

Loretta leaned close. “What are your plans for dinner? Would you like to join us? Before you answer, I’ll tell you that it’s just family for the meal. Maddie and I have been cooking since yesterday and everything is delicious, if I do say so myself. After dinner, there’s an open house. Our friends and neighbors stop by to welcome in the holiday season.”

He thought about the big, empty house waiting for him back at his ranch. He’d come to Fool’s Gold looking for privacy and solitude. After having found both, he had to admit that the nights could get a little long and lonely.

“I’d like that,” he told her. “Thank you.”

She patted his arm. “Good. Friends are always welcome at our table.”

She moved back to stand next to her husband. Jonny glanced from her to the man at her side and wondered how his life would have been different if he hadn’t lost his mother when Ginger was born and his father over a decade ago. Family was important. He knew that Ginger kept him grounded. When he wasn’t sure what decision to make about a project, he picked the one he knew would make her proud. Without someone to love, a person didn’t have an anchor.

Madeline smiled at him. “Everything okay?”

“Your mom invited me to dinner. Hope it’s okay I said yes.”

Her smile was immediate and welcoming. “Brace yourself. It’s loud.”

“Small in number but mighty in spirit?”

She laughed. “Exactly.”

FOUR

’’M
ADELINE
KNEW
THAT
in a few weeks her life would return to normal and she would look back and wonder if any of this had actually happened. But until then, she would simply go with it and tell herself that washing dishes with movie star Jonny Blaze was just one in a series of memories she would bore people with when she was eighty.

As she’d already told him twice he wasn’t expected to help, she didn’t bother saying it again. Instead, she passed him a clean casserole dish to dry. The dishwasher was chugging away, the leftovers were already put in the refrigerator and a final batch of sugar cookies was in the oven. The warm, sweet scent filled the kitchen, overriding the last delicious whiff of turkey and gravy.

“I’m so full,” she admitted as she reached for the china gravy boat. “I hope I still fit in my clothes tomorrow.”

“Do you get a lot of customers on Black Friday?” he asked.

“Not really. It’s not a big shopping day for brides-to-be. Thanksgiving doesn’t bring out the proposals. Christmas and New Year’s are different, so in January I’m busy.”

“Are you their first stop?” he asked, putting the dry dish on the counter next to the others.

They’d already finished the wineglasses and serving dishes. She emptied the dishpan and rinsed it, then peeled off her gloves. She leaned against the sink.

“While it’s not all about the dress, it’s an easy thing to start looking for,” she told him. “Going to look at flowers or studying menus isn’t exactly the same. Trying on a dress gives the bride immediate feedback. She can see how she’s going to look on her wedding day. Tasting a small piece of cake isn’t the same as seeing the whole thing, life size.”

She smiled. “It’s fun to see them, all excited, flashing the ring. I guess it’s one of the last rites of passage and I enjoy being a part of that.”

Something he couldn’t possibly be interested in, she thought. But even as she thought about changing the subject, he moved a little closer, as if listening intently.

“What’s the best part?” he asked.

“I’m not sure what it is for them, but for me it’s when the bride knows she’s found the right dress. I can tell by the look on her face. Everything just feels right.”

Like this moment, she though hazily. If only the tall, handsome man in her kitchen would step a little closer still and maybe lean in for a—

The doorbell rang. She filed her fantasy away for another time and pointed to the back door. “This is your last chance to escape,” she teased. “Otherwise, prepare to meet some of the founding families of our town. Or at least the ones I know.”

“I don’t scare easy. Lead on.”

She walked into the living room and saw that several couples had arrived at once. The next few minutes passed in a blur of introductions. Madeline was pleased that no one was overly shocked to find Jonny Blaze in her living room. Or maybe they were like her—secretly stunned, but keeping their reaction to themselves.

She went back to the kitchen to start piling goodies onto platters. There were cookies and brownies and bars of all kinds. Shelby came in and walked to the sink where she washed her hands.

“So, how’s it going?” her friend asked.

Madeline smiled. “Fine. Did you have a nice dinner?”

“Sure. Kipling and Destiny are always fun to hang out with. And I adore Starr.”

Starr was Destiny’s half sister. The teen lived with them.

Shelby dried her hands, then started adding more cookies onto platters.

“Want to talk about it?”

Madeline widened her eyes, as if confused. “Talk about what?”

Shelby put down the brownies and settled her hands on her hips. “Jonny Blaze is standing in your living room. Last I heard, you had a serious crush on him. Serious to the point that you couldn’t even look in his direction, and now he’s here?”

Madeline grinned. “I know. It’s so strange.”

“And?”

Madeline finished filling the plate, then faced her friend. “It’s all Mayor Marsha’s fault.”

“Most things are.”

She quickly explained about the wedding and how she was now spending time with the action star.

“Are you freaked?” Shelby asked.

Madeline realized Isabel had voiced the same concern. She must have really been acting strange when Jonny was nearby. “At first, but it’s getting better. He had dinner here. That was surreal. But my parents took it in stride and I pretended that I was just as calm.”

“Has he kissed you?”

The unexpected question caused Madeline to flush. “What? No. We’re working together. Besides, I’m, you know, regular. He’s Jonny Blaze.”

“I’m sure he’s just as interested in sex as the next guy.”

“Shelby, no.” Madeline glanced around to make sure no one was nearby. “It’s not like that. He would never want that from me.”

“Then he’s an idiot. You’re great.”

Because Shelby was a loyal friend. Madeline knew that she was pretty enough for regular people, but in the sphere that was Jonny’s world? Not so much.

“It’s okay. I’m getting over my crush and enjoying what I know is very one-sided sparkage. It’s nice. My own little fantasy holiday entertainment. I’m also having fun planning the wedding. It’s different. I haven’t met Ginger yet, but we talked on the phone and she’s really nice.”

“When he comes to his senses and ravishes you, I want details,” Shelby told her. “I’m in a very arid dry spell. I will live vicariously through you.”

Madeline pretended to fan herself. “I hope I have something to share.”

They both picked up plates of treats and carried them back to the living room.

In the few minutes Madeline had been in the kitchen, more people had arrived. She saw Jonny talking to a couple of the guys from CDS—or as the locals knew it, the bodyguard school. It was interesting, watching them together. Ford and Angel were both physically powerful and good-looking, but there was something compelling about Jonny. She supposed that was a lot of the reason he was successful in movies. You wanted to watch him.

“Hey.”

Madeline turned and saw Consuelo Hendrix standing next to her. “Hi.”

“Nice party.”

Madeline nodded because she was unable to speak. She knew it was shock at how her friend was dressed, and when Consuelo noticed, there was going to be ugly punishment, but still. She couldn’t help staring.

She and Consuelo had been friends for a couple of years. Nearly since the other woman had moved to Fool’s Gold. Consuelo had worked for the government, doing things that she never talked about. Despite her petite build, she was tough and dangerous. She didn’t do emotion, she moved like a prowling leopard and her idea of relaxation was to go climb a mountain.

She taught all kinds of fighting techniques at the bodyguard school, along with mixed martial arts to people in town. Her everyday wardrobe consisted of cargo pants and boots. In the summer they were worn with a tank top or T-shirt. In the winter, a light sweatshirt.

But tonight she had on a fitted black dress. Simple, really, with a scoop neck, a straight skirt and long sleeves. With it she wore thigh-high leather boots with a serious heel. The church-appropriate dress paired with very naughty boots was pure Consuelo. When placed on her perfect, athletic body, the results were incredible. And intimidating.

“What?” Consuelo demanded, her voice challenging. “You want to say it, so say it.”

“You look beautiful.”

Consuelo’s eyebrows drew together. “Don’t make me kill you.”

Madeline held out the plate. “Sugar cookie? My mom made them.”

Consuelo took one. “Don’t think you can distract me from the compliment.”

“You do look lovely.”

Consuelo groaned. “I knew it was a mistake. I told Kent, but he said that just once he wanted to see me in a dress. So what the hell, right? It’s the holidays.”

Madeline laughed. “You are incredibly strange.”

“I know.” Consuelo stepped back and then looked down at herself. “It’s not too much?”

“Like I said—you’re beautiful. Sexy, too. I’m amazed you made it to the party on time,” Madeline murmured. “I’m assuming Kent knows he’s a lucky man.”

“He does.” She glanced around at the people laughing and talking. “Who’s that guy? He looks familiar.”

Madeline didn’t have to turn around. “Jonny Blaze.” She waited for the shriek, or at least the semishriek. Consuelo was always controlled.

“Oh, right. I should have recognized him. I like his movies. He gets it right. The fighting.” Consuelo rolled her eyes. “You have no idea how many actions scenes are completely screwed up. It makes the movie or TV show impossible to enjoy. Kent says I should be more forgiving.”

“Not gonna happen?” Madeline asked with a grin.

“You know it.”

“Come on. I’ll introduce you.”

Madeline walked over to where Jonny was now talking to a couple of guys from Score, a local PR firm owned by former NFL stars. As soon as she approached, Jonny turned to her.

“This is my friend Consuelo,” she told him. “She works at CDS.”

“The bodyguard school,” he said, looking at the other woman. “Jonny Blaze. Nice to meet you.” They shook hands. “I met Angel and Ford a few minutes ago. They were talking about you.”

Consuelo groaned. “Don’t believe them. It’s all lies. I like what you did in
Amish Revenge
. That last scene—on the train. It was authentic.”

“Thanks. It was all me and I have the bruises to prove it.”

Everyone else chuckled, but Consuelo just kept talking. “The fight scene before sucked, though. You didn’t have the moves down. You have a trainer, right? He blew it. It’s not your fault.”

Madeline wanted to sink into the floor and come out on the other side of the planet. Had her friend really said that? Not that she should be surprised. Consuelo spoke her mind and usually followed up her opinions with threats.

She waited for Jonny to change the subject or get upset or maybe even leave. Instead, he nodded. “You’re right. We couldn’t seem to figure out the flow. I don’t suppose you have training with a knife?”

Consuelo grinned. “Are you kidding? I’m all about fighting with a knife.”

“For real? Because I’m interested. Do you have a class or something?”

“Not for knife fighting. I don’t think Mayor Masha would approve. But I could show you a few things. Call CDS and set up an appointment.”

“I will.”

Kent walked over to his wife. “Trying to make me jealous?” He nodded at Jonny. “Kent Hendrix.”

They two men shook hands.

“Your wife was talking to me about my knife fights,” Jonny explained.

“Of course she was.” Kent kissed the top of Consuelo’s head. “I can’t take you anywhere.”

“That’s what I keep saying,” she complained. “And you keep dragging me places. Why is that?”

Kent laughed.

Several people drifted away, while others joined them. Jonny moved closer to Madeline.

“You know some interesting people,” he said.

“Consuelo is in a class by herself. But you’re right. We have fascinating residents. It’s nice and keeps things fun.”

“I hope she meant what she said about teaching me some moves.”

“You could hire her as a consultant on your next movie.”

Instead of laughing, as she’d expected, he nodded slowly. “That’s a good idea. I’ll talk to her about it next week. If she’s interested, I can—”

He stopped talking and stared over her head. “No way.”

She turned to see what had caught his attention. The Strykers had arrived. Three brothers and their wives.

“What?” she asked before all the breath left her body.

Jonny grabbed her hand and pulled her across the room. “I don’t believe it,” he said.

She couldn’t, either. Not the dragging part but the way he was holding her hand. Just as if they were... She wasn’t sure what. Friends? Lovers?

His long fingers laced with hers. His palm was warm and his touch...tingled. She didn’t know what to think, what to say. Begging him to never let go seemed out of place at this holiday gathering. And she had the oddest impression he had no idea what he was doing.

“Clay,” Jonny said, coming to a stop in front of the youngest Stryker brother. “What are you doing here?”

Clay stared for a second, then laughed. “I could ask the same thing. You in Fool’s Gold?”

“I bought a place outside of town.”

“I have a haycation business. Farm vacations.” He drew his wife close. “Honey, this is Jonny Blaze. We’ve worked together. Jonny, my wife, Charlie.”

Sadly, Jonny had to release Madeline’s hand to shake Charlie’s. Madeline had known the other woman for years and had, until that moment, liked her a lot.

Jonny grinned at her. “Clay’s a great guy. We had a lot of fun on the set.”

Clay shrugged. “That was a while ago. We were both younger.”

Madeline thought about Clay’s former profession. “When you say worked together,” she began.

Jonny chuckled. “Clay was my butt double on
Amish Revenge
.”

Various scenes flashed in her mind, including the one where Jonny had walked naked through the house. From the front there had been no “below the waist” shots, but from the back, there had been a single, long, slow pan from neck to feet.

“That wasn’t you?” she asked, hoping the disappointment didn’t show in her voice.

Charlie leaned against her husband. “I can attest that what you saw on the big screen was all Clay.” She looked at Jonny. “Didn’t have the goods, huh?”

Jonny’s good humor didn’t fade. “I have the goods,” he said easily.

Clay nodded. “He would have been fine on his own. What Jonny won’t say is that the first actor hired for the role had insisted on a butt double. When he dropped out and they hired Jonny, he could have canceled the contract, but he didn’t. It was a big break for me in the business.”

Madeline’s head was swirling from too much information. First, that Jonny hadn’t been the producers’ first choice for the movie that had basically made his career. Second, that even then, he’d been such a nice guy, giving Clay a job. Third, that the man had held her hand.

“Be careful,” Charlie told him. “If Eddie and Gladys get ahold of you, you’re toast.”