Christmas at Tall Pines

By Darlene Deluca

Melanie Beck is searching for an idyllic Christmas like the ones her small family used to have. Traveling solo and still grieving the loss of her parents, she’s counting on cozy Tall Pines Lodge tucked into the mountains of Utah to provide the elusive holiday feels with merry music, stunning decorations and traditional Christmas feast in a beautiful frosty setting.
But a blizzard turns the winter wonderland into a hazard, and a chance encounter with a now-famous high school crush has her reeling with emotions she’s never quite gotten over.
Tyler Shaw, a Hollywood heartthrob and silver screen star, is so over a grueling film schedule and persistent paparazzi. In disguise and using a fake name, he comes to Tall Pines to escape the spotlight and get some much-needed rest. He’s hoping the adrenaline rush of downhill skiing at the nearby slopes will give him the reboot he’s looking for.
Instead, he’s stuck at the lodge and is shocked to run into an old high school friend that he left behind more than a decade ago. He’s even more surprised to discover how much he’s missed her.
As their past and present collide, can an old flame ignite some Christmas magic?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Darlene Deluca
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005671341

Darlene Deluca

I write heartfelt women's fiction and contemporary romance that feels real. Books have always been a part of my life, and reading has always been a favorite pastime – from my childhood bookworm days when I would hide away with Trixie Belden or Laura Ingalls Wilder, to my busy parenting days when I forgo laundry, housecleaning and sleeping to carve out time for my latest book club read. I love curling up with a cup of tea and getting lost in a good story.My novels are about people and their relationships – what brings them together, what keeps them apart. My intent is to bring to life interesting and ‘real’ characters that you, the reader, can relate to in real-life situations that combine a little fun, plenty of drama (with perhaps a tear or two), and big helpings of friendship, love and self-discovery, and will leave you either cheering or sighing with a satisfied smile as you turn the final page.And just so you know . . . I like a happy ending.

Book preview

Chapter One

Melanie Beck left her drafty room and strode into the lobby of Tall Pines Inn for the third time that day. Her chilled insides and cold, stiff fingers needed thawing. The fire roaring in the huge stone fireplace beckoned, and she rounded the front desk with her sights fixed on the dancing flames ahead.

She spared a glance toward the front desk and considered stopping to ask for an additional blanket. The stunning Christmas decor that welcomed guests as soon as they walked through the doors drew her gaze beyond the man standing at the counter.

Ben, Ben Tyler.

Nearly stumbling, Melanie came to a full stop and froze in place. She knew that smooth, rich voice—would know it anywhere. But she hadn’t heard it in more than a decade—well, not in real life anyway. With a sharp twist, she turned her head.

Her soft gasp drew the attention of the man waiting in line.

She stared, taking in the familiar yet changed male figure she’d watched from a distance turn into a successful, confident man. The toned torso that gave him a champion swimmer’s upper-body strength in high school had lengthened, and the resulting proportions were nothing short of perfect.

Well, of course he’d changed. Thirteen years would do that to anyone. But he looked different. Normally clean cut and shaven, this man sported longish thick blond curls dangling just past the collar of his deep gray micro-fleece coat, facial hair, and trendy blue glasses. Glasses? Wait. Maybe it wasn’t–

His glance flickered over her. He nudged down the glasses, and gorgeous crystal-blue eyes peeked over the rims. And widened.

Blood pulsed in her ears. Oh, yeah. It was Ty.

As familiarity clicked, so did the significance of his appearance. Clearly, he was aiming for disguise. Somewhere in her foggy brain, she remembered the small lodge tucked into the mountains of Utah sometimes drew celebrities. It sat only a few miles from an exclusive resort known for world-class skiing and clientele.

She’d come to the lobby to thaw out, but now an electrical charge sent heat surging through her.

Their gazes locked, and Melanie watched a tangle of emotions flash across the face of Ben Tyler, aka silver screen heartthrob Tyler Benjamin Shaw.

Wordlessly, his mouth opened and closed. Then he took a step away from the counter. Annie?

He spoke softly the nickname he bestowed upon her all those years ago. The nickname used exclusively by him—until she took it as her pen name. In his deep voice, the word reverberated along every nerve in her body.

Mr. Tyler, would you like to spend some time at the lodge or would you prefer to head over to your cabin now? The desk clerk gestured toward the lobby. The bar and dining room are open.

He glanced from Melanie to the clerk and held up a hand. Uh, I’ll stay here for now, thanks.

When he looked her way again, a slow smile stretched across his face.

Her heart hammered, and memories came roaring back. That smile had haunted her dreams for years.

In a few quick strides, he closed the distance between them and reached for her hands. Melanie. Wow. It’s been a long time.

Heat seared her stiff hands, and she couldn’t speak. In the next instant, Ty’s strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her against his chest and radiating warmth. She inhaled a deep, shaky breath. Ty was here at the lodge. She was standing inside his arms, breathing in his crisp, outdoorsy scent. She squeezed her eyes closed, unable to pinpoint when she’d stopped imagining this moment.

When he pulled back, he bent his knees to meet her at eye-level. How are you, Annie?

Hey, Ty. She wet her lips. I’m…I’m great. How are you?

He flicked a glance back toward the counter then nudged her another step away. Hey, he said, his voice low. I’m going by Ben this weekend. I’m kind of tired and need a little breather from fandom, you know?

At first, the words struck her as amusing, but his expression held no humor. Oh. Uh, sure. A closer look revealed tiny lines around his eyes that the glasses didn’t quite hide.

Miss Melanie? Gordon, a waiter she discovered shared her interest in the architecture of the lodge, stopped beside her. We’ve got a fresh carafe of that hot orange cider you like. Bartender suggests adding a shot of rum to warm your insides. Shall I get you a cup?

Melanie gave a short laugh. The bartender must be a mind reader. That sounds wonderful, Gordon. Thank you so much.

She eyed the sitting nooks around the stunning two-sided fireplace, which had been her previous destination. Several chairs sat empty.

Tyler held up two fingers. Could you bring a couple of those?

Of course, sir.

Do you mind? Tyler arched his brows.

Not at all. Melanie gestured toward the seating area and hoped for a nonchalant tone. I came down to warm up by the fire. Join me.

Pick a place. I’ll be right there.

While he turned to speak with the staff at the desk, Melanie made her way to the fireplace and a cluster of overstuffed chairs. Grateful for a moment to recover her wits, she sank into a chair covered in an artful leaf pattern that faced the fire—with no view of the counter.

Blowing out her breath, she pushed back the hair from her face. Tyler Shaw here in the flesh. What were the chances of that? She glanced at the huge wreath twinkling above the fire. Talk about a Christmas surprise. A ghost from Christmas past.

A moment later, he swung around and plopped into the chair at a forty-five-degree angle from her. Leaning in, he looked into her eyes, his piercing gaze holding her hostage. Then he reached out and touched her hair. Look at you…this short hair…pink glasses. You’re adorable.

Really? Adorable at twenty-nine-and-a-half? She self-consciously smoothed her hair, which flared just a bit when it hit her shoulders. It looked better than it had when they were in school, and she’d almost always pulled it into a ponytail or braid. The salon-applied luster rinse gave the boring brown a spark of golden shine. But had she known fate would send her a surprise visitor today, she might have shown the strands more than a cursory brush. Naturally, he’d shown up when she’d been tackling edits on her newest book all afternoon and was dressed accordingly in stretch leggings and an old flannel shirt.

Ty leaned closer, definitely breaking her personal space barrier.

I missed you for a long time after we moved.

Melanie gaped. He had to be kidding. Apparently, his memory board had short-circuited. Like a Houdini magic act, he’d vanished without a trace.

Right. I know. That’s what you said in all those calls and texts and emails I got from you. Okay, so the snark slipped out. How could she hold it back in the face of such blatant disconnect between his words and actions? After he left school at the end of their junior year, she received a few benign, monosyllabic texts from the Tyler Shaw who’d been her friend and high school crush—and then…crickets.

A red flush stained his neck, and his Adam’s apple bobbed.

Seriously, Ty. What happened? You just disappeared. She watched his face. After all these years, she wanted a straight, honest answer.

He looked away and bounced his fists against his knees. I wanted to text you lots of times. But my dad didn’t want us to keep up with people from school. He said a clean break was best. Since I was only a year away from going to college, it seemed to make sense.

Really? Was your dad checking your phone log?

His glance darted back to her. No. But we all got new phones in California. I…I didn’t have your number memorized. He shook his head. Dad was sure after he hit the big time and we left everyone was going to want something—want to ride the coattails of his success. He thought people would start hounding us for money or special passes and favors.

Taken aback, Melanie bristled. What an egotistical thing to think. Clearly, success had gone to Mr. Shaw’s head. His heart-wrenching documentary about PTSD won all kinds of awards and rocketed the man to celebrity status. And caught the attention of mainstream moviemakers in Hollywood. She wondered if he’d ever considered what it might do to his kids to be yanked away from friends, connections and all that was familiar.

Shaking his head, Tyler spread his hands. Then things got crazy with the new house and school and, you know, Hollywood. Everything happened so fast. I got caught up in all the excitement of everything new. Then too much time slipped away, and it would’ve been…awkward. His voice lowered and trailed away.

Awkward to touch base? I was worried about you. I mean–

Gordon arrived and placed two steaming cups of cider on the small table in front of them.

Put these on my tab, please. Cabin four, Tyler said.

Certainly, sir. Enjoy.

Melanie lifted one of the mugs and inhaled the sweet citrus scent. With a single sip, warmth rolled through her. When she turned her attention back to Tyler, his gaze held hers.

He reached for her free hand. I should’ve tried harder to stay in touch. I was seventeen and dumb. I’m sorry. And I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to tell you that. But I meant what I said. Sometimes I really wanted to talk to you.

Sincerity laced his words. Melanie broke the eye-lock and glanced around the room, which was dressed in fragrant fresh pine decorations and ornaments from floor to ceiling. Lush garlands nearly hid the massive bannister of the grand staircase that gracefully flowed from the lobby to the second floor. Soft electric candles glowed in the windows and across the thick wooden mantel. All around, the calm beauty of Christmas enveloped her. She sucked in a deep breath and released it slowly. What was the point of holding a grudge against someone she hardly knew anymore?

I missed you, too, she said quietly. She remembered the anxiety of those first several weeks. The constant checking of her phone, waiting for a response to her emails and texts—and receiving none. And finally realizing that Ty was gone. There would be no more shared jokes, no more making up funny, inappropriate headlines for the school newspaper together, no more college comparisons, no guy friend to give her the male scoop on whatever drama was plaguing the student body.

It wasn’t as if they’d been best friends. She’d had a couple of close girlfriends, one of whom she still considered a B-F-F. But there had been something…

She took another sip of her drink then curled into the chair and smiled politely at the grown-up version of Tyler Shaw. It doesn’t matter anymore. So, what brings you to Tall Pines? Is your family coming for Christmas?

Tyler hitched his shoulders. Nah. I’m gonna ski for a couple of days then meet everyone for Christmas. Grinning, he rubbed his hands together and cocked his head toward the doors. I do love me some fresh powder.

By yourself?

You remember my brother Danny? He’s supposed to come up, but yeah, if he doesn’t make it, I’ll hit the slopes on my own.

Melanie glanced out the windows where snow fell, as it had all day. Good for skiing, which she wouldn’t be doing. She was born bookish and un-athletic, and she accepted those things at an early age. For her, fresh powder meant a visit to the cosmetic counter—or a reason to stay inside by the fireplace with a good book.

Hey, if he gets in tonight, we should have dinner, Ty said. We don’t see many people from the old neighborhood, you know?

Imagine that. Danny was Ty’s older brother who’d been a basketball star in high school, but she didn’t really know him. Though they’d grown up a few blocks from each other in their suburban Seattle community, boys and girls didn’t mix much, and the older kids made a point of ignoring the younger ones. She doubted he’d even recognize her—or have any interest in dinner.

Sure. She agreed but wouldn’t hold her breath.

Maybe we could order room service to the cabin. His eyes scanned the lobby. Like I said–

His lips formed an O, and she saw the question hit him like cold water to the face. She’d swear he looked directly at her left hand—her ring-less left hand.

I mean, can you…are you free tonight?

Indeed, she was. She was traveling alone and figured she’d have dinner with a book—had never imagined the opportunity to catch up with Tyler Shaw would be on the table. It could be interesting—or excruciating. Did he expect her to jump at the chance or to fawn over him? With a slight nod, she finally responded. I am.

Are you…you’re not married?

Melanie shook her head. Nope.

Is this a business trip?

No. Holiday vacation. I was here last summer and heard so much about how amazing it is at Christmas, I decided to come back. Isn’t it gorgeous?

The decorations were picture-perfect and even more impressive than the photos she’d browsed online. Three huge trees with white flocking featured beautiful white and gold ribbons and floral garlands with a splash of red berries and ornaments for a look that was both elegant and cozy. From floor to ceiling, a Christmas wonderland enveloped guests—exactly what she’d hoped for. The holiday ambiance warmed her heart and made her smile.

Ty spared the room a quick glance. Sure. It’s nice. I just wanted something smaller than the big resort. To get away from the crowds.

Fandom.

He lifted his hands and shot her a wry smile. I suppose that sounds egotistical.

Maybe a little.

Okay, but you wouldn’t believe how crazy people can get when they recognize me.

She wouldn’t? Melanie thought of a couple of fangirl moments she’d experienced at book signings—readers standing in line to meet her, get her autograph and snap selfies together. As an author, her notoriety might not come close to the level of a movie star, but she had fans, nonetheless.

She picked up her mug to hide the light sting to her cheeks. Made sense that he wouldn’t know of her success as a writer. She used a pen name, and considered women her primary target audience. Still, a soft pang of disappointment rippled through her. They used to talk of their goals and dreams for life.

Ah, the perils of being famous. You could quit, right? Whatever happened to the Dr. Shaw plan? He’d played minor roles in his dad’s documentaries and short films back in Seattle, but at the time his goal was to get into medical school. He always had high grades and test scores, and he wrote all his papers about one medical condition or another. She never doubted he’d be successful but hadn’t expected the switch in trajectory.

His gaze drifted behind her, but she saw something flicker in his eyes.

Everything changed when we moved to L.A. You know, new place, new opportunities.

Sure. I still think about that story you wrote on concussions every time I see something about football injuries. I was so surprised to see you in the movies. Thought you’d be a sports injury specialist someday.

In junior year, he’d won a Young Journalist award for the piece—and had taken some grief from the sports-are-everything crowd, including some close friends.

He waved a hand. Yeah, that would’ve been cool, too. But…there are a lot of sports medicine doctors out there. He flashed a saucy grin. How many movie stars do you know?

Melanie returned the grin as a glimpse of the old Tyler whooshed before her eyes. He’d always been so sure of himself. It seemed to her that things came easily to Ty. He never had to prove himself the way she and others did.

She was tempted to answer his question with zero. After all, she could hardly claim to know him anymore. Instead, she let the question pass. Do you love it—I mean, except for the crushing burden of overbearing fandom? She let a twinge of sarcasm seep into her words.

Nodding, Tyler let out a low chuckle. Ah, straight out of the good old days. Nothing like a little sass from Miss Melanie Manners to get my head on straight. You were like this little voice in my head back then. Did you know that?

But so easily discarded. Oh, stop. You make me sound like a priss or a nag.

Nope. Just the smartest girl in the class. His glance lingered on her face. We had some good times.

She gave a slow nod. It was nice to hear him acknowledge that. We did.

She’d been so nervous at their ten-year high school reunion—worrying about whether he’d show up. And if he did, whether he’d acknowledge her, want to spend any time with her. In the end, the anxiety was for naught. Though his fame and prominence by far outweighed any other graduate of their class, he never showed.

A gust of wind blasted the building, rattling the windows, and the lights flickered. Tyler glanced around. Maybe I better get over to my cabin and make sure everything’s working. Hey, let’s meet up for dinner. With or without Danny. You in?

Sure, but let’s eat in the dining room. I’d rather not bundle up and trudge through the snow to one of the cabins, if you don’t mind. Remembering his desire for anonymity, she added, I promise I’ll call you Ben.

Thanks. Does seven work for you?

Perfect. Her entire evening was free. I’ll meet you down here.

Sounds good. He set his mug on the table then stood. See you then.

She didn’t expect having dinner together would mean she’d be back in Tyler Shaw’s life—the guy now lived in an entirely different stratosphere that she couldn’t hope to circulate in. But, hey, he was easy on the eyes, and she wouldn’t mind hearing more about his new life. She watched him saunter toward the door and realized he hadn’t shown much interest in her life. Did he not wonder about her career path or why she was spending Christmas at a lodge in Utah by herself?

A familiar question floated through her mind, and she swallowed the last sip of cider as she contemplated the answer. When he was nominated for an Oscar two years ago, Melanie wondered if the fame would go to Tyler’s head—if it would ruin him. In high school he was a decent guy. She knew he’d be successful, but back then the picture didn’t include stardom. Had it changed his character? She’d always wondered if the change in career path had been his decision or if it had been foisted on him by his dad.

So far, his movie roles were impressive—she’d been relieved to see him in smart, dramatic roles rather than silly slapstick comedies. For his Oscar-nominated performance he’d done an amazing job of capturing the personality of her favorite character from a historical family saga—a book she’d read at least three times. Last summer, he’d also brought to life a crime-fighting action hero based on a popular book series that became a quick blockbuster. He wore a mask for most of the movie, so maybe he could fool some folks, but good luck disguising that voice. She’d bet someone would recognize him before the weekend was over.

With a heavy sigh, she placed her cup on the table and watched the snow fall outside. He hadn’t answered her question about loving acting. Was the deflection deliberate?

Chapter Two

Tyler lifted the collar of his coat and hunkered into it as he made his way to cabin four. Wet snow pelted his face. Trudging, as Melanie described it, was accurate. The snow was heavier than when he’d arrived at the inn less than an hour ago.

A sudden gust of ice-cold wind stung his exposed skin—a warning that travel could be impaired, and his brother might not make it up the mountain. Snow was good. Wind, not so much. High winds kept small jets on the ground and ski lifts out of commission. He glanced around but could barely make out the cabin structures. Squinting, he found his place, fumbled with the key card in his gloved hands for a moment, then pushed open the cabin door and quickly closed it behind him.

When the swirling snow settled, he shrugged out of his coat and retrieved his