The Christmas Bargain: Betting on Christmas

By Peggy McKenzie

Little did they know that their Christmas bargain would blur the lines…

 

Brody Mason has it all—wealth, charm, and a successful business empire—but what he doesn't have is a date for his college friend's Christmas wedding. Desperate not to be a pawn in the groom's momzilla matchmaking scheme, Brody catches a break when his childhood best friend calls in a favor—show his kid sister around New York City at Christmas time. But when Annie arrives in town, she's no longer the tall, skinny girl he remembers. She's stunning…and he has to keep reminding himself she's off-limits.

 

Annette Montclair is a smart, no-nonsense kind of girl with a laser-sharp focus on her medical career. But when her brother's best friend, the one she's crushed on for years, proposes an outlandish bargain, she can't help but be intrigued. After all, what could go wrong with helping the handsome playboy out for a few days? Little does she know, this whimsical adventure will turn her world upside down.

 

As the wedding festivities unfold, Brody and Annie find themselves drawn to each other in a charming mix of banter and undeniable chemistry. Will their Christmas bargain blur the lines between friendship and something more?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Columbine Publishing Company
• Release date: Oct 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223158318

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Broderick Mason sat in his high-rise office twenty-four floors above the bustling Manhattan landscape on the corner of Seventh Avenue and West 33 rd Street. He stood next to his floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the rooftop park three floors below and smirked. The expensive architect he'd hired to do the job had told him building a tranquil park complete with jogging trails and water features couldn’t be done twenty stories above ground. As always, he proved the naysayers wrong.

Brody's gaze rose to take in the expansive footprint of Madison Square Garden just across the street. Billy Joel was playing tomorrow night and since his own company sponsored a Lexus Suite, he felt like he should fill the box. After all, living in the limelight was where he shined brightest.

His cell phone rang on his desk. He hoped it was Vanessa. She'd been pretty busy the last few weeks and he wanted to be sure she remembered they had the rehearsal dinner on Friday and Rex and Chelsea’s Christmas wedding on Saturday. Not that he actually believed she’d forgotten. Since they’d returned from his friend’s cock-and-hen party in November, Vanessa had been strongly hinting they should take their relationship to the next level. He noticed more than once that she’d had a bridal magazine folded in her purse and more than once he’d bought her expensive gifts to distract her from the subject. He liked Vanessa. He actually liked her a lot, but he couldn’t say he loved her. And he damn sure wasn’t gonna say I do because he definitely did not.

He hurried to grab his phone before the call went to voice mail. But it wasn’t Vanessa’s name that popped up on the screen. Instead, it was his college buddy and groom-to-be. Hey, Rex. You recovered from the bachelor-bachelorette party yet? I had no idea you had so many dance moves. I hope Chelsea knows what she's getting in to, he teased. A ding in his ear announced a reminder. He swiped at it to make it go away.

Yeah I've recovered, but I'm surprised you have. From where I stood, your girlfriend is a saint. Not only is Vanessa stunning, but she also has to have the patience of Job to put up with your antics.

What are you talking about? What antics? Brody frowned.

Rex laughed. If Chelsea sang those kinds of songs to me and I didn't at least act as though I liked it, there would be no wedding on Saturday. Is Vanessa still talking to you?

Of course she's still talking to me. Vanessa was just joking around, he hedged. She knows I’m not interested in getting serious. She’s happy with the status of our current monogamous relationship, although I hate putting labels on our relationship.

If you say so, Rex replied.

Look, our relationship isn't to that stage. It isn't to any stage, yet. We're happy with where we are. We’re just enjoying each other’s company. In time we’ll know how our worlds fit together—or don’t—so it's all good.

So, you're saying Vanessa never brings up the subject of marriage? Rex chuckled. I don’t believe you. I saw the way she hangs on you.

"I may have seen a magazine or two on weddings in her bag now and then, but she knows where I stand on this subject and she agrees, at least in theory. I’ll admit I probably should have known better than to ask her to all the wedding events. I can see where she might get the wrong idea."

And you’ve asked her to be your date to the rehearsal dinner and the wedding too? Oh, I’d say you’re dangling a noose around your neck and Vanessa’s got one stiletto heel against the barrel you’re standing on, my friend.

Brody laughed at Rex’s portrayal of marriage. First of all, I decide what noose I stick my neck in. And second, like I said, I admit I was wrong in asking her to all the wedding events. But thanks to your mother, I felt I had no choice. I couldn’t come alone for fear your mother would turn matchmaker. And I couldn’t ask someone else since technically I’m dating Vanessa. I can assure you, I’ve been open and upfront with her each and every time that subject has been broached, and I’ve reminded her I asked her to attend these events because I knew I could count on her to weather the social media storm without yielding to expectations of the masses who demand a wedding announcement in the near future.

And what does she say when your response to all the wedding plans is underwhelming.

She says she’s content to bask in the glow that surrounds my life and she’s happy to be known as something more than The Woman of the Month.

I can see her saying that. Vanessa isn’t one to give off warm and fuzzy feelings. She’s more take charge, expect expensive presents, and be in the center of the attention kind of girl, Rex admitted.

His assessment of Vanessa wasn’t exactly flattering, but nothing he’d said was new information to Brody. He knew first and foremost Vanessa was attracted to his money, his fame, and his limelight and not necessarily in that order. Any feelings she might have for him were secondary to her ambitions.

Look, all I have time for right now is growing my company and managing my life, hopefully, enjoying some of the fruits of my labor.

Hoping to change the subject, Brody mentioned Rex's mother. So how's your mom dealing with everything? The wedding is right around the corner.

Determined as always.

Determined? About what? Brody fiddled with the pen on his desk.

"That members of her son's wedding party will present themselves in sets of twos. In other words: No date. Momzilla will find you one."

Yeah, she’s made that clear from the very beginning. Ever since you first asked me to be one of your groomsmen, I’ve known I’d better find a date or else. Lucky for me, I've got a date, in spite of the trouble it may cause me after this is all over.

Who knows, Brody? Maybe my mother’s machinations will be the push you need to take the next step.

Brody shuddered. How about we change the subject? I'm not even going to ask how much all this costs. Are Chelsea’s parents paying for it all? Brody knew how much things cost in New York and the venue chosen for the wedding—The Plaza—was probably the most expensive of all.

No, they were inclined to plan a more moderate, reasonable wedding, but my mother decided she was driving this runaway train, so she’s paying for it. Lucky for me, Chelsea is letting her—to a point. And that brings me to the reason I called. Mom’s social secretary received your RSVP card for the wedding, but there's a problem.

Brody frowned. What kind of a problem?

Mom expects every member of the bridal party to have a plus one, and there’s no name on your card for a plus one.

Another ding pinged in his ear. He pulled his phone away from his ear, swiped at the reminder, and returned to his call.

Brody relaxed. Oh, that. My assistant returned the card. Just put Vanessa Armstrong's name on the card.

Rex sighed. Have you asked Vanessa?

Well, no. I mean I haven't asked her specifically to be my wedding date, but it was assumed.

Brody, she needs time to plan. You can't expect a woman to attend the social event of the year in an off-the-rack dress.

Brody chuckled at the thought. This is Vanessa we’re talking about, right? She wouldn't be caught dead in an off-the-rack dress. I can assure you she has numerous designer dresses hanging in her closet right this minute with the tags still on them that have never been touched and she's known about this wedding since this past summer. No, I haven’t asked her specifically, and maybe my assuming she’s my date is a dangerous continuation of my previous mistakes.

Are you saying you’re going to ask someone else to be your plus one for the wedding?

No, I didn’t say that. Vanessa would never speak to me again if I didn’t take her to the wedding of the century. She loves the spotlight and this event will be world news by Sunday morning.

Rex coughed. Please don't refer to my wedding as something that will go down in the history books. It makes me…nervous. Look, not to beleaguer the issue, but my mother has a very expensive calligrapher on the clock waiting to pen each name on the place cards, both for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception. She would be less than thrilled to have to fill in another name at the last minute and those responsible will experience her retribution firsthand.

Brody laughed. Come on, Rex. It can't be all that bad, he scoffed.

Oh, it's that bad and it could easily get worse. Just humor me, please, his friend begged.

Alright. I can hear the anxiety in your voice. Don't stress. Just put Vanessa's name on the card and I'll handle the rest. If something comes up and she can't come, then⁠—

Don't say it, Brody. I'm under enough stress already. Ask her today and text me your answer by tonight. And if she can't come you'd better have a backup. Just be there with a date on your arm. I don't care if you have to pick her up off the street. Just make sure she's, you know, like Julia Roberts presentable. Please. I need all the support I can get through this nightmarish event.

Brody heard real worry in his friend's voice. Alright, buddy. Alright. I'll take care of it.

A breathy sigh of relief filtered through the phone. Thanks, Brody. I knew I could count on you. Now, I have to call another one of my groomsmen. It's like no one takes an RSVP card seriously anymore. At least, not seriously enough to meet my mother's expectations.

I promise, I'll take care of it. Don't worry. Today's Tuesday. Trust me. Vanessa will be available. She wouldn't miss this for the world. He paused for a few seconds before he continued, Rex? Isn't a wedding supposed to be a happy event? I mean, aren't you and Chelsea supposed to be enjoying yourself through this thing?

Rex laughed. Oh, you poor boy. Your ignorance and naivety are amusing. But no. There is nothing about any of this that is going to be enjoyable…except the honeymoon. Once this is over, Chelsea and I are leaving town to parts unknown. Until then, beware my lovely mother also known as—momzilla.

Another reason why I have no plans to get married anytime soon. Brody vowed while he swiped again at another reminder beeping on his phone. He didn't remember his calendar being so busy today. He'd have to talk to his assistant about booking too many appointments so close together.

Now it was Rex's turn to chuckle. Good luck with that, my friend. I was in the same place until I met Chels. You don't see it coming, but when the right girl comes along, you'll feel that spark, and your world—the one you thought was perfect—will turn completely upside down and you’ll know you can never go back to the way it was. You’ll be as hooked as I am. Now, I've gotta go. Mom has called three times since we've been on the phone. I just hope my lovely bride doesn't decide her new mother-in-law is too high a price to pay for marrying me.

Yeah, I gotta run myself. It seems I have some appointments I’ve forgotten about. Take care. Rex hung up and Brody sat staring at the screen on his phone. Three more calendar reminders popped up. What on earth was his assistant doing to his schedule? He removed the handset from his desk phone, dialed Sarah's desk, and waited for her to pick up. He liked Vanessa. He liked her a lot, but marriage? He shivered at the thought. He just wasn't the marrying kind he supposed.

A quick knock on the door followed by his assistant's entry to his office interrupted his thoughts. I was just calling you, Sarah. He hung up the phone. What's with all the appointment reminders? I thought my calendar was clear today.

Yes, sir. Your calendar is clear of appointments because you were supposed to pick up someone at the airport.

Pick up who at the airport? Brody racked his brain. Why would he be picking someone up at the airport when he had a whole staff to take care of greeting people at the airport.

His assistant looked down at her daily planner opened to today. A Miss Annette Montclair.

Now he remembered. Crap. He’d promised to pick up Annie, the little sister of his childhood best friend. Is that today? he moaned.

I'm afraid so, sir. Sarah offered him a sympathetic look. I can schedule a car to pick her up if you'd like.

He was tempted, but he remembered the conversation he had with Andy Montclair when his friend from Dallas had called in the favor last week.

Look, Brody. I know you’re busy, but I really don’t think Annie is ready for the Big Apple alone. She’s smart as hell in the IQ department, but she’s pretty naive in the life department. She’ll only be in town the week of Christmas and she’ll be gone before you know it. I promise she’s low maintenance and won’t be any trouble at all. I just want to make sure she’s looked after and the only man I’d trust with my little sister is you. How could he shove that responsibility off on one of his employees? No, this was something that needed his personal touch.

He cut a look of resignation to Sarah. No, I promised to look after her myself. Guess I’m getting off on the wrong foot already. Do you have her phone number? I’ll call her on the way to the airport.

I’ll call her and let her know you are running late, but I’ll share the contact with you in case you want to call her when you are close to the airport. And I’ve already called the garage. Harvey said your car is warmed up and ready to go.

Brody inhaled a deep breath. Thank you, Sarah. Let Harvey know I’m headed that way.

He grabbed his cashmere overcoat and headed for his private elevator. His phone pinged again. Cancelling the reminder, he saw Sarah’s text with Annie’s information and added her as a contact. The quiet elevator ride to the garage gave him a few minutes to reminisce. Little Annie Montclair. The baby of the three Montclair kids, she’d always been an awkward little thing. Ten years younger than he and Andy, and eight years younger than the middle child, Adam. Annie had been a cute little kid. Quiet. Shy. Awkward. He remembered she always had her head in a book. Try as he might, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d laid eyes on her. At his and Andy’s graduation from Columbia? Maybe. That was almost ten years ago. She’d been around fifteen at the time.

The elevator doors slid open and he was immediately greeted by Harvey, his car three feet away, the engine humming. Your car is ready, Mr. Mason.

Thanks, Harvey. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.

CHAPTER 2

Annie Montclair sat at the baggage carousels for another thirty minutes hoping her luggage would magically appear. Her plane had been delayed in Dallas so, of course, she was late getting into LaGuardia. Had her luggage missed the flight? Were they still sitting in Dallas or had they arrived in New York City and someone had beat her to them?

Soon, the carousel stopped turning and all the other bags had been picked up by their owners. Well, I guess I’d better check with the airlines.

Twenty minutes later, she had a baggage claim filled out, and a promise from the airlines they would send them to her hotel the minute