The Billionaires Christmas Temptation

Stay

✴ Damien ✴

The gala had been a surprising success. It wasn't that I was surprised, I was pleased and proud. Was this how Greg felt all those years? I swirled the amber liquid in my glass as I stood by the window and stared out at the snow-covered grounds. Wintervale had a way of shining during the holidays. Its charm was more potent than I had remembered. But it wasn't just the sparkling lights or the festive music. It was Scarlett. The memory of our dance together lingered like a warm hug in my mind. The way she had fit so perfectly in my arms. The way she had looked at me. I smiled as I continued to gaze outside.

"You seem unusually at ease tonight," my father's voice pulled me from my thoughts. He was seated in his usual spot by the fireplace, a leather-bound book in hand and a glass of whiskey on the small side table. I glanced over at him and his salt-and-pepper hair was perfectly combed, his demeanor as stern as ever, and yet, I could see the curiosity in his eyes.

"I suppose I am," I said before I downed my glass and went over to join him. The sitting room was a stark contrast to the grand ballroom just down the hall, but this had always been my mother's favorite room in the house. Now, it seemed, it was my father's as well. His brow lifted questioningly, but he didn't say a word. I sat down and stared into the fire as I watched the flames dance. It was so rare and so strange for me to be sitting here with him. As an adult. No longer a child. No longer afraid of him. However, before I could even think of something to say, Josh stepped inside. I guess everyone had access to the Gale Mansion.

"Sorry to just barge in like this," Josh said with a bright, warm smile. "I did knock," he added with a wink. What surprised me was the smile my father had for the Mayor. Were they friends?

"Take a seat, Josh," my father said as he gestured for him to sit. Josh nodded his thanks and took a seat on the plush ottoman.

"I wanted to catch you before you disappeared again," Josh said to me as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes that made me a tad bit nervous.

"Oh?" I remarked as I urged him to get to the point of his little visit.

"There is a little project that I have been working on and...well, Damien, I think you would be perfect for it,"

"What kind of project?" I asked, intrigued. Instead of answering, Josh hesitated and suddenly there was uncertainty in his gaze.

"Well, it's for the children of Wintervale," he said slowly. "A holiday event. Something special to remind them of the magic of Christmas,"

"And you need me for this?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow. I wasn't entirely sure why he would think I would be perfect for such an event. Had Greg taken part in it when he had been here?

"Well...ah...not just you," he clarified as his grin returned. "Scarlett is involved too, and I think the two of you working together...well, it's a perfect match," of course, her name sent a jolt through me.

"Scarlett?" I echoed, and he shrugged as if he hadn't planned this from the get-go. It seemed to me like Josh was playing matchmaker.

"Yes, Scarlett. She has an eye for design and, of course, she is great with people...and I suppose it isn't exactly a secret that you two have some...chemistry," Josh said, and I glanced over at my father, who had quietly been listening in on our conversation. His expression, of course, was unreadable. I turned my attention back to Josh. The Mayor looked a bit sheepish, and I narrowed my eyes at him, but he hurriedly put up his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Damien...it's just an observation," I chose to ignore that comment.

"Do you have any specifics for this little project?" I asked as I carefully steered the conversation back to safer territory.

"Not yet," he admitted. "I was hoping you and Scarlett could take over the event...I have quite a lot to do this Christmas season," I nodded slowly as I considered taking on another project instead of going back home. "I can get you all the details as soon as possible if you are interested...?"

"I will consider it," I said. Josh smiled as he stood up.

"Thank you, that is all I could ask for...I will be in touch," Josh said. He nodded at my father before he hurried out of the room and presumably out of the house.

"Do you realize you would have to stay in Wintervale if you took on this project?" my father remarked, and I sighed as I looked over at him.

"Well, I was thinking about staying in Wintervale for the holidays," I said as casually as I could.

"Oh? That's new," he murmured, and I glanced away as the guilt wrapped around me tightly. "Is there a reason you have decided to have a sudden change of heart? After all, you have spent years avoiding this place and only returned out of duty," he wasn't wrong, and I wasn't about to lie to my father.

"Scarlett," I whispered her name, and his expression immediately softened.

"Ah, I see...Scarlett Matthews has caught your attention. She is a remarkable young woman," he said, and it was startling and nice to hear the approval in his tone of voice.

"Yes, she is," I agreed. "I find that I quite enjoy spending time with her and this project would give me even more time with her," my father nodded in understanding, but he didn't say anything more. The silence, once again, fell between us as the fire crackled softly in the hearth. I wasn't entirely sure how to handle this project, but I couldn't deny the excitement that filled me. Of course, part of that excitement was spending time with Scarlett, but another part of me was actually happy to have a reason to stay in Wintervale. It had been far too long since I had been back home and maybe this was exactly what I needed.