Stupid, stupid, stupid! Macy thought. There was no way this was going to work. Why did she even consider it? Why did she say yes? They were all going to know. She wasn't an actress. She flunked drama for a reason, damnit!
"Stop biting your nails. Everything is going to be fine."
Macy turned her head, glaring at Sean. He smiled at her before turning his attention back to the road. This was his fault. Her family was going to find out she was a lonely, miserable little liar, and it was going to be his entire fault. This whole farce was his idea. Show up for Christmas with said boyfriend-namely him-at her side and show her family the loving relationship they had. Her perfectly concocted lie would never be found out and every thing would turn out fine.
When she finally broke down and spilled her sad little story to him about how worried her family was that she was living alone so far from home, and that she had no close personal friends, or how easy the lie about having a boyfriend came up, he just sat there smiling at her with laughter dancing in his eyes. His only question had been, “Why him?” Now he knew exactly how sad her personal life was. He was the only guy she knew at the time. Of course, she didn't tell him how much she'd actually told her family about him. They knew as much about Sean as she did. She talked to her mother every week and without fail, her mother asked about him. What was she suppose to say? “He's fine,” and change the subject. He was supposed to be her boyfriend after all. Of course she'd talk about him.
"Take the next exit,” she said.
Sean merged off Interstate 40 and Macy held her stomach as the butterflies she'd been dealing with all day swam in erratic patterns. When they left Charleston that morning at dawn, she'd been so sick to her stomach she wasn't sure she'd be able to keep her breakfast down. Of course, every mile they traveled threatened to do the same. The closer to Ashville they got, the queasier her stomach grew. She wasn't sure exactly what made her more nervous. The thoughts of lying to her family to their faces, trying to convince her family that she and Sean were actually a couple, or if it was the fact that Sean, the man she'd been half in love with since first laying eyes on him, was going to pretend to be in love with her. How exactly would they accomplish that? Would they cuddle by the fireplace? Hold hands? Kiss?
Oh God! There was no way she could kiss him. Okay, so yeah, she could. Had dreamed about it for years actually, but fantasizing about someone and actually acting on it are two very different things. He wasn't interested in her. At least, he'd never let on that he was. Not that the prospect of him being interested was in anyway a burden. Far from it. Which was exactly the problem. How would she survive if he acted all lovey-dovey toward her for an entire week and then just… stopped.
The narrow roads wound their way up the mountain and Macy pointed the way until they turned off the main road and began their final climb. When her parent's house came into view, she inhaled deeply to keep her stomachs contents in place.
They pulled into the drive and Sean put the car in park. He turned to her and said, “You grew up in a log cabin?"
She grinned. “We lived on the side of a mountain. What else would our house look like?"
Macy opened her car door; climbing out and breathing in the fresh, clean mountain air, she tried to calm her nerves. She turned, watching Sean when he got out of the car and shut his door before he looked at her over the roof of the car. He smiled and shook his head. “This place looks like it should be on a damn greeting card."
"Yeah. It does,” she said, looking at the house. It hadn't changed since she'd been gone. The two-story log house looked as warm and inviting as it always had, especially now. Wreathes hung on every window, red ribbons and bows graced the railing on the wrap-around porch and twinkling lights blinked from every available surface she could see. Her father always went all out at Christmas. It was his favorite time of year. Hers too. Something about Christmas always made her feel safe and loved. Maybe because it was the only time her entire family was together. Since they were all grown and living on their own, Christmas was the one time a year she got to be a kid again. Here, she was just Macy. The daughter of Rose and Gerald Carter and baby sister to her five older brothers. The only thing she ever had to worry about when she was here was if her clothes would still fit after her mother showered her with sweets and the best home cooking she'd ever tasted.
The front door opened and Macy smiled her first genuine smile in days. Her mother's beaming face met her gaze and Macy laughed before running to the porch. Her mother caught her in a tight hug, squeezing her to the point she couldn't breathe before letting go.
"Oh Macy, look at you! I swear you get prettier every time I see you."
"You say that every time you see me, Mom,” Macy said, laughing.
"Well, that's because it's true.” Rose cupped Macy's face in her hands, kissing her cheek before she looked to her left. Macy didn't have to look to know her mother had seen Sean. Her mother's eyes lit up instantly. “Macy Marie Carter. Why didn't you tell me this man was so gorgeous,” she said, lifting a hand and smoothing down her hair.
Macy raised an eyebrow at her mother's action before she turned her head, looking over her shoulder at Sean. He was smiling and stopped by her side.
"Probably the same reason she didn't tell me her mother was so beautiful,” Sean said.
Rose blushed. “Oh, he's a charmer, isn't he?"
"He's something, all right,” Macy muttered.
Macy watched them talk, smiling and laughing like she didn't even exist. She'd never seen her mother look so… flushed. Of course, her mother was right. Sean was gorgeous. The day she'd walked into the clinic for her job interview and saw him she almost swallowed her tongue. A six-foot tall hunk with wide shoulders and a thick mane of dark hair was not what she had been expecting. His eyes were a deep shade of brown with small gold flecks and the body he hid under his clothes, she was sure, belonged to a seasoned swimmer. The man was simply the best looking thing she'd seen in ages and it had taken her weeks to be able to look at him while actually speaking. Every time she tried, she got tongue tied and stammered like a fool. Her interview for the receptionist job was a total disaster due to her inability to look at him and form a coherent thought. She'd babbled like an idiot but, much to her surprise, he hired her anyway.
She looked to her mother when she heard her laugh and frowned at the look she was giving her. “What?"
Rose laughed louder, shaking her head and glancing back at Sean. “Is she always this starry eyed when she looks at you?"
Starry eyed?
"Always,” Sean said, reaching out and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. He pulled her close to his side and gave her a light squeeze. “The fact she still looks at me like that after two years is the reason our relationship always feels brand new. When she stops, we'll be in trouble."
Her mother laughed again, laying a hand on her heart and shaking her head. “Well, come inside. It's entirely too cold out here. I'll have the boys come get your luggage in a few minutes."
Macy knew her face was blood red just from his arm over her shoulder. She felt like a schoolgirl with a crush and jabbed her elbow lightly into Sean's ribs when he started toward the house, to get him to let go. He didn't release his hold on her and a look up at his face told her he was enjoying this way too much. He knew she was uncomfortable and loved every minute of it.
They walked in the house and the smell of fresh gingerbread hit full force. Her stomach grumbled instantly. No matter how sick she was, her mothers gingerbread cookies always made things better. Today was no exception.
The sight of her father, her brothers and their wives sitting around the living room completely eliminated her earlier case of nerves. She was swept up in warm hugs and kisses and tears stung her eyes by the time the last family member let go of her.
When she finally stepped back, her smile dimmed when she realized everyone was looking at Sean and they didn't all look happy.
"So, this is the elusive boyfriend, then?” her father asked.
"Be nice, Gerald,” Rose said.
Macy glanced over at her shoulder at Sean and actually felt sorry for the guy. He was about to get nailed to the wall for something entirely not his fault. She swallowed before taking a step back to him and hesitantly took his hand. “Um, Dad, this is Sean Mathis. Sean, my father, Gerald."
"Mr. Carter,” Sean said, reaching out his free hand. “It's nice to finally meet you. Macy talks about you constantly. I'm sorry it's taken so long to get up here to meet you. I apologize for that. I have no excuse other than I can be too selfish for my own good. Luckily your daughter is a forgiving woman and overlooks my faults."
Macy watched her father expectantly, chewing on her bottom lip. He stared at Sean for long minutes before extending his hand and grabbing the one Sean still held out. When he shook it and smiled, Macy let out the breath she'd been holding.
Introductions were made and Macy almost sagged in relief when no one railed on Sean for staying away for so long. She looked to her mother when she motioned to the other room with a nod of her head.
She turned to Sean, grabbing his arm to get his attention. “My mom wants to talk to me. Will you be okay by yourself?” she asked.
"Yeah. I've got to get on their good side eventually. It might as well be now."
Macy gave him a hesitant smile and glanced around the room. She took a calming breath before nodding her head at Sean and leaving to find her mother.
She found her in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, smiling like the Cheshire cat. She noticed instantly her mother had brushed her hair and pulled it up, pinning the pale locks to the back of her head. She smiled at the sight.
"You are in so much trouble, missy."
"What for?” Macy said.
"What for, she says. You know exactly what for,” her mother said. “How dare you bring that man in here without warning me. I was a complete mess."
Macy laughed and looked her mother over from head to toe. She'd changed her blouse too, she noticed. “Well, you're not a mess now."
"Of course I'm not, now,” Rose said. “Do you think your father will notice I changed?"
"Does he normally?"
"No. I bought a black wig at Halloween and wore it for over six hours and he never said a word. The man doesn't notice anything unless I burn his supper."
Macy laughed and walked across the room, embracing her mother and kissing her cheek. “I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, Macy. I never could figure out why you preferred living so far south when you could be close to us.” She chuckled and said, “After seeing that man of yours, I know. I'd be anywhere he was too."
Macy blushed and stepped away. She wasn't sure why she felt so embarrassed. It wasn't like Sean was really hers. Maybe it was because she was purposely deceiving them. It wasn't so bad when she did it over the phone. She didn't have to look them in the eye while she lied to them. Now, she did.
The shuffle of feet and giggles caught her attention and Macy turned, looking at the kitchen door. She rolled her eyes when her sister-in-laws, Pam and Gwen grinned at her and shook their heads.
"Bruce has already informed me that Sean is taken and he better not catch me so much as looking at the man in any way that I wouldn't look at my own children. That man is too jealous for his own good,” Pam said, laughing.
"With good reason,” Gwen said. “Macy, it's no wonder you've kept him all to yourself. I would have too. Sean is yummy in ways I can't even describe."
Macy grinned. “I'll be sure to tell Greg you think so."
"Don't you dare,” Gwen screeched. “He'll have me locked in the bedroom for the remainder of our visit."
"As he should,” Rose said. “You can't dump my son for Macy's boyfriend no matter how attractive he is. Besides, it's my daughter Sean is in love with."
Macy blushed and looked out the window, listening to them discuss Sean. This would be more difficult than she thought. She couldn't deny anything they said. He was yummy. She'd known that from the moment she laid eyes on him. Pretending to be in love with Sean and make it convincing wouldn't be a problem. She practically was now. No, the problems would come later, after Sean spent the week pretending to be in love with her. Would she be able to convince her heart he was only acting when all was said and done? Could she spend a week with him, being all couple-like and then… nothing? Go back to the clinic, work day after day with him and pretend none of this ever happened?
She sighed while watching her nieces and nephews out the kitchen window and tried to think of the best way to handle the situation she'd gotten herself in to. Maybe if she just concentrated on her family and interacted with Sean only when she had to, things wouldn't be so bad. Not all couples were openly affectionate. Why did they have to be?
As she convinced herself that staying away from Sean as much as she could eased her mind, one thought struck her like lightening and caused fear to crawl up her spine. She turned to her mother quickly, her pulse racing. “Um mom? Where will we be sleeping?"
"Oh, I cleaned your old room for you. You'd be amazed at how much dust collects in a room when no one uses it."
"My old room?” Macy said, a wave of apprehension sweeping through her. “For… Sean and I?"
"Of course,” Rose said. “Macy, what in the world is wrong with you. You're white as a sheet.” Her mother crossed the room, raising her hand and laying it to her forehead. “Are you all right?"
Macy nodded dumbly. Her room. She was going to have to share a room with Sean? For a week? She swallowed audibly. “I think I need to lie down for a while. It's been a crazy weak. I'm exhausted, actually."
"Of course,” Rose said. “I'll get the boys to bring your things up."
Macy made her way up the stairs, rushing into her room and shutting the door behind her. She leaned against it, closing her eyes and tried to calm her breathing. “This is so not happening,” she said to herself before opening her eyes. The bed was the first thing she saw and she groaned.
A knock on the door was quickly followed by someone pushing on it and she stepped away and turned, only to moan pitifully when Sean walked in, smiling.
"So, I hear we're bunking together,” he grinned.
"Apparently,” Macy mumbled.
"Are you holding your breath or are you really that embarrassed? Your face is blood red."
Macy bit her lip and tried to get the heat in her cheeks to calm. He loved this. She could tell by that wide smirk on his face.
He crossed the room, looking at the things scattered on the dresser before he turned to the bed. He looked at it, turned his head to her and grinned. “Dibs on the left side."
"You're not sleeping with me."
"Oh, come on, sweetheart. I promise not to steal the covers."
"It's not going to happen."
He grinned at her, raising a leg and crawling onto the bed. He lounged across it, resting his head on his upturned hand. “Want to break it in now or wait until the sun goes down?"
"Stop teasing me, Sean,” Macy hissed. “It's not very becoming."
"But it's so much fun watching your face turn colors."
"You're an ass.” She turned, jerking the bedroom door open while Sean's laughter followed her into the hall. She gasped when she ran into her mother and the blankets she'd been holding fell to the floor.
"Macy? What in the world are you doing?” Rose asked, bending down to grab the fallen blankets.
"Um, just coming to see if there were extra blankets,” she lied, grabbing the blankets before her mother could.
Sean snorted behind her and she turned her head, looking over her shoulder at him. He wiggled his eyebrows and patted the bed in front of him, inviting her to join him.
"Thank you for the blankets, Rose,” Sean said, sitting up and leaning against the headboard. “Macy steals covers like a fiend."
Rose laughed. “She always did. It could be ninety degrees outside and she'd be balled up with the blankets over her head."
Macy walked back into the room and avoided looking at Sean. She didn't have to look to know he was watching her. She could feel his gaze like a caress. She sighed, dumped the blankets on the chair by the window, and looked out. Her brothers were getting their luggage from the car. She smiled as she watched them, each of them trying to find the lightest bag to carry.
"Did you hear me, Macy?"
"What?” Macy said, turning around.
"I said dinner will be in an hour. I know you two are tired from your long drive so we'll give you a pass on the after dinner stories."
Her mother actually winked at her before looking to Sean and leaving the room. She can't possibly think… well, of course she could. She thinks you've been living with this man for the past two years. That you've been sharing a bed with him.
She turned her head and looked at Sean. He was leaning against the headboard, arms folded over his chest, and a huge grin turning the corners of his mouth. “Don't even say it."
"I wasn't going to,” he said.
"You were thinking it, though. I could see it in your eyes."
"Not my fault if your mother thinks you're getting lucky tonight."
"Hard to get lucky when my boyfriend is sleeping on the floor."
Sean glanced at the floor, then across the expanse of the bed. “If you don't want to share the bed, then you make the sacrifice. I'm too old to sleep in the floor."
"It's my bed!” she said. “And you're not old. That's a lame excuse."
He laughed. “Old enough to know sleeping on the floor will require recuperation time tomorrow once I get up, besides, what would your mother think if she walked in and found me in the floor?"
"That you were being a jerk and I kicked you out?"
He laughed. “You'd honestly kick me out of your bed?"
Macy growled and stomped from the room. Why was he being like this? Sure, he picked on her occasionally. He even managed to piss her off more than she wished him too but why was he being so… so… grrrr!
She made her way downstairs, entering the kitchen amongst a round of giggles. When her mother and her brother's wives saw her, their laughter rang in her ears. This can't be my life.