My Beastly Billionaire Sneak Peek

I'm so excited about this new romance series that will be released this week. I hope you'll enjoy reading about the Grimwood brothers and sister, as much as I'm enjoying writing about them. Today, I'm sharing a sample of the first couple of chapters. 

Grab your copy of the first book on January 17th!

Not Your Usual Beauty and the Beast Retelling...

After a motorcycle accident nearly a year ago, jewelry artisan, Duncan Grimwood, still suffers from the aftermath and keeps himself hidden away.

His personal assistant, Barbara, insists it's time he re-enters the real world. She's set up an extravagant holiday gala to display Duncan's latest works and hired the only decorating company willing to take on this big project at the last minute.

Decorating the huge, but neglected, Grimwood Manor for a holiday gala is the chance of a lifetime for Elisa Lucken.

The only catch: Do not disturb the reclusive Duncan Grimwood.
That's fine with Elisa--who simply wants to get her job done and get out of the strange mansion.

While absorbed in her work, Elisa doesn't hear the blizzard warning that sent the rest of her crew home. Now she's stuck at the cold, dark manor for the Thanksgiving weekend.
​
Is there any a chance Duncan Grimwood will come around to reveal the true man hiding behind the beastly exterior?

Learn More

---

My Beastly Billionaire
​Book One

​The Reading of the Will 
 
Duncan Grimwood rode the mirrored elevator up to the sixteenth floor to Peterson Law Associates was located. He checked his reflection, straightening the emerald green tie of his black suit. The family was still in mourning, though some more so than others.
Duncan blew out a calming breath. He’d been the one who’d stayed with the old man during his last months, watching the giant of Marcus Grimwood dwindle into nothing more than an empty shell. How quickly it happened, too.
Father’s heart gave out during the flight to the hospital and he’d been pronounced DOA. Duncan had been the one who held his frail hand, who’d made the decision to call care-flight and the one who’d had to call the rest of them and let everyone know.
The numbers slowly counted upward, ten…eleven…
Duncan should have shaved, he supposed. But he was already running late enough and the thin bit of stubble gave him a roguish look he liked. His dark blond hair was combed back neatly and had recently been cut. If the paparazzi were waiting for them after the meeting, at least he might not have to worry about any stories making rounds that he was filled with grief and guilt.
Guilt. As if. It wasn’t him who needed to feel guilty.
Duncan shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks, hoping Marcus Grimwood had made things right before his passing. Colton, the oldest Grimwood brother refused to have much to do with their father.
The number sixteen finally appeared with a loud ding, then the door slid open. Duncan stepped out into the reception area. The plush blue carpet ran across the sitting area and into the adjoining hall that led to the attornies offices.
A red-headed woman wearing a bright yellow dress looked him over from head to foot with a grin that always unnerved him. He hated being oogled, despite what people thought. Or what the tabloids reported.
“Good morning, Mary.” Duncan buttoned his jacket. “I have an—”
“They’re waiting for you, Mr. Grimwood. In the Antler Room.” She waved her manicured hand toward the left hall. “The rest are already here.”
Duncan inwardly groaned. Great, his sister would probably blast him for making her have to wait and dragging the meeting out longer. Suzette Grimwood, year younger than him, was fussy about her time and appearance. She had been Father’s little darling, though, and felt the loss most of all, he was sure of it.
Would Father give each of them equal shares of his Grimwood Conglomerate that consisted of more business ventures than Duncan was able to keep up with? He liked making jewelry and used that to occupy most of his time. The parts that weren’t taken up with attending parties and going on excursions in other countries with his friends.
Heading toward the Antler Room, which consisted of Mr. Peterson’s hunting trophies and a comfortable sitting area for his most elite clients. Duncan had to admit, the library-like room was more welcoming than the cold meeting rooms with the ebony tables and metal, silver chairs.
When he reached the door, he gave a quick rap with his knuckles, then turned the nob. Laughter and quiet talk met him when he entered.
A table bar sat in the middle of the group and drinks had already been poured and passed around. Only Jeremy, the youngest Grimwood, sat with a glass of ice water. He was the spitting image of their mother with his black hair and rounded face. He and Suzette were often mistaken for fraternal twins, despite the two-year difference between them. However, Duncan and Colton, who currently sat slumped in one of the armchairs had inherited their father’s fair features. All the Grimwood children had the same blue eyes which had been passed down through the generations.
“Sorry I’m late,” Duncan mumbled, heading to the bar and fixing himself a cocktail. He didn’t even care that it was before lunch. It seemed most of the others didn’t care either. They were all dreading this meeting. Duncan should have known something was up when Father began calling his lawyer to his bedside for private meetings several months ago. They all knew he’d made changes to the will, but nobody knew what those changes meant to them.
“Well,” Mr. Patterson said, standing from behind his desk. “Let’s get this started, now that everyone is here.” He narrowed his steely gaze at Duncan who quickly found the last remaining spot beside Suzette and took his seat.
He downed half of his drink in one gulp, then stopped himself. Perhaps he should keep a clear head for this. That’s when he noticed Suzette had water, like her younger brother. Only Colton had poured himself a drink, but he was the most sullen of the group. Also the most distant.
Colton Grimwood was good at putting distance between himself and things he found unpleasant, such as a dying father or meddling siblings. Ever since Colt’s wife died three years back, he’d taken his twin girls and set sail on his private yacht. The only time any of them had seen their eldest brother since his wife’s funeral, had been when he arrived late for Father’s memorial service.
Even now, Colton kept his gaze on the drink cupped in his hands, not even bothering to acknowledge Duncan’s arrival. Well, fine with him, if that’s how he wanted to play.
Mr. Peterson read over the preliminaries, which Duncan pretty much ignored. He knew their family history and how the businesses under Grimwood Corp Inc had developed. Father believed in casting a wide net to protect the family’s wealth that had been estimated to be somewhere in the billions.
Would it all be divided equally between the siblings? Had Marcus Grimwood considered his own brothers, or did he feel they’d been given enough from their father? With each generation, the wealth was divided and sometimes shared.
What would their father decide to do with the empire he’d built during his lifetime?
“Marcus Grimwood believed in hard work and in leaving a legacy for future generations. He was never one to sit and stew in his wealth, his words, not mine,” Mr. Patterson smiled with a slow shake of his head.
“Needless to say, he has encouraged each of you to find your passion and follow after it. Colton, I understand you enjoy building hotels and have several across the states and abroad.”
Colton finally glanced up as his brows furrowed. “I have a few in various places, yes sir.”
Mr. Patterson nodded. “Duncan, are you still making jewelry for the stars?” At Duncan’s nod, he went on, “And lovely Suzette, I hear your clothing line is in high demand. Am I correct?”
Suzzette flashed the lawyer one of her brilliant smiles. “Oh they seem popular with the millennials, I suppose.” Her fake humility caused Duncan to roll his eyes.
Even Jeremy was looking away, coving his grin with his hand.
“And young, Jeremy, you have followed in your father’s footsteps at his investment bank. Are you happy there, son?”
Jeremy gave a nod but said nothing in response. He was the quietest of the group and the most dedicated to his work. Jere had always been a numbers man, whereas the others were more creative in their pursuits.
“Good,” Mr. Peterson said, growing more serious. “Very good. Your father hoped for each of you to continue in your current pursuits, but he called me in a few months back to add a provision. Or to set up a trust, if you will.”
“A trust?” Duncan and Suzette asked at the same time.
“Yes, and the conditions of the trust must be met five years from now, or—”
Colton seemed to come alive at the word trust. “What do you mean, Mr. Peterson? I never heard about father setting up a trust. Why it’s unheard of. In the past—”
“Your father did not wish to repeat how his own father had handled the distribution of the Grimwood estate. He called me in to discuss following your mother’s wishes. It was something they talked about before she passed, and he’d dismissed her suggestions until having second thoughts about her reasoning. The truth of the matter is, Lucille Grimwood did not wish to see her own children suffer what others have when given unlimited wealth without having a purpose. She insisted it was the ruin of many people she’d known in her life. So, Marcus devised the Grimwood Legacy Trust. If you hope to come into your full inheritance, you’ll have to agree and fulfill your father’s terms.”
Mr. Patterson shuffled a few papers before picking one form up and reading, “You each have five years to take on the business you have been assigned and turn a profit. If you fail to bring an increase, then you’ll forfeit your share of the estate.” A collective gasp when around the group. Suzette’s hand went to her chest. Colton sat up straighter in his chair, his face darkening with a severe scowl. Only Jeremy remained unphased by the news. Had he known?
“However,” Mr. Peterson continued, “You will not be left with nothing. If you fail to complete the terms of the trust, then you’ll be given twenty-five million as your portion of the inheritance. Whatever work you are currently doing now, and any monies made from your ventures will remain in your accounts. But the business you’ve been given will be handed over to the current Board of Directors. As you complete your terms of the trust, then it will be you who take a position on the Board. Your father is hoping, by the end of the five years, all his children will be sitting together. Which brings me to one final—”
Colton stood. “What businesses is he giving us? There’s many under the Grimwood Corps Inc umbrella.”
Mr. Peterson remained unruffled. “Please sit, Colton. I will get to that shortly. I have one more announcement to make, that will….” He cringed as he read over the paper. “Well, it’ll come as a shock, I suppose. But there is one more Grimwood who is not present. He will not be under the same conditions as you four are, but—”
This time, Suzette stood, spilling her water over the fine carpet. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She quickly picked up her glass and found a handkerchief in her bag which she used to dab up the water. “What do you mean there’s one more Grimwood? Do you mean a cousin, or—”
Colton’s fists clenched. “No,” he answered, his voice grounding out like broken stones. “Do not tell me that Father plans to include him in this, this, mess.”
Duncan’s breath caught. He looked to Jeremy who seemed as perplexed as he was. “Colt, what are you talking about?”
Mr. Peterson’s smile was sympathetic as he nodded. “Yes, your father wished for me to track down Rafe Wolfe, as he goes by, and—”
Suddenly, Duncan caught up to what Colt and Mr. Peterson were talking about. He’d never heard the other one’s name, or even that it was a son that father had sired from his affair. Mother had already passed, leaving father in a deep depression. Marcus Grimwood had never gotten over losing his soulmate, it seemed. And had drowned his sorry in ways nobody wished to speak of or acknowledge.
Except it seemed Colton knew all about it. No wonder he’d turned his back on Father.
Tears coursed down Suzette’s pink cheeks. “You mean we have another brother?”
Colton refused to answer.
Mr. Peterson nodded. “Yes, it seems that way, Suzette. I only found this out when Marcus called me in to draw up the new will. You see, he wanted to add provisions for his last child, but he does not know where to find him. It was his hope that you all would help in finding Rafe and perhaps, even find it in your hearts to welcome him into your family.”
Colton was already shaking his head. He stood and moved toward the windows, turning his back on all of them. Suzette turned to face Duncan and Jeremy. Jeremy stared at the floor, leaving Duncan to answer her unasked question.
Duncan shook his head, “I…I don’t even know how to respond to this. I’m shocked.” Actually, he was more furious than shocked. How could father keep this from all of them, and why? “Can we get on with the terms? I…” he checked his watch, “I have somewhere I need to be soon.”
It wasn’t the complete truth, but he wanted to get this farce over. Sooner the better. He wanted to find out the terms of the trust, then he’d deal with that first. If Father didn’t think it important to mention another son to any of them, then he’d not bother himself with that sordid bit of news. Let Peterson handle it.
“Very well,” the lawyer stated, returning to his high-backed leather chair. “Since you seem to be in a hurry, Ducan, I’ll read your conditions first.”
 
*  *  *  *
 
The room filled with dancing people and flashing lights seemed to spin before Duncan’s very eyes. He needed to cut himself off because nobody else would. The bartender had warned him two martini’s ago, but Alen Townsend, one of the few people that Duncan considered a true friend, had replied that if a Grimwood wished to drown his sorrow, then he had that right.
Alan was a bone head. But Duncan liked him anyway. Not that he had a lot of people to choose from. Alan also came from money and understood what it was like. He tossed a couple of hundred bills on the bar and told the bartender to keep the drinks home. He’d take responsibility and get Duncan home.
Except Alan was drinking just as much. “How bad can it be, Duncan?” Alan slurred, pounding him on the back. “At least he didn’t give you charge over the…” Alan started laughing, “I don’t even know how many businesses your old man owned? Any chance there might have been a sports team somewhere in there?”
Duncan shook his head. “No, but that would have been cool, don’t you think?” Oh man, he needed to stop. He pushed the glass away. Taking it as a sign that he wanted more, the bartender handed him another with a shake of his head.
“I know nothing about stores, Alan. Stores!”
“Please, at least they are stores that sell jewelry, which you make some fine pieces. You aren’t completely green about how things work. And you can hire someone—”
“Nope, no hiring outside help. We have to take whatever business we’ve been given and make it turn a profit. Everyone knows that there’s little profit in jewelry stores, for Pete's sakes! Everyone was upset when we left.” Except for Jeremy who strolled out as if he’d been through nothing more than a meeting at the bank.
Duncan hadn’t waited for Colt or Suzette to leave. He’d bolted out right behind Jere and didn’t even bother to take the same elevator down with him.
“What am I going to do with a bunch of stores?” Duncan sighed as he sipped at the fresh martini. The room was starting to fade. Someone grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the dance floor. Maybe a bit of movement would help clear his head.
Unfortunately, the next thing Duncan was aware of was waking up in a hospital room. The overhead light nearly blinded him.
“Turn it down, Konner,” Barbara, his personal assistant said in a quiet voice. Her concern voice appeared in his line of vision. “Ducan, don’t panic. You’re going to be okay, hon.”
Pain, sharp and burning, coursed up his legs and across his torso. He gasped, trying to work out what had happened.
Barbara grabbed his bandaged hand, being careful to not disturb the tubes running from his wrist. “You were in an accident. What were you thinking taking out your Ducati on a night like this?”
Barbara’s husband, Konner came around the other side of his bed. “Don’t scold him, babe. Wait until he’s more alert and knows where he’s at.” The somber expression on Konner’s usually cheerful face caused Duncan’s heart to run cold.
“What did I do, Konner? What happened?” Duncan’s throat felt like he’d swallowed sand. Then he remembered the endless drinks. But he’d stopped, hadn’t he?
Konner placed his hand on Duncan’s shoulder. “All you need to worry about right now is getting through this surgery. They’re coming for you shortly to try to repair your damaged leg. They are going to everything they can to save your leg, but it’s pretty bad, buddy. I’ll not lie to you.”
Bits and pieces of the night started to filter back in. Alan daring him to a race, boasting that his cycle could beat his Ducati. Duncan shook his head. That must have been a dream. He recalled rain falling and he’d never take his cycle out on a rainy night. Would he?”
Two nurses came in, along with a man in scrubs holding a clipboard. “They’re ready for you, Mr. Grimwood. Your sister gave her consent for us to go ahead with the surgery and said she was on her way. Since you’re awake, if I can get you to sign his form, you know, in case we aren’t able to save your leg….”
Duncan mind grew fuzzy as a coldness seeped over him. “Uh oh,” the nurse beside him said, her voice growing dim. “He’s going into shock.”
Darkness descended on Duncan and he remembered no more.
 
 




Chapter One 

One year later....

Elisa Lucken’s nervous gaze moved upward to take in the expansive two-story stone mansion. The French Provincial might have been beautiful if not for the pale gray sky and the bared trees whipping in the wind like dancing skeletons. But from her perspective, the Grimwood Manor reminded her of the setting for one of those old horror movies.
The grounds were well-kept, but something about the shadowed arched windows and tightly closed curtains that unsettled her. The request to decorate the Grimwood Manor’s front entrance and main first floor rooms had come late in the season, leaving Elisa’s boss, Kelly Stewart scrambling to come up with a sufficient plan for the unexpected project.
Thanksgiving was only two days away. Mr. Grimwood’s personal assistant had said that her employer was hosting an impromptu party the following weekend. If they finished the job before the end of November, they would be given a substantial bonus. That was all Kelly Stewart, owner of Stewart Designs, needed to hear. They would work right up to Thanksgiving Day, and hopefully, have everything accomplished.
Elisa parked her Jeep behind the supply truck.
Kelly Stewart had scrounged through all her storage rooms to gather what left-over decorations they could use to transform the massive home into a spectacular holiday sanctuary. It was too late to order specially made ornaments, and there was no time to spend on shopping, They had three other jobs lined up over the next two weeks.
Most of Stewart Designs’ wealthy clients hired them in the spring to decorate for Christmas. Elisa and Kelly spent March through June planning, sketching and ordering so that as soon as Halloween was over, the team could get to work turning the mansions into spectacular wonderland worlds that would put Santa’s North Pole to shame.
Checking her reflection in the Jeep’s side mirror, Elisa pulled her long brown hair over her shoulder and secured it with a band. Then she applied a bit of lipstick to freshen her appearance. Billionaires seemed to like their staff to look professional and well dressed. The cold front that had blown through made Elisa choose a wool plaid skirt, black cashmere sweater and knee-high leather boots over thick leggings hoping they’d keep her warm enough. The larger houses often tended to be more drafty.
Elisa hurried to find Kelly, who’d parked her black Lincoln under the carport.
With clipboard in hand, Kelly was already barking orders to the staff on what to bring in. “Elisa, oh there you are,” she patted her chest as if fearing she might suffer a coronary at any moment. “I feared you were lost after I lost sight of you on the expressway. These out-of-the-way country roads can be confusing. I’ll never understand the people who wish to live out in the wilds.” Kelly lifted her Ray-Bans and glanced around at the surrounding woods, then back to the towering building. “Stunning, isn’t it? I hear there’s a private tennis court in the back acreage, along with a helicopter landing pad, and a driving range. Though I doubt Mr. Grimwood gets to enjoy many outdoor activities after his accident.”
Elisa had read about the terrible motorcycle accident of the middle Grimwood heir. Duncan Grimwood, the adventurous so-called playboy of the family, was used to a fast life. Until shortly after their father’s death when Duncan Grimwood was racing his motorcycle and slid out of control on a rainy road. What he was doing out in such conditions, nobody knew. But since then, the once wild-man billionaire had secluded himself inside the family manor.
The fact that his assistant had called Stewart Designs to decorate the main floor of the family’s mansion had already caused quite a stir. Especially after Kelly had let it slip to one of her journalist friends that her company had been hired for this assignment. Now all the tabloids were wondering what the reclusive Duncan Grimwood might be up to. Was he ready to re-enter the world of glitz and glamour?
From past articles Elisa had read, she knew he was a jeweler who made beautiful pieces that decorated the Hollywood starlets on the red carpet. He was now in charge of his family’s jewelry stores, with elite shops in Los Angeles, Dallas, New York and various other places across the States.
Elisa blew out a calming breath and straightened her shoulders. She had worked for Kelly for the past four years and hoped to soon be promoted to head designer where she’d be responsible for her own jobs, instead of being Kelly’s gofer.
Not that she wasn’t learning from her boss, but Elisa felt she was ready to tackle a few homes on her own. If given the chance.
“Are you listening, Elisa?” Kelly snapped her well-manicured fingers in front of her nose. “Please tell me you’ve not drifted off again, silly girl!”
“No, ma’am. I’m listening.” Elisa hesitated a moment, then said, “Up to the point when you were talking about Mr. Grimwood.” At her boss’s scowl, she blurted, “I’m sorry. But this place is…” she searched for a nice word, and decided on, “grand.” It was the truth. The house was truly spectacular, though it desperately needed some TLC. “I’m listening.”
“Here,” Kelly thrust a clipboard at her. “You will oversee the dining room and study. I’ve asked Mark to focus his efforts on the living area. You are in charge of the foyer tree and the stair banisters.
“I’ve made sketches of where I want everything placed. Follow it to the inch, understand? I’ll take care of the crew out here. We need to get this done as quickly and quietly as possible. Mr. Grimwood’s assistant called me again this morning with her list of restrictions. I made a copy for you, it’s on the clipboard. The main thing,” she closed the door of her Lincoln while draping several already decorated wreaths over her arm, then handing the rest to Elisa, “is that you stay in your area and not wander around. The second floor is off limits, as are all the outer rooms and kitchen. The gala will be held in these three main rooms,” Kelly tapped the floor plan with her bright purple fingernail, adorned with a row of glass gems. “If anyone needs the washroom, they are to use only this one guest bath that I’ve circled in red, and that’s it. Understand?”
“Yes ma’am, I got it. Stay in my area, don’t wander around,” Elisa looked over the diagram of where to place the wreaths. “Oh, but wait. How will I get these up on the stair banister without going upstairs?”
Kelly waved her hand with its many golden rings. “Well, I suggest you make quick work of hanging them, stay close to the stairs, so if anyone comes along, you can run back down before they catch you.”
Elisa’s mouth dropped open.
“Figure it out. If you want me to consider you for that manager position, then you’ll need to show me that you’re adaptable, innovative, and quick at problem-solving. Consider this project your test. I’m putting the interior in your hands. Show me you can follow directions, dear, and you’ll be one step closer to earning that promotion.” Kelly’s cold hand patted Elisa’s heated cheek. Elisa had worked long hours and followed every direction to get that promotion.
She sighed. Mr. Grimwood’s instructions were typed all in caps. They were not to step one foot on the stairs.
Elisa hugged the clipboard to her chest and headed inside. As she passed Kelly who was busy barking orders at her workers, a hand clamped down on her shoulder and turned her around. Kelly pointed a finger at Elisa’s nose. “And do not waste time admiring the artwork, as you’re prone to do. We have a very small window of time to get this done.”
Elisa nodded. She did love beautiful artwork and these homes were usually filled with fine sculptures and original paintings that were to die for.
“Oh, here comes Mrs. Larson now,” Kelly’s scowl instantly turned into a wide smile as she greeted the other woman with air kisses. “Hello Barbara dear, I’m so happy that I was able to catch you before you left today.”
The stylish brunette, wearing a cream-colored two-piece suit stopped before them and extended her hand toward Elisa, who grasped it gently. Because of the wide grin and travel bag Hanging from Mrs. Larson’s shoulder, Elisa figured the woman must be leaving for the Thanksgiving weekend a little early.
“Ms. Stewart, Miss. Lucken, such a pleasure to finally meet you both in person. Now listen, we do wish to make this a rush job, but don’t let that hinder you from making this spectacular. Mr. Grimwood plans to reveal his new line of jewelry to his clients the weekend after Thanksgiving. So, you do have a little wriggle room.” Barbara Larson pinched her finger and thumb together, not leaving much space between them at all. “If you need to come back Monday to finish up, that’s perfectly fine. I’ll be returning on Sunday evening. All I ask is that nobody disturbs Mr. Grimwood.”
Both Elisa and Kelly nodded their understanding.
“Wonderful.” Mrs. Larson shifted her travel bag higher onto her shoulder. “Duncan can be a bear at times, but there’s a good heart deep inside. Somewhere. Anyway, no matter to you. Just stay in your area and you’ll not have to worry about encountering him. Better if you don’t cross his path, he’s in a grizzly mood today.” Laughing at her own joke, she checked her watch then declared that she needed to hurry if she was going to catch her flight.
“Do be sure to keep an eye on the weather, Kelly. The weathermen have been threatening that a snowstorm might pass over. I’m hoping that they are wrong as usual, but you don’t wish to be caught on these narrow roads if we do get a blizzard.”
With that final warning, Barbara Larson waved and headed to the garages located to the side of the mansion. Elisa’s mouth dropped when she slid into a silver Jaguar.  
Kelly clapped her hands, bringing Elisa out of her trance. Was the beautiful sports car a perk for her working with the bear-man? He couldn’t be as bad as his assistant had said. The Duncan Grimwood she’d read about was reportedly boisterous and outgoing. Had his accident changed him that much? Surely, he was on the mend by now.
“Seriously, Elisa, time is wasting,” Kelly warned.
Elisa jumped into action, checking the lists of things she’d need inside. Most of it was already being carted indoors. Rushing through the arched walkway, Elisa nearly stumbled in her not-so-practical heels when she walked into the vast main room. The foyer was open and welcoming, but this room was stark and bare. A set of double curved stairs rose up around the entrance to the massive living room. They were to set a twenty-foot tree between those stairs. Then she’d hang lighted garland and the wreaths along the banisters. Decorating the towering tree would take her the whole afternoon.
Looking over the plan, then taking in the dark wood paneling, cream-colored walls, and outdated furniture, Elisa would have taken another direction, but she wasn’t the owner of Stewart Designs, was she? And Kelly hardly asked for anyone’s opinion, figuring hers were best and beyond question.
“Okay, people,” Elisa called out, trying not to shout over the noise. “Let’s start with setting up the tree. Then I’ll go from there.” Elisa placed the wreaths at the foot of the stairs. She’d tackle that project later.
Next, she checked the areas that she was responsible for, making sure the crew knew exactly what to do. She fought hard to ignore the dusty paintings lining the walls. Bits of cobwebs crisscrossed some of the gilded frames. Gold statues and busts were also covered in a layer of fine dust. She phoned Kelly to ask about the condition of the side rooms.
“We’re not housemaids, dear,” Kelly snapped. “Put that herd of deer next to the light post. Yes, right there,” in a lower tone she added, “morons.” Then her voice grew crisp again as she spoke into her phone, “Elisa, keep your eye on the prize and just take care of getting those decorations hung. There is a threat of snow. I don’t have time to worry about untrimmed bushes and dusty paintings. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Elisa tapped the end call button and shoved the phone into the pocket of her jacket. Fine, it wasn’t her problem if the house needed a good cleaning. Mr. Grizzly Grimwood needed to staff a cleaning crew if he planned to host parties.
“No, no, that tree should go next to the other window, beside the fireplace.” Elisa tapped the diagram for the study. After checking on a few more details, she headed back outside to see what was the hold up with the main tree decorations. They should already be setting it up if she hoped to finish it before nightfall.
Outside, she found that not only had the temperature dropped significantly, but there was also a large group of men hanging around one of the trucks. She hurried over to them as fast as her heels would take her. “What are you all doing? I need everything inside. Right now.”
Several of the men were huddled around a news report on someone’s tablet. “Wow, that looks like some storm. It might pass us, but—”
“But,” Elisa insisted, “you better get this truck unloaded. The sooner you get everything inside, the sooner you all can head back to the city, right?”
They all nodded with muttered agreement.
“Good. Let’s get going. I need that tree set up and quick.” Elisa hated sounding so demanding. That was Kelly’s department, but from the darkening skies, she was also starting to worry. Surely, it wouldn’t be that bad this time of year. They hardly ever got much more than a light covering before Christmas. The forecasters liked to send people into panics as far as she was concerned.
She took another look at the gathering clouds. They sure looked like the kind that held snow. Well, the sooner she was done, the sooner she could also head home. Tomorrow night she was scheduled to catch a flight to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Every year her family celebrated Thanksgiving at their lakeside cabin in Madison Creek.
A movement in one of the upstairs windows caused Elisa to pause. The shifting of a curtain revealed a pale face. She could hardly make out the features through the fogging glass. For a moment, she was sure the man was looking directly down at her, and he didn’t seem pleased.
That couldn’t possibly be the fabled Duncan Grimwood, could it? Surely not. He looked like a caveman, not the refined, handsome man that she’d seen in the magazines.
Once the large tree was on its way inside, Elisa hurried after them, giving Kelly a thumbs up sign on her way through the double doors. Why hadn’t she thought to bring a heavier coat?
Did Mr. Grizzly Grimwood live here by himself? Why would a man of his caliber want to live alone in such a massive house? As she directed her inside crew on where to set the tree and decorations, Elisa mused that perhaps he liked being king of the castle. Who knew with those eccentric billionaires, anyway.
Once the tree was up and the bows and red garland draped over the almost life-like branches, Elisa climbed the step ladder to begin hanging the ornaments. She slipped her earbuds in and turned up the classical Christmas music, needing to get into the mood while she worked.
As Elisa hung the large glittery balls, she found some that had the previous year imprinted on them, (those she turned inward and hung on the highest branches) she wondered if Mr. Grimwood would appreciate the Nutcracker theme? Well, he’d ordered the job at the last minute, so he’d have to deal with whatever he got.
Drawing in a deep breath and trying not to choke on the disturbed dust mites floating around her from the chandeliers, she realized that at some point, she’d have to come up with a strategy for dealing with unpleasant customers if she was put in charge of her own team.
Once the tree was nearly finished, except for the skirt and fake presents that were to be placed along the bottom, Elisa looked around the empty foyer. Was it lunchtime already?
She came down the metal stairs the crew had set up to reach the uppermost branches. The side rooms were also empty. Elias didn’t feel hungry at the moment. She had stuffed a few granola bars in her purse. Her lunch was out in the Jeep. No, she’d eat later and keep working.
The theme song from The Polar Express played in her ears. She swayed to the song, admiring the tree and the line of tin soldiers that grew in height along the wall of the staircase. She still needed to work on hanging the wreaths.
Elisa vaguely recalled Kelly coming in to report that snow was starting to fall. She’d said that anyone who wasn’t absolutely needed should go on home. At least, that’s what she thought Kelly had said. But that wouldn’t have included everyone, would it?
Elisa had been so wrapped up in her work, she’d not paid attention to what was going on along the floor level. Had everyone already left?
She wandered through the silent rooms, finding them mostly decorated, but not finished. She checked her watch. Only three in the afternoon! Lunch was long over. Through one of the tall windows surrounding the front door, drifting snow had begun to fall. But it wasn’t much and the circular drive still looked fine.
Kelly wouldn’t want to risk wrecking her precious Lincoln, but Elisa knew her Jeep could handle rough roads. She would finish up the entrance and get those wreaths hung while there was nobody around to bother her.
The large, empty mansion was starting to give her the creeps. If she finished all her tasks today, then she’d not have to worry about returning. If the snow continued to fall as it was now, they would most likely have to wait until after Thanksgiving to finish.
Elisa found her purse and pulled out an energy bar to snack on. She didn’t care to go outside in her leather boots to retrieve her lunch box. Nope, another hour or two worth of time and she’d be able to head home. She’d eat later.
She admired her work on the main tree and decided it didn’t need any tinsel, which Kelly marked as optional. It was near being overboard for her tastes. Instead, she lined up the wreaths along the stairs, then gathered the lights, swag, and other items needed. Making slow progress up along the circular stairs on one side, she draped, tied and hooked her way up to the second floor.
When she reached the landing, she took a careful look around and found the walkway dark and completely empty. Good. Maybe she could get this done without getting caught.
Jingle Bells played and she hummed along, enjoying the upbeat rhythm that helped her work faster.
About halfway toward the second set of stairs, the sound of a slamming door sent Elisa’s heart into her throat. She yanked one of her earbuds out and looked around nervously. She was right in the middle. Which way should she run if someone came along?
After a couple of quiet minutes, she breathed again. Perhaps it was the wind on the upstairs windows. She worked faster. This needed to be done so she could check off the last item on her lists.
Securing the next wreath, she wrapped the fake pine bough around the banister. Her jacket pockets were stuffed with silvery bows and twine. Plugging in the next strand of lights, she moved down a few more paces. The creaking of a floorboard sounded from behind her. She spun around, but nobody was there.
“Please don’t be a haunted mansion,” Elisa whispered, her throat dry. “Please?” She didn’t even like watching scary movies. Her imagination was good about running off on wild tangents, and thinking she heard noises that weren’t there or shadows that were nothing more than a branch blowing in the wind. It was especially worse when she was alone. Like now.
Maybe returning later wasn’t such a bad idea. No, she was so not coming back to this place. Not if she could help it. Kelly might need to send a crew out Monday to finish up, but Elisa wanted to be far away from here and working on that sky-rise apartment in the city next week. That job had been in the planning since March and would be a breeze to put together.
“What are you doing here?” A gravelly male voice said. The tone was wary, tired, and a little shaky. She turned to find a shadowed man standing in the darkened hallway. His wrinkled shirt hung loosely over a pair of sweatpants. The man leaned heavily on a cane.
Kelly had mentioned that the House Managers were still in residence. That must be who the strange man was. Perhaps Mr. Grimwood wasn’t even here at the moment.
“I’m sorry, I know we weren’t supposed to come upstairs, but I’m trying to hurry and hang these wreaths.” As she spoke, Elisa slowly moved back toward the steps. If the shadowy man started yelling at her, she’d make a run for it. He was seriously creeping her out. “I’ll be done soo—”
“No, what are you still doing here. Everyone was ordered to leave!” He shouted before stepping out into a beam of light coming from the hall window. Elisa gasped. The man’s face was covered in an unkempt beard. His dark blue eyes were practically rounded into perfect circles. He reminded her of a mugshot of a psycho serial killer.
He hobbled toward her, his glare menacing and full of fury. “I ordered that everyone leave an hour ago. Why are you sneaking around my home?”
“I’m not,” Elisa defended, stepping away from him.
The floor gave out from under her heeled foot and she tumbled backward.