Sure enough, five minutes later, Donovan called her. “If you can make it to the Holiday Inn & Express on Rockford Drive, a room is waiting for you.”

  “I haven’t made any reservations yet.” And definitely not at a Holiday Inn—a cheap motel fit her budget.

  “I did—my treat.”

  Taye was speechless at his generosity while her heart was singing. “Ah, you don’t—didn’t—have to do that,” she fussed but was glad he did, “but thank you.”

  “My pleasure. Thank you for accepting. I know we’re not really friends—”

  “We are!” Brea shouted in the background.

  If Taye could have her pick of someone to call a little sister, Brea would be her first choice. She chuckled at the irritation she heard in Donovan’s voice. Maybe if she had a big brother, she would be a thorn in his side, too, just for the fun of it.

  Donovan huffed before finishing. “Anyway, be safe. Let me know when you arrive.”

  “Okay,” she whispered, more determined to drive more carefully. It seemed like forever instead of an hour before she saw the hotel’s sign within her view as she kept a safe distance behind a tow truck. “Finally,” Taye said in relief as she pulled into the hotel’s parking lot. She rested her forehead on the steering wheel and exhaled. “Thank You, Jesus...and Donovan. Note to self: Borrow money from Melissa to fly next time.”

  She gathered her purse and popped the trunk of her car to get her suitcase. Wheels were no match for the inches of snow on the ground, and it was still coming down. The double doors opened, and a gust of wind propelled her inside the lobby. Taye shivered and stomped the snow off her boots before approaching the counter.

  A young woman, rocking her hair in Bantu knots, greeted her with a warm smile. “Welcome to Holiday Inn. You looked frazzled. I heard it’s bad out there.”

  “You heard right.” Taye shivered again as if she could shake the chill from her bones. “I’m Taye Thomas...”

  “Yes. I’ve been expecting you.” She tapped on her keyboard and brought up whatever information Donovan gave her. “I’ve been instructed for you to call Mr. Edwards immediately upon your arrival.”

  Taye smirked. The man was sweet and overbearing at the same time, but she would never call him a Big Bad Wolf. “I know.”

  “Here’s your key and...” She reached for a basket filled with treats and gourmet items that weren’t stocked on the maid’s tray. “And a gift.”

  “Wow. Thank you. I’ll definitely stay here again if this is the way you treat your guests.” Taye was impressed.

  The woman whose name tag read Ada blushed. “This was a special request.”

  “Oh,” Taye said slowly, then thanked Ada before accepting the basket. After Taye entered her hotel room, she called Donovan. “I’m here. Thank you for everything—and I mean everything,” she hinted in hopes he would go along with Charity’s request.

  “You’re welcome. Now I can go to sleep, knowing you’re no longer a damsel in distress. I’ll meet you in the lobby and have breakfast with you.”

  “I’d like that,” she said softly before ending the call. She was starting to like Donovan. As she munched on the snacks in the basket, all Taye could think about was Donovan. He was sweet, kind, considerate, handsome... Her phone chirped, interrupting her assessment.

  What’s the latest? Melissa texted.

  Taye called her. “Hey. Sorry. It got really bad, so I made it to a hotel to spend the night.”

  “Ouch. How much did it set you back? I can call and give my credit card.”

  What a good friend. “Nope. I’m good. I’m not dirt poor, you know, just thrifty.”

  “Same thing when it comes to you and shopping. If it isn’t on clearance or a bargain buy, you have the willpower to walk away. Amazing,” Melissa said with disbelief.

  “Bye. I’m going to get some rest. Talk to you in the morning.”

  “Text me,” Melissa said. “I’ve got a lot of errands to do tomorrow.”

  “Umm-hmm.” Errands on a Saturday for Melissa was a code word for shopping. “Night.” Taye chuckled and ended the call.

  Were Donovan’s eyes deceiving him? Brea had crossed the threshold of his master bedroom. What was going on? For the past week, he had been the one knocking on her door, coaxing her to come out to eat, watch a movie, or talk to him. She had declined his offers in favor of watching some sewing show.

  Folding her arms, Brea leaned against the bathroom doorway and smirked. She watched him shave without saying a word. Two could play her game. He didn’t miss a stroke as he asked, “May I help you?”

  Brea grinned. “You like her, don’t you?”

  Donovan knew who the her was Brea was referring to. “If you’re talking about Taye,” he said, shrugging, “I don’t even know her.”

  She squinted and came to his side. “Couldn’t tell the way you were pacing the floor yesterday, glued to the news, and checking the time,” she taunted him and laughed, then twirled around. “I’m going to get ready too.”

  Donovan turned around. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  “With you, of course,” she tossed back with a fist on her side.

  Who was the adult here? But he didn’t want to argue with Brea this morning. Plus, his aunt told him to have patience with his sister and give her time to adjust. He thanked Jesus for baby steps, which didn’t include him changing his mind about Brea and a sewing machine, and he doubted Taye could change that. “Ah, this is just an initial meeting.”

  Humph. “Call it a date and I’ll stay home.” She stuck out her tongue and raced out of his bedroom. “I’m calling it like I see it,” she yelled.

  His sister wasn’t all off point about Taye. He didn’t know her, but he wanted to, which made him pray for her safety over the roads. Donovan chuckled, and that’s when he nipped himself shaving. He dabbed at the cut and released a laugh. Now they were actually acting like siblings.

  Brea was ready before him because of his indecisiveness of what to wear—designer sweatshirt or sweater. He chose something casual after Brea pestered him to hurry up.

  “I’m ready now and starving,” he told Brea, then called Taye. “Good morning. Are you up?”

  “Ah...almost. What time is it?” The sleepiness in her voice made him almost feel guilty for waking her. Donovan would have preferred a nice breakfast meeting. He didn’t want her to be on the road to multiple destinations if she didn’t have to, so he had to settle for the complimentary breakfast.

  “If you’re hungry, you’d better get up. I’ll be there in an hour. The roads should be somewhat manageable.” He eyed Brea’s motions out of the corner of his eye. “Oh, yeah. I’m bringing the brat with me,” he teased, and she didn’t bite his head off. Maybe they could start off as friends first, which seemed odd for siblings.

  Taye wasn’t a coffee drinker, but she needed caffeine—and Melissa wouldn’t drink it without three shots of espresso. Taye didn’t realize she had slept through the night in the same position until her phone annoyed her to open her eyes.

  As if she was a zombie, she moved slowly around the room to get dressed. Since she was meeting with Donovan, she brushed mascara on her lashes and applied lipstick, a must her late grandmother lived by when entertaining gentlemen. Otherwise, lip gloss would do.

  Taye decided to check out now instead of after breakfast, so she repacked her suitcase and left her room. While waiting in the lobby, she stifled a yawn to fight off more sleep as her stomach rumbled for food. The drive had zapped her of her energy. She was scanning social media when a blast of cold air made her look up, and Brea and Donovan cleared the doors. Unlike before, Donovan was dressed for the cold. Gone was his Fedora and cashmere coat. They were replaced with a thick jacket that would warm a snowman, jeans and work boots. Nothing detracted from his looks. He was just as appealing.

  Taye stood, and Brea’s eyes lit up as she raced to Taye and hugged her. Yep, the girl was the little sister she’d never had.

  Donovan watched their exchange with a slight smile, then in a blink of an eye, his arms engulfed her shoulders. It wasn’t intimate, but warm. He lingered long enough for her to sniff his cologne a few times, then he stepped back. His eyes sparkled. “I’m glad you’re safe. I was worried.”

  “He was scared,” Brea blabbered.

  He feigned a scowl. “Whose side are you on?”

  Brea giggled and pointed. “Hers.”

  Taye’s eyes twinkled with mischief as she grinned at Brea as if they had some type of secret connection. “I’m starved. I’m ready to eat so I can get on the road.”

  He eyed her luggage and smirked. “Give me your keys, and I’ll store your mega suitcase in the trunk of your car—if it will fit.”

  Taye laughed as she handed over her keys. “Thanks. It’s that cranberry Optima.” She said, pointing through the lobby window. “And for your information, I packed for a three-week stay. How was I to know I’d have to make a pit stop and need an overnight bag?”

  He grinned. “Good point.”

  When he rolled her suitcase out the double doors, Brea nudged her. “He likes you.”

  Was that why she caught him staring at her, or was it because of the dark circles under her eyes because she could use more sleep? He was extremely handsome and had a sense of humor. The Big Bad Wolf Brea had yet to make an appearance. “I hope it’s enough for him to agree to let you help me with my Christmas mission.”

  After Donovan returned, they headed to the buffet. After their plates were filled, they selected a table. Taye said grace of thanksgiving for safe travels, food, and her companions. She and Donovan ate in silence while Brea chatted away. Taye watched his response to his sister’s choice of subject: clothes.

  Once their plates were empty, Taye cleared her throat and folded her hands. “As you know, I was headed to Snowflake last week when I met Brea.” The girl beamed. “Prior to a phone call from my friend’s attorney, I had no idea she had passed away.” Taye swallowed to give herself a moment. “Charity had written a letter with a dying wish. I read it more than once before I comprehended her request, which was to perform an act of kindness for someone before Christmas, so the clock is ticking”

  Donovan nodded. “Go on.”

  Taye fumbled with her fingers. If she didn’t give Melissa—her best of best friends—the details, how fair would it be to spill her guts to new acquaintances? “It has to be anonymous.”

  “Like a secret Santa?” Brea leaned forward, her eyes wide with excitement.

  “More like a secret angel,” Taye corrected. “I have an idea, but I need Brea’s expertise.” Taye paused. “There are two long-standing black-owned businesses in Snowflake—Sewing World and Royal Fashions—both need a boost in sales.”

  “I’m in.” Brea raised her hand.

  “Wait. Not so fast.” He gave Brea a stern look, then faced Taye with an unreadable expression.

  “I’ll buy your sister a sewing machine.”

  Yes!” She pumped her fist in the air.

  “I haven’t said yes,” he reminded Brea. Judging from his blank expression, it didn’t look like he was going to either.

  “Taye is buying it,” his sister taunted back.

  “But only with the permission of your legal guardian. If you can use your talents to create unique fashions that would give two owners a second wind for their businesses, I think everyone will have a Merry Christmas,” Taye said.

  He opened his mouth, then closed it. Why was this an issue?

  She reached out and touched his hand to get his attention. Not good. It wasn’t meant to be an intimate gesture, but the slight touch was like static electricity. “What’s your hesitation?”

  “I’m concerned this will feed her addiction to a craft and steer her away from pursuing a degree for a career that will offer her a secure future.”

  Taye glanced at his sister. “He makes a good point, Brea.” The girl’s shoulders slumped, and she didn’t mask her disappointment. Taye felt a prick to her heart, too, then she faced Donovan again. “It’s Christmastime. I’m not asking for a lifetime commitment.”

  When Brea gave him a lost puppy-dog expression, Taye duplicated it. “Please.”

  He huffed and twisted his lips as if he was tortured. “Christmas is...” he paused, “seventeen days away. That sounds crazy if you expect a child—”

  It was a crazy idea, but Taye had God on her side. “The pressure is on me, not her.” She patted her chest. “This is important to Charity, which makes it important to me.” If you say no, I’ll have to go to plan B. whatever that will be. Help me, Lord on this.”

  Brea scowled at her brother. “Don’t be mean. She’s willing to buy me a sewing machine. I’m on winter break anyway—”

  “No, you’re on school suspension, and I’m trying to get you enrolled in school here.” Donovan tapped his finger on the table.

  “Nope. I’m going to get my GED.”

  Tension was building, and Taye could feel a war brewing. She had to step in. “Brea, I really don’t want you to fight your brother on this. Can we agree to a compromise? If he allows you to accept my offer for a sewing machine and you use fabric from Sewing World and you create clothes for Royal Fashions, you’ll go to school here in January.” She smiled. “That could be your Christmas gift to me.”

  “Okay.” Brea didn’t hesitate.

  Donovan whipped his neck around from Brea to her. “What?” He snapped his fingers. “Just like that, and you’re all in on going back to school?” He looked dumbfounded with his mouth opened.

  Taye tried to hold in her laugh, but she couldn’t. Brea laughed too until Donovan threw up his arms in surrender. “Women.”

  Ughh. How could any man not buy whatever Taye Thomas was selling? From her expressive brown eyes to her soft, caring voice, she had him. And when she touched his hand—whew—he almost jumped out of his seat. When Donovan left his house to meet her, he planned to refuse to get suckered into a scheme.

  Despite his mental protest, she filled his thoughts as he trailed her to Snowflake. That was another thing. He told himself to make sure she got to the town safely. What was it about that woman that had him twisted in knots—Mr. Donovan Edwards, assistant vice president of operations?

  “You know, I’m a pretty good seamstress and designer.” Brea wiggled her way into his musings, folded her arms and looked ahead.

  “Since when?” He twisted his lips in doubt. “Have you ever used a sewing machine?”

  “In Family and Consumer Sciences class at school.” She jutted her chin.

  He frowned while keeping an eye on the road, mindful of any slick spots. “What in the world is that?”

  “Old school home economics.”

  He grunted. “Imagine that, giving credit to something you learned at school. A place you kicked and screamed not to attend until Taye said something.”

  “Hey, she made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.” She folded her arms and glanced out the window. “The snow is so pretty.”

  “Try driving in it. Anyway, sewing is still a hobby, which doesn’t always make it a successful business plan. It’s complex enough, but mind-boggling for a teenager.”

  “You don’t think I can do it,” Brea snapped, either in a challenge or a question.

  Either way, Donovan refused to take the bait. Maybe after visiting Snowflake, Brea would back down from the daunting task, but then that would mean good-bye to Taye, and she fascinated him. Women. Donovan swallowed. Something told him he was about to be overruled.

  “Lord, please don’t leave me stranded,” she prayed as she eyed Donovan’s SUV behind her, not in the snow but with the mission. “In hindsight, after talking with him, her plan did sound far-fetched, but creativity wasn’t her strong point. That’s what her best friend, Melissa, was for. She viewed his willingness to come to Snowflake and meet the proprietors as a good sign before he refused to help.

  The roads were passable, but she still maintained a safe speed until she was twenty miles outside the town and the mountains seemed to open to a hidden land that seemed only to get a dusting. She chuckled.

  Now, where could they go incognito? Donovan, with his larger-than-life persona, would draw suspicion from Miss Tessie at the B&B. The old friend would want to know the details of her relationship with him, and Taye was sure with Miss Tessie, she would assume it was a romantic relationship. She pulled into Snowflake Public Library’s parking lot and grabbed her purse. Donovan scrambled out of his vehicle and hurried to open her car door.

  She met his eyes when she stepped out of her car. This was the closest they had been to each other, besides the platonic hug at her hotel. She admired his short curly lashes, and his low-cut beard was well-trimmed. She missed a man’s attention in a relationship.

  “Thanks,” she whispered as she exhaled. “I hope this is okay. I figure no one would suspect anything at the library.”

  “Cool, a secret mission. I’m game.” Brea bobbed her head and grinned.

  “I haven’t said yes,” Donovan reminded them as he opened the library’s door and followed her inside.

  Taye could see Donovan was struggling to put up a hard façade, but she saw right through him. If she and Brea continued to work on him, they could wear him down. She smiled. “You haven’t said no more than a couple of times.”

  He lifted a silky black brow. “So, you’re counting?”

  She playfully scrunched her nose, and he winked, and that almost made her stumble. Taking a deep breath to recover, she had to remind herself she was in Snowflake to fulfill a deceased friend’s request, not to flirt. She located an empty table in the back corner and refocused. “Take a stroll down Main Street. Visit a few shops before you go inside Royal Fashions. You’ll meet Miss Queenie. Check out her clothes and get a feel of what’s missing. The next stop is Sewing World. It’s also on Main Street, but in the other direction.”

  She glanced at her watch. “I’m going to check in at the Rocky Mountain Bed and Breakfast where I’ll be staying until Christmas, either until after I fulfill the request or get another job, whichever comes first.”