Mail Order Mistletoe Read online

  MAIL ORDER MISTLETOE

  HAWTHORNE BILLIONAIRE SERIES BOOK 1

  FARRAH LEE

  I dedicate this book to my parents whom I miss everyday. Heaven now has the best angels. They taught me family is the most important thing in life and they were right. Growing up, Christmas was magical with them and it still is today.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  MIA

  The agency said dress casual.

  I looked around New York’s Grand Central Station, jammed with men and women in their classic black suits, guys in leather jackets and hoodies, girls in long overcoats all racing from corridor to corridor as if on urgent missions, and millennials in their slick polished patent leathers and stilettos looking ever so perfect with cell phone earpieces.

  Okay, so the agency said dress casual. They probably didn’t mean cutoffs and Uggs. I was basing this thought on…well, every single person walking by me. Some tried to go through me as if I didn’t exist, and all so they could get wherever they were going faster, faster, faster.

  As I scanned the room, the strangest thought came to me. All these people, all these shoes, and not one scuff mark on the vanilla ice-cream-colored marble floors. That was amazing if you think about it.

  My neck was cramped from looking up for so long. Iwas mesmerized by the architecture adorning the walls.

  Itucked my purse close to my side. A middle-aged balding bloke brushed by so close my eyes watered instantly from the onions he must have had for breakfast. A thick mustached older man wore aftershave so strong my nose felt like I snorted rubbing alcohol. His abrupt “move out of my way, lady” was equally as abrasive as his smell.

  I wiped tears from my eyes with the corner of my sweater. I was in sinus overload from the Flowery Perfumes filling the air.

  One black coat after another. No one seemed to care about the person next to them, much less make eye contact or smile.

  I held tight to the extended handle of my suitcase at my feet that held my personal items and a few outfits. I was trying my best to see everything, so I just literally spun in an actual circle looking at it all. It occurred to me how awkward I must look, but no one seemed to care.

  I wonder if anyone would say anything to me if I just lay down on the floor right here.

  There was a mural on the ceiling, for crying out loud, and I wanted a good long look at it. I took all of five minutes to contemplate if I could get away with lying down.

  Dare I do it? Ha. As if any of these suits would notice me. They would just step over me. I looked around again to see if I could do it.

  Yeah, I’m for sure not dressed right. It must be much colder outside than I thought. I’m such a fruit loop.

  I tugged at the hem of my shorts, feeling more than a little self-conscious. I knew my shorts weren’t too short because I just didn’t dress that way, but standing here with the fringed ends of my shorts lightly hitting the back of my upper thigh, I was regretting the outfit choice. Everyone had on hats, scarves, or gloves. But a small group of girls dancing off to the side gave me hope that people dressed in normal clothes. They had on jeans and sneakers I didn’t feel as much like a piker as before. There was the occasional casually dressed girl or guy in jeans and a sweatshirt, but the thing I noticed the most was all of the headphones.

  Well, Mia, you already discovered it’s too cold to go outside in shorts. You forgot to check the temperatures in New York in late November? Way to think that one out in advance. The map says it’s not too far to the agency, so hot tea to warm me up, then I’ll walk.

  A very tall man with a scowl between his eyes from his hairline to eyebrows, mysteriously dressed in a charcoal grey trench coat shouldered into me and nearly knocked me down. I took a quick step and backed up right into a woman with a metal briefcase. The man didn’t spare even a second of remorse for running into me.

  Really? A metal briefcase. Who uses a metal case? Damn! That’ll be a nice bruise. Is everyone in New York this unfriendly?

  With a huff of breath, I wished desperately for a hot tea from back home. It had been a long forty-eight hours of traveling. I felt like I was playing dodge ball just to get through the station in search of a tea shop, only further validating my opinion of people in New York.

  Finally, the aroma I’ve been praying for. Well, almost. That smell is coffee, but where there was coffee there was also tea. Which way?

  I glanced side to side. Surely one person racing by could tell me where to go? Ha, they all look like they would ‘tell me where to go’ if I bother them.

  Let’s make a game out of it. Will it be red lips, plaid suit, or stilettos? Which one will help me?

  I turned to my right where Stilettos was tapping away at her cell phone, chomping like a starved cow on chewing gum.

  “Excuse me, do you—”

  Stilettos walked away mid question.

  Not Stilettos. Red lips just looks mad at the world. Let’s try Plaid Suit by door number three. He seems more focused on grooming himself and his hideous mustache.

  “Sir? Do you know where I can get a tea here in the station?”

  Plaid Suit froze in place like a deer caught in headlights, like he had no idea what I was talking about or why I was talking to him

  Don’t laugh. Just walk away as fast as you can. I wonder if I can Google tea in Grand Central?

  I pulled my cell from my back pocket. I had three bars, so that should be enough to Google something. Three minutes later, I dropped my cell phone unceremoniously into my oversized purse. I did an eeny, meeny, miny, moe out loud because…why not? No one was listening anyways.

  Straight ahead down corridor number one was the winner. I took firm control of my suitcase, braced myself for the physical attacks, and forged forward. I really needed that tea.

  “I would even take coffee at this point.

  I glanced at my mother’s gold watch I always wore. I watched the hand slowly tick one second at a time. I had already wasted forty-five minutes just observing New Yorkers, and now I was nearly out of time.

  “It’s time to go see outside before my afternoon meeting. Where a stranger would be changing my life…….temporarily. Ah, coffee, please let it be a Starbucks. Thank the lord, it’s a Starbucks. The one back home has tea, so please, please have tea. I’m freezing.

  At least I had on Chloe’s knee-high, black sequin Uggs and not my favorite ankle-high Uggs. Chloe was a great sister and best friend. Somehow, she managed to get my Uggs into the little suitcase at the last minute knowing how much I loved them. I was going to miss her so much.

  Oh shoot. Chloe. I forgot to call her. Where is your head, Mia?

  I had promised to call to let her know I arrived safely. I needed to focus on the big picture here. The line in Starbucks wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be with how many people were buzzing around running from train to train. Everyone had some
thing in their hands, from coffee to pizza to donuts or a sandwich. Not a single table in Starbucks.

  Does anyone sit and eat here?

  I decided to place my tea order before the big hunt for my cell phone somewhere in the dark corners of my handmade denim bag.

  “I’ll have a large black tea, please,” I said. “Two Splenda.”

  Naturally I’d need my cell right when I knew it was hiding defiantly beneath my wallet, hair brush, sunglasses, and god knows what else TSA would allow me to keep. What I hadn’t expected to happen was to get my hair tangled in the sequins of those knee-high Uggs.

  Damn, this hair. I should have cut it, but Chloe wouldn’t have it, and right now I I’d do anything to make Chloe happy. Like wear these crazy Uggs. Chloe hasn’t smiled in six months ever since her little girl Sophie got sick.

  “Mia? Tall black tea, two Splenda. Mia?”

  “Oh, that’s me,” I said from my bent-over position and ten inches of blonde hair getting further stuck. “Sorry, hold on a minute, please.”

  “Ma’am? There’s a line behind you.”

  “Seriously? Hold on.”

  “I can’t hold up the line, miss. People are in a hurry.”

  This is not real life right now. This cannot be happening.

  Still bent over, possibly showing my butt off to passersby, I stretched my arm up as high as I possibly could.

  A faint male chuckle sounded behind me.

  “I’ll take it for her,” the voice said. “You could try to be nicer next time.”

  I twisted left then right, trying to turn my head to the side to no avail. All I could see were brown loafers with a tassel thing and a perfectly creased pant leg.

  Great, Mia. Can this really be happening? Wow, cool heels. I’ve never seen red on the bottom before. Ha, a squirrel moment right in the middle of my proudest smooth move ever. Crickey this guy is still laughing at me.

  “Can I help you in some way?” he asked, stepping even farther into my space.

  “Only if you have scissors or you’re a master crafter of sequins,” I said, face to the floor under a veil of hair.

  Brown loafers squatted down to assess the situation.

  “Okay, I see the problem,” he said “If you’ll let me, I can help.”

  I tilted my head as far as I could to get a look at the person inside the severely creased pants. I stifled a groan.

  Of course he has to be good-looking. Sure, why not.

  I dropped to my knees. “Sure, any help would be great.” I moaned “Including taking a pair of scissors to my hair.”

  He was very gentle and meticulous as he unraveled my hair from the sequins one strand at a time until I was freed Finally standing up, I found myself eyes to lips—my eyes to his sexy pair of lips that had the cutest dimples just to each side. I hesitantly glanced up and met humored green eyes. What else could I do but laugh myself.

  This is going to suck, so just don’t look at him. Come on. Does he have to smell so good too?

  “You’re a lifesaver,” I said lightheartedly, touching his arm. I quickly realized what I’d done, snatched my hand back, and wrapped my hair around my hand.

  “Well, I’ve heard that before, but that was my very first experience with sequins,” he said, mesmerized by her eyes,

  “My first as well. My hair is usually tied up, and my Uggs are normally much shorter and less flashy,” I said, talking way too fast and trying not to stare at his adorable dimples. I couldn’t help laughing since it was so ridiculous. “Just so you know, one of my worst nightmares… just happened.”

  Mr. Dimples gave me a look, causing me to blush and fidget with my hair.

  This brought out those dimples again.

  I remembered I was here in New York for a very important reason. I backed away, making a mess of an attempt at a quick exit. No since meeting someone who would distract me, and this guy would definitely be a distraction.

  I didn’t know what to say, but ultimately, I didn’t have to say anything. My phone rang in my purse.

  He nodded to it. “You have to get that, and I have to catch a train.” He picked up his briefcase to leave. “Thanks for the laugh. I really needed it. Enjoy New York.” Then he slowly turned to walk away.

  “Hey, why’d you say to enjoy New York?” I asked, smiling at him with my cell still ringing in my hand. Knowing it was a stupid question but wanting to say something.

  He half turned in my direction.

  “That beautiful accent and the suitcase.” He paused. “You should smile all the time. It’s quite radiant.” .

  How crazy to meet a cute guy with a sense of humor right when I can’t have him.

  I lifted the still ringing cell to my ear and gave a finger wave to my hero.

  “Hey, Chloe. Sorry I didn’t call. I’m okay. How’s Sophie

  Chapter 2

  PARKER

  I pulled the hood of my trench coat up over my head and snapped the wind guard in place to block the brutal winds coming off the sound. Hurrying as always, I dropped my empty coffee cup into the trash as I exited the train station in Greenwich, Connecticut. A gust of wind whipped through the trees, taking in its path a slew of golden leaves. I tucked my left hand deep into my coat pocket, wishing I’d been smart enough to put my gloves on before I got off the train. Normally I’d have been in my limo, but my driver was sick, so I ordered a temporary driver.

  I was ready to be done traveling today. It’d been a long day already and it was only one o’clock in the afternoon, but when your day starts at five a.m., one o’clock can feel like midnight. I was supposed to read through a briefing before I got to my parents’ house to meet with Dad, but I couldn’t concentrate. My mind kept going to the adorable Australian tangled in her boots. I should have asked for her number or her name, at least.

  I should have asked for Australia’s number. Right, like your good at that. When’s the last time you just asked some random woman for her number? Trey would’ve already been on a date with her. I really need to pay more attention when big brother is hitting on the ladies.

  Mom had sent me a text that she’d cancelled my car service pickup, which meant only one thing—she wanted to talk about something without Dad listening in. Which meant she was picking me up.

  My Apple watch phone chimed one fifteen, reminding me to prepare for my next conference call.

  Let’s go, Mother. I don’t like freezing my ass off waiting. Why did I let her talk me into taking the train instead of the car service?

  “Hey, Siri text Mom. I’m here and if you’re much longer, you’ll need an icepick to get me in the car,” I said to my wrist like a secret agent.

  Nothing like sounding like a tool, Parker. Why don’t you leave that to your brothers. It’s definitely not you.

  A text chimed in from Mom.

  Running behind from my meeting. Should be there in about ten minutes. I don’t have an icepick on me so stay inside. Sorry.

  Greenwich Station was no Grand Central, but there was a kiosk with coffee.

  Back inside for coffee number four of the day, and the purchase of this one won’t be near as entertaining as the last. I wonder if they have hot chocolate?

  I hadn’t ever actually spent much time looking at the station—if you’veseen one, you’veseen them all—but I was wrong. Looking around, I could see families instead of suits, lots of benches, and smiling people actually talking to each other.

  “If you have hot chocolate, I’ll take that, and if not, then a small coffee, no sugar.” I handed over a twenty and told her to toss the rest into her tip jar.

  Why not? I thought, taking the hot chocolate from the lady behind the kiosk. The Australian has me feeling good.

  Sitting was not an option with so many thoughts running through my head, so I decided to check out the outside of the station. Besides, I thought better when I was on the move.

  No graffiti, no trash on the ground, and that couple just smiled at me. Has it always been like this?

&nbs
p; The hand-carved wooden benches in the foyer area of the station were tucked behind a brick wall away from the harsh winds. I set my briefcase on the ground next to me, brushed away a few red and gold leaves, and lowered myself onto the bench to wait. Although it wasn’t near as cold out of the wind, I still pulled my black leather gloves out of my coat pocket, only to be aggravated to have to remove them a few seconds later.

  You can’t thumb through emails with gloves on. Someone needs to change that.

  At the sound of a car engine slowing down I glanced around the wall to see if Mom had arrived.

  Nope, just someone else being picked up on time, probably.

  I could still feel the coffee from two hours ago pumping through my veins, making me even more restless, if possible, than earlier.

  When was the last time you took a minute to look around?

  Leaves still clung to the scattered oak trees in the parking lot even though it had been in the twenties for weeks now. I laughed to myself.

  When’s the last time you took a minute to even notice the trees?

  A family hurried by huddled under thick winter coats and boots to their knees.

  I had another fleeting memory of the incident in Grand Central with the Australian. Another first for me to stop for a coffee and then help someone long enough to cause me to lose valuable time.

  She was adorable. I should’ve asked her name, at least. Not that I would’ve done anything else with her name, but….Lost in thought, I hadn’t realized that something was against my ankle until a weird vibrating sensation went up my leg