Christmas with Three Billionaires (Forbidden Hearts #12)

Chapter 1 Samantha

SAMANTHA

I press my nose against the window as we touch down, barely feeling it. Colorado mountains rise up around the private airstrip like jagged teeth against a gray November sky.

Logan doesn’t look up from his phone. “Baby, you’re fogging up the window.”

“Sorry.” I sit back, smoothing down my cream cashmere sweater for the third time since we left Chicago.

The flight from Chicago took three hours. Logan spent it glued to his phone while Chelsea, his assistant, worked on her laptop across the aisle, laughing at emails like they were the funniest thing she’d ever read.

Meanwhile, I pretended to flip through Vogue and imagined all the ways Logan might propose during this trip.

It’s November 15th. We fly back to Chicago in three weeks, which means this trip is serious. You don’t bring a girlfriend home for the holidays unless you’re planning to make her more than a girlfriend.

Right?

Chelsea closes her laptop with a decisive click. “I can’t believe how much there is to do for the gala. Your father’s expectations are insane, Logan.”

Logan glances at her with that warm smile I haven’t seen in weeks. “That’s why you’re the best assistant I’ve ever had.”

I study my manicure and try not to calculate how many times I’ve caught Logan cheating. Four. Four times in ten months, and I stayed every single time because breaking up wasn’t part of the plan.

I pull out my phone and text Robert.

Me: Just landed.

Robert: Good. Remember what we talked about. Pay attention to everything.

Me: I will. Promise.

I slip my phone into my bag as the cabin door opens. Cold mountain air rushes in, sharp with pine and winter. Through the window, I can see the private hangar decorated with evergreen garlands and white lights. The Hales don’t do anything halfway, not even early Christmas decorations.

Logan finally stands, stretching his arms over his head. He’s handsome in that trust-fund way, with good bone structure and expensive haircuts. The kind of guy who looks perfect in family Christmas photos.

“Ready to meet everyone?” He reaches for my hand.

His palm is clammy, but I take it anyway. “Absolutely.”

Chelsea moves past us toward the exit, her blonde hair swinging. “This place is amazing, Samantha. You’re going to love it.”

“It’s Sam.” But she’s already halfway down the stairs.

Logan squeezes my hand. “Chelsea’s been here a few times for work stuff. She knows the layout.”

Of course she does.

A black SUV idles outside, engine purring. A man in a dark coat moves efficiently between the plane and the vehicle, loading our luggage into the back.

I slide into the leather seat and watch the estate come into view as we wind up the mountain road.

It’s bigger than the photos Logan showed me. The main lodge sprawls across the slope, with stone and timber and glass that reflects the pale afternoon sun. Smoke curls from multiple chimneys. Every window glows warm against the snow.

Logan points out the ski runs, the guest cabins, and the staff quarters. I nod and make appropriate sounds while watching Chelsea lean forward between the seats to laugh at something he says. They look comfortable together. Natural.

I look like I’m trying too hard despite being his girlfriend.

The SUV stops in front of the main residence. Up close, it’s even more imposing. The double doors have a wreath that’s easily six feet across, and more garlands frame every window.

“Home sweet home,” Logan says, but his voice goes tight.

The doors open before we reach them.

Three men step onto the wide porch, and even though I’ve seen photos, nothing prepared me for them in person.

Logan’s father, Grant Hale, stands in the center.

Fifty-two years old, CEO of Hale Consolidated Industries, and apparently allergic to aging like a normal human.

Silver threads through his dark hair, and he’s wearing a black short-sleeved henley that shows off the full sleeve tattoos covering both arms. Intricate designs I can’t make out from here, but they wind from wrist to shoulder like dark artwork.

He looks like he could run a Fortune 500 company and break someone’s neck in the same afternoon.

To his left is Donovan, the oldest son at thirty. Brown hair, sharp jaw, the same broad build as his father. He’s watching us approach with dark eyes. When he says something to Grant, his voice carries across the space, deep and smooth.

On Grant’s right is Kai, the youngest at twenty-five. His platinum-blond hair is obviously dyed, but it looks incredible against his tan skin. He’s grinning like he knows a joke no one else has heard yet, hands shoved in his pockets, radiating that reckless energy Logan’s always complaining about.

Photos don’t do any of them justice.

“Logan.” Grant’s voice could command armies. “You made it.”

“Dad.” Logan’s hand tightens on mine as we climb the porch steps. “This is my girlfriend, Samantha Allen. Sam, this is my father, Grant, and my brothers, Donovan and Kai.”

I already know who they are, but I smile anyway. “Thank you so much for having me.”

Donovan nods, his gaze steady on my face. “Welcome to the estate.”

Kai’s grin widens. “Logan didn’t mention you were gorgeous. Typical.”

“Kai,” Grant says, mild but with clear warning underneath.

“What? I’m being welcoming.” Kai winks at me, and heat climbs my neck.

Logan’s jaw goes tight. “Chelsea’s here too. She’s helping with the gala preparations.”

It’s the first time he’s mentioned why his assistant is here, and I file that detail away. Grant’s eyes flick to Chelsea, then back to Logan. I swear I see disapproval there, but it’s gone too fast to be sure.

“Of course,” Grant says. “Kai, show Chelsea to the east wing guest suite. Donovan, handle the luggage.”

“On it.” Donovan’s moving toward the SUV.

Kai bounds down the steps and offers Chelsea his arm like they’re in some period drama. “This way, my lady.”

Chelsea giggles and takes his arm.

Grant turns his full attention to me. Up close, his eyes are dark gray, almost silver. The weight of his stare makes hair rise at the back of my neck. “Samantha,” he says, “Logan’s told us very little about you. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better.”

“I’m looking forward to it too.” I’m proud my voice stays steady.

His mouth curves, but it’s not quite a smile. Then he looks at Logan, and whatever warmth was there disappears. “We need to talk about the Denver acquisition. Tonight after dinner.”

“Sure, Dad.” Logan tries to sound casual, but I feel his tension through our joined hands.

Grant nods once and walks back into the house.

“Well,” I say into the silence. “Your family seems nice.”

Logan laughs, but it sounds hollow. “Nice isn’t the word I’d use.”

Inside, the main lodge is grand with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams stretching overhead. A massive stone fireplace crackles with real fire. Leather furniture, pine garlands, and white lights everywhere.

A Christmas tree stands in the corner, at least twelve feet tall, dripping with what look like actual crystal ornaments.

Logan guides me toward a hallway. “Our room is this way.”

The bedroom is massive. King-sized bed, fireplace already lit, and windows overlooking the mountains. My luggage is arranged neatly by the closet next to Logan’s.

“Dinner’s at seven,” Logan says, checking his phone again. “Dress nice. Dad does formal dinners.”

“Logan, wait—”

“I need to prep for this business talk with Dad. Chelsea needs files from the jet.” He kisses my forehead like I’m his sister. “See you at dinner, okay?”

He’s gone before I can even respond.

I stand in the middle of the gorgeous room, alone.

Through the window, I watch Kai and Chelsea walk through the snow toward another building. Her hand is on his arm. They’re both laughing.

I pull out my phone and call Robert. He answers on the second ring.

“Hi, Dad.”

“How did it go?” His voice is warm.

“I just got settled in. The estate is incredible.” I move closer to the window, keeping my voice low. “Grant, Donovan, and Kai are all here. Logan’s family seems…nice.”

“Perfect. You’re doing really great, sweetheart.” There’s satisfaction in his tone. “Once he proposes, you’ll have full access to the family. Then we can move forward with the next part of the plan.”

“I know.” My chest tightens. “I just hope he actually does it.”

“He will. You’ve been patient this long. Just keep playing the devoted girlfriend. Three weeks is plenty of time. We’re absolutely going to crush this.”