Jane and Bingley (Countdown to Christmas Book 8)

  Jane and Bailey: Austen in Love #2

  Countdown to Christmas

  by Jenni James

  Trifecta Books

  Book design and layout copyright © 2015 by Trifecta Books

  Cover design copyright © 2015 by Jenni James

  This is a work of fiction, and the views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author. Likewise, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are represented fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, or actual events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Copyright© 2015 by Tristi Pinkston

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  About the Author

  JANE & BINGLEY —

  Austen in Love #2

  Countdown to Christmas

  by Jenni James

  Other books in the Austen in Love series:

  My Pride, His Prejudice

  This book is dedicated . . .

  To all the fans who emailed and begged for this closure—here it is, the story of Jane and Charles. I hope you love it as much as I have. Thank you for letting me repent and experience this with you. It was so much fun! And you were right—it was needed.

  To Chloe—my heart bled for you as I wrote this, but it gave me the strength to believe in happiness again. I love you, sweetie.

  CHAPTER ONE

  On the First Day of Christmas

  It was the Christmas wedding of the year—December 23rd. Simply everyone who was anyone was there. Jane glanced around the room for what seemed like the hundredth time that night. She swirled the rum-free eggnog in her pretty fluted wineglass and sighed. Her silver holiday dress—the one she spent a fortune on at Macy’s—sparkled under the white fairy lights draped above her. There was laughter and joyous celebration all around. Everyone had come to her sister, Eliza’s, wedding to Will Darcy. It was the most-anticipated and talked-about party this season, full of hope and happiness.

  Except she wasn’t hopeful, and she wasn’t happy. Well—for herself. For Eliza, she couldn’t be happier. No two people were more in love, or more ready for marriage than they were. And up until this moment—this exact past hour—it had been such a whirlwind of months and months of planning. Of contacting caterers and auditioning dresses, for that’s really what trying on wedding dresses is—auditioning the very best one for the big day. Consulting hair, floral, photographers, caterers… the list went on and on. For what seemed like forever, this had been their biggest concern, and all that was talked about in the Bennet household.

  Now it was over. Or almost over.

  Jane rose her glass with the several others who applauded and sipped another toast to the couple. She wasn’t paying much attention. Her toast was finished long ago, and with it was shed many tears of delight for her sister. But now... now there was nothing. Her last big part of the evening was over, and all that was left was a perfectly coiffed hairstyle, a glittering gown, and an empty seat next to her.

  Her heart dropped as she finally glanced over to the calligraphy-written name card at her right. Charles Bingley. He hadn’t come. After all his promises and those silly texts and emails assuring her they had much to talk about and to make up for lost time—all of that—it was over. He made it clear that not only did he not have time for his friend’s wedding, but for the sister of the bride, either.

  Jane’s hand shook slightly, and she set the wineglass down. During the next applause, she stood up and carefully made her way through throngs of tables to the hallway of the elaborate rented building. If it wasn’t for her dang heels, she would’ve taken the steps a bit quicker. She was almost to the restroom when she passed by a large darkened ballroom—one of its ornate French doors had been left open. It obviously had not been rented that evening. The empty room was too tempting to pass up. She needed a few minutes of peace and quiet to pull herself together, and what better place than an abandoned ballroom?

  She slipped inside and allowed her eyes to adjust to the dark as she trailed the paneled wall with her fingertips. It was a little over a year ago that she and Charles had actually met. A year since she was immediately blown head over heels. He was perfect—they were perfect—or so she thought. Everything came crashing down a few months later when he was assigned to open new offices in New York. It was then that Charles took her to lunch and told her it just wasn’t going to work out. That being so far apart would put a strain on their relationship, and they needed to take a break.

  That was eight months ago.

  Eight long, ridiculous months.

  She knew she was being impractical to even fall for someone she hardly knew, but then to still miss him eight months later was absurd! Honestly, what was wrong with her? She should’ve known that the first chance he had, he’d break her hope again. Yes, it was hope—not heart. She refused to acknowledge that her heart had been broken or would be broken by him again.

  The stillness of the dark room seemed to envelop her as she walked farther into it. This was exactly what she craved—alone time. Being away from the bustling excitement. She had to process and take a few moments for herself before she came back.

  So he had said months ago that they shouldn’t date anymore. Lately, he’d been messaging, saying he’d missed her and was wrong and would like to start again. But with her hectic schedule—work and last-minute errands for the wedding, and his frantic New York schedule, they had yet to actually meet up. It was supposed to be tonight.

  As in, a few hours ago. Which is why she’d splurged and purchased the silly dress and went all out on her makeup and hair and had butterflies in her stomach all day. Knowing he’d be watching her in front of everyone, during the ceremony, and really seeing her for the first time in months. It was nerve-racking and irrational all at the same time.

  She couldn’t find him in the massive crowd of people who had come, but she figured he would approach her. When he didn’t, she rationalized the fact that Eliza had made sure he was sitting right next to her. If all else failed, she would definitely see him at dinner. But it failed. He wasn’t there.

  Her chest tightened, and she straightened her back before she let the panic of her stupidity overwhelm her. So what? So what if Charles didn’t show up? What did it matter to her? Nothing. He was nothing. And he would continue to be nothing. She had no patience for players, anyway. Besides, there was probably a very good reason why he didn’t make the wedding. Like, twenty of them, but why he did or didn’t come shouldn’t matter to her one bit. She took a deep breath and attempted not to overreact. The fact she was actually away from the crowd and hiding in an empty room proved she was being dramatic.

  There was no drama here. None.

  It was time to head back to the reception and smile and laugh and help where she could. Heaven knew, her mother was probably a nervous wreck, looking for her. Jane took a deep breath, turned toward the open door, and then froze. There he was. Standing in the room. His face was in shadow, but she would recognize his frame anywhere.

>   “Sorry. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Charles took a step toward her and then stopped. “I saw you leave and followed you in here.”

  “You—you did?” Her voice nearly cracked.

  “Yes. You were so deep in thought, I didn’t want to disturb you. Should I come back another time? We can definitely catch up later.”

  Jane’s breathing was so erratic, she was positive he could see her heart pounding through her dress. He came. He actually came. And he’d followed her in here to talk to her. “When did you get to the wedding?”

  “Just before the ceremony. I was running late and then got caught up with friends and family and was forced to sit with them during dinner. I know we were supposed to sit together, but . . . um… How are you? Are you okay?” He took another step forward.

  For the first time, Jane Bennet actually had the urge to snap. He had been here the whole time? Since the ceremony over two hours ago, and he hadn’t even come up and said hello? He was “caught” with family? And yet, he knew she was alone and waiting for him? Even if they were viable excuses, something about them seemed pretty lame.

  If this was supposed to be their chance to start over, a whole lot needed to change. And it would have to be her who implemented it. She slowly walked toward him until they were nearly face-to-face in her heels. Then she slipped a hand under his tie and pulled him toward her. Gently, her lips met his for the first time in months. His faint cologne surrounded her.

  She smiled as she felt him gasp and then released her hold. “Welcome back, Charles. I hope your flight went well.” Their eyes met in the darkened room, and she let one eyebrow rise slightly. “I guess I’ll see you around.” Then she turned—before she lost her nerve—and walked out into the brightly lit hallway.

  “Wait.” He caught up with her as she headed back to the reception.

  “Yes?”

  It was as if he didn’t know what to do. “Are you mad at me?”

  “Nope.” Her pace quickened as she smiled. “I’m happy to see you.”

  “And the kiss?”

  She paused and glanced up at him. “Just a welcome home.” She fiddled with the diamond watch at her wrist. “Look, I’m sorry. I’ve got to get back and help my family with everything. It was great seeing you.”

  Charles’s jaw dropped. “Are you kidding? I thought we’d get to talk or something. You know, discuss us?”

  Jane shrugged as she began to walk again. “Pity. So did I.” She was clearly not his top priority—the fact that she had made him hers was enough. If he really wanted to put things right and get back together, he needed to step up his game.

  She might still be the nicest girl he’d ever known, but she wasn’t willing to be tossed aside again. He needed to realize her worth, or this relationship was over before it began. This time, Jane Bennet would be courted, acknowledged, seen, and cared about. She wanted a real man.

  And she had every intention of getting him.

  CHAPTER TWO

  My True Love Gave to Me

  Charles stomped his snow-covered shoes on the mat as he came into the house later that night. What a waste of a good evening! He shivered as he flipped on the lights and crossed the hall to the thermostat. After setting his suitcases down, he fiddled with the little contraption until the heater clicked on. How long had it been since he was home? A month? Two?

  The place smelled stale and unused. And cold. Yeesh, it was frigid. He rubbed his hands together as he walked into the small kitchen, searching for something to warm himself with until the walls decided to thaw out. In a bottom cupboard, he found an old kettle, filled it up, and placed it on the stove to whistle at him when it was done. Then after a few vain attempts of looking in empty cupboards, he finally found the tin of hot cocoa that had been stashed above the oven for safekeeping last year. Even it was cold as he attempted to remove the tight lid. Once it was open, he put some spoonfuls into a mug.

  Then he waited.

  And waited.

  Why did it take so long for water to boil?

  He pushed off from the counter and instead went to unpack his luggage. He had told the New York team that he was taking a month off, and anything urgent could be sent via email. Revolutionary Innovations was soaring in the Big Apple, even bigger than he or Will Darcy could’ve predicted eight short months ago. Will’s designs were incredible and definitely needed in today’s ever-changing market. With a New York address, the company was able to get noticed worldwide as a leader in technology and advancements. He knew that office needed him, but sometimes enough was enough.

  After Will and Eliza’s honeymoon was over, the couple had promised to head out to New York and stay there, covering anything necessary and enjoying the bright lights while Charles took a much-needed break back home.

  He rubbed the back of his neck and hauled the first suitcase into his bedroom as he flicked on the light. It felt good to be able to say he’d be here longer than a weekend. To get to spend the holidays with family and Jane … His brain sort of stopped right there. He couldn’t think of anything else but her. Why had she acted so weird that night? Was it just him, or did she not seem that eager to see him? Had Eliza and Will broken their promise not to tell her anything until he could explain? He sat down on the bed and stared at nothing in particular for a moment.

  He had no one to blame but himself. Sure, he’d wanted to punch Will the second the man confessed he’d been wrong all along and Jane actually liked him—and she wasn’t just after his money. But in all honesty, he was the one who fell for it. He knew Jane better, knew she was the exact girl he’d always wanted by his side. He was the one who panicked at the first rumor and jumped ship, not Will. He didn’t have to listen to Will’s opinions. That choice was all on Charles.

  Why had he panicked? Why ruin a sure thing? Those questions had been haunting him for days now, and the only thing he could think of was that perhaps things were moving too fast and he just wasn’t ready for her. So he was looking for an excuse—anything to stop the scariness of actually finding the one and settling down.

  Settling down. He took a deep breath and lay back on his pillow. Was he willing to rethink and restart his life? He shook his head and closed his eyes, imagining the loss he’d felt the last several months without Jane. They just clicked. He’d finally found that best friend he wanted to kiss.

  Man, he missed those lips. Soft, feminine … and so delightful.

  He frowned as the kettle began to whistle. But what did he do wrong at the wedding? And where was he to go from here? What if Jane moved on? He headed toward the kitchen. Wait a minute. Was she dating someone new? Was that why she’d acted differently? His heart dropped before he remembered. No, they had been developing a killer online relationship. There was nothing wrong there. She’d been more than eager to start something new with him.

  Shaking his head, he poured the water into the cocoa and stirred. Why were women so difficult, anyway? So lost in his thoughts, he burned his mouth as he sipped, then spilled a bit on the floor as he jerked the mug away. Ugh.

  Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

  “Just a second!”

  Charles grumbled to himself as he wet a cloth and scooped up the mess. By the time he’d cleaned it up, his grandma was coming in through the door. He could barely make out her face over the large basket in her arms.

  “Well, are you going to answer the door or not?” she asked.

  He set his mug down, rushed forward, and collected the load from her. “What are you doing here? And what have you brought? You didn’t carry this all the way from your car, did you?”

  She rolled her eyes and bustled her way into his dining room. “Of course I did. Why do you young people always think we old folks can’t do a dang thing for ourselves? It’s ridiculous. When my dad was my age, he was still doing construction work!”

  Great-grandpa had quit construction work at forty, but Charles didn’t dare disagree.

  “Bring it in here. It’s your welcome present
from your grammy.”

  “You didn’t have to.” Already, the smells coming from inside were making his mouth water. He couldn’t resist a peek under the kitchen towel she had across the top. “No way. You made lemon bars too?”

  Grammy grinned and winked. “Only if you’re good.” Then she made a fuss of clearing off his nearly pristine table. “Just set it down so you can open it.” There was no doubt she was just as excited as he was.

  “But it’s not Christmas yet!” Charles chuckled at the frown on her face as he set it down where she directed.

  “Stop teasing. And hurry up. Some of those things won’t last two days before Christmas. Besides, I figured you wouldn’t have a lick to eat, so I was sure to bring all your favorites.”

  He took off the towel and then grinned like a fool.

  She didn’t even waste time letting him decide what to pull out. “Okay. So I’ve got you your favorite chili, and I made you some stew.” She set them on the table. “And I’ve got your lemon bars, some muffins, and my rolls that you like so much. Grandpa gotcha some meat and cheese in here somewhere for those rolls. And I’ve got some gravy mixed up in this here Tupperware, and some biscuit mix for you to make your own biscuits one of these mornings. You’re gonna need to put some of this in the fridge. I’ve got some grape juice and tomato juice that I’ve canned. And some of your favorite whole wheat bread with the honey butter. Oh! And Grandpa made you a whole bag of candy popcorn balls!”

  “Wow!” It really was the best gift she could’ve ever given him. And there was no way he could properly repay this adorable burst of energy in his kitchen. So he leaned down and gave her a big hug and kissed those rosy cheeks. “Thank you, Grammy. You’re the best!”

  She chuckled and pushed him away, but that smile did wonders for his soul. “I’m just happy you’re back for a while.” Waggling her brows, she leaned in closer. “So, is it true? You gonna finally win over the other Bennet girl?”