by Elena Aitken
The music, as it turned out, was from a fabulous vintage turntable and speakers. “I bought this system forty years ago. Spent a pretty penny. The speakers alone cost the earth.” Percy named a figure that had her wincing, even now. “Thought my Janie was gonna kill me dead. But she loved music and it was something we enjoyed together.”
“It sounds amazing. There’s nothing like real vinyl. It’s…I don’t know…warmer somehow.”
“I haven’t listened to these in a long time,” Percy admitted. “My Janie, she used to have music on all the time. While she cooked or cleaned. Even while she gardened. She’d open the windows and play it loud enough half the street could hear. Thankfully the neighbors appreciated our taste in music.”
Hannah laughed and began to open boxes. “That’s fortunate.”
“Her favorite thing, though, was to put on something romantic after dinner and dance. She was a helluva dancer. I never could do much but sway and instigate the occasional spin, but she never minded.”
The image he painted warmed her heart even as it made her ache for what he’d lost. What would it be like to have fifty years like that with someone you loved? Perilously close to tears, she turned to the business of things, tasking Ryan with untangling twinkle lights while she took inventory of what they had to work with.
Percy helped her unpack things, telling stories about this ornament or that. In every word, every look, it was clear he adored his wife and missed her like a limb. For a while, she worried that all the memories would send him spiraling into grief. But each little anecdote, each new record, seemed to coax out a smile.
“You remind me of her, with all that holiday cheer. Not even a grumpy old cuss like me can resist.”
She couldn’t think of a higher compliment. As the latest album shifted into Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “The Christmas Song”, she put down the box of painted glass balls and held out a hand. “Will you dance with me, Percy?”
His wrinkled cheeks pinked and he began to bluster.
“Please?”
“Well. All right.” He set aside the ornaments in his hands and curled his fingers around hers, settling his other hand lightly on her waist.
As they began to circle to the music, awareness skated over her skin from the weight of Ryan’s gaze. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to dance with him, with that battled-hardened body pressed to hers, staring into those eyes that seemed to see straight into her soul.
Needing a distraction, she focused on her actual dance partner. “How did you meet your Janie, Percy?”
“We met because of another woman.”
“Oh reeeeeally?” She drew the word out to three syllables. “It sounds like there’s a story there.”
“I had a date with her roommate. A buddy of mine set us up. She was the sister or cousin of somebody or other—I forget. Anyway, she shared a house with four other gals, and she wasn’t ready when I got there to pick her up. So I was sitting there in the living room, cooling my heels when Janie walks in. Prettiest thing I ever saw. I had no idea she wasn’t my date. She just said, ‘You ready?’ And all I could do was nod because I didn’t have control over my tongue.”
“Wait, wait. You took Janie out instead of your actual date?” Hannah asked.
“I did. And we had a grand old time. She didn’t fess up until after I’d brought her home. I was leaning in to kiss her goodnight and the door flies open and there’s Bridget, madder than a wet hen.”
“Bet that was awkward,” Ryan observed.
“I didn’t know what to say. Janie just shrugged and said we wouldn’t have had anything in common anyway and she was just saving us both from a miserable evening. Bridget slammed the door on us and locked it. That was about the time Janie realized she didn’t have her key. We ended up sitting on the front porch, talking until the sun came up, and by the end of that night, I knew I was gonna marry that girl—which I did a year later.”
The story left Hannah’s heart warm and gooey. “Insult to Bridget aside, that’s so romantic.”
“When you know, you know,” Percy said simply, dropping his hands as the music ended. “Thank you for the dance, young lady.”
“Thank you for the story.” She smiled at him and picked up a set of handmade ornaments of the three wise men. “Now tell me about these.”
As afternoon wore into evening, Ryan watched Hannah continue to work her magic on the house and on Percy himself. She drew him out, reminding him of all the good memories attached to this stuff. Percy seemed to get five years younger in as many hours as she continued chattering away like a cheerful magpie. She was so open and willing to connect with everyone around her. His hand flexed at the remembered feel of her fingers laced through his. He couldn’t fathom being like that, being able to survive like that. And she seemed to thrive on it. It fascinated him. She fascinated him, despite his better judgment, and he couldn’t help but wonder what she’d do if Percy wasn’t around to interrupt.
As if reading his mind, Percy shoved up from the recliner. “I hate to leave good company, but I’m tuckered out.”
He didn’t look over-tired. Their efforts had put color in his cheeks and a spring in his step. Or maybe he was as hopped up on sugar as a third grader who’d cleaned out the cookie jar. His hands shook a little. Either way, it was getting close to his bedtime.
Hannah glanced around at the chaos of the living room, a frown bowing that pretty mouth. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t expect this to take so long.”
Percy waved a hand. “I should’ve warned you. Decorating was a multi-day affair with my Janie. It’ll still be here tomorrow. And there’s still the outside to finish.”
Which meant she’d be back. Ryan didn’t care to analyze the sudden surge of relief.
“I’ll just finish up with the tree and get out of your hair for the night.”
“Don’t rush on my account.” Percy turned toward the stairs, shooting a wink in Ryan’s direction.
The back of his neck heated. Was he that transparent? He prided himself on being able to keep his emotions under control. But sweet, unassuming Hannah Wheeler was getting under his skin.
She bit her lip and he tried not to stare. “I didn’t mean to wear him out.”
“I think he’s had more fun today than he has in years. This was good for him.” Tearing his gaze away from her mouth, Ryan started clearing away the empty boxes.
“Maybe I should just wait to finish the rest of this tomorrow.”
He ought to agree. To let her go, so he could get himself back under control. “Do you have the early shift again?”
“No. Late shift. I don’t go in until two.”
“Then stay.” So much for control.
She stood across the room, but he could read the pleasure, the interest in her gaze.
Yeah, he wasn’t the only one remembering that interrupted moment in the attic.
Pursuing this wasn’t smart. It wasn’t what she deserved. But maybe they both needed to address the attraction between them. To answer that what if? At least, he hoped that’s what she wanted.
“Okay.”
Unlike with Percy, she didn’t keep up a running commentary as she continued to work, slipping instead into silence. But it wasn’t an awkward quiet. While he cleaned up, she made garland for the mantle and around the door from fresh evergreen boughs. The brightly wrapped packages she’d brought became their own form of garland over some of the windows. It should’ve looked weird but was actually pretty amazing. Bright and happy, like something out of Santa’s workshop. By the time they were down to the last box, the house had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Janie’s nutcrackers were nestled around the house with ribbon and greenery, and the Christmas village he remembered from his childhood was displayed in a place of honor on the far side of the den. Every room held the touch and scent of the holidays.
“Not bad, Miss Wheeler. Not bad at all.”
Her lips curved in satisfaction as she surveyed her handiwork
. “It did come out pretty well, if I do say so myself.”
“Is there some official celebration of a finished tree?”
Her dimples flashed. “As it happens, there is. I’ll make the hot chocolate.”
He didn’t follow her into the kitchen. Instead, he dug through Percy’s record collection, wanting more music as a backdrop to whatever was left of their evening. She came back a few minutes later, as he was slipping another album on the turntable.
“It’s too hot to drink yet, but I added extra marshmallows. Hope you don’t mind.”
“I feel like extra marshmallows on hot chocolate is a rule.”
She grinned. “Now you’re catching on.”
Music began to spill quietly from the speakers. Jazz piano gave way to the familiar, moody brass of Miles Davis. Ryan held out a hand. “Will you dance with me?”
Surprise flashed across her face. But she hesitated only a moment before setting the mugs down and placing her hand in his. He pulled her in, settling his hand at the small of her back as her arm curved around his shoulder, her fingers just brushing his nape. A shiver of arousal worked its way down his spine. He liked how she fit in his arms, liked the easy way her body curved into his. He liked pretty much everything about this woman.
“Thank you for doing this for my uncle. It definitely seems to have improved his spirits.”
She tipped her head. “What about yours?”
The question seemed serious rather than flirty, so he answered honestly. “I concede my spirits are lifted, too.” And wasn’t that a surprise? He hadn’t even been aware they needed lifting. Maybe the job was wearing on him more than he’d realized.
“Then I’d say my mission has been a success.”
“Is that what this is for you? A mission? Operation Christmas?” The idea of it had a mental image unfolding in his brain of her in some kind of camo elf uniform, marching through the base to pass out cookies and holiday cheer. That’d be a helluva thing to see.
“Percy was my mission. You’re…something else.”
He circled them in the glow of the twinkle lights, considering his words. “I’m probably a bad idea.”
“Why?”
“I’m only here for a little while. I’ll be back overseas before you can blink, and I won’t be home again for—honestly, I don’t know how long. My deployment means I’m often out of contact for days or weeks at a time. I’m not in any kind of position to start something.”
“Which one of us are you trying to convince?”
He huffed a soft laugh. “I’m just saying, I know this isn’t ideal.” And there was the out if she wanted it.
Her eyes didn’t stray from his. “But?” The hopeful note had his fingers flexing against her.
He searched her face, not finding any reluctance or concern. “But if I don’t kiss you, I think it’s going to haunt me, wondering what you taste like.”
She shifted closer, her hand curling around his nape and stroking the fine hair there until he wanted to purr like some giant cat. “I’d say you have enough ghosts without adding that to the mix.”
Hallelujah.
He bent his head until it was just a whisper away from hers and held there, right at the edge of temptation.
She pulled back a fraction. “What are you waiting for?” she whispered.
“Percy’s interruption.”
It was her turn to laugh. “He has had pretty crap timing today. But I think he’s really gone to bed. And if he hasn’t, he’s invested enough in his matchmaking effort to stay out of the way.”
“Caught that, did you?”
“He’s not subtle.”
Ryan winced. “Sorry about that.”
“I think it’s sweet.”
“Sweet is not the word I’d use.”
“Ryan?” Amusement glittered in those big blue eyes.
“Yeah?”
“Stop thinking.” To make sure he did, she rose to her toes and touched her lips to his.
His mind emptied of everything but her. He’d imagined she’d be tentative, with a soft mouth ready to be coaxed. But she kissed like she did everything else—with a sweet enthusiasm. She was soft in all the best ways, pliant and willing as he wrapped her tighter in his arms and better angled his head to taste her. He traced the seam of her lips with his tongue and she opened for him with a sexy little moan that shot his body temperature up. She tasted of gingerbread, sweet and a little spicy. He wondered if she’d be like that in bed.
When he caught himself calculating the distance to the sofa, he tugged hard on the reins of his control. They weren’t alone in this house and that was a lot further than he’d meant to go. Ruthlessly throttling his arousal, he gentled the kiss, sifting his fingers through the silk of her hair to stroke down her back. She arched into the touch, fraying his hard-won control. When he could manage it, he set them swaying again to whatever new song played and eased back just enough to rest his brow against hers.
“Did that satisfy your curiosity?” Her breathless voice had a whole host of other needs rearing up and demanding satisfaction.
“I’m pretty sure that was a potato chip kiss.”
“A what?”
“You know that whole tagline? You can’t have just one.”
A delighted giggle burbled out of her, and it was the cutest damned thing. “You won’t hear me complaining.”
As the music shifted yet again, she relaxed into him, settling her head against his shoulder with a sigh. A quiet contentment seeped through him. It had been so long since the rest of his ghosts were quiet. That was a seduction of itself, whether she meant it to be or not. Was this what Percy had felt dancing with Janie after dinner? It would be easy, so very easy to fall into the appeal of this woman. To pretend he had more time, more…everything to give her. But he didn’t. And he could already tell that walking away from her was going to be harder than he’d imagined. His hands tightened around her.
“Hannah—”
“What did I say about thinking?”
“I know but—”
She pulled back enough to meet his gaze and cupped his cheek. “You were clear about the boundaries of this, and I’m still here. I like you, and you like me. Can’t we just roll with that?”
It wasn’t in his nature or training to simply accept things as they came. Everything in his life was carefully planned, with contingency plans and protocols for when things went off the rails. He survived by always considering the possible outcomes and alternatives. Looking ten steps ahead but being ready for a disaster to come out of nowhere anyway. Every single variation he could think of where he actively pursued things with Hannah ended the same way—with one or both of them hurt when he went back to war. Was it worth taking what she was offering when that was the consequence?
She brushed her lips over his again. “I don’t know what’s going on with my life, either. Let’s just…spend some time together while you’re here. Enjoy each other. Whatever that looks like. Don’t over complicate it.”
Damn Percy for putting his brain on this path.
Ryan pulled her close. “You have no idea how much I want to say yes to that offer. But I still have a job to do here. I need to be able to make recommendations for Percy when I go, and he’s not showing any signs of being willing to cooperate.”
“He’s willing to cooperate for me.”
“You think you can sweet talk him into getting a proper physical from the doctor?”
“Probably not. But I can help talk him into activities that would enable you to check him out.”
The idea intrigued him. “Like what?
“There’s a Christmas dance out at Applewhite Farms on Friday night. We could go. It’d be a chance to see him in a social setting, get him out of the house. I guarantee his isolation is a huge part of his issue. I’m pretty sure Percy’s benefactor will be there. We could try to nudge them together. And we’ve already established he’ll dance with me. You can get a better gauge of his physical capabilities.” Her
lips curved. “And hopefully you’ll save a few dances for me yourself.”
It wasn’t a half-bad idea. He had no idea what a small town dance consisted of, but at this point, he’d follow her just about anywhere to keep soaking up the warmth of that smile. “Then I’d say we have a date.”
Chapter 7
“I don’t know why you dragged me out with you tonight,” Percy grumped. “In my day we didn’t want chaperones on a date.”
Hannah tucked her arm more firmly in his, both as a means of keeping him from turning back to the truck and to help him navigate the uneven terrain of the gravel drive up to the big barn of Applewhite Farms.
Ryan trailed a pace behind, on Percy’s other side, ready to steady him if he stumbled. “We don’t need a chaperone.”
“Then you’re doing this date thing all wrong.”
She snorted with laughter and popped him lightly on the arm. “Percy!”
“Well, you are,” he insisted, but a smile hovered at the edge of his thin lips as he glanced over at her.
She grinned back, buoyed by his improved mood. “Unsolicited advice on how a date should work aside, you’re here because the Merry Mingle is a good cause. Proceeds go toward building a proper play area in the children’s wing at the hospital. You know you want to make sure those kids have something more than second-hand board games. Besides, it’ll be fun. Where’s your holiday spirit?”
“I spent it all on decorating the house. Who’s gonna put all that stuff away when Christmas is over?”
She started to say that she and Ryan would, then remembered he’d be gone by then. As that fell firmly into the category of do-not-want-to-think-about, Hannah fixed her smile in place. “I will.” She’d get Omar to help with the bigger boxes. Nudging her shoulder gently against Percy’s, she insisted, “No excuses. We’re here to have fun tonight, and you’re gonna save me some dances.”
Evan Applewhite, Jace’s dad, manned the door selling tickets. “Welcome, welcome! How many?”
“Three, please,” Ryan told him. He paid the man and the three of them stepped into a whirl of light and music.