“Me, too,” she said. “I’m sure my grandfather would want me to play with the trains, though. It always made him laugh.”
Elodie showed him the controls and watched as he operated the trains by himself. She walked around the table, pointing out all her favorite train cars and buildings. He set the controls down and followed her, listening to her voice, caught up in the magic of the moment.
And then, it was over. She glanced at her watch and cried out. “It’s time for the gifts,” she said, hurrying to the door. “Come on, we have to get back.”
“Don’t you have to fix the trains?”
“I’ll sneak up later,” she said, flinging the sheet over the table.
They rushed down the three flights, then hurried through the kitchen to the butler’s pantry. Elodie peeked through the door. “You go first. If they ask where you were, just tell them that I helped you find the bathroom.”
Dev turned to face her, then, taking a chance, he leaned toward her and kissed her cheek. He’d never kissed a girl before and was surprised at how easy—and enjoyable—it was. “Thanks,” he said. “I had fun.”
Elodie smiled. “Me, too.”
As he stepped back into the dining room, Dev realized that he’d never think of the Winchesters’ Christmas party the same way again. He’d always remember this night and the moment he kissed Elodie Winchester on the cheek.
When it came time for the gifts, she was the one who handed him his elaborately wrapped present.
“I picked it out especially for you,” she whispered.
Dev smiled.
He watched her for the rest of the night as she mingled among the guests. If he could have kissed her again, he would have. But he knew the dangers of crossing that invisible line. As much as he might enjoy Elodie’s company, this was just one night.
It all would begin and end right here.
Copyright © 2015 by Peggy A. Hoffmann
ISBN-13: 9781460384220
Rolling Like Thunder
Copyright © 2015 by Vicki Lewis Thompson
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