A Holiday Proposal

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Holly looked at him with pain-filled eyes. “Mom called several times this week while I was working and she didn’t leave a message, so I assumed it wasn’t important. The hospital has been super busy, so I’ve had to work overtime. By the end of each day I was so tired I forgot to call back. I finally remembered today.”

  “Jessica never contacted you?”

  “No.” She stared into her glass. “We used to be closer than we are now. I guess with her being married and me working full-time we’ve drifted apart. I never used to be like this before I started working at the hospital. I was actually a fun person to be around and spent time with my friends.” She buried her head in her arms.

  He moved around the counter and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up over this, Holly. You’re not perfect. We all have only so much energy. Besides, now you can work at making some changes. Why not give your sister a call now? I’m sure she’d love to hear from you.”

  She lifted her head, and her cheeks were tinged pink. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks.” She paused. “I’ll call Jessica tonight for sure.” She wiped her eyes and rested her hand on his. “I can’t believe I’m baring my soul to you. We barely know each other, yet I feel like I can tell you anything.”

  “Sometimes it’s easier to talk to people who don’t know you as well.” He reached out with his other hand and brushed hair away from her face. “Although I feel like we’re getting to know each other. You’ll get through this, Holly. You’re strong—always have been.”

  “Thanks for saying so.” Her voice came out barely above a whisper. She licked her lips.

  They were only a foot apart. His attention focused on her silky-smooth mouth. Would her lips be as soft as they looked? He wanted to find out, but she had a boyfriend.

  A firm knock on the door caused them both to jump.

  Holly stood. “I wonder who that could be.” She took the few steps to the door and pulled it open. “Todd.” Her shoulders slumped.

  Chapter 7

  Why was Todd standing in her doorway?

  Holly took a breath and let it out in a puff. One more surprise today and she might need to crawl into bed and pull the covers over her head.

  “May I come in?” Todd looked past her and smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Matthew. I heard you were here.”

  “Oh?”

  Holly looked from one man to the other and gulped, backing away from the door. The tension between the men could be cut with a scalpel. “Come in, Todd, before all the heat escapes.”

  Todd sauntered past her. “Thanks. April told me that she’d seen the two of you walk over here. What’s going on?”

  Holly whirled around. “Nothing. Matthew walked me home, and we were visiting.”

  The three of them stood in a triangle, with Matthew across from her and Todd to her left. She wished Matthew was the one standing beside her. She’d thought for sure he was going to kiss her a moment ago, and surprisingly, she was sorely disappointed by Todd’s interruption. “Why are you here, Todd?”

  “Just checking on you.”

  “Oh.”

  Matthew went to the door. “I should be going.”

  Holly stepped toward him and grasped his arm. “Please stay. I’m sure Todd will only be here a minute.” The last thing she wanted was to be alone with Todd. Besides, Matthew had made her visit a place in her heart she hadn’t ventured to in a very long time.

  Matthew eyed the man in question. “I think it’s for the best. I don’t want to tread where I don’t belong.” He pulled a card from his jacket pocket. “My numbers. Call me if you need anything. Even if you just want to talk.”

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Okay.” What did he mean he didn’t belong here? She’d told him to make himself at home. “Well, thanks for the sandwich and—”

  “Anytime.” He pulled the door open and left without even a backward glance.

  Suddenly the apartment was cold and uninviting. She’d never felt that way about the place. What had changed?

  She whirled on Todd. “What do you think you’re doing? That was unbelievably rude! Matthew is my friend.”

  “Like me?” Sarcasm laced his voice. Todd dropped onto the couch and patted the space beside him. “Join me.”

  “No.” She crossed her arms and glared.

  “Come on, Holly. You barely know that guy. I only wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  “You could’ve been a little nicer about it. Matthew is sweet and wouldn’t harm a fly.” She looked past Todd and noticed her glass half-full on the counter, a reminder of the moment Todd had shattered. “As you can see, I’m fine. I think you should leave.”

  “Come on, Holly. Don’t be that way. How about a drink and then I’ll leave?”

  “Fine, but then you go.” Holly plodded into the kitchen and filled a glass from the tap. “Ice?”

  “No, thanks.”

  She trudged back to the couch and thrust the glass at him, splashing a little over the side.

  “Careful!” His eyes flashed and he grasped her wrist instead of the glass. “Sit with me.” He tugged her and she lost her balance, falling down close beside him, spilling the water onto the couch.

  “Todd!” Good thing it was only water. She wiggled away enough to create a few inches between them. What had come over the man? Didn’t he hear a word she’d said to him the other day? If only Matthew were still here. “How about the weather, huh? I can’t believe the load of snow we got this week and it’s only early November.”

  He set the glass on the floor and reached for her hand. His thumb gently caressed the top.

  Holly jumped up. “I don’t think you were listening when I said I only want to be friends. This is not how friends behave. I want you to leave. Now.”

  “I’m only trying to be your friend. That’s why I came to check on you, but you’re behaving like I’m the enemy.” His brow furrowed. “Why are you so jumpy?” He stood and placed a hand on her forearm.

  Her heart pounded in her chest. Fear surged through her veins, but she refused to let him see the effect he had on her. She yanked her arm away and raised her chin. “Maybe because you are acting like a jerk. Friends don’t behave this way.”

  Todd took a step back. “Sorry. Relax, Holly. I saw you earlier at the hospital, and you looked like something was bothering you. I had a patient, so I couldn’t stop and talk. I didn’t mean to upset you. What’s going on? Are you okay?” He eased closer to her and cradled her cheek with his hand. “Talk to me, Holly.”

  Her stomach tightened at his touch. The memory of his kiss at her parents flashed across her mind. “I’m fine.” She met his eyes and held his gaze. “Todd, I asked you to leave. This needs to stop.” She rushed to the door and yanked it open, no longer caring about the cold air coming inside. “I feel like this is somehow my fault. I didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression when I invited you to lunch. You were the one who suggested our little ruse to get my mom to stop pushing me toward marriage. I thought you understood there is no room in my life for a relationship right now.”

  His face hardened. “What about Matthew? The two of you looked cozy.”

  She crossed her arms. “Seriously, Todd, jealousy doesn’t suit you. Please leave.”

  “Fine.” He stormed past her and stood on the stoop outside the door. “Don’t flatter yourself, Holly. I don’t need to be jealous of anyone. There are plenty of women interested in me.” He stomped down the stairs without a backward glance.

  Cold air breezed around the room and she slammed the door. “Good riddance.” What had given him the idea she was interested in him? Her stomach churned with worry. Would Todd do something stupid? She’d never seen him behave so poorly. She rushed to the window, almost too weary to look out, but compelled nonetheless.

  * * *r />
  Matthew lifted Ava into his arms and put her into her car seat. “Did you and Mommy have fun?”

  “Yes. I had a cookie.”

  He clicked the straps in place—finally competent at the task. “Yum. Did you save me one?”

  Ava giggled. “No, Unca Matt. Mommy said you eat too many sweets.”

  Matthew lifted his head and raised a brow at his sister sitting in the front seat. “She did, huh?” He closed the door and noticed Todd storming down the stairs from Holly’s apartment. His gut tightened. What had him looking like the abominable snowman?

  He walked over to April’s side of the car. “I’ll be right back.” He tossed her the keys. “Warm it up?”

  “Okay, but what’s wrong? You have that look on your face.”

  “I’m not sure. Hang tight.” Speeding footfalls crunched toward him. Matthew whirled around in time to see a right hook headed for his face. He leaned away and turned his head, effectively avoiding the blow. “Whoa, Todd. Cool down.”

  Todd thrust his left fist up.

  Matthew evaded the punch with a spin and a leg sweep.

  Todd dropped to the hard pavement and lay sprawled on his back.

  “Care to tell me what that was all about?”

  “Stop!”

  Matthew glanced toward the voice. Holly waved her arms wildly and ran toward them. She slid to a halt on a patch of compacted snow. “What are you doing?”

  “Me?” Matthew pointed to his chest.

  “No—him.” She looked down with disgust. Then her face sobered. She dropped beside Todd. “You okay?”

  He groaned and rolled over. “Fine.”

  “Good. Go home, Todd.”

  “Figures you’d take his side,” he mumbled and staggered to his feet.

  Matthew watched the man limp away with a hand on his back. “I hope he’s all right.”

  “You didn’t mean to hurt him?” Holly crossed her arms.

  “Of course not! It was self-defense.”

  She grinned. “Just messing with you. I saw the whole thing from my window. I’m sorry you got caught in the middle. I’ve never seen Todd behave like that before.”

  “Good. I’d hate to think your boyfriend was like that all the time.”

  “My what?” Holly shook her head. “Todd is not my boyfriend.”

  A smile tugged at his lips. “Cool!” He sobered. “I mean, really? That’s too bad.”

  She grinned. “Mmm-hmm. See you around, Matthew.” She waved to his sister and niece. He watched her stroll back to her apartment before he pulled out of the parking lot.

  “What was that about?” April sat staring at him wide-eyed.

  “Seems you were right. Todd isn’t her boyfriend.”

  April shook her head. “That’s why he took a swing at you? I will never understand men.”

  Matthew ignored his sister and focused on the road. Holly made it clear she was intent on pursuing her career, and she had some serious family issues. Getting involved with her was probably a very bad idea, but he couldn’t make himself stop thinking about her.

  “So what are you going to do about Holly?”

  “Absolutely nothing, other than be her friend. Speaking of friends—have you heard from Jessica lately?”

  “You mean, besides lunch at her parents’?”

  “Yeah.”

  “No. Why?”

  “Just curious.” It wasn’t his place to share about Jessica’s miscarriage. If she wanted people to know, she’d tell them. At least she hadn’t been showing yet, so she wouldn’t have to deal with so many questions. But it was awful for her nonetheless.

  “Mind if I ask you a personal question?”

  “Shoot.”

  “Do you ever feel like Mom and Dad played favorites with us, or that you didn’t measure up?”

  She shot him a quick look. “No, not really. In fact I think they are the opposite. They try hard to be so fair it’s ridiculous. As far as measuring up, I don’t know. I’ve always felt loved by them. What about you? Did something happen to bring this on?”

  “Not with Mom and Dad. Just thinking about someone else.”

  “You mean Holly and Jessica?”

  “How’d you know?”

  “Don’t get me wrong. Jessica was a great friend in high school, but she was also a diva. If everything wasn’t revolving around her, she’d find a way to turn attention in her direction. Her mom played right into her hand. From what I noticed, Holly refused to compete. I figured it didn’t bother her. Was I wrong?”

  “Yes.” He let the new info seep in as he turned into his driveway. “So, if this was a long-standing problem for Holly and her family, why is it all of a sudden becoming such an issue?”

  Jessica’s miscarriage.

  He killed the engine, but remained seated. Fortunately Ava slept soundly in her car seat. “One more question. Do Holly and Jessica get along?”

  “Actually, they do. Jessica thinks the world of her little sister, and from what I’ve observed the feeling is mutual. I think their mom is more of the problem.” She released her seat belt and got out.

  Matthew opened Ava’s door.

  Her eyes fluttered open, and a tiny smile lit her face. She held her arms out to him. “Carry me, Unca Matt.”

  “Sure thing, kiddo.” He undid the straps and lifted her out.

  Ava snuggled into his neck. “I love you, Unca Matt.”

  “Love you, too.” His heart warmed toward the bundle of sweetness he held as he climbed the stairs to his home and closed the winter weather out. Too bad he couldn’t close out the coldness from Holly’s heart, as well. He hurt for her and her sister. But more than that, he longed to help her. Why, he didn’t know, but suspected it had to do with his teenage crush and the fact he couldn’t let go of the old feelings.

  Chapter 8

  Holly stood at the front window of her apartment with her arms wrapped around her middle. She had to do something about the disaster her life had turned into. She’d been distracted at work today and almost made another mistake. It didn’t help that Todd wouldn’t give her the time of day. They’d been such good friends before that fateful lunch at her parents’ house. If she could go back in time for a do-over, that was one choice she’d nix. It would have been much better to be honest about her single status and deal with her mother’s matchmaking.

  Now the mess was dragging her down and threatening to take her job with it. She grabbed her keys from the kitchen counter and marched to the door. Time to clear the air—at least with her mom. Todd could wait...forever—she was done wasting brain cells thinking about him. Not all friendships were for life. She’d done all she could to mend the rift and he’d refused.

  She grabbed her coat from the hook by the door, slid into her boots and tucked gloves into her pocket, then tromped down the stairs to the parking lot below.

  She slid into her older-than-dirt red Honda Civic and started it up. The engine purred to life. She patted the dashboard. “Way to go, Lucy.” Good thing no one could hear her talking to her car, or they’d think she was nuts. Maybe she was—after all, she was heading to the lion’s den. Hopefully her mother would be in a pleasant mood. Or maybe not, considering their last conversation.

  She backed up then pulled her car onto the road. A minute later she made a right onto Front Street. Stuck behind a line of cars, she crept forward in the slow-moving traffic. Red taillights burned bright. She pressed the brake. Looking to her left while waiting for pedestrians, she noticed a familiar pair of figures on the hillside. A smile tugged at her mouth.

  “Why not?” In no rush to go see her parents, she pulled into an empty parking space, slid on her gloves and got out.

  Matthew had invited her to go sledding Monday, so surely he wouldn’t mind if she joine
d him and Ava now. Holly trotted across the street and slogged up the hill to where the duo stood. “Hey, there. Sledding again, I see.”

  “Every day this week.” A wide grin covered Matthew’s face. “I like to give April a break. It’s tough having the use of only one arm when you have a three-year-old.”

  Her heart skipped at his thoughtfulness. She was drawn to this man way too much for her own good. “That’s nice of you to help out. Mind if I join in the fun?”

  “What do you say, Ava?”

  His niece plopped onto the front of the sled and patted the space behind her. “Again!”

  “May Holly go down with you this time?”

  The little girl looked up at Holly with a somber expression. “You, too.”

  Matthew chuckled, and then squatted and held the sled in place. “I’m not sure we’ll all fit.”

  “Sure we will.” Holly snuggled up close behind Ava. “See, I don’t take much room.” She felt Matthew squeeze in behind her with a grunt. He slipped his arms around her waist. She tingled at his touch and wondered at her response.

  “One...two...three!” He pushed off and they crawled forward.

  “Faster!” Ava squealed.

  Holly used her hands to help push them along, trying hard to ignore Matthew’s warm breath beside her ear. About halfway down the slope they passed another sled.

  “Whee!” Ava giggled and clapped her mitten-covered hands.

  They coasted to a stop. Ava bounded off, and Holly rolled into the wet snow then stood. Maybe sledding wasn’t such a good idea, after all. Cold seeped through her jeans. She turned and offered Matthew a hand.

  He grasped it and nearly took her down as he pulled up. “Want to go again?”

  “Thanks, but no. I didn’t plan to play in the snow, and I’ll have to run home and change if I get any more wet.”

  Ava tugged at his jacket. “I’m cold.”

  “How about some hot chocolate?” Matthew squatted and scooped up his niece.

  “With whipped cream.”