Approaching Main Street in town was always exciting, especially at Christmas time. Seeing the activity of shoppers going from one store to the next, the Christmas spirit in the air, and the decorations all made for a cheery atmosphere. The town’s square with the large gazebo sparkled with lights, waiting for the tree lighting ceremony that would take place over the weekend. Mallory turned the radio off in her car. Despite the cold, she rolled down her windows slightly to hear the customary Christmas music playing throughout the town over the loudspeakers. A little cheer was just what she needed today.
Seeing the Miller house, she pulled into a parking spot a few houses down the street. She cut the engine, got out of the car and headed toward 210 Main Street, humming to the music as she walked. AJ was waiting for her on the porch.
“Looks like I timed this just right,” he said with a broad smile.
“You must be freezing. How long have you been waiting on the porch?”
“Not long,” he said, watching her mount the stairs.
“Really?” She placed the back of her hand on his cheek. “Then why are your cheeks so cold.”
“Are they?” he said with a wink. “C’mon inside.” He gestured. “It’s warm in there.” He held the door for her.
She gasped when she walked into the foyer. “This is so beautiful!” She stood silent for a few minutes, taking in its beauty. The old brick wall separating the foyer from the living room had a silver ornate table in front with embossed doors, complemented by two thick wooden leather back chairs and seats with heavy steel studs, and a colorful Persian runner that covered the wide floorboards. Overhead, distressed beams gave it that rustic lodge feeling. “Wow. What a perfect setting for Christmas.”
“Well, there’s more where that came from. Let me have your coat. The living room is directly behind this brick wall,” he curled his finger indicating which direction, “with a nice hot fire burning in the fireplace just waiting to toast you. Go warm yourself up. I have coffee ready for you.”
“Aren’t you the terrific host?”
“I keep telling you I have many facets to my personality, but I don’t think you believe me. So I guess I just have to show you.”
“I’ve wanted to believe you.” Did she just say that? Cripes, she was opening the door and setting both of them up for failure. She couldn’t explain why she came out with these comments except that he made her feel comfortable. A sudden peaceful contented feeling washed over her and made her want to feel his arms wrapped around her. She forced herself from the daydream. She’d never have a love life or anyone in her life until the threat of Jenny scaring them off stopped. She meandered into the living room where the rustic theme continued. The room was decorated in reds and dark wood. “What a magnificent house,” she called out to him. “I can’t wait to get the tree decorated.” He walked in with a cup of coffee and handed it to her. “You do know you’re spoiling me, don’t you?”
“That’s because I think you’re worth it.”
“You are too kind.”
“You don’t think you’re worthy of being spoiled?”
She chuckled. “I guess I never thought about it, but yes, dammit, I agree.”
“Good, then we agree on something.”
“Thank you very much.”
She scanned the room with her eyes, checking to see where to put the tree and couldn’t stop admiring the decorating. The windows were covered with red drapes and pleated valances, a gold stripe across the bottom. A soft leather sofa with rounded armrests that was accompanied by two red velvet chairs gave the room a cozy feeling. Large floor plants filled the gaps in various places throughout the room.
“No wonder you haven’t looked for an apartment yet. I wouldn’t want to leave this place either.”
“I’m glad you brought that up. Will you help me find a place after the holidays?”
“Sure, if I can get my sister and Miriam to watch the shop.”
“Thank you. You’re familiar with the area, and I thought you might know of some good places.”
“Well let’s discuss what kind of place you’re looking for while I decorate the tree, and then I’ll do some research.” She put her cup down on a coaster. “Okay. Let’s get busy. Do you know if your aunt had a preference as to where the tree goes?”
“I’m sure she’d be happy wherever you set it up.” He gave an internal groan, realizing he hadn’t even thought of it. Too late, he told himself. He assured himself she’d be happy no matter where they set the tree up. Recapping his conversation with his aunt, he knew her priority was having him spend time with Mallory. Placement of the tree was secondary on both their minds.
“Okay, so I’m going to need a step ladder, the ornaments, and the tree.”
“Yes ma’am,” he gave a salute and walked away. Mallory followed after him.
“Point me in the direction, and I’ll lend a hand.”
“Thank you.” Walking down the hallway, he pointed to a room. “Ornaments are in there. I’ll get the ladder and the tree.”
“Where is the tree?”
“In the cold garage,” he gave a prideful smile.
“Did you water the tree while it’s been in there?”
“No. Was I supposed to?”
“Yes. Remember you’re trying to simulate the outdoors.”
He made a face. “Being in the garage is like outdoors, isn’t it?”
“Temperature wise, but it’s not getting the water it needs from the soil, and having water is key to keeping the tree fresh. When it’s inside, add ice cubes to the tree holder.” She stopped. “Hmm, okay, so before you bring in the tree, get me the vacuum. I’m afraid the pine needles will be falling off when you bring it through the door. I’ll clean up the mess,” she offered.
“Don’t be silly, I’ll clean up the mess while you decorate.”
“I thought we were going to talk about the type of apartment you want.”
“Sounds like you want me to stay,” he said self-assured.
“Uh…maybe.”
“Mallory” he sighed, “please give me some sign that what I’m trying to cultivate with you isn’t in vain.”
“Maybe.”
“Can I take that as a ‘yes’?” he asked.
She didn’t respond to his question and launched back into the reason she’d come instead. “Aren’t you going to help me decorate?” She tilted her head to the side. His heart skipped a beat. She was just so darned cute, he wanted to pull her in his arms and smother her mouth with his. If she’d just give him an ounce of encouragement, there’d be no stopping him.
“Are you asking me to?” he grinned.
She gave a slow nod and then their eyes locked. “Mallory,” he said. She shushed him with her finger pressed against his lips. He kissed her finger as he removed her hand and took a step forward. She didn’t move back. In one swift motion, he cupped her face and kissed her with so much emotion, the fire spread through his body like a burning inferno. He heard her gasp and without another word, he cradled her in his arms and carried her off to the bedroom.
~~~
Afterward, they lay next to each other, panting, trying to catch their breath. He rolled over and kissed her tenderly. “I’m crazy about you.”
“I can’t do this, AJ.”
“Why not?”
“I have responsibilities.”
“Let me share those responsibilities with you.” She shook her head. “Mallory, I’m not going anywhere. If I thought you didn’t care, I wouldn’t be wasting my time. But I know you do. No one makes love like we just did without feeling a connection.”
She jumped out of bed. “I need to get the tree decorated.” She began to dress until he came over and engulfed her in another embrace. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been held,” she said. “And even longer than that for—” She didn’t finish.
“Then don’t fight it. Let me love you.”
She shook her head again and pulled the sweater on. Combing her fingers throug
h her hair, she twisted the long ends and clipped it into place with a barrette. Rushing downstairs, she checked the time. Realizing she’d never get the tree decorated before the kids returned home from school, she called Dina.
“Having fun?” Dina asked.
“I’m working, Dina,” she said wryly. “Listen, I’m probably not going to be done in time for the girls—”
Dina interrupted. “I’ll take care of it. Miriam’s here with me and she won’t leave until she thinks I’m okay. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“Thank you.” Mallory blew out a breath. “I’ll talk to you later.” Just as she was about to click off, Dina said something.
“Mal, let your hair down and stop worrying about trying to be all things to all people. Okay?” Mallory said nothing. “He’s crazy about you. You have to know that.”
“Dina, this is a conversation for another time.”
“I know, but I’m giving you permission to do what you’re heart is telling you to do. Take everyone out of the equation for a moment and think about how you’d handle it. I think there’d be no hesitation to get involved.”
“I have to go, Dina.”
“Think about it, Mal.” She clicked off the phone and was startled when AJ came up behind her.
“See, even your sister knows.” He said taking the phone from her hand and setting it down on the table.
“You heard what she said?”
“She talks loud…and I’m glad she does. Mallory, I know this sounds crazy, but I’m falling in love with you and your daughters.”
“But you don’t understand. It’s complicated.”
“Not anymore complicated than my life. I have six sisters, Mallory. You want to compare notes?” He moved up close to her and wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. Her scent affected every part of his body.
She slapped his hand and pulled away. “I have work to do.”
“Why won’t you admit that you’re falling in love with me?” The back of his hand caressed her cheek. “Do you care at all about me, Mal?”
“Of course I care.”
“Then let go of your hang ups. Whatever is bothering you and your family, we’ll work it out together. You have to know that I’m there for you.”
“I hate to see you waste your time.”
“I’ve got nothing but time, my darling. You can throw as many curve balls as you want, but understand I’m as persistent as the day is long.”
He scooped her up again, and the heat from his body ignited in her stomach as he carried her back to the bedroom. Dina’s words echoed through her mind. Yes, she was doing what her heart told her to because trying to resist him made her want him all the more. His kiss deepened and sent her back into a world of ecstasy with a man who had literally swept her off her feet.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“I love you, Mallory,” AJ said as she was leaving. She didn’t respond. “You’re afraid to say it, aren’t you?”
“Please believe me when I say it has nothing to do with you. I need to think about this.” She kissed him. “I just don’t know.”
“Okay,” he jerked back and threw up his hands. “I’m a patient man. You’re worth waiting for.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “I needed to hear you say that.”
“When you’re ready to say it, I will cherish every day of our lives together, and shower you with more love than you’ve ever known.” After helping her into her car, he waited for her to pull away. Contented and happy, he walked back inside the house, the smell of her cologne still lingering in his nose. He wasn’t sure what her hang up was, but he had a sneaky suspicion it had something to do with Jenny.
~~~
Mallory’s eyes filled with tears as she pulled away from the curb. She was falling in love with a man who would most likely run in the opposite direction when Jenny sensed something was going on. The one thing she did know was that writing in her journal tonight would be filled with wonderful memories of a day she’d never forget.
Driving down the street, she noticed every light was lit in her house. She saw Dina walk by the window and wondered if she’d be upset that Mallory was later than she’d intended. Mallory parked the car inside the garage and cut the engine. Dina had a huge smile on her face when Mallory walked into the kitchen. “Ohmigod,” she said, a joyful ring to her tone. With her hands firmly planted on her hips, she continued, “You’ve got the glow.”
Mallory feigned ignorance. “What glow?”
“The you did it glow.” She giggled. “It’s written all over your face.”
Mallory gave a nonchalant wave. “Seriously, Dina, you really need to start writing romance novels. You have such an imagination.”
“Okay, we’ll play the game your way. You know I’m going to find out sooner or later anyway, so if you have anything you want to tell me, now would be the time.”
“There’s nothing to tell. It’s cold outside.”
“But you weren’t outside, other than to walk to the house and back to your car.”
“How were the girls?” Mallory said, changing the subject. She had no intentions of sharing any of their intimate moments with her sister.
“The girls were delightful. They’re both doing homework.”
“Jenny was good too?”
“She seemed a little uptight when she found out you weren’t going to be home.”
“Then I’d better go say hello.” She headed for the hallway when Dina reached out and stopped her.
“Mal, I don’t mean to butt into how you raise your kids, but seriously, you don’t need to apologize for wanting to have a life.”
“I know.”
“No, I don’t think you do. It’s been two years since Mitch is gone. I know the girls will never get over losing their father, but you don’t need to pay for that. Mitch does and the sooner Jenny finds out the truth, the quicker you can all get back to a life.”
“We’re working on it, Dina. We’ve had one visit with Dr. Bean.”
Mallory pointed toward the bedrooms. “Let me say hello to the girls first so we can finish this conversation later.”
Dina nodded in agreement and walked with Mallory to the bedrooms. Mallory knocked on Jenny’s door.
“Go away and leave me alone,” Jenny shouted out. Mallory opened the door anyway and rushed in. Jenny’s journal was open, facing down, her hands covering it and she was sobbing.
“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Mallory asked and reached out to hug her daughter, but Jenny pushed her mother away. Mallory jerked back in shock, a sickened feeling erupting in the pit of her stomach.
“Jenny!” Dina scolded. “That’s not very nice.”
“Go away,” she demanded. “I don’t want you in here.”
“Fine.” Mallory said, the pained expression encompassing her face.
“Why do you allow her to treat you like that?” Dina asked when they closed the door to Jenny’s bedroom.
“She’s hurting.”
“And you aren’t?” Edging their way down toward Lacey’s room, Mallory swallowed hard before entering. Lacey was sound asleep. She leaned down and kissed her cheek. Lacey stirred and turned over.
“She played hard after school,” Dina said. “C’mon.” She reached for her arm. “Let’s go sit in the living room. I have a fresh pot of coffee waiting for us.”
“Okay. That’s sounds like a good idea.”
“You go sit and I’ll be right in.”
Mallory sat down on the recliner and raised the leg rest. Her mind was racing with bittersweet memories of her day with AJ to a depressed world of sour remorse. She ultimately concluded all good things had to come to an end. There was no way she could ever bring AJ into her topsy-turvy world. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them because he deserved something better than inheriting a dysfunctional family. She wanted to believe that therapy would help Jenny in time, but seeing her aggressive behavior spiral out of control on a moment’s notice was too risky. Dina entered the r
oom with a tray, her expression still and serious.
She offered Mallory the coffee. She took the cup and set it down on the end table. “I also bought some cookies at Nardone’s Bakery that I thought the kids would enjoy. After what I just witnessed, we’re the kids tonight.” Dina sat down across from Mallory, her brows pulled together. “Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.”
Mallory blew out air in a quick whoosh. “I’ve been reluctant to talk to you about it because I don’t want you to judge Jenny.”
“It’s hard not to when I see her acting so poorly.” She frowned. “Tell me how long you’ve been putting up with this?”
“Ever since Mitch died. I told myself it was because she was having a hard time dealing with the loss and she’d get over it. Unfortunately, things haven’t gotten better, they’ve gotten worse. Much worse. That’s why I’ve sought therapy.”
“It’s a good thing you did.” Dina’s face went sternly serious. “Mal, I’m so sorry you’re going through this alone. Please let me help you deal with this.” Mallory’s lips thinned. “What did Dr. Bean say? Did she give you any idea about how to deal with it?”
“She spoke to each of us alone. I went first and filled in all the details of Mitch’s death, our marriage in general, and how he disassociated himself from us.”
“I’ve never understood that.”
Mallory sipped her coffee to moisten her dry mouth. “There is something I’ve never told you. Maybe it was because I was embarrassed, I don’t know. Mitch had a girlfriend,” she blurted out. Dina’s face hardened into a mask of stone. “She was a twenty-something biker chick.”
“That bastard!” Dina exclaimed. “While you stayed home and supported the family, he was off running around with a biker chick every weekend?”
“That was pretty much it. I had suspected he was cheating on me, but I told myself I was jealous because he was having fun and I wasn’t. She was the one who called to tell me what happened. She said they’d gone off to be alone.” Mallory swallowed hard. “When he’d taken the risky jump and fell, she panicked and by the time she got there, he was already dead. It seems the bike landed on top of him with the motor running. The weight of the bike crushed his chest.”
Mistletoe and Magic Page 7