A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

by Wilton, Patrice

  After she hung up, she ordered a turkey and Swiss sandwich and a glass of red wine to be brought to her room. Not as chic as the meals at Nick’s, but it would do. She dressed in sweats and a t-shirt, and placed her last call for the evening to Allen Johnson who was still not answering her call. She left a message, saying she was at the Inn and would be available until morning.

  She supposed she was lucky that anyone would be in touch with her before the holiday, but another delay was disappointing. Still, she had a car downstairs waiting for her, and she could spend the next few days with her family. If the adjustor had questions after seeing the car, it was a simple drive back.

  Jennie sipped her glass of wine, feeling better about things already. She flipped around the TV channels and found an old movie that she’d previously enjoyed. She sat up on the bed with two pillows behind her, intending to watch the movie and then sleep.

  A firm knock on her door made her sit up straighter and splash a little of her wine. Who in the world? Maybe it was housekeeping, wondering if she needed more towels. Or, the person who had dropped off her room service tray coming to collect. Or…or…no, it couldn’t be!

  She quickly glanced in the mirror just in case, and winced when she saw her reflection. Navy sweats and an old Gap tee, no bra, no make-up. Hair a mess from the way she’d slept. So not good. It better be housekeeping.

  She opened the door a crack and peeked though the opening.

  “Jennie! I tried to call you back, but you didn’t answer your phone. So here I am in the flesh. I brought you a big container of clam chowder in case you’re hungry.”

  “Nope. But thanks. I had room service.”

  “How are you feeling?” He squinted at her. “You look rested.”

  “A little better, but it’s going to take more than a couple of hours sleep. Sorry I didn’t answer your call, but I was talking to the kids, then left a message for Allen from the insurance company.” She curled her toes into the carpet, not budging from behind the door.

  He shook the melting snow from his brown hair. “Ally and Byron are closing for me,” he said with a mouth-watering grin, “and I have a surprise for you. When you didn’t answer I was afraid that maybe you’d already left. The surprise is downstairs.” His eyes glittered with excitement, like one of her kids. “Won’t you please open up?”

  “I’m a mess. Go away.” She tried to hide behind the door. His grin was too charming, and he looked delicious. Maybe the sandwich hadn’t satisfied her appetite because she really wanted to lick that cleft in his chin.

  “What?”

  “That’s rude of me, and I’m sorry,” she said, hand holding the door firm. “You’ve already been kind enough. I’m just too exhausted for another surprise.”

  Unexpectedly, he gently pushed at the door, and she stepped back with a squeak. Still grinning, he walked in. “I can’t take no for an answer.”

  His assertive side was kind of sexy, she thought, surprised at her reaction. “Oh?”

  “So, get dressed.” He folded his arms and looked at her. Head to foot. A slow, heated perusal that left her feeling on fire. “You look fine, but you’ll need something warm. Jeans and a sweater will do.”

  “What are you planning?” she asked cautiously. “I wanted to go to bed early. I’m still exhausted.”

  A wicked gleam came into those beautiful brown eyes. “That could be arranged. If you insist.”

  “Nick!” Hands folded at her waist, Jennie stared at this dangerously sexy man in front of her. Where had the nice guy gone? Had it all been an act?

  He laughed, brushing her cheek with a light touch of his knuckles. “Don’t look so surprised. You’re the one who suggested it. Not me.”

  “I didn’t mean us,” she said with a hot blush. “Not you and me. Just me.”

  “Okay. Perhaps I misunderstood.” He advanced toward her. One step at a time. When he was a foot away, he looked down at her. She was about six inches shorter than him without shoes. “One hour,” he said in a soft, caressing voice. “That’s all I’m asking. I’ll have you back here at ten. How’s that?”

  Jennie didn’t know what he’d planned, but it would be rude of her to say no. After all, he’d made arrangements, wanting to please her, she justified to her rapidly beating heart. “I suppose.” She cleared her throat, feeling a little breathless. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to his and ran a hand through her messy hair. “Do I need make-up?”

  “Nope. You’re beautiful just as you are.” His eyes dropped and she wondered if he could see through her thin Gap shirt. Her nipples tightened in response.

  “Where exactly are you taking me?”

  “Come see for yourself.” He winked, and gave her rear end a light tap. “Off you go. Change into something warm.”

  “Are you always this pushy?” she asked, heading toward her suitcase.

  “Yes.” He paused, his brown eyes darkening. “When I want something.”

  She took her clothes into the bathroom, wondering exactly what it was that Nick might want. She shivered as she tossed her tee onto the tub, and then caught a glimpse of her naked breasts. Even though they were small and perky, they felt heavy, swollen with need. She touched them lightly and felt a physical reaction. Her body was sensual again.

  It had been dead for the past year, but now it was singing a new melody, and Jennie wasn’t sure if she liked it or not.

  She left her bra on the tub and slipped the heavy wool sweater over her head. The rough texture rubbed her breasts, making her feel sexy. She put on a skimpy pair of lace undies and her jeans, brushed her teeth and her hair, then smiled at her reflection. Her eyes were shiny and bright. Cheeks pink, and flushed with pleasure.

  Always a mom, tonight she remembered she was a woman, too. Alive. And just maybe she’d enjoy a first kiss.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Nick waited in the hotel room, wondering what Jennie was thinking behind the closed bathroom door.

  She’d blushed, adorable and caught off-guard, in her sweats and bare feet.

  He hadn’t wanted Jennie to leave in the morning, not without seeing him tonight. She was alone. No kids around. The opportunity was too good to miss. It had occurred to him several times as he’d prepared people’s meals, that she might leave and he’d never see her again. It shouldn’t matter, but for some reason it did.

  That scared him, but not enough to back away. He wanted to pursue whatever it was that was driving him toward her, to explore the emotions that she had mysteriously lit. Not that he was an unemotional guy. He just hadn’t felt this much compassion, or warmth—whatever the hell it was—for a lady in awhile.

  Jennie was different. He didn’t need to have sex with her to want to make her happy. The fact that she had two adorable children and no husband made him feel protective. Yeah, that was it. He didn’t want some asshole sweeping in and taking her to bed, only to leave her with a broken heart.

  Right or wrong, he wanted to be her champion, and he totally understood that she’d fight him every step of the way if she knew his feelings. Not that he would turn down an opportunity to make love to her, he wasn’t that much of an idiot, but it wasn’t the driving force that led him to call the hotel and make sure she hadn’t checked out.

  “Do I need a hat?” she called through the door.

  “Yeah.” He sat on the edge of the bed. When he discovered she was still there, he’d called Darcy, the buggy driver, to ask a favor. He was a regular at Nick’s Bistro, so Nick promised him a free dinner for himself and his family, and a very generous tip.

  Darcy was happy to oblige. He had chuckled, and told Nick that he must have met his lady-love. Nick had laughed back, but he hadn’t been amused. Hadn’t changed his mind, though, either.

  When she popped out of the restroom, he glanced at her with approval. She’d brushed her pretty hair out, added some gloss to her mouth, and something glittery to her eyes. “You look perfect for an evening stroll.”

  “We’re going for a walk?” She s
wept by him to the closet where she’d hung her coat and scarf.

  “Do you always spoil surprises?” He got up, liking the color in her cheeks.

  “No…but…”

  He put an arm casually around her waist and led her toward the door. “Grab your gloves, too. You’ll need them.”

  She gave him a skeptical look. “I wish you’d just tell me.”

  “I’ll tell you this much. You look beautiful.” He sniffed behind her ear and stopped himself from nibbling. Barely. “Is that perfume? Smells like berry.”

  “No. It’s the liquid bath soap I used in the tub.”

  “Aw. You just painted a picture in my mind.”

  She glanced at him. “Then get it out. I mean it! I don’t want you seeing me naked.”

  “It’s only in my thoughts,” he said with a shrug.

  “Still. I’ve had two children. I’m not the young, sexy thing you’re probably visualizing anyway.”

  He let his eyes graze over her. “I don’t think you’d disappoint me, not that I plan to find out.”

  “Good. Glad to hear it.”

  He laughed. “Here’s your hat. Put it on.”

  “Bossy.” She grabbed the hat, and stuffed it on her head so that it covered half her face. “There. How’s that?”

  “Warm. And cute.” He helped her on with her jacket, enjoying being so close to her. She looked adorable, all the more so because she was angry, and confused, and maybe a little excited too. Her eyes were sparkling and she didn’t pull away when he touched her.

  When she was ready, he ushered her out the door, making sure he had the key so she wouldn’t be locked out. In silence, they took the short flight down to the first floor. She pranced through the lobby and out the door then stopped short when she reached the street.

  “Really?” She turned to him. “You did this? The carriage ride…really?”

  He wasn’t sure if she was upset or pleased. “Yes,” he said cautiously, trying to see her head-on. “I promised to put a smile on your face today but you didn’t have much to smile over.” He lifted her chin, staring into her green orbs for the truth. “Is this okay? If you don’t want to go, I’ll cancel it.”

  “No.” She sniffed and her eyes glistened with tears. “It’s just terribly sweet and no one has wanted to do something this nice for me in a long while. I don’t know why you do.”

  “Because I like you. I know you’re having a difficult time, and if I can do one thing to make it better, then I’m happy to oblige.” He took her hand, squeezing her gloved fingers. “Darcy, this is Jennie. She’s new in town. Why don’t we take her down Main Street and let her see how pretty it is with all the fairy lights? I promised her we’d be back by ten.”

  “Hi Darcy. Thanks for doing this.” She patted the horse’s reddish brown mane. “What’s his name?”

  “Rusty. Not too original considering he’s a chestnut.”

  She smiled. “Hey, Rusty. Sorry to keep you out so late. I’m sure you’re both tired.”

  “Not at all,” Darcy answered. “It’s my pleasure, Jennie. I hope you like it here in Heaven. Most people do.”

  Nick helped Jennie into the open carriage, and then sat next to her. He put a plaid blanket over both their legs, and held her gloved hand between his.

  “I know you saw the main drag during the day, but it’s really special late at night. There’s something almost magical about this town, especially at Christmas.” He turned to look at her profile. “Most people feel that way about where they live. New Yorkers believe it’s the greatest city in the world, and Philadelphia has lots to boast about too. But this place is better. You’ll see.”

  Jennie’s long auburn hair trailed down the back of her winter jacket as she turned her head. “It is simply beautiful. All the twinkly lights on the trees and store windows. The candy striped lanterns. You’re right about it being magical at night. It’s like a postcard.”

  “Told you so.” The horse clomped along the cobblestones, carrying them past Nick’s restaurant. “I was lucky to get this location. Would have been tough running a restaurant that wasn’t on Main Street.”

  “Was it a restaurant when you took it over?” Jennie curled her fingers around his and made his heart beat double-time.

  “It was. More of a coffee shop that catered to the morning and early afternoon crowd. They had booths and the long bar was a counter service. They served sandwiches, soups, and breakfast.”

  “Oh.” She tilted her head, her pretty mouth in a pink bow as she peeked at him. “Well, I like it better now.”

  Her flirting glance about killed him. He kept his tone light. “You’re just saying that because you like me.”

  She smiled and bumped shoulders with him. “I do like you.”

  “That’s a good start,” he answered, wondering why he had to fight the urge to kiss her. Normally, he’d do just that. Romance literally glittered in the night air. But because she was a widow, he respected her, and didn’t want to do anything that might be misconstrued.

  “What is it about you?” She turned on her seat to face him, adjusting the blanket across their laps. “You’re not like most men.”

  “In what way?” Funny thing was, he’d heard that most of his life. He was different. Always had been.

  “I don’t know. It’s like you want to be friends, without any of the usual sexual strings. Is that even possible?”

  He blinked. Talk about saying it straight. “Well, you know. You’re a young widow and I’m sure many guys will be all over that. But I don’t think you’re ready to be romanced.” Nick leaned back against the cool wooden bench. “If you were, you’d have already come on to me.”

  “Is that right?” She flipped her hair over her shoulder, her mouth torn between a smile and a scold. “Got quite a high opinion of yourself, don’t you?”

  “Just telling the truth.” She’d started the honest conversation and he wanted to keep it going. “I’ve had my share of women that would like to know me better. They were hardly subtle.”

  “And how well did they succeed?” She eyed him with curiosity, as if trying to make her mind up about him. If only he knew what she wanted to know, deep down inside her heart, then he could show her better what was inside his.

  “Well, I’m still single. Some folks around here think I’m gay.”

  Her brows flew upward behind the brim of her hat.

  “Other’s think I’m a confirmed bachelor. Truth is—I’m neither. I just haven’t met the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.” Her hands stayed folded above the blanket at her lap. As much as he wanted to hold them, he left them there. “I have a new business to run. No time or inclination to look.”

  “So why are you here with me?” She twisted around in the seat to give him a direct look. “Still feeling guilty because I smacked my car into a tree?”

  “No…I…”

  “You what?” She held his gaze, her mouth in an inviting pout. “Do you want to kiss me, or don’t you?”

  His mouth fell open and he slammed it shut. He was struck dumb. Was that an invitation? It sure sounded like one. And her eyes were twinkling. Of course he wanted to kiss her. He was a hundred percent male. And she was a very attractive woman, who was now smiling at him, waiting for a response.

  He slid his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. “What do you think?”

  And then, he kissed her.

  CHAPTER TEN

  His kiss was light at first. Explorative. Not dominating or intrusive, but like a man who wasn’t sure if his kiss would be welcome. Jennie kissed him back, letting him know that it was. She hadn’t been kissed by anyone but her husband in ten years, and she had forgotten how one man’s lips could be sweeter than another. Nick’s lips were firm at first, but then softened and his breath was like honey. She felt heat between them, enough she hoped to melt the icicles around her heart.

  He slanted his head and deepened their kiss. She held on to his shoulders, accepting and giving in
response. As much as she welcomed the taste of his lips and the slow burn stirring inside of her, she didn’t want to be ravished, or be like the other women he knew who wanted him and let their wants be known.

  Hell no. She might be a widow, but she wasn’t desperate. Not with two sweet daughters to share her life with. But the girls weren’t here right now, and Nick was, so she might as well enjoy the next hours. He had promised to put a smile on her face, and by damn, he was!

  She pushed away and gave him an inquisitive look, unsure if she wanted to proceed or retreat. “That was nice. Thank you.”

  His lips twitched. “You’re welcome. Would you like another one?”

  “In a minute.” She sucked in a breath, feeling the chill of the cold night air. There were plenty of stars in the sky, adding another magical illusion to this fairytale night. Here she was, snuggled in a blanket, on a carriage ride heading for an unknown park beside a handsome, charming man who only wanted her to be happy.

  Was that the best thing or what! How did she get so lucky to crash into that tree and end up here? Whoa. Wait a minute. If that hadn’t happened she’d be with her parents and children right now, sitting next to a fireplace and watching the Grinch.

  She looked at him, trying to decide which was better.

  “What?”

  “Just thinking. I could be with my kids watching Christmas cartoons right about now. Instead, I’m here with you.”

  “Any regrets?”

  “About the kiss? No. Or the carriage ride.” Her eyes met his. “This was a wonderful surprise. Thank you.”

  He put an arm around her shoulder, and pulled her in close. She snuggled into him, and even dropped her head against his shoulder. It was strange to trust this man. But she did. Completely.

  He gently kissed the top of her head. She pulled the woolen cap off and stuffed it between her knees. Then she turned her face again, lifting it to look into his eyes. Her heart skidded and faltered. What was she doing? Was she ready to take a chance?

  Before she could answer that question she rushed ahead, wanting to embrace the moment, for good or bad. “I’m ready for a second one now.”