A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

by Wilton, Patrice

  Being a single woman and a nurse, Linda probably already signed up to work. Jordon, his hair stylist, might still be free. Perhaps he could do something nice for her. Take her into Philly. They could go see the Nutcracker. He wasn’t a fan of ballet, but it was supposed to be a beautiful show. They could spend the night, have sex and a very nice Christmas.

  He’d call her right away before he had a chance to change his mind. Her number was on his cell. He’d check in. They usually got together every few months.

  She answered on the first ring. “Hey, Nick. How’re you doing? Surviving the holidays?”

  “Yeah. Barely. I was just checking to see if you were free. Thought we might go into Philly Christmas morning. Spend the day and catch a show that night. It would be fun.”

  “Uh, sorry, Nick, but you’re about two months out of date.” She hesitated. “I’m seeing someone. A chiropractor.”

  “Oh! Well.” He frowned. Why hadn’t he known? He’d been in for a hair cut ten days ago. She hadn’t said anything about it. Feeling foolish, he said, “I’m happy for you. Hope everything works out and that he’s good to you.”

  “So far, things are looking up.” Jordon added casually, “Try Linda. She’s been seeing a young intern lately, but you never know.”

  His jaw dropped. They knew about each other? Damn. His reputation wasn’t much better than Byron. Time to make a few changes around here.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Jennie commandeered the upstairs bathroom early the next morning. She wanted to get her hair washed and her legs shaved before the girls got up and demanded her attention. She’d be wearing jeans, so shaving was optional as no one would be seeing her legs, but it made her feel attractive.

  And just because the girls and her family needed distancing from Nick, didn’t mean she had to stay clear. Protecting her daughters was her priority. Not maintaining celibacy. So just in case, she gave herself a really good shave, put on soothing body lotion to fight off the harsh winter dryness, and a touch of perfume on the nape of her neck.

  Not that she was planning on doing anything with Nick, and she hadn’t even met the insurance adjustor yet, but preparation never hurt anyone.

  Jennie dried her hair, trying to eliminate the frizz and curl, and it fell sleek and pretty to her shoulders. Her green eyes sparkled and she wondered if it was all the thoughts running through her head.

  She had the good girl inside warring with the naughty one. Good girl says, get out of Heaven as quickly as possible. Make the necessary arrangements for the car, pick up Rasco, smile nicely at Nick and wish him a very happy Christmas. Good girl says it wouldn’t be bad to give him a friendly kiss on the cheek.

  Bad girl says that’s a terrible idea. She had a perfect opportunity to have great sex for the first time in a year. No one other than her, Nick and the dog would ever know. He would like it, she would like it, and then she could return to her children and her family bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. It would be a very jolly Christmas indeed.

  Bad girl smiled at herself in the mirror. Jennie turned her back on her, and walked into the bedroom to quickly get dressed. The girls were up, she could hear them giggling in the bedroom next door. They had twin beds, and Nana had put up a small Christmas tree for them. They were beyond excited about Santa coming, and so far, they had yet to mention their dad.

  It made her sad, for she was a good girl after all. Her kids were adjusting to life without Daniel. Their tears had stopped and they didn’t keep asking for him. But she wanted to keep his memory alive, and forgetting that wonderful man and father would be a tragedy.

  She slipped into a light blue pair of undies and a matching bra. Her breasts were good and even after two children her stomach was firm and flat. Weight had never been an issue, but her appetite had waned significantly in the past year. There were nights when she and the kids ate Healthy Choice dinners and light popcorn for dessert. Those nights were increasing lately, although she made a point to always cook a proper meal for the three of them on weekends.

  Once she was dressed in her jeans and a long sleeved mint green tee, she popped her head into the girls’ room. “What’s going on in here?” she whispered, not hearing anyone stirring downstairs. She stepped inside and gave them both a kiss. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

  “Uh-huh. When you said goodnight,” Brooke answered.

  “And yesterday morning when we jumped in your arms,” Katie said laughing. She tossed a pillow at her mother. “Can we have another snowball fight?”

  “Yeah!” Brooke jumped out of her own bed, and pounced on her sister. “Can we? Please?”

  “Well, I would love to say yes, but I have to go and speak to the adjustor about my car. If you like I could drop you off at Aunt Christy’s or leave you here with Nana and Papa.”

  “Uh. I want to do both,” Brooke said. “What do you want to do Katie?”

  “I want to go ice skating. Can we come with you, Mom? Can we?”

  She would have said yes, but for the dog. “I’m not sure how long the car’s going to take. It wouldn’t be any fun for you kids waiting around in a gas station. “Maybe Aunt Christy will take you and the boys skating.”

  “I think she will,” Brooke said, with a determined tilt to her chin. “Call and ask her, pretty please?”

  “I’ll do that.” Jennie kissed her tiny nose. “And when I get back we’ll go see the tree lights in the neighborhood. That’s always fun. And don’t forget we have tickets to Disney on Ice for Boxing day.”

  “When is Christmas again?” Brooke asked.

  Katie answered, “Two more days. It’s Monday, and Christmas is Wednesday. Then we go to Disney on Ice the following day. Right, Mom?”

  “That’s right, and we still have more days before we have to drive home. We will leave here on New Year’s Day.”

  “When is that?” Brooke wanted to know.

  “A week from Christmas, so it’s a Wednesday.”

  “Okay. I have to go to the bathroom now.” Jennie smiled as Brooke trotted off. “She’s an amazing little girl, just like you are. I’m a lucky ducky having you both.”

  “I miss Dad,” Katie said and buried her head in the pillow. “Every single day.”

  “I do too, sweetheart. But he’s not far away. He’s in the clouds and can hear you and see you, and knows when you’re thinking about him. He knows when you’re happy and sad, and it’s okay to talk to him. I do all the time.”

  “Santa knows when we’re happy and sad too. Maybe he lives near Santa. Heaven’s beyond the clouds, probably not far from the North Pole.”

  Jennie gave up on that logic and kissed her daughter’s head. “You’re probably right. Maybe he’s helping Santa with the gifts this year, and he’ll get an extra special one for you and Brooke.”

  Katie sat up, her auburn braids on either side of her face. Her brown eyes widened as she grinned. “That’s way cool.”

  “You’re way cool. Now how about you go to the bathroom and then get dressed? I’ll be down in the kitchen.”

  “Okay, Mom. If you see Nick, tell him we hope he has a happy Christmas.”

  “I will my love.” Smiling, she left her daughters to dress, and went downstairs to make the coffee and get the children’s breakfast started.

  She called her sister, and Christie said she’d be happy to take the kids to the rink. “When we’re done I’ll drop them back at Grandma’s. So, tell me, is this trip to Heaven all business, or will you be mixing in a little pleasure?”

  “Uh, not sure what you mean. But yes, I will deal with the car and then pick up a surprise for the girls.”

  “The dog that you almost ran over?”

  “That’s the one. Unless someone claimed him.”

  “I think they would have by now. But it is strange, isn’t it?”

  “I guess so. If they didn’t want him, why not put him in a shelter?” Jennie lowered her voice, not wanting the girls to hear what they were talking about. “Maybe he ran away and g
ot lost.”

  “Or was sent by an angel.”

  “Yeah.” Jennie glared at the phone. “Like that’s real likely.”

  “So are you going to see Mr. Chef and Good looking?”

  She laughed. “Yes.”

  “Well, in that case, have fun. Don’t rush back. I’ll take care of the girls.”

  “I’m not staying the night,” Jennie said sharply. “I’m not at all ready for that.”

  “You’ve got to do it sometime, hon. Might as well take the plunge.”

  “It will happen when the time is right. If it’s this afternoon, so be it.”

  “Did you shave your legs?” Christy asked.

  “Of course.”

  Her sister giggled. “So, it did cross your mind. Remember we always said if you don’t shave, you won’t be tempted. That was our no-sex rule.”

  As if she’d forgotten? “Just a precaution.” She cleared her throat. “I can’t imagine what it will feel like. You know? Someone new?”

  “It will feel wonderful, and exciting, and all those good things.”

  “Gotta go, Chris. I hear the pitter-patter of little feet coming down the stairs.”

  “Tell the girls I’ll pick them up at ten.”

  “Thanks, sis.”

  “Go. Do it! This could be your Christmas present to yourself. You deserve it, honey.”

  The words stayed with her during the short ride to Heaven. She wasn’t sure what she deserved anymore. Everything she’d ever wanted had been hers, and then it was taken away. What would an afternoon of sex prove? That she wasn’t dead from the waist down? The kiss had told her that. She’d felt a tingling and a need, and even though she felt guilty about it, she wanted to do it again. She wanted to feel. To love. Was that so wrong? It seemed like a betrayal to Daniel and yet, when will she have mourned long enough? One year, two years, a decade from now?

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  A light snow was falling by the time she entered Heaven. Just as it had the day she had hit the tree. And met Nick. It was a soft, fluffy snow, not the kind that made driving hazardous, but the kind that angels would make, creating a magical holiday mood to lift the spirits. Her heart was lighter already.

  There was something so peaceful and serene about this town. A safe harbor for her battered heart and wounded soul. She knew Nick was lonely. Oh, he’d never admit it, but he seemed like a man that had never had many friends. A loner, someone who didn’t quite fit in. He was liked by everyone, or so it seemed, but she sensed that he was on guard. On guard for what? What was he afraid of?

  Rejection? Falling in love? Being vulnerable? Heck, all people felt that to some extent, but if you didn’t open your heart and go for it, then you were living in a vacuum.

  When she arrived at the gas station, the adjustor had not yet shown up, so she called Nick to let him know she was in town.

  “You’re here?” he asked, and she could swear she heard excitement in his voice.

  “I am. Just waiting on this guy—again. Guess I have to get an appraisal next.”

  “That shouldn’t be difficult. Once you get past this, things will start moving quickly,” he told her. “When do you have to be back in Virginia?”

  “Not ’til Monday, the 4th.”

  “That gives you plenty of time.”

  “It better,” she said with a smile. “So are you at the restaurant cooking?”

  “I am. Can’t you smell it?”

  “Uh, garlic, herbs, butter, am I getting close?”

  “Good guess. Not the butter though. I’m making a Sambuca tomato sauce which is amazing over fresh grilled shrimp. The anise flavor of the Sambuca melds beautifully with the richness of fresh tomatoes and basil. Don’t you agree?”

  She laughed. “Oh, by all means. My mouth is already watering.”

  “Stay tonight. Come for dinner.”

  “I can’t. I’ve got to get back to the kids and family.”

  He was silent for a few moments. “When you finish up with your car, at least join me at the bistro for lunch. Then you can follow me back home, pick up Rasco, and leave whenever you’re ready. Although I do believe another ride in the park might be in order.”

  Her pulse speeded up and she swallowed hard, thinking about that first kiss, followed by the others. Nothing clumsy or intrusive, as if he was careful and considerate about her feelings. She wondered how hot his kisses would be if she wasn’t a widow.

  “I see a car pulling up,” she said, sounding breathless. “I better go.”

  “Fine. I’ll be waiting for you.”

  She felt a sexual stirring in her tummy. Was she making too much out of nothing? One more desperate woman who wanted to snag this great guy?

  “Later,” she said and hung up, then left the warm interior of her rented car to meet the gentleman heading her way.

  “Thank you for coming so soon,” she said, offering her hand. “I wasn’t sure if I’d see you before Christmas.”

  “I’m working until four tomorrow, then I can enjoy the holiday.” He gave her a brief smile and shook her hand. “This won’t take long. Let’s have a look and then you can be on your way.”

  Jennie grabbed a coffee from the shop, and said hello to Geoff who was working the morning shift. She scanned a local paper and before she was through the adjustor was done. He asked her some questions, took down her information, and said they would be in touch.

  It wasn’t even noon, but she was free to leave. Knowing Main Street had no parking she left her rental car where it was and walked the short distance. Snow fell, but it wasn’t cold. She felt blanketed in peace.

  She popped into a few of the gift stores and even bought herself a book to read. She figured she’d take it with her to the bistro, and have something to get herself immersed in while Nick was busy with the lunch crowd.

  When she entered, Ally gave her a big smile and pointed to the kitchen door. “He’s waiting in there. Has a table set up just for you.” Her eyes were twinkling. “What did you do to this guy? He’s never been so ga-ga over anyone before. Not since I’ve known him anyway.”

  Jennie’s knees wobbled. Her insides were jumping all over the place. Could this be real? Did she want Nick to care about her? Was she ready to care about him?

  “I think he just feels responsible,” she said slowly. “He thinks the car crash ruined my holidays.”

  “It’s more than that. A little guilt, maybe. But he’s been in and out of the restaurant for the past half hour, looking for you. Told me he wanted to serve you himself. Then he put a table together, found a tablecloth, and asked Byron to run down the street and get some flowers.” Ally’s eyes were big, her smile wide. “He’s gone overboard to impress you.”

  Jennie’s heart hummed. Was he the one who’d make her heart kick start again? Could these feelings be strong enough to survive the winter months, the distance between them, and did she want them to be? Her pulse raced with excitement, and a touch of fear. She knew nothing of what the future would bring. It was just the here and now.

  “I like him too,” she said simply and pushed the kitchen door open to step inside.

  Nick’s face lit up, and her own face split into a smile. She felt young, beautiful and wanted. “Hey,” she said softly, moving forward. “You’ve been looking for me?”

  “I have.” He reached for her hands and pulled her to his chest. His mouth came down on hers. Firm. In control. Letting her know exactly what he wanted, and how much he needed. He kissed her for several seconds, and they both heard the kitchen door open, and then close again. He still didn’t release her.

  Finally she broke away, her eyes searching his face, seeing more than she was ready for. “I missed you,” he said.

  “Nick…” she began.

  “I know. It’s too soon. But I’m a patient man.”

  She bit her bottom lip, wondering exactly how patient. “I’ll be going back to Virginia for the school term. I’m not taking the kids out in the middle of the year. I’ll be gone
in a week.”

  “I know. That’s fine. But I have today. At least a few hours, so let me enjoy it.” He pulled out a folding chair from the makeshift table, and she sat with a wide smile. Anise, garlic, wine. If this wasn’t heaven, it sure was temptation.

  “This is so sweet of you.”

  “I thought you might want to sample that shrimp dish, and it’s not being served until tonight. It’s this evening’s special.”

  “I would.” She fiddled with her napkin, embarrassed by his show of affection. “Thank you.”

  He poured her a glass of Chardonnay. She saw the label and recognized it as a very highly priced wine.

  She lifted her glass. “Won’t you have one too?”

  His eyes brightened. “I will. Why not? We’re celebrating the holidays.”

  “Do you ever skip work? What happens if you’re not here?”

  “Ally and Byron cover for me.”

  “I see.” After he poured his own glass, she raised hers in a toast. “Maybe we could celebrate early?” Her heart fluttered. How could she have just said that? Did she really want to sleep with him? Her body was crying with need, but what about her heart? What if after he took the night off, she couldn’t go through with it?

  He clinked glasses with her, his eyes never leaving her face. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard in years.”

  She took a sip of the delicious wine and then set her glass down. He did also, copying her movements. He captured her face in his hands and bent to give her a soft, gentle kiss that stirred her insides and warmed her soul. She felt herself melt, wanting to believe that he might be the one. Someone to end her heartache, someone to love.

  “This is happening so soon. I don’t know what to think,” she said, fighting the urge to run like the wind, or hang on tight and never let him go.

  “I don’t either. Let’s not worry about it.” He straightened and put a hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “See what happens.”

  He turned away, and she felt cold. She wanted his hands on her, his kisses, and more. She watched his back for a moment, trying to make sense of it all, but it was an impossible task. She’d only met him a few days ago, whatever they were feeling had to be lust. Not love. Intelligently, she knew that, but her heart wouldn’t accept it.