by Joy Brooks
“Very nice.”
She shrugged. “It’s not very big, but I like it. It suits me.”
He strode over to the Christmas tree and fingered a brass ornament. “You put my home to shame. I haven’t put up a tree.”
“Why not? I’m sure Kyle would love to decorate a tree.”
Ian didn’t turn to fully face her, but she could still see a frown cross his face. “My wife always saw to such things.” He released the ornament. “Besides, my mother always invites us to her home for Christmas. Kyle helps decorate her tree.”
Katie spoke softly. “It’s not the same, Mr. Stokely.”
Ian turned to her then. “Maybe not.” He studied her for a moment, then said, “We are on a date, call me Ian.”
Katie let out a nervous laugh. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to dating a student’s father.”
Ian grinned. “I’m not used to dating my son’s teacher.”
When he closed the space between them, Katie’s first thought was to take a step back, but she didn’t. She didn’t want to.
He brought up a hand to cup her cheek. “Do I make you nervous? If I do, it’s not my intention.”
She swallowed, and his eyes watched the movement. “No.”
“Good.”
Katie stood transfixed as his mouth moved toward hers. It was all she could do not to leap toward him and claim his mouth before his lips reached hers. When they finally did, she closed her eyes and drank in the taste of him. His cologne and his masculine scent sent her emotions into overdrive. His soft lips pressing against hers and the way his tongue traced her lower lip, wanting entrance into her mouth, left her knees weak. She parted her lips and moaned softly when his tongue entered her mouth to entwine around hers.
His kiss was slow and gentle. Her senses reeled from the magnificent caress. She drowned in the sensations of his lips moving against hers and his tongue exploring her mouth. She wanted more, but she was afraid to go after it. When he started to move back from her, she had to fight herself not to grasp his suit jacket and keep him still. She breathed in deeply to catch his scent before he completely moved away from her. Katie opened her eyes when his hand dropped from her cheek.
Was it her imagination or did his voice sound a little husky when he spoke.
“We had better go.”
Katie picked up her coat, which had been draped over the couch, and followed him to the door. After locking it, he helped her with her coat, and then they headed to the parking lot. Neither said a word, and she was glad of it. She didn’t know what to say. She wanted to tell him she sensed a need in his kiss, and she wanted to fill it.
The weather, though cold, wasn’t unduly so. Katie was still glad when they reached the parking lot. She gaped at the shiny black sports car parked under a street lamp. It brought back to her mind how out of her financial league he was. He opened the door for her, and she slid onto the comfortable black leather seat to fasten her seatbelt. He strode around the car, and her pulse jumped when he slid into the seat beside her.
The engine sprang to life and they turned onto the street toward the lake. Katie sat in silence and watched the dark scenery sweep past.
“I told Kyle as I dropped him off at my mother’s that I was taking you to the Christmas Benefit and he made me promise I would tell you hi.”
Katie grinned. “Please tell him I said hi back.”
“I will.”
“Tell me something about this Children’s Christmas Benefit.”
“A group of churches get together every year and raise money for needy families during Christmas. They hand out food baskets and presents to kids. You’d be surprised at how many families come to them for aid. It grows every year with people being laid off work. I do what I can. I donate money every year from Stokely Enterprises. I also donate on behalf of Kyle and myself. What money is left over is used to help pay house payments and energy bills for those in need.”
“That is truly a worthy cause.”
“Yes, it is.”
“How did you get involved in it?”
“After I moved my headquarters from Atlanta to Milledgeville, I received a phone call from a pastor of a local church asking to meet with me. To this day, I don’t know what prompted me to say yes. I met with the pastor, and he gave me his spiel about helping the poor of our community. I was a little skeptical at first and he sensed it. He invited me on a tour to show me what the Christian Organization did. I have to say, I was shocked. I mean, I’ve always known there were poor people, but what surprised me was how many people I’ve always considered to be the middle class who were also hurting and in need. I stay busy, and being a widowed father, I don’t have much time to spare. I offered the only thing I have plenty of to give. I’ve been helping financially ever since.”
“It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing.”
“There are a lot of people who help out. People offer what they can. I’m not doing anything special.”
Katie studied him for a moment. Tall, Dark, Handsome, Wealthy, and Modest. The woman who broke through to his heart would be a lucky woman indeed.
****
Ian pulled into a well-lit parking space and turned off the engine. As he unbuckled his seatbelt he said, “I hope you don’t find this boring.”
Katie smiled and spoke as Ian got out of the car. “I think this is a wonderful thing. I don’t see how I could be bored.”
Her hand went to the door handle, but before she could open it, Ian said, “Allow me.”
“I thought chivalry was a lost art.”
“My father would reach down from heaven and smack me if I didn’t show proper respect for a lady.”
He held her hand as they walked to the lodge door. As soon as they stepped inside, a man grasped Ian’s free hand in a quick handshake.
“Glad you could make it, Ian. It’s always wonderful to see such a devout sponsor.”
“Pastor Wilson, it’s nice to see you again. I would like to introduce Katie Holston.”
Pastor Wilson dropped Ian’s hand and grasped hers. “It’s nice to meet you, Katie. We’re delighted to have you join us this evening.” He patted her hand as he released it. “Ah, Katie, could I borrow Ian for just a moment?”
“Oh, sure.” She pulled her hand from Ian’s grasp.
Ian took her arm and led her away from the door. “I’ll be right back.”
He walked a few steps away, and Pastor Wilson brought him to a halt.
“Your brother is here, Ian.”
“What?” Ian ran a hand through his dark hair. “Is he drunk? Has he caused any problems?”
“No. He has been drinking, but so far he’s behaved himself.”
“Where is he? I’ll get rid of him.”
“We don’t want any trouble. Use your best judgment. He’s sitting at the head table waiting for you.”
Ian nodded and turned to stride back to Katie.
Chapter 3
Katie smiled at all the Christmas decorations adorning the lodge. Her favorite was a miniature sleigh running on train tracks that were set on adjoining tables around the room. The tiny Santa “ho, ho, ho”’d as it zoomed around. She turned back to where Ian had gone. Her smile faded as she watched Ian walk back toward her. He didn’t look pleased. Whatever could Pastor Wilson have said to put such a scowl on his face?
He didn’t say anything when he grasped her arm to lead her to the table set in front of the stage where a band played Christmas Carols. The lead singer belted out a popular tune to the pleasure of those already seated at the other tables. One person sat at the head table and he rose when they approached.
Before the man could speak Ian ground out, “What are you doing here, Frank?”
Frank lifted his glass to his lips. “I’ve come to help represent Stokely Enterprises. After all, I am the Vice-President, brother.”
Brother? Katie never thought about Ian having siblings. All the times she and Kyle had talked when waiting on Ian, he never mentioned an uncle.
/> “You’re drunk. This is not an image I want representing Stokely Enterprises. Take a cab and go home.”
“I’m not drunk!” Frank shook his head. “You’re never going to forgive me, are you? Every time I see you, you accuse me of being drunk. It’s been two years, Ian. I know you have suffered, but so have I.”
“Go home, Frank.”
Frank set his now empty glass on the table and held out his hands in surrender. “If that’s what you really want, I’ll leave. I came to visit Mother and she told me about the fundraiser. I thought I would come and support you. I assumed you would be alone. I can see, though, that you don’t need me.”
Frank nodded his head in acknowledgment of Katie. “My name is Frank Stokely. I’m Ian’s older brother. I’m the disappointment in the family. Ian hates me. My mother tolerates me. My father was so disgusted with me before he died, he left the company to Ian.” Frank let out the most forlorn sigh she had ever heard. “I deserved it though. I also deserve Ian’s hatred of me.” He turned his attention back to his brother. “I don’t know how many times I have asked for your forgiveness.”
Ian’s voice grated out in suppressed anger. “This is not the time to be airing our family’s dirty laundry.”
“No, I suppose it isn’t.” Frank spoke to Katie. “I’m sorry. I was out of line. I shouldn’t have spouted out my problems to you.” Tears glistened in his eyes as he looked back to Ian. “I’m not drunk.” He picked up his empty glass. “It was ginger ale. I’m a little up-tight that’s all. I just…I just miss my brother. I only wanted to spend a little time with you. It’s been so long.”
Katie spoke. “Ian, maybe I should go. I can call a cab. It appears you have a family matter to take care of.”
Ian grasped her hand again. “No, you’re staying and he’s going.”
“Ian’s right. I’m going. I didn’t mean to spoil your date. Enjoy your evening.” Frank took a few steps away, then swung back. “Oh, I forgot.” He pulled an envelope from his pocket. “Here.” He held it out to Ian. “It’s a donation.”
“Give it to Pastor Wilson on your way out and, Frank, call a cab.”
Frank dropped his hand holding the envelope and glared at his brother. “I don’t need a cab. Smell the damn glass, Ian.” He quickly turned and headed away from them.
Katie almost gasped out when Ian’s hand tightened painfully on hers. He must have realized immediately what he had done and dropped her hand.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
She flexed her fingers. “No harm done.”
Ian’s gaze followed the path his brother took from the room. Katie saw pain in his eyes. She couldn’t imagine what had happened to put such agony there. He turned back to her, and she watched the sudden release of the tension in his body.
“I’m sorry you had to witness that.”
Katie expected him to say more. Instead, he pulled out a chair for her before sitting down beside her. Frank’s glass sat before her. Before she thought better of it, she picked it up and without thinking, smelled it.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
She glanced up in surprise. “I didn’t think. I’m sorry. Your brother said to smell the glass.” Katie set it back down. “It’s none of my business, but I think you need to smell it. He was telling the truth. Frank was drinking ginger ale.” She shrank back from the cold glare he sent her way.
“You need to mind your own business.”
Her face flushed as red as the tablecloth. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to pry.”
Ian’s gaze stayed on her for a moment before he let out a long sigh. “Forget it. I know you meant no harm.”
Katie nodded and sat back stiffly to listen to the Christmas music. She had stepped over a line and didn’t know how to get things back on comfortable footing. Her mind raced with what to say. She silently thanked the people who joined them at that moment.
Soon, all the tables were filled and caterers came from the kitchen with a variety of dishes. Katie cut a slice of roast beef and tasted the succulent fare. She almost moaned at the exquisite taste. The meat was tender, and her taste buds exploded. At least she would get a good meal out of the date she had ruined by being too nosey.
Pastor Wilson, who sat across from them, spoke. “Ian, on behalf of the Children’s Christian Benefit, I wish to thank you for another generous donation. Your and Stokely Enterprises’ combined donation doubled our intake for this year.”
Ian nodded. “No need to thank me or Stokely Enterprises. I know you and the Christian Organization will put the money to good use.”
“You shouldn’t be so modest. You have put food on many a table and given presents to children who wouldn’t otherwise have any.”
Ian shook his head. “I’m only a small part in a big effort. Your organization is the true hero, not Stokely Enterprises, nor me.”
“It’s people like you who make us, Ian.”
“As I said, it’s a great effort by many people.”
Pastor Wilson grinned at Katie. “I wish all sponsors were as modest as Ian Stokely.”
Katie didn’t know what to say, so she just nodded politely. Pastor Wilson turned his attention to his wife, and Katie was glad of it. She didn’t want to talk to him about an organization she knew so little about. Even if she did know something about it, she couldn’t help them, financially anyway.
After the meal ended, Katie sat back and listened to Pastor Wilson and others of the Children’s Christmas Benefit speak of the organization’s goals. An hour later, Pastor Wilson wished the sponsors a good night and a safe trip home. Ian had said little to her, but under the circumstances, he really hadn’t had time.
Ian turned toward her. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes.”
Ian stood, and she joined him. “I hope you enjoyed yourself. I have to admit, it is rather boring, but the cause is worth a couple of hours.”
Katie slid her arm through his. “I’m glad you brought me. I’m actually thinking about checking into the organization to see if I could volunteer.”
Ian squeezed her hand. “That’s wonderful. I’m sure they could use the help.”
It took a few minutes to get out the door with all the handshaking and the invitations to come back next year. Finally, they were outside, and Katie breathed in the cold crisp air.
Ian didn’t let go of her hand as they made their way to his sports car. The trip home was in companionable silence. Katie glanced at Ian as they pulled into her apartment parking lot. She didn’t know whether she should invite him in. This was their first date, but she had known him since the beginning of school. Listening to Kyle talk of him, he didn’t seem a stranger at all.
She said the words before she could stop herself. “Would you like to come in for coffee?”
Some emotion she couldn’t read flashed in his eyes. Even though she didn’t know what it meant, she knew he would turn her down. She hid her surprise when he said, “I’d love too.”
She reached for the door handle and he said, “Stay put.”
Ian slid from the car and strode around to open the door for her. He took her hand and led the way to her apartment. Katie dug her keys out of her purse and opened the door with a shaking hand. What had she done? Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. He was too potent to her senses.
When they stepped inside, Katie plugged in the Christmas tree lights. She then turned on a small lamp set in the back on the room. She loved to sit in the dark and watch the Christmas lights blinking. The beauty of the twinkling colored lights in the darkened room took her breath.
Ian stepped up beside her. “It’s beautiful.”
“I love a Christmas tree. When I was growing up, there was many a time I didn’t have a tree. I promised myself when I was grown and on my on, I would never spend a Christmas without one. I’ve kept that promise.”
“Why didn’t you have a tree?”
Katie sighed. “It’s a long story.” She moved toward the kitchen. “I�
��ll get our coffee.”
It unnerved her a bit to find he followed her.
“Need any help?”
“Oh, no, I have it. I only have instant though.”
“Instant is fine.”
“Cream and sugar?”
“No, black.”
Katie put a kettle on the stove, and then took two cups from a cabinet. “Are you ready for Christmas? I imagine Kyle has given you quite a list. He’s mentioned to me several things he wants for Christmas.”
“So far I have two sheets full of items.”
Katie chuckled. “You’re not going to give him all that, are you?”
“No. I told him to pick a few things off his list. He did, and then told me that if Santa had room on his sleigh, he wouldn’t mind at all if Santa sent a few more things.”
Her chuckle turned into a laugh. “He’s a smart boy.”
“What about you? Are you ready?”
Katie’s laugher died quickly. “I guess so. I don’t have a big list of people to buy for.”
Ian moved closer. “How about helping me? I admit I tend to wait until the last minute to shop. If you helped, it would motivate me to shop a little earlier.”
“Ian, it’s only a little over a week until Christmas. I would say you have waited until the last minute.”
“When I say the last minute, I mean I usually shop on Christmas Eve.”
“Oh, I guess you do procrastinate.”
“Will you help me?”
She looked into his eyes. He was teasing her, but at the same time, he was serious. “Yes, I think you may need some help, Mr. Procrastinator.”
Ian brought a hand up to cup her cheek. “Thanks. Tomorrow is Thursday. I have a board meeting to attend, so what about Friday?”
“That will be fine. What time?”
“I’ll pick you up at nine.”
Ian hadn’t removed his hand. His calloused fingers slid across her check. A thought flitted through her mind: his rough hands showed he didn’t run his business behind a desk. She swallowed as his fingers moved to her lips.
Just then, the kettle whistled. Ian reached behind her with his other hand and flipped off the switch, and then he moved the kettle from the burner. Katie kept her eyes on his face. His pupils darkened, and she found herself swallowing again. She couldn’t help the wanton desire building in her. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to push him against the counter and have her way with him.