A Christmas for Carrie

by Alison Packard

  Touched by his sensitivity, she smiled. “If you’d offered an hour ago, I would have taken you up on it, but I’d like to stay. I haven’t decorated a tree since I was ten years old.”

  “That’s a long time,” Nick said and lightly feathered his fingers against her cheek one last time before lowering his hand. “Do you think you might want to engage in some other holiday activities?”

  “Like what?” she asked, missing his touch. If one of those other activities included unwrapping him like a Christmas present, she was all for it.

  “Like Christmas shopping. I still haven’t gotten anything for my parents.”

  “I do love to shop,” she said as she reached into the cardboard box and pulled out a set of assorted ornaments. “Anything else?”

  “Be my date next weekend at my parents’ party?” She opened her mouth to speak but he held up his hand. “Before you answer, I was thinking we could make a day of it. Shopping in the morning before the stores get too crowded and then later, the party. It’s just some close family friends, and my aunt and uncle. And you can leave anytime. No pressure.”

  The earnest expression on his face pretty much melted her heart. The kind boy she’d crushed on in high school hadn’t changed much. Why some woman hadn’t snapped him up was beyond her.

  “What do you say?” Nick tilted his head and flashed a charming grin. “Are we on?”

  Carrie smiled and handed him the ornaments. “You had me at shopping.”

  Chapter Five

  “The document is very straightforward.” Carrie looked up from the binder in front of her and smiled at the woman sitting across from her. “Your grandmother named you as executor of the trust, and you alone can make the decision about the distributions to your brother.”

  “What does that mean, exactly?” Emily Nelson, the granddaughter of one of Beck, Meadows and McCoy’s recently deceased clients asked.

  “It means that your grandmother left the disbursement of your brother’s share of the inheritance up to you. You set the rules.”

  Carrie wished she could tell Emily the unvarnished truth. But there was this thing called attorney-client privilege and she was bound to honor it—even after a client’s death. What she’d like to tell Emily was that Emily’s grandmother had been angry at her grandson for years, and to make the grandson pay for whatever it was he’d done, she’d decided to use her granddaughter, who had her own issues with her brother, to parse out the money she believed her grandson so desperately wanted. Why Mrs. Nelson hadn’t just cut her grandson out of the trust was a mystery. It would have sent the message in a much clearer fashion and kept Emily out of it.

  Seeing Emily’s frown, Carrie continued, “In simple terms, you can set up any requirement you want. For example, you may instruct him to provide a written request for whatever sum of money he’s asking for as well as provide a reason why he needs it.”

  “I see.” Emily sighed and leaned back in her chair. “Can I just give him his share and be done with it?”

  “Yes. It’s totally up to you how you want to handle it.” Carrie set her pen on the conference table, relieved that she’d convinced Mrs. Nelson to give Emily some leeway in how to disburse the funds. It appeared Emily wasn’t as vindictive as her grandmother. “Are you in contact with your brother?”

  “I haven’t talked to him in years.” Emily’s brown eyes filled with sadness. “I’m not even sure where he and his wife are living now.”

  “I can find that out for you. And I can also contact him for you. He should have a copy of the trust since he is one of the beneficiaries.”

  “I’d like that. The less contact I have with him, the better.”

  After the meeting was over, Carrie headed back to her office and couldn’t help but feel sorry for Emily Nelson. She seemed like a nice woman. It was too bad Emily’s grandmother chose to use her granddaughter to punish her grandson. Sadly, the firm had many clients with similar family issues. When it came to money, people got nasty. Even when they were related. As soon as she sat down at her desk, Gillian appeared in the doorway and pointed at her. “Christmas party. Yay or nay?”

  Carrie laughed. “I’m not sure yet.”

  Gillian rolled her eyes and let out a dramatic sigh. “I’m not giving up,” she said and backed out of the office. “See you at lunch,” she called out just before she disappeared from sight.

  Ten minutes later, Carrie was in the middle of drafting a letter to Emily’s brother when her cell phone rang. Her pulse sped up when she picked it up and saw Nick’s name on the small screen. It had been three days since she’d helped him and his parents trim their tree; she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t been hoping to hear from him before Saturday.

  “Good morning,” Nick said when she answered the phone. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “Not at all. I was just typing up a letter for a client.” Leaning back in her leather chair, she swiveled toward the window where, through the slats of the vertical blinds, she had a lovely view of the employee parking lot behind the building. Not that she was complaining. She was lucky to have her own office, let alone a window.

  “I won’t keep you long. Are you free tomorrow night? I scored two tickets to the art center’s Christmas play. My parents went opening night and said it was very well done.”

  Carrie’s heart all but danced a jig. “I’d love to go. I try to support the center as much as I can. The majority of their revenue comes from ticket sales.”

  “Great. I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty if that works for you.”

  “That’s perfect. I’ll see you tomorrow night,” Carrie said, and after she and Nick had said their goodbyes, she finished the letter and decided what to wear for her date with Nick. After all, multitasking was one of her strengths.

  * * *

  On Wednesday evening, Nick sat across from Carrie in the same Starbucks they’d visited after their movie date and couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.

  “How can you have been alive for thirty-two years and not ever once seen A Christmas Carol?” He shook his head. “I know you don’t like Christmas, but that movie and variations of it are on television every year. They’re virtually impossible to avoid.”

  “Okay. I guess should have been more succinct. I’ve never seen A Christmas Carol with Scrooge. But I’ve heard about it, and now after seeing the play tonight, I know I’ve definitely seen a variation of it. There was this Lifetime movie a few years back with Kayla Maxwell in it. She played this really bitchy bakery owner who hated Christmas. Anyway, she’s visited by the ghost of her former boss, who left her the bakery when she died. The ghost was not at all happy with how Kayla—I forgot her character’s name—treated her employees. For the rest of the movie the ghost dragged her around to observe things that had happened in the past, things that were happening to her employees in the present, and then the bad things that would happen in the future. Of course, she ended up realizing how horrible she’d been and changed her ways. By the end of the movie she loved Christmas, gave all of her employees a raise, and reunited with her first love.” Carrie rolled her eyes. “You know that never happens in real life.”

  “Are you sure about that?” Nick picked up his hot chocolate and took a sip.

  Carrie’s gaze narrowed over the cup she held in her hands. “You think you’re going to get me to love Christmas, don’t you?”

  “I’m gonna try my best.”

  She laughed. “I’m a tough sell.”

  “Maybe. But that doesn’t intimidate me.” He grinned. “I thrive on challenge.”

  “Is that why you love your job? The challenge of dealing with the enormous egos of professional athletes?” She set her cup on the table and brushed back a lock of hair. Her cheeks were still rosy from the cold, but Nick’s gaze was riveted on her lips. The urge to kiss her swamped him
and for one brief moment, he thought he might lean across the table and actually do it. He lifted his gaze and found her staring at him expectantly. She asked you a question, man. Get a grip.

  Nick cleared his throat, thankful he’d remembered her question. “That’s one of the reasons. The other is the excellent seats at just about any sports venue in the country.” He laughed at her surprised expression. “That’s one perk I take full advantage of, when I can.”

  “Did you ever get to meet Michael Jordan? You worshipped him in high school.”

  “I did, and I’m embarrassed to say that at that moment I turned into the same geeky fanboy I was back then. On the inside anyway. Outwardly, I was able to keep it together.”

  “You’ve made a great life for yourself.” The admiration in her voice pleased him. He wasn’t sure why, but her good opinion mattered. Maybe it was because that, despite the fact they hadn’t kept in touch, he’d thought about her every time he moved one step up the career ladder. If she hadn’t helped him academically all those years ago, he might not have gotten into the college of his choice. His path could have turned out much differently than it had.

  “That’s true. I’ve achieved almost all of the goals I set for myself...except one.”

  She tilted her head. “What’s that?”

  “A family. I thought I’d be married by now,” he said, surprised that he’d let that slip out. It wasn’t something he ever admitted out loud to anyone. Even his parents.

  “Why aren’t you?”

  “I’ve haven’t found the right person yet.” He held her gaze. “What about you? Do you see marriage in your future?”

  A kaleidoscope of emotions flickered in her eyes, but Nick couldn’t read a single one of them. He hoped her parents hadn’t soured her on marriage. Because of his parents, he knew how rewarding it was to have a partner to travel through life with.

  “If I found the right man, I’d definitely consider it.”

  Nick smiled. Good to know.

  * * *

  An hour later, Nick stood beside Carrie at her front door and let his gaze wander over her as she bent her head and rummaged through her purse looking for her keys. In her subtle way, she’d let him know she wasn’t ready for things to get physical this evening. An early briefing meeting with one of the associates before the associate’s 8:30 a.m. court date meant she had to rise earlier than usual. If she was ready to take things to the next level, an early-morning meeting wouldn’t have mattered. But she wasn’t at that place yet and he had no problem with that. He was willing to wait. There was no doubt in his mind that she was as attracted to him as he was to her. They would make love...and it would be soon.

  “I found them.” She held up the keys and smiled. “Thank you for another lovely evening.

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the play...especially since it was Christmas related.”

  “I think the theme is universal. It’s just happens to take place at Christmas.”

  “Nice try, Jones.” Nick leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. He pulled back only to have his breath jam in his throat. The glow from the porch light illuminated the unspoken desire in her eyes and sent what amounted to a lightning bolt straight through him. Their gazes held for what seemed like minutes until he couldn’t resist any longer—he pulled her into his arms and this time, his kiss wasn’t gentle.

  Her mouth was warm and, like the drink she’d just finished at Starbucks, she tasted of caramel and apples. Her low moan as she pressed her body to his only fueled his desire. He slid his hand up her back, fisted his fingers in her silky hair and deepened the kiss. Their lips and tongues tangled hotly until some semblance of sanity returned and he pulled back. His gaze lowered to her lips. They were moist and swollen from his kiss. She looked as sexy as hell and he wanted her. Badly.

  “I should leave before we give your neighbors something to talk about.” He released her and took a step back. Cold air whooshed over him and he was grateful for it. In a matter of seconds his body had heated to a boiling point and his dick was straining against his slacks. It had been years since a mere kiss could turn him on this quickly. But Carrie had that effect on him. It was damn unsettling.

  Carrie smiled and glanced over his shoulder. “Mrs. Bowers is probably watching us right now. She’s the neighborhood busybody. By noon tomorrow, the rest of the block will know that I was making out with some guy on my front porch.”

  Nick laughed. “If it was my parents’ neighborhood the rest of the block would know by dawn.” Unable to keep from touching her, he lifted his hand and caressed her soft, smooth cheek with his finger. “You haven’t changed your mind about Saturday, have you?”

  “No. I’d like to get a present for Gillian and going shopping with you gives me the perfect opportunity to pick something up.”

  “And the party?” He lowered his hand. “You’ll still be my date?”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Really?” He cocked his head. “You’re not even a little nervous?”

  She bit her bottom lip and shrugged a shoulder. “Well, maybe a little. But you’ll be there, and I really like your parents.”

  “They like you too.” She half turned and unlocked the front door. “I’ll pick you up at eight-thirty. We can grab some coffee and a quick bite to eat before we hit the road to Sacramento.”

  “I’ll be ready.” She stepped into the house and pivoted to look at him. “I had a great time with you tonight,” she said softly and then closed the door.

  Nick stared at the door for several seconds before leaving the porch and heading for the Explorer. And for the second time in a week, he was harder than a damn rock.

  * * *

  Carrie locked the door behind her and then moved to the front window. Moving the curtain aside, she watched Nick stride to his SUV and disappear out of sight. Several seconds later, he started the engine and drove away.

  With a sigh, she let the curtain fall back into place and unbuttoned her coat. After a kiss like the one she and Nick just shared she needed to cool off. She’d been kissed before, by a few guys, but, seriously, Nick put them all to shame. If he’d kissed her one moment longer, she would have incinerated. Hell, her body was still on fire.

  After hanging her coat in the closet, she turned off the porch light and headed for her bedroom. An early-morning meeting was on her agenda for tomorrow and even though she was home in time to get a good night’s sleep, she had a feeling sleep would be hard to come by. It had been fourteen years since she’d lain awake in bed and fantasized about Nick Johnson. But, tonight, that was exactly what she intended to do.

  Chapter Six

  Inside the Brighton store, Carrie thanked the saleswoman who’d rung up her purchase and then turned to find Nick in the middle of the store at one of the jewelry display counters. Oblivious to the shoppers around him, his focus was on the task at hand—buying a gift for his mother.

  For several seconds, Carrie let her gaze linger on his lean muscular frame, and although she tried to ignore the liquid pool of heat low in her belly, she couldn’t. A lot had changed in fourteen years, but her physical reaction to Nick hadn’t changed one bit. She was as hot for him as she’d been in high school.

  Almost as if he sensed her watching him, Nick turned and as their eyes met there was a moment of sizzling awareness. Carrie sucked in a surprised breath and held it. Stunned, she stayed rooted to the spot until the spell was broken by two giggling teenage girls who passed in front of her. She let out a long breath as Nick beckoned her with a wave of his hand.

  “Which one did you decide on?” she asked, moving to stand next to him. On Carrie’s right, a woman rounded the counter, forcing her closer to Nick. With her shoulder pressed against his, she stared at the charms but couldn’t seem to focus. All she could think about was the solidness of
Nick’s shoulder touching hers and how very much she wanted to get naked with him.

  “That one.” Nick pointed to a charm in the top row. “My mom collects vintage purses and that’s a purse. What do you think?”

  Already impressed with Nick’s thoughtful gift selection for his father, Carrie gave him extra points for actually knowing his mother collected purses. “Good choice. I’m sure she’ll love it.”

  “I hope so. I don’t think she has it yet. She started the charm bracelet earlier this year.”

  One of the sales staff, an attractive brunette, walked up to them and smiled. “May I help you?”

  “I’d like to get this one.” Nick pointed to the charm and Carrie moved aside to give the saleswoman room to open the drawer and retrieve the charm.

  “Is there anything else, sir?” the brunette asked politely.

  “No. That’s it,” Nick replied and turned to follow the woman to the register.

  Carrie touched Nick’s arm, stopping him in his tracks. “While you’re paying for that I’m going over to Victoria’s Secret. It’s just a few stores down. Can we meet out front? It won’t take long, I know what I’m getting.”

  “Sure you don’t need my help?” There was a wicked curve to his lips as he pulled his wallet from the back pocket of his jeans. “If you want to try a few things on I’d be happy to give you my opinion.”

  She tilted her head, unable to keep her smile in check. “You have an opinion on underwear?”

  “That depends. Are we talking granny panties or thongs?”

  “That’s classified information.”

  “Not for long.” His prolonged stare sent hot blood to her cheeks.

  Carrie’s pulse quickened. Was he implying what she thought he was implying? “Oh, no. You don’t get to look in my shopping bag, mister.”

  “Who said I was talking about your shopping bag?” Nick retorted and flashed a devilish grin before turning and heading for the cash register.