by Hebby Roman
Then without conscious thought, she did something unlike her. She stepped into his arms and pressed her lips to his. And, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he pulled her in tighter and kissed her back.
After a moment, he stood back, looking stunned. “That was nice. I—”
The last thing she wanted was to be separated from those soft lips and strong arms. With an insatiable need to be part of another being, she pulled him in and took him in a passionate kiss. When they finally came up for breath, he rested his cheek against hers. Their chests pounded together with every labored inhale and exhale, which she felt as his breath washed over her cheeks. His smoldering eyes focused on her, turned up the fire burning through her body.
“Well, all right then.” He reached behind him and turned off the chili.
They melted into each other again. She felt the ground fall away as he lifted her, his arms around her waist. He set her on the counter and she wrapped her legs around his hips. His hands went to her hair, loosening it from the band holding it back. Fingers dug through her hair to find her scalp and then followed the tresses down either side of her face, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. The feel of his warm hands combined with the silkiness of her own hair against the tender skin of her cheeks quieted her. She held her eyes closed.
He softened the deep kiss they were locked in into something gentle, almost innocent. Her hands strayed to his firm chest and though she had the impulse to find his skin beneath the cloth, she had a sense to follow his pace. He never left her face, cradling and caressing with his hands, while exploring her mouth with a tenderness that made her feel like she floated in space.
Even though she had her legs locked around him, he held his hips at a chaste distance, not touching her. She was in some kind of a dream where nothing existed other than her and this man. Her body cried out for more, and yet she felt content, at home in his arms.
Gradually, the world filtered through again. A log cracked with a loud report in the fireplace. The wind whistled outside. She became aware of her legs quivering, losing strength. She opened her eyes and the light flooded back.
When they pulled apart, she looked into eyes dark with desire. He traced her cheek and jawline with the backs of his fingers. There was an expression on his face other than desire. Reverence.
He ran his thumb over her lips, still sensitive from kissing. “Melody.” He spoke in a near whisper. “Lately, in my life I feel like I’ve been losing my footing, watching parts of my world spin away, out of reach. Then, you walk in, feeling right, and I can feel the ground under my feet again. And, strangely, it’s like you’ve always been here. Do you feel that too?”
Struck dumb by his admission, all she could do was nod.
His lips quirked up into a smile. “Although this chili has done much on its own, it can’t cook itself. Why don’t you fetch your cornbread while I heat up the main course?”
* * *
The tinkle of her laughter filling his home made him realize how much silence he usually cohabitated with. She sat cross-legged on the sofa near him, a throw tucked around her legs. Behind her the lights on the Christmas tree winked at him every time she moved her head. In her lap sat a plate with the cornbread they were still picking at after they’d eaten dinner and decorated the tree. He watched her long, elegant fingers pick apart the yellow bread and pop a piece between her lips. Lips he could still imagine the taste and feel of. A crumb landed in her lap.
The wonder of the situation struck him as he watched her with bated breath. Once when he was little, the most beautiful dragonfly in iridescent green and blue lit on his hand as he sat on the back porch. He knew if he moved the creature would fly away, so he sat there, feeling its legs tickle his skin until Faith slammed open the screen door and it took off. He had that sense now with things new and fragile between them, and he knew he didn’t want to lose this woman.
His eyes strayed in the direction of the tree again. She followed his sight.
“Aren’t you glad now I talked you into getting a tree?”
He reached out and picked the crumb off the throw. “Best decision I ever made. It does look pretty.”
After they’d hung the few ornaments he had, Melody had the idea of hanging his collection of wooden animals to the tree with twine, since he didn’t have any ribbon.
“Except now your mantelpiece looks bare.”
He glanced back over his shoulder at the fireplace. “It does, but I suspect you have some thoughts on that.”
She put the plate on the coffee table and hiked up on her knees. “I do. Think how festive the fireplace would look with evergreens and poinsettias. Maybe pillar candles too. I have some I can lend you.”
He laughed. “All right. Poinsettias are on my shopping list for tomorrow. I don’t know what you’re doing to me. Hanging tinsel on my inner Scrooge.”
She let her body collapse sideways into him. “I don’t know what you’re doing to me, Leland.”
The scent of her shampoo wafted over him when he pulled her tight in the crook of his arm so she buried her face in his neck. “Care to elaborate on that. Maybe I can help you.”
Her heavy sigh rocked her chest against his side. “No. I think I’ll puzzle this one out for myself for a while.”
The swell of her breast pushing against him got something stirring below his belt. “Can I pour you more wine while you mull this over?”
She slid her fingers between the snaps of his shirt and raked her nails through the hair on his chest. “I better not. Not if I have to drive home tonight.”
He felt his stomach tighten—among other things. “I wouldn’t kick you out.”
“Driving in the dark makes me nervous. With the deer and all darting across the road.”
“That is a problem around here. I sure would rest easier having you spend the night.”
She looked up at him with mischief in her eyes. “I don’t think you’re going to get much rest. Easy or otherwise.”
With that she took in a deep breath through her nostrils and swung herself over so she straddled his lap. He slid his hands down to cup her buttocks and dug in as he buried his face between her breasts. So much for gentlemanly behavior.
Chapter Seventeen
December 11
Funny it was overcast outside when it felt so sunny inside. Leland couldn’t help but run his hand over the big smile on his face. He threw open the shutters over the kitchen sink to greet the day.
Last night was a dream. When something’s right, you just know it.
He was about to turn away to start the coffee when the clouds parted, exposing a blue sky.
* * *
She pretended to be asleep when Leland slipped out of bed. He crept down the stairs, trying to be quiet. When he was downstairs, Melody clutched his pillow to her face, taking in his scent.
The soft gurgle of the coffee maker floated upstairs, followed by the scent of fresh coffee.
Oh, I could fall for that man. Fall hard.
Everything about last night had been perfect. Here she was thinking the man didn’t exist who could make her feel this way. But, would she go with it?
Maybe it’s time for a leap of faith.
She half sat up when a creak on the stairs alerted her to his return.
Leland stood there, wearing nothing but his boxers and holding two cups of coffee. “Good morning, beautiful.”
He put the mugs down on the table next to her. She lifted the covers for him to climb back in next to her.
“Not so fast. I have something I want to share with you.” He strode across the room and threw open the curtains. “How’s this for a new day?”
The view took her breath away. A winter wonderland spread out before them, the mountains in the background. It looked like a scene from a Christmas card. She studied the line of snow-covered pine trees leading out from the edge of his yard. Among the trees was a distinctly man-made structure.
/> She lit up when she made out the peaked roof with a steeple perched on top. “Is that a chapel?”
He slid in next to her and pulled her close. “A chapel? No. That is a one room schoolhouse.”
“On your property?”
“Well, not originally. It was on the edge of town, and when Dad heard they were going to tear it down, he offered to haul it up here.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Just a whim, I guess. He and I were working on restoring it when he passed away. I keep meaning to finish it, but...it seems silly when I have so many other things to do. What’s the purpose, you know?”
“I think it’s beautiful.”
“It is nice to look at. And, speaking of nice things to look at, you are a sight.” He planted a gentle kiss on her ear. “Can I take you out to breakfast?”
Chapter Eighteen
December 17
The subtle sensation of a wave of heat glanced over his bare skin. So subtle you had to be keyed into that feeling and nothing else. His eyelids cracked open just enough to see Melody’s hand in motion, hovering over his chest. Hovering, but not touching, taking his measure, and creating a force field between his skin and hers. He almost laughed when he both felt and heard her take in breath as she sniffed near his armpit.
Each night when he fell asleep beside her and each morning when they woke up together he thanked his lucky stars to have found her. He couldn’t always get a bead on her though. Most of the time she was transparent but sometimes she got shifty-eyed and he sensed there were places she didn’t want to go. She’d get that fixed smile on her face he noticed she did around certain subjects. Like Christmas day coming in a few days. What were her plans exactly?
Her hand traveled up past his chest, over his chin, and now rested above his mouth. In a sudden move, he lurched and grabbed her finger in a gentle bite. She squealed in delight and he rolled them both onto their sides, facing each other. Her skin was soft and pink, fresh from a good night’s sleep.
“Good morning, my lovely stalker.”
She giggled. “Not a stalker. More like your personal fan club.”
“It’s mutual.” He kissed her on the hairline with a loud smack. “What are you up to today?”
She stretched out so her whole body fit against his. “I have to drive up to Rapid City to stop in at the wholesale florist.” She narrowed her eyes. “I told you all this last night.”
“That’s right, you did. You have to pick up the flowers yourself?”
“No, I’m not going there to pick up flowers. It’s a big warehouse and I want to see what new trends are coming up, maybe find bolts of ribbon on sale, and take pictures to show clients. It’s going to take hours. I can get really lost in there, but it’s fun. Maybe you’d like to go with me sometime.”
“Flowers and ribbons, you say?” He ran the back of his fingers down her downy cheek. “I don’t think so.”
“What about you? What are you doing today?”
If she kept rubbing up against him, he thought he’d be in danger of spending the rest of the day in bed and neither one of them would get any work done. “I have to go over to the ranch first thing this morning and spread hay for the cattle and take care of other business. Then barring any emergencies, I have the day to myself. Pity you’re not free to join me. I’d take you riding.”
“That would be fun.”
“Not as much fun as a wholesale florist.” He shrugged. “Guess I’ll have to entertain myself today.”
His phone vibrated on the nightstand. With a groan he rolled her over on her back and reached over for his phone, muttering. “Oh, Faith, give it a rest.”
“What’s going on?”
“She’s calling me every blasted minute wanting to talk about the ranch and Ma. Not to mention she’s very interested in knowing all the details of my love life all of a sudden.”
“Not much to tell there.”
“Nope.” He read the text message on his phone and then put it back face down on the table before she could see it.
“So, should I text you when I get back home? Maybe we can get together later.”
“Maybe.” He planted a kiss on her lips. “I got to go now, though.”
He shivered when his bare feet hit the cold floor of her bedroom.
“Can I make you coffee at least?”
He stepped into his pants and grabbed his shirt from the floor where it had fallen last night. “Thank you, no. I really have to get over there. Call me later, okay?” He pocketed his phone as he bent down to kiss her.
“Love ‘em and leave ‘em.” She muttered into her pillow already going back to sleep.
* * *
The road, thankfully cleared of snow, flowed out before her like a black ribbon laid out in the sparkling snow. To the far right, she could just make out a herd of elk on the edge of a small lake with the Black Hills, sugar-coated in the distance. She hadn’t heard from Leland after he left this morning, and she wondered what he’d been up to on his own. Generally, he sent her texts, at least, during the day. He was good at that. It was refreshing to be with a man who was always where he said he’d be. She planned to surprise him by coming home earlier than planned.
“Patsy Malone.” Melody had been so lost in the surrounding beauty, she forgot she had a call in and jumped when her call was answered.
“Hi, Patsy, how are you?”
“All good here. What’s up?”
“Well, I’m driving so I don’t want to talk long but I wanted to see if you’re interested in featuring a winter wedding I just did.”
“Pos-sibly. What’s so different about this one?”
“It was amazing. Natural beauty was my inspiration. I let the majesty of nature speak for itself by creating a winter wonderland. The vows were exchanged in front of a big picture window with the mountains in the background. In front of the window I lined up six potted pine trees of different size and left them unadorned as a backdrop for the couple—to bring the outside in. We used lots of pine cones, brunia berries, and evergreens for decorations. You should see the bridal bouquet! The tiered cake was decorated to look like birch tree bark and we put frosted cranberries and sprigs of evergreen around it. Everyone loved it. Then I added touches of nostalgia like a vintage miniature village all lit up running down the length of the buffet table. And—”
“Whoa! Don’t forget to breathe. You’re obviously excited about this, but so far it sounds like things we’ve seen before.”
“You have to see the pictures I guess to see how magical it all was.” She drove through town and turned down the side street.
“And the couple?”
“They were darling! They’re so in love, it was sheer joy to be part of planning this one.”
“I may need to check my caller ID. Is this my cynical wedding planner? Tell you what. Since I’ve never heard you so enthusiastic about a wedding before, I’m going to look at your pictures. I’ve got to see this now. And go ahead and write the copy if you can convey that sparkle I’m hearing down the line. So what are you doing for Christmas?”
As the house came into view, Melody gasped.
“Melody? What is it?”
“Oh, I... I can’t believe what I’m seeing. That man!”
“Who? Are you all right?”
“Yes, yes! I can’t believe he did this.”
“Who?”
“Leland. The man I’m seeing.”
“You have a boyfriend!”
Melody paused a minute, the word swimming around in her head. “Early days...but, yes. Patsy, I have to hang up now.”
“You go ahead. And have a Merry Christmas.”
The scene being played out in front of her house was so at odds with the usual vision that greeted her. There hadn’t been a snowman when she left this morning, for one thing. Nor had there been a snow fort. First, her eyes strayed to Leland, standing on a ladder. He tugged his hat down so his eyes were hidde
n, but there was no hiding the big grin on his face. Faith, at the bottom of the ladder holding an armful of Christmas lights, smiled over her shoulder. Caleb didn’t pause in pulling Hannah around in a plastic sled and barely acknowledged her arrival. Hannah’s snowsuit looked designed to prevent any movement and her eyes peeked out of the opening of a hood drawn tight and a scarf wound around her face.
She stepped out of her car just as Leland got down from the ladder. They crossed the yard toward one another.
“You were meant to see this later. Finished and lit up. You’re home early.”
She stood in front of him. “I rushed through my day. I wanted to get home…” She tilted her head and ran her hands over the lapels of his jacket. “...for some reason. What have you been up to, Mr. Jennings?”
“I wanted to surprise you. I hope you don’t think it’s too much.” Just the roofline and that tree there. He indicated the small maple tree near the front door.
“It’s perfect.”
“We covered the tree in blue lights and the house is in white. I thought you’d like that.”
“I do. I’m glad to see you got little helpers.”
“You all can go ahead and kiss! Don’t mind me!” shouted Faith.
Leland laughed and pushed his hat back. His lips were cold and very welcome on hers.
“Awwwww!” She heard Faith utter.
Melody came up for breath. “I especially like having a snow fort in my front yard.”
“The kids had to entertain themselves while we worked. Speaking of which, Caleb was looking for a carrot or something for the snowman.”
“I think I can help him out there. Let me see what I have in the house.”
Faith dropped the lights. “I’ll come with you! We were almost done here.”
Melody dug the keys out of her purse, gave Leland another peck on the cheek, and led Faith away.
“Cute!” she cried when Melody opened the door and ushered her in.
“Thanks. The kitchen is this way.” She breathed a sigh of relief that she’d tidied up this morning after Leland left.