Christmas with the Best Man

by Susan Carlisle

  “It’s this way.” He took her hand.

  Helena wasn’t in the habit of holding hands but found the simple contact in the freezing weather comforting. Elijah wasn’t loving her and leaving her. It might have killed her if he had. She’d lived through that before, barely.

  They walked around people coming toward them on the sidewalk as they all tried to dodge the ice patches. Once she misstepped and only because of Elijah’s help managed not to fall.

  “Thanks,” she murmured.

  “There’s an art to maneuvering winter sidewalks in New York.” He brought her closer.

  “At least you have sidewalks. Where I come from there’s only two. One on each side of the main street.” If they talked about anything other than what had just happened between them then she could pretend they were just colleagues out for a meal. Maybe.

  They continued walking until they were in front of a diner. Elijah held the door open for her to enter.

  “There’s a booth over there in the back corner.” He pointed off to the right.

  They both removed their jackets before sliding onto the benches, facing each other.

  Elijah pulled a menu out of the stand at the end of the table and handed it to her. “The bacon burger is the best but you might want something different.”

  A few minutes later a middle-aged woman in a blue uniform with a white apron stood at the table. “What can I get you to drink?”

  “Hey, Gertie.”

  “Hi, Elijah. Been busy, I bet.”

  He grinned at her. “You could say that.”

  She tapped a pencil tip on a pad as she spoke. “Nor’easters do that. We had people stacked up in here for a few days. So, what can I get you tonight? The usual?”

  “You know me so well.” He smiled at Gertie again.

  The man was such a charmer. It didn’t matter what age the woman was. Helena replaced the menu, willing her hand not to shake as she did so. When the waitress looked at her Helena said, “I’ll have the same.”

  The waitress wrote on her pad. “It should be out soon.” Then she left.

  “You do come here often.” Helen hoped the neutral subject would help her nerves settle.

  “Yeah. It doesn’t hurt that it’s right across the street from my apartment,” Elijah said.

  Would he ask her to his place? Would she go? “I guess that does help. So I’m guessing you aren’t one of those guys who’s into cooking.”

  “I boil water when I have no choice. We had a cook when I was growing up. Not even my mother touched the kitchen.”

  Just another real example of how different they were from each other. “My mother cooks meals every day. I cook on my days off.”

  He leaned forward, giving her an intent look as if what she was going to say was of the utmost importance. “What’s your favorite meal?”

  Helena didn’t have to think. “My grandfather’s chicken casserole, English peas, green salad with tomato.”

  Elijah gave her a sidelong look of interest. “Is there a dessert with that?”

  “Lemon meringue pie,” she said with a flourish.

  The waitress returned with tall chocolate malts and placed them in front of them. “Burgers up in a sec.” She turned and was gone.

  Helena took a long sip of the malt and shivered. “Mmm. Good. But cold for a night like tonight.”

  “Yeah, but it pairs well with the burger. You just wait and see.” He took a sip through his straw.

  They were acting as if they were two friends out for a meal instead of lovers recovering from an erotic interlude. It was like she was caught up in one of those snow funnels she’d seen along the sidewalk, being twisted this way and that, unable to make sense of what was happening. “This...” she waved her hand between them “...isn’t a good idea.”

  His gaze met hers. “Why? Because you don’t want to like me or because you do? Look, there’s something special between us. I had no doubt after a few minutes ago.” He put his forearms on the table and leaned closer. His next words were for her ears only. “I still want you.”

  Heat shot to her center. Just that easily Elijah had her body buzzing.

  There was a note of confidence in his voice as he added, “By the flare in your eyes I can tell you know what I’m talking about.”

  She looked away from him, her cheeks heating.

  “It’s something I’d like to explore,” he said softly.

  Helena boldly met his gaze. “Why?”

  “Because I think, know, we could have fun together.” His eyes told her he was thinking about the out-of-control encounter they had just shared. “Let’s make a pact to see each other for the week. Until Grace and Charles get home. See what happens.”

  “Why would I want to do that?” She fiddled with the salt shaker.

  “Because we were good together a little while ago and you’re wondering if it’d be like that every time. I sure as hell am.”

  She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t tempted. But she had acted on temptation before. That had resulted in emotional turmoil and the loss of a child. An affair wasn’t what she was looking for. What if she got pregnant again? Or she couldn’t carry the baby to term? The thought scared her to death. Elijah had already made it clear he wanted nothing to do with permanence. Being a father was a forever thing. Would she be able to handle it if he didn’t accept their child? Her first experience had scared her. She couldn’t relive it.

  Looking at Elijah, she saw the desire in his eyes. Something she’d not seen from a man in a long time. What would be so horrible about a fling? To live a little? She’d been missing the touch of a man. It would be only long enough to get Elijah out of her system. Get over the yearning causing this ache in her. If she agreed to his suggestion she just wouldn’t let her heart become involved.

  No, the idea of an affair was crazy. Everything about it. But she couldn’t help it. She wanted more of Elijah. Not just his body, which was beyond wonderful, but to get to know him better. To understand what made him who he was.

  “Okay,” she said softly.

  Elijah’s eyes widened. Was he surprised she’d agreed? His gaze narrowed, boring into hers, the longing clear in the blue depths.

  The waitress returned with their burgers. Elijah said, without looking away from Helena, “Gertie, can you make those to go?”

  Minutes later they were bundled up again with her hand in Elijah’s as he hurried her across the street.

  She could have a fling. All she had to do put her mind to it and keep her heart out of it. That wouldn’t be a problem. She and Elijah didn’t want the same futures. Still, why not have some fun? Elijah unquestionably made her feel alive. Despite almost getting caught at the hospital, she had to admit there was a thrill to doing something risky.

  But she knew too well that taking risks came with a price.

  The question was how long this foolish obsession...lust...fascination would last. She’d ride the wave for the next week then hope she didn’t come crashing down. Had she just agreed to a hurt that she might never recover from?

  The doorman at Elijah’s brownstone opened the door for them.

  “Thanks, Giles,” he said as they hurried past. At the elevator Elijah pushed the button for the tenth floor. When the door opened, he put his hand on her waist and nudged her inside. As the door closed, Elijah set the bag of burgers on the floor and grabbed her. His lips found hers as he lifted her against him. The kiss was long and hot, an invitation for more.

  The door opened before Elijah released her. She blushed to see an elderly couple watching them. The woman gave them a disapproving look. The man smiled at Elijah as if to say, You go, boy.

  Helena put as discreet a distance between them as the elevator would allow.

  “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Albright,” Elijah sa
id, picking up their burger bag.

  “Hello, Elijah,” the woman said in a peevish voice as she and her husband stepped in.

  “Been down to see the grandchildren, I see?” Elijah acted as if it was no big deal that he’d been caught with a woman wrapped around him in the elevator. Had it happened before?

  Helena was relieved to hear the elevator announce with a ding that they had arrived at his floor. Elijah once again put a hand on her waist and led her out.

  “Goodnight, Mr. and Mrs. Albright,” he said over his shoulder.

  Helena turned on him. “You enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

  He grinned and shrugged. “A little bit.”

  “Yeah, it was more like a whole lot. You enjoyed getting a reaction out of Mrs. Albright. And I looked like the flavor of the evening. She’s undoubtedly used to seeing you with a woman.”

  His look captured hers and dared her to turn away. “There you’re wrong. You’re the first woman outside my family who’s been to my apartment. Mrs. Albright is a stuffy bird who’s on a committee with my mother and takes great pride in reporting to her about my comings and goings. I imagine my mother will know about you in minutes.”

  He had never brought a woman to his apartment? That was hard to believe, but she’d never been given a reason to think he would lie. So why suddenly was he inviting her there? After all, she was his week-long fling and nothing more.

  She hesitated outside his door, her conscience getting the better of her. If she stepped through that entrance there was no going back.

  Helena glanced at him. A slight look of panic came over his face. He wanted her so much when he could have any woman?

  “Come on in,” he coaxed. “Our burgers are getting cold. No pressure. If you want to leave afterwards, I’ll call a taxi.”

  She was hungry. Truth be known, she didn’t want to leave but she didn’t want to feel like she was doing something cheap. The pull of Elijah’s sex appeal had her so tied up in knots she could no longer think straight.

  Helena went inside his apartment. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected his place to look like but it would have been less homey and more minimal than it was, maybe ultra-modern, but it was more about wood, brick and beams. The building was old and had obviously been renovated. A short hallway led to an open living space. The floor was made of dark wide boards finished with a shine. The ceilings were high and the walls painted a cream color. Three large arched windows looked out over the park. A combination of tan and brown chairs, sofa and rug filled the space. One small light burned in the large stainless-steel kitchen area. Cooking Elijah a meal there would be a pleasure. She loved his home instantly.

  “Wow, this is an amazing place. It sure puts mine to shame.” But there wasn’t a single Christmas decoration. This close to the holiday and he had nothing. She ran her hand down the granite countertop of the bar separating the kitchen from the living area as he went around to the other side.

  “The building belongs to my family. I only live here because it’s so close to the hospital.”

  Why wouldn’t he want to live here? Living in a family-owned building shouldn’t be a problem.

  “I love this kitchen. I could put it to good use.”

  “You’re welcome anytime. You could even cook your favorite meal. I’ll buy the supplies.” He grinned. “How about Thursday night? I happen to know you have the day off.”

  “Funny.” She gave him a snide lift of her lip. “A Christmas tree would look great in front of one of those windows.”

  Elijah put the burger bag down on the bar. “I get all the Christmas decorations I want at the hospital.”

  She laughed. “The staff does like to make the place look festive.”

  He pulled out their burgers. “You ready for one of these now?”

  The elevator ride had cooled her flare of hot desire in the restaurant, but her underlying hunger remained. “Okay.” She sat on one of the iron bar stools.

  Elijah passed her a burger box and then her drink. Instead of sitting, he stood across from her as if he was trying to give her as much space as possible to make her feel comfortable.

  Helena took a bite of the burger. “This is good.”

  Elijah finished his mouthful and said, “I thought you’d like it.”

  They ate in silence for a few minutes. She was uneasy about what would happen when their food no longer separated them. She had hurried from the restaurant thinking about nothing but being in his arms again and now she didn’t know what to do. This was worse than the tension she’d felt during the day. Her limited experience hadn’t prepared her for this situation. How was she going to leave gracefully?

  She looked at Elijah. He was watching her.

  “I can almost see those wheels turning in your mind. You’re trying to figure out how to get out of here without a scene.”

  Already he was reading her too well.

  “I’m not going to stop you if you want to go,” he announced off-handedly. “I’ve never forced a woman to spend time with me and I don’t plan to start now. But I wish you would stay. I’m sorry that whole elevator thing upset you. Sometimes I get carried away, seeing what kind of reaction I can get out of people.”

  “I’d say you did a good job of that.”

  He gave her a wolfish grin and circled the bar. “I’d like to think I do a good job with other things as well.”

  She was already tingling at the thought of him touching her. “That sounds like someone who might be begging for a compliment.”

  Elijah took her hand and led her over to the sofa facing the windows. “If there’s one given, I’d gladly accept it.”

  She chuckled. “I bet you would.”

  He sat and tugged her down beside him.

  She sank into the plush tan leather. “Then here’s a compliment. You sure have a great view.”

  His hand came to rest over his heart. “That hurt.”

  Helena grinned. She liked his sense of humor. It seemed like there had been so little enjoyment in her life since she had lost the baby. She hadn’t realized she’d turned so serious. Finding laughter again was a nice thing. “Sorry. I’ll try to do better in the future.”

  “Me too.” Elijah kissed the side of her neck.

  Heat washed through her as if a dam had broken. Why did her body react so to his caress? Unable to pull away from the pleasure flowing through her, she offered him better access. He took the invitation, running his lips along her neck, and sucked gently behind her ear. Helena shivered.

  “Such a sweet spot,” Elijah murmured, as his hand came to her waist and found the hem of her shirt. He placed kisses along her jaw as his hand moved beneath. One of his fingers teased the edge of her bra, circling toward the front, until he found the clasp.

  Helena inhaled sharply.

  He moved back. Even in the dim light she could see the question in his eyes. She had to admire a man who didn’t feel the need to pressure a woman. She kissed him. With skill perfected by practice, he opened her bra. Her breasts were heavy with anticipation. Her nipples pebbled. Seconds later as she held her breath his large warm hand cupped one.

  She sank into the cushions, enjoying every stroke and brush of his fingers. Soon he nudged her onto her back along the sofa. Slowly he pushed her shirt upwards. The cool air made her nipples stand more erect. Leaning over her, he took a peak into his mouth. Helena’s eyes fluttered closed as she moaned and held him to her. He rewarded her with a loop of his tongue and a tug before his mouth left her.

  She groaned in disappointment.

  “Easy, baby. Give me a sec.” Elijah helped her remove her shirt, dropping it to the floor. His hands covered her breasts, kneading them. Helena pushed at his shirt and he quickly pulled it over his head, letting it join hers. She brought him down to her and reveled in the feel of skin o
n skin. Elijah’s mouth again joined hers as his hands ran along her sides. His lips soon returned to her breasts, giving them each equal attention.

  Heaven help her, she was as hot for Elijah as she had been in the on-call room. As if she was hearing someone else say the words, she said, “I bet you have a nice bedroom.”

  Elijah smiled before standing. “Come this way and see.” He offered his hand.

  Helena took it, knowing without question she was now committed to the week.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  ELIJAH WOKE TO the pleasant feeling of warmth generated by another person. It was something he was unfamiliar with. He’d never shared his bed overnight before.

  Sunbeams lined up across the bedspread, touching the head lying on his arm. His nose was buried in hair that smelled of his shampoo. Memories of being in the shower with Helena came flooding back. He brushed his fingertips over the silky smoothness of her hip spooned in the curve of his body. A soft murmur had his shaft stiffening.

  She rolled to face him. “Mornin’.”

  He loved her soft drawl. It made her stand out more than she already did among the other women he’d dated.

  “Hey.” He smiled, watching as she became aware of where she was.

  She blinked a couple of times before glancing toward the windows. Quickly shifting away from him, she turned her head as if searching for something. “What time is it?”

  Elijah looked over her shoulder at the bedside clock. “Ten thirty-five.”

  She sat up, pulling the sheet with her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stay all night. Half the morning’s gone. I’ll get dressed and get out of your hair.”

  He reached for her hand. “Hey, you don’t hear me complaining, do you?” And to his surprise he wasn’t. “Come back here for a second.” When she didn’t immediately obey, he gave her hand a little yank. “I need a good morning kiss.”

  Clutching the sheet over her breasts, she leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss.

  Elijah grabbed her and brought her down over his chest. “I want a proper kiss.” His mouth captured hers. Helena was soon returning the kiss with passion.