Christmas with the Best Man

by Susan Carlisle

  “If you expect me to fix you dinner then we’re going to have to go shopping.” She closed the door with a whoosh.

  “I couldn’t convince you to do that while I watch some basketball on TV, could I?” His teasing smile and tone revved her heart to racing speed in two seconds.

  “Not if you plan to eat. I’m going to need help getting it home. If you really don’t want to go maybe we should just go to my place.” Helena looked about wistfully. She’d been looking forward to preparing a meal in a kitchen larger than a shoebox.

  “Hey, I was just kidding you about the ball game. Who knows, a shopping trip might be interesting. And I’d really enjoy a home-cooked meal. But before we go I need some eggs and bacon. I have to keep my energy up.”

  His direct look sent heat rushing up her neck. They had been very active in bed before moving to the shower. She couldn’t get enough of Elijah, had discovered a side of herself she’d never dreamed existed.

  “Where’s a grocery around here?” she asked. Elijah’s perplexed face almost made her burst into laughter. Her eyes narrowed in sudden suspicion. “You don’t know where the grocery is?”

  He lifted a shoulder and let it drop. “I just pick up a few things at the little market on the corner. I don’t think it’s what you have in mind.”

  Shaking her head, she said, “You’re pitiful, Elijah Davenport. You’ve led a sheltered life. It’s time to broaden your horizons. I’ll tell you what we’ll do. We’ll go get you those eggs and bacon at the diner then go to my house and pick up a few things I already have. I need a change of clothes anyway. Then we’ll go to the grocery I use. I know where everything is so it won’t take long to shop. Put you out of your misery sooner that way.”

  Elijah stepped back and gave her an accusing look that was eased by twinkling eyes. “I had no idea you could be so sassy.”

  Had she overstepped the line? Was he afraid that she was asking for more than the sex they had agreed on? Did he think she was using the preparation of dinner to move him into a real relationship? Not meeting his eyes, she said, “I didn’t mean to give orders. I shouldn’t have assumed you didn’t have plans today.”

  Elijah gathered her into his arms. “If I did, I’d have changed them for you.”

  He sounded so sincere she wanted to cry with happiness.

  Elijah gave her a quick kiss. “If we’re going to get all that done, we’d better get going. After all, you’ve already kept me in bed half the day.”

  She lightly slapped his shoulder. “Next time, I’ll be sure to resist your tempting body.”

  “Don’t you dare.” He gave her another swift kiss.

  At the grocery, Elijah pushed the cart beside her. Did he have any idea how domestic the act of going to the store together was? He seemed intrigued by the entire experience.

  “You know, I was in college before I ever shopped for groceries,” he commented as she was looking at the lettuce.

  “Really? That’s sad. I went every week with my mother. In high school I even worked in one.”

  “So I guess you think you know where everything is?” He gave her a challenging look.

  “I would say I do.” She let her confidence show in her voice.

  “Then I think we should have a contest.”

  She liked this fun side of Elijah. “What kind of contest?”

  “We each take an item on your list and see who finds it first. Because you think you know where everything is, you have to push the cart.”

  She placed the lettuce in the cart. “But it’ll take me longer to get there.”

  His nose went up in the air in a haughty gesture. “No complaining about the rules.”

  Her hands went to her waist. “But you made the rules.”

  He leaned in close and gave her a pointed look. “Are you afraid you might lose?”

  “I am not!”

  “Okay. What’s the next thing on your list?” He had already taken a racer’s position.

  She looked at the paper her list was on. “Sour cream. Mine is English peas.”

  “On your mark, get set, go.” Elijah was going around the end of the aisle before she moved. A minute later Helena was in the canned goods aisle, picking out the correct brand of peas, when he headed her way. He dropped a carton of sour cream in the basket seconds before she put her can in.

  He said in smug tone, “See, you don’t have to shop all the time or work in a store to know where to find things.”

  She laughed. “Okay, Mr. Know-It-All. Let’s try it again.”

  Helena gave him another item and he was off. She quickly located what she needed but just as she was about to put it in the basket, the cart was jerked to one side and Elijah dropped his item in.

  “You cheated,” she yelped.

  He grabbed her and gave her a quick kiss. “Maybe a little. Want to go for three to zero?”

  They played until all the supplies were in the buggy. Elijah took winning seriously. She shouldn’t have been surprised. He worked hard, lived and loved hard.

  On the way to the checkout, they passed a display of small table-sized Christmas trees. She gave Elijah a pleading look. “You need something that says it’s Christmastime in your place. Otherwise it’s kind of sad.”

  He shrugged. “Get it if you want to.”

  “This one is perfect.” She smiled as she turned the tree, with its small multicolored lights and tiny decorations, around in her hands.

  “If you say so.” Elijah gave her an indulgent look.

  He paid for the supplies just as he’d promised, insisting he had asked for the meal and she was doing the cooking.

  The sun was on the other side of the skyscrapers when they returned to Elijah’s place. Snow was still falling and the tip of Helena’s nose was red. But she couldn’t remember feeling happier. It had been a wonderful afternoon. They had laughed, teased and generally enjoyed each other.

  Still, she was glad to get home. Home. She wished his place was her home. That wasn’t a healthy thought. Looking at Elijah, she feared heartache loomed in her future.

  As Helena sorted out their purchases and put them away, Elijah made a trip back down to get the bags they’d left in the lobby.

  Before he returned she’d placed the Christmas tree on a table in front of a window and plugged in the lights. “Perfect.”

  Elijah stood back, giving it unsure look. “Isn’t it dwarfed by the room?”

  She glared at him. “It’s a majestic tree.”

  He chuckled and held up a hand. “Agreed.”

  “That’s the right answer.”

  If she were to marry him, would this bubble of joy be theirs always? No! She wouldn’t think like that. She mustn’t tell him how she felt. Elijah wasn’t right for her anyway. She wanted a family. He didn’t. If she told him how she felt, he would surely shut her out completely. Still, the words begged to be said. With his every smile, his laugh at a silly joke, or his excitement over beating her at a simple game, she wanted to throw her arms around his neck and express her love. So far she’d managed to hold herself in check.

  Elijah arrived with the last of their bags. “I know my fridge was almost empty but now I’m worried it might not be large enough.”

  She curled her upper lip. “Funny man. Don’t give up your day job. Weren’t you the person who wanted me to make you my favorite meal?”

  He gave her a sheepish look. “Yeah, I guess I was.”

  “Then I suggest you don’t harass the cook,” she said in an arrogant tone.

  He came around the counter and put his arms around her waist. “I’ll stay out of trouble. I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll check on things at the hospital. If you don’t need me, that is.” He paused as if waiting for her agreement. “While I’m gone you can cook to your heart’s content.”


  She gave him a direct look. “Only if you promise not to get caught up in what’s going on.”

  Elijah pulled her closer, kissing her. Stepping back, he looked at her. “I promise. I have something worth hurrying home for.” With that he headed out the door.

  Helena wasn’t sure if he was referring to her or the dinner but it didn’t matter. She was just glad he’d be returning to her. They were starting to act like a married couple instead of two people greedily out to get what they could from each other in a week. If she dared to ask, would he extend their agreement? If he did, could she be satisfied with that? She wanted a future filled with love, not just a finite affair. The enchanted happily ever after was her dream.

  Would Elijah even consider it?

  * * *

  Over the next couple of hours, she busied herself with putting their meal together. She loved to cook but cooking for someone special she hadn’t done in a while. Her mother used it as a way of showing love. Would Elijah interpret her culinary effort that way?

  She paused long enough to find Elijah’s amazing stereo system and soon learned they liked many of the same artists. Putting a few CDs on, she went about chopping and preparing their food. With dinner underway, she went looking for something to make the setting special. Elijah had the usual plates and utensils but nothing fancy. Even his pots and pans looked unused. How did a person live without cooking something? She smiled. The diner.

  Unable to find much more than a couple of small candles to use as a centerpiece, she placed them in a saucer between their plates on the bar. She shook her head. Elijah didn’t even have a table and chairs. Helena folded the paper napkins into a special design her mother had taught her and stationed them beside the plates. Stepping back, she surveyed the effect. It wasn’t elegant but she had at least tried.

  She was pulling the casserole out of the oven when Elijah came through the door. There was a smile on his face and a tall bag in his hand. “Mmm, it smells great in here. I’m starving.”

  “Good,” Helena said from in front of the oven. “It’s almost ready.”

  “I brought a little something to go with the meal.” He pulled a wine bottle out of the bag.

  “Do you mind if we have it before or after?”

  His confusion broadened her smile. “I made some sweet tea to drink with dinner. I’m feeling a little nostalgic.” A worried look came over his face. Was he disturbed by her breakdown yesterday? She hadn’t meant to make him anxious.

  He stepped closer. “Are you okay? Homesick?”

  “Not really.” She made her voice cheery. “It’s just been a long time since I’ve seen my family, and it’s Christmas and all. But I’m good.” It was nice to have him notice her moods, care.

  Appearing relieved, he lifted the bottle and asked, “Before or after?”

  “Let’s go with now. It’ll take me a few more minutes to get everything together.”

  Elijah took two tall glasses out of the upper cabinet, and with grinning fanfare he poured them both a glass. He offered a toast: “To a great meal prepared by a beautiful and intelligent woman.” He tapped his glass against hers. They both drank.

  Smiling, she teased, “You’re really getting good at this toast stuff. Two in one week.”

  “Two?” He swirled his wine.

  Had he forgotten the last one? “Grace and Charles’s.”

  “Oh, yeah. That seems so long ago.”

  “The honeymooners will be home soon.” And she and Elijah would be over. Why had she brought them up? “I...uh...will get our plates served. If you need to clean up.” She was determined to make the most of this evening. Not fret over the future.

  Elijah was watching her but she refused to meet his gaze. The cheerfulness in his voice sounded a little forced when he said, “Give me a sec. I’ll be right back.”

  By the time he returned, she had their dinner on the bar. Eyes bright and a big smile on his face, he took a seat. “Helena, this looks amazing.”

  She couldn’t help but be pleased. “I hope it tastes good.” Setting their glasses of iced tea beside their plates, she came around the bar to take her stool. “We can finish the wine with dessert.”

  “Iced tea with snow on the ground.” Elijah shook his head. “Only a southerner...”

  Helena grinned and said proudly, “No matter the weather.”

  Elijah chuckled and picked up his fork. “Maybe I’ll learn to appreciate that as much as your accent.” He took a few bites of his meal. “This is wonderful. I’d give up the diner and Gertie if I could eat like this all the time.”

  Glowing from his praise, Helena enjoyed her own meal. What she wouldn’t give to cook for him regularly. To have a family and babies with him. Babies. What if they had a baby together? What if she lost the baby again? To lose Elijah’s baby could be more than her heart could stand. She would want it too badly.

  Enough of that thought. How was the baby Elijah had delivered? She wanted to know yet feared his answer. Could she hold it together if the baby had died? She had to ask. “Do you know anything about the mother and baby?”

  An encouraging smile came over Elijah’s lips. Helena’s heart lightened. It was positive news.

  “I knew you’d want to know so I checked. Mother and baby are stable. The baby is still critical but making progress.”

  Elijah was beginning to know her so well. Had been kind enough to ask for her. Most of the time when an ER patient left the department they never knew what happened to them. He’d gone to a special effort. “Thank goodness. I appreciate you checking in on them.”

  “It’s tough not to let the cases that come in get to you.” Elijah didn’t look at her as he spoke.

  Did he think she was too weak to handle her job? That she overreacted? After all, she’d spilled her misery all over him last night. Having an affair implied no attachment. An affair meant mutual gratification with no emotional involvement. Why would he want her around if he had to carry her burdens? He wouldn’t.

  “Yesterday was the first time I’ve let anything get to me in a long time. I don’t plan for it to happen again.” Her tone was harder than she’d intended.

  He placed his hand over hers. “Hey, I’m not complaining or getting on to you. It happens to us all at one time or another.”

  Maybe that was true. She’d seen him laugh and tease the boy with the broken leg until he’d smiled, and witnessed his concern with the taxi-driver. He had been tender with the new mother and pride had shown on his face when he had delivered the baby. His patients were where he’d been applying all the emotion. The closest she’d witnessed him react on a personal level with someone who wasn’t a stranger had been with his family at the wedding. Even then most of it had been sarcastic or teasing in nature. Now she was unsure how he felt about her. Maybe he wasn’t as invested in them as she believed.

  During the rest of the meal they made small talk, often laughing about something funny they had done that afternoon. He’d been such fun while shopping. As if he’d let down a barricade long enough to show her the true Elijah. The unguarded one. She’d liked him before, had been drawn to him, but she’d fallen completely under the spell of the laughing, caring and open man.

  Elijah leaned back in his chair and rubbed his middle. “That might have been the best meal I’ve ever eaten.”

  “Might?” Helena gave him a sideways look.

  He put down his napkin. “Okay, how about the best I can remember?”

  “That’s much better.” She stood, picking up his plate and then hers. “Would you like pie now or later?”

  “Let’s have it later. I’ll get those.” He reached for the plates. “In my book the cook shouldn’t have to do the cleaning up.” He took them from her.

  “Do you know how to do that? My guess is the Davenports had people who did that for t
hem.”

  He narrowed his eyes as if he took that statement as a challenge. “We did, but we also had to learn to do things for ourselves. I have been out on my own for a long time.”

  “Well, in that case, I’ll leave you to it.” Helena picked up her wine glass and headed for the sofa.

  Elijah make a hurt sound. “You could’ve put up more of a fight.”

  She looked over her shoulder and grinned. “I could have, couldn’t I?”

  * * *

  Half an hour later, he’d finished in the kitchen and joined her. Sitting beside her, he placed his arm across the back of the sofa. She leaned into him, bringing her head up under his chin.

  “You’ve been happy as a clam just sitting here, watching the snow fall, while I worked away.” His fingertips brushed the top of her shoulder.

  “Yep.” She had been, but she’d also liked the knowledge that Elijah was so near. When he’d sat down beside her it was heaven. She kissed him on the cheek.

  He looked at her. “What was that for?”

  “The saying is ‘kiss the cook’ so I thought it was only fair to kiss the dishwasher.”

  “I like that kind of thinking. Now that you mention it, I don’t believe I gave the cook the proper thanks.” His lips found hers.

  Minutes later, with her body humming in response to his ministrations, Elijah took her hand and led her to his bedroom.

  “What about the pie?” Helena asked.

  “I have another dessert in mind right now.” He stopped and kissed her deeply, making her legs wobble.

  Being in Elijah’s arms was the perfect end to a perfect day. For now, she refused to think about the days ahead.

  CHAPTER NINE

  MORNING ARRIVED FAR too soon. Elijah stared at the ceiling of his bedroom, Helena resting beside him. Her head on his chest and her soft breathing told him she was still asleep. She had loved him with a passion he’d only dreamed of. Had given herself without reservation. Each of her touches had said he was special to her. Last night, today, and tonight had made it clear their relationship had become less about sex and more about emotion.