“If I chased you, would you run with me tomorrow morning?” he asked, eyebrows raised. “It would be my Christmas present to you—especially since you said you didn’t expect any from anyone else.”
“You can’t come up with a better gift than torture?” she blurted, then felt her cheeks go flaming red. Oh, crap. Way to be obvious. God, he’s grinning like the cat that swallowed the canary.
“How come you don’t expect presents?” he asked politely, and seemed to ignore her comment. “Are you new around here, too?”
“No, born and raised,” she said. “Only child, parents gone. Girlfriends have too much stuff going on with their own families, so we don’t exchange anything but chit chat over happy hour drinks now and then. That’s all. No biggy.”
Mack furrowed his brows. He looked concerned. “So, what are you doing for Christmas? You don’t plan to spend it alone, do you?”
“Uh, well, not exactly,” Audrey fumbled for a response. “My friends will be over this afternoon, actually, and we will be part of the Christmas Ship Parade.”
“What’s that? Never heard of it.”
“It’s great. My dad and I made it a Christmas Eve ritual every year, and this time I’m taking the gals. All kinds and sizes of boats get decorated and go out every night during the weeks that lead up to Christmas. They tour different areas, and just cruise around real slow with Christmas music blaring,” Audrey explained. “Kinda like carolers, but by boat. It’s been going on for years. The routes are published to let people know where the boats will be each night. Tonight we’ll leave from Sand Point in Seattle,” she waved her hand toward the other side of the lake from the marina, “and go down the eastern shore of Lake Washington, then loop around Mercer Island before we head up the western shore and return to Sand Point. They make two tours around the lake, but I plan to peel off the first time we approach Kirkland, so I can get the girls back on shore by around 9:00. You should come.”
Mack sat back and shook his head. “No, thanks. I’ve got . . . plans. Did your father pass away recently?”
“No, it’s been almost three years, but I didn’t have it in me to do the cruise before this year,” Audrey answered. “Because this is my first time back since then, my girlfriends have agreed to take time from their families—a huge sacrifice—and go out with me tonight.”
“Then it should be great. Will they spend the night?”
“No, they have to be home before it gets too late, which is why we’ll bail out of the parade a little early. Something about turning into pumpkins, I think, or maybe just being good parents. What about you? Will you be with family for Christmas?”
Mack put his empty mug on the seat and stood. “No. They’re all in California doing their thing. Lots of kids and wrapping paper and screaming. It’s fun, but I just sit around and watch from the sidelines, so this year I thought I’d come up here.”
He gave her an opening and she decided to go for it. “Well, maybe we could do Christmas lunch together or something?”
Mack’s face lit up and Audrey’s heart suddenly came alive.
“I would love it. Shall I bring the Christmas goose?”
She laughed. “Maybe nothing so grand. How about you bring some hors d’oeuvres, I’ll make something, too, and we can open a bottle of wine—or two. Nice and easy.”
“Perfect.” Mack signaled to Winston, who leapt up, then leaned in and gave Audrey a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll come by and beg for another cup of coffee after my run tomorrow and we can talk details. In the meantime, have fun tonight.”
“Perfect,” she echoed. “And thanks, we will.” She touched her cheek, watched Mack and Winston leave, and felt delicious as her skin tingled from head to toe.
Absolutely perfect.
Chapter Five
Audrey spent most of the morning and early afternoon stringing Christmas lights along the deck and up the mast, then set up and decorated her fake Christmas tree on the bow. She even ran nautical flags up the fore and backstays that spelled out Merry Christmas. She hadn’t seen any sign of activity from Mack’s boat, but knew he was there all morning, because lights were on and the hatch cover wasn’t locked. When she came up to make a final assessment before she took a shower and got ready for the evening, she cast a glance his way and saw that his hatch cover was locked, the lights off.
A little sad he hadn’t stopped by on his way out, she went below. With great care, she tucked her injured Louboutins into a shelf in her room, then turned on her shower. Don’t be silly, she told herself. And don’t assume a relationship is starting.
He is just a friendly neighbor, and anyway, she’d probably been rummaging in a box of decorations when he came by, and simply hadn’t heard his knock.
Finished with her shower, she primped and got dressed, then waited with excited impatience for her friends to show. Although the beautiful morning had faded into a more typical slate-gray sky before she’d finished the decorations, the weatherman assured her snow wasn’t in the forecast until mid-day on Christmas.
Audrey clicked off the radio and stepped into the salon. All was ready. Mixers and beer were in the fridge. She’d set out platters and bowls of yummy finger food, as well as a variety of glasses, wine and booze. Thank goodness the bottle of scotch had been salvaged! She’d briefly considered hiding it away, to save and share with Mack on Christmas Day, but she refused to gyp her girlfriends out of the special bottle she’d gotten for them, for the sake of a guy. Shame on me for thinking such a thing.
She took a deep breath and smiled with satisfaction at her hard work. She’d even decorated the salon. A pretty wreath hung from the portion of the mast that passed through the center of the room, and it gave off a wonderful, piney scent. She’d strung tiny lights everywhere, and, except for the alcohol, it was just as she and her dad always done it.
Audrey felt happy to share this special event with her closest friends.
Her cell sang Born to be Wild, and she flipped it open when she saw her friend’s picture on the screen.
“Hi, Meg. You guys about here? The beer is cold and the food ready.”
“Um, not exactly,” Meg said, her voice low and full of regret.
Crap. “What’s wrong? What’s going on?” Audrey asked, suddenly worried she would need to coax a delay out of her friend, instead of the cancellation she feared. Her stomach knotted. “Did you guys have a flat or something?”
“We, uh, have you looked outside?” Meg asked.
“It’s fine, just cold,” Audrey said, and moved to the stairs. “You’re still coming, right?”
Silence.
She opened the hatch, looked out, and her mouth dropped open. The scene wrung her heart, in part because of the beauty, but mostly because she now knew Meg had indeed called to cancel.
Two inches of snow covered everything in sight, and it was coming down hard enough to promise another few inches before morning.
“Have you looked outside?” Meg asked once more.
“Fine. Whatever,” Audrey snapped, unable to keep the bitterness out of her voice. “You guys have a nice Christmas, okay?”
“Audrey, we’re sorry. We really are.”
“Yeah, I get it,” she said. “I’ll just go alone.”
“No!” Meg’s voice came alive. “You can’t go out there alone in this weather!”
“Meg, its falling straight down—floating, really. This is not a gale. It’s not even a little bitty storm,” she said quietly. “Give everyone hugs for me. Have a nice night.”
She hung up before Meg could respond, and then turned the phone off completely. She didn’t want sorrowful apologies. She just wasn’t in the mood.
She went below and fixed a cup of coffee, then went back up on deck and plugged in all the lights. The boat looked beautiful. The evening would be magical. But her friends couldn’t make it. She was alone.
Great. Just peachy.
She cleared a patch of snow from the bench, sat behind the wheel, and took in the full view of the l
ights, flags and tree. It was almost 2:30 p.m., and she would need to get underway by 3:00, if she was going to go. She took a sip of the rich, steamy brew, and made her decision. Despite her bravado on the phone, she’d been about to bail, lock herself in, and read a book. Now, however, she felt determined to enjoy her night—even if she didn’t have anyone to share it with.
“To hell with them. I’m going anyway,” she muttered. “They’re the ones missing out on life, not me.”
“A penny for your thoughts.” Mack’s voice came from over her shoulder. “Five cents for a cup of coffee.”
Surprised she hadn’t heard his approach along the snowy dock, Audrey turned and smiled. “Wow, that’s a whole six cents. Just think of the purchasing power. Come below and I’ll get you a coffee, and Merry Christmas Eve, by the way.”
Grinning like an idiot, she hurried into the galley, while Mack followed close behind. She fixed him a mug, then leaned against the steps. “You just heading out?”
“No, I’m just heading in, actually,” he said. “I was trying to fill up a lonely night with noise I didn’t think I’d miss, but nobody’s in the bars because of the weather.”
“I thought you had something planned.”
He shrugged. “You were sweet to invite me, but I didn’t want to impose on your girl’s night out. It would’ve changed the whole dynamic.”
“Well, you’re right, it would have changed the dynamic but there isn’t going to be a girl’s night out anymore. They all bailed, for the same reason the bars are empty.”
“That’s what I thought I heard out there.” Mack raised his eyebrows and smiled. “So, did I also hear that you still plan to go out?”
“Yep.”
“Good girl. Want a first mate, or would you prefer to go solo? Tell me the truth. You don’t have to be sweet.”
She took a sip, watched him over the edge of her mug before she answered, and tried to look as though she was considering his offer, instead of wanting to jump up and down for joy. She smiled. “I’d love to have a first mate. Maybe even a second mate, if Winston wants to join us. Can he howl, Jingle Bells?
Mack laughed. “I don’t know. He was only four-weeks-old last Christmas, and I don’t think he retained any lyrics, but we can ask him to try.”
“Great. My first command is, get your dog and every stitch of warm clothes you have, and get back here a.s.a.p. ready to cast off, ’cause we need to get underway.”
Chapter Six
Dusk deepened as the Christmas Ship Parade moved out. The snow continued to fall, and thankfully there was no wind to swirl it around and make the evening even colder. With lights ablaze on every vessel, and snow thick in the air and piled on every surface, the scene looked magical. The lead ship, an Argosy dinner cruise, had powerful speakers on board, and they opened with the song, White Christmas.
Audrey, bundled in a heavy jacket and faux-fur trimmed hat, stood at the helm. Winston, impervious to the cold, sat on the bench behind her, and nosed her elbow for some attention. The lights were off below deck so they wouldn’t be night-blinded, and she could hear, but barely saw Mack as he came up from the galley. He wore a heavy Carhartt jacket, a black cowboy hat, and he still hadn’t bothered to shave. His dark, five o’clock shadow made him ruggedly handsome, she decided, instead of the ordinary gorgeous he’d been when she met him.
And he held two glasses of red wine. Again, perfection.
He handed her one and turned to take in the scene with a smile. “This is spectacular, Audrey. I’m sorry about your friends, but I’m glad I didn’t miss this.” He clinked glasses with her. “Thank you.”
Nervous, Audrey nevertheless knew she was reading things right, so she decided to go with quiet honesty, instead of silly and flip. “I’m actually glad it worked out this way. I’m glad I could share this with you, Mack.”
They locked eyes for a moment and then he raised his glass again. “And here’s to your dad and all the Christmas Eve’s you spent out here together.”
Unexpected tears welled in her eyes at his thoughtfulness, and at the memories his words evoked. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you.”
Mack moved to stand beside her, and together they watched the string of boats as it wove its way past different neighborhoods. Laurelhurst came first, and partiers waved from their homes, and sang along with the music, some launching fireworks in response. The parade of ships then motored under the Highway 520 Bridge and got the same, enthusiastic reception as they passed Madison Park.
The beauty of the decorated boats, the snow, the music, and Mack beside her at the helm, gave Audrey emotions she found hard to control. Everything was so perfect.
As if he sensed her thoughts, Mack put his arm around her back. She leaned into him, and rested her head on his shoulder. It felt so right; like the one place on earth she was meant to be. She felt happier and more content in that moment than she’d been in months—maybe years.
The music paused, and Audrey knew from past experience they’d switch from beautiful carols to the more rowdy songs the kids in the audience would enjoy. Sure enough, Jingle Bells was the first tune in the set, and they looked at each other and smiled.
Audrey held her breath when Mack kept her gaze, this time his expression serious. His hand moved up and gently stroked the back of her neck, which caused goosebumps to rise all over her body. Her heart thumped so loudly she felt sure he could hear it, and she leaned in to welcome his kiss as he lowered his head.
They both jumped when a terrible noise suddenly rose up from the bench behind them.
Stunned, they turned and watched Winston howl at the music.
“Oh, wow, he’s really bad, Mack.”
“His timing sucks, too.”
After their moment of disbelief, Winston drew breath and renewed his efforts, and they doubled over with laughter. At least the song didn’t last long, and when it ended, Winston lay down and grew quiet. But the perfect moment for a kiss was gone.
As the parade moved on, it was time to concentrate on the narrow passage below the I-90 bridge. She checked her watch as the lead ship slipped beneath the raised bridge deck.
“How are we doing on time?” Mack asked.
“Fine. Seven-thirty. Right on schedule,” Audrey replied.
“Do you still plan to head in after the first circuit?”
She tilted her head to look at Mack. “I hadn’t really reconsidered it. Do you have anything you need to get back to? I’m fine if we do the full night—or not. Your call.”
“Well…” Mack lifted his chin and let the snowflakes touch his face.
She studied him as he seemed to contemplate his response. He was so gorgeous, and nice, and . . . Audrey heaved a contented sigh.
He peeked at her. “Impatient?”
Glad the night covered the blush she knew covered her cheeks, Audrey smiled and shook her head. “No, just thinking what a beautiful night it is.”
“Exactly what I was thinking,” Mack agreed, “which means we shouldn’t squander it by going in early.”
“The whole show it is, then.”
“Are you okay, warmth-wise?” Mack asked. “I can take the helm for a few minutes, if you’d like to go below to warm up.”
“I’m fine, but take over anyway. I’ll go down and fix us something to eat.”
“And more wine?”
Audrey moved aside so Mack could stand behind the wheel, and then looked up to make eye contact before she left. His face was wet from melted snowflakes, and the droplets left behind reflected the evening lights. The shadow of his beard cut a dark swath across his jaw, and beads of moisture sparkled there, too.
They gazed at each other again, and Audrey resisted the urge to clear the droplets with a gentle sweep of her palm. She glanced away, smiled and nodded. “I’ll have it all up in a jiffy. Wouldn’t want my crew to starve.”
*
The magical evening in the Christmas Ship Parade continued, the only sounds, those of the music coming from t
he dinner ship, and, once in a while, carolers responding from shore. Wet and cold, Winston eventually moved below deck to be near the heater, leaving the two of them to enjoy the experience with contentment and few words.
At 11:00 p.m., Audrey, back at the helm, guided the boat out of the parade and headed back in to Carillon Point Marina. Mack handled the dock lines with ease, even though a thick blanket of snow covered everything, and soon Spirit was secured for the night.
They worked in silence to put away the food and clean up, and Audrey wondered if Mack was delaying, in hopes she might invite him to stay the night. She’d considered the option several times already, but held back. It was such a beautiful evening she didn’t want it to end, but then, she didn’t want to cheapen the memory, or the holiday, either. She suspected something special would grow out of this night, and she wanted to approach whatever it was with more care, more thought, more respect, than she might otherwise.
With the salon and galley shipshape, Mack dropped the sponge he’d used into the sink, wiped his hands on his pants, and turned to her with a smile. “All done.”
Butterflies swirled in her stomach, and Audrey still wasn’t sure whether she wanted him to make the suggestion or not.
“Winston,” Mack called briskly.
The dog scrambled from a sound sleep to sitting at Mack’s feet, ready for orders, in the time it took Audrey to glance down at him.
“Go home, Winston.”
Winston bounded up the steps, and she could feel the boat rock as he leapt onto the dock.
“Won’t he be locked out?” Audrey asked.
Mack shrugged. “It stopped snowing and he’s dry again. He’ll be fine.”
Audrey swallowed. Here it comes…the request to stay. Suddenly, she knew she didn’t want him to ask, because she would probably say “okay.” She wanted him to feel the same special way about the evening she did, and that meant abstinence—at least for now.
He put his hands on her shoulders, then slid them down to her elbows and pulled her close. He smiled at her upturned face.
Christmas is in the Air Page 3