Six
Hope had never seen so many sets of raised eyebrows. Everyone she met at Joshua’s party automatically assumed that they were more than neighbors. Not one of them approved of the idea, either, judging by their discrete glances. They couldn’t be more wrong. She had no intention of making that mistake again, trusting a man with her heart. Been there; done that, owned the T-shirt. It didn’t help that he seemed intent on keeping her at his side, just inside the great room. “Have you met John Dixon and Sylvia Patton?” Hope quickly checked Sylvia’s left hand. No wedding ring. With female professionals keeping their surnames, one could not always tell. “She’s a partner in our firm,” Joshua continued. “Yes, I’m their token female.” Hope took to her immediately. “What’s your specialty?” “Screwing men.” Hope’s eyebrows rose this time. When the laughter died down, Joshua explained,” What she meant to say is that she specializes in helping women screw men in divorce court.” “I could have used your help a couple of years ago.” Joshua’s eyebrows shot up. Hope bit her tongue. She knew better than to offer personal details. “What do you do, John?” “I anchor the evening news.” He seemed miffed that she didn’t recognize him. “I seldom watch TV.” The remark hung there, as if she’d meant it as an insult. She hastened to offer an explanation. “I take classes two nights a week toward my masters, and I spend most of my free time studying. Plus you look different in peson!” The anchorman preened and Joshua whispered in her ear, “Good save.” She blushed, more from his closeness than the recent gaffe with the anchorman. “Where’s Kimmie?” Sylvia asked. “The poor kid had to make a decision today, go to a movie she wanted to see with her best friend, or stay home and be fondled.” “Is fondling encouraged?” John the anchorman wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, though Hope was unsure whom he would attempt to fondle first, Sylvia or her. The two women burst into laughter simultaneously. “Just try it.” Sylvia warned. When they sobered, Sylvia said, “Excuse our manners, but I think John needs food. I really enjoyed meeting you, Hope. Let’s keep in touch. We can do lunch.” “I’d like that.” “Make Joshua give you my extension.” “I’ll do that.” “Be sure to try the chili,” Joshua advised. “Hope fussed with it all day.” As the couple walked away, he turned his attention to Hope. “Did I mention you look incredibly sexy tonight?” Suddenly she was alone with him, despite the house full of guests. “I love your hair down. You should wear it that way all the time. It’s so rich and luxurious. I want to touch it.” The intensity of his gaze brought a blush to her cheeks. “You can’t. Not with all these people already wondering as if we have a hidden door between our duplex.” “Now that’s a good idea. I’ll call a carpenter first thing Monday to create a door.” She smiled wistfully. “This might be a good time to feed you, too. I think that drink has gone to your head.” “Funny you should mention that.” She caught her breath at his innuendo and sobered quickly. “Don’t do this to me.” “Why not? Do I make you feel alive?” “You scare the pants off me.” A grin crept over his face. “That makes my job easier.” “You’re impossible,” she chuckled. She suddenly realized that people were staring at them, as if the intensity between she and Joshua had carried to the others in the room. Though she spoke to Joshua, she made sure her voice carried to the whole room. “That’s really bizarre. I never heard that angle before... Thanks, Joshua. If you’ll excuse me, I need to check the buffet.” “What angle is that?” someone asked. Hope made her exit before hearing Joshua’s reply. She knew he’d come up with something clever. He was smart and inventive and quick on his feet. By the time she returned to the living room, more guests had arrived, including Joshua’s sister along with her husband Paul and week old baby. Everyone was cooing at the precious bundle. Hope glanced at the tiny child, her heart thumping so hard in her chest she thought it must burst. “So this is Hope.” Julie said. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” “I can’t imagine what.” Hope laughed uncomfortably. “Joshua and I barely know each other. He just moved in next door two weeks ago.” Joshua quickly steered the conversation to a safer subject. “Where’s Mom and Dad? They were supposed to be back last night.” People around them were listening in to their conversation and must have been curious about Joshua’s concern of his parents’ whereabouts. “They’re driving back from the east coast of Florida, near Fort Lauderdale,” he told Hope and anyone else listening. “They were supposed to be here for the open house.” Paul spoke up. “They hit an ice storm in Atlanta, so they lost a full day. Depending on how early the roads were cleared overnight, they just might make your party.” “That’s got to be at least a twelve-hour drive,” someone commented. “Yeah, but isn’t Atlanta on Eastern Time? That gives them an extra hour.” “And knowing how heavy a foot your dad has, they could be here any time,” Paul said. “I need some food. Breast feeding, you know.” Julie neatly transferred the baby into Joshua’s arms. Joshua’s large frame dwarfed the infant, yet he looked totally in control, comfortable holding a baby just a few days old. A smile lit his face. “Hi, there, my first and only niece. Aren’t you a sweetheart?” He continued cooing at her, with everyone around fascinated at watching the baby concentrate on her uncle. “Let me introduce you to Hope. Does Hope want to hold Baby Elizabeth? Elizabeth was our maternal grandmother, baby’s great-grandmother. Here you go...” Hope faked a smile, her heart pounding. “You’re doing fine on your own. She’s fascinated with you.” She neatly dodged holding the newborn. She didn’t fool Joshua though. His eyes narrowed, as if trying to read her mind. Okay, so real women were supposed to make a fuss over babies. Sorry, but it wasn’t going to happen. “Excuse me.” Hope checked the table in the dining room, replenished grated cheese in the bowl next to the chili, grabbed a few discarded mugs and started loading the dishwasher to tidy up the kitchen. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Joshua’s sister approach and Hope turned toward her with a smile. “You have two girls, too? You’re going to have your hands full.” “Nah, they entertain each other.” She picked up a mini chicken salad sandwich and leaned against a counter, nibbling at the bun. “I don’t know quite how to say this, but I feel very protective of my big brother. He’s had a horrible couple of years and a lot of responsibility.” Hope glanced at her warily. “Yes, Joshua told me about his wife’s illness. I’m very sorry for your family’s loss.” “Thank you. And you’re right—she was a part of the family and we all mourned her death. Joshua is especially vulnerable right now. It’s almost a year and he thinks he should get on with his life. Hope, I have to warn you, he’s looking for a substitute, but he’s not over her yet and I wouldn’t take kindly to someone toying with him.” Hope opened her mouth to speak and thought better of it. She closed the dishwasher a little harder than she intended. “You have no worries on my account. The last thing on my mind is a romantic relationship. I’m still recovering from the last one.” Julie faked a smile. “Just so we know where we stand.” “You need to talk to your brother.” “Maybe so, but I suspect you have a powerful influence on him already. I’m just his little sister. He’s more likely to listen to you.” Hope grinned. “I think you brother pretty much does what he wants.” Julie smiled slowly. “You’re right. You know what else? I might even get to like you, over time.” “Back at ’cha,” Hope said. She couldn’t blame Julie for jumping to conclusions. Who could resent a grown woman worrying about her big brother? Hope pitied the boys who might take interest in Julie’s girls as they grew up. And what about baby Elizabeth? Pain stabbed at Hope’s temple. No! She would not allow herself to think of her own daughter? Another minute and she’d have this headache under control. Mind over matter. A glass of water helped. Resting her head in her hands, she leaned against the kitchen counter. A minute later, she felt a gentle tug at her arm. “Are you okay?” She opened her eyes to find Kimmie standing next to her, worry written all over her face. “I feel much better now. When did you get home?” “Just now.” “Did you enjoy your movie?” “Yeah,” Kimmie said, a smile spreading across her face. “Which movie did you see?” “The Gr
inch.” “I’ve never seen that one,” Hope admitted. “We could go together. I wouldn’t mind seeing it again.” “I don’t think I’d like it. I’m not all that hot on Christmas.” “There’s another two weeks before Christmas,” Joshua said from behind her. “We’ll get you in the spirit.” She turned quickly, and nearly fell into his arms. He caught her by the shoulders to steady her. “You okay?” “Just off balance.” That seemed to be happening a lot lately since she’d met Joshua. The doorbell rang and he dropped his hands. “I’ll get it,” they said at the same time and started toward the front hall. “I got it.” Kimmie scurried past them onto the parquet floor, slid the last few feet, and pulled the door open. Joshua and Hope headed after her, with Joshua stopping when he saw who stood there. “Mom, Dad. You made it.” Hope stood back while they all exchanged hugs. Joshua was a dead ringer for his father, a younger version, slightly lighter in weight. His mother was trim and attractive. Hope remembered that that they were retiring soon, so they were probably in their mid-fifties. “And who’s this lovely lady?” Joshua’s dad asked directly to Hope. “Just a neighbor. Hope Hardcastle. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She offered her hand and received a hearty handshake. “Joshua Michaels, Senior. Everybody calls me Cappy.” “There must be a story attached to that name.” Joshua’s mother approached. “It’s short for Captain. In his younger years, Joshua was a commercial airline pilot. He manages a private airfield now.” The two women exchanged handshakes. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Michaels.” “Please call me Elise.” Hope smiled. “Let me get this straight. You’re married to a pilot and you drove to and from Florida, in the middle of winter.” “I don’t fly anymore.” “Oh.” Joshua stood next to her. “Mom was in a major air crash, years ago.” “Oh, I’m sorry. How cruel of me to tease you.” “You couldn’t have known. It was when I still worked as a flight attendant. Unlike most of the passengers, I lived through it, but I carry the emotional scars to this day.” “How traumatic. So, that’s how you two met, working for the airlines?” “Come in and see Julie and Paul and baby Elizabeth,” Joshua said. “We will, just as soon as you kiss her,” Elise said. “Excuse me?” Hope and Joshua said in unison. Joshua’s mother pointed above their heads. They both looked up. Someone had tied a sprig of mistletoe to the crystal chandelier. A mischievous grin spread over Joshua’s face. “You wouldn’t dare.” “You bet I would. We have to maintain tradition—for my daughter’s sake.” “Bullocks.” Hope took a step away, and that quick, he pulled her into his arms. She looked up at him, begging without words for him to free her. His grin slipped, and for a moment she expected him to set her loose. Suddenly his grip tightened and his head lowered to hers. She closed her eyes at the last moment before his lips met hers. It lasted only seconds, but oh my. His solid arms offered warmth and strength and safety. His kiss had promised so much more. Completion. Fulfillment. Without realizing it, she relaxed in his arms, and stared back at him. “Woohoo!” somebody whooped. Finally, Joshua release her, his eyes round as if the kiss surprised him as well. She knew the feeling. He continued to support her at the small of her back. Though she appreciated the extra strength, she couldn’t wait to get away from him. “Merry Christmas,” he said. Joshua gave a new meaning to holiday spirit. “I have to leave,” she whispered. Sylvia was at her side in an instant. “That looked like fun!” In a quiet hiss, she said, “Don’t you dare run away. Everyone will know how he affected you. Laugh it off.” Raising her chin along with her voice, Hope said loudly, “Wow! He sure can kiss.” Inside she trembled with shock... and something more. Desire. He tipped his head in her direction. Everyone witnessing the “event” smiled, many laughed out loud. Julie didn’t. As Hope passed Joshua’s sister on her way to the kitchen, Julie hissed at her, “Don’t you dare hurt my brother.”
Hope For The Holidays Page 4