Christmas Lovebirds

by Rachelle Ayala

  “Squawk, squeee,” he complained, letting go of the pendant.

  She reached for him, but he pushed himself deeper until only his head was visible. Okay, so he wasn’t leaving. Melisa scoured the pantry and found a pack of birdie granola.

  “Food, Casey,” she said, crumbling the granola on the table.

  Cassie jumped all over it, twittering happily, but Casey wouldn’t leave his spot inside her top. Instead, he turned and buried deeper, playing peek-a-boo. Every so often, he’d lift his beak and do the lovebird version of cock-a-doodle-doo, more of a chirr-chirr-roo.

  “Who’re you trying to wake up?” Melisa said. “Now, get out of my chest.”

  She reached for him, but he retreated deeper, chee, chee, cheeing angrily. Meanwhile, Cassie tapped the wooden table like a woodpecker and squealed between each pitter patter.

  A rolling laughter came down the stairs, and Rob stepped into the kitchen. “Sounds like lovebird world war three.”

  “Oh, sorry, we didn’t mean to wake you.” Melisa covered the little lump in her chest. The bird crawled up her cleavage and bobbed his head up and down.

  Rob’s eyes widened, and he pointed at her. “What’s between your boobs?”

  “I, uh, your bird.” She covered her breasts with both hands. She wasn’t wearing a bra and oh, no, he could probably see through the camisole. “I can’t get him to come out.”

  “Casey, come here boy.” Rob crooned.

  The bird popped his head up like a jack in the box, but as soon as Rob went to grab him, he squirmed back down.

  “Ow, ow, you really ought to trim his nails,” Melisa said.

  Rob chuckled and wiggled his eyebrows. “I think he likes it in there. I don’t blame him.”

  “Well, I have to go up and change. This is so embarrassing.” She shook her camisole to dislodge the bird.

  “I’ll grab him from underneath. Don’t mind me. I’m a doctor.” His voice lowered as his eyes twinkled with glee.

  “Sure, doctor. Just don’t look.” Melisa closed her eyes. Oh, how silly was that? Her job was to keep her hands firmly entrenched over her breasts so he couldn’t get a peek or a feel.

  He lifted the bottom of her camisole and snaked his hand up her belly, grabbing ahold of the bird in the deepest part of her cleavage. “Got him.”

  A furious little bird emerged, all ruffled in a flurry of feathers and angry scolding squeals. Electric tingles danced over Melisa’s torso where Rob’s swift hand had been, and her skin was scratched and flushing pink welts.

  “I should take a shower,” Melisa said. “I couldn’t find the bird food. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  “Hey, I wanted to wake up early.” He let his bird fly off. “I didn’t want to miss a single minute with you, and I’m glad my bird made such a ruckus.”

  He tugged the bottom of her camisole, and she slapped his hand playfully. “You sure he’s not your eyes and ears, checking me out?”

  “Oh, I wish.” Rob’s gaze lowered to the vicinity of her chest. “You’re so beautiful in the morning. Say you’ll spend the day with me?”

  “I can’t. My mom wants to go Christmas shopping with me.” Even though she was tempted, she had to check in with her family. “I’ll have breakfast with you.”

  Rob looked over her shoulder out the window at the new snow on the ground. “Let me check the road conditions. Do you have snow chains?”

  “Uh, snow chains? I didn’t know we needed them.”

  A sly smile crept on his handsome face, and he wiped his hair back from his forehead. “You might be snowed in with me until they clear the roads.”

  Melisa stomped to the window and peered at the sparkly snow glistening in the sun. “It should melt, right? It always melts in California.”

  “Maybe, but then it’ll freeze and you’ll have ice. More dangerous.”

  “Shush. You’re taking advantage.” Melisa twirled her injured hand. “First I end up in your ER, then my bird ends up in your cabin, and now, I’m held hostage by the snow.”

  “Au coutraire,” Rob muttered, moving closer “I’ve been a very good boy this year. Looks like Santa has me on the nice list.”

  Melisa swatted at Rob and snickered. “What do you think you’re getting for Christmas if you’ve been so nice?”

  “You.”

  Ah … that was so romantic. She tipped onto her toes and reached for a kiss.

  He latched onto her and gave her a hot, hungry one that left her breathless.

  “I could do this all day, but let’s get dressed and go play in the snow.” He gave her a pat on the behind and grinned. “You tempt me way too much to stay indoors with you.”

  “Sure. You just want to stay on Santa’s nice list.”

  “Maybe.” He wiggled his eyebrows and winked. “Maybe not.”

  # # #

  The two birds thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast table. Casey flitted and flew from the table to the chair to the top of Melisa’s head to the kitchen counter, while poor Cassie kept throwing a spoon on the floor and waiting for Melisa to pick it back up.

  After they put the birds back in the cage, and they’d each showered and dressed warmly for the snow, Rob opened the front door.

  It wasn’t easy as snow had piled up on the porch, but after a few shoves, he kicked the snowdrift and shoveled a path to the garage.

  He opened the door and revealed a snowmobile.

  “I’m going to get on that?” Melisa shuddered. “Do you have a helmet?”

  “Of course you’re wearing a helmet. Do you want to drive? It’s easier than riding a motorcycle.”

  “Uh, well, no, not my first time.”

  “Here, wear these gloves.” He helped ease the gloves onto Melisa’s hands, being especially careful of her injured one. Since the gloves were oversized, they went on over her splint. He tightened the wrist straps. “I’m going to have you driving this thing by lunchtime.”

  From what he could tell, Melisa’s family overprotected her. While her brothers did brave and wonderful things, the girls in the family were kept at home and did safe things such as cooking, crafts, reading and raising small pets. He never once remembered her or her sisters being invited to go rubber rafting or rock climbing with the boys.

  “You really think I can drive this thing?” She looked up while he fitted her helmet.

  He kissed the top of her helmet and clipped her ski goggles. “Of course, you can. I’ll drive out and you drive back. I’ll teach you.”

  A few minutes later, after the snowmobile had warmed up, they were on their way on a pristine trail full of fresh new snow.

  “Remember to lean with me when I turn, okay?”

  “Sure thing.” She held onto him from the back, which felt really, really good. One of the perks of motorsports was having a woman pasted to his back.

  “I can’t promise I won’t do any jumps,” he joked, knowing he’d never do anything to scare her. Just having her with her arms around him, leaning in harmony with him was a dream come true.

  “You better not, if you want to stay nice,” Melisa yelled over the noise of the motor.

  Of course, Rob was mature and responsible enough not to jump. Even when there was a bump on one side of the trail, he took the smoother side. Having Melisa trust him was more important than any macho prank like what her brothers would pull on their girlfriends.

  Besides, he was on borrowed time. Any minute, the snow would melt, and Melisa would find her way back home. She’d texted her mother already and had let her know she was out of town visiting a friend, but hadn’t said where or with whom.

  Hmmm … maybe he was a bad influence on her. But no matter, this ride was fun, and as the wind whistled and they swished right and then left on the trail, his heart burst through his chest with happiness.

  No doubt about it, he was falling deeper in love with the real flesh and blood Melisa. The way she moved, her happy voice, her alluring scent, and everything about her was a million times better than every fanta
sy he’d ever had.

  “Ready for your turn?” He turned the snowmobile onto a flat meadow used by beginners for lessons.

  “Are you sure I can do this?” Melisa’s voice wavered.

  “Easy peasy. I’ll even ride in back while you drive.”

  “You better not leave me alone.” She hugged him extra tight.

  He put the snowmobile on idle and switched seats with her. “The right hand is the throttle and controls the speed. Left is brake, just like a bicycle brake. I can help you if your hand’s still stiff. That’s about it.”

  She squeezed the throttle too hard and the snowmobile spurted forward. He grabbed the handgrips instead of wrapping his arms around her. After all, he wasn’t a sissy, holding onto anyone.

  The snowmobile picked up speed, and Melisa jerked the handlebars to the right. Holy smokes. The left ski raised into the air. What was she doing?

  “You turned too hard, ease up on it,” Rob shouted.

  “Whoohoo! This is fun,” Melisa whooped, turning the handlebars even further to the right. She leaned and so did he, and the snowmobile cut through the snow in a tight circle, making a donut track.

  Around and around she went, whooping and laughing, and it was all Rob could do to hang on. Without warning, she swerved to the left. With a spray of snow, the snowmobile zigged and zagged almost throwing Rob from his seat.

  “This is awesome!” Melisa yelled. “So much fun.”

  “Slow down, babe.” Rob’s heart was fighting its way out of his chest. Wow. This woman was something else. A daredevil and so freaking hot.

  Yep, he must have been a good boy all year, because this was looking to be his best Christmas ever.

  Chapter Twelve

  Melisa ripped the snowmobile around the meadow, cutting through the tracks she’d already made. It danced through the drifts, puffing snow behind them. She’d never gone out dirt biking with her brothers before, and even though she’d missed out on their broken bones and road rash, she’d never dreamed speed could be so fun. Make that exhilarating, especially with Rob’s company.

  “Do you know how to apply the brakes?” Rob yelled over the whirr of the motor.

  “Broken hand, remember?” She laughed and threw her head back, hitting his chin. “Oops, sorry.”

  She squeezed the brake handle—too hard and he thumped forward into her back. The snowmobile skidded sideways to a stop.

  “Whoa, whoa,” Rob shouted, adjusting his weight to prevent a tip over. “I’m definitely driving back.”

  “Oh, no you don’t. Hang on!”

  She turned toward the trail and zipped off before he could wrestle her off the seat. “Can we drive on the lake?”

  “It might not be frozen enough,” Rob said. “You should have seen the pictures I took last year. Frozen waves in the early morning, but by noon, the ice had thawed.”

  “Bummer, hey, then we can go kayaking after lunch. I saw one in the garage.”

  “You’re on.” Rob squeezed her shoulders.

  Her stomach rumbled. Who knew snowmobiling could bring up such an appetite? Definitely, having her dream man at her side was beyond awesome.

  She sped around the turn and applied the brakes, swooshing to a perfect stop—right before she hit the racing red Ford F-150 belonging to her brother, Connor. Uh oh.

  Rob cut the engine of the snowmobile and placed his hands on her waist, helping her off. “Let me get this into the garage. Is that Larry’s truck?”

  “No, worse. It’s Connor’s. I can’t believe they tracked me here. I didn’t give them the address.”

  He removed his helmet and goggles. “Larry must have. But hey, good time to get everything out in the open.”

  “Uh, yeah, if you think so.” Melisa’s stomach sludged, and she swallowed hard. Rob must be getting out of touch with her family to think everything would smooth over. She removed her helmet and handed it to him.

  Four doors flung open, and a Hart jumped out of each. Connor, Mom, Cait, and Dad.

  “There you are,” Mom scrambled over a snowdrift, as her family charged toward them. “We were so worried.”

  “What’s the meaning of this?” Dad glared at Rob.

  “Uh, well, you guys know Rob,” Melisa said.

  Pow. Connor’s fist slammed into Rob, knocking him back. “My sister’s off-limits.”

  “Connor, stop it.” Melisa threw herself against her brother. “I’m all grown up.”

  “You know what he did.” Connor’s fists were clenched, and hot breath seethed from between his gritted teeth.

  “That was ten years ago, and he didn’t do it.” Melisa pushed him toward the door. “Come on, let’s go in and I’ll fix you some tea.”

  “Mel, I think you should go home,” Cait said. “Did you find your bird?”

  “Yes, I did. She’s in there, if you all will calm down and let Rob open the door.” She went to his side. “I’m sorry about this.”

  “Don’t be.” He rubbed his jaw. “Here’s the key. I’ll be out back putting everything away.”

  “Connor really should get over this.” She kissed him where her brother had punched him, knowing she was riling up her family. But whatever. She was a grown woman.

  “Hey, I had fun this morning. Who knew you were such a crazy driver?” His grin tilted one side of his sexy mouth. “Go get them, tiger.”

  Yeah, easy for him to say. Melisa’s face broiled at the questioning looks her family threw at her, with Connor barely able to control his rage.

  She opened the door and ushered everyone in. “I know I should have told you specifically where I was, but I hadn’t planned to spend the night. One thing led to another, and then I was here in the morning, and the roads were impassable.”

  Her mother recoiled and gasped. “You slept with him? Why, I never—”

  “No, no, no!” Melisa flapped her hands. “We were in separate rooms. Here, I’ll show you.”

  “Don’t bother,” her father said. “Get your stuff and we’re going.”

  “Won’t you have some tea? Coffee? Granola?”

  Cait drew her aside. “The faster we leave the better. You should have heard Connor the entire way up.”

  Melisa jerked herself away from her sister. A haze of rage simmering up her chest. “No. I’m tired of you guys babying me and acting like I can’t think for myself.”

  “Oh, you poor dearie,” her mother crooned. “You don’t have all the facts.”

  “I have enough.” Melisa crossed her arms. “Rob treats me well, and he trusts me. I’m staying here for Christmas.”

  Connor turned toward the open door where Rob was brushing the snow off his boots. “I can’t stay in the same room with him. Excuse me while I cool off.”

  He brushed by Rob, but Rob grabbed his arm.

  “Dude, don’t avoid me. I’m going to be dating your sister whether you like it or not, and you can’t be going around punching people.”

  “Sod off.” Connor jerked his arm.

  “Now, Connor.” Dad gestured with his head. “Stop acting a fool. Let’s get this over with.”

  Connor lowered his head into a fighting stance, glaring at Rob. “Sure, let’s get this over with. You slept with my girlfriend. What kind of best buddy was that? You knew how much I cared about her.”

  “That was ten years ago.” Rob’s entire body was tight, and he mirrored the defensive stance, his fists ready. “If you loved her so much, you would have forgiven her.”

  “It doesn’t change the fact you took advantage of her.”

  “He didn’t,” Melisa cut in. “He lied. He didn’t sleep with her.”

  “That’s what he tells you.”

  Both Mom and Cait started talking at the same time. Only Dad was quiet, but his piercing eyes were shot full of daggers.

  “You know what?” Melisa yelled. “You all can leave if you can’t be polite.”

  “Polite?” Connor was in her face. “Ask him if he ever slept with Elaine. I believe her over this slimeball s
tanding in front of you. Go ahead. Ask him. Point blank. Look him in the eye.”

  “Fine.” Melisa stomped her foot, confident of Rob. “We talked about this last night. He said he lied about it.”

  “Oh, and you trust a guy who admitted to lying?” Connor shouted.

  “He has a point.” Mom tapped her shoulder. “If Rob admits to lying about this thing, what’s not to say he isn’t lying about everything else?”

  Cait’s eyebrows were arched, and she whistled, shaking her head. She was always the instigator of disputes, fanning the flames, enjoying her role as eldest and go-between with the parents.

  “You know what? I don’t care.” Melisa flung her hands in the air. “I’m staying.”

  “Then I’ll ask.” Connor jutted his face at Rob. “Did you ever sleep with Elaine? How many times? And don’t lie.”

  “I’m not going to discuss a woman’s sexual history.” Rob shut the door.

  “Answer the question,” Connor growled. “Did you or did you not sleep with Elaine at least once.”

  “I’ve no comment.” He stood his ground at the door.

  Not only could Rob not answer the question, he couldn’t or wouldn’t even glance Melisa’s direction. Her heart sank, and she clamped her mouth shut to keep from gasping. He was guilty, and worst of all, he’d lied to her.

  Her mother and Cait converged to her side, looping their arms over her shoulder. “Come on, darling, let’s go home.”

  “Case closed, scumbag.” Connor shoved Rob against the door. “Don’t you ever come near any of my sisters. Cait, Jenna, and especially Melisa.”

  “Oh, darling,” Mom said, hugging her. “Let’s go home.”

  “Can you get Cassie down from upstairs?” Melisa asked Cait. How could she ever look Rob in the eye again, much less walk by him? Coming here alone had been a mistake. Just like she’d told Connor to put his childhood crush behind, it was time for her to do the same.

  # # #

  Rob watched as Melisa and her family huddled into the extended cab, the three women squeezing into the backseat with Cassie’s cage on Melisa’s lap.

  Casey had put up a screeching fight when he spied Cassie being taken from his cage and put into a small carrier. Even now, as he stood at the window, his lovebird was scolding him for letting them go.