by Lori Borrill
Then again, maybe it was only simple to Anna because she didn’t realize exactly what he’d be giving up. She hadn’t really experienced his lifestyle, didn’t see all the perks that came with a high-powered career. She might not understand that he was talking about things bigger than a job switch.
“I make a lot of money,” he said.
She eyed him over her box of chow mien. “Is that important to you?”
He blinked. Funny, how he’d been spending months asking himself that very question, wondering where his priorities should be, what he really wanted out of life. Yet when she phrased the question like that, it seemed to boil down to that one simple concept.
“It used to be,” he said honestly. “Not so much anymore.”
Especially not since he started spending time with Anna. These past twenty-four hours had brought him more joy and peace than he’d felt in a long time. They’d spent the day bombing around Chicago, visiting attractions he hadn’t seen since he was a kid and enjoying the simple pleasure of interesting company and a casual meal. It had been joyful and relaxing.
In contrast, he knew his father’s life. The job was much about sales and appearances. And it wasn’t a job that ended Friday night. It was round-the-clock, lots of travel, speaking engagements, lobbying, wining and dining. His dad caught moments with his family, had been there on all the most important occasions, but one eye was always on the job. He had a phone planted to his ear and a BlackBerry glued to his hand. So for a long time now, John had been wondering if that was really the future he wanted. And for a long time now, he’d struggled to find the answer.
The weird Santa Claus from the party popped back in his head, giving him an eerie feeling.
You’ve been searching for answers and the woman who can provide them just walked out the door.
John wasn’t supposed to believe in the unbelievable, but that brief conversation had been tugging at the back of his mind all day. And as crazy as it sounded, the more time he spent with Anna, the more credence he gave to the man’s words. Something cosmic was going on here, and even though his head screamed that it was all a bunch of malarkey that had to be dismissed, his gut urged him to take a chance on faith. And when he did—when he really dug deep and tried to listen to his soul—he knew that the life of a businessman wasn’t what he wanted.
“I’ve been thinking seriously about leaving the firm and pursuing a career in law enforcement,” he said. “But it’s not going to be easy.”
“I can imagine.”
“My mother comes from a long line of cops. She always said the best move she made was marrying a civilian. She wouldn’t be happy. My dad is expecting to leave his company in my hands someday. Each and every one of my friends will think I’ve lost my mind.”
Quirking her brow, she set their containers on the coffee table and slipped onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and leveling those sinful brown eyes with his. “Sounds to me like you’ve spent a lot of time worrying about everyone but yourself,” she said.
His lips curved into a smile. “That’s about right.”
“What do you want?”
Sitting there on the couch with the sexy woman on his lap, he knew exactly what he wanted. Yes, it was to find a career he was passionate about, and when he boiled it down, he knew Stryker & Associates wasn’t it. He wanted a new life that was wholly his, but he also wanted this woman in it.
Cupping her face, he drew his mouth to hers and absorbed all that strength and wisdom in one long, luxurious kiss. Where before he’d always doubted his choices, this time he could see what he wanted with absolute clarity, and it wasn’t a fancy car and a high-rise condo. It was a deep soul-melding love with a woman like Anna who could light his fire and keep him real. It was life in a simple brownstone in a neighborhood where he was a real part of the community, doing a job that got his blood pumping and then coming home every day to a woman who would calm it down and smooth it over.
“I want this,” he whispered, sliding his hands around her waist and snagging another taste of what that life could be like if he could only keep her here.
And before Monday, he was determined to find a way to make that happen.
7
ANNA PACKED UP THE last of her things, going over the house once more to make sure she didn’t leave anything behind. Tomorrow morning she’d be hitting the road early and she wanted to be organized and ready before enjoying her final evening here with Irene.
“You’ll be back,” the woman said as she stood in the hallway, answering to what must be obvious sadness on Anna’s face. “Once you get your nursing degree there will be lots of good-paying jobs waiting for you here. It will be easier without the pressure of paying for school on top of everything else.”
Anna smiled, appreciating Irene’s words of support. And she knew it was true. Once Anna figured out she’d bitten off more than she could chew, she hadn’t abandoned her idea of living in Chicago forever. She’d simply accepted the fact that while she carried the burden of paying for school, she would need to stick closer to home, where her family could help with living expenses. She’d already discussed with Irene the idea that once she had her credentials, she could come back and give the city another try.
It had felt like a good consolation prize at the time. She wasn’t giving up her dreams she’d simply had to make an adjustment.
But that was before she’d met John.
Last week, she’d simply been disappointed at having to put life in Chicago on hold for a couple more years. Now she was leaving both the city and Mr. Wonderful behind, which took her disappointment and turned it into anguish.
She took a seat on the couch and let out a long breath. “I really liked him, Irene.”
She hated the whiny sound in her voice. It went against everything she was supposed to live by. This last weekend had been wonderful. Thanks to John, she’d seen more of the city than she’d ever imagined, had spent her last three days on an enchanted adventure of sightseeing and romance. She was supposed to be thankful for the gift she’d been given, but no matter how much she told herself that, her heart wouldn’t listen. Truth was she’d really liked him. She’d liked him a lot. And having to leave right at the point where something might have come from their relationship colossally and royally sucked.
Even telling herself that things might have fizzled between them over time didn’t help. After only two days together, it was hard to guarantee that they would make it for the long haul. But thanks to her situation, she’d never know. She was going back home and leaving unfinished business behind, destined to spend the rest of her life forever wondering if this man might have been the love of her life. He’d sure as heck felt that way.
Never in her years and relationships had she ever connected with someone so deeply and quickly as she had with John. And though she kept reminding herself that they hadn’t been together long enough for her to draw those kinds of conclusions, she couldn’t shake the feeling in her heart that she was leaving someone really amazing.
“He sure sounds like a winner from what you told me,” Irene agreed. The woman sat down on the couch next to Anna and placed an arm around her shoulder. “But if it’s meant to be, you two will find your way back to each other.”
Anna nodded, knowing it was true. She told herself that life had a course that we could only partially control. The rest we had to give up to Fate. She knew that, and had accepted it for the most part ever since Kelsey’s death. But right now it didn’t make her feel better. Right now, she really hated Fate and all the crappy things it had taken from her life.
She released a long breath and sighed. “I’m in a bad mood and I need to snap out of it,” she admitted. Moping wasn’t going to change her situation. It was only going to make her feel worse and she didn’t have room in her life for self-inflicted pain.
“What do you say we go down to the corner and get burgers and milk shakes at Rosie’s Diner?” Irene suggested.
Anna smiled. “For
my last meal in Chicago? I can’t think of anything better.” She patted Irene’s thigh and rose from the couch. “You can tell me all about Kentucky while we’re there.”
The two women grabbed their coats and headed down the stairs, Anna feeling better having finally made the decision to shape up and move on. Yet when she opened the door, she found John standing there, his finger pointed as though he were just about to press the buzzer.
All the hurt and sadness she’d just shrugged off came back twofold. Oh, the man was handsome in his sharp suit and dark wooly overcoat. And as she watched him standing there grinning, those faint dimples pressed in his cheeks and his silver eyes bright with affection, the loss fell on her shoulders like actual weights.
“John. I didn’t expect you until later.”
Apparently oblivious to the sadness in her eyes, he reached out and pressed a cheery kiss to her lips. She swallowed back the lump in her throat. How could he be so pleasant and upbeat and not feel the slightest disappointment that these sensual kisses would soon be a thing of the past? Apparently, her feelings for him had amounted to more than his feelings for her, and the reality of it made her feel silly. Growing attached to the man in two measly days. What was she thinking?
He backed up a step and held out his hand to Irene. “You must be Irene. Anna told me good things about you.”
Irene lit up like the tree in her living room. “And she wasn’t kidding when she told me you were handsome and charming.”
Anna blushed as John chuckled.
“We’re on our way to Rosie’s for a late lunch,” Anna said. “Would you like to join us?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m sorry but you’ll have to change your plans. You’ve got a job interview.”
She blinked. “A what?”
“It took me a while, but I found a guy down at the Mason Street Clinic who has an opening for a nurse’s aide. I told him all about you and he wants to meet you this afternoon.”
Her jaw bobbed as her eyes darted to John then Irene then back to John. “But, John, I can’t—”
“You need a job, isn’t that right? That’s why you’re leaving.”
“Yes, but—”
“Okay, so the pay probably isn’t the greatest, but it’s more than minimum wage. And here’s the best part. Once you’ve been there six months, you’re eligible for his educational assistance program.” His giddy grin widened. “He’ll pay for your schooling, but only for as long as you’re working there and only after you’ve passed the probation period.”
She stepped back, all this information too much to absorb so quickly. A job that would pay for her schooling? “I don’t know if I’m qualified.”
“You said you’d been volunteering at the hospital back in Idaho.”
“Yes, before I left, but—”
“It’s all he needs.”
She stood gaping at him and stunned, trying to believe what she was hearing. It sounded wonderful. It sounded better than wonderful. It was a dream come true. But her problems had gone beyond simply needing a job.
“John, I really appreciate it, but I can’t even cover next month’s rent. This would have been great if I’d gotten it a month ago, but now—”
“Forget about rent,” Irene said. “You can start paying me again after you start getting regular paychecks. Consider it a Christmas gift.”
Anna turned to Irene. “I couldn’t let you—”
“You don’t have a choice, hon.” Irene slid a glance toward John then turned back to Anna with that stern look in her eyes that said she was serious. “This is a great opportunity. You can’t let it slip away. Besides, I don’t have a new tenant lined up. I was going to have to lose a couple months’ rent looking for someone anyway. I’ll gladly let it slide to keep you here.”
“I—” She didn’t know what to say. “I’ll pay you back. I’m sure my parents will give me money for Christmas. They always do. It won’t be a lot but it’ll be a start—”
Irene looked at John. “Does she have trouble hearing?”
John laughed. “I think your problems are solved.” He coiled an arm around Anna’s shoulder and pulled her close. “Babe, I’ve spent all morning on the phone finding a way to keep you here. I called in favors and pulled all kinds of strings. You can’t let me down now.”
“Let you down?”
“Yes, because if you don’t stay, I’ll be forced to follow you to Twin Falls.” He held up a hand. “Don’t take it wrong, I’m sure it’s a nice place to live, but I’d rather not have to leave Chicago chasing after the woman I’m crazy about.”
Irene clapped her hands together. “I’m going to go drag out the champagne. I’ve been saving for a special occasion just like this.” She quickly turned and headed back into the house.
Anna’s heart swelled. “You’d follow me to Twin Falls?”
He cupped her face in his big warm hands. “Anna, I don’t know about you, but I feel something special between us, so special that I can’t let you walk out of my life before we pursue it and see where it goes.”
She let out a sigh of relief. “I feel that way, too.”
“Then you’ll stay and check this job out? Let your friends help you?”
“I’d be crazy not to.”
He pulled her into his arms and treated her to a long glorious kiss. It felt so good she thought she was dreaming. It was almost too much to take in, the thought that she wouldn’t have to leave her lofty goals behind, that she could stay and enjoy these heavenly kisses and the sweet, sexy man offering them.
A shiver of excitement ran through her, making her giggle. “I can’t believe this. I can’t believe you’ve done this for me.”
“Don’t give me that much credit. It’s selfish, really. I want you nearby. Over the next few months, I’m going to need all the support I can get.” Squeezing her hands in his, he added, “After the New Year, I’m leaving Stryker and joining the police academy.”
She gaped. “You’re going to do it?”
“You’ve given me the inspiration I needed to take the plunge.”
“Are you sure? It sounds like such a big move.”
“It is, as soon as I’d made the decision I knew it was right. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
“I think that’s wonderful!”
“Yep.” He hugged her tightly. “That weird old guy back at the party was right. I was searching for answers and he said I’d find them with you.”
She eyed him quizzically. “What weird old guy?”
“I think it was Santa Claus, though I can’t be sure.”
“And he said you’d find answers with me. That sounds…unbelievable.”
He laughed. “I think the word is kismet.”
“Kismet.” She rested her head on his shoulder and reflected on the weekend, from the moment that elevator mysteriously dumped her on his floor through their sightseeing trips of Chicago. Then the romantic dinners, the amazing lovemaking and all the rest of the way to this moment on her porch where her wishes were granted and she had the man of her dreams firmly in her arms.
If this wasn’t the handiwork of something extraordinary, she didn’t know what was.
“Kismet,” she said. “If that means something wonderful then that’s exactly what this is.”
Merry Christmas, Baby
1
MERRY STUPID CHRISTMAS.
Okay, so Jeannie Carmichael knew that wasn’t how the expletive went, but she’d never been one for swearing, even on nights like tonight when she had darn good reason for it.
As the last of the hangers-on began to filter out of the party room, she took a seat and looked over the extent of the work that lay ahead of her. All the snowflakes she’d cheerily hung over the dance floor had to be taken down. Trays of food left behind on the buffet table had to be collected or tossed. Building maintenance had wheeled in cans for depositing trash, but so far, none of the twenty-odd people left at the party seemed to know what to do with them. It seemed as if Jeannie
was on her own, left behind to clean up, while the rest of Stryker’s employees took their celebrating elsewhere.
And if she received any real thanks for the work, she wouldn’t mind it one bit.
Okay, so the occasional employee had tossed out a terse “nice party” here and there. And yes, if her manager, Sabrina, wasn’t out on maternity leave or her best friend, Kristin Riley, hadn’t gone home sick, they would both be here helping her right now. But that didn’t change the fact that every other person at this company—up to and including the senior Mr. Stryker himself—took everything Jeannie did for granted, as if hosting the holiday Christmas party and cleaning up after everyone four hours past her quitting time was a standard part of her job description.
Was it too much to ask that Mr. Stryker could have given her a shout-out during his recognition speech? A simple “Thanks, Jeannie, for arranging things” would have done. That was all. She wasn’t asking for a trip to Maui or a gift card or a double-digit pay raise. Just the acknowledgment that he knew she actually existed and that her work was as valuable to the team as everyone else’s.
She slumped back in her chair and fought off tears. It was a good thing the bar had closed. She was in the mood to drown her sorrows, and not being one for handling alcohol well, she knew that would have ended badly if she’d been given the opportunity. Besides, she had this place to clean up, and since there weren’t any Christmas elves here to do it for her, she’d best get started.
“For someone who’s dressed so festively, you don’t appear to have enjoyed the party.”
The voice belonged to that strange Santa Claus, the one she’d been trying to catch up with all night. On several occasions throughout the evening she’d spotted him across the room chatting with someone, but every time Jeannie tried to corner him, the man magically disappeared. It was an oddity that had constantly bugged her, and she opened her mouth, intending to finally ask him what he was doing here and who invited him—if anyone invited him at all. But then she surveyed the mess in front of her while another handful of employees casually stepped out the door and she decided that at this point, it really didn’t matter. The party was over, no harm had been done, and by now even her curiosity had fizzled along with her mood.
