Merry Me

by Amanda Siegrist

  "Does he respect you?" Elliot glanced at Lynn, who had a mischievous smirk on her face. God, she wanted to see how he would end this. Would this be a pass or fail kind of thing? Retribution for leaving nice tips?

  "Yeppers. He doesn't call me dumb like Stewart does. He's the dumb one."

  Lynn tensed next to him. He placed a hand onto her back. "Why does Stewart call you dumb?" Maybe he should've let Lynn take over like it appeared she wanted to.

  "I don't know. I always get the answers right when the teacher calls on me. He always gets mean when Tim's around me." Laura shrugged, her smile dimming a little.

  Elliot cracked a small smile. "Your mother is going to have a difficult time warding off all the boys as you get older. Sounds like Stewart is jealous of Tim. Does Tim act like a gentleman even when Stewart is around?"

  Laura's face brightened at those words. "He's always nice to me. He even defends me when Stewart's mean. You think Stewart likes me?"

  "You're wonderful, Laura. I'm sure he does. I would stick with a boy that treats you nice, respects you, and doesn't call you mean names, though. Stewart sounds like he needs to learn some pointers from Tim."

  "So, you're saying it's okay to have a boyfriend?" Laura smiled brightly, giving her mom a look that said, "See, it's okay."

  "Uh, well, I guess. But Tim does need to keep his hands to himself. No touching or kissing." Elliot couldn't risk a glance at Lynn. Had he overstepped his boundaries? She still hadn't said a word, and while she continued to let him hold her, he couldn't sense her mood.

  "But why?" Laura asked, truly confused.

  Elliot dropped his arm from around Lynn and got down on his knee, getting eye level with Laura. "Because being respectful and treating you nice is the first step in any relationship. He needs to display those qualities until he can earn anything else. Do you want to kiss him?"

  "Not really. It looks sort of gross. Why do you kiss my mom?"

  Elliot's feet started to itch as his face burned with embarrassment. This little girl was just as bold as her mother with her words. He couldn’t help but respect that, yet the answer teetered on his lips.

  "Because she's beautiful, smart, funny, and an amazing woman. I guess it's my way of saying all of that in a nice simple kiss. Just like Tim, I need to show respect and be nice. If she doesn't think I'm doing a good job, it's her right to kick me to the curb."

  "I'll never ever let a boy treat me mean. Can we get this candy for part of the present?" Laura asked, holding up the box of candy with assorted chocolates.

  Elliot laughed and stood up. "I think that candy is a great start to the gift. Let's see what else we can find."

  "I saw this awesome blanket at the end of the aisle." Laura rushed back down the aisle.

  "Lynn, I'm sorry if—"

  She grabbed his face, planting a quick kiss on his lips. "You handled that perfectly. You have a way with kids, Elliot."

  "Really? I thought I was screwing that up royally. I'm glad you're not mad. Boys, already? I'd be going out of my mind. I am, actually, for you. I feel like doing a background check on this Tim boy just to make sure he's decent." Elliot rubbed a hand over his face, then gave her a smile as she continued to look at him like he was her savior.

  "Come on. Let's keep you earning your way to more than a kiss." Lynn looped her arm through his as they followed Laura around the store. His smile grew wider at that comment.

  He didn't think he was anywhere near earning his way towards more than a kiss, but if Lynn thought so, he'd roll with it. And when they came across the sex toy aisle, his pants became instantly uncomfortable. Oh yeah, he wanted to earn a lot more than just a kiss as soon as possible.

  He cleared his throat as he shifted awkwardly on his feet. "Are you kidding me? This store truly holds it all, doesn't it?"

  "Is that a blush I see?" Lynn laughed.

  "Men do not blush. Therefore, I am not blushing. Would you care to take a stroll down this aisle? I'm suddenly feeling hungry. Do you think they carry edible underwear?"

  Lynn slapped his shoulder playfully. "Elliot Duncan, don't speak so loudly. Saying such things. What happens if Laura heard you? I would love to watch you talk your way out of that one."

  His smile dipped. What a horrible conversation that would be if it ever occurred. He slowly replaced his smile with a devious grin as he leaned in and whispered delicately in her ear, "I see a future shopping trip, just the two of us. This might be my new favorite aisle in the store. You've been down this aisle before, haven't you? What was your favorite thing, Lynn? I'm dying to know."

  He kissed her neck before backing away. She looked into his eyes as she leaned into him this time. "I think my favorite thing was the glow-in-the-dark condoms. I was really curious how they would look in the dark. What do you think it would look like? Or maybe the pair of pink fluffy handcuffs. Would you like to handcuff me, Elliot?"

  She backed up a step. His jaw dropped that she would say something so bold, so brazen.

  "Men do blush, Elliot, or at least, you do. It's very cute."

  ***

  Elliot walked into the living room and took a seat on the couch near his dad. The Christmas movie playing, grabbing his dad's undivided attention, made him smile. His mother loved watching crazy 'B' flick movies all the time. His dad would grumble having to watch them with her, and now, here he was watching one without her.

  Just another reason why love was difficult. Complicated. Worth every moment.

  Lynn seemed to be pushing her way inside his heart, making him yearn for moments like this. Where he could sit down, pop in a cheesy Christmas movie, and enjoy the night snuggling together. Just the way his parents used to do.

  The pain his dad must feel watching this movie. The memories that probably surfaced.

  A quick glance revealed nothing but a smile on his dad's face.

  Maybe not that painful. Maybe letting love in was worth it.

  He loved his dad relentlessly. Worrying. Fussing. Prodding. Something he should do now. He still hadn't inquired about his memory issues.

  "I can't take the suspense. How was your night?" his dad asked, offering some popcorn that he had left in his bowl.

  Elliot declined with a simple shake, leaning further into the couch as he unclenched his hands. "We had a nice night."

  Gregory raised a brow and put the bowl back on his lap. "Please, leave all the juicy details out. This old geezer doesn't need to live vicariously through you."

  Elliot chuckled. "I would think you live vicariously through the other old geezers still working at the fire station."

  Gregory laughed and winked, grabbing a handful of popcorn.

  "Did you call Ernie back? He called earlier."

  "Yep. Some details would be nice."

  Elliot chuckled. "She brought her daughter with. She's just as sweet and special, like Lynn." He shifted on the couch, daring a peek at his dad. "Did you reschedule your dentist appointment yet?"

  "Sure did."

  "Oh, and Maurice called from the—"

  "Just what are you trying to get at with all these questions, Elliot? You've never been very good at hiding things with me."

  He cleared his throat to suppress a groan and looked at his dad. "Sometimes you forget things and it has me a little worried."

  "Stop worrying so much, Elliot. It's not good for you. And here, I thought with Lynn in the picture, you would mellow out a bit."

  "She's amazing. I suppose I should say thanks for messing with me."

  "I had nothing to do with that present."

  "I can't believe you're still maintaining innocence in that."

  "Did you invite her over for Christmas?"

  "Ignoring it, doesn't make it go away."

  Gregory cocked a brow. "What are we talking about now? The memory issue or the present? You've been jumping conversations like a frog on a mission."

  "Both. And who's the one jumping conversations here?"

  "So, when do I get to meet my new granddaught
er? Invite them over for Christmas."

  Elliot sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. Just once, he wanted his dad to take his health seriously. This conversation reminded him about the time they argued about him moving in.

  "Dad, please, can you not talk like that, especially in front of them. I don't need you saying things like that scaring them away. I really like Lynn. And I'm going to monitor your health, whether you like it or not."

  "I guess that's what kids are for. To annoy you." Gregory laughed. "Lynn's the one. I also bought my sweet granddaughter a new bike. You did mention how the one sitting in the garage looked small. It's pink and purple with little ribbons on the end and a cute little bell. Oh, and I bought a basket to attach to the front, so she can carry her notebook and stuff when they go to the park."

  "Geez, you know how to annoy right back. Let me make sure it's okay with Lynn."

  Gregory's eyes twinkled with mischief. "What's wrong with getting her a bike?"

  "I'm on thin ice with her, Dad. Maybe it doesn’t seem like it, but I am. She's a little touchy when it comes to money and receiving…things. I don't want to upset her. Please, tone it down some."

  "I have to see this part. Quiet now."

  That sounded like his dad wasn't going to listen to a word he said. Something he enjoyed doing since he sat down on the couch. But he'd be damned if things were screwed up even further with Lynn because of more money and gift issues.

  Being annoyed at his dad would be easy, but each time he said something, like calling Laura his granddaughter, it sounded good to his ears. These crazy emotions swirling around inside were flying too fast.

  Could love happen this fast? Because the way his heart beat erratically just picturing Lynn's gorgeous face made him think, yes, love could happen this fast. He missed them both like hell.

  His dad was trying to inject his wily ways and could potentially screw things up.

  "Dad, seriously, you have to tone it down. I'm talking to Lynn about the bike. If she says no, you have to take it back.

  "Sure, sure. I also bought a bunch of other stuff as well, not just a bike. They're all wrapped and tucked away in my closet for Christmas day. So make sure you invite them over for Christmas."

  "Dad…."

  Gregory glanced at him with a tender smile. "I would never ruin what you have with her."

  "Then tone it down."

  Now he just had to make sure he didn’t ruin it himself. He'd ask Lynn tomorrow about Christmas. Surprisingly, the thought of Christmas looming didn't bring an ounce of panic or sadness. She was bringing the holiday spirit back into his life.

  The lock around his heart splintered into pieces as the perfect gift for her came to him.

  Chapter 8

  Lynn brushed a hand across her forehead. Her bangs lifted briefly, then settled across her eyes where they normally resided.

  Damn! She ruined her bangs.

  It took her over thirty minutes in the bathroom to get them to look just perfect and she swipes them flat in one second. Nerves were the culprit. She could only blame it on that. She didn't know where she got the ridiculous idea to bake more cookies and bring them to Elliot.

  For the past two days, Elliot had visited her and Laura in Mason, spending the entire evening, about an hour longer after Laura went to bed. She made dinner for them the first night, a light chicken dinner, considering she didn’t have much more in the house to offer. The embarrassment couldn't get any worse.

  Then, last night, Elliot picked up pizza on his way, spoiling them again. The embarrassment went up a notch. Did he know she couldn't afford more fancy food than what she offered? Her anger almost unleashed until Laura's bright smile flashed before her when she saw the pizza boxes. Pizza was a treat for them.

  The last two days had been a joy. Not just for Lynn, but Laura as well. She laughed at everything Elliot said, talked his ear off about school, and barely coerced him into playing games. Through it all, Elliot laughed back with her, listened intently when she spoke, and dove into each game with enthusiasm. He interacted with her daughter so beautifully. It almost seemed too good to be true.

  True to his word, like he had spoken to Laura about boys treating girls, he only kissed her goodnight, never trying for anything else. Lynn decided he had earned his way to more. Probably since the moment she met him, if she was being honest. He just had a way of looking at her and spiking her body to a heated desire without effort.

  Last night, before he left, he whispered regrettably in her ear that he had to work in the morning. He wanted to spend the entire day with her, but would settle for the evening if her and Laura were available. Lynn had smiled and assured him that was fine. Reassurance had seemed necessary. For him and a little for herself. His eyes had shimmered with an underlying sadness as if he thought he was dominating their time too much. She supposed for having just met him, maybe he had been. Despite their small arguments about money, she looked forward to when his truck pulled into the driveway. So did Laura.

  This morning, after she dropped Laura off at her friend Ashley's house for a sleepover, she started to pull ingredients out for cookies. The compulsion to make Elliot cookies and deliver them to his work had taken over before she could stop herself. Over the course of the few days, they had talked about anything and everything. She had never opened herself up to another man like she did with Elliot. If she wasn't mistaken, he had never opened himself up to another woman as he did with her.

  As she had started to whip the batter with vigorous strokes, one thought wouldn't go away. He had spoken so dynamically about his mother and how she would deliver treats to the police station. Making cookies had felt right.

  More than once, he had commented about the way her eyes would light up when she talked about Christmas. His kind words always managed to evoke so many emotions from her. She wanted to help bring back the Christmas spirit he once loved because that sad look in his eyes was almost unbearable at times. Everybody should love Christmas, especially Elliot, a kind-hearted man who couldn't help but spoil her and Laura rotten.

  That part really had to stop. He still refused to take any money for the car, which resulted in a few arguments that left her worried he wouldn't come back the next day. But it was simply too much. She couldn't let him pay for it.

  Just like she almost couldn’t let his father buy Laura so many gifts. Of course, the way Elliot portrayed it, his eyes sparkling with happiness, she found herself saying it was okay. That was part of the Christmas spirit. Wasn't it? How could she honestly take that away from him? Laura's bike really needed an upgrade. It seemed she grew an inch every day.

  How empty and sad their lives would be if Elliot decided to walk away.

  Stop!

  He isn't walking away. If anything, he's ramming his way into their lives, refusing to take no for an answer.

  That's where the cookies came in. Doing something nice for him for once. Perhaps make up for the arguments about her car. And that's all they were—arguments. She didn't have any money to hand over to pay him back yet. She still had to find money somewhere to buy Laura two more Christmas presents.

  The stress just kept climbing each day.

  She got her car back yesterday, surprisingly operating better than before her accident. So better, she had a strong feeling Elliot had more than just the accident issues fixed. She gained a flat tire and a few other issues under the hood from the accident that went over her head when Elliot relayed the information.

  When she asked what the total bill came to, he simply refused to tell her. The man wouldn't budge even after she almost walked him to the door. Then he turned his sweet smile up a notch and grabbed a kiss. Just like that, her worries floated away.

  Until she saw the car sitting in her driveway. He had derailed the argument with a kiss. That meant it cost a lot to fix. At least a couple hundred.

  A small brown box hidden in the corner of her closet kept her up late last night. Barely a wink of sleep. What was locked tightly inside burn
ed a hole in her gut. She had one way to get some money to pay Elliot back and buy Laura's presents. One terrifying way that she didn't know if she could actually go through with it.

  Best not to think about it right now. She had cookies to deliver.

  Her steps staggered from the car to the doors of the police station. Wiping a clammy hand on her jeans, her bangs slightly lifted again as another breath escaped. Would he be mad that she was showing up out of the blue? Or would he be excited? Maybe he took this shift to make an excuse not to hang out with her on a Saturday. Since when did the chief of police work on a Saturday? He was the boss. He shouldn't have to work if he didn't want to. Maybe his shift would run into the evening and he'd have to cancel plans with her.

  Standing frozen in front of the door, she couldn't make her hand reach for the handle. Did he not want to spend time with them anymore? Is that why he had to work on a Saturday?

  The container of cookies started to get heavy, the outcome of her decision weighing on her. If she walked through the doors, possible rejection stood in her face. If she walked back to her car, possible rejection later that evening stood in her face. Rejection either way.

  She turned around. Possible rejection later sounded much better. Delay the inevitable. Pretend everything was okay.

  Her rust-bucket of a car glared in the shining sun. What was she thinking? He took the time to have her car towed and fixed. He paid for everything, every last dime to make it easier on her. He refused to tell her the total so she could pay him back. Argued relentlessly with her about it. How could she, for one minute, think that he would reject her? He had even asked them to join him for Christmas day at his house. That wasn't someone who didn't want to see her. That was someone who enjoyed her in his life.

  This dating business was too much. Added stress she certainly didn't need.

  She turned back around and grabbed the door handle firmly. No turning back now. She pulled the door open, wiped her feet on the carpet, and bee-lined it to the front desk before she twirled around to the exit with one smooth twist.