Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

by JoAnn Durgin

  Julia gave Caroline her order for hot tea and whole wheat pancakes. “Too?”

  “Let’s just say Bailey’s winning the battle.” Draining his water, Jake thanked Caroline when she promptly refilled it. She also removed his empty plate and poured him another cup of coffee. From what he could tell, the dark brew was grounds-free. Still, he’d taken enough chances for one morning.

  When Julia laughed, it sounded wonderful. Hearty and captivating. Man, he was losing it.

  “Have you ever had a dog before?” she asked.

  Caroline set Julia’s mug of hot tea on the counter with a wink in Jake’s direction. He shot her a return wink and grinned at the way the older woman’s cheeks colored pink like a shy schoolgirl. Remembering Julia’s question, he straightened on the stool. “Believe it or not, my dad was allergic to dogs, and mom was allergic to cats, so nothing but turtles and hamsters for this animal nerd.”

  Julia sipped her tea. When she blinked, her lashes were the longest he’d ever seen. If he wasn’t a goner before, that did it. He was falling for her, but she could only be his friend. That fiancé of hers sure was blessed. He hoped the guy understood how much. Funny how she hadn’t mentioned the man in her life; he should think she’d have that “I’m taken” look written all over her. If Julia was his fiancée, he’d waste no time in slipping a diamond on her ring finger and shouting it to the whole world. Perhaps it was being sized. Jake avoided meeting her gaze, not wanting her to pick up on his fascination with her.

  “I find that difficult to believe.”

  Jake shook his head after momentarily forgetting the subject. Maintaining his concentration was difficult with her sitting so close their shoulders brushed. Not to mention her voice was incredibly appealing, so gentle and sweet. “What’s that?” Hopefully that would move the conversation along without letting on his thoughts were inordinately distracted.

  “You don’t exactly seem like the nerd type in any sense of the word, especially one who would have his nose stuck in a book when you could have been doing more…outdoorsy things.”

  It was Jake’s turn to laugh. “I’ll have you know I was the senior class valedictorian.” His class had fifteen graduates, but he’d keep that to himself.

  “I know.” Julia added a packet of sweetener to her tea and swirled it slowly. “But you were also the quarterback.”

  How had she learned all this? Was she curious and asked about him? Dylan and Hannah didn’t know everything, especially from ten years ago. One thing was certain: her smile could charm the hardest of hearts. Even old man Picasso would love this woman.

  Caroline put the plate of pancakes on the counter with a small pitcher of homemade boysenberry syrup.

  “These look and smell delicious,” Julia said. “I’ll have to work out extra hard later, but it’s totally worth it. Thanks.”

  “House specialty,” Caroline said with a pleased smile. “Eat up, Julia, and let me know if you need anything.”

  Jake liked how the townspeople had embraced Julia like one of their own. He admired her profile as she bowed her head to pray. Knowing he should turn the other way, he couldn’t. Dylan’s sister was like some kind of irresistible magnet, and he was powerless to resist the attraction. I’m in huge trouble here, Lord.

  “I also know you almost got your nose broken in an altercation with a boy named Trevor in seventh grade,” Julia said, breaking into his thoughts. “You were suspended a few days for some type of insubordination during your sophomore year, and you dated the football homecoming queen most of senior year.” Julia laughed at his obvious surprise.

  Jake shook his head. “Trevor insulted a friend and—sorry to say—he was the one who got his nose broken. The insubordination was a frog on a chair, and I only had three dates with Sherry. People in this town really need to get a life.” That didn’t come out right. “Look, I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but…”

  “I know what you mean,” Julia said, “and for the record, I didn’t ask. All that information was volunteered. Some by my brother and sister-in-law, but I’ll never tell.” She shrugged. “In case you haven’t noticed, we’re like the only two unmarried people under the age of thirty in Starlight.” She opened her mouth as though to say something else, then closed it, appearing embarrassed.

  “Not to mention the only two over five foot eight.” That sounded pretty dumb. Jake slid off the stool. At least the simple movement didn’t hurt. Thankfully, every day his pain eased a little more. He reached for his check and pulled out his wallet to keep him focused. One of the two of them was also engaged, and he’d best depart since he was either out of touch or there was some definite flirting going on between them. Maybe she was just being friendly. Didn’t she know she was too irresistible to smile at a guy like that if she was taken, and there could never be anything between them?

  The guys at the firehouse were right. Trying to read a woman was worse than trying to figure out Shakespeare. Both were impossible, but at least Julia was worth the effort. Never mind she’d be going home soon to her fiancé, most likely a doctor or professional white collar guy who could build her a big house in the suburbs and they could get all the animals she wanted.

  “I’d better get over to the firehouse,” Jake said, his gaze lingering on Julia. The way she cut her pancakes into miniscule bites was fascinating, but the woman must take an hour to eat a sandwich. Thank goodness Dylan didn’t share that trait, or there’d be a few more houses in Starlight burned to the ground while the man finished his food. Now, you’re being ridiculous.

  “Who’s watching Bailey while you’re at work?” she asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  Julia lowered her mug to the counter, her expression incredulous. “Please tell me you put her in a crate in the kitchen, in a closed room, or in a contained area with a baby gate or something?”

  “No, I didn’t.” Owning a dog was a lot more involved than he’d anticipated. “Will I need to file an insurance claim?”

  “You might. Here’s a tip: before you go to the station today, you might want to stop by the house and check on Bailey…and take my suggestion to keep her in an enclosed space.”

  Jake frowned. “Point taken. I’m sure you’re right.” His shoulders drooped. “Man, I stink as a dog daddy.”

  “You’ll be fine.” The smile she gave him distracted him to the point where he tossed down a five by mistake on the shiny countertop for Carolyn’s tip. He’d look like a heel if he made change, but he figured she could use the extra money since her stove was on the fritz.

  “Hey, Caroline?” he called.

  She paused while slathering Dan Johnson’s toast with too much artery-clogging butter. “Yeah, Jake?”

  “I’ll come over on Thursday morning about ten to take a look at your stove.”

  Caroline’s doting smile was reward enough. She raised the knife in her hand and waved it in Julia’s direction. “Honey, if I was you, I’d snap this man up in a heartbeat, for no reason other than he can fix anything. That and the fact he could melt the chocolate on your s’mores. You keep that in mind.”

  Jake coughed and turned aside but not before he noticed the flush spreading across Julia’s cheeks. He went over to Caroline and pushed a ten dollar bill into her hand, curling her fingers around it. “Tell her breakfast is on the house. Grand Reopening special or whatever.”

  “You’re a sweet boy, Jacob. Will do,” Caroline said, giving him a quick hug.

  Passing by Julia, he leaned close. “I’ll see you tomorrow night, Miss Sinclair, in case you need anything fixed.”

  Putting one hand over her chest, she moved her eyes upward to meet his. “I beg your pardon?”

  Jake darted a glance at Caroline. She’d turned her back, but her shoulders shook with unmistakable laughter. At least she was discreet and from what he knew, no one else with decent hearing sat close enough to hear. He scratched his head and tried not to roll his eyes. “I’ll see you at the soup kitchen at the church tomorrow night, if y
ou’re helping out. I mean—”

  “I’ll see you then, Jake. Try to be good in the meantime, and go check on Bailey.”

  Julia’s smile was a lovely sight to behold, and at least it wasn’t mocking. Not much more he could say. Jake tugged on his hat and gloves before strolling out of Barney’s with as much dignity as he could muster. Well, it can’t get much worse. Good thing Dylan’s sister was already taken because after that totally inept blunder, she sure wouldn’t have any romantic interest in him.

  Tugging the collar of his jacket tighter around his neck, he burrowed the lower half of his face in it as a shield against the cold. He moved as fast as he could down the sidewalk and climbed into his truck. By summer, he’d have Bailey all trained, and she could sit on the front seat beside him. Bailey. Maybe he should take Julia’s advice and go check on the pup, see if she was safe and not wreaking havoc all over the house.

  As he drove the short distance, Jake made a mental list of all he needed to do at the firehouse—anything to keep his thoughts from wandering to Julia. No matter how hard he tried, the dark-haired beauty invaded his waking moments. He knew it was wrong to think so much about an engaged woman, and he needed to pray the Almighty would take away his fascination with her.

  Climbing the front steps of the house a few minutes later, Jake wondered how Julia might react to the promise he’d made to the Lord all those years ago. Yeah, he’d be doing some serious praying tonight. As he reached the threshold, he inhaled a deep breath, hoping he wouldn’t find a disaster behind the door.

  10

  “Did you start a war in here?” Dylan stood in the middle of Jake’s living room early that evening. He raised his hands in the air, making a slow circle as he surveyed the mess. “You need a housekeeper something fierce, man. At least I know what to get you for Christmas.”

  A knock sounded on the front door. “Who could that be?” Jake mumbled.

  “It’s Jules.”

  A low growl escaped from between Jake’s clenched teeth. “It’s embarrassing enough to have you over here. Did you invite her?”

  Dylan shrugged. “You obviously need guidance, and I have a family to get home to. My sister loves to help the wounded and the clueless. Go open the door and don’t leave her waiting. It’s cold out there.”

  Jake scowled and rubbed a hand over the five o’clock stubble on his jaw as he marched toward the front foyer. His feet touched wetness on the carpet near the desk, and he released a groan of frustration. Throwing open the door, he motioned to Julia with one hand. “Come on in, but enter at your own risk.”

  The way Julia’s mouth twisted, it appeared she tried not to grin as she came inside the house and closed the door behind her. “Hello to you, too.” Her eyes grew large as she took in the chaos. “Dylan thought you might need a little help, and I think he’s right.”

  Jake’s shoulders slumped. “It’s official. I’m a failure as a dog owner. I bought her a ton of toys, but all Bailey does is shred stuff and do her business whenever I turn my head.” He led Julia into the living room and waved a hand toward his mother’s favorite throw rug with its newly-minted stain. “Mom will kill me when she sees this if Dad doesn’t finish me off first.”

  “Yeah, and no way will any female want to come near you smelling like you do at this moment,” Dylan said.

  Jake could only stare at Dylan. What a thing to say.

  “Other than you, of course, Jules. But you’re like a sister to Jake.” Dylan trained his gaze on him. “Right, buddy?”

  Jake’s scowl deepened. “It’s eau de puppy, man.” As much as he hated to admit it, Dylan was right. He needed a good, long shower and a powerful deodorizer for the entire house. He purposely chose to ignore the rest of his comment. “Is it too much to ask to get a little affection, even from a dog?” He blew out a sigh. “You could have warned me, you know.”

  Dylan scoffed. “Yeah, right. I’m still getting used to kids of the human kind. I’ll learn from your mistakes, thank you very much.”

  “Well, I’m making enough of them.” Jake tossed squeaky chew toys in the basket by the hearth. He’d spent a small fortune, but so far, Bailey seemed more interested in chewing the bottom of the couch or trying to get at the toys waiting to be fixed. “In some ways, I think a baby might be easier. At least they sleep a lot and don’t wander all over the house leaving little legacies.”

  “Where’s the baby gate?” Julia asked.

  Jake snapped his head up. “I’ll never tell. I can’t cage Bailey. That’s inhumane.”

  “It’s not caging her, Jake,” Julia said, employing what must be her “nurse” voice. Funny thing, but it was already working on his frazzled nerves. “The unfortunate alternative is soiled carpet and buying stock in companies that manufacture pet deodorizers and stain removal products.”

  How she said it with a straight face, he’d never know, but that comment made the corners of Jake’s mouth curl.

  “Where’s Bailey now?” Julia took a quick survey of the sofa and living room chairs.

  “Sleeping on my bed.”

  Dylan picked up a plastic toy and tossed it in the basket. “Are you sure that’s wise?”

  “Why not?” Whose side were these people on, anyway? Bailey’s?

  “You’re spoiling her, that’s all.” Julia’s voice was low and calm, softening the brunt of her words.

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” Jake said. “Maybe I’m the one who needs a little spoiling.”

  “Guess someone’s a little cranky,” Dylan said. “Time to get over the little pity party you’ve got going here, Jake, and set limits with this dog. Otherwise, she’ll be a diva, and you won’t ever get a woman. No way she’ll want to compete.” He sighed. “I think you called me because you have more toys for pickup. Got them ready to go?”

  “Oh, right.” With all the talk about Bailey, he’d almost forgotten the original reason he’d asked Dylan to stop by. “They’re over there in the hall closet.”

  From the corner of his eye, Jake spied Julia removing her jacket and draping it over a chair. “Jake, do you mind if I stay a while and help you clean up?”

  His pulse skipped a few beats, and he swallowed hard. Something stirred in his gut. Maybe it was hunger since he hadn’t eaten dinner, but he didn’t think so. “If you’re sure. I mean…” He shook his head. “I’d really like that. Thanks. A bowl of my specialty chili’s in it for you as a reward.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” When Julia smiled and started to pick up more of Bailey’s things, his heart softened a little, as it seemed to do every time he was around her.

  “Jake?” Dylan prodded.

  He jumped.

  Dylan chuckled under his breath. “I’m not even going to ask. The stuff for the kids?” he prompted when Jake gave him a blank stare.

  “Yeah, sure. Follow me.” After walking back into the front foyer, Jake opened the coat closet and hauled out the box.

  Dylan whistled as he stepped closer. “That’s a lot of toys, buddy. You been burning the midnight oil? How’d you have time to fix all these?”

  “I made time.” He hadn’t been sleeping that well, but Dylan didn’t need to know or he’d start asking questions or making assumptions. Best not to go there.

  Crouching down, Dylan picked up one of the dolls. “Isn’t this the one Jules called Molly what’s-her-name?”

  “Molly Dolly. Right.” Jake ignored Dylan’s knowing glance. “Penny Granger made her a new dress, and I cleaned her up, brushed her hair, and touched up her face with some paint.”

  Dylan nodded to the shiny red Corvette. “And that one?”

  “Touched up the paint, reattached a door, and shined it up.”

  “Well,” Dylan said, hoisting the box, “you’ve done yourself proud. You’ll make a fine dad someday, Fireman Jake.”

  When Dylan patted his shoulder—the right one—in the usual way, it didn’t make him cringe. “Judging by Bailey, that’ll take some doing. Give me time.” On a whim, Jake reach
ed for Molly Dolly.

  Dylan rested the box on the desk, anchoring it with one hip as he pulled on his gloves. “Guess you’ve got someone picked out for that one, huh?”

  “Yep, or the other way around.” Jake followed Dylan to the front door.

  “Jake, I have a question for you,” Dylan said. “Answer me straight.”

  “Don’t I always?”

  “You’re the most honest man I’ve ever met next to my dad, so yeah. Did you ever tell Nicole about your secret?”

  Jake looked over his shoulder to see if Julia was within hearing distance.

  “We’re alone. I think she took something to the kitchen.”

  “Yes, Mom, I told Nicole.” Jake lowered his voice. “At first, she thought it was kinda sweet, but then I think she got frustrated because of it.”

  Dylan grinned. “No offense, buddy, but I can empathize. You’re a whole different breed, but I have to admire you all the same. You’re a rare man of conviction and moral fortitude.”

  “Thanks,” Jake said, keeping his voice wry. “It’s not what broke us up, but I can admit it might have been a contributing factor.”

  His friend nodded. “Nicole’s probably like a lot of girls in the way she reacted, but keep in mind she doesn’t represent all women.”

  Jake raised his brows. “Oh? You got one in mind, Dylan?”

  Dylan’s gaze traveled to the doll in his arms. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

  “Just take the toys and go already. I need to grab a hot shower before the little terror wakes up and finds something else to shred or mess.”

  “Open the door for me and I’m gone. Oh, oh.” With a grimace, Dylan nodded in the direction of the nearest window.

  Jake slapped his forehead with his palm. “Man, if that puppy wasn’t so cute—” The bottom of his mother’s curtains—the ones with delicate lace she’d bought on a trip to Brussels, Belgium—bore the distinct evidence of Bailey’s tiny teeth marks.

  “All relationships go through some rough spots in the beginning,” Dylan said. “I’m sure you two will be very happy together.” He breezed past him. “Catch you later, buddy.”