Christmas Knight (Heartthrob Heroes, Book 3)

by Kimberly Llewellyn

  After handing him his sweatpants, she brought the sleeping bag up to her chest protectively. She waited for Zach to get dressed, then head toward tree house door. Before exiting completely, he sent Tori one final look. She could see so much tension—and regret—in the chiseled lines of his face. For a moment, she thought his fierce determination had softened into hesitancy. But she was wrong. Zach Endicott turned back and left.

  Her heart sank. He never said it, but she knew he hated that it had to be this way. With the sleeping bag around her, she rose to steal a final peek at the man who'd just walked out of her life. She watched the muscles in his broad back move under his skin as he hiked back into the house.

  Emotionally numb, Tori continued to stare out the little window. She didn't move as she tried to make sense of it all. She couldn't decide if the past couple of days had truly happened. Was it all a dream? No. It was all too real. Zach had come into her life and soon he would be gone. From the tree house window, she stared out to the back of the house. Still, she made no move to see Zach off because she knew that when she entered the house, he wouldn't be there.

  * * *

  "That's class, everyone. Have a nice weekend." Tori clapped her hands together as she dismissed her tiny students from ballet class.

  A few mothers who had come early to pick up their children had watched the end of the dance class before welcoming their little ones into their arms. Tori could hear the mothers praising their daughters on how wonderfully they'd danced. Each little dancer bundled up her things, said goodbye to one another, and pranced out the studio doors.

  Tori relaxed her shoulders to unwind following an afternoon of classes to fulfill her internship and credits teaching ballet. She changed the music on the studio sound system to a more soothing piece, and then dimmed the lights to create a more calming atmosphere.

  The tension melting from her muscles, she scanned the mirrored room to take in the first peace and quiet she'd had that day and sat on the center of the studio floor. She closed her eyes to forget about her recent exams that would determine if she graduated next month. She allowed the afternoon's memory of rushing into the studio to teach a group of distracted eight-year-old students to float away. And she decided to forgive the pianist who hadn't shown up for class that day as a surprise for the students.

  She tried to forget about Zach.

  Her eyes shot open to remind herself of her surroundings. How could she forget him when his image kept invading her thoughts? She had busied herself the past four months with her studies and classes to forget all about him. Four full months. She had chosen the most grueling schedule of her college career in a vain attempt to keep Zach out of her mind. If the past few months didn't get the man out of her head, then what would it take?

  Tori mentally commanded herself to focus on stretching her muscles as she extended both her legs. She closed her eyes once again and concentrated on lowering her chest down to her knees. The stretch felt good. Then again, any sort of feeling other than the ache in her heart felt good. It had been one of the few times that she had allowed herself to feel anything else. As she tuned out the world and tried to listen only to the moving melody, a clicking across the floor distracted her.

  Tori looked up from her partially relaxed state in time to see a yelping little dog bounding and slipping and sliding across the dance floor to her. She shrieked at the site until Spike accosted her with whimpers, barks, and a lapping tongue. She embraced the animal and giggled as his fur tickled her face.

  Her joy at seeing Spike soon gave way to confusion.

  "Zach?" she asked on a whisper.

  She slowly drew her head up in search of him. Her heart pumped so hard, the pounding roared in her ears. Surely, Zach wouldn't be far behind. She looked toward the studio entry to finally see him—tall and as muscular as ever—leaning against the doorjamb.

  "I-I didn't hear you come in." Her muscles had at once returned to their stiffened state after seeing him. She merely sat on the floor, unable to do anything but hold Spike. Unsure if this were all real.

  "I didn't want to interrupt you. But Spike had other plans. You look so beautiful there. I just wanted to watch." Zach stayed put, but shifted his stance.

  Tori caught her breath. She didn't know whether to get up and run to him or tell him to go. She did nothing but endure the heavy burden of his stare.

  Spike slipped from Tori's grasp, then bounded back toward Zach.

  "What are you doing here?" she asked, all too conscious of the way he drank in the sight of her.

  "I had to see you. Be near you." This time, he cautiously ventured her way.

  "After four months?" she asked coolly. Desperately, she tried to maintain some sort of emotional barrier between them. She wanted to keep a haughty attitude toward him, much the same way she had when she first met him on that frosty December night. It wasn't easy. Not after all they had shared.

  "They were the longest four months of my life," Zach said. The tone of his voice alone was enough to melt her, but Tori could have none of it. She'd worked too hard to try and forget him. Even if she had failed at the task.

  "So how did you know to find me here?" She forced herself to fight off the enchantment of this man and stick to being aloof. For her heart's sake.

  "Wasn't easy. I had to run all over the college campus to find you. This place is sprawling."

  "Tell me about it. I've been trying to get around with no car."

  Keep the talk casual, an inner voice demanded.

  Without another word, Tori managed to ease herself off the floor, unsure if her weakened knees would support her. Was she merely imagining his presence? With the soft music and dimmed lights, her dreams and reality melded to a hazy blur. But her dreams were all she had to get her through each day. She'd have to remember that.

  Zach sauntered toward her, invading her personal space. "Thank God I found you."

  "And now maybe it's time for you to lose me." She choked on her heartbreaking words. And time, she thought, to wake up from this dream.

  "No. I'm not going to lose you again. Things have changed in my life and I want you to be a part of it."

  "That's not going to happen."

  "Why not?"

  "Don't you see? Don't you get it, Zach?" Tori turned her back to him, walked over to the sound system, and unceremoniously turned off the music. The words she had thought she'd wanted to hear from him over Christmas only caused heartache now. Something she could no longer afford. "Your life. My life. They don't fit. They're too different."

  "I know. That's why we need to make a new life together."

  "But Zach, we're both too stubborn. Once upon a time I thought it could work, but you showed me it never could."

  "I was wrong. It can work. If you thought so once, why can't you believe that again?"

  "Because I can't be hurt again. You didn't lose me, you left me, remember?" Tori walked over to the ballet barre along the wall and held on for dear life. With unseeing eyes, she stared into the mirror, her gaze fixed on Zach's reflection. She had only dreamed that their paths would one day cross again. But now that they had, she couldn't face it.

  "Please, listen to me, Tori. I did end up losing my job. It was the best thing that could have happened. Remember when I first met you and I told you I didn't carry credit cards? It was to keep my nose clean for when the time came to start my own business. And that's what I did."

  Zach took a slow step closer to her as though not to scare her away. "I started a new local conveyance business with a partner. It'll be tough with the economy and the hours are long, but at least I'm home every night. It's a whole new way of life." He paused. "But I want nothing to do with it if I can't have you as a part of it."

  Tori gripped the barre tighter. She peered into the mirror, this time her eyes searching his. Watching his reflection somehow felt easier than seeing him in the flesh. She tried to ignore his last statement and had to keep the conversation cordial. "So, tell me about this new business."r />
  "My business is all about spending the rest of my life with you. But I had to straighten out some things before I saw you again. It took longer than expected. But I'm here now." He took a step closer. "I love you, Tori."

  She watched his reflection grow larger as he neared. She knew he didn't want to talk about his business. His silence on that particular subject confirmed it. So did the solemn look in his eye. He brought his hand onto her own hand gripping the barre and turned her to face him.

  "I stopped fighting how I felt about you a long time ago. I really do love you." He brought her hands behind her back and drew her closer to him.

  Tori let out a breath in surprise.

  Her mind fought him. Her soul fought him. But her heart went willingly.

  "I love you, too. But what about my son?" she asked him.

  The brightness in Zach's eyes dimmed as he took a moment to think about it. Tori's fear that he hadn't thought this decision through was confirmed.

  "Tell you what, I'll let you keep Stephen if you let me keep Spike. He's a great kid."

  A sudden joy filled her and she wrapped her arms around him. She burrowed her face deep into his chest and blinked away a tear of happiness. "It's a deal!"

  Spike let out a yelp as he sniffed along the doorway, catching Zach's attention.

  "I brought some reinforcements, but luckily, I didn't need them."

  Tori looked at him, quizzically. "What are you up to, Zach Endicott?"

  He took Tori by the hand and brought her over to the center of the studio floor. He made her sit down and she obliged. Zach left the studio momentarily, then brought back a large box. He gently tipped the box at Tori's feet, then shooed out a litter of puppies that quickly surrounded her.

  Seeing the six balls of fur and hearing their little cries and yelps, Tori heart swelled. While they scampered about on unsteady paws, Spike attempted to tend to each one.

  "I figured, even if you refused me, I knew you wouldn't be able resist these little guys. Yep, Spike is a dad. I'm puppy-sitting for the weekend. Can you help?"

  Tori cooed over the adorable puppies. Zach had been right. She couldn't refuse. She pulled one pup up to her face to kiss its little nose. "How could I say no to a face like this?"

  She drew her expression up to Zach's, who beamed like a proud papa.

  "Oh, right," he said. "I have one more thing for you." Zach disappeared again out of the studio. When he returned, he carried his favorite blue flannel shirt she'd worn when she traveled with him.

  "You left this behind," he told her.

  "But Zach, that's yours."

  "No." He shook his head. "It only reminded me of you. I spent so many nights remembering how you looked in it... and I want to see you in it again."

  Zach lifted Tori from the floor and wrapped her in the warmth of the old flannel shirt.

  "Although it's spring now, it' a bit cool in this New England air. But I promise to keep you warm and safe, Tori Adams, forever if you'll let me."

  Tori gave him a warm accepting nod. "Yes, Zach. I believe you. And I believe in you."

  After all, Tori knew he wasn't one to make many promises. But this would be one promise that Zach Endicott would definitely keep.

  The End

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  Here's an excerpt from

  COWBOY'S KISS

  Heartthrob Heroes

  Book One

  ~

  Jackie searched the ranch house for Tanner until she heard the faint strumming of a guitar floating in the air. The tender, husky voice singing along with the chords coaxed her to follow the harmonious melody to its source.

  "The veranda," she whispered. With etiquette books in hand, she made her way over to the front door and eased it open.

  Tanner leaned against the wooden railing of the veranda with one booted leg hitched on the bottom crossbar to support the guitar nestled against his body. His eyes were closed under the broad brim of his Stetson. All the while, he sang a haunting melody; Jackie let his husky baritone wash over her with pleasure.

  After a final chord, he leaned the guitar against the railing. Only then did he notice her standing there. "I didn't hear you come out," he said.

  "I didn't mean to interrupt."

  "Not at all. I'm just doing my Saturday night gig for my kids. Their grandpa puts the kids to bed and I serenade them to sleep from down here."

  "You're a man of many talents."

  "Nah. I picked up the guitar out of boredom as a kid. With the storms and tornados around here knocking out power for days on end, you have to entertain yourself or you'll go crazy." His gaze fell to the etiquette books Jackie clutched to her chest. "Are we having that meeting now about refining my kids?"

  "If this is a good time," she answered.

  He spread his arms nice and wide. "I'm all yours."

  "Great," she willed herself to say. She set her books on the small wooden table between the two rocking chairs before sitting. "I'd like to finish with the children's computer manners tomorrow, things like taking turns. And then go over a few dance steps for social occasions like weddings."

  "The kids already know how to dance."

  "Excellent. What do they know? Waltz? Fox-trot?"

  "Two-step, of course. And line dancing."

  "That's it?"

  "Trust me. That's all they need to know."

  "Don't you think that's a little limited?"

  "Do you know how to two-step, Miss Taylor?"

  "No. Not exactly." She squirmed at the admission.

  "Now that's what I call limited. Don't you know that two-stepping is a kind of ballroom dancing?"

  "I wouldn't exactly—"

  "Now, come on. It's true. Looks to me like you're the one who could use a lesson."

  "Really, I don't. This is about you and your children tonight, not me."

  "Not anymore. This is about us," Tanner said. He sauntered into the house. A moment later he reappeared, leaving the front door open. As a gentle country song played from within the house, Tanner held out his right hand. "May I?"

  "But," she hesitated, "I don't know how."

  "You'll know how when I'm done with you."

  Jackie ignored the catch in her throat. Slowly, she slid her hand into his and she rose from the rocker. In one smooth move, Tanner swept Jackie protectively into his arms.

  "Darlin', you hold me like this." He took her wrist and led it around his waist. "And then I hold you like this." He gently held her neck with his hand. "And you hook your other hand right here, that's right, and I hold on here. And now, let's just rock back and forth 'til you get the feel of it."

  They swayed to the faint melody that filled the air. Night had fallen and only the few lights on in the house illuminated the veranda. Jackie willed herself to stop shaking. But how could she calm down with Tanner holding her like this? She only hoped she was getting it right.

  "Okay, we're moving onto the next step," Tanner said.

  "I'm not ready," she whispered.

  "Course you are. It's just one small step. I've got you. It's all right. I'm not going anywhere."

  Jackie fought for inner control but her sudden feelings gripped her heart. She realized just then that she didn't want to be anyplace else in the world. She looked into his eyes, letting him know that she'd trust him to take the next step.

  Tanner dipped his head, bringing his lips close to her ear. "Okay, then. You'll step back one and again for two. Don't worry, I'll lead," he wh
ispered. The warmth of his breath stroked and tickled her skin. With a polished move, Tanner eased into a two-step, moving Jackie back for a few beats before turning and stepping back himself.

  Together, they danced across the veranda. And that's when it happened. That's when it hit. Somehow, Tanner Avery had managed to two-step his way into her heart. He soon slowed their dance back down to a sway as they admired the low moon. All the while, Tanner hummed along with the faint country music.

  "Is it like this every night?" Jackie murmured, looking up at the sky while nestled against him.

  "It can be." He moved his arms around the small of her back. "I mean," he stiffened, "with the exception of a rainy night or two." He resumed his relaxed sway.

  "I guess I get so wrapped up in my life back in D.C., I forget to appreciate things like moonlit nights." With her cheek resting against his chest, she let out a small laugh. "Would you believe I can see cherry blossoms from my office window, and yet my assistant has to remind me to look at them?"

  "I definitely get the feeling you work too much."

  "Well, all that's going to change once—" Hearing the hitch in her voice, she stopped. She couldn't go too far or give away too much. Sharing intimate thoughts could lead to something more, like a relationship, which was the last thing she needed and the last thing Tanner wanted.

  ~

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  Cowboy's Kiss

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  Known in fiction as, "the Wedding Writer," Kimberly Llewellyn is the award-winning author of eight contemporary novels. She enjoys writing stories about love and relationships, as well as the happily ever after. With a daring spirit, she's had her share of adventures on her road trips throughout North America. Her recent best sellers include Almost a Bride and Siren Call.

  Kimberly loves hearing from her readers. You can connect with her through her website www.KimberlyLlewellyn.com, and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/KimberlyLlewellynBooks) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/KimLlewellyn).