The Christmas Dare

by Lori Wilde

  He enjoyed the contact, and his body responded, instantly stirring in a masculine way and making him glad that he was sitting down with a napkin over his lap.

  “Put frozen peas on that,” Samantha said and for a wild second he thought she was talking about what was going on inside his jeans.

  Your eye, goober. She means your eye. “Um, already did. Thanks for the tip.”

  Samantha took their food orders and disappeared again.

  “Hey, little brother.”

  Noah looked up to see his sister Flynn standing beside the table. “What are you doing here?”

  Flynn held up a to-go bag. “I was checking out and saw you guys over here.”

  “To-go fondue? Dining in is the experience,” Noah said.

  “I have a microwave.” Flynn seemed like she was up to something.

  “You remember Kelsey.” Noah put his arm around Kelsey’s shoulder.

  Flynn’s smile tightened. “Yes, hi, good to see you again,” she said on one long breath.

  “This is her friend, Tasha,” Noah said.

  Tasha wriggled her fingers. “Hi. Love your hair.”

  Flynn had long naturally curly hair that fell in corkscrews about her shoulders. “Thanks.” She gave Tasha the same cool smile she’d directed at Kelsey, then turned her attention back to Noah. “Could I speak to you a minute?”

  “Sure. Shoot.”

  “In private.”

  “Okay.” Noah measured out his tone, put his napkin on the table, and followed his sister, who led him out the side door and into the alley.

  The harsh wind whipped between the buildings, coming off the lake with chilling force, but his sister seemed oblivious. He recognized the crusading look on her face. She was on a mission.

  “What is it?” he asked, not even trying to cloak his irritation.

  She clutched the fondue take-out bag to her chest. “What are you doing?”

  “Excuse me?” He hunched his shoulders against the cold.

  “Messing around with Kelsey James.”

  “I’m not messing around.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re seriously going down that road again.”

  “What bee crawled in your bonnet, sister?”

  “She’s going to hurt you just like before.” Flynn leaned in, glowered at his face. “It looks like she already has. Noah, you know her mother could destroy you.”

  “Kelsey didn’t do this.”

  “No, but her mother’s thugs did.”

  “Where did you hear that?” He hadn’t told anyone but Sean what had really happened to his face, and the SEAL was not a gossip. But this was Twilight. Things had a way of getting out, and Raylene had big ears and an even bigger mouth. Raylene could have eavesdropped on his conversation with Sean.

  “I dropped off some donations at the Rockabye for your toy drive—”

  “So, the take-out is a charade?”

  Flynn tightened her grip on the bag. “I’ve been meaning to try this place and I didn’t feel like cooking tonight—”

  “And Raylene told you we’d be here . . .”

  Hardening her chin, Flynn shrugged. “You can’t blame me for worrying about you, Noah. You were crushed when Kelsey disappeared on you the last time.”

  “I was seventeen. I don’t need you to clean up my messes anymore.”

  “So, you admit this is a mess?”

  Noah huddled, shivered, wished he had his coat. “While I appreciate your concern, dear sister, who I date is none of your damn business.”

  “Then you are dating her.”

  “She’s a guest at my boatel and I’m taking her out to dinner.”

  “That’s it?”

  “For now.”

  “Noah—”

  “Flynn, I mean this in the nicest way, butt out.”

  Her eyes widened as he continued.

  “Go home to your family. Microwave your fondue and have a nice night.” Surprised by the anger spurting through him, he pivoted on his heel and started back into the restaurant. Noah rarely got mad, especially with Flynn. She’d pretty much raised him and Joel.

  “I won’t be there to pick up the pieces for you like last time,” she called after him.

  “That’s fine. I’m not seventeen anymore, sister. And I’m no longer your worry.”

  “Noah, I’m sorry, okay.” She shifted gears, wheedled. “I worry.”

  “Sounds like a personal problem to me,” he said and closed the door behind him.

  He had to stand in the hallway a moment to compose himself. It took several deep breaths to calm down before he returned to the table with a smile.

  The food had arrived, the black fondue pot simmering with cheese. Meats, cubed bread, and veggies were arrayed on a tray in front of his friends. He didn’t dare meet Kelsey’s gaze in case she read the upset in his eyes.

  All the fun was sucked out of the evening.

  Thanks a lot, Flynn.

  This was what he did not like about his hometown. How family and friends felt free to meddle in his business.

  He slid into the booth beside Kelsey.

  “Are you okay?” Kelsey rested a hand on his thigh. Her touch jolted him like an electrical shock.

  His nerves were shot. His muscles wiredrawn. “Yes, fine.” His voice squeaked out an octave higher than normal.

  Holy guacamole, he was in trouble.

  It wasn’t just Kelsey’s hot body or her gorgeous blond hair that got to him. It wasn’t the orgasmic look on her face when she talked about passion tea. It wasn’t the amazing way she smelled or the way her eye jumped when she got anxious—like now. It wasn’t because she was a creature of comfort who liked memory foam pillows and warm bubble baths and good books.

  All right, it was all those things, but it was so much more. It was their past and the cherished memories he had of her. It was the sound of her voice and the look in her eyes whenever she smiled at him. It was the taste of her kisses and the flavor of his hopes.

  One thing was clear. If he kept up hanging out with her, things were going to get serious.

  And he just didn’t know if he was ready for that. Maybe it was time to call the whole thing quits.

  Chapter 18

  Kelsey was no dummy. Flynn’s curt greeting and Noah’s anger when he returned to the table made her realize she was a bone of contention between brother and sister.

  Kudos to Tasha, who picked up on the vibe and tried to save the evening with a lively game of Never Have I Ever, but it backfired miserably.

  While they noshed on fondue, Tasha cajoled Noah and Kelsey into playing the drinking game, ordered a pitcher of beer and two extra mugs.

  “Here’s the rules,” Tasha said. “Whoever goes first gives a simple statement about something they’ve never done, by starting with ‘never have I ever.’ Anyone who has at some point in their lives done that thing must take a drink. I’ll go first. Never have I ever injured myself trying to impress someone I was interested in.”

  Noah looked at Kelsey. “Would you call last night trying to impress you or rescue you?”

  “The eye is pretty impressive,” Kelsey ventured, unable to gauge his mood. He still seemed disgruntled. Was he mad at her or was it residual fallout from his argument with his sister? She’d seen them outside the window and he’d looked pretty pissed. “And I didn’t need rescuing. I could have handled the situation in a less violent way.”

  Noah grimaced, nodded, and took a long drink of his beer.

  Definitely still pissed.

  Sean took a drink as well.

  “Ah,” Tasha said to Sean. “What did you do to injure yourself while trying to impress a girl?”

  Sean flashed Tasha a sultry look. “Pulled a groin muscle last night.”

  “Poor baby.” She touched his shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I am a SEAL. I learned a long time ago to get comfortable with uncomfortable.” Sean rolled up his sleeve to show off his tattoo.

  Tasha squeezed his bi
ceps and sighed longingly. Sean grinned and ruffled her hair. “We’re going counterclockwise. Your turn, Kels.”

  Kelsey locked eyes with her friend. “Never have I ever pushed someone out of their comfort zone.”

  Noah cleared his throat. Loudly.

  Kelsey shifted her gaze to him. “Yes?”

  “Not true.”

  “Are you saying I’ve pushed you out of your comfort zone?”

  “Every time I’m around you.” His eyes drilled into her and she couldn’t tell if he considered that a good thing or not.

  “In what way?” Kelsey’s stupid eye muscle started its jerky dance.

  “In every way.”

  “Are you saying you don’t want me at Rockabye?” Her stomach knotted. Noah didn’t want her.

  “I’ve pushed people out of their comfort zone. I do it all the time. I should take two drinks for that.” Tasha hoisted her glass.

  “Me too. Comfort zone pushing is my thing.” Sean raised his mug, clinked beers with Tasha and they each took a big gulp.

  “You’re pushing me right now,” Noah murmured, his gaze drilling Kelsey to the spot.

  “By asking you a question?”

  “By suggesting that I want you to leave the Rockabye.”

  “Do you?”

  His gaze was a steel trap, holding her hostage. “Do you want to leave?”

  “You know what? I don’t think I pushed you out of your comfort zone. I think your sister did and you’re taking it out on me.”

  “Noah,” Tasha said. “It’s your turn. Never have you ever—”

  “Never have I ever spent so much of my life pleasing people that don’t even know who I am, or what I want out of life.” Noah’s tone was barbed.

  Kelsey gasped, indignation bouncing through her like a bullet. “I don’t believe you just said that to me.”

  “Just playing a game.” Noah’s tone was neutral, but she heard the spikes beneath it.

  “You gotta take a drink on that one, Kels,” Tasha said.

  She whipped her head around to gape at her best friend. “Et tu?”

  Tasha pulled one side of her mouth down in a the-truth-hurts expression. “He’s got a point . . .”

  Sean drummed his fingers on the table. “Maybe this game wasn’t such a hot idea.”

  “Hey.” Tasha squeezed Sean’s biceps again. “I thought you were comfortable with uncomfortable.”

  Kelsey wagged a finger at Noah. “You’re still holding a grudge because I didn’t contact you after my mother dragged me away.”

  Noah raised his palms. “Maybe I am.”

  Stunned, Kelsey sank her top teeth into her bottom lip, put a hand to her throat. He’d gone for her most vulnerable spot, which wasn’t like him, or at least not like the Noah she’d known ten years ago. What in the world had Flynn said to him?

  Noah’s eyes softened, and he held up both palms, a gesture of surrender. “I was out of line. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “I think I’ve had enough fun for one evening,” Kelsey said, still stinging from Noah’s comment. It hurt because it was true. “I’m going to walk back.”

  “I’ll drive you,” Noah said. “You’re not walking the streets alone. Not after last night.”

  “I’ll take a pedicab.”

  “You two go on,” Sean said, resting a hand across Tasha’s shoulder. “We’ll finish the fondue and pick up the check.”

  Kelsey telegraphed Tasha a look that said leave with me now.

  Tasha pretended to be deeply engrossed in spearing a piece of steak and rolling it in melted cheese.

  Noah stood up, extended his hand. “Kelsey?”

  What else could she do? Falling back on her people-pleasing ways because she was uncomfortable with fighting in public, damn her. She accepted his hand and let him help her on with her coat.

  Five minutes later, they were sitting in his truck, staring at each other.

  “You know the best thing about having a fight?” Noah asked her.

  “Clearing the air?”

  “No.” He gave her his most charming grin. “Kissing and making up.”

  “I’m a butthead,” Noah said contritely. “You were right. I was ticked at Flynn and I took it out on you.”

  “And I was hypersensitive. I know I take things too much to heart. It’s a flaw of mine.”

  “Is it a flaw? Or is it a reaction to the criticism your mother dishes out?”

  “Does it matter? I need to work on toughening my skin, especially in intimate relationships.”

  “Are we in an intimate relationship?” Noah asked.

  Kelsey licked her lips. Noah’s gaze tracked her tongue. “I’d like to be intimate with you.”

  “There’s nothing I’d like better, Firefly.”

  Noah studied her profile. She was class all the way and that was the part that made him stumble. He was from humble beginnings. His NBA success was far behind him. Now, he’d never be more than a regular guy from Twilight. He could offer her his undying love, this quirky community, and a comfortable but modest lifestyle by her standards.

  She was part of the world’s elite one percent. A wealthy family pedigree that stretched back generations. She could travel when and wherever she wanted. He’d made a little dough, sure. But it was all invested in his business. A business that tied him down. He had no flexibility. Hadn’t really wanted any. Now, all he could think about was all the things he could not give her.

  “But right now,” she said, “I’m kind of a mess emotionally.”

  “That’s okay. I’m not asking for any big lifetime commitment or anything.”

  “Oh wow, whew.” She dragged the back of her hand across her forehead. “You don’t know how relieved that makes me.”

  “So we’re talking . . . what?”

  “A no-strings fling?” She set her teeth, eyes widening. “Would you be okay with that?”

  He wanted more, but he would take what he could get.

  “I’d kind of like to finish what we started that night on the dock ten years ago.”

  “Me too,” he said, unsure of what he was feeling, but his body knew what the hell it wanted—Kelsey.

  In the parking garage at the marina, Noah pulled Kelsey into his lap and she ran her palm up under his shirt and things got really steamy really quickly.

  “Oh, God. I can’t wait to get you in bed.”

  “I’ve been thinking,” he said, removing his hot lips from her neck. “Maybe we should slow things down.”

  “What do you mean?” Panic flared inside her. Was he bailing out already?

  “I want to enjoy every minute of our time together. Why don’t we focus on that tonight instead of going straight for the kill?”

  “What are you saying, Noah? You don’t want to make love to me after all?”

  “I’m just saying wait a few days . . . build the anticipation.”

  “All right,” she agreed. “But you owe me something really fun to make up for the slow burn.”

  “Done,” he said. “How about I make this a Christmas to remember? We’ll do all the kitschy Christmas things there are to do in Twilight.”

  “You know I’m not a fan of Christmas.”

  “Exactly.”

  “You plan on turning me into a holiday lover?”

  “I want to show you Christmas through my eyes.”

  It wasn’t that she truly hated Christmas. It was just all so overwhelming. The crush of parties she never wanted to attend in the first place, but Mom’s career always came first. Glad-handing and forced smiling a must. So much rushing around. And for what? Buying expensive gifts for a mother who’d turn her nose up at them and ask why it wasn’t more, wasn’t better.

  And on one hand, Filomena would buy Kelsey the gifts that she wanted for herself—designer clothing in bold colors, ostentatious jewelry, heavy baroque furniture. Or on the other hand, she’d buy Kelsey things she didn’t need: a KitchenAid mixer, a sewing machine, snow skis.

  When Kelsey
was twenty-one, she set herself the task of finding that perfect gift that would at last please Filomena. She scrimped and saved. Skipped lunches and nights out with her friends. Pooled her tax return money and cashed in her vacation savings fund and dipped into her inheritance from her paternal grandmother.

  She’d bought her mother one of those extravagant fantasy gifts from the Neiman Marcus catalogue. It was pricy, it was prestigious, it was precious. One of a kind. Meeting all of Filomena’s criteria for the appropriate gifts for her.

  A perfume created by a master French perfumer, exclusively for Filomena. And it cost twenty-five thousand dollars. It was the loveliest perfume that Kelsey had ever smelled.

  Theo had proclaimed the perfume a perfect hole in one. “If this perfume were golf clubs it would be Callaway.”

  “That’s good?”

  “The best.”

  “But do you think she’ll like it?” Kelsey had asked her father.

  “I don’t know, you know how she is. Don’t get your hopes up too high, Kels.”

  But Kelsey had been so excited for Christmas Eve when they traditionally opened gifts in the James household. She’d plopped the gorgeously wrapped package in her mother’s lap, danced around on happy toes, clasped her hands to her chest and cried, “Open it, open it.”

  Filomena had made a big show of unwrapping the ribbon, saying, “Oh my, what could it be that’s got you so fired up?”

  Kelsey held her breath as her mother took the perfume from the box.

  “Filomena.” She read the name etched into the crystal bottle, and then the caption underneath. “A perfume of unbearable loveliness.”

  “I had it made just for you,” Kelsey squealed. “From the Neiman Marcus fantasy catalogue. It’s by famed French perfumer Luca Alméras. It’s unique. No one else in the entire world will ever have this perfume.”

  Filomena had spritzed a bit on her wrist, sniffed. Turned up her nose. “It has clary sage in it.”

  “I don’t think so,” Kelsey said.

  “I have a very sensitive sense of smell.” Her mother gave a haughty toss of her head. “There’s clary sage in this and I’m allergic to clary sage.”

  “It’s not on the ingredients list. I was given the formula so that it could be replicated in the future. It’s there in the bottom of the box on a rolled parchment scroll.”