All I Want For Christmas

by Ann Roth

  It’s better this way, Tina told herself. With G. G. and her new job to worry about, now was not the right time to fall in love.

  STANDING BENEATH the pounding hot water, Ryan imagined Tina with him. Washing each other, sharing hot kisses, making love under the spray.

  His body sprang to life, and now he wanted her more than ever. He swore to himself, but he wasn’t sorry about sharing his bed with her. What he regretted was the fact that they’d started something that could never go beyond one night.

  The single saving grace was that Tina agreed. career-wise, she was fully committed and had no time for a relationship—was no different than it had been with the other women he’d gotten involved with and been hurt by.

  Only this time he wasn’t involved.

  Uh-huh. He muttered a few more choice names at himself before stepping out of the shower.

  His shorts were still damp, but they’d have to do. As soon as he shaved and dressed, he’d check in with Norma and say good-morning to Maggie. Then, he’d make that call to Jason. Later, after he stopped by the hospital and checked on G. G., he’d catch a ferry back to the island. He’d left his car in the parking lot at the ferry terminal, making it easy to get home, change and head for the bank.

  Back on Halo Island, he meant to act as if last night had never happened. Not easy, but he’d handle it. And so would Tina.

  “THE DOCTORS WANT G. G. to stay in the hospital at least one more night,” Tina told Kate.

  She was calling from the waiting room, while G. G. napped. At midmorning, the hospital was crowded with people and conversation buzzed around her. “If I’d waited one more day to bring her in, she’d have needed another surgery.” An alarming prospect, for sure. Tina was profoundly grateful to Dr. Dove. And the paramedics who’d delivered G. G. safely to the hospital, Dr. Lomax and the knowledgeable nursing staff.

  “What a relief that she doesn’t need another operation,” Kate said. “Have you lined up a nurse for when she comes home?”

  “Yes, and I feel terrible about that.”

  “Well, you just stop right now. With your new job starting Monday, it can’t be helped.”

  Which was true. Tina had promised Jim Sperling she’d be there, and G. G. insisted she follow through. Her stomach began to burn.

  “I know,” she said, digging through her purse for the antacids. “But I can’t help wishing I could stay until she’s well again.”

  On the other hand, with Ryan across the street, and both of them pretending nothing had happened last night…It was best if she left.

  “So,” Kate said, the mild singsong tone alerting Tina that she was about to utter some interesting tidbit. “I hear Ryan Chase went with you and G. G. to Anacortes. I am your best friend. Exactly when were you planning on telling me?”

  Either Dr. Dove had talked, or Norma Featherstone, or maybe one of the paramedics. Tina should’ve known her best friend would find out.

  “Um, I wanted to,” she murmured into the cell, “only it’s not exactly private around here.” Though she didn’t know a soul in the room, and no one seemed to be paying the slightest bit of attention to her.

  “You’re forgiven, but only if you tell me everything.”

  “Everything?” Tina wasn’t sure about that. “Hang on a sec.” To be on the safe side, she moved into a small alcove by the elevator.

  “Ryan was amazing,” she said quietly, as a middle-aged couple approached, one of them pushing the elevator button. “He was a huge help and a comfort to both G. G. and me.”

  She remembered the terrifying wait in the Halo Island Clinic and thought about how she’d absorbed his strength while they waited for Dr. Dove to finish examining G. G. Without Ryan there, she’d have been a blubbering basket case. “So when he offered to ride with us in the ambulance boat…”

  Kate made a sound of admiration. “That man has a heart of gold.”

  A heart that was off-limits to Tina. “That he does,” she said with a sad smile. “He stayed until an hour ago, then left to catch the ferry back.” With a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek, the coolness and control more painful than comforting. Tina couldn’t stifle a heartfelt sigh.

  “That sigh sounded awfully dreary. Lovesick, even. Something must’ve happened between you two.”

  Kate was entirely too perceptive. Since grade school they’d shared their deepest secrets—everything except Tina’s recent ambivalence about her career. No one knew about that. But in matters of the heart, yes, and Tina knew she could trust Kate. Still, she hesitated.

  “Listen, if you don’t want to share, don’t.”

  Good friend that Kate was, she didn’t sound at all offended. Which inclined Tina, all the more, to confide in her.

  “Of course I want to, Kate.” Again, she lowered her voice. “Swear you’ll keep this to yourself.”

  “I solemnly swear,” Kate said. “If you could see me, you’d be watching me cross my heart right now.”

  “Okay.” Tina blew out a breath. “I was so upset about G. G. last night,” she said, “that when Ryan and I checked into the motel near the hospital, they gave us connecting rooms…”

  She told her friend what she wanted to know. That she hadn’t wanted to sleep alone and that, for Maggie’s sake, Ryan didn’t want a relationship. She left out nothing, not even the part where she’d begged him to make love to her. “He’s a thoughtful, fantastic lover, and I’ve fallen in love with him,” she finished.

  “That’s wonderful, Tina! It couldn’t have happened to two finer people.”

  Though Kate couldn’t see her, she made a face. “Did you not hear what I said? Ryan can’t get involved. He’s afraid Maggie will end up getting hurt. And anyway, I’ll be leaving soon.”

  “Sounds to me as if he already is involved,” Kate said. “As for the long-distance thing, that’s why God invented transportation.”

  She made it all sound so easy. “Yes, but Ryan and I both agreed that last night was a one-time thing.”

  The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Tina turned her back on it, and tried to concentrate.

  “Then you’re both kidding yourselves,” Kate said. “If you don’t get together again, I’ll eat my apron.”

  Tina snorted. “It’s not that simple. If Ryan doesn’t—”

  “There she is,” exclaimed a familiar female voice.

  “Hello, Tina.” This came from a crusty male voice she also recognized.

  Tina pivoted to find Rose Thorne and Sidney Pletcher, both bearing gifts for G. G. They must have stepped off the elevator when her back was turned.

  She waved, then signaled that she’d be a minute.

  “Rose and Sidney are here, so I’d better go,” she told Kate. “I’ll call you back later.”

  “A SHAME YOU MISSED Ryan,” G. G. told her visitors.

  As it had been last night, her hospital bed was slightly elevated at the head. Earlier, Tina had helped her fix her hair into the tidy bun she preferred. She remained pale, but was more animated than she’d been in weeks. A good sign, suggesting the new course of treatment was beginning to have an effect.

  “The man has to work,” Sidney said. “You’re lucky he stayed the night.”

  “I am that,” G. G. said. She glanced at Tina. “We are.”

  Little did G. G. know. How to respond? While Tina considered her options, G. G. continued chatting, leaving her off the hook.

  “Can you believe that man?” She placed her free hand over her chest. “Once this danged hip heals, I’m going to cook him a feast. Christmas dinner, too, if he’ll come. Didn’t I tell you he’s special, Tina?”

  “You did.” Tina’s cheeks warmed, and she knew she was blushing. Hoping no one noticed, she opened a tin of homemade gingersnaps Bob and Linda Sewell had sent with Rose, and offered one to G. G. She shook her head.

  “He’s an angel, for sure.” Rose helped herself. “If I were thirty-five years younger…”

  Sidney narrowed his eyes. “What’s that supposed to m
ean?”

  “Don’t worry, Sidney.” Rose chuckled. “I’m way too old for Ryan, so you’re safe.” She bit into the cookie and licked her lips appreciatively. “These are delicious. I’ll have to get Linda’s recipe.”

  “Alas, I’m too old, too.” G. G. cast a sly look at Tina. “You, on the other hand—you’re the perfect age for Ryan.”

  “G. G.!” Tina turned away from prying eyes to rearrange the flowers Sidney had brought. Had G. G. somehow guessed what had happened last night? Of course not, and thank heaven for that. Hands on her hips, she looked at the others and said, “Do you want me to focus on my career or not?”

  “Well, of course that comes first,” G. G. said.

  “No question about it,” Rose added.

  Sidney nodded. “Like I always say, you’ll be running that place in no time. Helping you with your education was the best investment I ever made.”

  Tina knew he was praising her, but the words only tightened the noose of obligation she imagined around her neck. Above all else, she must succeed in her career.

  “Still,” G. G. said, “you can’t blame me for singing Ryan’s praises.”

  Tina wondered how much longer Sidney and Rose planned to stay, and how she could steer the conversation elsewhere between now and then.

  “Ryan this. Ryan that.” Sidney scowled as he helped himself to two cookies. “This gushing drivel is making me sick. Could we talk about something else? Thanksgiving, for example. I ate so much, I about split my britches. Funny thing is, I’m hungry again.”

  He chomped on a gingersnap enthusiastically, and Tina silently thanked him for changing the subject.

  “You didn’t eat that much.” Rose eyed him. “You’re jealous, aren’t you? Because you weren’t here last night to help.”

  “Would’ve been, if Tina had let me know. Instead, she called Ryan. Why didn’t you call me, Tina?”

  She saw that she’d hurt the older man’s feelings. In truth, the only person who’d come to mind had been Ryan. Of course, he was the youngest and healthiest male on the block. But the deep-down truth was, she’d wanted Ryan beside her.

  “It was late and I knew you were asleep,” she said.

  “Ryan probably was sleeping, too,” Sidney said. “He gets up with Maggie every morning, and he had to work today. Whereas I’ve been retired for years.”

  “Leave her alone, Sidney.” Rose eyed him sternly.

  “Ryan was the obvious choice,” G. G. said. “He’s young and strong, and Tina needed help getting me out of bed and into the car.”

  Tina nodded. “That’s true.” She hooked her arm through Sidney’s and kissed his lined cheek. “I meant no offense.”

  “None taken, honey.” He patted her arm. “I just want you to know you can count on me.”

  “Of course I know, and I truly appreciate you.”

  “Your flowers are just beautiful,” G. G. said gently. “They certainly brighten up the room. Thank you, Sid.”

  His face reddened. “Figured you needed cheering up.”

  “I love my shawl, too, Rose. Put it around my shoulders, Tina.”

  Given G. G.’ s discomfort, that wasn’t so easy. But once Tina had managed the task, G. G. stroked the soft wool with a pleased smile. “Now I feel wrapped in friendship. Thank you so much.”

  “I was saving it for your Christmas present, but I’d rather you enjoy it now. The fuchsia color is perfect with your complexion.”

  Tina agreed.

  Sidney pursed his lips. “When you’re well—you’re too pale now. I’ve seen you look better.”

  “Sidney!” Rose gave him a dirty look. “That’s not very nice.”

  “But truthful,” G. G. said. “He’s right, I have had better days.” Her face had begun to show the effects of this much conversation. “This isn’t one of them. I think you’d better call the nurse, Tina.”

  Alarmed, Tina pushed the call button, then prepared to hustle the visitors out. “G. G. needs her rest.”

  That G. G. didn’t argue only proved the point. “Thanks for traveling all this way for such a short visit,” she said weakly.

  “That’s okay, I was coming anyway.” Rose winked. “I’m moving my checking and savings accounts to the Halo Island Bank, and my bank here wants a signed note. So I’d planned this trip, anyway. Do you know that right now Halo Island Bank will deposit an extra twenty dollars into your savings when you open an account there? That bank has become a nicer place with Ryan running it. Won’t he be surprised when I show up this afternoon?”

  She looked quite pleased with herself.

  Tina wondered what she’d do if she knew how Ryan really felt about the bank. He’d asked her to keep his feelings a secret, and she wasn’t about to share. She would tell Ryan, though, when she saw him. Probably one last time before she left town. Her chest felt hollow, but now was no time to think about her broken heart.

  “He’ll be thrilled, I’m sure.” G. G. managed a smile. “Maybe I’ll do the same thing, once I feel better.”

  As Sidney and Rose started for the door, Rose glanced at Tina. “I meant to ask, who’ll take care of G. G. when you leave?”

  “She found me a full-time nurse,” G. G. said before Tina could respond.

  Afraid of the disapproval she might find in Rose and Sidney’s faces, Tina glanced at the floor. “I could stay a few more days,” she said.

  “Nonsense.” G. G. shook her finger. “With your new job starting Monday, I wouldn’t dream of keeping you here.”

  “You definitely must go,” Rose said.

  “I’m with them.” Sidney took Rose’s arm and they moved toward the door.

  “See?” G. G. said. “Everyone agrees. Besides, that nurse won’t be with me for long. I’ll be well in no time.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Where did all the paperwork come from? Sitting at his desk before a mound of it during a lull in an otherwise hectic Friday afternoon, Ryan rolled his tense shoulders. Who’d have guessed the day after Thanksgiving would be so busy? As soon as he’d walked in late this morning, Jason had gone home. Flu, he said. Danielle had gone home sick, too, and Ryan and Serena were scrambling.

  Which was especially bad, since Ryan didn’t want to be here, either. He was exhausted and very worried about Maggie, who was at Norma’s for the day.

  While he and Tina had lost themselves in the best sex of his life, Maggie had screamed herself and Norma awake time and again. With Tina about to leave, Ryan had known this would happen. No telling how G. G.’ s being in the hospital would affect his daughter. He supposed he’d find out tonight.

  On the ferry ride from Anacortes, he’d called Dr. Dove and then Dr. Wright, the family therapist whom Dr. Dove had recommended. Lucky for him and Maggie, she was right here on the island. He’d scheduled the earliest available appointment, which was next week. First for him in the morning—Dr. Wright required that. Ryan didn’t mind. He needed help and a game plan. Maggie’s appointment was later the same day, after school.

  Ryan yawned, so tired that his eyes watered, then sipped his coffee. If all that wasn’t enough to worry about, Beale had sent a branch-wide e-mail today instead of waiting until Monday. You Are Still Behind, the subject line read.

  Ryan had read the negative message with growing frustration. Had Beale heard one word Ryan had said to him? Apparently not, for there wasn’t a single “atta boy/girl” in the whole thing, only criticism and more dire warnings. No wonder Jason and Danielle had gone home “sick.” He wouldn’t be surprised if they both quit.

  Not about to put up with any more of his boss’s crap, Ryan had called his office, only to be told by Beale’s secretary that the man wanted to see Ryan first thing Monday morning. Which sounded ominous, and since corporate offices were in Anacortes it meant an early ferry ride.

  Ryan figured the man meant to fire him. Well, he just might one-up the guy and resign first.

  Yeah, he’d assured his staff he’d stay. But that was before this. Hell. Scowling,
he riffled through the papers on his desk. For two cents, he’d…

  Open your own bank, said a voice in his head.

  “No sweat,” he muttered. Uh-huh. That’d sure help Maggie.

  Suddenly, Rose Thorne marched into his office. “Hello, Ryan. My, the bank is busy today.”

  “A couple of my staff are out sick.” He gestured her toward the chair opposite his desk. “This is a nice surprise. What brings you here?”

  “Several things. Sidney and I visited G. G. this morning, apparently right after you left. Sorry we missed you.”

  Ryan wasn’t. This morning he’d been in no mood to see any of the neighbors.

  “You should’ve heard G. G. and Tina talking about you. Were your ears burning?”

  “What’d they say?” Ryan asked, curious about Tina.

  “Only that you’re a wonderful man.”

  “They did, huh?” That made him feel good.

  That word—wonderful—reminded him about other pretty amazing things. Tina naked, and their hot, mind-blowing sex. His body tightened, and he knew he’d best not stand up just now. Shifting in his chair, he wished to hell he could forget about making love with her. No point in wanting more of what was over and done with.

  “Guess what else?” Rose said. “G. G.’ s doctor says she can come home tomorrow. They’ll be on the noon ferry. Isn’t modern medicine amazing?”

  “Sure is.” He stifled a yawn.

  Oblivious, Rose chattered on. “Did you know Tina hired a nurse, who’ll start Sunday afternoon? That way she won’t have to miss any more work. Smart girl, our Tina.”

  Too bad she was so damned focused on her career, because if she stayed on the island instead…The thought confused Ryan. Tina was all wrong for him, and he didn’t want a relationship, anyway. Neither did she. No matter how good they were together in bed, what they’d shared was for one night, period.

  Yet knowing she’d be back on the island tomorrow, and for one more night—already he looked forward to that, wondering whether he’d find a way to get her alone. He caught himself and set his jaw. Dammit, it’s over.