12 Naughty Days of Christmas: Volume Four

by Piper Stone

  “We’ll see.”

  The next afternoon Hope left a message on Tucker’s phone. “I have a customer for a five o’clock fitting, so can’t come until after that. I’ll drive myself or take a cab and meet you there if you give me the address. No later than six forty-five.

  Hope wondered why she wasn’t more irritated that she was tracking her movements with someone else. She enjoyed making her own decisions about when and where she would go and how long she worked, but something about Tucker caring about her safety made her less irritated. Unfortunately, she also knew that he would get past the newness of their friendship and move on. She was under no illusions about her ability to keep his interest for long, but for as long as she had it, she would enjoy it.

  Walking into the well-appointed private elementary school, Hope felt out of place. She was glad she hadn’t changed after work, so she looked somewhat more professional. She stood in the lobby for a moment, gaining her bearings and the aura of power and money was all around her. This is where Tucker’s children would go some day, or a place like this, and hers would go to the public school two blocks from her apartment, or one of the hundreds like it.

  “There you are. Come on, I have our seats.”

  Tucker slid his warm palm to the small of her back and guided her into the auditorium. He leaned down to speak intimately, his hot breath bathing her ear and neck in warmth. “I’m glad you were able to make it. Did the fitting go well?”

  “What? Oh, yes, she had put things off a little late, so I was happy to be able to still get her what she needed.”

  She had thought that coming to a typical, noisy event with Tucker’s extended family would have calmed her misgivings about getting closer to him. It had done the complete opposite. The differences and gaps in their worlds were even more pronounced. She sat in the seat Tucker indicated and was inundated with conversation from Susan, who didn’t act at all like the woman she had seen in their corporate offices.

  Susan was well dressed, but as a mom not as an executive and part owner of a very successful enterprise. “You look shell-shocked, hon. Sorry to drop you in the middle, but my instincts tell me you can handle it.” She swung her toddler into Hope’s unsuspecting arms. “Here, Mark is on his way but isn’t quite here yet. I have to go help the children. I’ll be back. His name is Josh.”

  The toddler seemed just as surprised as Hope, and without Tucker helping to keep him occupied, Hope wasn’t sure who would have wailed first, her or Josh. She was good with kids, but this unexpected trade-off had to alert the stranger danger instinct, right? Tucker made no moves to do more than entertain his nephew while he remained housed within the circle of Hope’s arms.

  As they were chatting with little Josh, a well-dressed, well-manicured woman stopped. “So this is why you have been out of circulation, Tucker.”

  Just as Hope was going to correct the woman, Tucker squeezed her knee and put his arm around her shoulders. Tucker spoke to the woman for a moment and she moved on.

  Whatever the woman thinks, she thinks. But Hope, for just an hour or so, liked being considered Tucker’s woman.

  A tall, well-built man in a business suit slid into the empty seat on the other side of Susan’s abandoned one and smiled at the toddler; Josh reached for him. The friendly looking parent reached his hand over, grabbed his son and settled him in his lap. He and Tucker shook hands.

  “Tucker, good to see you here. Susan must have been good at persuasion. And you,” the pleasant man turned his attention to Hope, “must be Hope. I’m Mark, Susan’s husband, and these little monsters’ other keeper. Are you two coming for Christmas dinner?”

  Hope murmured a greeting, but had no answer for the dinner question.

  “Of course she is,” answered Susan as she rejoined the group. “She didn’t know about it because I hadn’t asked her yet. I was trying to go a bit slow, but in this family, freight trains are common.” Susan turned to Hope. “Well, how about it?”

  Hope looked to Tucker for help.

  He did so by holding the life raft at a distance. “She’s free that night but works all day on the twenty-fourth.” He turned to Hope, “Right?” He’d remembered.

  “Yes, I work every day until the twenty-fifth.”

  “Mostly male customers, then. Women tend to be better prepared, I would think.”

  Hope smiled. “Moms tend to be organized. Unattached female executives aren’t any more prepared than their male counterparts, but the gift recipients are very different.”

  Susan nodded. “I can see that.”

  The lights went down, and Tucker’s hand went over hers, keeping them entertained on her thigh. Hope’s breath hitched and, almost, she forgot he held her hand as she laughed at the children’s program.

  When it was over, Tucker said good night and declined the ice cream stop. “I have things to get done in the morning and Hope works.” Tucker tugged her in the direction of his car. “Please tell me you took a cab.”

  “I did. I drove home to change my shoes and do a couple of things and then I grabbed a cab here.”

  “Perfect.”

  The conversation was easy and when they reached her apartment and the awkwardness of saying goodbye began, she spoke up. “Would you like to come in? I can order take out because I’m starving.”

  “I should have offered you dinner. I can still take you somewhere.”

  “No, please, I’m tired and hungry but not quite ready to end the evening.”

  She stepped in and held the door, hoping he would walk across the threshold. He did, and she closed the door behind him. “It’s nothing fancy like I know you’re used to, but it’s home.”

  “It’s nice, inviting.”

  “Thanks.” She walked towards the drawer that held the menus. “Technically, Christie lives here also, but she stays at her boyfriend’s place most nights.”

  They ordered from the bistro next door and soon were enjoying beef stroganoff and chocolate mousse. Hope pulled out a red wine, and they sat on the sofa enjoying a modern Christmas movie and pleasant company.

  “You can come, you know.”

  “Where?”

  “The family Christmas dinner. I’d like you to go.”

  “I’m not the kind that horns in on other’s family gatherings. It would feel awkward.”

  “I’d really love you to come. Susan and Mark are just how they appear. No airs, no masks of niceness. They are how I hope I am when I finally find the right woman.”

  “Not before?” she teased him. “I’ll think about it, okay? Here, have a bite of this dessert. It’s incredible.”

  Tucker looked steadily into Hope’s eyes before opening his mouth. After taking the bite, he leaned in to kiss her.

  Hope thought it had to be the best chocolate mousse she had ever tasted. The essence was still on his tongue, and his tongue was dancing in her mouth. He tasted of wine, chocolate, and sexy man. She couldn’t resist the temptation.

  Before she knew it, she was on his lap and melting into his kisses. His hands, demanding and yet gentle, were touching, caressing, taking what she would give. Her moan when his hand slid under her untucked blouse seemed to bring them both out of the haze enough to slow and ultimately separate.

  “I’m so sorry. I never intended to take advantage of you, this wasn’t the plan. I…” He carefully placed her on her feet in front of him and ran his thumbs over the tops of her hands. He kissed her palms, leaning in to kiss her lips lightly before releasing.

  Embarrassment flooded Hope, and she felt her face flame. Stepping back, she gave Tucker room to move. He ran his hand over the back of his neck, called Manny for pick up, and put on his coat. He reached out and touched her cheek with his index finger before opening the door. His smile was sad; Hope’s mother would call it soulful.

  “Lock the door behind me.”

  “I will.” There was nothing left to say. It was the best and worst evening she’d spent in a long time.

  Chapter 3

  R
unning a final critical eye over her reflection, Hope moved her head to the left. Bronze wasn’t a color many people could carry off, but she had the right coloring, and her honey blonde hair made it work. The deep vibrancy of the satin under the sheer net and lace overlay was very much the majestic ballgown. The skirt was full but didn’t mask her soft figure as the dress floated and rustled with her movements. This dress was for fairytales. Her Christmas party dress was more modern, form-fitting, but this was timeless elegance that made the little girl in every woman grin.

  Hope was still grinning when she opened the door to the smartest dressed man she had ever laid eyes on. His suit was impecibly tailored. And he had chosen perfectly. His tie, a design highlighted with deep bronze, matched her dress and complimented his tux so perfectly, she wondered if they came from the same place.

  “How did you find that tie? It’s better than I had hoped for because of my choice of color. I know men don’t usually wear bronze.”

  He looked at her and smiled. “I opened my closet. Well, Manny did. I own a lot of ties.” He shrugged. “But your dress is… Well, you’re stunning. I can guarantee no one will notice the bronze accent in my tie with you on my arm.”

  Hope blushed at Tucker’s admiration. That man was good for her ego. She said as much to him, and the expression in his eyes melted her heart. Whoever ultimately snagged that man for life would never be sorry. She had a moment’s regret it wouldn’t be her.

  He changed the mood. “Right, I decided to bring you this topaz jewelry set instead of flowers. Do you think it will match without getting lost?”

  “I’m impressed, Mr. James, with your ability to understand fashion.”

  “Don’t be. Susan helped me.”

  “Men don’t usually look for help, they bungle through the best they can. Another admirable quality.”

  “I think we had better get out of here before my head is too large to use the doorway.” They laughed as Tucker helped her put on the jewelry and her coat.

  As they were arriving at the hotel where the ball was being held, Hope shared some of herself. “My goal is to have shops that will cater to different specialties and one is events like this one and the Spring Gala. I’ve had one of my designs bought by someone pretty famous, I’d like to do more. I like cloth and clothes. Your choice of fashion tells people who you are, can announce you to the rest of the world, no matter what else is going on. I know it sounds silly.”

  “No, it is the core of who you are. This dress, if you spoke no words, would proclaim you.”

  His words were serious. He really did understand. “Yes, that’s it exactly.”

  He broke the mood. “Give me some of your business cards. Did you bring enough?”

  “I think so. I’m not going around handing them out.”

  “No, of course not, but should they ask for my card, which is often done, I can slip in yours as well, if the situation is agreeable. You are your best advertisement.”

  “Thank you. I just want to meet people, enjoy the magic, and be your date, of course.”

  Tucker’s eyes swept over her, memorizing her. He grinned. “Of course, there is that.”

  The evening was full of sparkles and festive holiday spirit, but it was a ball, after all, so with the glitz came the pretense. The price of glamour wasn’t just several hundred dollars a ticket, it was mingling with ostentatious people. Luckily, not everyone was so enamored with themselves that they believed others were accessories to their own magnificence. Hope met a good many people who asked for business cards that they slipped into their clutches.

  Susan and Mark Robertson seemed to always draw a crowd of laughing people. Hope wanted that in her life. Not the opulence as much as the feeling of comfort. One day she would be able to play as hard as she worked. This was the way to that life, walking through doors that opened onto the opportunity.

  Tucker was an impressive date both in appearance and attention. She never lacked for conversation, either private or in a group. He moved her from grouping to grouping, offering her plenty of occasions to blend into what could later prove to be beneficial links. Tucker watched for her when she went to the powder room, and often knew what she wanted before she asked.

  He was a hard act to follow, and Hope wondered if she would ever find anyone as perfect as he was. He was protective of her when some men became overly friendly or women rude. One especially snide young woman turned out to be wearing one of Hope’s gowns. Without saying so, Hope said quietly, “Your gown is beautiful. It compliments you.”

  “Thank you. I found this treasure in one of the best-kept secrets in Fort Worth. I almost don’t want to share it.” When encouraged by the other ladies in the group, she confided it was Landan Michaels Boutique.

  Hope handed her card to the woman next to her while responding to the self-important woman in Hope’s creation. “I’m glad you like it.” Hope smiled as she left her card with the woman’s companion and walked away with Tucker’s hand in the small of her back. It had been there much of the night when he wasn’t holding her hand. Hope had not had her photo taken so much in her life.

  Dancing was something Hope had learned, but never had a partner that enjoyed it with her. She had come to expect it, but when Tucker led her onto the floor, he glided with her in his arms. He waltzed like a professional, and his slow, close dancing gave her chills hours later. He had to have some colossal fault to be accomplished at so many other things.

  As the ball was ending and they finally left the event, Tucker helped her back into the car. “Did you enjoy yourself?”

  “Yes. I really did, but I wouldn’t have if it weren’t for you. You took excellent care of me and ran interference when I needed it. I only enjoyed it because of you.”

  “Well, I hope you don’t get too many awful photos appearing.”

  “All promotion is good promotion, right?”

  “So they say, but I don’t think Susan would agree. She made sure you got plenty of good exposure before the event.”

  “Again, thanks to you and Susan. It would have been a few more years before I would have had this opportunity without you.”

  On the ride home, Tucker talked about the people they met and a little gossip. Hope was still on cloud nine and didn’t notice how animated she was until she noticed there was only her voice.

  She quieted, and Tucker slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her in for a sweet, comfortable kiss. It was like they were a couple and he was just snagging a kiss because he wanted one and knew she would give it to him. Afterwards, he kept her close against him but was quiet until they arrived at Hope’s apartment.

  Tucker walked her to the door leaning down after unlocking it to kiss her again. This time there was hunger, a passion that the earlier kiss had not possessed. Finally pulling back, he groaned. “I have to let you go.”

  “You could come inside.”

  “No, you’ve become too tempting for me to stay because my willpower is on hiatus around you.”

  “What if I don’t want you to resist?”

  “This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. It was supposed to be easy.” He leaned his forehead on hers. “I’m sorry. I can’t stay.” He placed his lips on hers softly, almost reverently, and then he was gone.

  What did he mean, it wasn’t supposed to be like this? Was he beginning to feel something for her? Could he be thinking the way she was? Was there more to this? Why was life so complicated? He was right, this was supposed to be easy. It was anything but.

  Hope showered and went to bed, only to lie there watching the shadows shift and change on her ceiling, reflecting the wind-tossed vegetation outside and her mixed up emotions inside.

  Tucker was used to getting what he wanted, when he wanted it, without much thought. His assistant took care of him in the office. She was opinionated, but kept most of those to herself as she held the business world at a respectable distance. Outside of work, Manny kept the wolves at bay on the homefront. Susan handled the personal things lik
e family dinners and their parents. But Hope was different. Tucker didn’t know how to go from here. Sure he’d had plenty of girlfriends over the years, but Hope was different; she was real, and he thought of her often.

  He reached for his phone. Tucker knew she was working, but if he sent her a text, she could read it when she had time. By lunch, they had had a short conversation.

  Tucker: How’s your day going?

  Hope: Fine. Busy. You?

  Tucker: Have a meeting in an hour. Just doing the reading.

  Hope: Swamped around here. Christmas is getting real to people.

  Tucker: That’s great, right?

  Hope: Yep. I need to get going. Call me tonight? After eight?

  Tucker: No lunch or dinner?

  Hope: I’ll find something. Gotta go. Talk tonight.

  Tucker stepped out of his office on the way to his meeting. “Will you have two more turkey combos sent over to Landan Michaels Boutique with Hope Michaels’ name on them? Have mine brought up here. I’ll have it while I work. Thanks.” Tucker didn’t wait to see if Margaret had anything to say.

  The sandwiches arrived at twelve forty-five. “That was thoughtful of you, Hope.”

  “What? I thought they were from you,” replied Hope.

  “Nope. Let’s see what type they are, I’m famished.”

  “Turkey combo.”

  “How do you know?” asked Christie.

  “I figured out who sent them, Tucker. It’s his favorite sandwich from this deli.”

  The woman wandering the shop said, “That’s a keeper. A man who thinks enough to take care of his woman, even when he is doing other things, is a keeper.”

  “We’re just friends,” corrected Hope.

  “Don’t fool yourself. He’s a man that cares. Don’t forget to appreciate his efforts.” The woman waved as she left. They decided to close the shop for fifteen minutes so they could eat.

  “In honor of Tucker James who thought of his lady friend and her friend, we close for fifteen minutes,” said Christie.

  “I don’t know if I’ll be able to continue, because I’m so attracted to him that I can’t stop thinking about him. And just when I think I can keep it within the boundaries of the contract, he goes and does something nice like this.”