“Wait a minute. He’s living with another woman?” That was news to Jane. She knew Marty had stayed in town, moved into a tiny house very close to the lake, but she had no idea he’d moved someone in with him.
“He is. I’m surprised you didn’t hear, since the word is all over town. His girlfriend’s name is Bobbi. With an i. The boys told me all about her, how she’s so pretty and fun.” Mindy’s face crumpled. “That’s because she’s twenty-three and ready to show all the men in my life a good time.”
Jane sighed and reached out to rub Mindy’s shoulder, silently cursing Marty up and down. “He’s a jerk, Mind. Be glad you’re not together anymore.”
“Trust me, most of the time I am. But it’s hard to watch him pick up the pieces as if nothing ever happened. Already with another woman as if our marriage, our entire relationship never existed.” Mindy sniffed. “But enough about me and all my tragedies. Tell me more about Chris.”
“There’s not much to tell.” Oh, there was, but she didn’t want to rub it in.
“Liar. Mom said she ran into you two with the kids at the grocery store last night. I’m assuming Lexi is feeling a little more accepting about the whole thing?”
“She is. Sort of.” Lexi mostly just treated Chris politely. “What did Mom say?”
“Um, that you seemed happy and Chris had this look on his face like he was dumb in love.”
“She did not.” Oh, goodness. In her mother’s mind, she probably already had them married by now. “He’s not in love with me. We’re taking it slow.”
“Slow as in he’s hanging out with you and your kids night after night and sneaking out of the house at four in the morning?” Mindy arched a brow. “I think it’s sort of hot. How he sneaks out like a thief in the night.”
“I don’t want him there when the kids wake up. It might be a shock to them,” Jane defended. “You act like we’re doing this every night. He only stays over twice a week, tops.”
Okay, she lied. He’d stayed over three nights that last week. The more time he spent at her house, with her children, the more at ease they all seemed with each other. It touched her heart, to see Chris play with Sophia, read a book to Logan, tease Lexi gently until she finally laughed. Slowly earning her children’s trust had earned her trust.
And eased Chris into her heart.
“That’s because he works long shifts. If he didn’t have to stay at the station, I have a feeling you two would be together constantly.” Mindy smiled, the first smile Jane had seen since she arrived. “I think it’s cute.”
“It makes me nervous.”
“What, him sneaking around? Don’t want anyone to catch wind of your relationship? Trust me, they’re already talking.”
Jane knew they were, and that part didn’t bother her. Too much. “No, the so-called relationship between Chris and me. I don’t know what’s going on.”
“What do you mean?”
“I…I don’t know his intentions.” Jane waved a hand as if dismissing her feelings. “It sounds ridiculous, but I don’t know what he wants from me and it’s scary. He acts like this is serious, but what if it’s not? What if he ends up breaking my heart? He doesn’t do relationships. He told me that himself.”
“So you can’t just go along for the ride and have some fun? Personally, that sort of thing sounds wonderful.” Mindy made a face. “Damn his hide, I’m still not over Marty.”
“Of course you’re not. No one expects you to be, either.” Worry filled Jane and she shook her head. “I shouldn’t be over Stephen.”
“What are you talking about? Who says?”
“I say. Don’t you think it’s wrong, how fast I’ve gotten involved with someone else?” This is what ate her up at night, made her worry, made her feel guilty. She’d lived and he’d died. She’d moved on, and if he were still here, they’d be married.
“Stephen’s been gone for two years. No one doubts you loved him, but come on, Jane. Haven’t you suffered enough? Wouldn’t Stephen have wanted you happy? Life goes on. And trust me, Chris is a keeper.”
“You think so?” She didn’t know if he was a keeper. Mac, out of brotherly love and protection, had warned her just last week that Chris was the type who didn’t do commitment. Some sort of lone wolf with a crappy childhood and neglectful parents. Chris had proclaimed more than once to Mac that he didn’t need anybody to make his life complete. She’d known this, picked up on hints and similar stories from Chris, but hearing it from Mac frightened her. Everything did. She was a big scaredy-cat mess.
“Well, I thought he was a keeper. You don’t think so?” Mindy looked concerned.
“I don’t know what to think.” If she kept talking like this, she’d confuse Mindy almost as much as she confused herself.
“Aren’t you maybe thinking about this a bit much? You’ve only been seeing each other for a few weeks.”
And Jane was already more than halfway in love with him. She’d never been one to linger or worry over her feelings. Once she knew, she knew. And the more time she spent with Christian, the more she fell for him. He was dangerous to her heart and her mind and her well-being. In a good, free-fall sort of way.
“I know how I feel. I wish I knew how he feels,” Jane said firmly.
“Maybe he doesn’t know. Men usually don’t like to be pushed.” Mindy made a little tsking sound. “I found that out the hard way.”
Jane knew this. Of course she knew it, had lived it with Stephen. She’d pushed him into a corner more than once and he’d pushed back, usually over the stupidest things. “You’re right.” She shook her head. “I’m being ridiculous. Melodramatic. I think it’s the holidays; they bring out the crazy in people.”
“You can say that again. I’m so not looking forward to Christmas. I know Mom is going to make me nuts.”
“You don’t even have a tree,” Jane pointed out.
“I know, I know. Make me feel guilty, why dontcha? The boys have been harassing me daily. Mac is going to help me get one later. Maybe if they’re lucky we’ll decorate it, too. Are you seeing Chris tonight?”
Jane marveled at her sister’s smooth subject changing. “No, he’s working. I think I’m going to stop by the station on my way home, though. Bring him lunch.”
“Aw, you two are cute. Don’t worry about everything so much, Jane. The children will come around, especially when they see how happy Chris makes you.”
Easy for her sister to say. “You want to run down into Sacramento later this week? Maybe in the afternoon so we can have Mom watch the kids? The stores are only getting more and more crowded.”
“Pushy girl.” Mindy shook her head. “Yeah, let’s do it. Throw the kids at Mom and make our escape. You sure I won’t cut into your time with Chris?”
Jane rolled her eyes. “Family comes first, Mind. You know this.”
“Uh huh. And you’re crazy.”
Jane completely agreed.
…
“What are you looking at?”
Chris immediately shut down the jewelry store’s website window he’d been checking out, embarrassment making him move fast. “Nothing. Just doing a little Christmas shopping.”
Eric, Chris’s second in command, had stopped by the station to pick up his paycheck. “Who the hell are you Christmas shopping for? Not like you ever mention any family.”
Chris smarted at that remark, but Eric was speaking the truth. “A friend, not like it’s any of your business. I do happen to have friends.”
“Ah, right, I’m an idiot. You looking for something for Jane Clark?” Eric wagged his brows at him.
Chris rolled his eyes, trying to brush this one off. “Yeah, well, maybe. I don’t really know what to get her.” That was the truth. But he knew this much—it was definitely going to be a piece of jewelry. And he wasn’t talking about a cheap pair of earrings, either.
Something special, something significant showing how he felt, since he couldn’t spit out the words and tell her. He was too nervous to admit hi
s feelings, so he kept quiet instead.
It was slowly eating him up inside.
“Chicks dig jewelry.” It was as if Eric could read his mind. “That’s what I’m getting my girlfriend, though I think she wants an engagement ring.”
They both mock shuddered at that statement, but secretly, Chris had contemplated it. Shot his idea right down, too, considering they’d only been seeing each other…what? A month? And he was ready to declare his love and ask her to marry him?
The thought terrified and excited him all at once. He’d never been one to do anything that spontaneous, but his feelings for Jane were so strong, he couldn’t deny them. Spending so much time with her and her family, staying the night…they were turning into a little family unit.
But he was afraid if he moved too fast, she’d run away. She’d only been widowed for two years, and there were so many things for her to consider. Like her children.
“I’m not getting her an engagement ring.” They both shuddered again, Chris putting on a big man show for his friend and coworker. “But I’d like to find her something nice.”
“There’s a jewelry store down in Oakwood that has unique stuff for a decent price. You should check them out,” Eric suggested.
“Thanks. I think I will.” Chris pulled the desk drawer open and plucked the envelope containing Eric’s overtime check from it, handing it to him. “Don’t spend it all in one place.”
Eric opened the envelope and glanced at the total, wincing. “I just might. I gotta impress my girl, since I’m not giving her what she really wants.”
“Will she flip if she doesn’t get the ring?”
“Nah, if I give her an expensive necklace or something, she’ll be cool. But my time is coming, man. I need to figure out what to do.” Eric sounded vaguely freaked out. Chris knew he should feel vaguely freaked out, too, contemplating spending a lifetime with Jane.
But he didn’t. He actually liked the idea of being with her and the kids, spending all of their time together. Coming home to them after being away for three days. Greeted enthusiastically by the kids and beautiful, sweet Jane the moment he walked through the door. Wrapping her in his arms and holding her close, like he never wanted to let her go and planting a sweet, welcoming kiss to her lips.
Yeah, that sounded good. Way too good.
“Are you two getting serious? You and Jane?” Eric asked.
How to answer this without sounding like a complete sap or, worse, completely whipped? “We’re taking it one day at a time.”
“Right on, man. She’s nice. I went to school with her, though she was a year ahead of me. We didn’t really hang in the same social circles if you get what I’m saying.”
“What? Was she a snob and you were a nerd?” Chris laughed when Eric threw a fake punch at his arm.
A knock sounded on the office door and Chris sat up straight, offering a “come in” in his most commanding voice. The door opened and there stood the very woman they’d been talking about. Looking soft, and warm, and oh, so pretty, her cheeks pink from the cold outside and bundled up in a heavy dark brown coat, a cream colored scarf tied around her neck.
“Hi.” She sounded breathless, and she aimed those green eyes right at him, slaying him with the sparkle and joy he saw there. “I hope you don’t mind my stopping by. I brought lunch.” She lifted the brown paper bag in her hand.
“I’ll never turn away lunch.” He’d never turn away her, but he didn’t want to get too lovey-dovey in front of Eric. He needed to have some dignity around his coworker.
“Hi, Eric. I didn’t know you’d be here today or I would’ve brought you a sandwich, too.” She looked worried, as if she’d slighted his coworker, and Chris loved that about her. How she always wanted to take care of everyone.
How well she took care of him.
“Hey, I was just leaving. I needed to pick up my check, is all. No worries, Jane.” Eric sent Chris a knowing look and moved toward the door. “I’ll see you two later.”
The second Eric shut the door, Chris sprang out of the chair and had Jane wrapped in his arms, kissing her until the both of them were panting. She finally shoved at his chest, the bag still clutched in her hand, and he released her reluctantly.
“Sorry,” he said, not feeling sorry whatsoever. “I couldn’t resist.”
“I appreciate that, trust me.” She smiled and set the bag on the desk. “I picked you up a sandwich at the deli.”
“Sounds great.” He opened the door. “Want to eat in the kitchen?”
“Yeah, let’s eat there.”
She followed him through the barracks and into the giant kitchen. He flicked on the overhead light and went to the refrigerator, pulling out a Coke for him and a bottle of water for her. His crew of two was outside in the garage, having just eaten an early lunch, so he and Jane were alone, free to talk, free to stare at each other over the table if they so chose. And, well, Chris so chose. At least for a little while.
“Why’d you stop by?” She never really had before. They usually kept their rendezvous behind closed doors, always at her house, though he’d like her to come to his place. It was hard, though, with the kids.
“I was over at Mindy’s this morning. She invited me for breakfast and then offered to watch Sophia while I brought you a surprise lunch.” She smiled, her expression shy. Was it him or did she grow more beautiful every time he saw her? “I hope you don’t mind.”
“I never mind. You can stop by and see me anytime you want.” He meant that, too. Unwrapping his sandwich, he took a bite, savored the delicious homemade bread and thick cut turkey that came from the local deli.
“Is it good?”
“It’s great,” he answered after he swallowed, then tore open the small bag of chips that accompanied his sandwich.
“Good. Great.” She shifted in her seat and he wondered if she was nervous. And why. “I have a question to ask you.”
“Go for it.”
“Um.” She nibbled on her lower lip, kept her gaze downcast. “What exactly are you doing for Christmas?”
Warmth suffused him. He hoped she was asking him over. “I usually work.”
“Are you working this Christmas?”
“Actually,” he said, considering, “no. Poor Eric’s on duty.” They’d tossed a coin and Eric lost, even though Chris could’ve pulled rank. He liked to play fair. Still, he’d learned long ago to not really like Christmas. It was all about family togetherness, gift-giving and good will toward men. He didn’t mind the good will part, but everything else had never really applied to him.
“Would you like to spend Christmas with me—with us? Maybe stay overnight on Christmas Eve so you could be at my house on Christmas morning? Then we’d go over to my parents’ later and have dinner. The entire family will be there.” She looked hopeful, her pretty green eyes soft, finally staring right at him.
“I would love to,” he said with a smile, and she sent him a relieved one in return. “Are you sure you want me to stay the night?”
Jane nodded. “You’ll enjoy it, I promise.”
“Oh, I know I’ll enjoy it.” He practically leered, earning a blush from Jane at the explicitness behind his words.
“You know what I mean. It’ll be fun, watching the kids see their presents when they wake up, opening them. Helping me set them up the night before.”
“Ah, that’s why you really want me over. So you can put me to work,” he teased.
“Well, I would love your help. Really, I could do it on my own…” She sobered, her expression growing serious. “But I would much rather have you with me, Christian.”
Chris swallowed. Yeah, he needed to get her something special for Christmas, something that showed how much she meant to him. By extending this offer to him, wanting him to stay the night despite the possible negative reaction from her children, meant a lot to him. That she would open her home and her family to him when he had nothing—it was like an early Christmas gift.
He needed to give
her something amazing in return.
Standing, he went over to her side of the table and dropped a quick kiss to her lips.
“I would be honored to be there,” he said, meaning every word. “And I would love to help.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, leaning up to brush a lingering kiss to his jaw. “I would love your help.”
She might as well have said she loved him, what with the way his heart swelled so much it felt ready to burst.
“You can count on it.”
Chapter Fourteen
“I can’t believe how much money I spent,” Chloe Dawson lamented, adding a little moan for emphasis.
“I can’t believe how much you made me walk around that mall.” Jane smiled at her dearest friend and stretched her legs, trying to ease the ache. She hadn’t walked like that since she didn’t know when. Her old physical therapist would be thrilled at how much exercise she got tonight.
“Yeah well, at least we’re finished, right? And I bought you cheesecake so no complaining.” Chloe grinned at her. Jane caught sight of it in the flash of a passing car’s lights. “I wish Mindy had come with us.”
“Yeah, I don’t think she was feeling up to it.” Jane shook her head. It would’ve been good for Mindy to get away from her troubles and have a little fun with her and Chloe. Unfortunately, her sister was in too much of a funk to want to go anywhere.
A couple of years younger than Jane, Chloe had been her next-door neighbor growing up. Part of the same neighborhood gang, they had a shared history that made Chloe incredibly easy for Jane to talk to, hang out with. Jane and Chloe had reconnected recently, since Chloe taught at the elementary school, where Jane saw her on an almost daily basis.
“I’m still stuffed from dinner. I probably won’t even eat it until tomorrow.” Jane glanced down at the restaurant takeout bag that sat at her feet, a box filled with a thick slice of lemon raspberry cream cheesecake inside. Her favorite, something she hadn’t indulged in since before the fire.
“Still feeling the effects of that drink?” Chloe asked.
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