"St. Anne's will do it again. It's Harry's home church, they've done it for years and are welcoming us again–even with Harry out of the game."
"Good. So, anything else?"
"No."
There was silence on the line for a moment.
Shea was about to say goodbye when he spoke again.
"The kiss isn't freaking you out, is it?"
"It was unexpected," she said slowly.
"Unwelcomed? If so it won't happen again," he replied.
"Oh no, not unwelcomed."
She made a face. That was too quick.
"I mean, it was nice."
Jake chuckled. "Great, men like to hear things like that. Nice. It's a wimpy word."
"So you'd prefer something like it knocked my socks off and wow, where did you learn to kiss like that and how soon can you do it again?"
He laughed outright. "Yeah, that’d work."
"It was nice," she repeated, smiling broadly.
Some of the previous statement was true, but she wasn't telling him that.
"I'll try to do better next time," he said softly.
Shea's heart beat skyrocketed.
"Okay then, we'll see."
"So are you coming in today or not?"
"Not. I've got lots to do here."
"So when?"
"I'll keep you updated by phone," she stalled.
She didn't want him to think she was skittish after that kiss, but she was. She wasn't exactly sure how she felt.
"Right. Talk to you soon, then."
She slowly put her phone down on the desk.
She was a chicken, no doubt about it. Jake had sounded confident and sure of himself.
She should be, too. She'd dated. She'd kissed a lot of men.
But none had touched her like his kiss last night.
Shaking her head, she tried to get back into review mode and get caught up on her company's projects.
Shea brought home Mexican take out at the end of the day. She looked forward to a night of vegging out, eating a favorite meal and maybe even going to bed early.
There was nothing on television she wanted to see, so she picked up a mystery book she'd bought a couple of weeks ago but hadn't started. Reading as she ate, she was soon engrossed in trying to follow the clues.
When a knock sounded, she reluctantly put aside the book and headed for the door.
Opening it, she was surprised to see Jake standing there.
"I didn't expect to see you," Shea said, gesturing for him to come inside the apartment.
"Hope I'm not intruding," he said, stepping in, and looking around, taking in all the Christmas decorations displayed.
"Wow, you must love Christmas."
"I do."
She closed the door and glanced at the messy dining table. If she'd known she'd have company she'd have cleaned up as soon as she finished eating.
What was he doing here?
"Have a seat," she said.
He shrugged out of his heavy jacket and tossed it across a chair. Moving to the front of the sofa, he sat.
Shea noticed the folder in his hand. She quickly went to sit on the coffee table near him, their knees almost touching.
"Something come up with the project?" she asked.
"I spent more time today than I wanted trying to line up vendors. They all ask questions about the items wanted, quantity, where to deliver, dates. Nothing I couldn't handle, except I need the feedback your team’s getting to answer specifics."
"I didn't even check with them today, too busy with other things," Shea said slowly.
She should have jumped right on that to make sure her employees help could be utilized but was distracted catching up on everything that had happened while she was working at police headquarters.
"I'll check first thing tomorrow," she promised.
"Will you go with me to some of the stores in town? I want to see what I'm ordering, to have a better idea of what we'll have. Sorting and distributing’s going to be a nightmare, I think."
"If we know who gets what, when we're wrapping presents, we can sort and label. You need to make sure the volunteers know how to do that, but it should go smoothly if we identify everything for each child."
"I spoke with the priest at St. Anne's and he suggested December 21st as wrapping day. Close enough to delivery date, but maybe it won't interfere with plans volunteers might have closer to Christmas itself. Plus he has a group at the church who want to help wrap as well."
"Good. So we have to have everything there by that morning. I doubt there'll be a problem. What's in the folder?"
"Volunteers. I called a few today, but mostly reached answering machines. So far no one's called back. I also got a sign-up going at the station."
He ran his fingers through his hair.
"And so far I've spent more time on this than the cold case I'm working on."
"But those'll be there after Christmas. You have a hard deadline for this."
"True. I'm a cop, I'm used to looking at clues, weighing evidence, not corralling people for a service project. I'm not even sure how to plan for the wrapping night."
"Think of it logistically. Have you seen the space at St. Anne's?"
He shook his head.
Shea thought a minute, then rose and went to get a tablet.
"Okay, we'll make a list. First check out the space at the church so we'll know how large it is. Can we put toys in one area and tables for wrapping in another, and a place for finished presents with labels?"
She looked at him, then jotted the questions on her tablet.
"Someone needs to pull the toys or clothes according to the master list and give them to a volunteer to wrap, keeping them all together."
She nodded and added that to the list she was compiling.
"Then put all the wrapped presents in the order we'll be distributing."
"We need to know where the volunteers are going and also stage presents by neighborhoods so we don't have people going back and forth all over town."
"What a nightmare," Jake said, running his fingers through his hair again.
"Naw, we'll have everything on the spreadsheet, sort it by location, then by family, then by kid. It'll be a piece of cake."
"Yeah, my lieutenant says that when some tricky arrest is eminent."
Shea laughed softly.
"This’ll work, I guarantee it. You'll be renowned for your handling of this project. They’ll probably ask you next year, too."
"No! This is only because I'm on the disabled list."
"We'll see," she murmured, adding some notes to her list.
She knew he felt out of his depth with this project, but she knew he was doing all the right things. It was all for kids, after all.
She liked seeing him involved so intently. He may think he was wrong for the assignment, but she knew he was perfect.
Jake leaned back and looked around.
"Where do you store all this when it's not the Christmas season?" he asked, taking in the displays of little houses with lights shining inside, the skating scene, the ornaments and greenery.
"Well the tree and garlands go in the trash at the end. The other things pack up in only five boxes, which I keep in the storage area in my garage."
"And how long did it take you to decorate this place?"
"Most of Black Friday. I don’t want to fight the crowds, so my tradition is to set up for Christmas that day."
"Are you coming to the station tomorrow?" he asked.
"Do I need to?"
He nodded, watching her closely.
"Why?"
"It's easier to work together if we’re in the same room," he said.
"As opposed to phone calls?" she asked.
Did she want to go back to the police headquarters? She was trying not to read anything into a friendly kiss.
But she did miss being there, eating lunch together, bouncing ideas off each other.
"You're the techie, I prefer face to f
ace," he replied.
"Okay, I'll come in tomorrow morning. Then we'll see if I need to stay all day."
He nodded.
Shea waited for him to say something else, but he remained silent, looking around at the decorations.
"So, what now?" she asked after several minutes of silence.
"Want to call volunteers?" he asked meeting her gaze.
"Not particularly. I take it you have no plans for tonight."
He shook his head.
"Want to watch a Christmas movie?" she asked.
"Which one,” he asked suspiciously.
Shea laughed. "What's your favorite? I have a streaming service, I bet most Christmas movies are available from now to Christmas."
"I don't have a favorite. I'm not sure I've even watched a Christmas movie before," he said slowly.
"Ah, then we'll watch It's a Wonderful Life. It's one of my favorites and if you haven't seen it, you'll be in for a treat."
She jumped up and went into the open kitchen, still able to see him.
"Want some popcorn? I love to watch movies with popcorn."
"Sure."
Shea was glad to have something to do rather than being so close to Jake she longed to reach out and touch him.
To ask more about how his day had gone.
To learn more about him.
It didn't take long for the popcorn to pop. She dumped it into a large bowl.
"Soda to drink okay?"
"Yeah, I'll take a cola."
She took two cans from the refrigerator and headed back to the living room with the popcorn.
She didn't hesitate to sit beside him. The sofa offered the best view of her television. Placing the bowl between them, drinks on the coffee table, she smiled at Jake.
"Feel free to put your feet up if you want. To me, that's the purpose of a coffee table."
In only moments, she'd found the movie and started it playing.
She felt when Jake relaxed. He leaned back, engrossed in the movie, taking some popcorn from time to time. When he opened his soda can, he also opened hers. Before the movie was twenty minutes along, he placed his injured foot on the coffee table.
Shea was glad he was engrossed in the movie, it relieved some of the tension she felt around him.
She was secretly pleased he wanted her back at the station. She'd missed him today.
When the popcorn was finished, Jake moved the bowl to the side table and glanced at Shea.
"Thanks."
"Want more?" she asked.
"Nope, I'm good."
She nodded and turned back to the movie. But from the corner of her eye she could see Jake glancing her way from time to time.
He feigned watching the show, but as her heart rate increased, she doubted he was as caught up in the movie as he seemed.
Not that tonight was a date, but it almost felt like it. Who knew the Christmas cop could be interested in a quiet night at home?
When the movie ended, Shea switched off the TV.
"So did you like it?"
He nodded, glancing at his watch.
"I didn't realize how late it is. I'll be going. Thanks for the movie and popcorn. It's been a long time since I watched a movie."
"Anytime. There are lots of Christmas movies," she said.
Maybe he'd take her up on the suggested invitation and watch another one with her.
Jake put on his heavy jacket, picked up the cane and walked to the door. Shea moved past him to open the door. The cold air swirled in.
"I'm glad you came tonight," she said with a smile.
He studied her for a moment, then lowered his head slowly as if giving her time to withdraw before he kissed her again. His lips were warm against hers. In only a moment he dropped the cane and drew her into his arms. She came willingly. She didn’t want the kiss to ever end.
Her heart raced, blood pounded in her veins and her internal heat sensor soared. She hugged him as hard as he hugged her. The kiss went on and on. It was heavenly.
The flash of headlights as a car turned into the complex penetrated the delightful sensations that encased her. The front door was wide open, letting in all the cold air and letting the light from the living room highlight the two of them. Slowly she pulled back.
"Good night," Jake said, scooping up his cane and heading for his car.
Sighing, she turned and entered her condo, closing the door behind her.
The night ended too soon for her.
She was doubly interested in going to the police station tomorrow. Who knew what the day would bring?
Chapter Seven
Shea was the first in the office the next morning. All her notes about Christmas were on her laptop, so she turned it on to review.
It wasn’t long before she heard Jake in the hallway. Her heart sped up. She stared at the computer screen but didn’t see what was right in front of her. She was totally attuned to Jake.
He entered and walked to the desk he was using.
She looked up and smiled.
“Good morning,” she said.
“Ummm,” he answered, his frown more pronounced than normal.
“Who rained on your parade?” she asked, surprised at his attitude.
He’d seemed friendly last night, what changed?
He looked at her and shook his head.
“Sorry, I’ve been thinking about that kid who came in. It’s really cold out today and snow’s predicted.”
“Jason,” she prompted.
He nodded.
“So, it’s been cold all week, all month come to that.”
“His jacket didn’t fit very well,” Jake said as he looked at the papers on his desk.
“So you want to get him a new jacket, get him one that fits and is super warm for this time of year,” she guessed.
He nodded. He looked at her. “It’s not quite the same as when I was a kid, but I think from where they live, money’s tight. And a kid should have clothes that fit.”
“So get him one from the Christmas list and give it to him early,” she suggested.
“I haven’t a clue what size to get. Nor what color he’d like.”
“If it isn’t to be a surprise, take him shopping and let him pick out what he wants.”
He stared at her for a long moment. “Maybe.”
“He’d probably love a shopping expedition with a cop.”
He didn’t reply, but began looking at papers in the folder in front of him.
Shea went back to reviewing the time line for the project. She was curious about the space at St. Anne’s.
“I’m going to go to St. Anne’s to check it out,” she said after a few minutes.
Jake looked up. “Why?”
“To get a feel for the place. Don’t you want to check it out so we have an idea of what it looks like before the wrapping party.”
“Wrapping party?”
“I thought it more fun to call it a party than just gift wrapping. I figured we can have hot cider, pizza and cupcakes for everyone who helps. Did I tell you my entire staff has volunteered that night? And most of them want to help distribute.”
“And how many is that?”
“Fifteen counting me and Cal. And so far all the volunteers I’ve talked to are planning to help again this year. It really is a great community effort.”
He frowned again, closing the file folder.
“I’ll come with you to St. Anne’s. I haven’t seen the place either.”
“Didn’t you help last year?” she asked.
He shook his head.
“I told you, I’m not much for kids.”
Shea wondered if he’d change his mind as the project unfolded. He seemed to relate when Jason visited. Enough to want to do something for the boy now.
“Let’s go. We can also check out some of the vendors after we see St. Anne’s,” Shea suggested. “I’ll drive.”
She could see Jake hesitate when she said that and she grinned.
“Afraid of
a woman driver?”
“Not at all.”
She suspected that was a lie, but didn’t challenge him on it.
When they reached her car, Jake stopped in surprise.
“This is yours?” he asked, examining the smoky blue car with the wide white racing stripes down the middle.
Shea nodded, unlocking the doors with her key fob.
“It’s a Shelby GT,” Jake said admiring the car as he took in every inch of it.
“No wonder you’re a detective. Nothing gets by you,” she teased climbing into the driver’s seat.
He got into the car a minute later and became fixated on all the features on the dashboard.
Shea grinned and started the engine. In only moments they were on the road heading to the church to check out the staging area.
“I guess being a geek pays pretty well,” he said a moment later.
“Now. But for many years Cal and I struggled just to pay basic bills. And while I did indulge myself with this car, I also have savings and a retirement plan.”
“It’s a sweet ride,” Jake murmured.
They stopped at the rectory for St. Anne's and met the priest, Father Damian, who was happy to show them the area they reserved for staging presents and wrapping them. The hall was spacious with racks of folded tables and chairs lining one wall.
“Plenty of seating for however many volunteers you have,” Father Damian said. “Carolyn Warner is signing up volunteers from the church. She told me yesterday she has thirteen lined up so far for wrapping and five for delivery.”
“Fantastic. We’ll have so many volunteers we’ll probably finish in record time,” Shea said enthusiastically.
The priest reviewed how the process worked in previous years and both Shea and Jake were reassured that things would run smoothly with all the experienced people involved.
“Now to make sure we have the up-to-date information for the kids and their wish lists,” Shea said.
“Carolyn’s handled that from our end. She’s been in contact with the other churches in the diocese and every one will have their list to her by next Sunday. She’ll then send it directly to you,” Father Damian explained.
“We’re running ads on several social media sites both for donations and names of kids in need,” Shea said.
“We are?” Jake asked.
The Christmas Cop Page 5
