Christmas In Rose Bend

by Naima Simone

  But Ivy didn’t want comfort from her.

  Didn’t want her, period.

  Tearing her gaze away, she turned back to the tree and deliberately placed the ornament, as if it were the most important task in the world.

  “Yes,” she belatedly answered Wolf’s question. “She still believes I’m a jealous bitch keeping information about her dad from her.”

  “You’re not jealous or a bitch, but you are keeping information from her.”

  She jerked her head up. “But you know why. You’re the only one who knows why.” Please, Lord, don’t let the hurt flaring inside her be reflected in her voice. But he was the only one she’d shared the truth with, and now he threw that back in her face?

  “I do get why, Nessie,” he said. “You’re trying to protect her, but she’s twelve, and she’s observant. She senses something is wrong, that you’re not being honest with her. And as long as she believes that, Ivy isn’t going to completely trust you.”

  “What’s the alternative? Ruining the sainted image she has in her head of her father?” There went that bitterness again. Dammit. She swallowed down the rancid taste of it. This wasn’t about her and her complicated feelings and relationship with Isaac; it was about Ivy. “I’d rather have her mad at me than take that away from her when she’s lost so much already.”

  “And I think you’re underestimating her.” Long, nicked fingers gently freed her strong hold on the angel and then wrapped around her hand. Wolf tugged her closer and, pinching her chin, tilted her head up. “That girl is more like you than either one of you like to admit. She might throw attitude, but her heart is huge. And it’s hurting. Ivy loves you, Nessa—she’s just afraid to show you. Probably afraid the moment she becomes attached to you, that’ll be the moment you disappear from her life like her parents.”

  Nessa blinked, speechless. Her lips parted, but no words emerged. Wolf shook his head, the corner of his mouth quirking before he stroked his thumb over the curve of her cheek.

  “I know. My man bun and my Yoda-like tendencies annoy you. But just consider being honest with her. You can never build anything strong with her unless the foundation is truth. Besides, I think she would surprise you. Yes, she adores her father, and most of us put our parents on pedestals. But she’s also a great, smart kid. And, Nessie? Are you more afraid of hurting her or of losing her when she finds out you’re not related by blood?”

  Leaving her with that gem, he stepped back and returned to decorating the tree. Was he right? Did she fear Ivy would reject her when she found out they weren’t sisters? Was that another reason she didn’t want to reveal the truth to her?

  Yes.

  She didn’t move for several seconds, that answer and his advice echoing in her head. Unbidden, her gaze drifted to Ivy again, and this time, her sister stared back at her, frowning. She glanced at Wolf then back at Nessa.

  You okay?

  Nessa easily read the mouthed words, and Jesus, her heart squeezed so tight she questioned the possibility of a coronary. She nodded, and Ivy hesitated before dipping her chin in response, then turning back to her tree. Inhaling, Nessa blinked back the burn of tears. Okay, so Wolf might be right. Maybe Ivy didn’t hate her.

  Needing a moment, she crossed to the box of decorations and rummaged through it. Only after she’d patched up the cracks that Ivy’s unexpected display of concern had caused did she lift her head and return to the Christmas tree, tinsel in hand.

  “You have any plans after this?” Wolf asked, extending his hand for some of her tinsel.

  “No, why?” She handed half of it over. “Is there a reindeer race later tonight?”

  He scoffed. “Don’t be silly. That’s next week.” When she shot him an I-could-brain-you-with-this-tree-and-lose-no-sleep look, he chuckled. “No, there’s a place I’d like to take you.”

  She studied him. Where? Why? For how long? What for? The questions crowded onto her tongue, and with anyone else, she would’ve let them fly. And she should ask, because hello, she’d only known this guy a handful of days. So, yep, he needed an inquisition—

  “Okay.”

  Shit.

  The fact that she didn’t question him should’ve scared her more than her body’s unprecedented reaction to him. And it did send alarm careening through her.

  Yet, who was she fooling?

  She was going with him. Because he was Wolf.

  And she had apparently lost all sense of self-preservation when it came to him.

  Oh this was going to end badly.

  Twelve

  “I’M NOT SAYING the contest was rigged. But I am saying having Patience there all cute and snuggly didn’t hurt Cole and Sydney’s chances,” Nessa muttered, pushing open the passenger door of Wolf’s truck and climbing out of the vehicle.

  Wolf snorted as he exited behind her and rounded the hood. For someone who claimed not to get into all the Christmas festivities, Nessa possessed a competitive streak as long and as wide as the Berkshires.

  “Careful there, Nessie.” He tsked. “You’re starting to sound like Jenna.”

  “Take it back,” she growled. “Take it back right now.”

  He laughed. “No can do. I overheard her complaining to her father that Cole and Sydney only won because he’s the mayor.”

  Nessa groaned, tipping her head back on her shoulders. “Okay, fine. I’m sorry. I’m a sore loser. Their tree was gorgeous and all color coordinated and worthy of Woman’s World magazine. But our tree should’ve won something for the sheer gaudiness factor,” she added with a pout.

  A pout that, frankly, delighted and aroused the hell out of him. What would she do if he leaned over and sank his teeth into that plump bottom lip and tugged? Sucked? Slid his tongue over the damp curve before thrusting inside?

  Would she back away, turn away from him?

  Or would she open wider for him, grant him deeper access? Moan for him...

  Jesus, he dragged his gaze from her face and swung his attention to the elegant yellow-and-white Victorian sitting several feet back from the curb.

  He was doing this. What he’d promised himself he wouldn’t do. Getting entangled. Getting...complicated. A very real fear slicked his skin, coated his tongue. Boundaries. As long as he maintained boundaries, he could help her solve this mystery and not get involved.

  Not forget.

  “Ready?” He settled a hand on the small of her back and guided her up the walk and steps to the wide front porch.

  Dropping his hand, he curled his fingers into his palm, trapping the heat from her body, while raising the other arm to knock on the front door. They waited several moments, and then the door opened, and Eva Wright stood in the entrance.

  “Hi, Wolf. And you must be Nessa. Wolf told me he might bring you by after the tree contest.” The older woman stepped back and waved them inside. “Come on in out of the cold, you two. And let me get those coats.”

  They entered Eva’s home, peeling off their outerwear and handing them to her. Once the coats were in her closet, they followed her to a cozy living room with a huge bank of windows that encompassed nearly one wall, a cavernous fireplace with dancing flames, an overstuffed couch and love seat, a coffee table and inviting armchairs that appeared large enough to comfortably fit his frame. If he remembered correctly, Eva’s husband had been a big guy, too. Though he’d passed more than ten years ago, she’d obviously kept the furniture that must remind her of him.

  “Have a seat. Can I offer you some coffee or tea?” she offered. “I just arrived home not too long ago and put a pot of coffee on for myself.”

  “If you’re having some, then I’ll take a cup, too. I don’t want to put you to any trouble.” Wolf settled in one of the armchairs while Nessa sat at the end of the couch.

  “None at all. Nessa?”

  “Yes, ma’am, thank you. I’ll have a cup.” Nessa half r
ose from the couch again. “Do you need my help bringing everything in?”

  “No, no. Sit. I have hands and a tray.” Eva sniffed, pointing at Wolf. “‘Ma’am.’ She has manners. What’s she doing hanging around you?” She softened the tart question with a wink and a teasing pat on his shoulder before disappearing down the hall.

  “She still intimidates me,” Nessa murmured as soon as Eva was out of earshot. “But I like her.”

  Wolf snorted. “You would.” They both had that no-tolerance-for-bullshit thing going on. He leaned back in the armchair, stretching his legs out in front of him. “Ms. Eva has lived in Rose Bend all her life. She runs the local day care center and has served on the town council forever. She’s an institution here. If anyone might know about the Summers family or a member named Paul, she would be the person.”

  Nessa nodded. “You told her about...”

  Wolf didn’t need for her to finish. “No, I haven’t,” he said softly. “It’s your story, and your decision to tell however much of it you feel comfortable sharing.”

  She nodded again, and he gripped the arm of the chair. Otherwise, he might reach across and grab the slender fingers that nervously plucked at the denim of her jeans. He’d been pushing his luck with how much he’d been touching her today. Each time their fingertips brushed...each time he stroked her cheekbone...each time he pressed a hand to her back... He tested the limits of his self-control when it came to her.

  He enjoyed sex. Loved everything about it from the scents and sounds to that exquisite moment when he first pushed inside a woman. And in sex, he could shove back the emptiness, the loneliness. He hadn’t been a monk since Olivia had left; his heart might have atrophied but his dick hadn’t. But he controlled his cock, not vice versa. He’d never been one of those men who’d needed to fuck at least once a week or die of some disease as a result of blue balls.

  But with Nessa?

  With Nessa, one glance at that thick fall of hair, and he couldn’t help imagining wrapping the dark brown strands around his fist while skimming his lips over the shaved side of her head.

  One glimpse at her gorgeous, thick body with its dangerous curves, tempting dips and beautiful brown skin, and his knees trembled with the urge to buckle, taking him to the floor so he could worship her with his hands and mouth.

  One look into those lovely, troubled eyes and the man in him that dated back to living in caves and swinging clubs roared with the need to fuck those shadows away.

  None of those other women over the last three years had created a sense of urgency in him, but this one? This one with the prickly-as-a-damn-porcupine attitude, goddess face and wounded warrior eyes? Every second it seemed as if he battled himself not to stroke, kiss, take...possess.

  In the time she’d been in Rose Bend, Nessa Hunt had become his personal delight...and hell.

  And come Christmas, she would be kicking the snow from her expensive boots as soon as the sun set and leaving town.

  “Why’re you looking at me like that?”

  Wolf blinked, jerking out of his thoughts with the painful snap of a popped rubber band. “I’m sorry. Looking at you like what?”

  She tilted her head, her fingers stilling on her thighs. “Like I’m a Where’s Waldo book.”

  “I can’t stand those books.”

  “Exactly.”

  His head jerked back, surprise clipping him in the chin. He stared at her for a long moment, then huffed out a dry laugh saturated with disbelief. “Baby, ‘can’t stand’ doesn’t come anywhere near to describing how I feel about you.”

  She stiffened, shock flaring in her eyes, but he didn’t laugh or tack on anything teasing to play off his words. They stared at one another, tension rising between them, so dense, so alive, it breathed like another entity in the room. Her lush mouth parted, and he zeroed in on the telltale sign of her agitation. Whether it was nerves, irritation or arousal—oh arousal.

  Lust pooled molten and thick in his cock.

  One swift glance up into her dark, glazed eyes confirmed the answer.

  “Here we go.” Eva entered the living room, bearing a tray laden with coffee cups.

  Her presence should’ve been like a dousing of frigid water on his balls, but as long as Nessa was in the room—hell, breathing—he doubted that was possible. Still, he shot to his feet, thankful for the length of his black sweater that hid most of his pounding erection. Liberating the tray from the older woman, he carried it to the table he’d made himself for her several years ago as an anniversary gift. Though her husband had been gone for six years by then, Wolf had still given it to her to honor him and their marriage.

  “Thank you, Wolf.” Eva settled on the same couch as Nessa, leaving a little space between them. After handing them their cups and letting them doctor their coffee with creamer and sugar, the older woman settled back against the cushion with her own drink and sipped. “So, Nessa, Wolf didn’t tell me much about why he brought you here. Only that he thought I might be able to assist with a situation you have. I’ll admit, I’m curious. And if there’s anything I can do to help you, I’m more than willing.”

  “Thank you.” Nessa glanced at Wolf, and he nodded his encouragement. Although she didn’t need it. He sensed she might doubt it, but she was courage wrapped in beauty. “My mom died earlier this year—”

  “Oh, honey, I’m sorry.” Eva leaned forward and covered Nessa’s hand.

  “It’s okay, thank you.”

  “No, it’s really not okay. I lost my husband ten years ago and it’s not. But it eventually does get easier to breathe and then live without expecting them to call or walk through the door, and then not break down when they don’t.” She patted Nessa’s hand then reclined back against the couch again, taking another sip from her coffee. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. But you don’t have to use platitudes with me. Death is shitty and there’s no point in pretending otherwise.”

  And this was why Wolf adored Eva Wright.

  A small smile played around the edges of Nessa’s mouth, and he suspected she might be halfway there herself.

  “Okay, yes, you’re right.” She chuckled. “Death is shitty, and it still hurts. But I’m getting through it.” Nessa paused, staring down into her cup for a long moment, then began speaking, head bowed as if the script for her story lay in the coffee. “Before my mom died, she told me that the man I believed was my father all my life wasn’t...”

  She relayed the same story she’d told him several days ago behind the inn, adding on about the email she’d sent out today and the box of things she hoped would contain a clue about her biological father. When she finished, Eva leaned forward again and pinched Nessa’s chin, lifting her head until she looked the older woman in the eye.

  “There. That’s better. Do me a favor and never again tell that story with your head down. Our history is a part of us, but it doesn’t define us. You have nothing to be ashamed of. So stop acting like it.” Eva delivered that admonishment with her telltale no-nonsense tone, then rose from the couch and set her cup on the table. “Be right back.”

  She left the room and Nessa looked at Wolf. He shrugged, struggling to hold back a smile.

  “You should see her at town council meetings. I love Cole and would do anything for him—that half-done gazebo is proof of that—but I attend to see Eva in action.” He smirked, propping his elbows on his thighs. “Jenna’s father is on the council, too, and the man’s an asshole. But one person he won’t throw any shit to is her.” He jerked his head in the direction Eva had disappeared. “She can throw a verbal smackdown that would leave a person crying and sucking his thumb. But if she respects and loves you? She’ll protect you like the fiercest lion.”

  “I didn’t realize I had my head down,” she murmured.

  “You did the same thing with me.” When she frowned, he set his cup on the table and clasped his hands together
between his thighs. “You wouldn’t look at me when you told me the truth.”

  “But I’m not ashamed. I—” She pinched her forehead then rubbed it, quiet for several seconds. “I guess I’d rather not see other people’s reactions when I tell it. Like I’m some Maury Povich guest or reality TV show plot. Or even the pity. That might be worse than the curiosity.”

  “Nessie?” He waited until he had her full attention, then continued, “Why do you give a fuck?”

  She gaped at him, but before she could answer, Eva swept back into the room, a book in her arms. “Wolf Dennison, watch your mouth in my house,” she scolded. Although the twinkle in her dark eyes belied her reprimand. “But he’s right, Nessa,” she said, sinking onto the couch once more, setting what was a photo album, not a book, on her lap. “It’s all a case of mind over matter. You shouldn’t mind because they don’t matter.”

  The woman was just dropping all the wisdom tonight.

  “Now, it just so happens I’m familiar with the Summers family,” Eva announced, opening the album.

  Satisfaction whipped through him at the surprise that flashed across Nessa’s face. She touched fingertips to her throat as she stared at Eva’s bent gray head. But it was the flicker of hope in her eyes that had Wolf inching forward in his chair. Had the breath stalling in his lungs.

  “Y-you do?” Nessa whispered. Then, clearing her throat, repeated, “You do?”

  Eva nodded, flipping the album’s stiff pages. “I’m sure of it.”

  Nessa glanced at him, and he smiled at her. Jesus, this had been a long shot, but he couldn’t believe it had panned out. It took everything in him to remain in his seat instead of striding over to Nessa, scooping her off that couch and hugging her. And not just because he was delighted for her. Delighted because he could have a hand in giving this to her.

  Yeah, it was thoughts like that he had no business thinking.

  A friend. He was helping a friend.

  A friend whose moan of pleasure he wanted to swallow whole.

  Shit.

  He raked a hand down his face and beard. Focus, dammit.