Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set Read online

  “Come on in, please.” Her voice is soft and edged with exhaustion.

  I push the curtain aside, slip through the opening, and, closing the cotton material, seal us in together.

  Sitting on the bed with the off-the-shoulder, black, cable knit sweater I hadn’t glimpsed under her coat, the woman is a damn snack. An edible confectionary I’d love to sample. I’ve always had a sweet tooth. The shallow cuts sporadically scattered over her dark brown skin make me frown. I run my thumb lightly over the Band-Aid covering her collarbone, and she gasps.

  “Sorry.” I step back.

  With her braids pulled into a high bun, her make-up-free face is highlighted. Those full lips are still just as pink and tempting. My fingers itch to caress her long neck.

  “Thank you for coming here with me,” she says softly.

  “It’s the least I can do when you were hurt in Nona’s store.”

  “Right.” The warmth of her tone dips slightly. “I’m fine other than a mild concussion.”

  Other than a small concussion. “You can’t be alone with that condition.”

  She clears her throat. “I’m sure it’s not ideal. But it’s what I have to work with.”

  “No.”

  “Excuse me?” Her lips pull back to reveal straight white teeth. She’s a lioness ready to defend her position.

  “I refuse to let you make foolish decisions about your health that could lead to further injury.”

  “Let me?” she asks slowly.

  “Someone needs to be rational.”

  “You might get away with talking to other women like that, but I’m not the one to allow it.”

  I ignore her offended tone. After years in court, I’ve heard far worse. I have skin so thick it would rival an elephant. “You can stay with me, or I can come to your place if it makes you feel more comfortable. At least for the next twenty-four hours.”

  She crosses her arms beneath her breasts, putting the ample mounds on display. Staring at them won’t help me win my argument, so I focus on her face.

  “I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for the majority of my twenty-nine years.”

  Anger roars to the surface. “Do you know how serious a concussion can be?”

  “I was here when the doctor came by earlier, so, yes.”

  “Then you’re ignoring his advice.” Her flippant tone has me grinding my teeth. “It’s not a condition to treat so cavalierly.”

  “Why do you even care?” She throws her hands up in the air, revealing a sliver of flesh. “You don’t know me. If you’re worried I’m going to try to file a claim, I won’t be. So, you can ditch the nice guy act.”

  “That is not what this is about.” I step forward.

  She shrinks back, and I’m painfully aware of how I must look standing over her. There are times my size is more of a hindrance than an advantage. I hold my hands up in mock surrender. “Caring what happens to you isn’t an act. I don’t waste my time pretending or doing things I don’t want to. A good friend of mine wiped out badly while we were skiing. It’s par for the course on the mountain, so we didn’t think much of it.” I pause. Her flaring nostrils belay her anger. I don’t have long before she cuts me off. How can a woman look so damn stunning when she’s this upset? “Turns out he had a severe concussion. By the time he started manifesting symptoms and we took him to the hospital, it was too late. He lapsed into a coma.”

  “Oh my God.” Her eyes widen.

  “It was a brief, eighteen hours of pure hell. Today he’s fine, but it could have just as quickly gone the other way. I won’t forget that. I could never let that happen to you. So, you can argue with me all you want. I’m not changing my mind. Not knowing what I do,” I perch on the bed, facing her, and slowly take her hands in mine, “I understand your hesitation. I don’t expect you to go into this blindly. We can even stay with my Nona if you prefer.”

  Grandma got run over by a reindeer, walking home from our house Christmas Eve.

  “What?” Romy snickers.

  The tips of my ears grow hot. “That’s Nona. She’s been worried, so I should take this.

  “Hey, Nona,” I say sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck as Romy watches me.

  “How is she?”

  “Mild concussion. I’m standing next to her.”

  “I figured, since you’re not in the waiting room.”

  “Wait. You’re here?”

  Romy sits up straight.

  “I brought her purse and keys. Can’t get far without those.”

  “She brought your purse.”

  Her expression softens. I’m not above using Nona to get my way.

  “Jesus. I completely forgot about that.” She shakes her head and groans.

  I narrow my gaze. “Romy.”

  She seems to pale. I grip her arm lightly. “You okay?”

  “What’s going on?” Nona asks.

  “Sorry, trying to convince Romy I’m not a serial killer, and I can take of her.”

  “She can’t be alone right now. You put that little lady on the phone.”

  Grinning, I hold the phone out to her.

  ‘What?’ she mouths.

  “She wants to talk to you.”

  She shakes her head, and I nod. “Did you sic your grandmother on me?” she hisses.

  “Whatever it takes.”

  I watch unrepentantly amused as Nona wears her down. The women in my family are diminutive in size only. My mother barely tops five feet, two inches, and I still fear her.

  “No, ma’am, I wouldn’t feel right intruding on you and your husband during the holiday season. ... I’m sure he is. ... Uh-huh.” She shoots daggers at me with her eyes. “I’m sure we can work it out for a day. You don’t have to move my car. ... Yes, I suppose a change of clothes would be nice for him.” Her shoulders slump, and she gives me an exasperated look. “We’ll see you soon.” She hands me the phone. “I see stubbornness runs in your family.”

  “You’re welcome.” I wink.

  She snickers, revealing an honest to God dimple in her left cheek. How can she be so sexy and adorable at the same time?

  “I am sorry to hear about your friend, but you never answered my question.” She pushes off from the bed and sways slightly.

  I catch her, wrapping my arms around her waist. Steadying her, I look down. “What question?”

  “Why do you care so much about me?”

  How can I answer her when I’m not sure myself?

  The nurse opens the curtain, saving me from myself. The nurse glances from me to Romy. “Everything okay?”

  I frown. “A dizzy spell.”

  “How bad?” the nurse asks, stepping forward to peer into her eyes.

  “I got up too fast. I’m fine,” Romy says.

  The nurse frowns. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

  “I’ll keep a close eye on her.”

  The short-haired brunette smiles. “You’ve got a good one here. Be sure to hang on to him.”

  “I ... We’re not—” She stumbles over her words.

  “She couldn’t get rid of me that easily.”

  “I could try,” she mumbles.

  Chapter Two

  Caleb

  It feels like an awkward first date. Seated beside Romy on the couch, we both drink the coffee they’ve served. Nervously I nibble on a sugar cookie, unsure of what to say.

  “What brings you to Centerville?” Pop asks.

  “I got a job as an occupational therapy assistant for Dr. Carver’s office. I was working at a hospital back home. The hours were plentiful, and the pay was all right, but I wanted more,” she answers.

  “And this is better for you?” Nona asks.

  “Immensely. It’s why I could purchase my house.”

  “Good for you. I remember how I felt when we were able to buy this land and start building. It took a while, but this old house has stood the test of time.” The pride in Pop’s voice is audible.

  “You built this?” Romy
asks in awe.

  “I helped a little.”

  “He was out here all the time,” Nona says.

  “It was a present for you. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t have a hand in it.”

  Nona rolls her eyes, but the wide smile betrays how happy it made her.

  “It was my wedding present,” Pop explains.

  “You gave her a home?” The wistfulness in Romy’s tone is intriguing. I hadn’t taken her for the romantic type with the way she shut me down for trying to help her. Maybe it’s me personally she’s not interested in.

  “No, I promised to make one with her.”

  “I didn’t know he wasn’t speaking metaphorically.” Nona places her hand on Pop’s. I admire the relationship they have. I always wanted that someday. At thirty-five, I’ve begun to think it’s not in the cards for me. My parents were together, but their fights were legendary, and they would bicker nonstop. It never seemed like a peaceful way to live. Love can’t be everything.

  “That’s so sweet.” Romy sighs, resting a hand over her heart.

  “We have some photos of the house as it was built if you’re interested,” Pop says.

  “I’d love to see that.” She looks at me. “If we have time.”

  “We already did your first hourly check. We can spend as much time here as you’d like.”

  I can tell she’s still reluctant to leave with me. “I’m going to pack a bag and change.” I’m still peeling tinsel and bits of crushed glass from my sweater. Her blood also lingers under my nails. I feel like I’m in rehearsal for the play Macbeth, because it’s all I can notice now that things have calmed.

  “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Stop hovering over her, son. She’ll be just fine here with me. I’m old, but I still know how to entertain.”

  “Sorry, Pop.” I feel the heat rush to the tips of my ears.

  I make the trek up the stairs to the room where I still stay at when I visit. It’s a time capsule that never fails to put me in a nostalgic mood. I smile at the planet diagram we made in the fifth grade hanging in the corner over my desk as I cross the room. Stripping out of my sweater, I shake it over the trash can in the bathroom. The rest of my clothes join it in a hamper, and I turn on the water. Waiting until it’s steamy, I step inside and let the water beat down over my head.

  The last thing I expected when I walked into Bits and Baubles was to become the victim of a Rom-Com. Boy meets girl and saves her from a situation. Boy becomes smitten even though she refuses to give him the time of day. Maybe it’s karma. I think of the numerous women I politely declined over the years as I focused on my career. I didn’t have the time to dedicate to a real relationship, so I settled for a casual, monogamous one with a like-minded woman. Now I want more, and I’m not sure Romy is receptive. I felt a spark with her.

  I’m not altruistic enough to go far out of my way because I’m a nice guy. That isn’t the way most people would describe me. I don’t give my attention or energy easily, but Romy is impossible to ignore. I’d prefer her anger to silence. I think of my own parents. Maybe I’m more like my father than I realized. Finishing my shower, I towel off, change, pack a few things into a black duffle bag in my closet, and walk downstairs.

  I watch equal parts entertained and horrified as Nona flits from the living room to the kitchen. A small pile of things is forming beside Romy on the couch.

  “I’ll only be there for a day,” I say as I reach the bottom of the stairs.

  “I know, but you can never be too prepared.” Her voice floats toward us from the kitchen. Dropping Nona off at her home in Romy’s car had seemed like the best plan at the time. Currently, I doubt the wisdom of that decision. Caught in a strange level of hell, I try to curb Nona’s gathering without touching a nerve and listening to Pop regale her with follies of my youth.

  “Pop, I’m sure she doesn’t want to hear anymore ‘remember when’ stories. Her head hurts. She needs quiet.”

  “Oh, no. The distraction is welcome.” She pats my knee. “I thought you wanted to get to know each other better, Caleb. No one knows you better than your family. Besides, I want to see more of those cute pictures of baby Caleb and those ears.” She tucks my hair behind my ear. “I wouldn’t have known they were hiding under that glorious mane if it wasn’t for your photos on the mantle.”

  I grimace at the photos of me with short hair and massive ears I never grew into. There’s a reason I keep my hair on the long side.

  Nona appears with a brown paper bag I know holds food. “Are you sure you don’t want me there?”

  “They’ll be fine, honey. Caleb has everything under control. Don’t you?” Pop winks. For him, talking his wife down has become an art form.

  “I was talking to both of them,” Nona says softly.

  “I know.”

  Romy ducks her head. Our visit here has mainly been for her. The majority of the tension she held has faded. I can see the fatigue and discomfort. Her eyes are staying shut for longer and longer intervals.

  “I think we should get Romy home and settled in for the night. If she’s ready.” I swallow down my desire to take over. She’s made it clear she doesn’t like her control taken away. Too bad it makes me want to do just that. I could show her just how good it feels to let go.

  “I am,” Romy says.

  “I’ll get everything loaded up, and we’ll leave.” After hitting the remote start, I move to grab the duffle bag I packed, and Nona follows me out with her extra goodies.

  “It’s cold out, Nona. I could’ve done this on my own.”

  “I wanted to check in on you. It’s never been like you to be a people person. I don’t want you to feel forced into this.”

  I shake my head. “I don’t. I wouldn’t have volunteered otherwise.”

  She grins. “I can tell you’ve taken a real shine to Romy.”

  “Nona. Don’t get any ideas, huh?”

  “What? I want grandbabies.”

  “You have Jennifer and me.”

  “I want great-grandbabies, and since she’s only ten, it’s going to be a while unless they come from you.”

  “It’s been killing you to keep that inside, hasn’t it?” I wink as I pack the car and rejoin her on the porch.

  “I gave you a year to get settled back in first. I was excited when you came home from New York. That place was sucking the life out of you.”

  I inhale, forcefully exhaling before answering. “I needed to get experience. No one wants a lawyer who hasn’t practiced. And I needed space from Dad. He never understood this was my way of keeping families from experiencing the same trauma and heartache. When he lost the rights to his patents to his former friend, it broke us all. To him, my decision made me the other, an enemy.”

  “No,” she sighs. “He just couldn’t see your position. The space you created allowed him time to process.”

  “I’m not sure he ever will get it.”

  “Maybe not. All that matters is he’s trying and listening. You got your stubbornness from him.”

  “And none from you?”

  She huffs, placing her hands on her hips. “I don’t know what you are trying to insinuate, young man.”

  “Right.” I follow her back inside.

  I’m taken aback by the beauty of Romy in front of the fireplace, talking with Pop. The flickering light makes her skin glow. Her face is animated, and she gestures with her hands.

  “You must get well so I can show you around. It’s been a long time since I saw this place through fresh eyes.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “He’s our family historian,” I tell her. “You couldn’t ask for a better guide.”

  “I love history.”

  “Beautiful and smart, Cal,” Pop drawls.

  I need to get her out of here before they have us married and reproducing. If being taken care of spooked her, that would send her running. Walking over, I offer her my hand. She takes it, and the familiar hum of energy she created in me buzzes to l
ife. Ushering her to the door, I bundled her swiftly and got her into the car.

  “Sorry about that,” I mutter.

  “Don’t be. They are the only reason you’re going home with me. Any man that close to his grandparents can’t be completely awful.”

  “Thanks. You set the bar real high for me.”

  “You’re welcome. Back at the hospital, I gave you a free pass for your heavy-handed behavior. Next time I’ll go for your jugular.”

  “What a little savage you are.” I may tend to put my foot in my mouth outside of the courtroom, but I can read people.

  Romy Foster is flirting.

  “Do you know what I think?” I shift the car in reverse and pull out the driveway.

  “No, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

  “You like it, and that scares you. Anger is nothing but a smokescreen.”

  When she doesn’t reply, I know I’ve hit a little too close to home.

  ROMY

  “Am I standing on Tie Fighters?” Caleb stares down at the blue houndstooth rug with the subtle Star Wars theme.

  “I’m impressed you noticed.”

  “I mean, the Kylo Ren head was a tip-off you were an undercover nerd.”

  I gesture toward the coffee table with my head. “Oh, there’s nothing hidden about it.”

  “You are officially the coolest woman I’ve ever met.” He bows down, waving his arms at me, and I can’t stop the smile from emerging.

  “Whose turn is it for setting the bar low? A coffee table and a rug are all I needed to take first place.”

  “I never said those two were the only reasons.”

  Unsure how to respond as my heart beats a little faster, I do what I’m good at, deflect. “I think I’m ready for a bit of aspirin now. My head hasn’t stopped aching, and my body has joined in with an equally painful throbbing.” I want to shower, but I’m afraid I’ll have another dizzy spell. I would never live it down if Caleb had to rescue me once more.

  “Nona packed some. You have a seat. I’ll unpack and bring you some with a bottle of water. It’s okay if you doze off while you wait. It’s almost time for our second check.”

  “I love it when you torture me with light.”

  “I could think of other ways.” His eyes darken.