The Christmas Catch (5 page)

“Oh yes. Everything’s fine.” She affected a laugh. “That was
just my best friend Ellen. Senior editor, too, but we’re friends as well.
Anyhow…” She drew a deep breath. “What time were you thinking about for
sledding?”

He released her with a heartwarming grin. “How’s two o’clock
tomorrow sound?”

“Two o’clock sounds good.” She smiled feebly in return,
wondering if she looked as smitten as she suddenly felt. Oh God, was she
crushing on the professor just like some silly coed? And right in front of the
entire town’s tiny population, including his inquisitive best friend?

Christine took Tyler’s hand and raced out into the weather,
hoping the frigid wind would drive some sense into her. She was only here on
vacation, not poised to spend the rest of her life! What was she doing letting
her emotions get the best of her?

“See you tomorrow!” she called, as she and Tyler headed for
the SUV. “And thanks again!”

“Mommy?” Tyler asked as she snapped him into his car seat.
“Is John your friend now?”

She smiled at him and answered uncertainly. “I think so,
sweetie.”

“It’s about time!” he declared.

Chapter Seven

John couldn’t believe he was doing this, taking Christine
and her young son sledding. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear he’d already
tumbled headlong down a hill and taken a knock on the noggin. John wasn’t even
interested in getting involved. With that potential promotion looming, he had to
make work his priority. When John made Associate Dean,
then
he could entertain thoughts of a personal life. Even if his
advancement came off, he’d want to keep things clean and simple while he took
to his new task. What he’d been doing up until now worked fine. Occasional
outings with certain lady friends, no fuss and no strings attached. That was what
he wanted, wasn’t it?

John recalled that moment in the café when he’d been trapped
in the heat of Christine’s gaze. Hell, it had been more than one moment. There
were several times, in fact, when he’d felt his pulse pounding and his reason
racing into overdrive. It wasn’t just that she was pretty; there was something
else about her too. She was obviously smart and could hold her own in a
conversation. And when she’d nearly landed in his arms, it was all John could
do not to imagine bringing his mouth to hers. Seriously, it wasn’t like she’d
been graced with those lips for no reason. Clearly that reason had to do with
her needing a good kissing now and again.

John strode toward his truck and deposited the handcrafted
toboggan in its bed, determined to put these cockamamie notions out his head. The
heavy snow had abated to a light sprinkle. It was the perfect afternoon for the
occasion. What was so wrong with a toboggan ride anyhow? It wasn’t exactly
romantic, with the little boy coming along. It was more like a family outing.
John swallowed hard at that last thought, feeling like he’d bitten off more than
he could chew. Was it really so wrong to take them out, knowing they’d be gone
in just a little while? Perhaps that was John’s best form of protection. It was
likely Christine’s too. Surely she wouldn’t want to become entangled with
someone living so far away. Her life was complicated enough as it was. Mason
barked and John looked down to see him furiously wagging his tail, apparently
ready to get on with it. At least
he
wasn’t conflicted.

John’s cell rang and he tucked a hand inside his coat to
pull it out.

“Your timing’s rotten,” he told Carlos.

“No, what’s rotten is your holding out on me. Ten years
together and you didn’t breathe a word!”

“That’s because there’s nothing to talk about.”

“Aha! I knew it. This one’s really gotten to you, hasn’t
she?”

“Nobody gets to me, Carlos. You know that.”

Carlos chuckled. “Not until now, amigo. Not until now. Not
that I disapprove. Christine seems different somehow. Not quite so… eager.”

“Please.”

“You know what I mean. With the others, I could practically
hear those talons springing out to catch you.”

“You, my friend, have an overblown sense of the dramatic.”

“I, compadre, have a total connection to the truth.”

John opened the door of his truck and Mason sprang inside.
“I’d love to chat all day,” he said. “But the truth is I’ve got someplace to
be.”

“You’re seeing her, aren’t you? Probably her and that cute
kid too.”

John stared at Mason and shook his head before replying in a
singsongy voice. “Good-bye, Carlos!”

Snow fell lightly as John lifted the toboggan from his
truck. They were on a scenic hill, the splendor of the snowcapped countryside
around them. Christine ran a gloved hand down the side of the toboggan,
admiring the sheen of its wood.

“She’s a beauty,” she said to John. “Almost like a work of
art.”

He gave her a smile that swept the chill from the bitter
wind. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

“Hang on…” she said with surprise. “Are you saying you made
this?”

“Some time ago. It was one of my first pieces.”

Christine was impressed. She’d never met a man who’d made a
toboggan—or much of anything else—before. “You’ve made others?”

John positioned the toboggan on the hilltop and looked up.
Mason immediately jumped on. “Toboggans, no,” he said. “I figured one was all I
needed. But I’ve built other things: bookshelves, tables, and the like.”

“Tables? Really?”

“My dining room table in fact.” He studied her thoughtfully.
“I’ll have to show it to you sometime.”

Christine’s cheeks warmed as she dropped her eyes. “I’d like
that.”

John turned his attention on Tyler, waiting eagerly nearby.

“Ever been on a toboggan, young man?”

Tyler shook his head.

“Well then, you’re in for a treat. Hop on!” he instructed,
positioning Tyler right behind Mason. Tyler promptly wrapped his arms around
the dog,
who
leaned back to lick his face.

“Will he be all right?” Christine asked with concern.

“Sure. You’ll be right behind him, holding on.”

“And where will you be?”

“I’ll be hanging on to you.” John grinned and her heart
melted.

Christine warned herself not to get carried away. It was
just an outing in the country. But when John settled in behind her and snuggled
her and little Tyler securely in his arms, she couldn’t help but blush in his
embrace. He was so strong and capable. Though the steep slope ahead looked
formidable, Christine had no qualms about her and Tyler heading down it with
John.

“Ready?” he asked, as Christine gripped Tyler.

“What about Mason?”

“That old daredevil?” John asked with a laugh. “He’ll be fine!”

Then they were off, gliding at lightning speed down the
snowy white slope.

“Whee!” Tyler shouted. “Whoohoo!”

Christine laughed with giddy delight, feeling like a child
again herself.

“What do you think of Vermont?” John asked with a husky
whisper.

The truth was that she loved it. Loved it even more than she
could have imagined.

“It’s perfect,” she said with a happy sigh.

John hugged them a little tighter and settled his chin on
her shoulder.

“I’m glad.”

Chapter Eight

A week later, John pulled a blazing marshmallow from the
fireplace. Blowing it out, he laid it on a graham cracker held by Christine and
loaded with chocolate. She grinned, first at him and then at Tyler. “This will
have to be your last,” she said to her son before handing him the squishy
treat.

The boy’s face was liberally dotted with sticky mess. “But,
Mom!”

“She’s right, you know,” John said, backing up Christine.
“We wouldn’t want you getting a bellyache. Not so soon before Christmas.”

Tyler eagerly dug into his s’more while Mason ate his—complete
with paper plate, but minus the chocolate—in the corner. John took in the
cheery scene, acknowledging he hadn’t had this much fun in months. Heck, maybe
even in years. The afternoon spent outdoors with Christine and Tyler had been
filled with happy hill rides and gleeful shouts. On the way back to the truck
they’d had an impromptu snowball fight, and John had been mightily impressed by
Christine’s strong throwing arm. She’d invited him over for lunch the next day
to compensate for whipping his tail in the competition. The next few days were
lost in a blur of chats over coffee and prolonged Lego games with Tyler.

Now, here they were, all huddled up indoors beside a roaring
fire and after a dinner of homemade stew.
It’s
like stepping into a greeting card,
John thought, his eyes lingering on
Christine. She was beautiful in the firelight and the more he was around her,
the more he wanted to be with her. She was captivating and sincere, and she had
a sense of humor he appreciated. They could talk about everything in the world
or nothing at all, just sitting in companionable silence. She was just as much
fun as Carlos to be around, though John was betting she was a better kisser.
Not that he’d be comparing the two, it was just odd for John to consider that a
person could appeal to him in a womanly way and also act like a best friend.
John was longing to get more than friendly with Christine. During their few
moments alone, he’d actually considered making a move, but he’d stopped
himself, weighing the impact on Tyler.

If things deepened between him and Christine, what would that
mean? He clearly couldn’t lead her on by engaging in some casual fling, when
the outcome might be devastating for them all. Christine
was
loving
yet firm with Tyler, and naturally a very protective mom. She
wouldn’t want to expose the boy to any fallout from a short-term affair any
more than John would.
                 

“When does Santa come again?” Tyler asked, still munching.

“Not until you’re fast asleep,” Christine answered.

“Did you ask for something special?” John asked the boy.

“Mommy says it’s best to let life surprise you.”

“Does she now?”

Christine blushed mightily under John’s appreciative perusal.
She really was lovely that way. It seemed to embarrass her that any man might
cast an admiring eye her way. John wasn’t sure how any guy in his right mind
could stop himself.

Christine stood, collecting cooking supplies. “Ty, you’d
best head upstairs and wash up. It’s getting late and tomorrow is a big day.”
She turned to John. “Will you excuse me a minute while I tuck him in?”

“Maybe I should get going,” John said, standing as well.

“No, don’t.” Her expression softened. “What I mean is,
please stay. I won’t be but a minute.”

“Well, all right. Just for a bit.”

Tyler twisted his lips and surveyed them both.

“Is John sleeping over?” he asked his mom.

John felt heat scorch the back of his neck as Christine
flushed red.

“Oh no, honey,” she sputtered quickly. “That’s not what I
meant.”

Tyler stuck out his bottom lip. “Why can’t he sleep over? He
can stay in my room.”

John smiled kindly at the child. “Maybe some other time,
little buddy. Okay?”

“Promise?” Tyler asked, his face lighting up.

“We’ll talk about it later,” Christine said firmly, herding
him toward the stairs. “Now come on, up to bed with you!”

Tyler turned with disappointment and slowly climbed each
step.

Mason slunk out of the corner and stealthily followed after
him.

“Mason, get back down here,” John ordered.

The dog turned his head with a petitioning look.

“Please?” Tyler pleaded. “Just for a little while?”

When Christine came back downstairs she found the great room
spotless. She entered the kitchen to find John drying the last of the dinner
dishes.

“How nice,” she exclaimed with surprise. “You really didn’t
have to.”

“I have a skill set,” he said. “Just because I’m a male that
doesn’t mean I don’t know my way around the kitchen.”

John didn’t have to remind Christine what sex he was. Every
time he centered his blue gaze on hers, she remembered through and through. He
was so capable at so many things it sent her heart awhirl. She just bet the women
were after him in this tiny town, probably in all of greater Burlington too. Not
just the coeds, either.
Adult women, single ones, widows, and
divorcees.
John was intelligent, handsome, and kind. Just the sort of
man it was easy to envision spending more time with.

This past week had been like a dream. Christine hated the
thought that her vacation would soon be over and that this wonderful existence
would end. But that’s what getaways were for, stepping back from your normal
routine. She couldn’t hope to have anyone as wonderful as John in her life for
the long term. She’d found her Prince Charming once and real life didn’t grant
a lot of second chances. So she’d determined to enjoy this moment while she
could. Being around John felt good, so relaxed and natural. Who knew? Maybe
they could keep up after this trip, sort of like long-distance friends?
Christine frowned at the thought of leaving John behind for another woman to
snap up as a boyfriend, but she had no doubt that it would happen over time.

“My cooking’s not that bad,” John said with a laugh.

She met his eyes, realizing he’d been expounding on his
culinary talents, and she’d missed every word. “I’m sure it’s delicious, every
bite.”

“Really?” he said with a grin. “I never figured you for
Cajun food. I’ll have to make something for you sometime.”

The way he said it was almost like he was in denial that she
was leaving too. Would they just go on like this, then? Carrying on like
congenial neighbors until it was time for her and Ty to board their plane? What
else could Christine expect? Getting involved with John romantically would
prove a mess. It would be bad for Tyler to become attached if things were not
to work out. Christine felt a twisting in her gut, worrying that she’d already
done the wrong thing in having them spend so much time with John. But, as long
as Tyler understood the truth, that they were merely friends, would that
ultimately matter? It was good to have friends in the world. Isn’t that what
she always told Ty? The more the merrier?