Time to Love Again (19 page)

* * *

You're making progress old man. Stephen liked the change in Rose as she helped the kids decorate the tree. Someone must have waved a magic wand and suddenly transformed her into a fairy princess. Her laughter and smile were contagious. Even the kids enjoyed the difference. He longed to take her in his arms and kiss her, but that would have to wait until they were alone. She wouldn't resist anymore. He'd seen the desire in her eyes. She looked so alive, so happy. Whatever caused the change, he hoped it continued. Thought it would. She had finally come out of her shell. Whatever the reason, she finally realized life was meant to be lived. "I'll get more hot chocolate," he said. Yep, life was going to be good.

* * *

Rose stood next to Stephen and watched the kids finish decorating the tree. He put his arm around her and pulled her close. She leaned into him and put her head on his shoulder, relishing the warmth of his body. She enjoyed the security of his arms. For the first time in a long time she felt safe. Warm. Secure.

Loved.

Strange as that seemed, she did feel loved. It emitted from Stephen's arms to his eyes. He bent down and brushed his lips over hers. The kiss sent a bolt of excitement through her. A shiver ran up her spine. The kiss sparked the same reaction in her as the first time Frank kissed her.

Could she let herself go a second time?

She looked up into Stephen's eyes. A tear glistened in her own. Everyone was right, she needed someone, had been alone too long. Stephen hugged her tighter and kissed her again.

Rose could get lost in his arms, in his kiss. Wanted to get lost for the first time in years. She had forgotten how good a man's arms felt around her. How exciting a kiss could be. And Stephen definitely excited her. She wanted him almost as much as she wanted Frank the first time. How could she feel the same way about two men? After Frank died, she didn't think anyone could make her feel this way again. Somehow Stephen had. No, she'd never love him the way she loved Frank. Her husband was her first love, after all. But it felt right with Stephen.

And she wanted so much more.

Someone tugged on her arm. She pulled her mouth from Stephen's, opened her eyes and looked down. Sarah grinned up at her, holding a glass blown ornament.

"Ms. Asbury, is there a story behind this one?"

"This is a very special ornament. It belonged to my mother and it's very, very old." Rose bent down, took the ornament, and twirled it. "When I was a child, my brother, sister, and I used to say an angel lived in this house. See how the windows sparkle in the light?" She handed it back to Sarah. "Give it a very special place on the tree."

Tears filled her eyes at the memory of her youth and for the lost days spent wallowing in self-pity. She turned back to Stephen for reassurance and the tender look in his eyes spoke volumes.

The desire to be in his arms filled Rose with longing, but that would have to wait for a better time. This was a man with much to offer. She was ready to move on. After his kiss, she knew he desired her as much as she wanted him.

 
Stephen looked at his watch. "Okay, kids time to go home." Sarah needed to get her shower and get into bed. "School tomorrow."

The kids groaned.

"I hate to leave," he said. "But my first responsibility lies with Sarah, and she does have school tomorrow. Besides, the other kids have curfews."

He brushed his finger lightly over Rose's cheek as he caressed her with his eyes. She wanted him to stay, but understood. He motioned Sarah to the door. "Go get your snowsuit on."

The sparks flew between them as Stephen gazed into her eyes, they both wanted more. The kiss had sent an electrical shock through her, and she wanted to be in his arms again– needed the feel of his body pressed close to hers. Wanted to feel the sparks again. It had been a long time since a man made her feel like this. She reached up and brushed the hair from his eyes, speaking volumes through her own– was she sending him a message? She was ready for the next level.

Sarah came back and danced about, impatient to leave. "Come on, Grandpa. It's getting hot with my snowsuit on."

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Sarah's mood changed the minute they left Rose's. Stephen wished she'd talk to him. Obviously, she was unhappy that her parents were gone, and he couldn't blame her for that. But there seemed to be something else and he couldn't reach out to her. He'd talk to Rose about her tomorrow. She understood kids better than he did.

 
He smiled as he remembered the way Rose looked at him, the desire in her eyes. He had done it. He had cracked that tough reserve. Now to convince her to spend Christmas with him and Sarah. He'd have to shop for a special gift for her. He'd already gotten her a pair of new leather gloves and a silk scarf, but now he wanted something special, maybe jewelry.

Chapter Thirty

Rose watched Stephen and Sarah until the darkness of the yard swallowed them. Stephen promised he'd see her tomorrow. Her heart danced as she looked at the tree lights and decorations.

There were only a five days until Christmas, but finally she felt the spirit of the holiday. Tomorrow she wanted to shop and get something special for Stephen and Sarah. Too bad she'd sent the usual money to her kids and grandkids, not putting any thought into a gift. Now she wished for more time. Shopping for the perfect gifts used to give her so much pleasure. This year, she planned to ask Stephen and Sarah to dinner. It had been so long since anyone had spent Christmas with her.

"And whose fault is that?" Emma asked. "You're the one that declined all the invitations."

Shaking off Emma's voice, Rose sat down to make a list of things she needed. She could hardly wait. She wanted this relationship with Stephen. Wanted it to go far beyond friendship. After the way he kissed her, she knew it was possible. She was ready now.

Maybe they had plans for Christmas. Why did she assume because they helped with Christmas decorations that she was suddenly the center of their lives?

Rose cringed at the thought, maybe they did have plans. All she knew about Stephen was that he had a son and daughter-in-law in the service. There might be other family. His brothers or sisters might have invited them for dinner.

Her light mood sank. Staring at the tree lights, she felt lonely again. How could she just assume because Stephen kissed her, there was something between them? He was probably taken by the moment. It probably didn't mean anything to him.

 
No, it meant more. Ever since that first kiss she knew, deep down, that she was in love with him. He had feelings for her too. She sensed it. Saw it in his eyes. She still felt the pressure of his lips. Sure, it wasn't a kiss of passion, but it held all the promise of one.

Morning would tell the tale. She'd ask him to dinner when she saw him, if she saw him. How presumptuous, she had become. From avoiding him at all costs to finally allowing him to have coffee with her several times a week, she now assumed she'd see him. Of course, he did say he'd see in the morning. Silly, that's how she was acting. Worse than a teenager. When had she become so insecure?

Chapter Thirty-One

The next morning, Rose woke early. The hint of snow flurries promised to develop into an accumulation, adding to the six inches already on the ground. Definitely going to be a white Christmas. She found herself humming as she fixed coffee and toast for breakfast. Sleep had come easy and, for the first time in months, she hadn't woke up once during the night. Feeling rested and light-hearted, she decided to make eggs to go along with her toast. Pouring a glass of juice, she caught the reflection of the tree in the living room. What a cheerful sight. She looked out the window toward Stephen's house. Sarah would be leaving for school soon, and Stephen would come for coffee. She wanted to get an early start on her shopping. The stores were going to be crowded with last minute shoppers, but she didn't care. She used to love the hustle and bustle of last minute shopping. It would be fun out there with everyone.

A sleek new car pull into Stephen's drive and a tall, slender, brown-haired woman with long legs got out. Hmm, wonder who that is. Rose watched as the woman went to the door and rang the bell. Probably a salesperson.

A sales person, this time of the morning, get real. She didn't believe that.

She continued to watch the woman. She was spying, but couldn't pull herself away. The door opened and Stephen came out. He looked surprised, and then he hugged the stranger, kissed her cheek and held her. With an arm around her, he motioned her inside.

Maybe it's his sister, Rose hoped. After all who else visited this early in the morning? Did Stephen even have a sister?

Maybe it's a lady friend. A shiver of fear ran through her. No point staring out the window. It wasn't going to tell her anything. She went back to the kitchen, finished her coffee. Well, no matter who it was, it looked like Stephen wasn't coming over this morning. She put on her jacket, picked up her purse and car keys– may as well get an early jump on shopping. She pulled out of the garage as Sarah came out of the house. Rose stopped the car. "Would you like a ride to the bus stop?"

"Sure." Sarah got into the car and threw her backpack in the back seat. The child's sullen look caused Rose concern.

"Is everything okay, Sarah?"

Sarah wiped a tear from her cheek and didn't answer.

Rose's heart went out to the girl, but she couldn't make her talk if she didn't want to.

"I hate her!" Sarah stomped her foot against the floor.

"Hate who?" Rose couldn't contain her curiosity.

"Ms Whoop de do.

Rose covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. Sarah was too upset to realize the humor in the name. "Ms Who?"

"Ms Whoople, Grandpa's girlfriend. She showed up this morning.

Rose's heart beat hard against her chest. Her stomach tightened. Girlfriend, Rose hadn't banked on a girlfriend. But why not, he's an attractive man. Still young enough for a girlfriend. And an attractive one at that, from what Rose saw. Darn just when she let her guard down.

"Girlfriend?" She shot a sideways glance at Sarah. How could he have kissed her like that if he had a girlfriend? Maybe Sarah misunderstood.

"Yeah, Grandpa used to go out with her a long time ago. I don't know what she wants. She came in all gushy smiles. She makes me sick. I hate her."

Rose pulled her car along the curb to let Sarah out at the bus stop. Jenny and Billy waited on the corner.

"And Grandpa kissed her, I saw him." Sarah opened the door and got out of the car. "I think he still likes her." Sarah slammed the door and ran to join her friends.

Rose sat for a moment - her heart pounding so loud - she almost heard it. She put the car in gear and turned toward Louise's house. Somehow, the idea of shopping didn't appeal to her anymore.

 
Now what was she going to do? An old girlfriend entering the picture changed things. She wanted so much to spend Christmas with Stephen and Sarah. She should never have let her guard down. Already the hurt seeped in. She couldn't handle anymore hurt. This was why she didn't want to become involved. Relationships hurt, damn it. She pulled in front of Louise's house, got out and hurried to the door. As usual she turned to her old friend.

George opened the door. "Rose." His voice held a hint of delight.

Rose hugged George and saw the tired lines around his eyes. Louise's illness had taken its toll on him.

"I know it's early. Is Louise awake?"

"Yes, come in, come in. She'll be happy to see you. Here let me take your coat."

She followed George to the family room. Louise sat on the couch, hair and makeup flawless just like before the heart attack. Louise wouldn't be caught dead without her hair done and make-up. It was the first thing she asked for in the hospital when they put her in her own room. Someone to shampoo her hair and her make-up.