A Christmas to Remember (18 page)

Linc hated spiders. Give him a snake, or a rat, or a charging lion, and he’d be just fine. But an itty-bitty spider turned his spine to jelly. He shuddered as he crawled farther into the attic. He hadn’t seen any spiders. Not yet, anyway, but there was plenty of evidence that they were up there lurking. Spiderwebs stretched across the low beams, grabbing at his face and hair. He batted them away and moved forward until he could reach the bin in the far corner. Tucked away behind all of the white-themed decorations his mother had used for the last few years was the one he was looking for. He pulled it toward the attic stairway opening. Something scurried across his path and he let out a mild yelp. He took a breath and slid down the stairs like they’d been greased with shortening.

Dinah was waiting, standing in the garage at the bottom of the ladder ready to help with whatever he found. “Is everything okay? I thought I heard you scream.”

“That was a victory cry.” He carried the bin to the living room.

“Oh, you found the ornaments.” She hurried after him.

He’d stayed up late getting the tree in its stand, and then he’d hung the mistletoe from the entryway light, hoping he might catch Dinah standing beneath it before the day was over.

Then he’d gone to bed and dreamed of Dinah. He’d dreamed this was their house, and their tree, and after it was decorated they made love, rolling in the fallen needles scattered across the floor. In the middle of making love, Dinah had stopped and started making different piles for the needles, deciding which they should keep or throw away. He woke in a sweat.

He’d almost kissed her at the tree lot. It had been a close call. She’d looked so pleased with him and the tree, but Monty interrupted them, or he might not have remembered that he was a client, and so he shouldn’t take it personally if she gazed at him approvingly with those sparkly green eyes.

He opened the bin and there they were: the ornaments of his childhood. Colored glass bulbs. Salt dough ornaments made by his mother. His sister’s ornaments made from yarn and popsicle sticks. And down in the bottom, one he’d made in school.

“They’re wonderful,” Dinah said. “I bet your mother will love seeing these again.”

“I hope so. I stopped at the drug store last night and bought new lights. Oh, and look what I found.” He triumphantly held up a box.

She didn’t look impressed. “What’s that?”

“Icicles. I bought ten boxes. I think that should be enough. Once everything else is on the tree we’ll throw these on last.”

“Throw?” She grimaced. “Don’t you think we should place them strategically?”

He shook his head. “Absolutely not. Don’t even think about it. You take a handful and toss. Wherever they land that’s where they stay.”

She looked horrified now. “But they’ll be all clumped and tangled.”

He laughed. “You should see your face. Believe me, it’ll be fun.”

She didn’t sound like she was buying it. “It’s your tree. I’ll do my best to keep my opinion to myself.”

Linc grinned as if he’d won a major battle. “I’ll get started on the lights.”

“I’ll sort the ornaments while you do that.”

“Okay.” They worked for a while in silence and then he said, “I’m surprised we’ve never met before. Did you grow up in Everson?”

“No, I moved here last year. My mom and stepdad live here. You probably know them. Sheila and Warren Wright. My mother works at the bank. My stepdad sells real estate.”

“Oh sure, I know Sheila. So, is Mason your married name?” He was being about as subtle as a sledgehammer.

She looked confused. “My what? Oh, no. I’m not married.”

That was good to know. “What about a boyfriend?” He might as well go for broke.

She laughed. “I’m not married, and I don’t have a boyfriend. I’ve been too busy getting my business going to have time for anything like that. Does that answer all your questions?”

He shrugged. “I don’t mean to be nosey. I’m just trying to get to know you better. You’ve gotten to dig through my drawers and I hardly know anything about you.”

“So, let me ask you a question,” she said.

“I don’t have a girlfriend, either,” he said quickly.

She laughed. “That’s not what I was going to ask.”

He grinned. “Sorry. What’s the question?”

“What do you do for fun? I can usually get a hint when I work with someone’s space, but with you I don’t have a clue.”

“Working is fun for me. I guess that’s hard for some people to understand.”

She nodded her head eagerly. “I do understand. Nothing makes me happier than taking someplace that’s a total wreck and transforming it into a space that operates efficiently.”

He smiled. “I feel the same way about numbers. Someone gives me their books and a box of receipts, and I’m in heaven.” He’d never explained that feeling to anyone before.

Her smile was sweet when she said, “We sort of do the same thing, then.”

“When you put it that way, I guess we do.”

Before long the lights were in place, and they worked as a team getting the decorations spread out evenly.

“Which one of these ornaments is yours?” she asked.

He took a funny-looking Santa Claus from the tree. “I made this in my third grade art class.”

Santa was made out of paper plates and construction paper. His hat was folded and bent, his beard was shaped from the rippled edge of the plate, and his button nose was falling off. Linc studied it critically, thinking it was pretty good for third grade. “I do my best work in construction paper and glue.”

“It deserves a place of honor, for sure,” she said solemnly. She reached out to take it from him and her fingers brushed his. He stopped short. It was impossible to ignore the electrical charge that zipped between them. If she’d been any other woman he wouldn’t have hesitated. He would have pulled her into his arms, crushing the silly ornament between their bodies, and kissing her right then and there.

She smiled invitingly and her lips parted a bit, enough so he could feel her soft breath on his cheek. Her eyes softened to a leaf green, and he felt his caution crumble and transform into a maddening urgency. He let the ornament fall to the ground.

Then he was kissing her. She tasted like peppermint tea and smelled like cinnamon and pine needles. Her body melded against his, her breasts pressing against his chest. He wrapped both arms around her like he was claiming something rare and long lost. His fingers tangled in her hair, pulling it from that infernal pony tail. Her mouth opened under his and while their tongues dueled, her hands roamed across his back. It wasn’t enough. Without another thought, he picked her up and headed down the hall.

They landed on his bed, mouths fused, arms and legs intertwined. There was nothing tidy about the way she got him out of his clothes. She tore his shirt open, and one button popped off and rolled across the floor. His T-shirt followed, landing on the chair beside the bed. She tossed his shoes across the room, knocking a candle off the dresser.

“Oops.” She laughed, and he captured the sound, kissing her more deeply than before. He unfastened his pants and she pushed them down his legs before dumping them on the floor.

His hands made quick work of her T-shirt and bra, and the sight of her bare breasts made him still for a moment.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

“So are you,” she told him quietly. Then she grinned and kicked off her shoes so he could remove her jeans and underwear. He pulled her naked body against his and held her tenderly. For the first time, he felt he was exactly where he belonged. Here, with Dinah in his arms. And then the passion washing through his body threatened to sweep him away. He worshipped her body with his mouth and hands, kissing, licking, taking the time to explore every inch of her. Her hands seemed to be everywhere, driving him crazy, touching him with an urgency that threatened to break his control. When he finally pushed inside her it was all he could do to move slowly, to not rush, and to make sure she was right there with him as they reached the crest and rode it together. Slowly, reluctantly, he floated back to earth.

He gathered her close, kissing her, pulling a blanket up to cover them both. Her head nestled against his shoulder, and he thought he would be happy if she stayed there for the next hundred years.

* * *

Dinah stretched, reveling in the feel of Lincoln’s body next to hers. Her fingers traced the muscles of his chest, down to his flat stomach. She felt him shiver before rolling her underneath him.

“Are you trying to start trouble?” he asked huskily.

She kissed his neck. “Oh, believe me, it’s no trouble at all.”

He nuzzled the tops of her breasts. “In that case don’t let me stop you.”

Her hands traveled down his back, down to the firm cheeks of his rear end and up again. She could feel him hardening against her thigh and moved against him, urging him on, welcoming every touch, longing for more. She’d never felt so at ease with a man, while at the same time burning white hot from even the smallest contact. It was glorious. Linc’s hand moved to her breast, rolling her nipple between his fingers before sucking it into his mouth. She arched her back, wanting more.

The house phone rang and the shrill noise made them pause. Linc lifted his head and smiled. “I’m going to ignore it.”

She smiled, too. “Good idea.”

He kissed her and the message machine came on. Dinah froze when Bitsy Jones’s voice floated through the room.

“Hello, Lincoln. This is your mother. I hope you aren’t giving Dinah a hard time.”

Dinah scooted out from under him.

“I wanted you to know we will be leaving on Saturday morning to drive home, and I can’t wait to see what she’s done to the place. Give me a call when you have time. Bye.”

Dinah sat up in bed, grabbing the blanket and pulling it up to cover her body. She felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped on her head. How had she let this happen? Bitsy, the woman who’d hired her, was calling her son while Dinah lounged buck naked on his bed. She’d vowed to remain professional, and yet one kiss from Lincoln and she’d practically dragged him down the hall, stripped him bare, and had her way with him.

Lincoln sat up beside her. “Sorry about the interruption. Now where were we?”

Dinah scooted to the edge of the bed, looking around for her scattered clothes. “We were nowhere. I don’t know what I was thinking, but this should have never happened.”

“What do you mean? Dinah, I’m glad it happened.”

She found her T-shirt and pulled it over her head. “Lincoln, I was hired by your mother to do a job, not cavort around with you in the middle of the day.” She found her jeans and stuffed her legs into them, not bothering with underwear. She plucked her bra from the nightstand and picked her underwear and shoes up from the floor. “I apologize for my unprofessional behavior. It won’t happen again.”

Linc stood up. “Dinah, wait.” But she was already heading toward the door. He wrapped the sheet around his body and followed her to the front door. “Can’t we talk about this?”

“There isn’t anything to say. We’re through with the tree, and I have other clients I need to check on.” Grabbing her purse and jacket she walked barefoot out onto the front porch.

He walked out in just his sheet. “But we haven’t done the icicles yet. Don’t go.”

“Feel free to toss them to your heart’s content.”

He touched her arm. “I’m so sorry my mother called when she did.”

She moved away from him and smiled one of those plastic smiles that never reached her eyes. “It’s a good thing she did. As I said, that should have never happened.” She left without giving him a second glance.

“Dinah, please.”

She could hear the frustration in his voice, but she hurried to her car feeling like the biggest kind of fool.

* * *

Dinah drove down the street five miles over the speed limit. For her that was reckless in the extreme. So much for her vow to act professionally. Normally, she wasn’t a line crosser, but since she’d met Lincoln Jones she’d had to constantly remind herself there were lines she shouldn’t cross. Like the one about not getting involved with a client. But had she listened? No. Like a fool she’d fallen into his bed without an ounce of resistance.

Dinah had told herself his mother was the client, not him, so it was okay to flirt. She’d convinced herself because she liked him and wanted to kiss him with every fiber in her being. When he leaned toward her, her heart started singing “Joy to the World” complete with bells, whistles, and three-part harmony. Just thinking of how he’d rolled her under his big muscular body swamped her with desire all over again. Damn the man.

Her work at the house was finished. The tree had been the last thing on her list. She had no reason to see Lincoln again, so that was the end of the story. The Jones family would have a wonderful Christmas, and she could rest easy knowing she’d helped.

Who was she kidding? She was going to have a miserable Christmas thinking nonstop about Lincoln Jones. Maybe she would take her mother up on her offer to join them on a skiing trip for the holidays.

“This is Dinah Mason. I’m away from my phone. Leave a message at the beep.”

“Dinah. This is Linc. I could use your help. Please call me. Thanks. Bye.”

He sat at the counter at the Rise N Shine staring at his phone. It was the third message he’d left in the last week. He wanted to tell her he was sorry for being such an insensitive jerk, but he didn’t want to do it over the phone. Instead he left a message asking whether he should store his wire whisks in the utensil drawer or in the crock on the counter. He didn’t give a hang where the damn whisks should go, but he’d assumed she would have a firm opinion. Apparently not, since she never called him back.

Then he’d called a second time and asked about alphabetizing his bookshelf. Did books starting with ‘A’ and ‘The’ go under A and T or the next word in the title? He wanted to do it properly, but she didn’t seem to care about that, either.

Today’s call had been a general, all-purpose cry for help. If the last calls were any indication she would ignore that, too, but he couldn’t help himself. He didn’t care that his excuses for talking to her were flimsy.

Who could have guessed he’d become so accustomed to having her around? Hearing her voice, watching her laugh, seeing her fussing over the next project. He missed her arrival at his door every morning at nine on the dot. She’d greet him with a sunny smile and that tidy ponytail, and everything would seem right in his world.

But then he’d blown it. He’d dragged her to bed, plowing past all boundaries, and now she wouldn’t give him the time of day. And who could blame her? But he wanted to apologize and, if she’d give him the chance, tell her he was nuts about her.

“How’s your lunch, Linc? You’ve hardly taken a bite. That’s not like you, son.”

He looked up and Bertie, the diner’s owner, stood in front of him. “Hi, Bertie. The food’s fine. I just have things on my mind.”

“Can I help?” Linc knew Bertie was always on the prowl for good gossip. But she also knew everyone in town.

“Not unless you know where Dinah Mason lives.”

“Of course I do. She lives over on Ridgeway in a nice little house her stepdad found for her. I figured you knew since you were squiring her all around town last week. Everyone says you make a cute couple.”

He scowled. “I don’t think she agrees. I haven’t been able to get a hold of her in the last few days.”

“Is she back from that ski trip yet?”

He straightened. “She went skiing?”

Bertie nodded. “They went to Colorado, I think.”

“Oh. I didn’t realize. Thanks for letting me know.” He was instantly jealous, wondering who the hell she’d gone away with. Damn it all. Someone as bubbly and bright and pretty as Dinah probably had to fight men off with a stick. That explained why she wasn’t answering his calls. She had better things to do.

He paid his bill and walked out of the diner. His parents would be getting into town that afternoon and the holiday festivities would begin in earnest. If only he could stop thinking about Dinah and whoever the hell she was with in Colorado.

* * *

Dinah had probably replayed her messages at least ten times. At least the three from Lincoln. Her heart skipped a beat when she first saw his name, but they were calls asking for help. Organizing help. Nothing personal. He didn’t even mention the fact that she’d jumped his bones last time she’d seen him.

And that would be a good thing if she wasn’t so dejected. She’d spent the whole time in Colorado thinking about him. And not just about the things he’d done to her in bed. The sex had been spectacular, but she also missed the days before that when they’d spent hours discussing every subject under the sun. And he made her laugh like no one else. To her amazement, she’d come to care for him in ways she couldn’t have predicted. She missed him. It was as simple as that.

But she wasn’t ready to talk to Linc yet. Not about mundane ordinary things like alphabetizing his books. Thankfully, she had plans for the evening that would keep her occupied. Her friends were going caroling again, this time to Everson General Hospital, spreading cheer to those stuck in the hospital during the holidays. She changed into jeans and a red sweater, plunked on her Santa hat, and headed out to meet her friends.

* * *

It was Christmas Eve and despite the mess of things he’d made with Dinah, Linc was enjoying having his folks at home. His father had helped him finish putting up the outdoor lights on the house. They’d wrapped the porch rails with garlands and decorated the front door with a fresh wreath. The tree gleamed like a jewel in the front window. It officially looked decked out and ready for the holidays. Inside the house his sister Marla Jean was helping his mother prepare food for the next day’s holiday feast. Pies and cakes of all sorts sat cooling on the kitchen counters. He wandered in and tried to sneak a bite. His mother shooed him away, but it was clear she enjoyed his attempt.

“Lincoln Samuel Randolph Patrick Jones, you keep your hands off that pie. It’s for Christmas Day. Besides, you’ll ruin your appetite. Supper is almost ready.” Since he was her first born, she’d had trouble deciding on just a first and middle name, so she’d thrown in a couple of extra ones while she was at it.

He complained good-naturedly and patted his stomach. “Oh, come on, Mom. I’m a growing boy. I need something to keep me going.”

She smiled and handed him a chocolate chip cookie. “This will have to do.”

Marla Jean snared a cookie for herself and sat down on a kitchen stool. “The house looks great, Linc. I bet you were glad Mom hired some help this year.”

“Ya know, sis, I resisted the idea at first, but it turned out to be one of her best ideas yet. Maybe ever. Dinah deserves all the credit,” he stated plainly.

When they’d first arrived home, his mother had been thrilled with the shape the house was in and told him so enthusiastically. Once she got used to the idea that her artificial tree was staying in the attic this year, she even admitted she loved having a real tree in the front living room window.

Bitsy patted her son on the arm. “I plan to send that girl a big thank-you note.”

“Maybe we should have her over instead. You can thank her in person.” Linc tried to sound casual. He’d heard though the grapevine she was back in town. Even so, Dinah had continued to ignore his calls, but she probably wouldn’t ignore his mother’s.

Marla Jean spoke up, teasing him. “I wouldn’t mind meeting this wonder woman, either. Everyone all over town keeps talking about your new lady friend.”

“I’ll call her later and set something up,” Bitsy promised, and Linc wanted to jump for joy.

“Great idea, Mom.”

Milton came in from the garage. “When do we eat? I’m starving.”

“Oh, you. Go get washed up, and I’ll have it on the table in ten minutes. Are you staying, Marla Jean?”

“No, I need to get home to Bradley, but we will be here bright and early in the morning.”

“Okay, see you both then.”

Marla Jean left and after they ate dinner Linc’s folks said they were going out to play cards with some friends. Linc didn’t mind. He had plans of his own. Tonight was the big night. He went into his weight room and walked over to the closet he’d guarded from Dinah and her snooping eyes. Reaching in, he took out a suit and grabbed a bag from the floor. Then he drove to the hospital and found a large meeting room decorated with a big tree, fresh garlands, and a long table holding cookies and punch. Glancing inside he could see it was filled with patients, and the sound of Christmas carols filled the air. Linc waited in the hallway, and as the last notes of the song died away he knew they were ready for him. Ready to make his entrance he peeked around the corner and froze. There was Dinah wearing her Santa hat. His heart raced. He watched as she laughed and chatted with her friends. Everything inside him wanted run to her, but he didn’t. He couldn’t. Not then and there. Duty called. Taking a deep breath he took a step into the room. “HO, HO, HO,” he boomed. “Merry Christmas!”

* * *

After the caroling ended Dinah and her friends made plans to head to Lu Lu’s for a drink. As they got ready to leave a great cry went up from the children gathered at the other end of the room. Dinah smiled when they all clapped and cheered as Santa Claus entered the room.

She thought there was nothing sweeter than seeing kids with Santa Claus. Dinah found her jacket and put it on while watching Santa with a little boy on his lap. Santa glanced in her direction and froze for a split second, but the moment passed. She moved closer and something about those dark eyes seemed familiar, but she dismissed the idea immediately. Santa looked a whole lot like Lincoln. But it couldn’t possibly be him. He hated Christmas.

Telling her friends she’d catch up to them, she sat down in the back of the room, unable to get the idea out of her head, and before long she was absolutely certain that the man in the red suit and fake beard was Lincoln Jones. The way he held his head, the way he laughed. And especially the way he kept stopping between kids to stare at her. But then his attention would shift, and he’d be totally focused on the child in his lap. He gave each of them a wrapped gift and the nurse would take their picture. Her heart felt ready to bust wide open watching him.

Finally, the kids had each had a turn, and the parents and nurses led them out to return to their rooms. The two of them were all alone in the room at last. She was anxious and overjoyed to see him, but still none of this made sense. Standing up, she walked across the room toward him. “Explain yourself, mister. You don’t even like Christmas, and yet here you are dressed like Santa Claus.”

His dark gaze never wavered as she approached. “Hey, Dinah. I said I didn’t like the blatant commercialization of the holiday. I’ve seen too many families spend themselves into trouble year after year in an attempt to buy love and happiness. It’s bullshit. But I never actually said I didn’t like Christmas. You jumped to your own conclusions.” Then he shrugged, looking a bit embarrassed while indicating the red suit. “Besides, this is for the kids.”

She grinned, pleased by her discovery. “So, how did you get roped into this gig? And where did you get the outfit?”

“I’ll have you know this is an old family tradition started by my father. When he retired and moved away I inherited the job along with the outfit. You nearly stumbled across the suit when you tried to open the closet in the weight room. That was a close call. You probably don’t realize it, but Santa’s identity is a closely guarded secret around these parts.”

She laughed. “I couldn’t imagine what you were hiding in there, but don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me, Santa. And now I know you’re nothing but a big softy.”

He pulled her onto his lap. “I heard you went skiing.”

She should have resisted, but it was so nice to be close to him again. “I did. My mother sprained her ankle, so we came home early.”

“Your mother?”

“Yes. I was with my folks.”

He smiled so wide she thought his face might break. “That’s great. Well, not great. That must suck for your mother.” He took a deep breath and confessed, “I thought you’d gone to Colorado with some other guy, and I was jealous.”

“You were jealous?” The idea astonished her and happiness blossomed in her chest.

“I know I don’t have the right, but I hated the idea of you being off having fun with someone else.”

Her green eyes grew misty. “I’m not sure what to say.”

“Say you’ll let me take you out on a real date. Everyone in town has decided you’re my new lady friend any way. Let’s give them something to talk about. Rumor has it we make a cute couple.”

“But I’m just the lady hired to straighten your socks. Besides, your mother might not like it.” She felt obligated to remind him of the line she’d stepped over.

He dismissed the point she’d tried to make almost before the words were out of her mouth. “My mother loved what you did with the house. In fact, she wants to have you over for cake as a thank you, but you don’t work for her anymore. So, please forget about my mother. She doesn’t get a say in this. This is about you and me.” His hand cupped her cheek gently.

Yielding to the touch of his hand, she surrendered all objections. “Okay. Let’s talk about you and me.”

“Go out with me, Dinah.” He smiled, and she saw she’d been right about his eyes. They didn’t just twinkle when he smiled, they smoldered, and tempted and seduced. “Pretty please.”

Knowing her answer was already yes, she asked, “What did you have in mind?”

“Whatever you want—dinner, dancing, parking on Lover’s Lane.” His wink was an invitation to trouble.

Her hands smoothed the wrinkles of his rumpled red suit. “Why, Santa, are you suggesting something naughty?”

“Yes, ma’am. I am.” Pulling her as close as his padded suit would allow, he whispered, “Something very naughty.”

“That sounds nice,” she sighed.

And this time she didn’t hesitate. She grabbed him and kissed the living stuffing out of him.