Jane's Gift (13 page)

“What? Was she a snob and you were a nerd?” Chris laughed when Eric threw a fake punch at his arm.

A knock sounded on the office door and Chris sat up straight, offering a “come in” in his most commanding voice. The door opened and there stood the very woman they’d been talking about. Looking soft, and warm, and oh, so pretty, her cheeks pink from the cold outside and bundled up in a heavy dark brown coat, a cream colored scarf tied around her neck.

“Hi.” She sounded breathless, and she aimed those green eyes right at him, slaying him with the sparkle and joy he saw there. “I hope you don’t mind my stopping by. I brought lunch.” She lifted the brown paper bag in her hand.

“I’ll never turn away lunch.” He’d never turn away
her
, but he didn’t want to get too lovey-dovey in front of Eric. He needed to have some dignity around his coworker.

“Hi, Eric. I didn’t know you’d be here today or I would’ve brought you a sandwich, too.” She looked worried, as if she’d slighted his coworker, and Chris loved that about her. How she always wanted to take care of everyone.

How well she took care of him.

“Hey, I was just leaving. I needed to pick up my check, is all. No worries, Jane.” Eric sent Chris a knowing look and moved toward the door. “I’ll see you two later.”

The second Eric shut the door, Chris sprang out of the chair and had Jane wrapped in his arms, kissing her until the both of them were panting. She finally shoved at his chest, the bag still clutched in her hand, and he released her reluctantly.

“Sorry,” he said, not feeling sorry whatsoever. “I couldn’t resist.”

“I appreciate that, trust me.” She smiled and set the bag on the desk. “I picked you up a sandwich at the deli.”

“Sounds great.” He opened the door. “Want to eat in the kitchen?”

“Yeah, let’s eat there.”

She followed him through the barracks and into the giant kitchen. He flicked on the overhead light and went to the refrigerator, pulling out a Coke for him and a bottle of water for her. His crew of two was outside in the garage, having just eaten an early lunch, so he and Jane were alone, free to talk, free to stare at each other over the table if they so chose. And, well, Chris so chose. At least for a little while.

“Why’d you stop by?” She never really had before. They usually kept their rendezvous behind closed doors, always at her house, though he’d like her to come to his place. It was hard, though, with the kids.

“I was over at Mindy’s this morning. She invited me for breakfast and then offered to watch Sophia while I brought you a surprise lunch.” She smiled, her expression shy. Was it him or did she grow more beautiful every time he saw her? “I hope you don’t mind.”

“I never mind. You can stop by and see me anytime you want.” He meant that, too. Unwrapping his sandwich, he took a bite, savored the delicious homemade bread and thick cut turkey that came from the local deli.

“Is it good?”

“It’s great,” he answered after he swallowed, then tore open the small bag of chips that accompanied his sandwich.

“Good. Great.” She shifted in her seat and he wondered if she was nervous. And why. “I have a question to ask you.”

“Go for it.”

“Um.” She nibbled on her lower lip, kept her gaze downcast. “What exactly are you doing for Christmas?”

Warmth suffused him. He hoped she was asking him over. “I usually work.”

“Are you working this Christmas?”

“Actually,” he said, considering, “no. Poor Eric’s on duty.” They’d tossed a coin and Eric lost, even though Chris could’ve pulled rank. He liked to play fair. Still, he’d learned long ago to not really like Christmas. It was all about family togetherness, gift-giving and good will toward men. He didn’t mind the good will part, but everything else had never really applied to him.

“Would you like to spend Christmas with me—with us? Maybe stay overnight on Christmas Eve so you could be at my house on Christmas morning? Then we’d go over to my parents’ later and have dinner. The entire family will be there.” She looked hopeful, her pretty green eyes soft, finally staring right at him.

“I would love to,” he said with a smile, and she sent him a relieved one in return. “Are you sure you want me to stay the night?”

Jane nodded. “You’ll enjoy it, I promise.”

“Oh, I know I’ll enjoy it.” He practically leered, earning a blush from Jane at the explicitness behind his words.

“You know what I mean. It’ll be fun, watching the kids see their presents when they wake up, opening them. Helping me set them up the night before.”

“Ah, that’s why you really want me over. So you can put me to work,” he teased.

“Well, I
would
love your help. Really, I could do it on my own…” She sobered, her expression growing serious. “But I would much rather have you with me, Christian.”

Chris swallowed. Yeah, he needed to get her something special for Christmas, something that showed how much she meant to him. By extending this offer to him, wanting him to stay the night despite the possible negative reaction from her children, meant a lot to him. That she would open her home and her family to him when he had nothing—it was like an early Christmas gift.

He needed to give her something amazing in return.

Standing, he went over to her side of the table and dropped a quick kiss to her lips.

“I would be honored to be there,” he said, meaning every word. “And I would love to help.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, leaning up to brush a lingering kiss to his jaw. “I would love your help.”

She might as well have said she loved him, what with the way his heart swelled so much it felt ready to burst.

“You can count on it.”

Chapter Fourteen

“I can’t believe how much money I spent,” Chloe Dawson lamented, adding a little moan for emphasis.

“I can’t believe how much you made me walk around that mall.” Jane smiled at her dearest friend and stretched her legs, trying to ease the ache. She hadn’t walked like that since she didn’t know when. Her old physical therapist would be thrilled at how much exercise she got tonight.

“Yeah well, at least we’re finished, right? And I bought you cheesecake so no complaining.” Chloe grinned at her. Jane caught sight of it in the flash of a passing car’s lights. “I wish Mindy had come with us.”

“Yeah, I don’t think she was feeling up to it.” Jane shook her head. It would’ve been good for Mindy to get away from her troubles and have a little fun with her and Chloe. Unfortunately, her sister was in too much of a funk to want to go anywhere.

A couple of years younger than Jane, Chloe had been her next-door neighbor growing up. Part of the same neighborhood gang, they had a shared history that made Chloe incredibly easy for Jane to talk to, hang out with. Jane and Chloe had reconnected recently, since Chloe taught at the elementary school, where Jane saw her on an almost daily basis.

“I’m still stuffed from dinner. I probably won’t even eat it until tomorrow.” Jane glanced down at the restaurant takeout bag that sat at her feet, a box filled with a thick slice of lemon raspberry cream cheesecake inside. Her favorite, something she hadn’t indulged in since before the fire.

“Still feeling the effects of that drink?” Chloe asked.

“Ha.” Chloe had also bought Jane a giant margarita, which Jane finished by the end of the meal. Felt a little loopy from it afterward, too. “I’ve completely sobered up, thank you very much.”

“Too bad.” Chloe sighed. “I wouldn’t mind going home and indulging in a drink or two right now.”

“Chloe. It’s almost eleven.” They’d shopped until they dropped, almost literally. Lucky for Jane, the children were staying at their grandparents’ house for the night.

“Eleven on a Friday night, I might add. We could go back to my place and have a drink or two. Come on. I think we both deserve it.”

“I don’t know. I’m exhausted.” Jane would probably pass out if she put any more alcohol in her system.

“Me, too.” Chloe laughed. “Man, what a bunch of old ladies we’ve turned into, huh?”

“Speak for yourself,” Jane teased just as her cell phone rang. “Who could that be?”

“Maybe it’s that guy you’re seeing,” Chloe teased as Jane reached for her phone.

“Oh.” Jane saw who it was on her caller ID and her heart started to go pitter patter. Chloe was right. “Hello?”

“Hey.” Just that one word spoken in his deep, sexy voice made her stomach twist, her toes curl in her boots. “Are you done shopping?”

“We are.” She glanced at her friend, who had a smirk on her face. Jane refused to be embarrassed. “What’s going on?”

“Tired?”

“A little.”

“Want to come over?”

“Christian.” She turned away from Chloe, wishing she had a bit more privacy. “Are you suggesting a…booty call?”

He laughed, the sound of it slithering down her spine, making her skin tingle. “Maybe.”

“You’re a man of few words tonight.”

“I’m a man who wants to see you tonight. Care to come over?”

“I’m with Chloe.”

“Have her drop you off. I’ll take you home.”
Tomorrow.
The unspoken word hung heavily between them.

She was silent, contemplating something she already knew she would say yes to. Letting him hang, she had to admit, was kind of fun.

“All right,” she finally said, her voice low. “I’ll come over.”

“Where are you?”

“Almost to Lone Pine Lake.” Chloe was about to take the turnoff that led home.

“You need directions?”

“I know where you live.” She closed her eyes the second she let it slip, feeling like some sort of spy. But they lived in a small town. Of course she knew where he lived.

“You been keeping tabs on me, Clark?” His voice held a teasing quality she didn’t hear often enough. She liked it.

“Maybe,” she teased back, enjoying this.

“Well then I’ll see you in a few. I’ll leave the door unlocked.”

“Okay.” She gulped. “Where will you be?”

“In my bedroom waiting for you. Come find me, Jane.” He hung up.

Oh, wow. His words left her body flushed and hot, her skin prickled with awareness. That was by far the sexiest phone call she’d ever received.

“I take it I’m dropping you off at Chris’s house.”

“Um, yes.” Jane slowly dropped the phone back into her purse, feeling as if she were in a fog. “If you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind, though I’ll admit I’m jealous. I wish I had a hot guy calling me, asking me to come over.” Chloe shook her head and flicked the signal on. “Booty calls on a Friday night. I’ve never experienced one.”

“I haven’t, either.” Jane turned to look at her. “You heard me say booty call?”

“Of course I did.” Chloe smiled. “When my friend’s hunky boyfriend calls her at eleven at night, I’m going to eavesdrop.”

“Chloe!” Jane’s cheeks felt as if they were on fire. Why this embarrassed her so much, she didn’t know. It was just Chloe. No big deal. They’d known each other forever, had seen each other through
puberty
, for goodness sake! “Someday you’ll be getting booty calls, and I’m going to harass you, I promise.”

“I doubt that. I’m a small town girl stuck in a small town world. You snagged the best guy here.” Chloe mock sobbed.

“Oh, there are plenty of great guys in Lone Pine Lake.”
Not really
. “Um, what about Mac?”

“No way. He’s like my brother. We’re way too close.” Chloe wrinkled her nose. “I can’t imagine kissing him. Eww.”

Jane laughed. “I remember when you used to have a crush on Cameron.”

“Don’t remind me. I made a fool of myself over him.” Chloe laughed weakly. “So, um, have you talked to him lately?”

“Who, Cameron?” Jane wondered at the odd tone in Chloe’s voice. “He came home briefly for Thanksgiving before he took off again.”

“He was here? In town?” Chloe squeaked. “I had no idea.”

Hmm, there was definitely something going on there. “He hasn’t been back in a few years. My mom convinced him to come home. All five of us were there for once.”

“Wow.” Chloe remained silent for a while. “I-I would’ve loved to see him.”

Ha, Jane just bet. “He’ll be back at Christmas.”

“Oh, really? Hmm.” Chloe tried for nonchalant but she wasn’t fooling anyone.

“You know where Chris lives?” Jane asked as Chloe turned onto his road.

“I know where everyone lives. And lucky for you, you won’t leave a car out in the driveway tonight so the whole town can whisper.”

“Hey, they’re already whispering because he stays so long at my place.” Jane shook her head. “Don’t people have anything else to talk about?”

“Well, between your sister’s divorce and your and Chris’s steamy relationship, you’re keeping Lone Pine abuzz with gossip.” Chloe shook her head. “That was rude. I’m sorry.”

“No, not rude. It’s the truth.” The old Jane would’ve been mortified. The Jane from a month ago would’ve avoided this sort of situation at all costs. But now, she didn’t care. She was thankful for the relationship, thankful she had Chris in her life.

She wanted him to be even more a part of her life. Like a forever kind of more.

Jane breathed deeply and grabbed her purse when Chloe pulled into his driveway.

“Don’t forget the cheesecake,” Chloe said, and Jane reached down to grab the takeout bag. “Maybe you could share it with Chris.”

She didn’t think Christian had food on the brain. “Maybe.”

“I’ll take your bags home with me and drop them back to you tomorrow if that’s okay, though I noticed you didn’t buy much.” Chloe paused. “You were already finished with your Christmas shopping, weren’t you?”

“I was. All of this was just for fun.” She knew Mindy had been in a bad state shopping-wise and still wished she’d come with them. And she’d invited Chloe because she knew she wasn’t much better. She was the last-minute type, which drove Jane bonkers.

“So you did this for me.”

“I did this for the both of us. But yes, I also did this for you.”

Chloe reached out and they embraced quickly before Jane climbed out of the car. “I’m so glad we did this, Jane. Thank you.”

“I’m glad, too. I had fun tonight. And thanks for dropping me off.”

Chloe raised her eyebrows. “I don’t need to tell you to have fun. I know you will.”

Jane rolled her eyes, anticipation making her giddy. But she knew Chloe was right. “Shut up.”

“Booty call!” Chloe yelled just as Jane shut the door.

Squaring her shoulders, she went to the front door, admiring the fragrant wreath that hung from it. It was adorned with a red velvet bow and a few pinecones, simple yet beautiful.

Much like the man who’d hung it there.

Chloe waited until Jane got to the entrance before pulling away. Jane shut the door quietly behind her, taking in her surroundings. The room was dark, a dim light glowing from the kitchen the only illumination. It was simply furnished; she could just make out the brown leather couch and the big screen TV that dominated one wall. Typical man décor. She went to the hallway, noticed another dim light shone from the last open door on the right.

Chris’s room. It had to be.

She padded down the hall toward the open door until she stopped in front of it, her gaze alighting on Chris.

He lay on top of a huge bed, leaning against a mound of pillows. His arms were angled behind his head, hands clasped at the back of his neck, looking as casual as could be. A smile tilted his mouth, that sensual, delicious mouth that knew just how to kiss her. He flicked his chin in her direction.

“What’s in the bag?”

“Oh.” She glanced down, saw she still clutched the to-go bag in her hand. “Dessert.”

A dark brow lifted. “Dessert? Like what?”

“Cheesecake.” She set her purse on the floor by the doorway and turned to head back to the kitchen. “I’ll go put it away.”

“Wait a minute. What kind of cheesecake?”

She turned back around to face him, surprised he asked. “Uh, lemon raspberry cream.”

“I love cheesecake.” His expression read sweet young boy, yet the glow in his eyes was undeniably hungry, aroused male. “Got a fork in that bag?”

“I think so.” She opened it, saw the black fork in plastic wrap nestled inside. “I do.”

“Well, come here and share it, then.”

Jane went to him, admiring his lean physique. He wore navy blue flannel pants and nothing else, and all of that exposed, warm male skin left her momentarily speechless. Good thing he didn’t say anything, just offered his hand and she took it. Settled herself next to him, her booted feet hanging off the edge of the mattress.

Chris took the bag from her and opened it, peering inside, and she caught the gleeful expression on his face. He pulled out the plastic container and popped the top off, admiring the generous slice of cheesecake.

“You went to one of my favorite restaurants.” His gaze met hers, so serious, his mouth a straight, firm line.

“I love it, too. I haven’t been there in forever.” She pulled the wrapped fork from the bag and opened it, then handed it to him.

“Me neither.” He glanced down at the cheesecake then back up at her. “This looks good. I’ve never tried this kind before.”

“It’s new.”

“You want some?” He dug the fork in, slowly cutting off a small bite and then offered it to her.

She nodded.

Smiling, he held the fork in front of her and gestured for her to open her mouth. She did and he went to feed her, then yanked the fork away, popping the bite in between his lips instead. She watched, indignant, as he put on a big show, chewing and making all sorts of noises.

“That’s delicious,” he said once he’d swallowed.

“I’m sure.” She shook her head. “Thanks for sharing.”

He laughed. “It’s what you get for going there without me.”

“I didn’t choose. It was up to Chloe.”

“Yeah, blame poor innocent Chloe.” He forked up another bite. “Excuses, excuses.”

She wondered at his playful mood. “Are you going to share this time?”

“Are you worthy?” He held the fork in front of his lips, nibbling on the edge of the cheesecake, and she watched. Transfixed by the sight of his lips, the way the creamy cheesecake lightly coated them.

Goodness she was tempted to lean over and lick them clean.

“I think so,” she answered, sounding breathless.

His lips curved and he tilted his head toward her, the fork poised between them. She caught the rich scent of the cheesecake, lemony creaminess and tart raspberry tickling her nose. She sniffed loudly and parted her lips, touched the tip of her tongue to her bottom lip, and she heard his sharp inhalation of breath.

“Please?” She blinked up at him, put on her most innocent of expressions, and couldn’t help but marvel at her own audacity.

The man brought out a different side to her, a side she didn’t even know she had.

Chris dabbed the bite of cheesecake against her mouth once, then drew away. She licked at her lips, the creamy, fruity taste dissolving on her tongue. His eyes darkened.

“More?” His voice sounded strained and she smiled, proud of herself. She could definitely give as good as she got.

“Yes.” She waited, smiled when he brushed the bite against her mouth, leaving behind a dollop of cheesecake. She licked at it again, the yummy taste almost more than she could stand, all of it heightened by the teasing way she was being fed.

It was arousing. She’d never played with food before in a sexual way and she liked it, even though it was torturous.

This time when he brought the bite back to her lips, he kept it there. She opened her mouth and he gently pushed the fork between her teeth. Wrapping her lips around the tines, she took the bite clean from the fork, savoring the sweetly tart taste, the crunchiness of the graham cracker crust. A low murmur of approval sounded deep in her throat, and his lids lowered, giving him such a sexy look she almost choked on her cheesecake.

If he continued to look at her like that, she wouldn’t be able to eat another bite. She’d want to save room for him instead.