Christmas Therapy

A burning sensation returned to her chest. What did she care if Morgan set him up with another woman? He wasn’t obligated to tell her about his personal life.

“Thank you,” she said. “I needed to get out of the house.”

“You’re welcome.”

What more could she say? She wrung her hands together in her lap. If only she were home now.

These feelings were new. Glimpsing over at him, Heather watched as Allen rubbed at his stubble chin. He turned on the radio once they were inside, but he didn’t play Christmas music. Instead, she heard music her mother played for her as a child. Heather loved The Temptations. She swayed her seat listening to “Just My Imagination.”

The song filled the car and even Allen tapped his fingers on the wheel. “You know this song?”

Her mouth quirked into a smile. “I know a little something.”

He chuckled. “You never cease to surprise me.”

“Is that good?” she asked.

“So far so good,” he said.

She licked her lips as Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” played afterwards. Heather tapped her own fingers on her thighs. Glancing back at him, she watched as he mouthed the words. She even thought she heard his singing voice. He was no Marvin Gaye, but he had a nice voice. Heather smiled and sung Tammi Terrell’s verse.

Allen scanned his eyes over her with one hand on the wheel. He bobbed his head and sang along and once the chorus hit, their voices filled the vehicle. Heather snapped her fingers to the beat as she sang along. Were they having fun together?

Why did her cheeks burn hot when he kept her from falling in the snow? Why did she want him closer? How would it feel to be in his arms? She laced her gloves hands together as the song faded.

Allen laughed. “Not everyone knows all the words.”

“I’m the exception I guess,” Heather said.

“Exceptional is more like it.” He cleared his throat. “I mean you impressed me.”

“I don’t know about that.” She wouldn’t read into his compliments.

“I’m serious. You’re a lot of fun,” Allen said.

Fun? That’s what she was? That comment held more weight than a man realized. She was a joke. He didn’t take her seriously, so it was best to keep her relationship with Allen between patient and therapist.

***

Allen saw her face fall. Did he say something wrong? She was fun. He smiled more when she was around. She challenged him to step out of his comfort zone.

Heather was brave. Would she mind if he asked her out? Asked her out? He pressed a fist to his forehead to ward off the crazy thought.

He wasn’t dating anyone. He didn’t even care for Morgan setting him up. Portia was a sharp woman, but the one who made heat creep down his neck sat next to him in his truck. With one hand on the steering wheel, how he wanted to reach for Heather’s hand.

Allen blew out his cheeks. The thought was too far-fetched. They were the complete opposite. Heather probably loved traveling and having new adventures. His idea of fun was reading. He didn’t object to going out... completely.

What would they talk about? Once the thrill ended, she would lose interest and leave. It wouldn’t be an exact repeat of his past, but he wouldn’t slip up again.

He sighed. Maybe he offended her. Pulling into her driveway, he parked the truck. “Do you need help inside?”

Heather touched a hand to her braced knee. “It doesn’t hurt as much.”

Allen unclicked his seatbelt after cutting the engine. He hurried to her side and helped her down. Heather tucked in her upper lip allowing him to help her to the ground.

“So far so good?” he asked.

She stroked her coat sleeve. “Yeah. Thanks.”