Christmas Therapy

She let out a shaky breath. “What do you see?”

“A woman with a lot of walls around her heart, but I think she wants to be free.”

Heather nodded. “Will you help me?”

“Only if you promise to help me. My past is difficult to talk about, but being with you makes me want to leave it all behind.”

Her smile grew wider as she draped a hand on his shoulder. Her fingers then caressed his neck, causing his skin to tingle at her touch. “I’ve been thinking.”

Did he detect a change in her voice? Was she flirting? “What else is on your mind?”

“Does the goodnight kiss have to wait until the end of the date?”

He leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth. “I don’t think so.”

“You didn’t eat the garlic bread, did you?”

He whispered. “I avoided it on purpose.”

“So you thought about it too?”

He wiggled his eyebrows. “Can you blame me?” How did she bring the playfulness out of him?

Cupping his cheek now, she kissed his lips, leaning her head on his arm around her. Allen never cared too much for public affection, but the world around him disappeared with Heather in his arms. Her lips were heavenly as he kissed her back.

One peck led to another, and then he claimed her mouth. It wasn’t a dream. She was here in his arms. Pressing his lips to hers, he drew her into him.

Her hand ran down his neck as he swooped his mouth over hers once more. When he pulled away, he heard her breath hitch. She sounded the way he felt.

“Feel better?” he asked.

“Maybe.” She moved in closer for another. Allen was happy to oblige, but his gaze diverted to the tall slender woman sitting at a table alone. He knew that face anywhere. Crystal? His mouth fell open as his facial muscles went slack.

Heather touched his face. “What’s wrong?” She pivoted her body to look in the same direction, but Allen stopped her by placing both hands on her shoulders.

“Do you mind if we head out now?” he asked. The knot in his stomach intensified. This couldn't be happening. There was no way his ex-wife was in Maple Meadow. No way.

“Sure, are you—”

“I’m not… feeling too good at the moment.” It was a lie, but he didn’t want to face his past. Why was Crystal here anyway? Allen called for the check.

“Are you sure? Do you need—”

“I’ll be fine when I get home.”

Heather rubbed at her eyebrow.

Allen clasped her hand. “We’re okay.”

She gave a slight smile. Thankfully, he got Heather out the door without being spotted. Once the couple was inside his truck, he drove in silence. Heather didn’t say a word. She only laced her fingers together back and forth in her lap.

He exhaled to relieve the tightness in his chest. He wanted to tell her, and he would—soon. First, he needed to figure out why his ex-wife was in town.

***

The following night, Heather sat on her couch, biting at her bottom lip. If only he could tell her what she did wrong. He didn’t even kiss her goodnight but helped her out of the truck. Heather’s brain fought mental fuzziness when he kissed her.

His mouth on hers made her heart pulsate. Sensations danced all over her body. Then he pulled her away. Was he having second thoughts about them?