Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

He massages my upper thighs, and I moan.

“You took one hell of a fall. The image is etched into my brain. I’ll probably have nightmares about it.”

“Imagine how I feel.”

“I’m sorry, little one. Your poor body has been through the wringer. I have your water and aspirin on the table in front of you. Can you sit up and take it for me?”

Peering down into his compassion-filled eyes, I sink further under his spell. His massage moves down my body, relieving the knots and tension. I slowly turn to putty.

“Not if you keep doing that.”

He chuckles. “I think I can bring them to you.”

I’m getting off watching his large hands swallow my limbs. Unable to resist his magic fingers and the comfort he’s offering me, I relax, allowing his ministrations. The noises that leave my mouth should make me blush. But I’m enjoying it too much to care. My lids lower, and my nipples harden. I’m in trouble.

The phone rings, breaking the moment he created.

Clearing his throat, he stands. “It’s in your purse.” He brings it to me from the buffet table.

I groan at the name Mom flashing on the screen along with several texts from her.

“Hey, Mom.”

“Where are you? What happened? Why haven’t you called sooner? The hospital called and left me a message, and I’ve been waiting to hear from you since.”

“Crap. You’re my emergency contact. I completely spaced. I had a fall earlier and hit my head a little too hard. I ended up concussed.”

“And they let you leave?” she asks, fury burning in her delivery. “I’m going to get the next flight out.”

“Mom, no. I’m fine.”

“No, you aren’t. You need someone to look after you.”

“I have that.” I close my eyes and wait for the words to sink in.

“Oh.” Her tone changes.

Here we go. Time to walk the tight rope between truth and lies.

“Yes.” I peer at Caleb, who sits on the opposite end of the couch, feigning interest in a show he’s pulled up on the television. “A friend.”

“This is the first time I’m hearing about this mysterious friend.” My mom can read me like a book.

“I met him recently while I was shopping.”

“Him? You’re alone and vulnerable with a man you scarcely know?” I can hear the concern rising in her voice.

“Well, when you put it that way, I sound like an idiot.” I clear my throat. “It was his grandmother’s shop. Nona actually helped take care of me.” I’m insinuating and stretching the truth like a rubber band. I pray it doesn’t snap and sting me. If I’m lucky, Mom will let it go. “Can I fill you in tomorrow, Mom? My head is killing me.”

“Of course, sweetheart,” she says softly. “I’ll check in on you then.”

And give me the third degree about Caleb.

“Love you, Mom. Goodnight.”

“Love you, too.”

As soon as I’m off the phone, my stomach roars loudly.