Caroling in the Snow (New Hope Sweet Christmas Romance 2)

He shrugged. “Yeah, I guess it’s a little strange. Your sister definitely wants us to date.”

Chloe threw her head back and let out a grim laugh. “She’s not subtle, that’s for sure. But just so you know, I don’t expect anything from you. I won’t deny that I really like spending time with you, but you’re leaving in a few days.”

His expression hardened and he stared at her mouth. “Yes, I am.”

Her stomach did a little flip flop as she managed to go on. “Truth is, I’m going to miss you.” Licking her lips, a sad grin formed on her mouth. “As much as I was determined not to.”

His gaze met hers and they unknowingly moved closer together, the cold December air driving them to seek warmth. She felt his arm wrap around her, pressing against the small of her back.

“I’m not sure if this lives up to your romance movies,” he whispered, his voice low and raspy. “But I really want to kiss you right now.”

A shiver went down her spine. She sighed and leaned in a bit closer. It was the feeling she’d been having the whole night. “I want that, too.”

He wasted no more time. Pressing his lips to hers, they met in a sweet kiss that sent flutters deep into her stomach. His hand moved to her shoulder and he followed its lead, planting kisses down her jawline and then back to her mouth.

She moaned into his lips and worked her fingers under the collar of his shirt, pulling him in closer. For a long moment, they embraced in a rush of hands and lips. Despite the cold, Chloe felt as if she were going to burst into flames from the heat of their kiss. He pushed her back into the balcony railing and they continued to meld together, his weight on top of hers.

“I wasn’t expecting to find someone like you in New Hope,” Jordan said, finally pulling away. He looked down at her as she took in heavy breaths, her lips swollen from their kisses.

“Me, neither." She sighed and met his gaze with a helpless smile. “But I’ll still be here after Christmas. You’re leaving.”

There was nothing more to say. It was the truth. As soon as the play was over, she’d have to fulfill her end of the bargain and Jordan would be gone. He couldn’t stay in New Hope forever.

Wrapping his arms around her, he rested his chin on her head. She took in his warmth and sighed, glad that if only for a moment, she was his.

Chapter Nine

T minus two days until Christmas Eve and Jordan was flying high. He couldn’t stop staring at Chloe from across the office, appreciating the way she brushed her hair off her shoulders, the curve of her waist, and how her eyes shone when she smiled. That kiss had been on his mind all weekend. In fact, after Saturday’s rehearsal, they’d repeated the act, pressed up against her car under the inky black of the winter sky. He wanted to do it again now, but her office mates might find them a little inappropriate.

Instead, he contented himself with glancing at her throughout the day, occasionally meeting her gaze. If there was such a thing as a spark, they had it. There was no denying it. He felt it deep within his gut every time they touched.

And after the family dinner, he couldn’t help but feel amazed at Chloe’s family. He didn’t think families like that existed anymore. Most of his buddies had grown up in broken homes. His own family was the prime example. Yet, the Walkers acted like they belonged to a prime time TV show family, complete with the wonderful kids, the domestic wife, and the tough, but lovable father.

His gaze met with Chloe’s again and he held it, feeling the tension build as her generous lips curled into a knowing smile. There was nothing shy about her and he liked it that way.

“Isn’t that your phone?” she asked as an annoying buzzing interrupted the heavy silence.

Jordan looked down at his cell. “Yep. Probably Mary again. That woman just can’t leave me alone.”

He’d nearly finished his work here and sent it all her way. Everything was perfect. He wasn’t sure why she was still checking up on him. She couldn’t let anything out of her control.

“Hello?” The sound of heavy breathing met his greeting along with the noise of street traffic. “Mary?”

“Jordan?”

The voice made his spine straighten. He hadn’t heard it in forever, but he knew it as well today as he had a decade ago. “Mom?”

“Yes, it’s me.” In so few words, he could already pick up the weariness in her tone. “How are you, son?”

He licked his lips and leaned back in the office chair. What a loaded question. He’d just had the best week of his life, yet he still felt anger and resentment resurfacing at the sudden reappearance of his mother in his life. The two opposing feelings fought with each other, battling for control.

“Fine,” was all he could get out. “Just fine. What’s wrong?” She’d never called him to celebrate good news. Not even for a holiday or his birthday. There had to be a reason she was calling.

“Your father and I had a fight,” she said in a raspy voice. In the background, a car honked. “He locked me out of the house.”

He rubbed a thumb along his temple. “That man is not my father.”

“He’s your step-father,” she argued in a weirdly defensive tone.