His Secret Temptation

“Maybe when it comes to your business, but relationships require a different sort of energy like dealing with things that might be difficult or painful.”

“This is about Dane, isn’t it? You think I should tell Dane about Francine and cope with the drama it would create.”

She shrugged. “Chances are the longer you wait, the harder it’s going to be. He deserves to know the truth before he makes a huge mistake.”

Resentment rolled off Simon in waves so tangible, Caroline felt compelled to put a little more distance between them. He didn’t want to hear her lay out the facts and she had no right to blast him with her opinions.

“Why did you bother to come with me if you feel so strongly about telling the truth?”

He made a valid point. She should explain that she wanted to see how a real family celebrated Christmas, but hated to admit how much she hated spending the holidays alone. Instead, she drew on her stubborn nature and forced herself to be strong.

“That’s a mistake I made that I will have to live with. It’s been worse than I thought it would be to meet your family and lie to them. They are all really nice and deserve better.”

They continued walking side by side in silence. What business did she have telling Simon what to do? It wasn’t as if she were perfect. She said she believed in telling the truth, but she’d agreed to participate in this farce in exchange for his help with her tuition. She shouldn’t have taken the easy way out. So what if she didn’t finish law school until next year?

But if she had refused, she never would have gotten to know Simon or experienced the heady rush of his arms around her. She wouldn’t have met his family and been freed from any trace of loneliness. For the first time in her life she had the chance to experience what it would be like to be part of a loving family. If she was honest with herself, refusing the opportunity to spend Christmas with the Holcrofts would have been a huge mistake.

Simon was the first to break the silence. “The only person that gives it to me straight like that is my mother.”

What did that mean?

“I’m sorry if I spoke out of turn,” she muttered, regret dimming the joy she’d felt before their disagreement. “It’s really not my business.”

“But you feel very passionate about it.” He eyed her for a moment before staring straight ahead once more. “And I know you’re probably right. But my relationship with Dane has been so bad for so long. And in the last year, since Mom’s been sick, it’s gotten a little better. I didn’t want him to blame me for Francine and have her come between us again.”

“I get it,” she said, grudgingly surrendering to understanding. “Now that I’ve met your family, I can see why it’s so important for you to preserve the harmony long enough to celebrate Christmas. I don’t approve of your methods, but I can get on board with your motivations.”

“Thank you.” He reached for her hand and laced his fingers through hers.

The simple gesture tugged at her heart. “Maybe we could break up because I took a fabulous job in Boston and you can’t move your business.”

“That won’t work. I could move my operations anywhere. I have salespeople and warehouses all over the country.”

“Then why don’t you have your business here?”

“I chose Atlanta because I wanted some distance between me and my parents.”

“Why? They’re wonderful.”

“So wonderful that not one of their children stayed in Savannah.” Simon grimaced. “That’s not really fair, I guess. Dane left to join the military. Hannah left because she met Sarah and decided to move to Charleston. I left because I wanted the excitement of the big city.”

“But you all left.”

“There’s a lot of pressure being a Holcroft in Savannah. Both sides of the family tree have a history of overachieving. I think all three of us wanted to succeed or fail in relative obscurity.”

“Do you think you’ll ever move back?” She posted the question in a light tone but held her breath awaiting his answer.

“I don’t think so. My life is in Atlanta.”

“Well, I think Savannah is charming. As a matter of fact, I could see myself living here.”

“Really?” He sounded surprised. “Now that you mention it, I think I could see you living here as well. The city would suit you. It’s graceful, enchanting and tranquil. I think you’d fit right in.”

Such poetry struck her mute. She had grown so accustomed to being blasted by his high-wattage smile and charming personality, a glimpse of a lyrical soul stunned her.

“It would be a place to make a fresh start. I don’t think I’m cut out to be a big-city girl. I’ve been in Atlanta for almost ten years, but it doesn’t much feel like home.”

“And Savannah does?”