Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

The man smiles. “Hello, ma’am. I’m Charles, and I’ll be gathering your information for the incident. The company will be contacting your insurance company tonight.”

“That’s wonderful. I just need to step outside and get my purse.”

“Please, take your time,” Charles says.

Removing her coat from the stand, I help her into the warm outerwear and zip her up without thinking.

“You’re really into caring for others, are

n’t you?” She arches a brow.

I nod. You don’t feel like just anyone.

“I’ll come with you in case the door is hard to get open.”

“Smart thinking.” After carefully traversing the snow-coated drive, she unlocks the passenger door and grabs her black bag off the seat. Closing it behind her, she steps forward and slips.

I grab her arm, pulling her against me. Her body presses into mine, and the sweet floral scent of her hair reaches my nostrils. I grip her hips tightly. “You okay?”

“Y-Yes,” she whispers shakily. A small force pushes against me. “Flora says thanks, too.”

“You’re both very welcome.” I carefully peel away from her. “Let’s get you back inside.” I watch for slick spots as we make our way back to the house slower than we’d come.

They exchange information and make their claim quickly. The snow is continuing to fall, and the worker wants to get home. I see him out, and return to find her looking worn out.

“Why don’t we relocate to the living room? I’ll make hot chocolate, and we can see what’s on the television.”

“You don’t have to entertain me, James. I know I’m an unwanted guest.”

“Unexpected is not the same as unwanted, Faye,” I say huskily.

She glances up at me, surprised.

“Without you, I’d be sitting here alone, drinking too much mulled wine and missing my family. I’m sorry that the situations that led you here were so stressful. But I’m glad for the company. Your company.”

She cups her belly. “James ...”

“I’m attracted to you, Faye. I know you have a lot going on right now, but there’s no reason why we can’t be friends.”

She bites her lip and peers up at me through long, black lashes. “Friends?”

“For now. But if we stay in contact, I’m going to want more.”

“More?”

“As much as you’d let me have.”

“Why? Look at me.”

I rake my gaze over her. “Trust me, I am.”

“I’m six months pregnant with another man’s baby.”

“It’s over with him, right?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“Then I don’t see the problem.”