Mistletoe Magic (A Holiday Romance Novel Book 2) Page 6

  She took a fortifying breath, hoping against all hope Dusty wasn’t home, and knocked on the door. The temperature was in the low thirties. She wanted to check on her brother, then hightail it home. She was freezing. Her hands were numb to the bone, even though she had on the warmest gloves she owned. Even sticking them in her jacket pockets did little to shield the cold from sweeping in.

  A sigh of relief left her mouth when her brother opened the door. Then she frowned when a hint of alcohol drifted her way.

  “You’re drunk. Already?”

  “What do you want, Tessy?”

  Well, that was a good sign. He only called her by her childhood nickname when he was sober, or mostly sober. Maybe the smell was from last night’s bender. Which was still bad. He didn’t get the help he said he would.

  “Did you go to an AA meeting? Did you go anywhere like you said you would? A treatment center? Anything?”

  James closed his eyes and groaned. “You seriously walked all the way here to ask me that dumb question?” He opened his eyes with a mean glare. “Go home, Tessy. I’m sorry for bothering you the other night. It won’t happen again. I don’t have a problem.”

  She could’ve laughed, but that would’ve only made him angry. “I worry about you—”

  “Go home.” He started to close the door on her.

  She slapped her hand to the door before he could completely shut it. “Wait!”

  “What? I’m not about to listen to your whining. It’s too damn early for this shit.”

  She let her hand fall away from the door and started to twist her hands together. So maybe her only reason for coming wasn’t just to see how he was doing. “Can I…uh…borrow your car?” His eyes narrowed. “Just for, like, an hour or two. Not too long.”

  “For what?”

  Seriously? He constantly badgered her for money, banging on her door in the middle of the night, breaking into her home to steal from her, and he has the audacity to question her about why she wanted to use his car. She rarely asked him for anything. Telling him the truth would be stressful. He probably wouldn’t take it well. He hated Officer Crowl, a clear indication by the fact he hit him. Sure, he was drunk, but he never had a pleasant thing to say about him even when he was sober.

  She couldn’t ask Bonzo to borrow his truck because he’d ask questions, too. Damn it. She just didn’t want to answer anyone’s questions.

  “Does it matter? I don’t ask you for a lot of things. Forget about paying me back the bail money. Just let me borrow your car this morning.” That was laughable. His eyes even chuckled at her words. They both knew he wouldn’t be paying her back regardless. He never had enough money.

  “Whatever. Hold on a sec.” He shut the door.

  She stood there waiting patiently. For a long time it seemed. She was starting to get nervous that he decided to ignore her request when the door swung open again. He held out the car keys, then snatched them closer to his chest when she reached for them.

  “Tell me what you need the car for.”

  “Sign up for an AA meeting or treatment facility and I will.”

  “Tessy, why do you care so much? So I drink a little. It’s nothing.”

  Her shoulders drooped as a wave of sadness washed over her. Did he really not see the similarities between him and their dad? Did he not see he was turning out just like the drunken bastard he swore he’d never turn into when he was a teenager?

  “You grabbed me the other night. By the wrist. Do you even remember doing that? It almost hurt. Your grip was strong.” He stepped back as if she slapped him. “You’re my brother and I’ll always care about you, even when you act like an ass.”

  “I’d never…” He let out a heavy breath. “I’d never hurt you, Tessy. I’m sorry, okay?”

  She held out her hand. “I forgive you.”

  He tossed the keys to her, then slammed the door shut. It didn’t faze her. He never did like to hear how much he hurt her. She wasn’t going to lie to him. He needed to realize what his actions were doing. Yet, he never did. He just kept drinking more and more.

  Maybe getting arrested and spending a night in jail was a good thing. Maybe the judge would see the problem he had. Maybe the judge would order treatment. Maybe Officer Crowl had been right all along.

  Well, she’d probably never admit that to him. She wasn’t about to admit anything. Especially how she felt about him, or how much he kept confusing her with his erratic behavior. One minute cold towards her, and the next minute so hot, he’s kissing her on the lips.

  She started her brother’s car and put it into drive, wondering if she was making the biggest mistake of her life. Knocking on Officer Crowl’s door seemed like a dumb decision. There was no reason she couldn’t wait until Monday afternoon when she worked again to give him the necklace.

  Okay, she had a reason. She just wanted to see him. To kiss him. To find out the real reason why he wanted her to help decorate.

  Like the chicken she was, she knew none of that would come out of her mouth.

  She drove to his home, about a twenty-minute drive, considering he lived on the nicer side of town, but also on the outskirts. He had a few neighbors, although, they were all spaced out fairly decently. They weren’t in shouting distance of each other. She didn’t think anyone would have a need to shout, especially him. He didn’t display much emotion anymore. Sadness overwhelmed her at that thought.

  The driveway was long, trees covering the view of his home. The woods surrounding the property lifted her spirits a little after the tense encounter with her brother. Something beautiful always managed to do that, and the latest dusting of snow covered the ground with such magical intent. Just a little more snow and it’d be perfect to build a snowman. She hadn’t created one of those since her childhood. An old scarf to wrap around his thick neck. A ratty old knit hat to place atop his snowy head. Some rocks they’d find mingled in the plowed snow for eyes and a nose. A few sticks to create a wicked looking mouth and arms that curved out with merriment. Her brother and her always had fun building a snowman.

  She wondered briefly as she pulled to a stop by the front porch how long it took him to shovel his driveway. He probably had to use a snow blower. An hour? When she stepped out, she couldn’t stop her curiosity and glanced around the property, since this was her first time visiting him. A funny looking piece of machinery caught her eye near the side of the house. Was that a Bobcat? Was that how he shoveled his driveway? He plowed it?

  There were a few mounds of snow on each side of the driveway, making her assume that’s what he did. The latest snowfall last week hadn’t been too much, but the week before that, they had gotten eleven inches. The first snowfall of the season, and it had been a doozy. On days like that, Bonzo never let her walk. He was at her door, honking the horn to signal he was ready to pick her up for work. The days since then hadn’t been warm enough to melt much of the snow.

  She didn’t see his car anywhere, although, figured he probably parked it inside the garage. Slow, even steps across his porch felt like the walk of doom. Why was she here? Would he slam the door in her face? Would he finally kiss her breathless?

  Ha! Yeah, right. Like he wanted to do that. Those other kisses didn’t mean anything. Just a simple peck under a mistletoe. Because that’s what a person did when you stood under one.

  She raised her hand to knock, then froze. He worked the night shift. He probably didn’t get home until midnight or later. She honestly didn’t know when his shift ended. Maybe he was still sleeping. Although, it was almost ten o’clock. Maybe he was awake.

  But what if he wasn’t? He probably wouldn’t appreciate her waking him up. What a terrible idea. Didn’t she tell herself this was a mistake? Yes, she did. She should just leave.

  The door swung open.

  “Theresa?”

  He looked upset. Brows burrowed low, lips thinned into a tight line. And the way he said her name so full of wrath.

  Oh, boy. He wasn’t just upset at her. He wa
s downright pissed.

  Chapter 6

  Aiden couldn’t believe his eyes. It’s as if his thoughts conjured the one thing he couldn’t stop thinking about. Why was she here?

  He heard someone pull into his driveway as he sat at the dining room table having a cup of coffee. When he heard no knock or ringing of the doorbell, he figured he should check it out. He had almost been tempted to grab his firearm from his bedroom, but nixed the idea. Not much bad happened in their small town of Mulberry.

  “What are you doing here?”

  That came out sounding harsher than he intended. But he was upset. Just so damn pissed he dreamt about her all night, picturing her gorgeous body next to his. Then this morning, his mind still skipped around in circles wondering what she was doing at that very moment. Still sleeping? Having a cup of coffee like him? Working on her necklaces?

  It all pissed him off.

  “I’m so sorry to bother you. This was a mistake.”

  She turned around and scampered down the stairs so fast that her feet slipped on the frosty ground and landed hard, knocking her head against the ground.

  “Theresa!”

  He scrambled out of the house so quickly, he didn’t even register he was walking on the cold snow with bare feet. She moaned as he knelt by her side.

  “Are you okay?” When she moaned again as she felt the back of her head, he didn’t care whether she could walk on her own. He scooped her up with ease and headed for the house as quickly and safely as he could.

  He closed the door with a kick of his foot and walked to the living room where he gently laid her down. And damn if he didn’t want to continue holding her instead.

  “Let me see. I sure hope you didn’t crack your head open. You fell hard.” He knelt by her side and tenderly lifted her head, feeling with his hands and searching carefully with his eyes for any sign of blood. He saw nothing of concern, although could feel a small bump on the back of her head. “How’s your butt feeling? Head looks okay, besides a tiny bump.”

  “Like I fell on it hard.” She chuckled, yet her eyes didn’t shine with laughter as they normally did when she laughed. “I’m okay. I should go.”

  “Stay.” He stood up. “Just rest for a moment. I’ll go get you something warm to drink. Coffee?”

  She nodded, but said nothing.

  He quickly walked out of the room, but took his time pouring her a cup of coffee. Why did she come here? Did she feel the intense attraction as he felt for her? He couldn’t give her anything. Nothing that would keep her in his life for the long term. Just the idea of long term had his body convulsing with tremors. He could never do forever, even as badly as he wanted it with somebody.

  But it had been so long since he’d slept with anyone. Too long. Even before Cynthia died, he had a dry spell for a few months, because connecting with her had been difficult to do. His entire body ached. Badly. He needed to release all of the tension.

  Theresa wasn’t that kind of girl. He’d never use her as a fun toy, then kick her to the curb. She deserved more than that. She didn’t need a man in her life who would let her down, or worse, hurt her beyond repair.

  When he walked back into the living room with her coffee, he knew he’d have a helluva time keeping his hands to himself. It wasn’t right to want her the way he did, and he could feel himself slowly losing the control he tried so hard to keep together.

  “Here.” He sat on the edge of the couch near her legs and held out the mug.

  She scooted her butt a little to sit up better and took the mug. He was so thankful not one finger touched his. Just the littlest of contact might’ve sent him into a frenzy. One little touch and he’d have her naked in under five seconds flat. Although he was sitting near her legs, not one part of him was touching her.

  “Thank you.”

  “How’s everything feeling? You fell hard. Do you need to go to the hospital?”

  She shook her head, then winced from the movement. “I’m fine.”

  “That didn’t look fine.”

  “Just a small headache. It’s nothing to worry about. I’m sorry for barging in on you.”

  He ached to touch her. To reach out his hand and stroke her cheek, her arm, anything. “Why are you here? How do you even know where I live?”

  She chuckled, this time with the laughter in her eyes. It made his heart soar from the beauty of it. “Small town. I think everyone knew when you put an offer in last year. Heck, before you even thought of putting an offer in.”

  He couldn’t help it. He chuckled at that, his lips almost curling into a smile. “So true. A bunch of gossipers. Daphne’s the worst, although she doesn’t mean it maliciously.” Then, his lips turned down into a low frown. “Please tell me you didn’t walk here.”

  “Didn’t you see the car parked outside?”

  He wanted to smack himself in the face. No, he didn’t see it. All he saw was how beautiful she looked standing on his porch. How much he ached to pull her into his arms. How pissed he was for feeling that way. Then all he saw was fear and rage that she could’ve hurt herself. And why? Because of him.

  All he ever did was hurt people.

  His frown turned fierce. “Whose car?”

  She averted her eyes. “My brother’s.”

  He jerked to his feet upset. Couldn’t she see how dangerous her brother was to be around? “If you feel better, you should go.” He didn’t even care why she came, or that she borrowed her brother’s car. At least she didn’t walk all the way here.

  She slowly turned and set her feet on the floor, then leaned forward to put her coffee down on the small table in front of the couch. Standing up, she avoided his eyes. “I’m sorry if I upset you somehow.” Without a word, he let her walk away toward the front door.

  Wait. No, damn it. He wanted to know why she came here.

  He followed her, amazed how fast she made it to the front door. She was obviously eager to leave. Before she could open the door all the way, he slammed it shut. She stumbled as she turned around in surprise. Her back fell lightly against the door. He moved closer, effectively boxing her in.

  A sweet scent of roses drifted his way, reeling him in even closer.

  “Why did you come?”

  “I…” Her eyes glossed to his lips that were precariously close to hers. “I finished your mother’s necklace. I just wanted to drop it off.”

  That’s not the reason he expected. It pissed him off. The anger stirring in his veins before she arrived skyrocketed. Perhaps she didn’t feel the connection he felt.

  He was about to find out. Because he couldn’t hold it in any longer. He needed to feel her lips against his.

  His lips grazed hers. Tentatively at first, then more insistent. A low moan echoed throughout the hallway, giving him the confirmation she wanted more just like him. His tongue swooped in as her arms circled around his neck.

  Yes. She felt wonderful in his arms. So soft. So sweet. So his for the taking.

  He pressed closer to her, the kiss turning hotter than he intended. Because he couldn’t control himself. Not when he dreamt about Theresa the last few nights. His dreams didn’t compare to the real thing. Theresa felt so right in his arms.

  No!

  He abruptly broke the kiss and backed away.

  He shouldn’t be kissing her. He shouldn’t be enjoying it. None of this was right. It couldn’t be.

  “Why did you just kiss me?” Her eyes narrowed instantly. “And don’t give me that mistletoe crap. There’s no mistletoe here.” Although, she must’ve doubted her words because she glanced up to make sure there was no mistletoe hanging.

  For once, he had no good excuse to why he kissed her. How could he explain he wouldn’t be good for her? That he’d end up hurting her?

  “You should leave.”

  The hurt in her eyes was swift and painful to look at.

  “I don’t understand you, Officer Crowl.” She sighed, then turned around and pulled open the door. It closed with a quiet click.
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  Why did she always call him that? Thinking back, he couldn’t remember one time where she called him Aiden. He wanted to hear his name on her lips. Just once.

  No. What he wanted was to forget about her.

  Locking the door, to add an extra measure of security to his impulses, he almost ran to his bedroom so he wouldn’t be tempted to watch her leave. Hell, the temptation to rush out there and stop her ran unbridled through his veins.

  What was wrong with him?

  A beautiful, easy-going, wonderful woman seemed to like him just as much as he liked her and he pushed her away by acting like a world-class jerk.

  Sitting on the edge of his bed, his hands in his lap, the loneliness engulfing him, he realized Theresa never gave him the necklace.

  A very good reason to seek her out was right before his eyes.

  Sinking back into the bed, his eyes glossed over in madness as he stared at the ceiling.

  Would it hurt to let someone in for once? It already hurt keeping people out. Could it really hurt much worse?

  It didn’t matter. Theresa deserved better than him.

  Someone who didn’t kill the person they loved. Someone like him.

  Of course, the day Cynthia died he didn’t love her anymore.

  That just made what happened a hundred times worse.

  ❄

  Theresa wiped her hands across her jeans before pulling open the door to Lynn’s bakery. Only thirty degrees outside today and her hands were sweating.

  Who was she kidding? Her entire body was still on fire since the latest kiss with Officer Crowl. He left her so flustered, she didn’t even put her gloves back on before she left his house. She left them in her pocket, even when she got into her car and drove away.

  He had moments of grumpiness, of being so indifferent, it bordered on rude. But today…he broke her heart. One second he’s kissing her as if he’d drown if he let her go, and in the next second, he’s telling her to get the hell out. Well, at least he said it nicely, but she heard the tone in his voice. You should leave, translated into, get the hell out.