Christmas Wish Come True. Jaimie Admans

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СКАЧАТЬ and she had to muster every ounce of energy to face him and his nephew. She ran her hands through her honey-colored hair. The natural curls fell around her face and into her eyes as she fumbled with the coffee maker. As the welcoming scent of the rich brew touched her nostrils, she went to the window of her small third-story efficiency.

      “So beautiful,” Isabella murmured as she gazed out at the blanket of white snow. It sparkled in the fading moonlight of the early morning. Despite her close call with the elements, she loved Colorado. The scene before her now was why she’d come here, all the way from Miami. The peaceful surroundings promoted healing, far away from a man who’d practically left her at the altar to run off with a twenty-year-old flight attendant. Just weeks before her wedding – which would have been today.

      As the first rays of sun peeked out from the horizon, Tyler’s mysterious uncle entered her thoughts. Why? When her emotions were still raw, so soon after her breakup – why was this man commanding her attention? He was hard, cool, and distant – and her self-confidence was already in shreds.

      But something about Jordan Butler struck Isabella as extraordinary. He was like the mountains surrounding this place. Strong, tall, darkly beautiful – potentially dangerous. A warning bell went off in her head.

       Keep a safe distance from both – man and mountain.

      But she shook it off. After all, she had to make one more trip to Reindeer Ridge with him, to retrieve her car.

      ***

      “Uncle Jordan…Miss Stevens…do you think we’ll see Santa?”

      Isabella sneaked a glance at Jordan’s profile as she rode next to him in the passenger seat. He’d been mostly silent since showing up on her doorstep fifteen minutes ago with Tyler in tow.

      “It’s Thanksgiving, Tyler,” Isabella answered. “Santa may be spending the day with Mrs. Claus and the elves. But I’m sure he’ll get our letters. I delivered them – my stranded car is proof.” She turned to smile into the face of the boy in the seat behind her. “But if your uncle doesn’t mind, and if it’s open today, I’ll take you to visit the Toy Shop.”

      “Okay.” Tyler smiled shyly. It stunned Isabella, considering his somber mood yesterday morning. Jordan also glanced at him, then turned back to the road as they reached their destination. He parked the truck in front of Isabella’s car and got out, remaining quiet. Tyler quickly unlatched his seat belt and bolted outside, pulling Isabella’s door open.

      “Come on, Miss Stevens.” He tugged her hand impatiently as she stepped onto the frozen ground.

      “Whoa – it’s slippery…” She barely got the words out when her feet hit a patch of ice and slid out from under her. Letting go of Tyler’s hand, she prepared for the hard fall. “Oh!”

      Jordan’s strong arms caught her. He pulled her close to his solid chest, trapping her hands between them as he held her tight. They stayed that way, face-to-face, for several breathless seconds. Hadn’t she just convinced herself to avoid close contact with him? Yet here she was, locked in Jordan’s safe embrace – again. And his strength, along with his clean male scent, was deliciously intoxicating. She wanted to ignore her female reaction, write it off as desperation – rebound. But Jordan’s sparkling eyes hypnotized her.

      She melted into him, allowed him to hold her much longer than necessary to gain her footing. His gaze flickered to her lips. With a measure of surprised anticipation, Isabella thought he might kiss her. Then, as suddenly as he’d caught her, Jordan steadied her on her feet and gently pushed her away. He turned abruptly and walked around his truck, pulling a rope from the bed.

      “I’ll help you,” Isabella offered awkwardly.

      “No,” came his sharp reply. He barely glanced at her now. “You take Tyler, have fun. I’ll pull your car out and meet you there.”

      Isabella and Tyler trudged up to the Toy Shop. Surprisingly, it was open – but only until noon. They stepped through the entrance, into a large open space with vaulted ceilings and a massive stone fireplace on the far wall. An oversized red chair sat to the right of the fireplace. A huge Scottish pine stood tall in the corner. It was adorned with shiny ornaments and lights – and a multitude of brightly wrapped gifts beneath it.

      Isabella’s gaze moved around the room, to the impressive staircase leading to two shops on the second-floor loft. The open landing, decorated in garland, overlooked the enchanting room they stood in. The overall effect was as magical as Christmas itself. The only thing missing was Santa. Isabella’s hope turned to disappointment as her gaze met the kind eyes of a small, gray-haired woman who appeared through the doors of the room below the loft.

      “Oh my, we expect smiles here. Are you all right, dear?”

      The woman was soft-spoken and approachable, and Isabella felt inexplicably tempted to tell her everything – how she was supposed to be married today, but instead would be alone on Thanksgiving. Except that, by accident, she was spending some of the morning with her new student and his dangerously attractive uncle. And now, there was no Santa Claus.

      But she kept it all inside. “I’m fine,” Isabella replied, though her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

      “My name is Mary,” the woman said, taking Tyler by the hand. “You and Miss Stevens have a seat over here, while I go make some hot cocoa.”

      Isabella was briefly flustered. She didn’t remember introducing herself to this woman. “We’re just waiting for someone,” she interjected.

      “Yes, the handsome young man outside,” Mary acknowledged. “But he’ll be a little while.”

      Intrigued despite her qualms, Isabella followed Mary and Tyler to the couch in front of the fireplace.

      “When Santa visits, he likes to sit right here with a cup of hot chocolate.” Mary winked at Tyler and gave Isabella a knowing smile. “I’ll be back in a jiff.” She retreated through the double doors that Isabella assumed led to the kitchen.

      Isabella sat quietly while Tyler stared up at the Christmas tree, his gaze glued to a sparkling Santa ornament hanging from a branch just above his head. There were no other visitors milling around, which was understandable, since it was Thanksgiving morning. Mary returned minutes later, placing a mug of cocoa in Tyler’s hands, following his eyes.

      “Though Santa’s away today, he knows your wish for Christmas. If you’re extra good, Tyler…he’ll bring what you asked for.” She took the ornament from the tree. “For now, he’d want you to have this.” Tyler looked to Isabella for permission. Isabella nodded, giving the woman a guarded smile.

      “You’ve been very kind, Mary. Thank you for the cocoa, but we should go.” Isabella stood, setting their cups down and taking Tyler’s hand. “Tell Mary thank you,” she reminded him.

      They turned toward the entrance as the door opened and Jordan entered. Isabella’s eyes met his and she led Tyler to him. Tyler turned to wave shyly and murmur ‘thank you’ to Mary as Jordan took him outside. Isabella stayed behind for a moment, asking, “You know my name – have we met before?”

      Mary smiled, rocking back on her heels. “We have a mutual friend, dear.”

      Isabella was amused, thinking Mary was referring to ‘Santa’. But she turned her focus to her student now. “I know you mean well, СКАЧАТЬ