AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Of course.”
Emma asked to be excused and was given permission. Just like that, the atmosphere in the kitchen went from homey to horny. At least on his part.
Nikki’s face wasn’t giving away anything.
Jake finished his glass of wine and poured himself another. “I’m glad she liked the doll.”
Nikki stiffened visibly. “Presents aren’t a substitute for quality time.”
He stared at her. “I only found out I was a father a short time ago. You could cut me some slack, Nik. Are you trying to pick a fight with me?”
All that wild red hair was caught back in a ponytail at her nape, but it didn’t take much effort to remember it fanned out across his sheets.
Her jaw jutted. “I want to make Christmas special for her. You just undercut me.”
He frowned. “Were you planning to give her that doll?”
“No. You know I can’t afford it. But now, whatever Santa brings will look paltry in comparison.”
“I doubt she knows the word paltry, and you’re her mom. She’s going to love whatever you and the jolly old man put under the tree.”
Nikki’s ire deflated visibly. “Whatever.” She chewed her lip. “You could make it up to me.”
He grinned. “I like the sound of that.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Lowell. I’m talking about actual useful work.”
He glanced around him at the dishes. “You want me to clean up the kitchen? Sure. I’d be happy to—”
“No. Not that. I need help with the Christmas tree.”
“What Christmas tree?”
She looked at him and rolled her eyes. “The one in the closet. I like to put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving. But since I’ve asked off for the wedding this coming Saturday, the diner has me down to work Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. With you here tonight, we could put up the tree together in no time, and Emma could hang a few ornaments before she goes to bed.”
“If you want, I could buy you a tree, fully decorated, and have it delivered tomorrow.” Which would free up time for the two grown-ups to fool around later.
Nikki touched his arm briefly, making his skin hum. “Trimming the tree is part of the magic of Christmas,” she said. “I appreciate the thought, but I love decorating. It makes me feel good.”
“I get it. But why artificial?”
“For one, Emma has allergies. Besides, a live tree can’t go up this early. They dry out. Surely, you’ve done this before.”
“As a kid,” he said, feeling defensive and trying not to show it.
Nikki stared at him, her beautiful eyes wide. “Are you telling me you haven’t put up a Christmas tree in fifteen years?”
“Why does that shock you, Nikki? I live alone. I’m always on the road. It’s a lot of hassle for one person.”
“But what about the holidays? What about Christmas Day? How did you celebrate?”
Her inquisition brought back memories that weren’t always exactly pleasant. “Well, for starters, sometimes I’m in a country that doesn’t observe the Christmas holiday.”
“Okay. I get that. But other years?”
“Occasionally a friend will invite me over. Or if I’m traveling, I’ll find a church and go to a service. It’s not a bad thing to skip the commercialism and the sappy sentiment. I haven’t missed much.”
Her eyes darkened with some emotion he couldn’t name. “Oh, but you have, Jake. You just don’t realize it.”
