Читать книгу Christmas Wish Come True: All I Want For Christmas / Dreaming of a White Wedding / Christmas Every Day - Gina Rochelle - Страница 13

Chapter Five

Luckily, everything Isabella owned fit into two suitcases, so it was still daylight when she loaded them into her car that evening. Since she’d paid for her suite at the extended-stay hotel through the month of December, she let the super know she’d be gone a few weeks, but would return after Christmas. At least she’d have a place to go if she didn’t find something permanent by then. Right now, the hotel was affordable, and she had to think of her limited savings, especially since she’d only have three weeks’ income from her current substitute-teaching job.

She pulled into Jordan’s circular driveway as the sun began to set behind the Rockies. As she stepped out of her car, the front door opened and Jordan stood there, his hand resting on Tyler’s shoulder. Tyler shrugged from his grasp and ran over to her. She shut her car door and bent down as he approached her. “Hello, Tyler. Better get back inside – it’s cool outside without a coat.”

Tyler remained silent but took hold of her hand and practically tugged her to the house. Jordan stepped aside as they entered. “Supper’s ready, Miss Stevens,” Tyler said.

“Oh, good. I’m really hungry – are you, Tyler?”

He nodded and waited as she removed her coat and hung it on a hook by the door. Jordan remained silent through all of this, but spoke up behind her as they walked to the kitchen. “I’ll let you two eat; I have a business call to make. When you’re finished, I’ll show you to the guesthouse, Isabella.”

“You’ve already eaten?” she asked, disappointed that he wasn’t having dinner with his nephew.

“I ate a large lunch. But I’ll join you when I finish my call.”

Isabella tamped down her irritation, for Tyler’s sake. But as she sat at the kitchen table with Tyler, eating a delicious macaroni and cheese casserole Emily had prepared, she couldn’t help but think that Jordan was taking advantage of the situation. Though she loved being with Tyler, she had no intention of allowing her presence to take away from Jordan’s time with his nephew. Quite the opposite, in fact. Still, as he retreated into another room, she realized this was going to be even more challenging than she originally thought.

“Are you happy I’m going to stay in the guesthouse, Tyler?” she asked the boy, who’d fallen into silence as they ate.

“Yes,” he said quietly, then took another small bite of the casserole.

“I’m looking forward to spending lots of time with you, getting ready for Christmas. Maybe your uncle could take us to get a Christmas tree sometime soon. Would you like that?”

Tyler nodded and looked up at her. A light of wonder sparked his sad eyes. “Emily said we should have one, for when Santa comes.”

“Yes, we should,” she agreed. Curious about Emily’s role in Jordan’s life, she asked, “You said Emily’s your uncle Jordan’s friend, right?”

Tyler nodded again and Isabella wondered how long Jordan had known her. Which he answered as he entered the kitchen.

“I’ve known Emily all my life,” he said. “She was my mother’s best friend.” He sat down at the table, and scooped some of the casserole onto the plate in front of him. “She was a young widow. She sort of took it upon herself to look after me and my brother when…well, you know. So, my father hired her as our nanny. To me, she’s family.”

Isabella remembered his revelation about his mother’s death. Which brought up so many other questions –

“You said you built this house yourself. And Emily’s your neighbor…”

“My father owned this property – fifty acres of prime Denver real estate. He’d planned to build a family estate here when he was young. It, um, didn’t work out. After he was gone, I built Emily’s house first, and set this lot aside for myself.” He glanced over at Tyler, who looked as if he didn’t have any interest at all in the adult conversation. Jordan lowered his voice, nevertheless. “My brother wasn’t interested in this acreage. So, I got permits, split the land, built and sold eighteen more houses on the property. Made enough money to start my own construction company.”

“Uncle Jordan, can I go play with my blocks now?”

Jordan turned his attention to his nephew. “Sure, buddy,” he said gently, to Isabella’s delight.

Tyler scooted off his chair and ran to the living room. Both adults watched him, then Isabella said, “I think he takes after you, wanting to build things.”

“I don’t have anything to do with it. He’s thinking about his father, most likely.” He met Isabella’s gaze. “My brother and I inherited my father’s company, Butler Enterprises. A construction conglomerate, specializing in high-profile contracts, mostly hotels in the US and Canada. We were partners for a while. But after Kim…I left it to him.”

Isabella was quiet, unable to relate to Jordan’s privileged, yet unhappy life. Her parents weren’t rich, but they’d given her a happy home, and a good education. She’d lost them both to natural causes within five years after graduating college, and missed them every day. Especially now, since her breakup.

She finished her casserole and took her plate to the sink. Jordan followed her lead. When she started to rinse the dishes, he touched her forearm. “No. You’re my guest, Isabella. I’ll clean up later.” She stopped the action and scooted out of his proximity. “Well, thank you,” she said awkwardly. “It was delicious.”

“If you’ll sit with Tyler for a few minutes, I’ll take your things to the guesthouse.”

She agreed, but made a mental note to talk to him about her role with Tyler when they got a moment alone. Which came about half an hour later, when Emily popped in. Jordan informed her he was going to show Isabella to her new living quarters.

“It’s just this way,” he said, looking slightly perturbed by Emily’s pleased smile as she took Tyler to his room.

He led them out the side door, through the covered breezeway between the two residences. He opened the door to the guesthouse and flipped the switch on the wall, illuminating the small but beautiful interior. It was only slightly larger than her efficiency – but it smacked of good taste and money. There was a lovely kitchenette, a cozy living area with a TV and sofa – and, in the far corner, a midsize bed with a desk set up just next to it. Her eyes rested there, as her reservations waged war with her desire to help Tyler.

“I’ve never used it,” Jordan said. “But I keep the basics here, just in case. If there’s anything else you need, just help yourself in the main house.”

When he started to leave, Isabella walked with him to the door. “This is lovely,” she said.

He stopped and turned to her. “I want you to feel at home, Isabella. I’m grateful – you don’t have to do this.”

“I want to,” she said firmly, wondering if she were trying to convince herself as much as him. “But…” She hesitated, then shook her head.

“What’s bothering you, Isabella?” His voice was low, almost a whisper.

“You promised to make an effort. Yet tonight, you made a phone call at dinnertime. Sharing at least one meal a day with Tyler would be a good start.”

He looked uncomfortable under her scrutiny but nodded as he stepped through the door. “You’re right. I’ll work on it.”

“Thank you.” She smiled at him then, open and unguarded.

He stared at her for a long moment, then said, “Goodnight, Isabella.”

She barely got out a softly spoken “Goodnight” before he closed the door behind him. She went to her suitcases on the bed, pulled out a warm nightgown and slippers, and roamed her gaze around on her way to the restroom. The homey atmosphere didn’t ease the sudden panic that nearly choked her. She’d taken on a lot of responsibility, moving in here with the Butlers. And she wondered if she was emotionally strong enough for the task before her. She wondered if she was filling the emptiness left by Phillip with all the sadness of an orphaned boy and his emotionally distant uncle – knowing there could be serious disappointment in the end.

It would only take the slightest encouragement for her to fall into the strength and safety of Jordan’s arms again. But she couldn’t do that. She wouldn’t do that. Her wants, her needs, didn’t matter now.

At least that’s what she told herself as she lay in bed that night, listening to the winter wind outside her window, and thinking about the man who had saved her in the storm.

***

The rest of the week went smoothly. Isabella and Tyler fell into a routine. They had breakfast together every morning, then he’d ride to school with her. And she’d stay with him at night until Jordan came home. Jordan spent long hours working, but she’d expected that. He had told her from the start that his job took most of his time. But, he did make a point to eat at least one meal a day with his nephew, as promised.

It was a start.

The following Saturday, three weeks before Christmas, Isabella was surprised to have the morning to herself. Emily offered to take Tyler along to the homeless shelter where she was volunteering for breakfast, then planned to take him shopping afterwards – stating that she’d neglected him through the week, and she wanted to make it up to him. Jordan left before dawn to check on a project which, he’d briefly explained, was close to getting its final inspection. He hadn’t said when he’d return and Tyler and Emily wouldn’t be back until the afternoon. When everyone left, Isabella considered how to spend her unexpected free time.

The fact that she was here to help Tyler was foremost in her thoughts. She’d been formulating a plan to get him a dog for Christmas since their trip to the mall, but she’d have to check with Jordan first, of course. It wouldn’t be everything Tyler wanted, or needed, but she hoped it might make his Christmas morning a bit more bearable.

It was unseasonably warm this morning and Isabella finished her second cup of coffee on the back patio. Jordan had given her free access to the main house, and she couldn’t resist spending some time out here, admiring the mountains in the distance. Inevitably, she recalled the last time they were out here. He’d nearly kissed her.

She closed her eyes, remembering her reaction – her desire to feel his lips on hers. Jordan Butler was a surprise – and not a welcome one. Hadn’t she learned her lesson with Phillip? After her breakup, her plan was to move on, far away from her ex, and any dreams of a happily ever after. She hadn’t expected another man to be so squarely centered in her life again, regardless of the circumstances. She’d trusted Phillip Monroe with her heart, and he’d broken it. Now, Jordan was astonishingly making it beat again.

But what the hell was she thinking? Though he was far different from Phillip – and quite clear about his own disenchantment with love – Jordan was a bewildering force in her life. Isabella could sense the danger of imminent heartache, but resisted the urge to run and hide from it. She couldn’t leave Tyler when he needed her. She just had to listen to her head where Tyler’s complicated and off-limits uncle was concerned.

She went inside, focusing her thoughts on her mission – to bring Tyler and Jordan together, permanently. She surveyed the huge split-level living room. The decor was sparse – the masculine furniture and cool tones lacked warmth and welcome. Nothing a little holiday cheer couldn’t take care of, she thought. The idea took root, and Isabella hurried to her house, changing into an old pair of worn-out jeans and a light gray sweatshirt. Next, she wondered where Jordan might store his Christmas decorations – if he had any at all. She first looked in the garage, then entered the house and scanned the ceiling, her eyes coming to rest on a hatch door in the hall between the kitchen and foyer.

Moments later, she was climbing the ladder she’d found in the garage, pushing the small door open. The attic was immersed in darkness. The only light coming into the room was from the roof vent. Luckily, the sun was shining in a clear sky this morning, and the sunbeams slanted through the slats of the vent enough so Isabella noticed the boxes stacked in one corner. She turned on the flashlight she’d retrieved from the kitchen and pointed it at the corner, looking for something that might resemble tinsel or ornaments.

Only half of the room was being used as storage, filled with a few old pieces of furniture and the boxes that had been left seemingly undisturbed for years. Isabella took a seat on a small upholstered stool, deciding to rummage through them here without lingering too long on each one.

She shined the flashlight on the contents of the first box, fascinated. It was filled with tiny clothes and stuffed animals, and various keepsakes themed toward a new baby. She assumed the items must have belonged to either Jordan, or his brother Derek, lovingly saved by their mother. She ran her fingers over a soft stack of baby blankets, encountering a hard object beneath them.

Moving the blankets aside, Isabella uncovered a slightly tarnished silver chest. It was medium size, about ten inches long, six inches deep. She shook it. The muffled thudding indicated that the contents were unbreakable. She fumbled with the latch for a moment or two, finally concluding that, minus a key, it wouldn’t open without prying it. She set the intriguing chest aside, and focused on raiding the other boxes for holiday booty.

About an hour later, she emerged from the attic with a box full of festive decorations. On a whim, she’d placed the silver chest on top, having all but forgotten it until she’d done a final sweeping glance around the room before exiting.

Another two hours later, after happily arranging the tinsel, garland, and lights throughout the house, she stood in the dining room. She could see nearly every angle of the beautiful open-floor plan of the house from her vantage point, and Isabella realized there was one glaring piece missing – the Christmas tree. She ignored the spike of nerves at the thought of accompanying Jordan to a Christmas tree lot. A family outing would be good for him and Tyler.

She headed for her place and a shower, then remembered the silver chest. She briefly wondered again what it held inside, then shrugged and tucked it safely in the box with the Christmas lights and ornaments, carrying it to the guesthouse for safekeeping.

***

“You climbed into the attic by yourself?”

Jordan had come home early, surprising Isabella by arriving before Tyler and Emily. She’d gone back to the kitchen for a diet soda and hadn’t showered yet. She was self-conscious standing there in her old jeans with the frayed hems and ripped knees, and avoided Jordan’s stare. “I wanted to decorate for the holidays. I thought it would be good for Tyler.”

“You should have waited for me.” Jordan eyed the ladder still leaning against the wall in the hallway behind her. “You could’ve fallen.” His green eyes slid over her, first checking for injuries, then becoming darker as he noted her worn-out, casual clothes.

Isabella’s heart beat wildly against her ribs. “I’m capable of climbing a ladder, Jordan.” She checked the slight tremor in her voice, wondering if it was nerves or his attractive appearance, slightly disheveled after a day’s work, yet sexy in his white shirt and casual faded jeans. The hint of his aftershave in the air reminded her of being scooped into his arms twice…

And when he’d almost kissed her.

“I have to change,” she said quickly, exiting the house and his vicinity – hoping a warm shower would clear her straying thoughts. But, even as she stepped into her robe twenty minutes later, the memory of their romantic close calls still lingered on her mind. She sat on the edge of the bed and towel dried her hair, resisting the urge to pound the mattress in frustration.

A light tap on the door startled her. She stood quickly and pulled the tie on her robe tight.

“Yes?”

“Isabella,” came Jordan’s deep voice from outside. “I’d like to talk to you.”

She hesitated a moment, then walked the short distance and opened the door a bit, peeking out. “I’m not dressed. What do you want?”

A spark lit his eyes and her treacherous body responded, despite the warning bells blaring in her head. When he stared at her like that, every fiber in her came alive, hummed. Phillip had left her cold – it was a shock to her system. Just a simple look from Jordan could set her on fire, and make her feel beautiful again. Ignoring the reminder she’d given herself this morning, she opened the door wider for him to enter.

“I want to apologize,” Jordan started, hesitating as his gaze moved up her bare legs, to the fuzzy robe tightly cinched at her waist, accentuating the swell of her breasts. He cleared his throat and looked away. “The decorations look great, Isabella. It was thoughtful of you to do it – thank you.” He raked his hands through his hair, stepping back toward the door, about to exit. “I’d better go.”

Despite the apology, and his approval of her decorating efforts, Isabella suddenly needed – wanted – more from him. “Jordan.” The urgency in her voice made him stop. His eyes settled on her face, away from her current state of dress. “You’re welcome,” she said, softly now.

She moved toward him, throwing caution to the wind. She wanted to know he was attracted to her, not just seeking an escape from his past. His expression went from surprised to smoldering as Isabella loosened the tie on her robe. She heard his quick breath and her heart fluttered in response. Lifting his hand, she placed it inside the soft fabric covering her chest. She sighed, bending her head back slightly as he slowly rubbed his thumb across the soft skin of her breast.

“Dear God…” The hesitation in his eyes was momentary, then he was pulling her to him, crushing her mouth with his, forcing her lips apart. Isabella wound her arms around his neck as they moved toward the bed behind them. His hands caressed her, spreading electricity everywhere he touched. He moved his mouth to her neck, trailed hot kisses along her sensitive skin. When he reclaimed her lips, his tongue mingled with hers, stirring a fire deep in her core.

Oh my…

Isabella’s knees went weak, and she slowly pulled him down with her to the bed. She held her breath, waiting, anticipating. Wanting him to make love to her. She saw the raw hunger in his eyes – the hesitation warring with desire. He started to move in again – then stopped. His heated expression was replaced by an unreadable mask as he pulled away. His words were cold water, dousing their fire. “I can’t do this – Emily and Tyler will be back soon.”

But she knew it was more than the threat of Emily and Tyler’s return that stopped him. She recognized the flash of pain in his eyes – she’d seen it when he told her about Kim. He couldn’t do this. Not as long as Kim still haunted him.

Isabella closed her eyes and nodded, pulling her robe shut. She heard him close the door and mustered the strength to get dressed and comb her hair. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment over her blatant behavior. What had come over her? She’d never acted like this before. But no one, not even Phillip, had ever affected her this way. Thank goodness Jordan had the sense to put a stop to things before they’d gone any farther.

Oh yes, she wanted him – badly. But her reaction to him today was proof that Jordan could wipe away whatever footing she’d gained in her emotional salvage, since Phillip.

And she might never fully recover if she put her heart in Jordan’s line of fire.