Читать книгу Christmas Wish Come True - Jaimie Admans - Страница 11

Chapter Three

Jordan was stunned. He had to get out of there, breathe some cold mountain air, clear his head. He needed some space from Isabella’s deceptively innocent stare. He couldn’t believe Tyler’s teacher, a woman who should know better than to make such potentially damaging promises, had been so reckless and irresponsible with his nephew’s emotions. Jordan stood and stepped away from the dinner table, speaking calmly, despite his mood.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said slowly, not meeting Isabella’s shocked stare. “Stay here with Miss Stevens, Tyler. Enjoy your meal.”

Jordan went out the back door, not bothering to get a coat, not caring that the temperature was twenty degrees. He wasn’t cold. He was angry – and confused. And he wanted to blame it all on the woman sitting at his dinner table, who had suddenly entered his life via his nephew – and some silly letters to Santa. He wanted to believe that she alone, with her paralyzing blue eyes and kissable pink mouth, was to blame for his current state. But, as he breathed the wintry air, the whole picture played out in his mind’s eye. He relived the past events he had tried so hard to forget. And the recent tragedy that had brought on this new, unimaginable reality.

Nearly seven years ago, he declared his brother, Derek, dead to him. And all this time, he shut himself off from feeling anything for him – not love, not even hate. But now, Derek’s death was real – and shattering.

Final.

Jordan had lost the only person who shared his life memories – good and bad – and he’d become an uncle and a surrogate father in the blink of an eye. Both Tyler’s parents were killed in a fiery crash on a slippery mountain road almost two months ago, and the tragic accident left unsettled issues and a brokenhearted child behind.

Jordan didn’t know how to come to terms with any of it – or even if he could. And to make matters worse, Tyler believed Santa was going to bring his parents back to him on Christmas morning. Holy hell! How could he make the boy understand that they were never coming back – when he could hardly believe it himself?

He hadn’t felt this desperate since Kim left him – for Derek.

The torturous images flooded Jordan’s mind. He recalled the sparks that flew between the two people he loved and trusted most. The way Kim looked at Derek when she thought Jordan wouldn’t see – and how his brother obviously fought his feelings for the woman Jordan loved. Though Jordan had witnessed the hidden smiles and light touches between them, he’d refused to believe his own eyes.

So, when Kim and Derek came to him seven years ago, saying they never intended to hurt him, but they’d eloped – a cage locked around his broken and betrayed heart as he quietly ordered them out of his life. He’d shut them out so completely that he’d only just learned of Tyler’s existence after their deaths.

His six-and-a-half-year-old nephew.

Kim had assured Jordan that Derek refused to sleep with her while she was still with him. Given Tyler’s age, she must have gotten pregnant immediately after eloping. Or she’d lied. Which only cemented his lack of trust in women and relationships.

He fought the urge to leave now, drive off into the cold night. Stay gone until the hurts of the past were tucked into the back of his mind once more. But how could he do that now, when the living, breathing proof of Kim and Derek’s betrayal was sleeping under his roof, looking to him for comfort and security…and love?

And Tyler’s beautiful teacher hadn’t helped matters at all. He hadn’t been this blindsided since Kim. Isabella was exasperating. Her icy-hot looks – coupled with her misplaced but good intentions – shot sparks through him. The last thing he needed was to want Isabella Stevens.

Thank God he had the freezing night air to cool off, as he recalled the feel of her soft curves pressed tightly against him on Reindeer Ridge this morning. The strong physical pull toward her scared the hell out of him. She threatened the inner stability he’d struggled to find since that dark time seven years ago. But she was also Tyler’s teacher. And she’d created a situation that he, admittedly, couldn’t remedy by himself.

He found them sitting on the sofa by the fire when he came back inside. Tyler was snuggled next to Isabella as she read a children’s book to him. He stood in the shadows, unnoticed, listening to the soft cadence of her voice as the words lulled Tyler into a peaceful sleep. He waited while she covered his nephew with a blanket and smoothed the hair from his forehead. A look of worry flitted across her delicate features.

Where was this concern when she played fast and loose with promises that not even Santa – if he existed – could deliver?

“Emily won’t be coming back tonight,” Jordan whispered, glancing at Tyler. “He’s been having trouble sleeping – I don’t want to wake him now.” Isabella stood, her tired eyes focusing on Jordan in the firelight as he spoke. “You’re welcome to stay here for the night but, if you’d rather go home, I’ll call a cab.”

“I’m sorry. Tyler insisted I read this story to him,” Isabella said softly. “I didn’t know how long you’d be…out.”

She handed the book to Jordan. He absently flipped it open and read the note written inside. “To my son, Tyler – you made my fairy tale come true. Love, Mommy.” He closed the cover, noting how the princess sitting amidst the seven small men resembled Kim.

“It’s Tyler’s favorite – he sleeps with it sometimes,” he said, almost to himself. “I think it reminds him of his mother. He misses her…” A brief sadness crept in, along with regret. But it was quickly replaced by the bitter remembrance that Derek had been Kim’s happily ever after. They’d even died together.

“I meant no harm when I suggested Tyler write a letter to Santa,” Isabella made a nervous effort to explain. “I had no idea about his parents. Everything was so crazy at school, with it being the day before Thanksgiving, and my first day teaching…I wasn’t informed. He seemed so sad – I just wanted to help him find some Christmas joy.”

“Which will be blown all to hell on Christmas morning.” Jordan heard Isabella’s soft gasp and immediately regretted his sharp tone. “I’m sorry,” he said.

“No…you’re right,” Isabella whispered. “I wish there was a way I could fix this…”

Jordan stayed silent for a long moment, resisting the urge to tell her it was okay. Because it wasn’t. And he needed help figuring it out. He was new to this parenting business, and he had no idea how to handle any child, let alone a six-year-old whose fragile emotions were about to be shattered on what should be the happiest day of the year. “You could move in here.” He said the words before the idea fully formed in his head. He forced himself to meet her stunned gaze.

“What…?” Isabella’s surprise was almost equal to his own.

Jordan threw up his hands, frustrated. “It’s just an impulsive thought – probably even a reckless one. But…I’m desperate here. And Tyler seems to like you. A lot. You’re good with him – when you’re not promising him miracles, that is.” He noted the embarrassment tinting her skin, and the spark of doubt in her eyes. “Forget I even suggested it.”

He mentally kicked himself for thinking out loud, and moved to Tyler, lifting him from the sofa. He gently carried his nephew down the hall. Isabella followed and stood in the shadows as he tucked Tyler into his bed, under a cozy, animal-print blanket. His skin pricked with awareness as he felt her stare. Was he crazy, asking Tyler’s beautiful teacher, a woman, to move in with him? He looked down at his sleeping nephew. He’d asked it for Tyler, not himself. And he’d pushed his own doubts, and fears, aside to do it.

Isabella walked back to the living room, and Jordan left Tyler, catching up with her near the fireplace. For a few moments, they stood side by side, silently staring into the flames.

“I’m sorry I’ve made matters worse,” Isabella spoke first.

Jordan shook his head and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t expect any of this – my brother’s death, meeting my nephew for the first time. Taking him in.” He felt Isabella’s surprised glance. “It’s a long story – but my brother Derek and I were estranged. Besides the fact that I barely know Tyler, my job requires much of my time and attention.” He sighed. “This arrangement is only temporary, and Emily’s a big help, but still…”

Isabella’s attention snapped to his face. “What do you mean?”

Jordan ignored the guilt that spiked his conscience. “Tyler’s stay here can’t be permanent. I have a nice couple in mind – Derek’s friends in Boulder, the Forresters. They recently contacted me about spending time with Tyler. I think they could be good for him – they love kids, apparently. So, when he’s strong enough, I plan to send him on short visits to their home. With any luck, they’ll become Tyler’s new parents.”

He defended himself against the disbelief in Isabella’s eyes. “Surely you can see I’m not father material, Miss Stevens. But I’m Tyler’s only living relative. It’s my responsibility to bring him through this first Christmas without his parents – which hasn’t been made any easier by your ‘Dear Santa’ project.”

A long, pregnant silence filled the room. He didn’t know why he was compelled to appeal to the woman whose mere presence put pressure on the protective cage around his heart.

It would probably be wiser to call a cab, send her off – into the night, and out of his life. And so he surprised himself again with his next words.

“The offer to move in still stands. You said you wished you could fix this. So, will you help me, Isabella?”

***

Isabella. He’d said her name for the first time…so soft, so sweet…

So terrifyingly seductive.

It sent electricity pulsing through her veins, and left goose bumps on her skin. Reason enough to throw his offer out the window. And leave.

The way he affected her only added to her worries – and drove her up the wall. On one hand, he infuriated her with his calculated, almost cold planning of Tyler’s future. Then, on the other hand, he made her go warm all over with just a word or a look – and made her wish for things she had no business thinking about.

She should run as far from his piercing eyes and magnetic pull as she could get…

But what would happen to Tyler? He’d lost too much already. His situation was a mountain compared to her own small pile of issues – it consumed her self-preservation instinct with each new disclosure Jordan shared. Still, staying here…

There must be some other way to help.

“This is all…overwhelming,” she started. “I’ve only known Tyler for a few days. And we can’t forget that I’m his teacher. I don’t know if it’s ethical…”

“You’re living in an extended-stay hotel, for God’s sake. We could make this work. I have a guesthouse. You could stay there, and compensate me by looking after Tyler when I’m gone. Emily checks in, but she’s especially busy this time of year. And what could be more ethical than a teacher trying to help her troubled student?”

Jordan’s argument was valid, she thought. The orphaned boy – her student – had already grabbed her heart to the point where it would be unethical not to help him in any way she could.

“The idea of moving in here…is huge. I have to consider whether it’s the right thing for Tyler. And yes, there’s the issue of my job. I hope to secure a permanent position at Snow Pass someday. Even if I agreed to stay, I’d have to check with the school first.”

“That’s understandable,” Jordan replied slowly. “But surely they won’t object if we’re not technically living together.”

It was crazy to even consider it. Being near him scared the living daylights out of her, let alone the idea of moving in next door. But…

Tyler needed her.

“You’ll consider my proposition then?” Jordan’s intense gaze sent her hormones into overdrive – again.

No! Her warning bell sounded. A sudden fear of the possible consequences, should she stay, sent chills through her. “I don’t know…”

A small, strangled cry cut through the night, stopping their discussion. Jordan moved first, rushing down the hallway, with Isabella close behind. He pushed into Tyler’s room and went to his bedside. Tyler was sitting up, sobbing uncontrollably.

“I want my mommy,” he cried.

“Tyler, I’m here,” Jordan whispered softly. He ran his hand over the boy’s head in an effort to calm him, but Tyler pulled away from his touch and flung himself back on the bed. He kicked his feet and his sobs shattered the quiet night.

Isabella watched the scene, waited for Jordan to hold his nephew. But when Tyler screamed for his mommy once more, Jordan’s eyes sent her a silent plea. Tyler must have seen her there, and he cried out, “Miss Stevens!”

She went to him without hesitation, bending over and pulling him up into her embrace. She sat down on the bed and gently rocked him in her arms. She caught Jordan’s stare over the top of Tyler’s head, reading the unspoken panic in the shimmering green depths of his eyes. It did something to her heart. In that moment, she felt for Jordan almost as much as she did for her orphaned student. The fact that this should have been her wedding night did not compare to their pain.

When Tyler’s sobs calmed, she kissed the top of his head and eased off the bed, laying him down and tucking his blanket under his chin. Jordan was standing close behind her and she turned, without looking up at him. “I’ll stay the night, in case Tyler wakes up again. But that’s all I can promise, for now.”

He nodded, and it seemed as if a partial weight lifted from his shoulders. “I’ll show you to the guesthouse…”

“No. I’ll stay here, in this chair by the bed. There’s an extra blanket, and it’s big enough, and comfortable-looking.” Jordan watched her, then unexpectedly reached out and swept his thumb along the curve of her jaw. Her heart beat wildly and she dared not look into his eyes. Thankfully, he dropped his hand and stepped back, inhaling a ragged breath.

“All of this has thrown me for a loop, Isabella.” Jordan’s tortured whisper broke into her thoughts and she finally looked at him. The soft glow from Tyler’s nightlight illuminated the sharp angles of his face. He shook his head cynically. “I’m struggling to figure this out, but I want to do what’s best for my nephew.”

“I want that, too.” She spoke firmly, surprising herself how well she hid her churning emotions. She wanted Tyler to have his Christmas wish come true – and knew it could never happen. “But we’ll have to see about my staying, okay?”

Jordan ran a hand through his hair and nodded. “Fair enough.” He left the room, then hesitated in the doorway. “Thank you, Isabella.”

“Goodnight,” she responded softly as he shut the door behind him. She wrapped her arms around herself and sat down in the oversized chair. Tyler’s calm, steady breathing did little to ease the terror that gripped her.

Even if the school administrator approved the proposed living arrangement, should she really agree to it? Could she move in next door to the dark stranger who swooped into her life, rescued her, and wreaked havoc on her senses? A man she’d only known for a few days?

The only thing stopping her from bolting was the orphaned child beside her. His cries haunted her. He’s been having trouble sleeping through the night…

She had to consider staying, for Tyler’s sake.

But even as she thought this, Isabella wondered if she had enough love left to give to the boy whose heart had been broken beyond measure. And enough courage to crack Jordan’s hard exterior, when her faith in men had been shaken so completely.

***

Isabella was waiting in Jordan’s kitchen, coffee brewing, by the time Tyler came down the hallway. She went to him and took his hand. He rubbed his eyes and looked up at her.

“Did you sleep here, Miss Stevens?”

Isabella hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “You fell asleep before your uncle could take me home last night, so I stayed.” She smiled at his innocent, wide-eyed stare. “Are you happy I’m here?” Her heart leapt as he nodded his head vigorously.

“Can I have some corn puffs?”

She was relieved last night’s trauma had passed, for now. “I’ll see if your uncle has some hidden in the cupboard.”

He nodded and moved to his toy box in the corner of the room. Isabella searched for the cereal, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the task. The coffee pot had already been pre-set to brew, so she hadn’t had to do that. When she found the cereal, she turned around. Jordan was there, pouring a cup of coffee and glancing at her out the corner of his eye. She didn’t know what mortified her the most – the fact that she’d been pillaging his cupboards, or her hormonal reaction to his clean-shaven good looks and dark hair, still damp from a shower. And then there was the fact that she’d simply splashed water on her face and rinsed her mouth this morning – not exactly attractive.

She raised a hand to her finger-combed hair. Jordan’s piercing gaze captured hers and a slight smile touched his lips.

“Good morning, Isabella.”

“Good morning.” She didn’t return his smile. “I was just getting Tyler some cereal.”

Tyler went to Jordan, stretching his neck up at his uncle’s tall frame. Isabella was touched as Jordan knelt to Tyler’s level. “Is Miss Stevens living here, Uncle Jordan?”

To her relief, Jordan focused on his nephew, tousling the young boy’s hair. “Well, I don’t know, Tyler. Would you like that?” Tyler nodded again, then turned hopeful eyes to her. Isabella didn’t know what to say. Thankfully, Jordan did. “Miss Stevens has to check with the school first, since she’s your teacher. But at the very least, I’d like her to spend some extra time with you till Christmas – is that okay with you?”

“It’s okay,” Tyler said, stepping up and taking a chair at the table. “But I’d like it if she lived here.”

Isabella took his bowl to the table and set it in front of him. “I think I’d like that, too, Tyler.” She winked down at the young boy. “We’ll see what the school says on Monday – okay?”

“Okay,” Tyler said, stuffing a bite of cereal in his mouth with one hand, and rolling a toy truck on the table with the other. She felt Jordan’s gaze on her. Finally, she looked at him.

“Would you like me to cook something for breakfast?”

“Absolutely not,” Jordan responded. “Sit down. I’ll cook.”

Isabella sat opposite Tyler at the table, staring out the large window behind him. She tried to focus on anything other than the awkwardness of being in Jordan Butler’s home while he cooked for her. Wow. She wanted to go back to her hotel room and hide under her covers. But she was here for Tyler.

And, as uncomfortable as she felt sitting here in the same clothes she’d worn yesterday, she was grateful to be in Colorado, with thousands of miles between her and Florida – and Phillip. She lowered her eyes, nervously playing with the corner of a napkin. Phillip Monroe was a pilot, based in Miami. She’d stayed in Florida for him – wasted years in that bad relationship. And all she’d come away with was the bitter wisdom to know better next time.

“Do you like omelets?” Jordan asked, bringing her out of her thoughts.

Isabella suppressed the familiar tears that came with her regret. “Oh – yes,” she replied, forcing a too-bright smile. Jordan regarded her, then nodded and went back to cooking. Refusing to waste another minute feeling sorry for herself, Isabella centered her thoughts on Tyler. He chewed his cereal and quietly pushed the metal truck along the designs in the tablecloth. He was an adorable boy, with dark hair and green eyes, just like his Uncle Jordan. The family resemblance was striking, and Isabella assumed Jordan’s brother must have looked very much like him.

“I was wondering…” Jordan pushed her breakfast in front of her, sitting next to her. “I’m on a tight schedule this morning – and I haven’t asked Emily to come by. Would you mind spending some time with Tyler today?”

“Well,” she started, touching her hair again. “I haven’t had a shower yet…”

“Of course, I’m sorry.” Isabella sensed the cool return of the emotionally distant man she’d met for the first time at the school. “You probably have your own plans for the day.”

“Well, no. I don’t, actually.” She looked over and noted Tyler was listening. “I’d love to spend the day with Tyler. If you wouldn’t mind driving us to my suite, I’ll freshen up and get my car. Maybe take Tyler to the mall. I haven’t had a chance to get out and about yet. And it’s Black Friday.” She winked at her student. “Maybe Tyler can help me find all the best holiday deals.”

“Would you like to go shopping with Miss Stevens today?” Jordan asked his nephew.

Tyler gave a short nod and a tiny smile. Isabella caught Jordan’s glance as she took a quick bite of her breakfast. Visibly swallowing, she said, “This is delicious. You’re a good cook, Jordan.”

Jordan shrugged, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. “I learned to do a lot of things on my own, out of necessity. My mother died when I was very young.” A look of dread touched his features, obviously remembering his nephew’s recent loss. Thankfully, Tyler was drinking the milk in his bowl, unaware of the adult conversation. Jordan cupped his hands over his plate and leaned his forehead into them. “Like I said…” he spoke softly “…I’m not used to this.”

Isabella reached out, touching his arm gently. Jordan’s gaze settled on her hand, so small in contrast to his muscular forearm. When he lifted his eyes to hers, there was an emotion in them that shot heat to her core. She pulled her hand back quickly, standing to take their dishes to the sink. Jordan stopped her with his words. “Why don’t you get your coat? I’ll take care of the dishes.”

***

Jordan stayed with Tyler in her apartment while Isabella quickly showered and threw on a pair of skinny jeans and an oversized white sweater, belted at the waist. She applied a light eye shadow and a touch of pink lip gloss, and blow-dried her hair straight. Jordan was seated on the edge of the bed with Tyler, watching a cartoon when she emerged from the bathroom. She saw the look of approval in his eyes, though he quickly stood and ruffled Tyler’s hair.

“Looks like I’m not needed anymore, buddy. I’m headed to work – have fun with Miss Stevens.”

Isabella met his gaze as she slipped on her boots. “Shall I bring him back here…?”

Jordan shook his head. “I’ll meet you at my house. Say, two o’clock?”

“Yes, that’s fine,” Isabella replied as he walked to the door.

“See you then.” He nodded and left.

Isabella used her GPS to navigate her way to the Park Meadows Mall. As she parked her car in an empty space, she absently noted how the sprawling structure looked like a giant-sized version of the Toy Shop on Reindeer Ridge. She led Tyler through the entrance into a colorful feast for the eyes. But, despite the festive decorations and the general air of excitement all around, Isabella had no success bringing Tyler out of a sudden bout of sadness. He withdrew, just like the day before Thanksgiving.

“What’s wrong, Tyler?” she asked gently.

They sat by the cozy fireplace in the center of the huge food court, watching an electric train go around the track beneath one of the many Christmas trees there. Isabella bought Tyler treats, but he barely took a bite or even spoke to her. After a moment, she sat back and sighed, assuming he wasn’t going to speak.

“Mommy brought me here last Christmas,” he said quietly. His surprising statement broke Isabella’s heart.

“That’s nice, Tyler,” she replied, treading softly. “Did your mommy take you to a special shop you’d like visit today?”

Tyler shook his head firmly. “She took me to see Santa…but he wasn’t the real one. Mommy told me it was okay – the real Santa knew what I wanted.” His chin trembled. Isabella sensed where this was leading, and she wanted to spare him the pain of his memories. But she assumed it was good to let him talk about it.

“He didn’t bring me what I wanted last Christmas,” Tyler continued. “But I wrote him a letter anyway, because you did, too.”

Isabella absorbed his words. Tyler believed Santa let him down last year. And this year, he’s asked for the impossible. She struggled for a solution as a new dread gripped her. She let her instincts guide her and asked, “What did you wish for last Christmas, Tyler?”

Tyler peeked at her, hesitating to trust her with such precious information. He kicked his foot up and down. Isabella reached over to smooth a lock of hair from his eyes and he stopped the nervous action.

“I wished for a dog,” he blurted. “But I didn’t tell Mommy, ’cause she would say no.”

Isabella felt a slight spark of hope. A dog was possible! Gently, she asked, “Why wouldn’t your mommy let you have a dog, Tyler?”

“Because they make her sick.” The words poured from him now. “I asked Santa for a magic dog that wouldn’t make her sneeze – but all he brought me was toys.” Tyler turned to Isabella and put his head against her shoulder. “I still want a dog,” he stated softly. “But I didn’t ask for one this year, ’cause then Mommy won’t come back.”