Captive at Christmas by Danielle Taylor Read Free Book Online

expertly carved toy soldiers and even a nutcracker. Small, medium and large round globes, like Christmas balls, and each had a unique design. Every single decoration one might hope to find on a tree.
    And he did this just for her.
    When she turned to face him, John stood just about a foot away from her, shifting his weight from side to side, and his expression, for once, was completely readable. The man had no idea if she was fond of his peace offering or not. His hopeful smile and wide eyes begged to know that she did. Hannah knew that it would be hit or miss, but she decided that the best way to tell him how much she appreciated his gesture would be to show him. Keeping her movements slow and deliberate, she approached John, keenly aware of the growing sexual tension between them. He watched her, still wearing the same look.
    Standing less than an inch from him, she closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest while sliding her arms around his hard torso. John tensed, holding his breath for a few seconds and then, he gripped her tight. Like he was drowning and needed her as his lifeline. She matched his grasp as best she could and felt John press his lips to the top of her head.
    “Hannah…” He spoke her name rough and breathlessly, molding her body to his.
    Heart pounding in her chest, she couldn’t turn her head to look into his face, fearing that she might try and kiss him. “Thank you, John. This is the best Christmas tree I’ve ever had.”
    A groan reverberated in his chest. “You’re welcome.” He released her and put some distance between them. “I uh, need the shower.”
    “John.” She took his hand and he paused, regarding her with such affection that it brought tears to her eyes. “Don’t run away. Sit with me?” She motioned to the couch.
    It felt like years between the time he forced out a hard and thoroughly pained sigh, and nodded his head. He allowed her to lead him there and sat down next to her. Though she should have fought it, Hannah could not resist the urge to rest her head on his chest. “I um, I think we just need to admit that there is a certain amount of…concupiscence between us–”
    “Con-what?”
    Hannah laughed into her palm before meeting his confused stare. “Um, it means…sexual attraction.”
    “Oh.” His face reddened and John pulled her face back to his chest, most likely so she wouldn’t see him blushing.
    “So, I uh, I guess we should set some more ground rules.” When he tensed, she pressed her hand to his heart. It pounded violently beneath her touch. “It’s just…I’m not the kind of woman who– I mean, I can’t just turn my feelings off. Not the way that you seem to be able to, you know?”
    “Ah…yes. I know. So what you’re saying is, no more throwing myself at you?”
    The breath caught in her throat when he squeezed her waist and let out a deep, sexy growl of laughter. John was teasing again, but at least this time his playful laugh was not meant to insult her. Grinning, Hannah took advantage of the moment and snuggled closer while admiring her tree. At the very least, he seemed to be opening up.
    That afternoon, since they had a tree, Hannah decided to start the Christmas baking. In only two days, she would celebrate the holiday with someone for the first time in years. Someone other than the people she worked with and their families, that is. Though she never complained about it and never would, Hannah missed having a family of her own during the holidays.
    Six hours later, she smiled at the assortment of treats on cooling racks. It had been far too long since she ate butter tarts and was just putting water in the back of the coffee machine to make a pot when John came inside. A few hours earlier, he went out to chop some wood for the fire, braving the flurries and wind. When his eyes landed on her, they widened and the basket of wood almost dropped from his hands as he burst out laughing.
    “What?” Hannah scowled, hoping that