I'm Your Santa by Dianne Castell Read Free Book Online Page A

impression, did it?”
    Kent shrugged. “They say you can tell the character of a man by the way he interacts with kids and pets.”
    â€œHe loves animals,” Beth rushed to say in Levi’s defense. “He doesn’t have any of his own right now. He says it wouldn’t be fair when he works so much. But if he ever settles down and gets married…” That thought petered off because, really, the person Levi mentioned marrying was her.
    Her new discontent made Kent grin. “So you’ve seen him at work, huh?”
    â€œBrandon and I used to go to the soccer matches. I enjoyed it more than Brandon did, so I volunteered to help Levi on field day. It was fun.”
    â€œI see.” Kent rubbed his chin. “You always did like kids, too.”
    â€œThey’re great.”
    â€œBrandon doesn’t like kids?”
    â€œI guess he does. But he always had to work, so he couldn’t help out with other stuff. You know how it is in the medical field.”
    â€œHe sounds like a good man, honey.”
    â€œBrandon?”
    Kent laughed. “I used to think so, but now I’d just say he’s an ass.” His voice softened. “I meant Levi.”
    â€œOh. Yes, I guess he is.” Beth didn’t want to speculate on just how good Levi could be. Brooke saved her by walking in just then.
    When Kent looked at his wife, something a little primitive gleamed in his eyes.
    Beth saw it, and was amazed.
    Own up to your feelings, the women had told her. It had sure worked out for Grace, Sierra, and Brooke.
    Before Brooke reached them, Kent was on his feet. He greeted her with a gentle, short, but somehow intimate kiss that left Brooke flushed.
    Clearing her throat, Beth pushed to her feet and said, “I’ll let you two get out of here. It’s getting late and I’ve kept you long enough.”
    Brooke leaned against Kent. “We were planning Christmas dinner when you arrived.”
    â€œIt’s at our house this year.” Kent looped his arm around Brooke as if he’d been cuddling her all his life. “I know Christmas is a few days away, but we hope you can stay for an extended visit.”
    â€œI’d like that, thanks.”
    Nonchalant, Brooke said, “And Levi? Will he be staying, too?”
    Beth had no idea. “He’s on a break right now, but,” she warned them, “even during the holidays and summer he has things for the school that he works on. Sometimes he takes additional classes, and he often works with the soccer team.”
    â€œJust let us know when you can,” Kent told her.
    â€œI will. Now go.” Beth shooed them toward the door where their coats hung. “That snow’s piling up, and the temperature is dropping more by the minute. I’d hate to see you get stuck in this storm.”
    â€œBeth,” Brooke said, “you know if you want to talk to either us at any time, we’re only a phone call away.”
    Her heart softened. It was so nice to see her father happily settled with such a wonderful woman. “Thank you. I’m fine, I promise.”
    â€œEither way,” Kent said, “give me a call tomorrow, okay?”
    â€œWill do.”
    Kent gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Try to get some rest tonight.”
    Alone in a room with Levi? Not likely. But Beth smiled in an attempt to look agreeable.
    As soon as her father and Brooke left, Beth girded herself, locked her trembling hands together, and went to find her room with Levi.
    With every step she took, her anxiety grew. Would Levi keep his word and his physical distance, or would he finish what he started in the kitchen.
    It was a toss-up on which one Beth would prefer the most.
    Â 
    When the tentative knock sounded on the door, Levi practically leaped off the bed. He swung the door open and there stood Beth. She looked a little uneasy, and a little turned on.
    Damn.
    This had to be the worst idea