The Christmas Catch by Ginny Baird Read Free Book Online

didn’t have to remind Christine what sex he was. Every
time he centered his blue gaze on hers, she remembered through and through. He
was so capable at so many things it sent her heart awhirl. She just bet the women
were after him in this tiny town, probably in all of greater Burlington too. Not
just the coeds, either. Adult women, single ones, widows, and
divorcees. John was intelligent, handsome, and kind. Just the sort of
man it was easy to envision spending more time with.
    This past week had been like a dream. Christine hated the
thought that her vacation would soon be over and that this wonderful existence
would end. But that’s what getaways were for, stepping back from your normal
routine. She couldn’t hope to have anyone as wonderful as John in her life for
the long term. She’d found her Prince Charming once and real life didn’t grant
a lot of second chances. So she’d determined to enjoy this moment while she
could. Being around John felt good, so relaxed and natural. Who knew? Maybe
they could keep up after this trip, sort of like long-distance friends?
Christine frowned at the thought of leaving John behind for another woman to
snap up as a boyfriend, but she had no doubt that it would happen over time.
    “My cooking’s not that bad,” John said with a laugh.
    She met his eyes, realizing he’d been expounding on his
culinary talents, and she’d missed every word. “I’m sure it’s delicious, every
bite.”
    “Really?” he said with a grin. “I never figured you for
Cajun food. I’ll have to make something for you sometime.”
    The way he said it was almost like he was in denial that she
was leaving too. Would they just go on like this, then? Carrying on like
congenial neighbors until it was time for her and Ty to board their plane? What
else could Christine expect? Getting involved with John romantically would
prove a mess. It would be bad for Tyler to become attached if things were not
to work out. Christine felt a twisting in her gut, worrying that she’d already
done the wrong thing in having them spend so much time with John. But, as long
as Tyler understood the truth, that they were merely friends, would that
ultimately matter? It was good to have friends in the world. Isn’t that what
she always told Ty? The more the merrier?
    “Would you like me to open some wine?” John asked , looking and sounding a little puzzled.
    Christine shook off her reverie, embarrassed at having been
so consumed by her own thoughts. “That would be terrific,” she said, feeling as
if having a drink was a fine idea. She was getting overwrought, making too much
out of nothing. Perhaps a glass of wine might calm her nerves enough to help
her enjoy the rest of the pleasant evening with a terrific guy. “I’ll grab a
bottle from the bar in the great room,” she said. “Would you like red or
white?”
    “What are you in the mood for?”
    Christine knew he didn’t mean it as a double entendre, but
she felt herself blushing just the same. If circumstances were different and
she and John starting an actual courtship, she could envision herself being in
the mood for all sorts of things, not the least of which might involve John
bringing his mouth to hers. She envisioned running her hands across his broad,
muscular chest and slowly unbuttoning his shirt, hearing him moan. Christine
gulped. “I’m partial to reds,” she said with a squeak. She walked over to the
built-in wine rack and rummaged clumsily through the bottles, reading labels
and finding two varieties. “What sounds best? A cabernet sauvignon or merlot?”
    “Let’s have the merlot,” he said, approaching from the kitchen.
    “Do you think you can grab a corkscrew from the drawer by
the sink?” she asked, needing an extra moment to collect herself .
Christine smoothed out her hair and adjusted her sweater, hoping the five
pounds she’d gained these past two years wouldn’t put him off. Not that she was
interested in turning him on. God,