Unexpected Chances by Carly Phillips Read Free Book Online Page A

forced a smile for his mother’s sake.
    Kate continued talking. “I told Dylan I expected you both for dinner tomorrow night. It is Christmas Eve, after all.”
    Before Dylan’s return, Nicole had invited her over but she hadn’t decided whether she’d rather be alone. “That’s sweet but I’m not sure what my plans are yet,” Holly hedged. She and Dylan hadn’t made any more plans to see each other, and she didn’t want his choices to be influenced by his mother’s command.
    But Kate waved a hand, dismissing Holly’s words. “Your mother would never forgive me if I left you alone on the holiday when she was with her sister. Besides, look at all the food in the cart. I’ll cook all day tomorrow. Dylan’s already agreed, so it’s settled.”
    Holly inhaled deeply and let the decision be made for her. “Then at least let me bring dessert.”
    “Nonsense, honey. You just spend time with Dylan and let me worry about dinner. Just bring yourself around four. Okay?”
    “Okay,” she said, knowing she’d bring something anyway. “I look forward to it.” Which was true. She’d love to spend the holiday with Dylan and his family.
    She just hoped Dylan felt the same way.
    *     *     *
    Dylan returned from his meeting with the real estate agent on an all-time high. He’d found the perfect parcel of land and had already made an offer. If he closed his eyes, he could envision exactly the kind of house he wanted to build there. He returned to Holly’s, whistling as he rang the bell and waited for her to answer.
    She opened the door, a smile on her face that widened when she saw him. She wore casual sweats and a pink sweatshirt she’d cut at the arms and across the middle. With her tousled curls and lightly made-up face, she looked delicious, good enough to eat and definitely good enough to come home to every single day.
    He grinned and whistled louder.
    “Someone’s in a good mood,” she said.
    He stepped inside and swung her through the air before setting her bare feet down on the floor. But not before letting her slide down the length of his body and feel how much he’d missed her. “I’m just enjoying life.”
    She looked at him curiously, and her gaze narrowed as she studied him. “So just where were you that put you in such a good mood?”
    “I was Christmas shopping. For you,” he said, teasing her.
    “You were out doing something for me?” Her blue eyes twinkled with delight.
    “You bet.” He debated whether to tell her about the land now or wait to give her her gift until Christmas Eve, like in his dream.
    A chimelike ring sounded from the kitchen, drawing his attention. “I didn’t realize I left my cell here.” He thought he’d left it at his mother’s place.
    Holly nodded. “It’s been ringing all afternoon. I’m guessing your voice mail picked it up.”
    He could hear the withdrawal in her voice, and he rolled his suddenly stiff shoulders. The last thing he needed or wanted was his other life intruding on the headway he’d been making with Holly, but he couldn’t afford to be out of touch for too long.
    He glanced towards the kitchen. “Let me check the messages and then we can talk, okay?”
    She nodded. “Sure. I’ve got some gifts of my own to wrap,” she said with a wink and left him alone.
    He grabbed a pen and a sheet of paper and retrieved his messages, jotting down notes of who’d called. Then, he returned the most pressing messages.
    Holly entered the kitchen to find Dylan on the phone, pad and paper in front of him. She stepped inside, not wanting to bother him, but he gestured for her to come in, indicating she wasn’t intruding on a private conversation.
    Still, he was obviously absorbed in the discussion, and as she passed by the table, she saw he was noting figures and names on the paper, then tossing alternative numbers and people back at the person on the other end of the phone. He was animated and engaged, and it was obvious to Holly he loved