An Unexpected Gift (Insta-Spark Book 4) Read online

  Throughout it all, we touched. She swept her fingers over my skin, warming it as they went. I kept her close, my hand often buried in her wild hair to tilt her head back for a kiss. Chester slumbered away at the bottom of the bed, frequently stretching, pushing on my feet as he made himself more comfortable.

  The room became still. Finally, she asked, "How much longer to your parents' place?"

  "About four hours."

  "So you'll get there late afternoon."

  "I have to stop somewhere and pick up some gifts. This was such a last-minute decision, I didn't bring anything with me." I shuddered, thinking about entering a mall on Christmas Eve. I wasn't big on crowds.

  She sat up, tugging the blanket with her to cover her beautiful breasts. "Evan, there’s a lovely gift shop here. Local artisans. Tom's wife, Leslie, runs it. She doesn't open until noon, but I know she would let me bring you in early, if you'd like. You could pick out some things, she would wrap them for you, and you could drive straight through." She paused. "Then I wouldn't worry."

  "Worry?"

  "It gets dark early. I’d like to know you got to your parents’ before it got dark, especially today. I'll worry because of your car." She smiled even though I could see the deep sadness in her eyes. "I'm not sure there’ll be another diner for you to find open tonight."

  My breath caught. She was concerned about me again. She cared. I drew my fingers over her cheek and pulled her back down to me. She buried her face into my neck.

  "There will never be another diner—or another you, Angel."

  Her voice almost broke me. "Make love to me, one more time?"

  How could I say no?

  Hours later, I held out my credit card for the purchases. All picked out with the help of Holly, all tasteful, thoughtful gifts most people would be thrilled to receive. Handmade silk scarves for my mother and sister, carved business card holders for my brother and father, beautifully knitted items for my new niece, along with a handmade teddy bear with arms and legs that moved. There was even a hand-painted silk tie for my brother-in-law. I knew, though, my family would be unimpressed by the choices. No brand names, expensive trinkets, or extravagant gestures were in the gifts. None of them would be deemed acceptable. But I didn't say a word. I appreciated Holly’s assistance and enthusiasm. I knew she thought the gifts would be accepted and enjoyed. I refused to tell her otherwise—she had been so delighted and wanted to help; I couldn't bear to disappoint her. The gifts would find homes elsewhere, but not with my family. Of that, I had no doubt.

  The gifts Holly helped me pick for the Whittaker family would, I knew, be treasured and loved simply because they came from me. Those gifts, I found joy in purchasing. Holly had great taste, and surprisingly, the shop was filled with a vast assortment of beautiful and useful items. I saw the way Holly’s eyes lit up at some of the items she looked at, and I had to resist the urge to buy them all for her. She would hate that. This was something she wanted to do for me, and she didn't want it to be about her at all.

  I accepted the bags of wrapped gifts, Holly having asked Leslie to keep the two groups separate, and we walked to the truck, my heart growing heavier with each step.

  We were silent on the drive back to her house, and I followed her inside, my stomach clenching and throat going dry at the thought of what would happen next.

  She had to go to work, and I had to finish my drive and go see my family. Our time was done. The unexpected gift of her sweet, caring nature was about to end. After Tom had called, we'd made love, showered in her small bathroom, and shared some more time in her kitchen, sipping coffee, neither of us hungry for food. My car had been picked up and was now beside hers outside, ready to go.

  For a moment, we stood in her tiny kitchen, staring at each other, and then she was in my arms. I lifted her up, holding her tight.

  "My Angel," I whispered against her ear. "What you've given me these past hours—I can't even begin to say thank you."

  Her arms tightened. "You are so much more than you give yourself credit for, Evan. You have such a beautiful soul. Don't let them take that away from you." Her lips touched mine in a gentle caress. "Live your life for you. Find what makes you happy and grab it. Act on that happiness."

  She began to step back, but I held on. I couldn't let her go—not yet. The words were out of my mouth before I realized. "I need more time."

  "What?"

  "I need more time with you."

  "But your family—"

  "Will be there tomorrow. They don't even know I'm coming, so it doesn't matter if I show up today or tomorrow. You told me to act on what makes me happy. You make me happy."

  "I have to go to work."

  "That's fine. I'll be here when you get home. Spend the evening with me. Let me wake up with you tomorrow morning. Christmas morning. I want to wake up with someone who cares about me." I paused. "Whom I care about. I want to wake up with you."

  She stared at me, her eyes wide with anxiety and longing. They reflected the same emotions I was feeling.

  "Please give me this, Holly. A few more hours is all I’m asking."

  "Yes," she murmured. “I want you to stay.”

  I pulled her close, feeling as if I could breathe again. I knew I was only delaying the inevitable, but for now, I could stay and be with her. Tomorrow was hours away.

  Today, I had her.

  5

  Evan

  "I'll drive you to work," I offered, my arms still looped around her waist. I felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. As if I had given myself a gift today—a gift of her.

  "Oh, um, I have a couple errands to run. The diner won't be busy, so Judy and I cover for each other for an hour, then we can get things done—so I’ll need my truck."

  I glanced out the window at her mammoth vehicle in the driveway. In the light, I could see how old and decrepit it was. I had thought it a dull red in the dark last night, but today I could see the rust on the body was what was holding it together, covering the gray the truck used to be. But she insisted it was roadworthy, and I had no choice but to accept it.

  "All right,” I agreed. “But before you go, I need to know where a couple of places are in town."

  Holly laughed, her eyes no longer sad. "What are you going to do while I'm gone?"

  I grinned, feeling lighter than I had since I woke up. I had more time with her.

  "I’ve got some stuff to do. Then Chester and I will hang out."

  She narrowed her eyes, looking suspicious. "Stuff? What are you up to, Evan Brooks?"

  I liked how my name sounded rolling off her tongue, the bossiness of her tone as she settled one hand on her hip and acted stern. She was too cute.

  "I'm going to cook you dinner."

  "You cook?"

  I snorted. "I live by myself in a small town. There’s no fast food close. It was either learn to cook or starve. I do pretty well." I winked at her. "You do like tacos, right?"

  "Um, sure."

  Laughing, I pulled her back into my arms. "I can do a little better than that. I'll follow you, and you can point out where the grocery store is."

  "And you'll be here when I get back?"

  I kissed her, liking the thought of being here, waiting for her. "Yes."

  She sighed, the sound happy and content. She lifted up on her toes and kissed me in return. "Okay."

  I followed Holly all the way to the diner, some odd sense of needing to make sure she was okay filling my head. She hopped out of her truck and approached my car, bending low into the window.

  “Not necessary, Evan. The truck looks awful, but Tom keeps it running well.”

  “Maybe I just like following you. You have an awesome tailgate.”

  She blinked, then started to giggle. I grinned at her amusement, loving the fact that it was me who made her smile. She leaned in and kissed me, her tongue gliding along my bottom lip. I slid my hand up her neck and kissed her back, groaning low in my throat, desire for her building fast. She pulled ba
ck, her cheeks flushed.

  “Wow, you can kiss.”

  I tugged on her neck. “Come back, and I’ll show you some more.”

  She laughed and stepped away from the car. She touched her mouth, shaking her head. “Later, Evan.”

  I watched her walk away, leaning out my window, unable to help myself.

  “Yep,” I called. “Awesome tailgate.”

  Her laughter drifted across the parking lot. She paused at the door, peering over her shoulder. She blew me a kiss I pretended to catch, then she disappeared. I grinned all the way back into town.

  I pulled back into the parking lot at Leslie’s store, not surprised to find it busy. She looked at me oddly when I walked in, then approached me once she was finished with her customer.

  “Changed your mind about one of your gifts, Evan?”

  I ran my hand along the back of my neck. “Ah, no. Change of plans. I need a few more presents.” I paused. “For Holly.”

  A smile lit her face. “That, I can help you with.”

  I returned her smile. “I was hoping you’d say that.” I sucked in a deep breath. “I want to spoil her a little.”

  “Then let’s go shopping.”

  Hours later, I looked around, making sure everything was in place. A small tree was set up in the corner, the white lights and pretty ornaments I had bought shining in the dark. Some bright parcels were nestled underneath. I had even remembered a small gift for Chester. Earlier, I had resisted the urge to buy everything I had seen Holly's eyes linger on when we’d been shopping together for my family’s gifts, but I did get some things I knew she would like. Special ones, just like her. Leslie helped guide me to choose the perfect ones, although one I had chosen alone. But from the way Leslie’s eyes had lit up, I knew I had chosen well. She had her assistant wrap them all, so they were festive and pretty under the tree.

  I resisted adding any other decorations to Holly’s place, but I did get some flowers for her and added some scented candles I had seen at Leslie’s. As I was setting things up, I realized how sparse the house was of regular decor. Her roommate, Connie, kept the place only for a home base, but it made me unhappy to think that Holly was so used to having nothing static in her life, she simply didn't think to make where she was living into a home for herself. She had never known that, and she didn't think herself worthy of the effort.

  While I was out, I had picked up a couple of Christmas movies to watch and some snacks when I was at the small grocery store. The thought of spending the evening on the sofa with Holly curled up beside me made me absurdly happy. I wanted the night to be a good one for both of us. Two lonely people enjoying spending some time together at a time of year when being alone seemed so much darker than usual. I ignored the small part of my brain telling me it wasn't going to be possible to be alone again after today. That I wasn't going to be able to walk away from Holly. I liked how I felt when I was with her; she banished the sadness that seemed to hover over everything I did.

  I shook my head to stop those thoughts. I only had until tomorrow with her.

  I checked the dinner in the oven and made sure the wine was getting cold. I hoped she would enjoy the meal I’d made for us. I wasn't a gourmet cook and the stuffing was from a package, but my roast chicken was usually pretty stellar. I did hope Holly could make gravy, though. Mine was always resembled dark water, usually with lumps.

  Headlights shone in the window, and I hurried to the door. I had it open before she even reached the steps, and I stepped outside, pulling her into the warm house and my arms. We both sighed as our bodies met. I nuzzled the top of her head and then lifted her chin so I could kiss her.

  It had been too long since her lips were against mine.

  The bags she was holding fell to the floor, and she tugged herself against me. Groaning, I covered her lips with mine possessively. I cupped the back of her head, holding her close to my mouth, my tongue swirling and caressing, welcoming her home. She felt so right against me.

  "Hi," I murmured against her lips. "How was your day?"

  “It was fine,” she responded breathlessly. "Although I’m hoping, not as good as my night."

  I liked that.

  I pulled her farther into the house, smiling at her reaction to the small tree I had bought.

  "You can, ah, plant it later," I explained.

  "Why are there gifts under the tree, Evan?"

  "Oh, um…some fat guy in a red suit was here. I couldn't stop him."

  She laughed as she bent down and added a couple of parcels to the small pile. "Funny. He dropped by the diner and left these."

  "Wow, he gets around."

  She stood, and I wrapped my arm around her waist. Christmas music played quietly in the background. The lights glowed in the dark—they reflected on the bows and shiny paper packages tucked beneath the tree. The candles flickered and danced, their shadows playing on the walls. It was peaceful and perfect.

  Holly sighed, pressing herself back against me. "Thank you."

  I kissed her head. "You're welcome."

  Holly sat back, smiling at me. The house she lived in had no dining room, so we ate side by side at the counter, our hands often touching, the occasional kiss shared as we ate our dinner together. Holly could, indeed, make gravy, and she patiently walked me through the steps as she mixed and seasoned, tasting until it was right. I doubted I would ever be as proficient as she was, but I let her think I had it down pat.

  "That was amazing."

  "Your gravy made it work. We're a good team."

  She leaned forward, nuzzling my lips. "We are. It was a wonderful Christmas dinner. Thank you."

  A realization hit me.

  This time, this simple dinner, was how I would remember this Christmas. Not seeing my family. Not the disappointment I feared would happen with trying and failing to fit in with people who never seemed to want me.

  No, I would remember Holly. Her warmth. Her acceptance.

  Melancholy filled me, and I stood, needing to move. I grabbed our plates, walking over to the sink. A minute later, Holly joined me, wrapping her arms around me from behind. Her warmth soothed me, and I covered her hand that was resting on my chest. We were both silent for a moment, both of us feeling something in the air around us.

  "Want to take a walk and see the lights before we have dessert and watch a movie?" she asked tenderly.

  I turned and pulled her into my arms. "Yes."

  Arm in arm, we strolled the streets, looking at the lights, stopping often to comment on a pretty house or chuckling over some badly done efforts. The night was dark, the moon full, and the stars in the clear sky bright and twinkling over us as we walked, often passing other couples and families out doing the same thing. The air was cold, but not as cold as it had been. Still, though, it was a good excuse to keep Holly close to my side.

  At one point, we stopped at a house that was brightly lit, with a variety of decorations and displays out front. There was a large tree in the window, ablaze with colorful lights, and you could see the family inside—Mom, Dad, and two small children running around the room. We watched as, with help, they hung up their stockings before their parents lifted them, laughing, and carried them down the hall, no doubt to tuck them in for the night. I felt my throat tighten at the overwhelming feeling of sudden longing. Glancing down, I saw the expression on Holly's face. The vulnerable sadness I saw made me wince, and I knew she was feeling the same thing. Wanting something you thought you would never have.

  "You want that, Holly? A house…kids?"

  She sighed, a shaky, low sound of sadness. "I don't know how to be…that," she whispered, her hand indicating the now-empty window.

  "Why?"

  "I've never settled anywhere. My entire life has been one town after another. I only stayed here because I was so tired of moving. But even now, I know I'm not going to stay. I'll go to school and then somewhere else—" Her voice quavered. "I don't ever want to subject a child to that. Especially my own. It's just too har
d. You never feel…safe."

  I shook my head. She would be an amazing mother and partner. Her caring and warmth made her a natural. She couldn't see it, because she didn't see herself clearly.

  I squeezed her against my side. "I think you're wrong. I think you're going to find your place. And you'll flourish. You have too much love in you not to."

  She looked back at the window and sighed.

  Pulling her close, I pressed a kiss to her crown. There was nothing else I could say.

  6

  Evan

  The movie was almost over. Holly was curled into me, the room dark except for the lights of our little tree and the dull glow from the TV. My arm was around her, my fingers caressing her shoulder as we chuckled over Chevy Chase's ridiculous antics. We had already watched A Christmas Carol and decided we needed something a little more upbeat for the second movie. She had been quiet for the last few moments and looking down, I saw her eyes were shut, her breathing deep and even. She was so tired. She didn't get much sleep last night because of me, and then she worked again today. Smiling, I shut off the TV and carefully lifted her into my arms, carrying her down the hall and laying her on the bed. She stirred, her eyes blinking open, and she gazed up at me sleepily. "Hi."

  I nuzzled her head. "It's late. Go to sleep."

  She held out her arms. "Stay."

  I shut off the light and slipped in beside her after I pulled off my clothes. Wrapping my arms around her, I sighed. There was nowhere else I wanted to be.

  Part of me, though, wished she were asking for forever.

  The first thing I saw the next morning were Holly's blue eyes staring at me, wide and excited. Between us was a fuzzy stocking that she pushed toward me.

  Grinning, I pulled myself upright. "For me?"

  She nodded.