A Daddy Sent by Santa by Susan Carlisle

Author:Susan Carlisle
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-08-14T13:54:09+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

LAUREN COULDN’T BELIEVE she’d kissed Paxton like that. Over the next two days, she’d expected him to try to kiss her back. She’d already tossed out caution like old clothes—she wanted him to kiss her with every fiber of her being. Despite jitters of anticipation keeping her alert to Paxton’s every move and word, it didn’t happen. He remained professional the entire time, much to her disappointment, despite her warning that it should be that way between them. If his goal was to have her on edge, he had achieved it.

It had been years since she’d last felt that distinct feminine yearning for a man simmering below the surface. The zip that made her feel vibrantly alive. Being a mother was fulfilling but there was nothing like being desired by a man. Paxton had made it clear he wanted her and yet...

Their highly personal conversation had moved their relationship to a new level. In a sad way they had bonded over a terrible time in each of their lives. As different as their outside worlds were, their private ones had been a lot alike.

* * *

On Friday evening, she left for the day without any indication from him that he might turn up for dinner or that she would see him over the weekend. With reluctance, she gave up hope on any further intimacy between them. It was better that way. There was no chance for hurt on either side. They’d both had enough of that. Already she’d let Paxton Samuels matter far more than he should.

It was Christmastime and the community dinner and dance was tomorrow evening. She planned to concentrate on having a good time without him.

With her resolution made, she dressed for the event on Saturday, pushing Paxton out of her thoughts. Shawn looked so cute in his new outfit. She’d enjoyed putting on her red dress and knowing her appearance was at its best. The annual event was her favorite one of the year.

The community center had never looked more festive. The ladies in town had outdone themselves, decorating. A large tree stood in the corner with colorful bright lights adorning its boughs. Beneath were presents of all shapes and sizes for the smaller children. Lauren pointed them out to her wide-eyed son, who was holding on to her hand as though she might vanish.

The tables were draped with dark green cloths with red runners going down the center. Candles flickered in tall holders positioned at regular intervals. Napkins and silverware dressed each dining space.

Long tables had been pushed together and covered with matching green cloths to form the buffet table. They were so heavy with food Lauren imagined they almost groaned beneath their burden. She grinned. It was an unwritten rule that there was competition between the women over who had brought the best dish.

Everybody was dressed in their holiday finery. A small dance floor had been set up in the center of the room with an even smaller stage nearby. The overhead

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