Paper Wishes by Jennifer M. Eaton

Author:Jennifer M. Eaton [Eaton, Jennifer M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Astraea Press LLC
Published: 2013-08-12T04:00:00+00:00

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“Goodnight, Uncle Jack!” Nicky jumped up, threw her arms around his broad shoulders, and squeezed.

Jack closed his eyes as he held her. The contentment melting into the otherwise chiseled lines in his cheeks warmed my heart.

“Well, thanks for making Christmas extra special for me and my dad, kiddo.” He eased her back down to the floor.

Her grin lit up the entryway as I hung my purse on a hook by the stairs and kicked off my loafers. I could swear the steam drifted up from my feet as my sore toes touched the cool flooring.

“Okay, Nicky. Off to bed. It’s been a big day.”

She squashed me in a bear hug. “You bet it has!” Her grip tightened, smashing auburn curls against my blouse. “I love you so much, Mom.” Her hushed breath tickled my neck. “I’m so happy about you and Uncle Jack.” She kissed my cheek, and her eyes narrowed as she pushed a strand of my hair over my shoulder. “There. You look even prettier now. Wish I had long, dark hair like yours.”

She ran up the steps, stopped midway, and looked down toward us. A giggle escaped her lips before she continued toward her room.

“Someone’s a little excited about Christmas.” Jack slipped his arm around my shoulder. “She didn’t even get to play with any of her stuff. I’m surprised she wasn’t mad about us leaving right away this morning. I would have flipped out at her age.”

“Some gifts are better than toys.” I leaned into his loose embrace and pretended to adjust his tie. Being so close didn’t seem awkward anymore. Had it ever felt awkward? I’d always been drawn to Jack. Warmth and comfort encompassed me simply by being in the same room with him. Why hadn’t I considered him as more than a friend? Why hadn’t I recognized these wonderful feelings as attraction? Why had I always pushed him away?

His hands slipped around my waist, pulling me closer. Tingles of excitement rippled through my body before a wave of uncertainty broke them. Am I ready for this? Doesn’t he deserve more than being saddled down with a divorcee and her kid?

“I meant everything I said this morning, Jilly-Jill. I’ve been crazy about you for years.”

Trembling, I allowed my gaze to take in the warmth of his eyes. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

He released his hold on my waist and stepped back. “Well, you were married for one thing, and you guys seemed great together.” He ran his fingers through his thick brown hair. “I felt so stinking guilty for being happy when you and Bill started to fight.”

I flinched. The sound of my ex-husband’s name forced bile into my throat. “That part of my life is behind me. I don’t want to think about it anymore.”

Jack leaned down and kissed my cheek. “I know. I’m sorry I brought it up.”

He held me close, and I relished the comfort of his embrace. Gentle fingers massaged my neck, releasing the tension that grabbed hold the second I’d heard Bill’s name.

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