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Lynn had feared that looking forward to Friday would cause the next few days to drag, but instead they flew by. She was swamped at work and Benjamin had ramped up practices and off-ice training in anticipation of a short road trip the following week. Other than a few quick conversations in the halls of the arena, they had no face-to-face interactions.
The late-night calls had continued, though. And the connection between them had grown deeper as they discussed mundane things like movies and music, favourite colours and food they liked.
Now she paced nervously in front of the living room window as she waited for him to arrive. Not that she was worried about the party. No, she was worried about what would happen after.
Because she’d decided that, if she had anything to do with it, Benjamin would be staying the night. He’d made it clear he wanted time alone with her. She didn’t intend to send him home unsatisfied a third time.
The noise of the hot air popper, almost loud enough to drown out her thoughts, cut off suddenly and Oscar’s teenage babysitter Makayla came in from the kitchen, carrying a metal bowl heaped with fluffy kernels.
“You look great, Lynn.” She plopped onto the sofa and spoke around the mouthful she’d shovelled in. “That dress is awesome.”
“Thanks.” She smoothed the thin, slinky fabric over her hips. It was midnight blue shot through with silver threads and the hem just skimmed her knees. The cowl neck drooped low over her breasts and she’d drawn attention to her cleavage with a chunky silver necklace. Despite the fresh snow and old ice coating the ground outside, she was daring to wear stiletto heels. It would give her an excuse to cling to Benjamin’s arm.
Makayla picked up the remote and clicked to Netflix. She’d come over more than an hour ago and taken care of Oscar’s bedtime routine so Lynn could get ready without a toddler underfoot. He was now in his crib, though still fussing. Lynn hoped he’d be asleep by the time Benjamin showed up. It made it easier to leave him if he was already out for the night.
She peeked through the curtains—again—and her heart bumped as a car pulled into the driveway, headlights brilliant in the deep dark. Her pulse slowed when Stephanie appeared and lowered herself gracefully through the passenger door. Lynn crossed her fingers, thrilled and nervous in equal parts. Stephanie was bringing Peter as her date—the first time she’d be introducing a friend to the Silverberry Book Club, too.
This evening could be a turning point for both of them.
Five minutes later another set of headlights illuminated the cedar hedge separating Lynn’s drive from the one next door. “Benjamin’s here.” She checked the monitor one more time. “I think Oscar’s out now.”
Makayla waved a hand. “We’ll be fine. Have a good night.”
“I’m going to try.” She slipped into her three-quarter length white faux fur jacket, picked up the spangled clutch containing her phone and other necessities, and made her way down the stairs as a quiet knock sounded. She opened the door, the bells on the Christmas wreath tinkling.
Framed against the night, Benjamin’s shoulders blended into the blackness. His white button-down glowed like moonlight between the lapels of his open dark wool coat and his short, newly cut hair glinted in the beams falling through the doorway. The faint whiff of a spicy cologne drifted toward her, making her want to lean in and inhale.
“Merry Christmas. Sorry I’m late.” He twisted and offered his elbow. “Your sleigh awaits.”
She took his arm, tinglingly aware of the lean muscles under the layers of fabric. “Well, thank you, kind sir.” She called softly up the stairs. “Phone if you need anything, Makayla.”
“I will. Don’t worry about a thing.” A disembodied hand waved goodbye over the back of the couch.
She shut the door and followed Benjamin to his car. Their breath puffed in white clouds and chill nipped at her bare legs, but once inside she relaxed into the warmth of the heated seat.
He slid under the steering wheel and turned his torso toward her. “You look like a Russian princess in that coat.” His appreciative gaze swept over her, warming her from her frigid fingertips to her chilly toes.
“Thank you. I feel like it. It’s so soft and luxurious.” She combed her fingers through the fur. “Merry Christmas to you, by the way. You’re looking very handsome.” He was attractive even in his nylon coaching uniform, but she had a feeling that, once she had a good look at him when they reached Helen’s, attractive might be too weak a word.
She hoped she could wait until after the party was over to jump his bones.
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LYNN LOOKED REGAL AND untouchable with her hair piled high like a crown and diamond studs winking in her ears. But her smile was warm and familiar, and Benjamin relaxed. He’d been looking forward to tonight all week.
Looking forward. That did little to describe the anticipation with which he’d prepared for the evening.
She directed him efficiently to a neighbourhood with wide roads that climbed and wound up the side of a hill. “I haven’t come this way in years.” He turned right, passing large homes, many sporting trendy Christmas decorations that brightened the December dark. “I didn’t know any of this existed.”
“It’s a newer subdivision. Helen and Nathan—the couple hosting the party—bought it after they married this year. They used to be neighbours in a different part of town. That’s how they met. But they decided they wanted a place that was theirs, not his or hers.”
He glanced over. If he didn’t know better, he’d say Lynn was nervous. Was it something to do with Oscar? Or was it him? “Everything all right?”
She bit her lip but didn’t answer his question. “It’s that one. The house with the tree full of white lights.”
He pulled to a stop at the curb and turned off the engine. Her profile was limned by the lights of the house behind her. “I’m sorry if I’m acting weird.” She slid him a sideways glance. “I’ve never brought anyone to this party before. Or to any book club events.”
Not Oscar, then. He traced her profile with his gaze. She’d already told him she hadn’t dated since their one-night stand, so her confession wasn’t a surprise. What was she really trying to say? “Are you worried they won’t approve of me?”
She twisted toward him, her eyes widening. “Of course not! I’m worried you won’t like them. These are my closest friends. If you don’t...” She trailed off, gnawing her lip again.
It was a novel feeling, being the person with the power to approve, not the one being disapproved of. He tapped the back of her clenched hands with a fingertip. “I’m sure everything will be fine. I promise to be open-minded. I’m not that picky, you know.”
“Thanks.” Her tone was dry.
He laughed, realizing what he’d implied. “You know what I mean.” His heart ballooned, lighter than it had been in a long time. “Stay here.” He opened his door and rounded the hood to the passenger side. With a flourish he pulled open Lynn’s door, extended his hand, and guided her out. “Can I kiss you? Or would that ruin your make up?”
Her eyes glittered and her mouth curved upward. “Ruin away.”
Still, he kept his kiss gentle, his hands on her hips, round and firm through the plush fur of her coat. Her lips were cool and slightly sticky from the matte red colour she’d tinted them with. Desire licked flames down his spine to his cock. When her hands clutched his lapels and pulled him closer, he lifted his head. “We should go in.”
Her eyelids drifted up, revealing her dazed and dizzy gaze. “I suppose.” She blinked and her concentration sharpened. It was fascinating to watch her gather her control around her. “Just one thing.”
“What’s that?” Anything, he thought. Anything you want.
“You’re coming home with me after the party. And you’re staying the night.”
His hands clenched her hips. She wriggled closer, brushing her core against him, determination in her expression. Who was he to deny her? Not that he wanted to, of course. “How long do we have to stay?”
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THIS WAS ONLY THE THIRD Silverberry Book Club Christmas Party Lynn had attended. Mind you, it was only the third the club had hosted. The summer Lynn joined, the members had decided to transition from the expected read-a-book, talk-about-a-book club to one that was more active. Sure, once in a while they still read a book they could all agree on, but usually their get-togethers were more along the lines of recent events—the apple-picking excursion in September, the horror movie night in October, and the photography class in November. She’d had to miss the last two because of Canyon Cats games and had been looking forward to seeing everyone at the party.
She stood in the corner of Helen and Nathan’s elegant but welcoming living room and sipped the Red Shoe Martini her hostess had shoved into her hand, alone for the first time since she and Benjamin had joined the throng. He was currently chatting with Bennett Ayers, whose husband Terrance Renfrew was a longtime member of the Silverberries. She had no idea what they were talking about, but Benjamin’s eyes were bright and his laughter reached her over the many conversations bubbling around her, as well as the Christmas music playing from hidden speakers.
She clenched her thighs together and drew in a long, slow breath. Only a couple more hours until they could be together. She could control herself that long.
Helen appeared at her side. “I like your young man.” She waved her own martini glass in Benjamin’s direction. She wore the ugliest of ugly Christmas cardigans over a silver pant suit and a Santa hat was perched on her short grey hair. Lynn often envied her exuberance, wishing she was as comfortable in her own skin as Helen was.
“He’s not that young. Only five years younger than me.” When she was with Benjamin she never thought of the age difference, but occasionally it stuck like a burr.
“And more power to you, my dear. No one would blink at that if it were the other way around. So why should it matter?” Helen’s smile glittered with challenge and amusement.
Lynn straightened her shoulders. “You’re right. It doesn’t.”
“I also like Peter.” Together they turned their heads to regard the couple standing near the artfully decorated Christmas tree. Peter hadn’t left Stephanie’s side. He was a couple inches shorter than her and his concession to the holiday season was a red and green bow tie. She seemed both flattered and embarrassed by his close attention, a faint flush never quite leaving her cheeks. “Stephanie deserves some romance. She’s such a lovely person, if a little shy. Even after knowing her for more than two years I don’t feel like she’s completely opened up.”
Lynn doubted she ever would. Some wounds ran too deep. But she knew for a fact Stephanie felt safe among the Silverberries. “I like him, too. I hope he sticks around.”
Helen drained the last of her drink. “It’s time for karaoke. Make sure you help yourself to the appies. The bacon-wrapped scallops are to die for.” And in her characteristic hurry, she was gone.
A tingle ran over Lynn’s skin and her gaze snapped back to Benjamin. He was staring at her with an intensity in his expression that boded well for later tonight. Her mouth dried.
The music cut off, Helen called for attention, and Lynn made a vow.
Five songs. That was it. She and Benjamin would stay for five karaoke songs and then they were out of here.
Enough was enough.