Page 15 of Christmas Hearts

"Tell me a little bit more about what you're feeling, please. That's the only way I can help you."

Frustration covers his features, and I reach out for his hands.

"It's not your place to have to help me, Ana. I'm sorry, I've made a mess of things."

My heart goes out to him and what he's going through. Maybe with a little truth from my side, things could become clearer.

"I've had a crush on you for years, Justin."

"What? Why didn't you say anything?"

"I was waiting for you to make a move, but you're such a gentleman, you never did."

"Not a gentleman, a coward. Do you want to marry me?"

"I would like a chance to get to know you better. I think we could make it work as a family."

"You think?"

He seems doubtful of my words. I'm feeling extremely vulnerable right now. He needs to move on from his wife before embracing a relationship with me. I cringe at how unfeeling that seems. I can't say that to him, but what can I say?

"Justin, I'll follow your lead on whatever you decide. I would like to say that it is not my intention to take Ellie's place in your heart or in her daughter's life. As a matter of fact, I'll make sure to include her and remind Daisy of how wonderful she was. Will you tell me about her?"

Justin gets up from his seat and walks to the fireplace, where photos of his family decorate the mantel. He takes one picture in his hands and brings it over. The next hour is spent listeningto all the good and the bad things about his beloved Ellie, and I worry that I might never have what they had together.

When we've gone through the last picture book, Justin looks at me intently.

"Let's go away to that bed and breakfast for New Year's. It'll be just us together. I felt very close to you that night, Ana."

"I like that idea very much. Will you be okay being away from your daughter?"

"Yes. We usually spend the night with my parents."

"Then I'm all yours."

"Okay, I'll make the reservations right now. Hopefully, they won't be full. I know it's short notice. Maybe I can bribe the old crow. She was nasty."

He looks at the window, and he frowns. The weather has turned bad again, but I think I can manage it in my car.

"Don't even think about it, Ana. You're staying in the guest room."

I hope he doesn't see the desire in my eyes. Can I stay in another room while I know his gorgeous body and kind soul are just a door down from me? I don't think I'm that strong. I get up and move the curtains aside so I can take a peek. I don't think I should drive in this kind of weather. I feel a little defeated. How will I hold up my barriers against him?

"Hot chocolate or warm milk?"

I frown and give him a questioning look.

"What would help you get to sleep faster?"

I'm embarrassed to tell him that what I really need is something with alcohol. Oh, what the heck.

"I'm game if you put something stronger in that hot chocolate. Make it Irish."

A big smile spreads over his face, and he goes back to the kitchen to fix our drinks. He brings two Christmas-themed steaming mugs.

"I put marshmallows on there. I hope you don't mind."

"Are you kidding? You just went a few rungs higher on the hotness meter."

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