Page 36 of Jam and Jingle Bells
His head barely twitched as an answer.
“Ellis,” I said gently, taking his hand. “I’m not shallow and I’m not afraid of being with you because you have a heart condition. I was raised by a nurse. I understand how the human body works. Any of us at any time could discover something about our body that changes our life. I’m not naïve or judgmental about those things. None of us have perfect bodies. Take me for instance. I’m not exactly yoga showroom quality, am I?”
His eyes hooded and his head tipped to the right. “Excuse me? What does yoga showroom quality even mean?”
I sighed and rubbed my forehead. “It means I’m not buff like you are.”
“Yoga isn’t meant to make you buff, Addie. This,” he said, motioning at his body, “has taken five years of yoga and weights to achieve. I’m only built like this because I have to be. I have to have the musculature to keep my heart healthy. Yoga isn’t about working out your body as much as it’s about working out your mind. Young, old, heavy, thin, and every body in between does yoga. It’s not a contest.”
Clearly, I had aggravated him. I rested my hand on his chest. “Relax. I just meant I’m more soft than hard, I love tacos, and I have an allergy to working out. It shows.” I motioned at my body as a case in point.
His brow went up and he took a solid thirty-second perusal of said body. “Personally, I like my women the way I like my tacos, soft with a hint of spice.”
I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. “Excellent use of comparison skills.”
“Thanks, but it’s the truth. When I look at you, I see a beautiful, voluptuous, vivacious woman who has a lot to offer a man.”
“That’s a lot of adjectives,” I whispered, “but I know I’m not the girl for every guy. Not to mention, I’m extremely dark compared to your everything white.”
His hand came up to cup my cheek and his thumb stroked my cheekbone. “I see a perfect mocha latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top,” he said, teasing my hair for a second. “I envy the fact that you don’t look like Santa Claus after a long winter.”
I tossed my head back and laughed, his words accurate when describing himself. “I have to admit, you’re the sexiest Santa I’ve ever met. I wouldn’t mind sitting on Santa’s lap.”
“And Santa wouldn’t mind having you sit on his lap so he can feel that soft, beautiful, damn amazing body against him again. So he can hold you in his arms again and kiss your pink lips while inhaling the alluring scent of you.”
I swallowed and wiped my brow. “Wow, is it hot in here?” I asked, but I wasn’t joking around. I was dead serious. The images running through my mind like a movie were downright steamy.
He leaned forward and pulled me over onto his lap. “I can make it hotter,” he promised and his lips lowered to mine before the place went up in smoke.
Chapter Ten
The diner loomed in front of me. I paused on the now snowy sidewalk to decide if I should keep walking or commit to my lunch date. I wanted to keep walking, but that wouldn’t solve the problem. I sighed and dropped my shoulders then slogged toward the door and threw it open, stepping inside to stomp off my boots. Ivy was behind the counter by the bakery case and popped up when she heard the bell.
I waved, happy to see the face I was praying would be here. “Hey, Ives. How are you feeling?” I asked, hugging her gently.
“Much better, thanks for asking, Addie. I can even manage to stand in the dining room and not toss my cookies.” Her nose scrunched and I chuckled, the image funny even if it was unpleasant. “Do you need lunch?” she asked, grabbing a menu.
“I’m meeting my mom for our Friday lunch date. We’ll take a booth.”
She grabbed a second menu and walked with me to booth six in the far back. “Do you guys want coffee?”
“Sure, that would be great, thanks,” I agreed, taking my coat off.
She sat on the edge of the other booth seat and tapped the table. “Have you talked to Loretta yet about your father?”
I shook my head and held the menu to my chest. “No, I haven’t seen her since we talked about it, but I plan to bring it up today.”
She raised a single brow in question. “You’re sure a public place is the best place for that?”
“I’m positive. She can’t yell and act like a crazy woman in the diner. She saves that for home.”
She pointed at me and grinned. “You make an excellent point. I’ll get your coffee and once I see the discussion turn heated, I’ll make sure everyone steers clear.”
I reached over and squeezed her hand. “Thanks, Ivy. I appreciate your support.”
“I’m always here for you, Addie. Hey, did you hear? Mel convinced Mason to get married at the gazebo!”
I jumped up, excitement replacing the apprehension I’d had in my gut. “Oh, yes, yes, yes!” I exclaimed doing fist pumps. “I’m so excited!”
