Page 36 of This Christmas

“And that, what? Scares you?”

“Yes.” She exhaled quickly. “Trusting a man scares me.”

He took another small step toward her.

“I won’t ever hurt you or Charlotte,” he said almost in a whisper. “I can promise you that.”

Her eyes searched his. “How can you promise that? Men, they use anger to get their way. They use strength. Size. Money. Power. Whatever they can to make me feel small and helpless.” She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around herself, holding onto the last thread of her control.

“I’m not like that,” he said calmly, and she realized that he’d moved slightly closer.

When she opened her eyes, he was a breath away from her.

“Ally,” he said. She saw his eyes dart down to her lips. Suddenly, she was very aware that she was wearing Grinch pajamas that matched Charlotte’s, and she felt very silly. “I’ve never been attracted to someone like you either,” he admitted. “You’re strong. Secure in who you are and what you want.”

She was shocked. She’d believed he was going to list off her hair color, breast size, or, well, she didn’t know. God, why was this so difficult?

She wanted him to kiss her. Wanted to feel what it was like to be with someone who was gentle. Kind. Someone who wanted her as much as she wanted him.

She swallowed and took a deep breath.

“Ally, I really want to kiss you.” He took the last step until his chest was an inch from hers. “But if you tell me no, I’ll head down those stairs, lock myself in my room, and I won’t mention it again. I’ll remain here for as long as you want, watching over you and Charlotte to make sure nothing happens until I find a way for your ex to not be a burden any longer. That’s another promise.”

That is what she’d wanted since first seeing him.

She smiled. “Joe.” She fisted her hands in his T-shirt and then let her entire body relax. “Kiss me,” she whispered.

Before she had finished those words, his lips were gently pressed against hers. Her entire body vibrated the moment he touched her.

His hands moved to her hips as she slid her fingers into his hair, holding him, pulling him closer. When his tongue dipped into her mouth, he tasted like heaven.

His neck, arms, and chest were hard under her fingertips, and she could feel his heartbeat matching the spastic pace of her own. His hands moved up and cupped her face gently, then his fingers slid into her hair.

“Ally, tell me to stop,” he groaned against her lips.

“No, I want… I need… you.” She sighed when his mouth trailed down her throat, and she felt shivers race over her skin. “Please.” She reached for the buttons on his shirt.

“Mama?” Charlotte’s voice had them both jumping apart, breathing heavy.

“Yes, baby,” she said, taking a deep breath. Her daughter was standing less than five feet away, which meant she’d obviously seen them.

“I want some water.”

She smiled and then laughed. “I’ll get you a glass. Go back in and lie down, and I’ll bring it to you.”

Joe stood back as she headed down the stairs and filled her daughter’s sippy cup with water. He was still standing there when she passed him and disappeared into her daughter’s room.

“Mama?” her daughter said after taking a few sips of water. “You were kissing Joe. Does that mean he’s going to be my daddy? Cuz that’s what I asked Santa for this Christmas.”

She sat on the side of the bed and took her daughter’s cup and set it on the nightstand. “No, sweetie. You have a daddy.”

“I know, but he’s… not a very good daddy. He scared us the other night. I don’t want him to be my daddy anymore.”

“What makes you say that?” She knew, but she didn’t want to lead the witness.

“He broke in here. He takes me to adult places that aren’t fun and don’t have hot chocolate.” She pouted as Ally helped her lie down and tucked the blankets around her tightly, just the way she liked it.

“Well, not all daddies are perfect. That doesn’t mean they aren’t still daddies.”