Read A Soldier for Christmas for Free Online

the minister, who warmly thanked him for coming. As they followed the departing worshippers down the front steps and out into the bright sunshine, he stayed at Kelly’s side, protecting her from any jostling from the crowd.
    “Well, soldier, are you ready for your mission? Or do I leave you to survive shopping as best you can?” Her smile was as sweet as spun sugar.
    He liked it. “I’ve already confessed that I’m retail-challenged.”
    “A big tough guy like you? C’mon, soldier up.” She winked, and couldn’t help laughing. “I expect a marine to be tougher than that.”
    “I’ll survive with a pretty girl like you watching my six.”
    “Your six? Oh, I get it. Watching your back. You’re going to need it where I’m taking you. Peril and danger abound.”
    “I live for danger.”
    “That makes two of us.” Kelly liked the look of worry crinkling his forehead. She guessed he was only halfway kidding her about having mall-phobia. “At ease, sir. I spent some time thinking of a few good ideas for your mom. And we don’t have to set foot inside any mall.”
    “I’m gonna owe you big-time for this.”
    “No way. What’s a little favor between friends?”
    Mitch frowned. He had to set the groundwork for date number three. Something gave him a clue that she wouldn’t make it easy for him.
    He’d just have to wow her so much, she’d want to go out with him again. Maybe even call it a date next time. A man could hope. “You wanna grab a bite first?”
    “I didn’t think you soldiers took detours when you were on a mission.”
    “Right, but I’m gonna need fuel. No way can I shop on an empty stomach. Oh, wait. I get it. You don’t date. And you’re afraid that eating together twice would make it look like we’re dating.”
    “It could look that way, but it’s not. Right?”
    Was that a shadow of fear he saw in her gentle blue eyes? Why would she be afraid? Then in a blink, it was gone.
    He stepped off the curb, looking for traffic, but there were no cars headed their way. He fished his keys from his pocket. “Don’t even worry. Friends go out to eat together sometimes.”
    “I just don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I know you’ll be leaving in a month or so—”
    “Exactly, so don’t sweat it. We’ll do whatever you want.”
    “I’ve got the best shop to show you. I really think you’ll find what you want there.”
    “You mean this could be a one-stop deal?”
    “It might even be painless.”
    She was doing her best to thwart his plans for their date. He was going down in flames. Not good. This had to be about Joe. What had happened? What had he done to her? He hadn’t known the guy except as a name back in high school.
    Whatever had happened, it had sure made Kelly afraid to try dating again. As he unlocked the passenger door, a mild breeze whispered through the maples overhead and shifted the lemony sunshine over them. In the dappled mix of shadows and light he opened the door and took Kelly’s hand to help her up.
    She dodged him, as if too independent for such a gesture, but he sensed it was something more as she slipped past him. Her cotton dress gave a whispering rustle, and the vanilla fragrance from her shampoo scented the air between them.
    Unaware of how she moved him, she climbed into the passenger seat and settled her book bag on the floor at her feet. She sat there in a swirl of lavender summer cotton and dappled sunlight and sweetness. Feelings came to life within his heart and weren’t like anything he’d felt before. They were soft and warm, and as soothing as prayer. Tenderness lit him up from the inside out. He felt every inch of his six-foot-two-inch frame as he closed her door and circled around to his side.
    Her smile was calm, her blue eyes bright and friendly. “It’s not far from here. If you can pull a U-turn and avoid the traffic jam up the street?”
    “Inciting me to break the law, huh?” He winked as he started the engine and belted in.