Read All I Want for Christmas Is You for Free Online Page B

advantage by soliciting Kristen's help. He wasn't disappointed.
     
    "Yeah, let's go see the horses!" Kristen squealed, scrunching her shoulders up to keep herself warm.
     
    She shot a you're-playing-dirty glance at Kyle and turned to Kristen. "But honey, you look so cold. I think we need-"
     
    "We'll keep her warm. We can sit her between us," Kyle interjected before Lauren could make another protest. Moving closer he drew in the scent of her, fresh and clean, uniquely feminine and he added in a whisper, "Will that be a safe enough distance for you, Ms. Alexander?"
     
    She sucked in a breath and peered straight into his eyes. He hadn't expected her to let go of his remark without a comeback. He figured she'd shoot back with that same wildcat fire he'd seen last night in the parking lot. What downright shocked him was seeing the fire hidden in the depths of her wide eyes that spoke of desire. And maybe a hint of fear. She said nothing and that surprised him most of all. But then again, he was finding out fast that Lauren Alexander was full of surprises.
     
    * * *
     
    "Thanks, Dad," Kyle said as the horse-drawn carriage came to a halt in front of one of the town's oldest Victorian homes, located just on the outskirts of the common. For the past three holiday seasons, his father had used two of the work horses from the farm to give sleigh rides on the back trails of the farm. But for use in the town square where the pavement was clear of snow, he needed the carriage to give "sleigh" rides.
     
    "Anytime. We can take another ride after dinner on Sunday if you like," Will Preston said to Lauren as he helped her down from the sleigh. Kristen was still in her arms and well on her way to falling asleep. "We can take a real sleigh ride then. Maybe this little lady will stay awake to enjoy the ride next time." He smiled and rumpled the little girl's hair causing her to stir in her Lauren's arms just enough to let out a lazy yawn.
     
    "Well, I'm not sure that we can-"
     
    "We better get Kristen inside," Kyle interrupted.
     
    "Yes. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Preston."
     
    "Likewise. Be seeing you on Sunday I'm sure," Will called out as he climbed back on to the carriage.
     
    Kyle waved as his father rode away. "See you."
     
    He grasped the cold brass knob and yanked the door with more force than a girl as tiny as Kristen could ever muster. "I'll be by tomorrow to oil this door jamb. You're going to dislocate your shoulder if you keep this up."
     
    "On the up side, I don't have to go to the gym. Thanks, but there's no need. Mrs. Hopkins' son usually comes by to do repairs when needed," Lauren said, dismissing his offer. Her hair shimmered in the moonlight giving her an angelic look that caught Kyle off guard. His eyes focused on the fullness of her glossy lips as he fought the urge to bend his head and steal a kiss. If it wasn't for Kristen being in her mother's arms, he probably would've done just that.
     
    He wondered just what kind of man tosses aside a woman as beautiful as Lauren Alexander without any thought of the child they created. How that same man could live without the laughter just waiting to bubble up from the depths of her soul to fill his own. She was full of life just waiting to burst free. He'd seen just how much tonight when she pulled him into the crowd of Christmas carolers and sang to her heart's content.
     
    "Let me take her," he offered, watching Lauren step awkwardly with a sleepy Kristen in her arms.
     
    "No, thanks. I have her."
     
    "It's a long way to the third floor."
     
    "She's my daughter. I do it all the time." Lauren moved past him, her jaw squared and determined like she'd been last night, her boots scuffing against the worn wooden treads as she advanced up the stairs. He wondered if they'd ever get past this barrier. Tonight, he had hoped she'd lower her shield enough to let him get a real glimpse of her.
     
    They climbed the three flights of stairs until they reached the landing that