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with a heartwarming grin. “How’s two o’clock tomorrow sound?”
    “Two o’clock sounds good.” She smiled feebly in return, wondering if she looked as smitten as she suddenly felt. Oh God, was she crushing on the professor just like some silly coed? And right in front of the entire town’s tiny population, including his inquisitive best friend?
    Christine took Tyler’s hand and raced out into the weather, hoping the frigid wind would drive some sense into her. She was only here on vacation, not poised to spend the rest of her life! What was she doing letting her emotions get the best of her?
    “See you tomorrow!” she called, as she and Tyler headed for the SUV. “And thanks again!”
    “Mommy?” Tyler asked as she snapped him into his car seat. “Is John your friend now?”
    She smiled at him and answered uncertainly. “I think so, sweetie.”
    “It’s about time!” he declared.

Chapter Seven

    John couldn’t believe he was doing this, taking Christine and her young son sledding. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear he’d already tumbled headlong down a hill and taken a knock on the noggin. John wasn’t even interested in getting involved. With that potential promotion looming, he had to make work his priority. When John made Associate Dean, then he could entertain thoughts of a personal life. Even if his advancement came off, he’d want to keep things clean and simple while he took to his new task. What he’d been doing up until now worked fine. Occasional outings with certain lady friends, no fuss and no strings attached. That was what he wanted, wasn’t it?
    John recalled that moment in the café when he’d been trapped in the heat of Christine’s gaze. Hell, it had been more than one moment. There were several times, in fact, when he’d felt his pulse pounding and his reason racing into overdrive. It wasn’t just that she was pretty; there was something else about her too. She was obviously smart and could hold her own in a conversation. And when she’d nearly landed in his arms, it was all John could do not to imagine bringing his mouth to hers. Seriously, it wasn’t like she’d been graced with those lips for no reason. Clearly that reason had to do with her needing a good kissing now and again.
    John strode toward his truck and deposited the handcrafted toboggan in its bed, determined to put these cockamamie notions out his head. The heavy snow had abated to a light sprinkle. It was the perfect afternoon for the occasion. What was so wrong with a toboggan ride anyhow? It wasn’t exactly romantic, with the little boy coming along. It was more like a family outing. John swallowed hard at that last thought, feeling like he’d bitten off more than he could chew. Was it really so wrong to take them out, knowing they’d be gone in just a little while? Perhaps that was John’s best form of protection. It was likely Christine’s too. Surely she wouldn’t want to become entangled with someone living so far away. Her life was complicated enough as it was. Mason barked and John looked down to see him furiously wagging his tail, apparently ready to get on with it. At least he wasn’t conflicted.
    John’s cell rang and he tucked a hand inside his coat to pull it out.
    “Your timing’s rotten,” he told Carlos.
    “No, what’s rotten is your holding out on me. Ten years together and you didn’t breathe a word!”
    “That’s because there’s nothing to talk about.”
    “Aha! I knew it. This one’s really gotten to you, hasn’t she?”
    “Nobody gets to me, Carlos. You know that.”
    Carlos chuckled. “Not until now, amigo. Not until now. Not that I disapprove. Christine seems different somehow. Not quite so… eager.”
    “Please.”
    “You know what I mean. With the others, I could practically hear those talons springing out to catch you.”
    “You, my friend, have an overblown sense of the dramatic.”
    “I, compadre, have a total connection to the truth.”
    John