Her Wish Before Christmas (Holiday Hearts) Read Online Free PDF Page A

She had tried to convince Lena to stay away from that jerk of a bartender, so it was Genny’s turn to get pushed around.
    “Yeah, please.” How could she say no to Jake’s squeal of excitement? “You’d be way more fun, I can tell.” His innocent pleading tugged at her heart.
    Connor caught her hand in his. His warmth traveled up her arm. “Would you, Genny? I’m in a major bind here and am willing to pay premium for someone I can trust. And Jake loves you already.”
    “I don’t know, there’s a lot of work at the store and—”
    “I’ve got Jacqui here now, and I’m sure Jake wouldn’t mind spending some time as official cookie tester.” Cilla cut her off before the excuse could be completed. “He’d be an excellent assistant baker, I can tell.”
    Genny narrowed her eyes at Cilla’s broad grin.
    “You made these? Please, can I help you bake? I’m an excellent taster.” Jake pushed the words around a mouthful of cookie.
    Connor pulled her closer; the tip of his thumb stroked the staccato heartbeat at her wrist, scrambling her thoughts.
    “Me, too. I’m an excellent taste tester and would be in your debt.” His voice lowered, going all mysterious-sexy, sending answering heat to parts she refused to listen to.
    Getting involved with Connor O’Rourke again was dangerous territory. She’d been thinking Laurel Cove might not be where she wanted to settle down. Maybe she should try to get out sooner than later. Coward . Her damn conscience rankled her.
    “Okay. I can babysit for you. Do you need to leave him with me this afternoon while you finish your day?”
    Connor clasped her hand in front of him and rocked back on his heels, showing off with a slight bow and an exaggerated thank-you. She giggled along with Jake but choked on the sound when his look warmed and he raised her hand to his lips for a light kiss.
    “I’ll make it worth your while.”
    The intensity in his eyes sent tingles along her scalp and down her spine. The muscles deep in her belly clenched, screaming Yes! You will . Trying to cool the blush heating her cheeks, she loosened the scarf around her neck and stifled the ridiculous urge to fan herself.
    “Ladies, I owe you all for this. I can’t thank you enough.”
    In an instant he had turned from sexy, charming Connor to polite, charming Connor. No way she had imagined his come-on. Her sister and cousins smiled at him as though he wasn’t openly trying to seduce her in their grandmother’s store. And doing a fine job .
    “You should know one thing, Connor. I have a job offer and plan to take it as soon as Christmas is over and we get the shop in order. So I’ll be happy to babysit through next week, but I’ll be leaving by New Year’s.”
    The words just popped out. Some kind of self-protective instinct snapped to attention a little too late.
    Her sister moved to stand next to her, blocking her from the front door. “When did this happen?” Cilla used her answer-me voice.
    “Recently.”
    Her cousins circled close to Cilla and with Connor, the four effectively cut off any quick exit.
    “Why didn’t you tell us last night?” Jacqui asked.
    “I was still thinking over his offer.” The excuse sounded weak even to her.
    Stop asking so many questions. Dammit . She should have known they wouldn’t just roll with whatever she said, but she couldn’t think. Not with Connor so close.
    “Congratulations. Sounds like you have something to celebrate.” Connor’s even-toned words and stony expression made her want to take back her declaration.
    “Thank you,” Simple pride or maybe stubbornness took ahold and she wouldn’t look away. She wasn’t going to show him how much the idea of spending any time alone with him scared her. If she gave her family any attention right then, she’d be pounced on with questions until she spilled everything, including how she hadn’t actually taken the job offer seriously until the minute Connor walked back into her life.
    “I’ll