Journey of the Magi Read Online Free PDF Page A

can.”
    “You have a soft streak wider than the Mississippi River. No use trying to hide it.” Noel bit back a smile.
    When her hand lifted and she brushed his messed hair into place his knees almost buckled. Her topaz eyes widened when static snapped between them, and she snatched her fingers away. “I’m sorry,” she cried.
    “Don’t be.” Dan grabbed her hand and studied it for a long moment before he pressed a kiss to her palm. “I liked it.”
    Her lips trembled as he folded her fingers over the spot.
    “The children are both settled in for the time being,” she squeaked, and cleared her throat. “Maybe you’ll show me anything special I should do to set up before the next rush.”
    “Eddy did it.” He sat on the edge of the nearest table and drew her between his legs.
    “But that’s my job.” Her gaze flew to his face and he felt her tremble. A rosy blush colored her cheeks.
    “Look, Noel, we have a routine here. Whoever has the time helps out. This time Eddy had a few minutes to spare. Tomorrow he might need you to give him a break. It all works out.”
    “I don’t know.” When Noel bit her lower lip, Dan’s gaze dropped to her mouth.
    Her throat dried. She knew how his mouth would feel if he kissed her again. Only this time she wanted more. Harder, deeper. Her stomach gave a quick flip and she swallowed as her thighs clenched. She had two children but couldn’t remember when a man’s simple touch had affected her like this.
    “What don’t you know?”
    Confused by his question, Noel hesitated. She had to stop this silly fantasy. She glanced down and realized how close she stood to him. Encased in denim, his muscular thighs filled her with longing.
    “Oh. Oh, yes. The last place I worked, you kept going until you finished. But you didn’t get paid for extra hours.”
    “Like I said, it’s different around here. People help out.” His hands stroked her arms and she ached to be pressed to his chest. “In fact, I need to pick up a couple items from the hardware store. It’ll take about ten minutes. Can you keep an eye on things?”
    “Of course.” Noel grabbed at a chance for a break from all these unfamiliar feelings. She moved behind the counter. It was nice to be trusted. “I can pour coffee with the best of them.”
    A few minutes after Dan left, someone rapped at the kitchen door and she hurried to open it.
    Clutching a stack of egg cartons she could barely see over, a sturdily built woman called, “Hoped to get here earlier. Darn snow is drifting over the road.”
    “Let me help you,” Noel said and took the top layer.
    “Well, hello. You must be the new waitress. I’m Molly.” A wide smile appeared above the thick collar of her quilted coat. “Dan here? No? How about fetching some coffee while I put these in the cooler?”
    Noel nodded after Molly bustled through the kitchen. Within minutes the eggs were put away and Molly settled like a nested hen at the counter. Her chapped hands cupped the mug to absorb the warmth.
    “Nice to meet you, Noel. Pretty name. Heard that idiot Joe managed to hit your car. His brother will fix it right as rain, though.” Molly chattered between quick sips. After Noel refilled her cup, she gave a deep sigh and relaxed. “Been rushing all morning. The chickens don’t lay as many eggs when it’s cold, but a couple decided they wanted to set. Must be the heat lamps Dan installed. Dumb clucks don’t know spring is still too far away.”
    Noel giggled. “I never raised chickens. It must be nice to have fresh eggs every day. Maybe I’ll get some when I get home.”
    “It’s work. Took months for them to settle after we lost the farm, but thanks to Dan we still have our flocks. We’re leasing his coops until we can get back on our feet.” Molly gave a thumbs-up sign and her wide smile revealed a gap in her front teeth. “He’s a good man.”
    Noel didn’t know what to say. She’d been on the receiving end of his generosity. Curiosity