The Christmas Catch Read Online Free PDF

brushfires, igniting
sensations all over her body. Christine hadn’t felt those smoldering sensations
in quite a while. In fact, she hadn’t been sure they still existed. But they
did and here they were, raging out of control. So much so that Christine nabbed
some ice from her water glass and dumped it in her coffee. Drinking something
hot at the moment seemed positively contrary when Christine clearly needed to
cool down.
    John swallowed hard and followed suit, likewise chilling his
java. “It is a little warm in here,” he
said, his face coloring as well. She couldn’t tell if it was from the warmth of
the fire or from the way that she’d looked at him. In any case, his chiseled
face was exceptionally handsome in the subtle glow.
    He studied their water glasses, then stumbled slightly with the words. “In present day, we seem to be all out of
ice. Should I get us some more?”
      “That would be
great, thanks.”

 
    When John returned, the conversation turned to something
thankfully less personal, the topics of courses he taught at the business
school. While Christine wasn’t familiar with all the nuances, it was refreshing
to talk to someone so enthusiastic about his work. Before she knew it, two
hours had flown by and they were standing at the door ready to make their
departure. Christine had nearly forgotten how good it felt to talk comfortably
with a man. Maybe there’d been a few peaks and valleys during their dialogue,
but overall they’d gotten on reasonably well. So well, in fact, that she
couldn’t help but feel slightly depressed that the outing was over.
    “Come on, Ty,” she told her son as he said good-bye to his
newfound friends. “Let’s get on your hat and gloves. It’s awfully cold
outside.” Mason watched them with ears drooping, not wanting them to go.
    “I’m really glad that you could make it,” John said, helping
Christine on with her coat.
    “Thanks for asking us,” she said, holding his gaze.
    Just then, a middle-aged man barreled through the door
carrying a blast of frigid air with him. Mason excitedly bounded for him,
covering him with doggie kisses.
    “Mason, down!” John said. This time Christine was sure he’d
flushed red, from his neck to the tips of his ears. The dog slunk to the floor,
looking embarrassed.
    “Don’t be so hard on the pooch,” the man said. “Some days
it’s the only loving I get!” He unwrapped his broad scarf, exposing a handsome
older face and a graying beard. He shot John a merry grin.
    “Steadman! How’s it going? Surviving sabbatical?”
    John affectionately pumped his hand. “Good to see you,
Carlos.”
    Carlos sent a quick glance at Tyler then gave Christine an
appreciative once-over.
    “Hello…” he said to Christine, his voice lilting with a
light Spanish accent. “And you must be?”
    “Christine White,” she said, extending her hand.
    “Carlos Dominguez. It’s a pleasure.” He turned his gaze on
Ty. “And you, young man?”
    John smiled. “This is Christine’s son, Tyler.”
    Carlos eyed them all, apparently pleased with the situation.
    “Well, well… Isn’t this delightful? Where are you two from?”
    “We’re here from Chicago,” Christine said.
    “It’s a permanent move, I hope?”
    “Just a vacation,” she told him.  
    “I didn’t think my colleague had that much luck.”
    “Weren’t you on your way somewhere?” John asked Carlos,
clearly trying to get rid of him.
    “Fine, fine,” Carlos said, shaking his head. “I can see when
I’m not wanted.” He smiled warmly at Christine before taking his leave.
“Christine, hope to have the opportunity again.”
    “I’ll bet you do, you old dog,” John said under his breath.
Mason nuzzled his hand, but John waved him away.
    “He seemed nice,” Christine said as Carlos made his way to
the coffee bar and ordered.
    “We’ve been friends for a long time. Knew him down in New
Orleans, in fact.”
    “At Tulane?” Christine queried before she could