Holiday in the Heart Read online

  ~*~

  Greg sat for hours, stroking her, alternated speaking in a soothing voice, a pleading voice.

  “Come on, Sam. You have to wake up. We never got to go see a movie together. We can either take Missy back to see The Three Caballeros—she loved it you know—or you and I can go someplace by ourselves. I’ve heard Meet Me in St. Louis is an excellent movie. And knowing you, you’ll cry when Judy Garland sings Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Some of the men at the store said their wives couldn’t stop crying when she sang to Margaret O’Brien.”

  Finally he could take it no more. Afraid he was at the breaking point, he shifted Sam in his arms.

  “Samantha, this has gone on long enough. I insist you wake up. As your boss, I’m making that an order.”

  She moved.

  Dear God, she moved!

  “Sam? Sam, can you hear me?”

  “Mmmmm.”

  “Sam!”

  He tried to shift so he could move out of bed to call the nurse. His arms were numb from holding her so long. “Nurse! Room seven. Miss Noelle’s awake!”

  Sam’s eyelids fluttered open. Seemed to take a moment to focus on him.

  “Stop yelling, Giovanni. Weren’t you the one that told me you could catch more flies with honey when we first met?”

  He wanted to cry. Wanted to shout with happiness. This woman—this stubborn, exasperating woman—he’d fallen head over heels in love with was going to be all right!

  “Yes, I did. When you kicked the silly locker. If I recall correctly, you didn’t pay much attention to me.”

  “Oh yes, I did. I wanted to kick you in your a...backside when you walked away.”

  He laughed. “I’ll just bet you did.”

  “Wanted to do that the other night, too. You’re one stubborn man.”

  “I’ve been told that by other people.”

  She reached up to touch the gauze bandages. “My head hurts.”

  Greg rubbed his hand lightly up and down her back. He pressed his lips together, trying to hold back tears. Men didn’t cry. His father had insisted on that while Greg had been growing up. He had to be strong for Sam.

  “Actually, my whole body hurts.”

  “I know, love, but you’re going to be all right now. I promise.”

  “Did I hear Joe?”

  Greg nodded. “He came to see you. He’s worried about you. He went to work since the children would be expecting him, but said he’ll be back later tonight.”

  “I-I heard people talking.” She furrowed her brow as if trying to think. “Someone said you’re...rich.”

  So she had been able to hear them. Greg bit his lip, nodded again. “I am.”

  “That explains a lot of things. I wondered how you could afford the house you life in.” She stopped a moment, seemed to be mulling something over in her still fuzzy brain. “Wait a minute. I that why you bought me the coat the other night? Because you’re rich?”

  “I bought it because I’m stupid. I needed to know if you were with me because you like me or because you wanted my money. I didn’t know if you had somehow figured out who I actually am. After all, that’s all most people want. I’ve built a wall around myself to keep people like that out of my life.”

  “I don’t like walls. They’re meant to be knocked down—especially when they’re around your heart.”

  Greg looked up as the doctor walked in.

  “Young man, if you’ll kindly get out of that bed, I’d like to run some tests on the young lady.”

  “My fiancée.”

  “I never said I’d marry you.” Sam tried to focus on him as he slowly slid out of bed and leaned her back against the cushions.

  “No, you didn’t. But you will.”

  “Why would I do something like that? You’re too stubborn.”

  “You’ll do it because you love me.”

  “I never said—”

  “And because I love you.”

  Her eyes met his and her lower lip quivered. Tears spilled down her cheeks unchecked.

  “It’s not nice to take advantage of someone when they’re laid up in bed in the hospital.”

  “Maybe not. But I’ll do whatever it takes—for the rest of my life—to convince you I love you.”

  “But—”

  “You gave me the courage to risk my heart, Sam. Marry me. Make me the happiest man on earth.”

  “Young man, I need to—”

  “Not now!” Greg glared at the doctor. “I need an answer from her. She says I’m stubborn, but she won’t agree to marry me. Don’t you understand? She has to be my wife. I can’t live without her. Can’t spend another moment without her in my life.”

  The doctor smiled.

  Greg wanted to kick him. “What?”

  “I believe the young lady is trying to get your attention. If you’ll quit talking a minute, she might be able to say something.”

  Surprised, Greg shifted his eyes back to Samantha. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong? Are you in pain? Do you need the doctor to give you some medicine?”

  “You said you loved me.”

  “Of course I did.”

  “Did you mean it?”

  “Of course I meant it.”

  “And you really want to marry me?”

  Realization started to sink in. Greg stared at her in amazement.

  Despite his location and the many people milling around them, he dropped down on one knee. He didn’t care what anyone thought—except Sam.

  “Yes, Miss Noelle. I really want you to marry me. I can’t think of a better Christmas present than you saying yes. You’re the best present I’ve ever had in my life.” He rose and ran a hand lightly over the bandages on her head. “The location isn’t quite what I would have selected to propose to you, but you’re everything I could ever want. All I want.”

  He leaned over and brushed his lips gently over hers.

  “I love you, Greg.” Tears ran down her cheeks.

  “And I love you, Sam. I have from the minute you walked into my office—even though I did everything I could to fight it.”

  He turned to look at the doctor, a smile wreathing his face. “Well, what are you waiting for? Do whatever you have to so I can take her home for Christmas.”

  “I intend to, young man. Seeing you two together, this young woman is going to have her hands full with you as a husband. I hope you appreciate her. After surviving what she went through today—she’s not just your Christmas present, she’s your Christmas miracle.”

  Be sure to visit Leanne’s website

  http://www.leanneburroughs.com

  Sempre

  Aleka Nakis

  “Alone. All I’ve accomplished, but I’m still here alone on Christmas Eve.”

  Damn! How could a woman immerse herself into her family and friends for years, only to find herself standing at the top of the Empire State Building watching the sunset on such a special day alone?

  Amanda Law turned and walked to her right, absorbing a lonely view of Central Park. The cluster of trees in the center of the concrete jungle painted a picture of her personal life. Others surrounded her, she provided them an escape from their hectic lives, but rarely were her gardens tended to.

  A tear streaked her cheek and she swiftly swatted it away.

  Years ago, she’d watched the sunset here with the man who’d wrapped a tight fist around her heart. She’d smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling that this was the most beautiful place on earth. Then like an idiot, she’d told him it could never work out between them.

  Idiota!

  She shook her head and reprimanded herself. “No regrets, Amanda. If you’d made a different decision, you wouldn’t have the light of your world.” Jason wouldn’t have been born and she’d have never had the joy of being his mother. No, she wouldn’t trade him for the world.

  Her lips curved into a smile as the image of her son, now a teenager, floated into her head. God she missed him. She hated the holidays he spent w
ith his father and not with her.

  A sigh escaped her lips, and she walked around the observation deck to face south. Staring at the emptiness where those incredible twin buildings once towered, she ran a long slender finger along the glass outlining where their image should have been.

  There is so much misfortune in this world. Lives cut short, never meeting their potential. I’m blessed. I have Jason, my health and a dream career. What more could I ask for?

  The orange and pink hues banding across the sky encased the observation deck and warmth flooded through the glass adding to Amanda’s comforting thoughts.

  Fishing in her coat pocket for change, she walked through the exit onto the outdoor promenade. Choosing a binocular stand, Amanda strode to it, slid in the coins, and lost herself in the spectacular beauty of the city.

  Suddenly her skin prickled and a familiar awareness sank into her pores. She jerked back and swung her head searching the promenade. A German family touring, a Japanese couple cuddling, three beautiful Indian women enjoying the sunset, but she didn’t see the Italian who used to make her skin tingle in the same manner almost twenty years ago.

  Amanda couldn’t ignore the sensation in her belly, but she tentatively returned to the binoculars. Raising her shoulders, she softly rolled her neck and tried hard to disregard what she believed was her subconscious playing with her.

  A persistent heat permeated her coat and settled on her back. Amanda pulled away from the view and adamantly shook her head. No way was this mere imagination. He was near. His gaze was the source of heat she felt.

  The sensation grew stronger. Squaring her body behind the metal stand, Amanda attempted to calm herself.

  “Ciao bella,” a deep accented voice said behind her. The smooth velvety sound swirled into her mind, and the clean, woodsy scent of him threw her olfactory system into overload.

  Marco Tamburi.

  Inhaling deeply, her eyelids dropped. Did she dare to believe he was here? Her feet wouldn’t help her turn to look at him. Rather she stood as still as the tall cement light poles decorating the streets below. She continued to stare out over the city, illuminated a little more each moment.

  A large arm encircled her waist bringing a strong hand to splay under her breasts. Instinctively her body fell back and came to rest against him. He felt broader, fuller, more solid. Warm breaths caressed her ear.

  “Ogni tanto mi chiedo cosa mai stiamo aspttanto.” He paused, and still standing behind her, ran his fingertips down the side of her cheek. “I saw you looking for me. You knew I was here. How do you always know when I am around?”

  “I sense you,” she whispered and watched her words escape into the coolness of the air.

  “Si Bella. That is one more thing I love about you.”

  She closed her eyes again and attempted to steady her heaving chest. Did he say love or loved, present or past tense?

  Taking her upper lip into her mouth, she scraped her teeth over it. Could she turn and look at him?

  She’d walked away from Marco Tamburi on a cold winter day to preserve her identity. When she’d been with him, she’d felt part of him, him part of her. They weren’t two individuals, they were one. The intimacy had terrified her then. Today she craved it. But she couldn’t turn to look into eyes that would see into her soul.

  “So, do you ever wonder what in the world we are waiting for?” He translated his previous statement and shifted to fit her completely against him.

  She moaned softly at the intimate contact and covered his hand with her fingers, remembering the feel of his broad palm, the long fingers with the large knuckles and smooth nails. Her hand slipped into his coat curling over the edge of his shirtsleeve, and she couldn’t deny he was truly with her. She could no longer refuse her desire to be with him.

  “Marco, we’re not waiting for anything. We’re living our lives one day, one nightfall, at a time.”

  “This is the nicest sunset this week,” he said, intertwining their fingers and pushing against her middle. “I didn’t expect you to come on Christmas Eve, but I knew you’d be here one afternoon.”

  She stiffened in his arms. “You’ve been here before?”

  “Yes. Three sunsets without you, and finally on the fourth, you’re with me.” He tightened his hold on her and placed a soft kiss deep into her thick brown hair before resting his jaw against the side of her head.

  She relaxed again and they stood silently, watching the sun dip beneath the horizon into its nightly shelter. The final edge of the orange ball disappeared as he exhaled against her ear.

  “What I’ve heard must be true. You’re not with Robert anymore. Or else why would he let you come alone?” His voice carried an undertone of hope.

  Forcing herself to breathe, she spoke slowly. “Robert and Jason are skiing in Colorado. I’m doing research for my next book.”

  “I know about ‘Holidays in the City.’ I found out you would be in New York on your blog. It is interesting you are using your maiden name and not writing as Amanda Jones. However, Law does have a better ring to your readers and identifies with your ‘Rules of Travel’ column. Still, I do not understand why you are alone. I would want to spend the holidays with my wife and would never leave her alone. Not for a separate vacation, not for work.”

  “No, you wouldn’t. Robert and I divorced seven years ago. Jason spends alternate holidays with him.”

  The turn of the conversation brought her back into the realities of the day. She untangled her fingers from his, and twisted in his hold to look at him.

  His brown eyes still looked like melted chocolate. His hairline had receded slightly, and he wore his hair at a longer length than most executives did. His jaw was more pronounced and set firmer than she remembered. He was the most handsome and the most beautiful man she’d ever seen.

  Raising her hand to lay her palm on his clean-shaven cheek, she said, “Hello Marco.”

  He visually traced her face and then smiled revealing the sexy edges around his eyes that time had sketched. Reaching under her long hair, Marco grasped her nape and leaned forward sealing his lips on hers.

  This wasn’t the man-boy she cried over leaving; he was a man undeniably sure of himself and what he wanted. With firm, but tender lips, he captured hers and didn’t allow her any possibility to pull away until his tongue had caressed every corner of her mouth.

  “Hello my sweet Amanda,” he said running the back of his fingers over her cheek. “We have much to discuss cara mia. Will you come to dinner with me?”

  It wasn’t truly a question; it was an explanation of what he had planned for them. Her heart pounded against her chest and her stomach did tumbles. He wasn’t going to let her walk away this time.

  “Of course, Marco. We have much to reminisce about and I would enjoy doing it over a good glass of wine.” Despite the intimate greeting they’d shared, Amanda tried hard to sound casual and distant. She took a step back. “Will your wife be joining us?”

  “No,” he answered curtly. “Amanda, I guarantee Gabriella would have no issue with us being together. I will explain it to you soon. But, I need to know if you feel comfortable—or is there someone in your life who will object?”

  A tight chuckle rose from her throat. “Do you care if there is?”

  His face remained serious. “Not in the least. But I care for you to be relaxed.”

  “Then no, nobody would object. I don’t feel at all uncomfortable, and I am hungry.” Smiling, she placed her hand in his, and he put them both in his pocket as he headed toward to the elevator.

  Retreating into her private thoughts, she tried to understand what was happening. He’d said Gabriella would have no issue. It had to mean they weren’t together anymore since Marco wasn’t the cheating type. No, he took his vows seriously.

  ~*~

  Ten minutes later, they exited onto Thirty-Fourth Street, and Marco walked towards an impressive carriage teamed with a white horse.

  “Buonasera Signore Tamburi,” said t
he driver.

  “Buonasera Gio. Are we set?”

  “Si, certamente,” Gio answered. With a slight bow at the waist, he offered Amanda his hand and assisted her aboard the elegant buggy.

  Settling on the seat beside her, Marco tucked a blanket around her legs. “There. Are you warm and comfortable?”

  “Very.” She didn’t need a blanket. His touch burned through her clothing and heated her in the crisp night air. “I thought carriages weren’t allowed in this part of the city?”

  “Gio is. Now come close and keep me warm cara mia.” He pulled her against him as the carriage made its way in the city’s holiday traffic.

  Snuggled close, they rode in silence north along the festive avenue and into the park. Holiday lights twinkled on the trees lining the paved path, and the steely sky held the promise of a White Christmas.

  The clickety-clack of the horse’s hooves matched the racing beat of Amanda’s heart. Shifting in her seat, she stole a glimpse of his handsome profile.

  There was an inherent strength in his face. A smooth long forehead led to his Greco-Roman nose, which sat proud above his generous mouth and cleft adorned chin. His features were more pronounced, stronger and more determined than she remembered, making him more attractive to her than she could have ever imagined.

  But, tension was present on his dark brow. Marco was uncharacteristically quiet, perhaps deep in thought. Was I wrong to have assumed that he, too, is unattached just because he kissed me? No, maybe, but Marco wouldn’t if—

  His glance met hers, and she quickly looked away. It hurt too much to hide her feelings from him.

  Riding in silence, they passed the skating rink they’d spent many afternoons on. The carriage circled the lake where they’d rowed the small boat with such vigor, only to find themselves in the water laughing hysterically as they attempted to turn it right side up.

  Stopping by the fort on the western part of the park, Gio turned to look at Marco. Marco nodded and stood. “Come bella. Let us walk a bit.”

  Taking his hand, she stood and stepped off the wooden platform. Walking along the lit path in the still darkness of the park intensified her desire to fill her world with him. He’d proposed in this spot. And this was where she’d told him it wouldn’t work. So why were they here?