Beach Blanket Santa

her last serious boyfriend hadn’t. “Oh yeah?”
    “Yeah.” They stood in close proximity now, only inches apart. He stepped forward, closing the small space between them. It was silly to think he might kiss her, but she secretly wished for it just the same. He’d been so gentlemanly in keeping his distance since their cooking lesson, Sarah had started wondering what she’d been doing wrong. Then she reminded herself that things were playing out just the way she’d wanted them to. But if this was the case, why did the outcome leave her feeling sad and conflicted? If only there was a way to make things work, she would find it. But at the moment, everything seemed impossible.
    “Sleep tight. I hope you have pleasant dreams.”
    She held his gaze, knowing her dreams would include him. “You too.”
    “The storm’s supposed to let up tomorrow,” he said, his voice raspy.
    Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. She certainly hoped not. Not if it meant that Matt would be leaving. She was still wrestling with so much in her heart and head, trying to sort everything out. And that was so hard to do with him standing close enough to hold her.
    “Of course, even if the roads clear,” he continued, “that ferry won’t be up and running until late in the week.”
    Sarah breathed a sigh of relief, remembering. “That’s right, the ferry,” she said, backing up a step. “Can’t go anywhere without the big boat.” Wow, didn’t he look gorgeous just standing there in all of his studly beauty, a few days of beard stubble lightly framing his face? Never had a man appealed to her so much.
    He raised his brow, watching her with amusement.
    “You might want to turn around. You might bump into something.”
    She held up her hand in agreement and whirled on her heels. Quickly enough, she hoped, to disguise her rabid blush. She’d been so intent on ogling Matt she hadn’t wanted to take her eyes off of him. Him and that beautiful body and his gorgeous blue eyes. It must have been a subconscious desire, because she hadn’t even realized she was doing it.
    Sarah ducked behind her bedroom door, closing it with a gasp. Christmas Day was fast approaching, and she could think of only one thing she wanted. Having Matt take her once again in his arms.

    Matt approached Sarah as she stood sipping her coffee by the oceanside sliding glass door. She looked beautiful this morning in a pretty pink sweater and slightly worn jeans, her long, loose hair damp from her morning shower.
    “Looks like it’s still coming down out there,” he said, referencing the rain.
    “Yeah, but not as hard as before.” She smiled sweetly over the rim of her cup, and Matt had the crazy notion that hers was a smile he wouldn’t mind seeing at eight in the morning any old time of the year. He was just glad he was getting this unexpected chance to spend the holiday with her. It was way better than intruding on Robert and Margaret’s first Christmas as parents. The view was a lot nicer too. And Matt wasn’t thinking about the drenched stretch of sand ahead of them.
    “Thanks for making the coffee,” she said. “It was a treat finding it ready when I got up.”
    “It’s no problem, really. I set it to brew before getting dressed and right after phoning the ferry.”
    Her delicate brow rose as she turned toward him. “What’s the word?” She didn’t say it, but Matt could tell she wasn’t any more interested in that boat taking off today than he was.
    “Still down for the duration.” Even though the winds had abated, storm damage to the docks would take some time to repair. Some of it wouldn’t even get started until the rain had fully stopped.
    “That’s too bad,” she said, faking her disappointment badly.
    “Hmm, yes. A total shame.”
    He studied her a long while, lost in the heat of her stare. While it didn’t seem possible, each time he looked in those dark brown eyes, they appeared even more enticing.
    Her pretty mouth drew up at the corners. “You know, I was thinking… I’m feeling a little cage crazy in here.”
    “Seriously? I was just thinking the same thing.” In fact, he’d awakened this morning feeling a dire need to stretch his legs. Get out on the beach for a long walk. Only he hadn’t wanted to inconvenience Sarah by suggesting she join him during the still-bad weather. He equally hadn’t wished to cut out on her and leave her in the cottage all alone.
    “Want to go for a walk?”
    “I’d love that. Anything