Beach Blanket Santa

to get some fresh air. How about if we go right after lunch?” He paused a beat. “Only…”
    “What?”
    “Did you come prepared for rain? Bring any gear?”
    She reached over to a side cabinet and lifted a bright red, compact umbrella.
    In spite of himself, Matt spurted a laugh. “I meant real rain gear. A slicker or something?”
    She shook her head, loose tendrils spiraling. Matt recalled the feel of his fingers in her luscious hair as he’d cradled her head in his hands and kissed that glorious mouth. He found himself aching to kiss her again but knew he wouldn’t until she was ready.
    “Even though the rain’s let up, it’s still coming down hard enough that I don’t think you should go out with that . Not with those ocean winds at play. Tell you what,” he said with a smile. “Why don’t you borrow a slicker of mine? I brought two.”
    “Two?”
    “I like to fish here, and I’m never sure what the weather will be. I learned some time ago it’s good to bring a backup supply of clothing. Helps ensure I don’t miss any opportunities.”
    She met his gaze. “That’s really nice of you, thanks. I think I’ll take you up on it.”

    By early afternoon they were laughing companionably about the oversized fit of Matt’s slicker on Sarah’s small frame. “I feel like the Incredible Hulk or something,” she said with a giggle. “Something lumbering and large that’s about to make its way down the beach. Do you think I’ll scare the sand crabs?”
    “You’re far better looking than the Hulk.” Blue eyes crinkled at the corners. “Besides, for the next day or two, I don’t think we’ll be running into much of anything out there, apart from maybe a few hungry gulls.”
    Sarah’s heart warmed at the thought of spending a few more days in Matt’s company. She’d never felt so comfortable around a man. He was alluring and attractive but had never once used his charms to try to seduce her. Instead, he’d played the perfect gentleman, keeping his distance just enough to drive her wild.
    “Shall we bring the umbrella?” she asked as they headed for the door.
    “Only if you want to watch it flip inside out and risk lifting off into the sky like Mary Poppins.”
    She grinned and tossed the umbrella across the room and onto the sofa. Sarah recalled a lot of Christmas Eves but certainly couldn’t remember any of them being like this. Despite the gloomy weather, this one was off to a great start.

    Matt offered Sarah a hand as she made her way down the slick steps. She settled her glove in his grip, the wind whipping her hair wildly about her face. Hers was the face of a Madonna, tinged pink from the nip in the air, her dark eyes warming him even in spite of the chill. He was glad he’d encouraged her to layer up. Thanks to the cold front that had rolled in, temperatures were now in the thirties, icy rain pinging against them like tiny sharp needles. “Are you okay?” he asked with concern. “If it’s too rough for you, we can turn back.”
    She stepped off the last wooden stair, releasing his hand. “Not on your life,” she said as the winds blew. He loved that she was feisty, undaunted by the challenge. Some girls might have whimpered and begged to hole up by the fire. Not Sarah in her puffed out Incredible Hulk outfit, he thought with a smile. “Then you might want to tighten your hood a bit to keep your hair from getting wet.”
    She nodded and fumbled with drawstrings but couldn’t seem to work them in her gloves. Matt hadn’t worn any. Then again, he was a lot more toughened to the elements than Sarah.
    “Here, let me do that,” he said, reaching forward to adjust them until they fit right. “Perfect,” he said, patting her shoulder. “Ready to roll?”
    “I think I’m ready to run!” she said, her teeth chattering slightly. “Standing still lets the damp sink in.”
    Matt twisted his lips in a smile. “You want to run down the beach through the rain?”
    “No,” she said, her dark eyes daring. “I want you to see if you can catch me.”
    Before he knew it, she’d taken off, dashing way ahead of him. Matt chuckled, racing after her, trailing her as she tore along the beach beside the crashing waves. He was closing in and she knew it, giggling like a kid trying to keep her distance. But it was useless. In no time at all, he’d reached her and caught her from behind in his arms. “Ha!” he cried with delight. “Think you could get away from me, did you,