First Impressions

innocently, stepping back to view the results. “It’s perfect, just as I knew it would be.” She gave a satisfied nod before taking out the old silver star that would adorn the top.
    Vance accepted it from her, then eyed the top branch. “I’m not going to be able to get this on there without knocking half of everything else off. We need a ladder.”
    “Oh no, that’s okay. Let me up on your shoulders.”
    “There’s a stepladder upstairs,” he began.
    “Oh, don’t be so fussy.” Shane jumped nimbly onto his back, hooking her legs around his waist for balance. “I’ll be able to reach it without any trouble,” she assured him, then began scooting up to his shoulders. Vance felt every line of her body as if he’d run his hands over it. “There,” she said, settled. “Hand it to me, and I’ll stick it on.”
    He obliged, then gripped her knees as she leaned forward. “Damn it, Shane, not so far; you’re going to fall into the tree.”
    “Don’t be silly,” she said lightly as she secured the star. “I have terrific balance. There!” Putting her hands on her hips, she surveyed the results. “Step back a bit so I can see the whole thing.” When he had, Shane gave a long sigh, then kissed the top of his head. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Just smell the pine.” Carelessly, she linked her ankles against his chest.
    “It’ll look better with the overhead lights off.” Still carrying her, he moved to flick the wall switch. In the dark, the colored lights on the tree seemed to jump into life. They shimmered against garland and tinsel, glowed warmly against pine.
    “Oh yes,” Shane breathed. “Just perfect.”
    “Not quite yet,” Vance disagreed.
    With a deft move, he pulled her around into his arms as she slid down from his shoulders. “This,” he told her as he laid her on the rug, “is perfect.”
    The lights danced on her face as she smiled up at him. “It certainly is.”
    His hands weren’t patient tonight, but neither were hers. They undressed each other quickly, laughing and swearing a bit at buttons or snaps. But when they were naked, the urgency only intensified. Their hands sought to touch, their mouths hurried to taste—everywhere. She marveled again at his taut, corded muscles. He filled himself again on the flavor and fragrance of her skin. They paid no more notice to the warmth of the lights or the tang of pine than they had to the chill of the snow. They were alone. They were together.

Chapter 13
    It wasn’t easy for Shane to keep her mind on her work the next day. Though she made several sales, among them the tilt-top table she had so painstakingly refinished, she was distracted throughout the morning. Distracted enough that she never noticed the discreet sold sign Pat had attached to the Hepplewhite set in lieu of a price tag. She could think of little else but Vance. Once or twice during the morning, she caught herself glancing at the Christmas tree and remembering. In all of her dreams, in all of her wishes, she had never imagined it could be this way. Each time they made love it was different, a new adventure. Yet somehow it was as though they had been together for years.
    Every time she touched him it was like making a fresh discovery, and still Shane felt she had known him for a lifetime rather than a matter of three short months. When he kissed her, it was just as thrilling and novel as the first time. The recognition she had felt the instant she had seen him had deepened into something much more abiding. Faith.
    Without doubt, she was certain that the excitement and the learning would go on time after time over the comfortable core of honest love. There was no need to romanticize what was real. She had only to look at him to know what they shared was special and enduring. With another glance at the tree, she realized she’d never been happier in her life.
    “Miss!” The customer considering the newly caned ladder-back chair called impatiently for Shane’s attention.
    “Yes, ma’am, I’m sorry.” If the smile Shane gave her was a bit dreamy, the woman didn’t seem to notice. “It’s a lovely piece, isn’t it? The seat’s just been redone.” Calling herself to order, Shane turned the chair over to show off the workmanship.
    “Yes, I’m interested.” The woman poked at the caning a moment. “But the price . . .”
    Recognizing the tone, Shane settled down to bargain.
    It was just past noon when things began to quiet down. The