The Christmas Catch

If he kissed her again the way he’d done under the mistletoe, they might not be able to stop things there.
    Blue eyes sparkled with understanding. “I think my leaving’s for the best, don’t you?”
    She knew he was right, so she didn’t argue. John mussed Tyler’s hair and told him good night before heading for the door.
    “We still on for tomorrow at five?” he asked Christine. “Christmas dinner at my place?”
    “We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said with a happy smile.

Chapter Ten

    The bright sun beat a path through the windows as wrapping paper littered the floor. Christine sat on the colorful hooked rug by the fire, helping Ty construct his Lincoln Log tower. He’d been as happy as a clam to learn Santa had brought him his own set, one he could take back to Chicago. He’d gotten a huge assortment of Legos too. That Santa really knew his stuff. Christine’s cell rang and she nabbed it off the coffee table.
    “Still snowing up there?” It was Ellen’s voice on the other end of the line.
    “Not at the moment,” Christine answered cheerily. She was having the best New England Christmas. “But it never stops for long.”
    “That’s good,” Ellen said, “because I need somewhere to cool off.”
    “What?”
    “A truly wicked sunburn,” she continued in a pitiful tone.
    “Oh my gosh! How did that happen?”
    “Let’s just say Emilio and I spent some time at the beach.” She lowered her voice and spoke with a mysterious edge. “A… very… private… beach.”
    “Didn’t you use protection?” Christine asked in shock.
    “Of course we did! But not sunscreen.”
    Christine blinked at Tyler, opting to take her conversation to a more confidential locale. She stood, walking out of his earshot, then whispered into the phone. “Ellen, oh my God. You’re burnt everywhere ?”
    “Some parts more than others,” she quipped. “But that’s neither here nor there. I’m calling to tell you my time in the sun is done.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Emilio and I weren’t as compatible as I thought. He had a much harder time taking a tanning. And that says a lot, considering I didn’t do so well… In any case, I’m calling to tell you the happy news! I’m coming up to relieve you in Vermont!”
    Christine swallowed hard, staring at Tyler. They were finally settling in. Now clearly wasn’t the time to walk away. They had three more days on their agenda. Besides, they had Christmas dinner plans. “Ellen, I really don’t think that’s necessary. Ty and I are doing just great holding down the fort.”
    “Of course, I don’t mean to push you out completely. You can go home any time you want. Just make room for one more!”
    Christine sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. “When were you thinking of arriving?” she asked weakly.
    “At four. I’m calling from the airport, as a matter of fact.”
    “Four today ?” Christine spouted in a panic. She’d been looking forward to an intimate evening at John’s place. She hadn’t planned on bringing along her brash best friend.
    “I don’t eat that much,” Ellen said, affronted. “Frankly, Christine, I’m surprised at you. I didn’t think you and Ty would… Wait a minute! Hold the phone!” she cried, her tone brightening. “Is this about the sexy professor?”
    “Ellen!”
    “I knew it! You finally went out, didn’t you?”
    “Actually, we stayed in.”
    “That sounds even better! So… out with it! Is he some kind of dynamite kisser?”
    “Ellen!”
    “Hmm, I see. No time for that yet. Well, no matter, sweetheart. Goodness knows I want you to have a love life way more than the next gal. I won’t get in your way.”

    John laid three elegant place settings on the sturdy handmade table while Carlos heckled him from nearby. “I can’t believe you’d disinvite your best friend on earth from his favorite holiday meal.”
    John wryly twisted his lips. “But you’ve always criticized my Indian pudding.”
    “That’s because it’s a little lumpy.”
    “Is not!”
    “Is too. Although the Cornish hens always come out well,” Carlos added thoughtfully.
    “Thanks, Carlos. You’re a pal.” Mason followed him excitedly, repeatedly knocking his legs with a huge rawhide bone that sported a large red ribbon on at one end. “Mason, please. Will you just sit ?” The dog sat immediately and John nearly tumbled over him.
    Carlos smirked and got back to business. “So? Does she have any