Chapter 21
Playing with Fire
When Randi came out Emma was on the phone with her husband and she just waved her on out to the truck. She guessed that meant it was a ‘go’ for the tree, but she would call to make sure. She’d slipped into a white tank top, a flannel shirt and jeans. She didn’t want the trees to scratch her arms.
She glanced at the truck, full of clothes and trash, and then went around to the side of the garage taking out a doggie treat. Ann bought the treats earlier when she went out to buy garbage bags. Celia cleaned out her closets, a few days ago and wanted the items took the dump. Most of the bags needed to go to good will a few were trash.
Randi wanted to make sure the clothes were took to a place where they would be useful, so she offered to empty the truck. She wasn’t relishing driving it. She knew it belonged to the limo driver, and she didn’t feel right driving it without his permission.
She bent over and called, the two pups came and stuck their noses through the fence. She slipped her hand out through the hole petting them. They were so cute and she was thinking about taking them home with her when this job ended.
“Don’t you no better than to feed strays. Where did you get such bad habits?”
Randi smiled, she pulled her hand back through the hole, and rose turning to look at Mike. “You’re one to talk about bad habits.” She walked past him and even brushed his shoulder lightly as she did so.
He was gorgeous as usual, and she so wished he wasn’t dating anyone . . . except maybe her. She could only guess that Mike turned around, gave her a dirty look, and then followed.
“You don’t think you’re driving do you?” Randi didn’t answer. She opened the driver’s side door, found the keys and held them up.
“I was planning to.” She watched him approach. He wore jeans, a white shirt, and tennis shoes. The shirt was unbuttoned two buttons, and the cuffs were rolled up to his elbows. He was a sight, and it was tempting to ask him if he had any clue of how good looking he was, but she guessed by the smile playing on his lips, that he knew very well, what kind of effect he could have on the opposite sex.
Randi left her hand on the door and turned to face him. “Don’t you have anything better to do than go to goodwill, and pick out a tree for this fancy shindig these fine folks are having?”
“I don’t guess I do.” He held out his hand and of course she gave him the keys. “Now slide over. You’re not driving.” That look would have melted Iceland. Randi did as the man said, knowing good and well she was playing with fire. Her mother had told her all her life, don’t play with matches, don’t date married men, and don’t ever go to bed without asking the good lord to forgive you for all the stupid things you’d done that day.
This was going to go on the top of the list of stupid things she’d done. She climbed into the truck, slid over somewhat, and looked at Mike. For some reason he didn’t look like a Mike. He stood there for a moment, glanced at the stuff in the back of the truck and gestured. “I thought this was trash.”
“Not all of it. There’s some clothes in there we’ll need to drop off at goodwill, some stuff will take to the dump--”
“And pick out a tree?” He interrupted.
“That’s the plan.”
Mike looked at his watch, sighed and climbed in. “If we’re going to do all of that and eat a late lunch, we better get going.”
“Who said anything about eating, I’m on the clock here.” Mike closed the door and started the truck. Randi didn’t like the smile playing on his lips when he spoke.
“You’re fine, I know the boss, and he won’t say anything.” When he rested his arm on the back seat of the truck, and looked over his shoulder to back out, they were pretty close. He stopped backing up, and sat there looking at her. She had a feeling if she didn’t say something he just might kiss her.
“This makes me feel kind of not so good. Are you dating Celia or not.” Randi started to move away sliding over to her side of the truck, but Mike’s hand went to her shoulder.
“We’re not doing anything wrong. We’re just trying the waters a bit, seeing where things could go.”
“But, I can see where they’re going, and this doesn’t feel--”
When Mike moved his hand from the wheel and touched his finger to her lips, she felt electric. She knew he could feel it too, because he pulled his hand back. For the first time she seen a bit of guilt, or something in those green eyes.
He put his hand back on the wheel and his right hand let go of her shoulder. “I ask you to trust me. I’m still saying give me time, and lets just be sure and take this slow.”
Randi hated to slide away from Mike, but she did. He didn’t like it either, but it showed in the slight nod he gave her, that he understood. He backed up, turned the truck around and sat facing the street with his hands on the wheel.
He seemed to be contemplating something, but when he turned and looked at her he didn’t speak. He just gave her that slow easy smile, leaned back, put the truck into drive and turned right onto the highway.”
Chapter 22
Mistletoe
Why was it every time Martin felt he was gaining ground with this girl something knocked him back into reality? They took the clothes to goodwill, dumped the trash off at the local dump, and now they were on their way to pick out a tree. They had gotten back into that usual playful mood finally, and he had reached out to take her hand a few times.
Each time she didn’t notice, or refused the connection. She would point to some tree, or bend down to see how the bottom branches looked. Randi was so full of life, and so unlike Celia that it amazed him how he could have been attracted to both women.
He couldn’t imagine Celia getting on her hands and knees and digging around, feeling inside the tree to see how dead the branches were. Celia wouldn’t have a tree if it came down to this, she would just pick out the biggest most expensive in the lot and been done with it. Not Randi.
Finally he got what he wanted, out of excitement for something she’d noticed, Randi reached out and grabbed his hand, all but pulling him down the row of trees. “Look at this one, oh man it’s a beauty.” Randi stood, in awe of a fat, nine foot, Blue Spruce. “I just love Christmas.”
She turned to look at him. Her mind and gaze moving from the tree, to the man by her side. For a second she started to let go, but she didn’t, instead she squeezed his hand, and bit her bottom lip lightly. “What do you think, do we order this one.”
“Yes, I like this it.” Randi looked at the tree, and Martin looked at Randi. An idea came; he wasn’t ready to go back to his reality, or to let go of her hand. “I’m pretty sure they want at least two trees. Let’s pick out two more, just encase.”
Randi leaned against him, her shoulder bumping his, as she considered this. “I recall hearing someone say something about two or three trees. Okay, but I think we should be sure and save this one.”
“Fine, don’t move.” Martin started to leave but stopped, he stepped in front of Randi, then looked down the row of trees. “See that couple. They want our tree. Guard it with your life.”
She quickly became a part of his game and even edged closer looking at the couple. “They’ll have to pry it out of my hands.”
“Isn’t that supposed to be my cold dead fingers?” She quickly brought her gaze to his.
“Mike, it’s just a tree. I’ll only go so far . . . even for Christmas. Now go on before I really do have to fight those folks.”
Martin laughed and walked at a steady pace pulling out his wallet as he went. He stopped as he came to the girl at the desk, what if she recognized him. He didn’t want to order it, or take any longer than need be. He looked at her and unfortunately recognized that crazy shocked look as it came to her eyes. It was too late. She knew who he was.
*****
Randi wasn’t sure what was taking so long, Mike talked to the young girl for a good ten minutes, she had him sign two or three papers, and finally let him go. She guessed as she watched Mike walking back that the girl thought he was cute. And he was. The attendant stood staring and even giggled and jumped on her phone moments later.
“What was that all about? Did you get the tree?”
Mike glanced back to the girl, and then nodded. “Yes it’s paid for, as slow as she was I didn’t want to try and explain about ordering. I paid for three we just need to pick them out and get back to the house.”
Randi slipped her finger under Mike’s chin and made him turn and look at her, “That girl rattled you. Come on, forget it. I won’t let her hurt you.”
Mike nodded, “Sorry, it’s just . . . never mind. I’ll tell you later. We have two more trees to pick out.” He seemed more at ease and took her hand. They walked around picking out two more trees but the mood was gone. Her playful Mike had retreated, so she picked out two trees quickly and they carried them back to the truck.
As she climbed in and they pulled out, she turned in the seat looking at him. “Was that cash register girl taking your picture, just now? Did you know her?”
“No, I didn’t know her.” Was the only answer she got. She decided something had upset him so she didn’t push it. He stayed quiet until they went through the drive-thru. He drove them to the park and they pulled out to the end where they could be alone.
They stayed in the truck eating, but neither of them seemed in a good mood. They talked small talk, about the weather, Christmas as kids, but Mike still seemed lost in his thoughts. When they were done eating Randi gathered up the trash, and took it to a nearby can.
As she walked back to the truck, Mike was out looking the trees over. She came to stand by him. “Are they secure?”
“They’ll do till we get them back to the house.” He turned toward her and held out his hand palm up. She slid her hand onto his and allowed him to tug her closer. She felt sorry for him, but she wasn’t sure why. He had this dejected puppy dog look on his face that made her want to hold him.
She knew he wasn’t hers to hold, but it wasn’t like that, it was like he needed a friend to hug him, and tell him everything would be all right. Instead of the hug she stepped closer and wrapped her hands around his. She held his hand tight, and then looked up into his eyes. “I don’t know what the problem is, but I’m here if you need to talk.”
“Thanks, but you are the problem.” When she started to pull away he slipped his other hand to her waist. “Not like that. You make me forget who I am. You make me wish I was someone else.”
“Why? If you don’t like Celia break it off.”
“It’s more than that. I can’t tell you now, but I want to. I want to pull you into my arms and hold you and know that when this Holiday is over you’ll still be here, in my arms.”
Randi smiled, “You can be a real sweetheart when you want to be. I’m here now, and if you play your cards right, I should still be here after Christmas.”
Mike laughed and looked into her eyes. “I guess. We’ll just have to wait and see.” Randi nodded and started to step back but he shook his head no, ever so slightly. Time seemed to slow down, and the noises of the cars and other people faded into nothing, and all Randi could think about or hear, was the man standing beside her.
“Can I kiss you?” He asked and when her lips turned into a smile, he smiled also. “Is that a yes?”
“No, it’s not a yes. I want to let you kiss me, but I don’t think you’re ready yet.”
“OH I’m ready.” Randi laughed and pushed at him playfully. “I didn’t mean that way. I mean are you ready to be done with Celia, to tell her it’s over, and that you’re moving on?”
“If I say yes, will you let me kiss you?”
“You don’t answer a question with another question.”
“You’re right. But will you.”
“Will it be the truth? Will you kiss her tonight? Will you let her into your bed when I’m not around.”
*****
Martin knew she was right, and he hadn’t thought this through, he didn’t need to be kissing two women. He didn’t need to be with Celia while he was trying to flirt with Randi. He tried to think, when he’d last kissed Celia and couldn’t recall. Tried to drum up any emotion to want to kiss the woman he’d spent the last six months with, and couldn’t.
Would he indeed spend about eight more night with Celia and not kiss her? What would he do when all of the family was there and Celia wanted to share his bed? As he looked at Randi, and into her beautiful eyes, he smiled. It was over with Celia, and he’d really known it for a while, but was trying to deny it. Another failed relationship wasn’t what he wanted at all.
“No, I won’t kiss her tonight, and she will never share my bed again. You have my word on that. Kiss me or not, that’s still my answer.” Martin wasn’t about to beg any woman to kiss him, not even this one. He turned and started to go, but she didn’t let go of his hand.
He waited and she gave a smile. “I’m not sure if I should, but I believe what you just said. Randi let go of his hand, dug into her pocket and pulled out a bit of greenery with a red bow on it. “It’s your lucky day, I just happen to have a bit of magic in my pocket.
“Magic.”
“Yes. Consider it a gift, but you must use it wisely and at the right moment.” She put it in his hand.
“What is this?” Martin asked about the same time it hit him, and they both spoke in unison.
“Mistletoe.”
Chapter 23
Magic
All the way back to the house Martin kept pulling out the mistletoe and holding it in his hand and looking at Randi. She would laugh and shake her head. He was so cute and she was regretting that she hadn’t kissed him. She was pretty sure he was telling the truth about Celia, and if asked again she would say yes.
A smile came to her lips as he glanced her way. Shoot, she might just kiss him before they got to the house. Her expression must have given something away because he spoke. “I bet I know what you’re thinking about.”
“Oh shut up. You don’t have a clue.”
“Of course not, and where did you get this Magic?”
“It was laying on the table. I picked it up while you were tying down the trees. You get one free with every tree.”
“I should have gotten three. I could put them to good use.”
“You better not need three.” Randi raised a brow and gave Mike a dirty look. This made him laugh and he made ‘kissy’ faces at her.
“I’m not looking at you.” Randi said and she didn’t, but she couldn’t keep the smile from her lips. She also couldn’t behave herself so she looked back and he was still holding the mistletoe in his hand as they pulled into the driveway.
Mike parked the truck and they got out, as Randi walked around the front of the truck she pulled something out of her pocket. “What do you have there more magic?”
“No it’s another treat for the pups.”
“You’re going to spoil them.” Mike said as he closed the truck door.
“That’s the plan.” Randi walked behind the garage to the whole in the fence. She bent down and was a bit disappointed that the pups weren’t there. She left the treat, rose and turned, laughing. “What are you doing?”
Mike stood there about eight feet away holding the mistletoe over his head. “I’m trying out this magic. I’m not sure it’s working.”
“Oh, so you doubt its abilities.” Randi straightened and took a few steps. “Lets see if I feel the pull or not.”
“The pull?” His lips curled into a smile.
“Yes, magic . . . you know.”
“I’m not sure I like this.” Mike lowered his arm. “I don’t want a kiss because of magic. I’d rather it be because of the usual reasons.”
Randi laughed and stepped forward. “Are you willing to risk it.” She smiled as Mike looked at the mistletoe, thinking it over. She thought for a moment he was going to stick it back into his pocket, but he raised his arm and held it over his head.
“I’m not taking any chances.”
Randi smiled and moved closer tilting her head. Mike’s hair was lifting slightly with the breeze; his green eyes mocked her and those lips waited. She took two more steps and reached up taking the mistletoe out of his hand and then she stuffed it into his shirt pocket.
“Why did you do that?” Mike said slipping his hand to her waist.
“You don’t need magic. And you don’t need to get comfortable,” she said as she removed his hand from her waist. “This is just our first kiss so don’t expect the earth to move.”
He smiled but didn’t budge; it was obvious he was going to make her pay for saying no earlier. She thought about just giving him a peck on the cheek and going, but she didn’t want to. But it would be fun to make him think that was all he was getting.
She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, but as she pulled back she softly brushed her lips across his. It took him by surprise and as his lips parted, just enough to give her a hint of things to come, she pulled back.
It was all but impossible to keep the smile from her lips as she let her hand trail down his shoulder to his arm until for a brief moment her fingers touched his. She then walked around the garage and into the house, thankful that for now, at least one of them had a little willpower.
Chapter 24
The Truth
Emma rubbed her eyes and stifled a yawn. She was tired and wanted to go home but she couldn’t leave until she finished with the guest list that Celia gave her about an hour ago. She needed to get diet food and drinks for two of the relatives, special cleaning supplies because of an allergy Celia’s mother had, and cotton sheets for Celia’s grandma. The guest list, and the things she needed to get done before everyone started arriving was growing.
The backdoor opened and Emma heard someone humming, no singing. She looked up as Randi walked into the room. The girl was smiling ear to ear and she stopped and made a slight face. “Sorry I didn’t know anyone was in here.”
“Were you singing?”
“Yeah, walking in winter wonder land. I love Christmas.”
“I do to, but that smile speaks of more than the joy of the season. I’m guessing it might have been brought on by a young man.”
“Kind of,” Randi smiled again.
“Ah, to be young and in love.” Emma took a sip of her coffee. “Do I know this young man?”
Randi hesitated, “That all depends. Are we allowed to date the help?”
“For now you’re a temp, so I don’t see why not. Besides I’ll never tell. You’re the best worker I have. And speaking of work did you get the trees.”
“Yes, and we got three.”
“Good. I’ve had some of the decorations brought down, made several phone calls, and been working on a list of things that must be done by tomorrow.”
“Because of the early guests?” Randi took the list that Emma handed her and began to look it over.
“Yes. Celia wants everything to work out perfectly. Does the trees look good? She’s going to want the best.” Emma leaned back and crossed her arms. And how far along is this new romance?”
“Well, this is all do-able by tomorrow night.” Randi gestured to the paper, “and we’re just up to the first kiss.”
“Those are always memorable. I wish you the best. What’s his name?”
“Mike, I went with him to get the trees.”
Emma paused, thinking back to the fact that Martin was supposed to check on the trees. “Mike, took you to get the trees.”
“Yes, Ma’am. I’ll go get changed and start working on getting the room ready. The trees are outside, in the back of Mikes truck.”
“Mike?” Emma said, but Randi was gone. Emma picked up her list and looked it over to be sure everything was right.
She was almost down to the bottom of the list, when she heard a door open and close. She was going to ask Randi about this Mike person, but instead of Randi she found Martin walking past. He didn’t even take time to glance her way. She needed to speak to him so she rose and called out his name.
“Martin, can I have a word with you?” She caught up with him at the front landing. He was on the stairs. He turned and looked and she started to speak. Her eyes caught a glimpse of a red bow sticking out of his pocket, and her question changed. “Did you get the trees?”
“Sure did.” Martin said, “They look really nice.”
“How many?” Emma asked.
“Three, they’re out in the truck.” He glanced at his watch, “I don’t have long is that all you needed?”
Emma didn’t understand. Randi said Mike took her to get the trees. She fumbled for another question. “Do you have a preference of which tree goes where?” As Martin answered she was running things over in her mind. Something wasn’t right, but it wasn’t her place to ask too many questions.
“Put the biggest tree in the Great room, other than that I don’t care.”
“Yes sir, and one other thing. Do you have a preference in which rooms we give your family, verses Celia’s?”
“No,” he said and then he changed his mind and turned back. “Yes, put my parents down stairs, the rest it doesn’t matter.”
“Yes sir.” Anna nodded and went back into the kitchen. She looked over her shoulder, what was Martin up to. She sat back down, and tried to concentrate on her list but she couldn’t. The words that Randi had said, and what Martin said mingled in her mind, and then another thought came to the forefront.
Randi’s application had stated very clearly that she had no foreknowledge of Martin Henderson at all. That she’d never even seen the man or knew anything about him. Randi could indeed be dating Martin and not even have a clue who he really was. Emma leaned back in her chair and considered the facts. Could it really be possible that Mike and Martin were the same person?
Chapter 25
Moving Out
Martin took the steps two at a time. It was half past three and he wanted to get his mind away from Randi and Celia, and wrap it around this new script. He would meet with Bill later that night, and he wanted to give a final answer on when he would be ready to do a reading.
He went into his room, locked the door for privacy, took out the script and shut out the world and his problems, as only he could do while reading. He began sitting down at the desk. He flipped through the pages, and scenes, getting a feel for the storyline.
After he became engrossed in the subject matter, he rose and began to pace, reading and falling into the male lead. Martin loved the Character Rory, and knew he could get into this character with ease.
Pacing and reading, over and over, he read the lines. Getting into character he could feel the anger of the scene, he hoped to read. He reached in deep to become a husband walking in on his wife, as she was in the arms of another man on the dance floor.
Closing his eyes he could picture the scene. He was about to reach the couple as they danced and when he pulled them apart the woman raised her eyes to look at him. Quickly, he came out of the scene shocked at how his concentration had been interrupted. A smile came to his lips. Randi was invading every part of his life it seemed.
He glanced at the clock and noticed he’d been working on the scrip for over an hour. Tossing it on the table he stripped and went to the shower. He took his time enjoying the hot water, trying to get back into the scene, but all he could do was think about being the man holding Randi on the dance floor.
He washed his hair, a smile playing on his lips. Randi had been flirting openly with him, but when it came to the physical side of things she was holding back, but he didn’t mind. He wanted to take this slow and make sure he got to know her. Randi seemed old fashioned and this reminded him of the fact that his mother would be coming any day.
Martin knew his mother would approve of Randi, but that she would not approve of his lying to Randi or of his living with Celia. He rinsed the soap off, climbed from the shower, and began to dry.
He hadn’t told his mother about Celia, because he knew how stubborn she could be, and he didn’t want her staying away because of her family values. His mother knew Celia and her family would be staying in the house during the Christmas party, but she had no idea they’d been living together for the past few months.
As Martin picked out what he would wear he also tossed several items onto the bed. He’d ask Emma to have his things moved to the room downstairs. Taking out a pen and paper he jotted down several other things he wanted moved to his new room. He was thinking about leaving a note for Celia too, but he didn’t.
Martin knew he didn’t have to worry about running into Celia before his clothes were removed, there was no way she would show up before he left. He slipped into his dress slacks, white shirt, matching jacket, but no tie and added some cologne before walking out.
He picked up the script and made his way to the stairs. Pausing for a moment he heard voices. From the sound of things he knew someone was working on the tree in the Great Room, he only guessed and hoped it was Randi. He walked down the stairs hoping not to be noticed and thankfully he slipped out the front door without being noticed.
Once out the door, in the car, and down the driveway Martin sent Emma a text to have his clothes moved. He sat waiting to make his turn when he received her text back. He pulled out his iphone and glanced at the text. ‘will do.’
Martin smiled, as an idea came to him. He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought about it sooner. What better way to tell Celia of his plans than a text message? He wouldn’t have to hear her objections, or argue with her about it. A smile played on his lips as he typed out the words that would partially explain why from this point they’d be staying in separate rooms.
Home for more chapters.
Playing with Fire
When Randi came out Emma was on the phone with her husband and she just waved her on out to the truck. She guessed that meant it was a ‘go’ for the tree, but she would call to make sure. She’d slipped into a white tank top, a flannel shirt and jeans. She didn’t want the trees to scratch her arms.
She glanced at the truck, full of clothes and trash, and then went around to the side of the garage taking out a doggie treat. Ann bought the treats earlier when she went out to buy garbage bags. Celia cleaned out her closets, a few days ago and wanted the items took the dump. Most of the bags needed to go to good will a few were trash.
Randi wanted to make sure the clothes were took to a place where they would be useful, so she offered to empty the truck. She wasn’t relishing driving it. She knew it belonged to the limo driver, and she didn’t feel right driving it without his permission.
She bent over and called, the two pups came and stuck their noses through the fence. She slipped her hand out through the hole petting them. They were so cute and she was thinking about taking them home with her when this job ended.
“Don’t you no better than to feed strays. Where did you get such bad habits?”
Randi smiled, she pulled her hand back through the hole, and rose turning to look at Mike. “You’re one to talk about bad habits.” She walked past him and even brushed his shoulder lightly as she did so.
He was gorgeous as usual, and she so wished he wasn’t dating anyone . . . except maybe her. She could only guess that Mike turned around, gave her a dirty look, and then followed.
“You don’t think you’re driving do you?” Randi didn’t answer. She opened the driver’s side door, found the keys and held them up.
“I was planning to.” She watched him approach. He wore jeans, a white shirt, and tennis shoes. The shirt was unbuttoned two buttons, and the cuffs were rolled up to his elbows. He was a sight, and it was tempting to ask him if he had any clue of how good looking he was, but she guessed by the smile playing on his lips, that he knew very well, what kind of effect he could have on the opposite sex.
Randi left her hand on the door and turned to face him. “Don’t you have anything better to do than go to goodwill, and pick out a tree for this fancy shindig these fine folks are having?”
“I don’t guess I do.” He held out his hand and of course she gave him the keys. “Now slide over. You’re not driving.” That look would have melted Iceland. Randi did as the man said, knowing good and well she was playing with fire. Her mother had told her all her life, don’t play with matches, don’t date married men, and don’t ever go to bed without asking the good lord to forgive you for all the stupid things you’d done that day.
This was going to go on the top of the list of stupid things she’d done. She climbed into the truck, slid over somewhat, and looked at Mike. For some reason he didn’t look like a Mike. He stood there for a moment, glanced at the stuff in the back of the truck and gestured. “I thought this was trash.”
“Not all of it. There’s some clothes in there we’ll need to drop off at goodwill, some stuff will take to the dump--”
“And pick out a tree?” He interrupted.
“That’s the plan.”
Mike looked at his watch, sighed and climbed in. “If we’re going to do all of that and eat a late lunch, we better get going.”
“Who said anything about eating, I’m on the clock here.” Mike closed the door and started the truck. Randi didn’t like the smile playing on his lips when he spoke.
“You’re fine, I know the boss, and he won’t say anything.” When he rested his arm on the back seat of the truck, and looked over his shoulder to back out, they were pretty close. He stopped backing up, and sat there looking at her. She had a feeling if she didn’t say something he just might kiss her.
“This makes me feel kind of not so good. Are you dating Celia or not.” Randi started to move away sliding over to her side of the truck, but Mike’s hand went to her shoulder.
“We’re not doing anything wrong. We’re just trying the waters a bit, seeing where things could go.”
“But, I can see where they’re going, and this doesn’t feel--”
When Mike moved his hand from the wheel and touched his finger to her lips, she felt electric. She knew he could feel it too, because he pulled his hand back. For the first time she seen a bit of guilt, or something in those green eyes.
He put his hand back on the wheel and his right hand let go of her shoulder. “I ask you to trust me. I’m still saying give me time, and lets just be sure and take this slow.”
Randi hated to slide away from Mike, but she did. He didn’t like it either, but it showed in the slight nod he gave her, that he understood. He backed up, turned the truck around and sat facing the street with his hands on the wheel.
He seemed to be contemplating something, but when he turned and looked at her he didn’t speak. He just gave her that slow easy smile, leaned back, put the truck into drive and turned right onto the highway.”
Chapter 22
Mistletoe
Why was it every time Martin felt he was gaining ground with this girl something knocked him back into reality? They took the clothes to goodwill, dumped the trash off at the local dump, and now they were on their way to pick out a tree. They had gotten back into that usual playful mood finally, and he had reached out to take her hand a few times.
Each time she didn’t notice, or refused the connection. She would point to some tree, or bend down to see how the bottom branches looked. Randi was so full of life, and so unlike Celia that it amazed him how he could have been attracted to both women.
He couldn’t imagine Celia getting on her hands and knees and digging around, feeling inside the tree to see how dead the branches were. Celia wouldn’t have a tree if it came down to this, she would just pick out the biggest most expensive in the lot and been done with it. Not Randi.
Finally he got what he wanted, out of excitement for something she’d noticed, Randi reached out and grabbed his hand, all but pulling him down the row of trees. “Look at this one, oh man it’s a beauty.” Randi stood, in awe of a fat, nine foot, Blue Spruce. “I just love Christmas.”
She turned to look at him. Her mind and gaze moving from the tree, to the man by her side. For a second she started to let go, but she didn’t, instead she squeezed his hand, and bit her bottom lip lightly. “What do you think, do we order this one.”
“Yes, I like this it.” Randi looked at the tree, and Martin looked at Randi. An idea came; he wasn’t ready to go back to his reality, or to let go of her hand. “I’m pretty sure they want at least two trees. Let’s pick out two more, just encase.”
Randi leaned against him, her shoulder bumping his, as she considered this. “I recall hearing someone say something about two or three trees. Okay, but I think we should be sure and save this one.”
“Fine, don’t move.” Martin started to leave but stopped, he stepped in front of Randi, then looked down the row of trees. “See that couple. They want our tree. Guard it with your life.”
She quickly became a part of his game and even edged closer looking at the couple. “They’ll have to pry it out of my hands.”
“Isn’t that supposed to be my cold dead fingers?” She quickly brought her gaze to his.
“Mike, it’s just a tree. I’ll only go so far . . . even for Christmas. Now go on before I really do have to fight those folks.”
Martin laughed and walked at a steady pace pulling out his wallet as he went. He stopped as he came to the girl at the desk, what if she recognized him. He didn’t want to order it, or take any longer than need be. He looked at her and unfortunately recognized that crazy shocked look as it came to her eyes. It was too late. She knew who he was.
*****
Randi wasn’t sure what was taking so long, Mike talked to the young girl for a good ten minutes, she had him sign two or three papers, and finally let him go. She guessed as she watched Mike walking back that the girl thought he was cute. And he was. The attendant stood staring and even giggled and jumped on her phone moments later.
“What was that all about? Did you get the tree?”
Mike glanced back to the girl, and then nodded. “Yes it’s paid for, as slow as she was I didn’t want to try and explain about ordering. I paid for three we just need to pick them out and get back to the house.”
Randi slipped her finger under Mike’s chin and made him turn and look at her, “That girl rattled you. Come on, forget it. I won’t let her hurt you.”
Mike nodded, “Sorry, it’s just . . . never mind. I’ll tell you later. We have two more trees to pick out.” He seemed more at ease and took her hand. They walked around picking out two more trees but the mood was gone. Her playful Mike had retreated, so she picked out two trees quickly and they carried them back to the truck.
As she climbed in and they pulled out, she turned in the seat looking at him. “Was that cash register girl taking your picture, just now? Did you know her?”
“No, I didn’t know her.” Was the only answer she got. She decided something had upset him so she didn’t push it. He stayed quiet until they went through the drive-thru. He drove them to the park and they pulled out to the end where they could be alone.
They stayed in the truck eating, but neither of them seemed in a good mood. They talked small talk, about the weather, Christmas as kids, but Mike still seemed lost in his thoughts. When they were done eating Randi gathered up the trash, and took it to a nearby can.
As she walked back to the truck, Mike was out looking the trees over. She came to stand by him. “Are they secure?”
“They’ll do till we get them back to the house.” He turned toward her and held out his hand palm up. She slid her hand onto his and allowed him to tug her closer. She felt sorry for him, but she wasn’t sure why. He had this dejected puppy dog look on his face that made her want to hold him.
She knew he wasn’t hers to hold, but it wasn’t like that, it was like he needed a friend to hug him, and tell him everything would be all right. Instead of the hug she stepped closer and wrapped her hands around his. She held his hand tight, and then looked up into his eyes. “I don’t know what the problem is, but I’m here if you need to talk.”
“Thanks, but you are the problem.” When she started to pull away he slipped his other hand to her waist. “Not like that. You make me forget who I am. You make me wish I was someone else.”
“Why? If you don’t like Celia break it off.”
“It’s more than that. I can’t tell you now, but I want to. I want to pull you into my arms and hold you and know that when this Holiday is over you’ll still be here, in my arms.”
Randi smiled, “You can be a real sweetheart when you want to be. I’m here now, and if you play your cards right, I should still be here after Christmas.”
Mike laughed and looked into her eyes. “I guess. We’ll just have to wait and see.” Randi nodded and started to step back but he shook his head no, ever so slightly. Time seemed to slow down, and the noises of the cars and other people faded into nothing, and all Randi could think about or hear, was the man standing beside her.
“Can I kiss you?” He asked and when her lips turned into a smile, he smiled also. “Is that a yes?”
“No, it’s not a yes. I want to let you kiss me, but I don’t think you’re ready yet.”
“OH I’m ready.” Randi laughed and pushed at him playfully. “I didn’t mean that way. I mean are you ready to be done with Celia, to tell her it’s over, and that you’re moving on?”
“If I say yes, will you let me kiss you?”
“You don’t answer a question with another question.”
“You’re right. But will you.”
“Will it be the truth? Will you kiss her tonight? Will you let her into your bed when I’m not around.”
*****
Martin knew she was right, and he hadn’t thought this through, he didn’t need to be kissing two women. He didn’t need to be with Celia while he was trying to flirt with Randi. He tried to think, when he’d last kissed Celia and couldn’t recall. Tried to drum up any emotion to want to kiss the woman he’d spent the last six months with, and couldn’t.
Would he indeed spend about eight more night with Celia and not kiss her? What would he do when all of the family was there and Celia wanted to share his bed? As he looked at Randi, and into her beautiful eyes, he smiled. It was over with Celia, and he’d really known it for a while, but was trying to deny it. Another failed relationship wasn’t what he wanted at all.
“No, I won’t kiss her tonight, and she will never share my bed again. You have my word on that. Kiss me or not, that’s still my answer.” Martin wasn’t about to beg any woman to kiss him, not even this one. He turned and started to go, but she didn’t let go of his hand.
He waited and she gave a smile. “I’m not sure if I should, but I believe what you just said. Randi let go of his hand, dug into her pocket and pulled out a bit of greenery with a red bow on it. “It’s your lucky day, I just happen to have a bit of magic in my pocket.
“Magic.”
“Yes. Consider it a gift, but you must use it wisely and at the right moment.” She put it in his hand.
“What is this?” Martin asked about the same time it hit him, and they both spoke in unison.
“Mistletoe.”
Chapter 23
Magic
All the way back to the house Martin kept pulling out the mistletoe and holding it in his hand and looking at Randi. She would laugh and shake her head. He was so cute and she was regretting that she hadn’t kissed him. She was pretty sure he was telling the truth about Celia, and if asked again she would say yes.
A smile came to her lips as he glanced her way. Shoot, she might just kiss him before they got to the house. Her expression must have given something away because he spoke. “I bet I know what you’re thinking about.”
“Oh shut up. You don’t have a clue.”
“Of course not, and where did you get this Magic?”
“It was laying on the table. I picked it up while you were tying down the trees. You get one free with every tree.”
“I should have gotten three. I could put them to good use.”
“You better not need three.” Randi raised a brow and gave Mike a dirty look. This made him laugh and he made ‘kissy’ faces at her.
“I’m not looking at you.” Randi said and she didn’t, but she couldn’t keep the smile from her lips. She also couldn’t behave herself so she looked back and he was still holding the mistletoe in his hand as they pulled into the driveway.
Mike parked the truck and they got out, as Randi walked around the front of the truck she pulled something out of her pocket. “What do you have there more magic?”
“No it’s another treat for the pups.”
“You’re going to spoil them.” Mike said as he closed the truck door.
“That’s the plan.” Randi walked behind the garage to the whole in the fence. She bent down and was a bit disappointed that the pups weren’t there. She left the treat, rose and turned, laughing. “What are you doing?”
Mike stood there about eight feet away holding the mistletoe over his head. “I’m trying out this magic. I’m not sure it’s working.”
“Oh, so you doubt its abilities.” Randi straightened and took a few steps. “Lets see if I feel the pull or not.”
“The pull?” His lips curled into a smile.
“Yes, magic . . . you know.”
“I’m not sure I like this.” Mike lowered his arm. “I don’t want a kiss because of magic. I’d rather it be because of the usual reasons.”
Randi laughed and stepped forward. “Are you willing to risk it.” She smiled as Mike looked at the mistletoe, thinking it over. She thought for a moment he was going to stick it back into his pocket, but he raised his arm and held it over his head.
“I’m not taking any chances.”
Randi smiled and moved closer tilting her head. Mike’s hair was lifting slightly with the breeze; his green eyes mocked her and those lips waited. She took two more steps and reached up taking the mistletoe out of his hand and then she stuffed it into his shirt pocket.
“Why did you do that?” Mike said slipping his hand to her waist.
“You don’t need magic. And you don’t need to get comfortable,” she said as she removed his hand from her waist. “This is just our first kiss so don’t expect the earth to move.”
He smiled but didn’t budge; it was obvious he was going to make her pay for saying no earlier. She thought about just giving him a peck on the cheek and going, but she didn’t want to. But it would be fun to make him think that was all he was getting.
She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, but as she pulled back she softly brushed her lips across his. It took him by surprise and as his lips parted, just enough to give her a hint of things to come, she pulled back.
It was all but impossible to keep the smile from her lips as she let her hand trail down his shoulder to his arm until for a brief moment her fingers touched his. She then walked around the garage and into the house, thankful that for now, at least one of them had a little willpower.
Chapter 24
The Truth
Emma rubbed her eyes and stifled a yawn. She was tired and wanted to go home but she couldn’t leave until she finished with the guest list that Celia gave her about an hour ago. She needed to get diet food and drinks for two of the relatives, special cleaning supplies because of an allergy Celia’s mother had, and cotton sheets for Celia’s grandma. The guest list, and the things she needed to get done before everyone started arriving was growing.
The backdoor opened and Emma heard someone humming, no singing. She looked up as Randi walked into the room. The girl was smiling ear to ear and she stopped and made a slight face. “Sorry I didn’t know anyone was in here.”
“Were you singing?”
“Yeah, walking in winter wonder land. I love Christmas.”
“I do to, but that smile speaks of more than the joy of the season. I’m guessing it might have been brought on by a young man.”
“Kind of,” Randi smiled again.
“Ah, to be young and in love.” Emma took a sip of her coffee. “Do I know this young man?”
Randi hesitated, “That all depends. Are we allowed to date the help?”
“For now you’re a temp, so I don’t see why not. Besides I’ll never tell. You’re the best worker I have. And speaking of work did you get the trees.”
“Yes, and we got three.”
“Good. I’ve had some of the decorations brought down, made several phone calls, and been working on a list of things that must be done by tomorrow.”
“Because of the early guests?” Randi took the list that Emma handed her and began to look it over.
“Yes. Celia wants everything to work out perfectly. Does the trees look good? She’s going to want the best.” Emma leaned back and crossed her arms. And how far along is this new romance?”
“Well, this is all do-able by tomorrow night.” Randi gestured to the paper, “and we’re just up to the first kiss.”
“Those are always memorable. I wish you the best. What’s his name?”
“Mike, I went with him to get the trees.”
Emma paused, thinking back to the fact that Martin was supposed to check on the trees. “Mike, took you to get the trees.”
“Yes, Ma’am. I’ll go get changed and start working on getting the room ready. The trees are outside, in the back of Mikes truck.”
“Mike?” Emma said, but Randi was gone. Emma picked up her list and looked it over to be sure everything was right.
She was almost down to the bottom of the list, when she heard a door open and close. She was going to ask Randi about this Mike person, but instead of Randi she found Martin walking past. He didn’t even take time to glance her way. She needed to speak to him so she rose and called out his name.
“Martin, can I have a word with you?” She caught up with him at the front landing. He was on the stairs. He turned and looked and she started to speak. Her eyes caught a glimpse of a red bow sticking out of his pocket, and her question changed. “Did you get the trees?”
“Sure did.” Martin said, “They look really nice.”
“How many?” Emma asked.
“Three, they’re out in the truck.” He glanced at his watch, “I don’t have long is that all you needed?”
Emma didn’t understand. Randi said Mike took her to get the trees. She fumbled for another question. “Do you have a preference of which tree goes where?” As Martin answered she was running things over in her mind. Something wasn’t right, but it wasn’t her place to ask too many questions.
“Put the biggest tree in the Great room, other than that I don’t care.”
“Yes sir, and one other thing. Do you have a preference in which rooms we give your family, verses Celia’s?”
“No,” he said and then he changed his mind and turned back. “Yes, put my parents down stairs, the rest it doesn’t matter.”
“Yes sir.” Anna nodded and went back into the kitchen. She looked over her shoulder, what was Martin up to. She sat back down, and tried to concentrate on her list but she couldn’t. The words that Randi had said, and what Martin said mingled in her mind, and then another thought came to the forefront.
Randi’s application had stated very clearly that she had no foreknowledge of Martin Henderson at all. That she’d never even seen the man or knew anything about him. Randi could indeed be dating Martin and not even have a clue who he really was. Emma leaned back in her chair and considered the facts. Could it really be possible that Mike and Martin were the same person?
Chapter 25
Moving Out
Martin took the steps two at a time. It was half past three and he wanted to get his mind away from Randi and Celia, and wrap it around this new script. He would meet with Bill later that night, and he wanted to give a final answer on when he would be ready to do a reading.
He went into his room, locked the door for privacy, took out the script and shut out the world and his problems, as only he could do while reading. He began sitting down at the desk. He flipped through the pages, and scenes, getting a feel for the storyline.
After he became engrossed in the subject matter, he rose and began to pace, reading and falling into the male lead. Martin loved the Character Rory, and knew he could get into this character with ease.
Pacing and reading, over and over, he read the lines. Getting into character he could feel the anger of the scene, he hoped to read. He reached in deep to become a husband walking in on his wife, as she was in the arms of another man on the dance floor.
Closing his eyes he could picture the scene. He was about to reach the couple as they danced and when he pulled them apart the woman raised her eyes to look at him. Quickly, he came out of the scene shocked at how his concentration had been interrupted. A smile came to his lips. Randi was invading every part of his life it seemed.
He glanced at the clock and noticed he’d been working on the scrip for over an hour. Tossing it on the table he stripped and went to the shower. He took his time enjoying the hot water, trying to get back into the scene, but all he could do was think about being the man holding Randi on the dance floor.
He washed his hair, a smile playing on his lips. Randi had been flirting openly with him, but when it came to the physical side of things she was holding back, but he didn’t mind. He wanted to take this slow and make sure he got to know her. Randi seemed old fashioned and this reminded him of the fact that his mother would be coming any day.
Martin knew his mother would approve of Randi, but that she would not approve of his lying to Randi or of his living with Celia. He rinsed the soap off, climbed from the shower, and began to dry.
He hadn’t told his mother about Celia, because he knew how stubborn she could be, and he didn’t want her staying away because of her family values. His mother knew Celia and her family would be staying in the house during the Christmas party, but she had no idea they’d been living together for the past few months.
As Martin picked out what he would wear he also tossed several items onto the bed. He’d ask Emma to have his things moved to the room downstairs. Taking out a pen and paper he jotted down several other things he wanted moved to his new room. He was thinking about leaving a note for Celia too, but he didn’t.
Martin knew he didn’t have to worry about running into Celia before his clothes were removed, there was no way she would show up before he left. He slipped into his dress slacks, white shirt, matching jacket, but no tie and added some cologne before walking out.
He picked up the script and made his way to the stairs. Pausing for a moment he heard voices. From the sound of things he knew someone was working on the tree in the Great Room, he only guessed and hoped it was Randi. He walked down the stairs hoping not to be noticed and thankfully he slipped out the front door without being noticed.
Once out the door, in the car, and down the driveway Martin sent Emma a text to have his clothes moved. He sat waiting to make his turn when he received her text back. He pulled out his iphone and glanced at the text. ‘will do.’
Martin smiled, as an idea came to him. He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought about it sooner. What better way to tell Celia of his plans than a text message? He wouldn’t have to hear her objections, or argue with her about it. A smile played on his lips as he typed out the words that would partially explain why from this point they’d be staying in separate rooms.
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