An O'Brien Family Christmas by Sherryl Woods Page B

happily ever after.”
    “I want to,” she admitted.
    “What’s holding you back?”
    “The part of me that doesn’t believe it’s really possible for dreams to come true,” she said.
    “Give it time,” he told her. “Mine certainly have.”
    He took her hand, felt her tremble. For a strong woman, she had so many vulnerabilities. He couldn’t imagine why that was.
    Oh, some of the blame could be laid at her father’s feet, no doubt about that. Perhaps some belonged to the boys of Chesapeake Shores who’d been shorter than she was back in high school and hadn’t wanted to risk the humiliation of being seen with her.
    Some of the fault was probably even his. He had his own well-known track record with women. It was going to take more than sweet words and sincere declarations to convince her that his intentions were not only honorable, but lasting. That was okay, though, because he knew his own heart, even if she didn’t.
    “Let’s dance,” he said, pulling her to her feet.
    It was a fast song, just what they needed to lighten the mood, but she held back.
    “I’m not the world’s best dancer,” she warned. “I’m liable to step all over your feet. I’m renowned for my clumsiness.”
    Despite her voiced reluctance, her gaze as she looked at the other couples on the floor was envious. Matthew persisted.
    “I’m well-known for being quick on my feet,” he countered. “And we’re here where no one knows us. Who cares if we make complete spectacles of ourselves, as long as we’re having fun?”
    She smiled then and followed him to the dance floor, her movements perfectly in time to the music, if not terribly practiced.
    “See,” he said. “You’re not half-bad.”
    “Which is barely more than half-good,” she said, laughing. “Once again you’ve worked your magic. You’ve gotten me past my fear of looking ridiculous.”
    “That’s my mission in life,” he said solemnly. “I won’t be happy till you see yourself as I do.”
    The music changed to something slow, and he drew her into his arms, held her close until she sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. It wasn’t quite as good as getting her into his bed, but he understood why some people thought of dancing as the next best thing to making love in public. She fit him perfectly, moved with him exquisitely. And stirred him as no other woman had ever done. Stirred him a little too much, if the truth was told.
    He gazed into her eyes. “Let’s get out of here, okay?”
    “And?”
    “Go for a walk,” he said nobly.
    She smiled. “Is that what you really want to do?”
    “No, but I know the rules. And to stick to them right now a long, chilly walk back to the hotel is just exactly what I need.”
    “I appreciate the effort,” she said solemnly.
    “I surely hope so, because this could kill me.”
    “I hope not, because I have big plans for you.”
    Startled, he looked into her laughing eyes. “Big plans?”
    She nodded. “Eventually.”
    He sighed. “Now you’re just tormenting me.”
    “Yes, I am,” she said proudly.
    He was glad she was happy about that, because he found it a little disturbing that she had that much power over him. Or maybe what really terrified him was knowing that he had absolutely no desire to run away. He was in this for the long haul, no question about it.

7
     
    N ell had taken to slipping out of the hotel in the afternoon when everyone else assumed she was asleep in her room. She’d thought she was long past the days when sneaking around would appeal to her, but apparently even at her age she liked the idea of defying convention to slip off with a lover of whom her family disapproved.
    Not that she and Dillon were lovers, of course. He’d stolen a few kisses, but that was more than enough for the time being. She couldn’t imagine the idea of sex at her age. Then again, he was a robust, healthy man, so who knew what might happen down the road? If Mick was upset by her seeing Dillon, what on