Tempting Fate by Lisa Mondello Page A

parents' Christmas Eve. You and Kristen can stay in the spare room at their house."
    "You can't just invite me into your parents' home, you know," Lauren argued.
    Does this woman back down to anything?
    "They already invited you for Christmas Eve. I told them you'd be coming for Christmas, too." It was a lie; he hadn't told them any such thing. But he had her on the run and he wasn't about to let her slip through his fingers now by telling her so. Besides, he knew his parents wouldn't mind her staying the night. The more the merrier as the saying goes.
    The tension in her face eased and she gazed up at him, searching his expression. "Why do you keep doing this?"
    Because I can't think of anything I want more than being with you on Christmas morning, Lauren Alexander. He thought about saying the words, but in doing so, he knew she'd just make up some excuse for not spending the holidays with him. The thought of her and Kristen being alone was something he couldn't bear. The thought of him being without them suddenly seemed just as bad.
    Her wide eyes glistened and a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "What if I'd said no?"
    "Does that mean you're saying yes?"
    She poked him in the ribs and chuckled. "You first."
    He hesitated for a second, weighing his words. He leaned into her and said softly, "I would have been incredibly disappointed."
    Her eyes flew open with surprise. After the kiss they just shared, how could she not know how he'd feel? "Really?" she whispered.
    He shrugged. "Yes." Why did he suddenly feel like he was standing buck naked on the street corner bearing his soul? Maybe because, in a way, he just did. He was surprised at how good it felt.
    She glanced back at the dollhouse in the window, a twinkle of glee sparkling in her eyes. "It's a deal." Lauren extended her hand to his and, with a nod of her head, gave it one hard shake to cement their deal.
    With their hands still clasped together, they pushed through the toy store doors to buy the antique dollhouse. This simple toy was much more than just a child's plaything. It was a symbol, the beginning of an upward climb toward trust. And he had every intention of reaching the top.
    * * *
    During the ride back to his house, Kyle couldn't help but revel in the triumph that lingered in him. The sun was still bright in the sky, glistening on the snow with a blinding sheen. He made the turn onto Tower Hill Road and stole a glance at Lauren as she looked out the window. He couldn't believe the transformation that had come over her this afternoon.
    Despite what she'd said about not wanting to get involved, she did have feelings for him. What transpired between them when they'd kissed was not something that could be imagined. It was raw volcanic emotion. Damn, but this woman could spark a fire below his belly that would blow a mountain top sky high. And he was sure it was something they both had experienced.
    She looked out the window at the scenery as they drove, a hint of a smile still dancing in her eyes. Several times he'd caught her turning to look at the box they'd carefully covered with a blanket and tucked in the back of the Jeep so Kristen wouldn't suspect anything. He couldn't keep from smiling himself. Not because it was the perfect gift for Kristen, but because of the milestone they'd achieved between the two of them in purchasing it.
    Lauren was beginning to trust him, if only in a small way. This one baby step they'd taken felt like a giant leap. If he had his way-and he was determined he would-this was just the first of many leaps forward.
    The street was lined with hundred-year-old maple trees displaying sturdy branches, now bare of the leaves that colored them each autumn. Just beyond a large farm was his property. He'd always loved this road. He hoped Lauren would, too. Blood raced through his veins in anticipation. He'd work the last two years designing, and then constructing the home he planned to live in alone. Why should he care if she liked the