Darling Jenny by Janet Dailey

him to know that she had just thought of the singularly inviting idea herself!
    'I'm perfectly all right, thank you,' she said firmly, moving as far away from him as the small seat would allow, which wasn't very far.
    'What's the matter? Are you afraid I had designs on your virtue?' His seductive glance played havoc with her pulse.
    'No, I was merely assuring you that I was warm enough and comfortable enough not to need to make use of your—your—'
    His bewitching smile melted her attempt at cool composure and he finished her sentence for her. 'Shoulder is the word.'
    'I know,' Jennifer retorted indignantly. She was only too aware that he knew exactly what effect he had upon her senses. She maintained silence the rest of the ride back to the house.
    'Well, Jenny Glenn, here we are, safe and sound.' Logan baited her roguishly as he reined the horse to a stop in front of Sheila's.
    He stepped down off the sleigh and turned to place his hands firmly around her waist before lifting her to the ground. She stared angrily up at his bemused expression as he failed to release her from the circle of his arms. Breathlessly she saw his gaze fasten on her lips. For one horrifying moment she thought he was going to kiss her. His sensuous masculine lips hovered invitingly above hers, reminding her how vulnerable and responsive she had been the last time that they had exquisitely possessed hers with a wild sweetness.
    'I had a very nice time, Logan,' she rushed in hurriedly, knowing her inner confusion made her words sound stiff and insincere.
    'As much as you would allow yourself,' Logan laughed. His gaze shifted from her lips to encompass her entire face with an amused detachment. His hands returned to his side and she was free.
    'It never hurts to be on one's guard,' Jennifer retorted scathingly, stepping away from him before he changed his mind about having released her.
    'Tell Sheila that I'll be out of town for the next day or two, will you?' he asked without rancour. 'When I get back, I'll probably have to spend a few days at the ranch. Unless I hear from her otherwise, Mother and I will be over about seven on Christmas Eve.'
    'Christmas Eve?' Jennifer questioned in stunned surprise. 'What are you coming over for?'
    'Mother and I usually come over for an hour or so on Christmas Eve,' he frowned. 'It's been a tradition in our family since Eric and I were boys in school.'
    'I didn't know.' Jennifer's reply was an apologetic whisper. The nearly burning resentment in his eyes had startled her. She was so accustomed to the charming side of him that she had forgotten untilthis moment how dominatingly displeased he could become, and she didn't like being the object of his displeasure. 'We'll look forward to seeing you Christmas Eve, then,' Jennifer said calmly and with dignity.
    'Till then,' Logan agreed with a half smile of politeness.
    Jennifer passed Logan's message on to Sheila that evening. Her sister admitted in an offhand manner that it was something that they had done every year, confirming Logan's assertion.
    'If you like, the children and I always get them a gift every year, nothing too expensive, but we can add your name to the card' Sheila had suggested.
    'No…' Jennifer had hesitated, a rebellious, devilish idea forming in her head. 'I think I'd rather pick out a gift for Logan myself.'
    'As for Mandy, Logan's mother, you can always play it safe by getting her the latest best-seller.'
    'Mmmm, thanks,' Jennifer had replied absently, hugging her secret plans to herself in malicious glee.
    It was three days later before she was finally able to have a free afternoon. Jennifer had no difficulty locating Mrs. Taylor's present. Taking Sheila's advice, she had gone to the local bookstore and discovered them in the midst of unpacking the latest best-sellers and chose a biography. She also found a very delicately filigreed metal bookmarker which she also purchased. With the simple task done, she went in search of Logan's present.