Mistletoe and Magic by Carolyn Hughey, Gina Ardito

of encouragement, there’d be no stopping him.
    “Are you asking me to?” he grinned.
    She gave a slow nod and then their eyes locked. “Mallory,” he said. She shushed him with her finger pressed against his lips. He kissed her finger as he removed her hand and took a step forward. She didn’t move back. In one swift motion, he cupped her face and kissed her with so much emotion, the fire spread through his body like a burning inferno. He heard her gasp and without another word, he cradled her in his arms and carried her off to the bedroom.
     
    ~~~
     
    Afterward, they lay next to each other, panting, trying to catch their breath. He rolled over and kissed her tenderly. “I’m crazy about you.”
    “I can’t do this, AJ.”
    “Why not?”
    “I have responsibilities.”
    “Let me share those responsibilities with you.” She shook her head. “Mallory, I’m not going anywhere. If I thought you didn’t care, I wouldn’t be wasting my time. But I know you do. No one makes love like we just did without feeling a connection.”
    She jumped out of bed. “I need to get the tree decorated.” She began to dress until he came over and engulfed her in another embrace. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been held,” she said. “And even longer than that for—” She didn’t finish.
    “Then don’t fight it. Let me love you.”
    She shook her head again and pulled the sweater on. Combing her fingers through her hair, she twisted the long ends and clipped it into place with a barrette. Rushing downstairs, she checked the time. Realizing she’d never get the tree decorated before the kids returned home from school, she called Dina.
    “Having fun?” Dina asked.
    “I’m working, Dina,” she said wryly. “Listen, I’m probably not going to be done in time for the girls—”
    Dina interrupted. “I’ll take care of it. Miriam’s here with me and she won’t leave until she thinks I’m okay. Don’t worry about a thing.”
    “Thank you.” Mallory blew out a breath. “I’ll talk to you later.” Just as she was about to click off, Dina said something.
    “Mal, let your hair down and stop worrying about trying to be all things to all people. Okay?” Mallory said nothing. “He’s crazy about you. You have to know that.”
    “Dina, this is a conversation for another time.”
    “I know, but I’m giving you permission to do what you’re heart is telling you to do. Take everyone out of the equation for a moment and think about how you’d handle it. I think there’d be no hesitation to get involved.”
    “I have to go, Dina.”
    “Think about it, Mal.” She clicked off the phone and was startled when AJ came up behind her.
    “See, even your sister knows.” He said taking the phone from her hand and setting it down on the table.
    “You heard what she said?”
    “She talks loud…and I’m glad she does. Mallory, I know this sounds crazy, but I’m falling in love with you and your daughters.”
    “But you don’t understand. It’s complicated.”
    “Not anymore complicated than my life. I have six sisters, Mallory. You want to compare notes?” He moved up close to her and wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. Her scent affected every part of his body.
    She slapped his hand and pulled away. “I have work to do.”
    “Why won’t you admit that you’re falling in love with me?” The back of his hand caressed her cheek. “Do you care at all about me, Mal?”
    “Of course I care.”
    “Then let go of your hang ups. Whatever is bothering you and your family, we’ll work it out together. You have to know that I’m there for you.”
    “I hate to see you waste your time.”
    “I’ve got nothing but time, my darling. You can throw as many curve balls as you want, but understand I’m as persistent as the day is long.”
    He scooped her up again, and the heat from his body ignited in her stomach as he carried her back to the bedroom. Dina’s words echoed through her