Operation Christmas by Barbara Weitz

hand wave and a smile. That seemed innocent enough. Possibly the difficult start to the day made her overreact.
    Besides, Kurt wouldn’t punish himself by getting rid of her when they had the company’s year-end close on the horizon. After that, Madeleine knew anything could go...especially, her.
    She resolved to job hunt right after the holidays.
    ****
    Jess paced his office. He knew it would be best to let things go with Madeleine. But he couldn’t. Panic trembled in her voice. What went on at that office of hers? The extra responsibility of receptionist that made her work late every night to catch up on her regular job was unreasonable. And there hadn’t been a single Christmas decoration in the office. Or was that boss of hers making advances?
    Worse yet, had he, Jess the Aggressor, pushed too hard and Madeline snapped?
    He ran a hand over his fresh haircut before resting it on his cell phone. Somehow he needed her to see he wasn’t trying to drag her off to bed. This wasn’t completely honest, and Jess knew it. Many restless nights were spent thinking of Madeleine’s soft body cradled against his. He wanted to make love to her until neither felt the pain they’d suffered. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Since losing an arm, he’d learned getting naked flushed out one’s insecurities. It would only take once to know if they could make it as a couple. But was he ready to find out?
    He yearned for Madeleine to see past the man she still loved and notice him. Not as a replacement. Not as a disabled vet or a war survivor, but a man who craved normal. A man with needs and the desire to be loved both physically and emotionally.
    Jess knew one thing. He had to be very careful going forward or she’d perceive him as some sort of perverted stalker. How could he make her see how easily she had opened his heart for the first time in many years? In fact, this felt like nothing he had ever experienced. Never had he felt more compelled to protect another person that wasn’t a fellow soldier or Crystal.
    “Jess.” Nancy broke into the barrage of thought most guys would have labeled girl talk over cocktails. “Tamara’s on the phone. We had a nice talk about her taking over my job. Should I put her through?”
    “Sure. Glad you talked before you meet.”
    “Me too.”
    He punched the blinking line. “How’d you know I was in trouble?”
    “Trouble? Trouble’s your middle name.”
    He laughed. “Girl trouble. Madeleine’s pretty much slammed the door in my face. Twice. Maybe more. I’m losing count.”
    “Uh-oh. How’s this for bad timing. I called to see if you and Madeleine want to meet Jamal and me for dinner Friday night.”
    “Can’t even ask her at this point. Although I’m having a hell of a time convincing myself to back down.”
    “Want I call her?”
    “And make her madder?”
    “Uh-huh. You forget I’ve got an advantage. We agreed to go out sometime.”
    “I doubt she meant on a double date.”
    “It’s perfect, Jess. She won’t think I’m hitting on her.”
    “I’m not hitting on her. I want to know her.”
    “Uh-huh. I saw how you drooled over her Saturday night. You’re in over your head, soldier.”
    “Won’t be the first time.”
    “It is with a woman. So can I call?”
    “Knock yourself out.” Jess suggested Tamara call Madeleine’s work number as he wasn’t comfortable giving up her cell without permission. No way. He wasn’t going that route and risk her jumping down his throat again. “Gotta run. There’s a tow truck out front.”
    “Car troubles, too?”
    “You might say. Long story. Will tell you another time.”
    “Okay. I’ll be back at ya.”
    “Can’t wait.”
    Jess headed out the front door and told the tow truck driver to head around back to the dock. Once the Mini left his property, he felt pretty sure any hope of seeing Madeleine anytime soon was in the hands of the gods. He sent her a text that the Mini had left for the repair shop along with an