the lake and waving. Two figures waved back. “Sarah and her daughter, Lori, are with me.”
“Oh. I didn’t see them.” He’d had eyes for only Nic. It was the first time he’d seen her since being trapped in the basement four days ago.
She skated to the edge of the lake, then stepped onto land, walking as naturally in skates as she did in high heels. “They challenged me to a race, but then gave up when I took a substantial lead.” The grin she flashed was saucy and warmed him as surely as the coffee. “I am good, Callahan.”
“I don’t doubt that one bit.”
She walked to a nearby bench piled high with shoes and outerwear, sat down, and unlaced her skates. Gabe’s gaze focused on her foot, and for a moment he was back in the basement with his hands on her leg.
“So what brings you to Hummingbird this early in the day?” she asked.
Distracted, he said, “Hmm?”
“If you didn’t come to skate, are you here to go ice fishing?”
“Oh.” He shook his head. “No. I was just taking the long way to work. It’s a pretty morning. Beautiful.” Beautiful. She was beautiful, with her cheeks rosy, her blue eyes sparkling, and her blond ponytail sliding like silk over her shoulders. Her petite but lush curves were on glorious display in the tight-fitting clothes. His fingers itched to reach out and touch.
His own body had gone hard as a rock, and he knew he needed to leave. Right now.
“It is gorgeous today. When Sarah called and said she’d decided to let Lori cut class this morning so they could go skating and they wanted me to tag along, I couldn’t say no. I haven’t enjoyed winter very much lately, and I’m determined to change that this year.
“If the hot springs weren’t overrun with contractors building your park, I’d insist we hit the pools next. A long, hot soak sounds heavenly right now.” She extended her leg and wiggled her toes. “My feet are freezing again.”
Gabe took a step back, both mentally and physically. “I would think you’d learn to keep your shoes on.”
“Good point, Callahan.” She shoved her feet into sheepskin-lined boots, then stood and pulled on a coat, which allowed Gabe to breathe easier. “We’re heading over to the Mocha Moose for breakfast. Would you like to join us?”
He glanced out at the lake and spied Sarah and her daughter skating toward them. They were laughing and holding hands. Gabe realized he wanted to say yes. He wanted to say yes so badly that there was really only one response he could give. “No, thanks. I’d better get to work.”
He retreated to his Jeep, gave a wave, and said, “Enjoy your day.”
He accidentally spun the tires as he left the park’s parking lot. As he drove toward the heart of town, he had to consciously loosen his viselike grip on the steering wheel. “What’s the matter with you?” he muttered aloud.
Oh, he knew what the matter was with him. After almost a year of absence, his libido had awakened. Fierce. Ferocious. Hungry.
He filled his lungs with air, then exhaled in a rush. His body wanted sex. Sweaty, physical, down-and-dirty sex.
His mind wanted sweaty, physical, down-and-dirty sex with Jen.
That he couldn’t have. Never again. Jen, his beloved Jen, was gone.
So what are you going to do about it, Callahan? the devil on his shoulder asked.
The still-grieving husband answered aloud. “This morning I intend to move a ton of rock.” After a glance at the dashboard thermometer, he added, “In twelve-degree weather.”
On the afternoon of December 23, Celeste Blessing invited the entire town of Eternity Springs to a Christmas open house, to share company and good cheer and to see the progress of the renovations. Evergreen garlands and wreaths sporting big red bows welcomed visitors as they arrived. Rumor had it that she’d imported the life-sized crèche erected on the front lawn from Italy.
Inside Cavanaugh House, the aroma of hot gingerbread perfumed the air and holiday decorations abounded. Most were true Victorian antiques unearthed from the boxes and crates now cleared from the downstairs rooms. Celeste had added her own touches, however, and as a result, angels in one form or another could be found in every room.
With kitchen renovations completed and with Sarah’s and Lori’s help, Celeste had baked for days in preparation for the party. Tables all but groaned beneath the weight of cookies and cakes, fudge and candy. Throughout the afternoon, Nic hovered near the sugar cookies on