The Merriest Magnolia (Magnolia Sisters #2) - Michelle Major Page 0,32
understand that there was more to Christmas spirit than the materialistic side of things. “This time of year is a reminder for people to do better, to care more.”
He snorted.
“I’m serious,” she insisted. “As corny as it sounds, sometimes we need the holidays to pull us from our normal routine. To motivate people to focus on what’s good in their lives. They can remember what they loved about this time of year in the first place.”
“News flash, Carrie. There is no ghost of Christmas past to reminisce about the halcyon days of yore.”
“Maybe not for you,” she admitted. “But Sam has great memories and lots of other people do, as well. It’s time you made some, for both of you. What we want to offer isn’t just about getting people to shop in Magnolia, although yes, the financial aspect is part of it. We want to give them a true Christmas experience.”
“You really believe that?” he said with a laugh.
“With my whole heart.”
“You amaze me.” He reached out to trace a finger along her jaw. “With everything you’ve been through you should be cynical and bitter. Your dad built his reputation of manipulating emotions and selling the promise of an ideal life that had nothing to do with his own actions.”
“Don’t put me on some kind of perfect pedestal,” she warned. “I hate that.”
He didn’t smile but his eyes crinkled at the corners in a way that made her think he was amused. “Hate is a strong word.”
“Strongly dislike,” she amended.
“I don’t want or expect you to be perfect. But I’m still amazed by you.”
The words sent shivers cascading through her. As if he could read her unspoken response, his eyes darkened, and he leaned in so close she could feel the warmth of his breath against her mouth. She’d never admit how much she wanted him to press his lips to hers. That would be such a mistake.
Carrie had never in her life wanted to make a mistake more.
* * *
DYLAN WANTED TO kiss Carrie so damn much it made his body ache with need. He could tell he wasn’t alone in his desire because her lips parted, and her breath hitched as if in anticipation.
It would be easy to give in to the need.
Easy and stupid as hell.
He pulled back and stood, grabbing the bottle of wine with one hand and offering the other to her. “We should go in before your sisters think I’m trying to kidnap you and come out like the cavalry.”
She pressed a hand to her chest as if he’d startled her.
He’d certainly shocked himself with his restraint. It wasn’t something Dylan was known for in his life. He did what he wanted and said what he thought with little concern for the consequences. Being responsible for Sam had changed more than just his propensity to bring home women to his condo.
Dylan had never aspired to be anyone’s role model but remained committed to doing his best for the boy. Sam liked Carrie, and for whatever reason, the kid was excited about helping with her holiday festival. It probably had something to do with thinking that making Carrie’s plan a success would screw with Dylan in the end, but the reason didn’t matter. Sam’s happiness did.
The last thing Dylan needed was to give in to his physical longing for Carrie. He couldn’t risk making her even angrier with him and shutting Sam out of the opportunity to volunteer. Not that she would take her feelings for him out on the kid. Carrie could argue until she lost her breath about not being perfect. He knew her heart and it would always be pure.
Still, he wouldn’t take the chance on making things awkward. And he sure wasn’t planning to examine why all of his internal rationalizing felt more like a flimsy excuse to keep his own heart safe.
After a moment, Carrie rose without his assistance. “Okay, then,” she said, her tone light. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“You have no idea,” he answered and followed her inside.
CHAPTER NINE
“WE’RE NOT taking home a dog.”
Carrie hid her smile as Dylan squared off with Meredith later that evening in the barn behind the house.
Thanksgiving dinner had been filled with not only good food but also tons of laughter. Even Dylan had relaxed, recounting some of his more colorful childhood antics for the group. Sam’s eyes had gone wide at hearing about the class clown side of his often-recalcitrant guardian.
At one point Carrie had laughed so hard she thought she might