A Maverick for the Holidays

She sank onto the sofa and pulled out the notebook she kept for her charity projects. With the holidays approaching, she knew her schedule would get busier. Somehow more kids seemed to show up at ROOTS during the holidays, which meant the youth center needed more adults manning different shifts. She would juggle that with working several holiday dinners and parties for the catering company that kept her bank account healthy.

Angie had also learned from her sister, Haley, that helping other people made her less likely to feel sorry for herself. That was why she liked to get the ROOTS kids to contribute to a charity activity. It didn’t have to require money, just some time and effort. The kids learned that it was rewarding to give of themselves.

Her mind turned to thoughts of Forrest Traub as she jotted thoughts in her notebook. She drew a military emblem. She wondered how he had survived the attack. It sounded like it must have been horrible. Yet, she could tell he was no quitter. He was the type of man determined to make the best of his situation. She suspected he was the kind to surpass everyone’s expectations.

An idea fluttered through her mind. Maybe the ROOTS group could do something to benefit the military. But what?

The next morning, Forrest woke up early. Too early. He turned to one of the few things that brought him solace—working out. Exercise made his body stronger. He could only hope it would eventually. He’d set up a home gym in the second bedroom of his suite at the boardinghouse. Since his brother Clay had fallen in love with their landlord, Clay and his baby son, Bennett, had moved out and were staying in the main house with Antonia and her baby, Lucy. Clay and Antonia would be getting married very soon. Although Forrest was happy for his brother, he couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed by how quiet his place was now that his brother had left.

Forrest lifted weights. His cell phone rang, surprising him. He didn’t recognize the number, but noticed it was local. “Forrest Traub,” he said.

“Hi, Forrest,” a breathless feminine voice said. “This is Angie Anderson.”

Whoa, he thought and set down his weights. “Hi, how are you?”

“I’m fine,” she said. “How are you?”

“Pretty good,” he replied and began to pace. “How can I help you?”

“Thank you for the offer,” she said with a laugh. “I have an idea. I think it would be great if the ROOTS kids got involved in a GI holiday pen pal program.”

Forrest nodded. “Not a bad idea. You can get in touch with a national group—”

“I don’t want to do that,” she said. “I want to keep it more local, and I was hoping you could help me.”

Surprise raced through him. “Me?”

“Yes, you. You would be perfect. You’re a veteran. You could inspire the ROOTS group,” she said.

Forrest shook his head. “I’m not sure—”

“I am,” Angie said. “Let’s get together and talk about it.”

Forrest blinked. Sheesh. This woman moved fast. “I’m not coming into town today, so—”

“I can come to you,” she said. “Where do you live?”

“Hey, that’s not necessary,” he said.

“It’s no problem,” she said. “Where do you live?”

He sighed and gave her the address. “You really don’t need to do this,” he said.

“It’s really no problem. See you later. I’ll bring lunch,” she said and hung up before he could protest.

Forrest stared at his phone and had a bad premonition. This woman was going to be trouble.

A few hours later, he heard footfalls bounding up the steps to the front porch of the rooming house. Since he was currently the only occupant, he suspected that Angie was his visitor. He opened the door before she had a chance to knock and looked at her. The sight of her fresh beauty made something skitter under his skin. She looked so innocent, feminine and real.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” she said with a broad smile in return. “Can I come in?”

“Sure,” he said and noticed she was carrying a bag from a local sub shop. “You didn’t need to bring food.”

“I told you I would. If you can drum up some coffee or water, we’re covered,” she said.

“Okay,” he said and led her inside the first-floor-level suite.

“This is nice,” she said, looking around as she followed him inside.

He filled a couple glasses of water in the small kitchen and returned to her. “It fits my needs at the moment.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Listen, I may not be the best source for your pen pal idea. I left several months ago and I don’t really know that many soldiers from around here.”

“Oh, you don’t have to help me with names. I can get those. No problem. What I want you to do is talk to the ROOTS group and tell them how good it felt to receive cards and letters of encouragement. Especially around the holidays.” She jiggled her bag. “Do you want to eat in the kitchen?”

“There isn’t much of one,” he said. “I usually eat in here,” he said, tilting his head toward the den area.

She gave a short chuckle. “You sound like me. Ever since I’ve been living alone, I eat my frozen meal in front of the TV. When I’m home, that is,” she added as she sank onto the sofa. “Most of the time, I’m on the go.”

“Why don’t you get a roommate?” he asked.

“I don’t know. I just haven’t gotten around to it,” she said. “Ever since I was thirteen, it was just my sister, brother and me. It feels strange now.”

He wondered what had happened to her parents, but didn’t want to pry. “I know what you’re saying. Since my brother and Antonia got together and he moved into the main house, it’s pretty quiet here.”

“Well, maybe I can break down and fix a meal and you can come over to my place for dinner sometime,” she said.

Even though Angie was cute as a button and clearly attracted to him, he didn’t want to give her false hope. Forrest cleared his throat. “So what kind of sandwiches do you have in that bag?” he asked, deliberately avoiding her suggestion.

“Oh,” she said. “I made a big guess that you’re not a vegetarian and got you an Italian hero.”

He laughed under his breath as he unwrapped the sandwich. “Good guess. Thanks.”

She opened her notebook. “Now, I’ve done some research on the pen pal programs, and I think this will be very empowering for our ROOTS kids. So much of the time, they don’t feel as if they have any control over their lives. Especially if they’re having problems at home or school. This is a small thing they can do, and it’s not a big commitment, but it has big impact on both the sender and the receiver. Don’t you agree?”

Forrest hadn’t really thought much about it, but he supposed it was true. Angie was so enthusiastic he felt like a heel at the thought of letting her down. “I guess so.”

“I knew you would think so. I also worked with a local program last year called Presents for Patriots. I’d like to see if there’s a way to expand the program this year,” she said.

“Whoa,” he said, lifting his hand and shaking his head. “I’m not the most jolly guy on the block these days. Maybe you’d better find someone who has more Christmas spirit.”

Angie gaped at him in disbelief. “But everyone loves Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

Forrest blinked. Was she serious? She looked so crestfallen it was as if he’d told her that Santa didn’t exist. He wondered if she was kidding, but quickly saw she wasn’t. The woman was obviously over the moon about Christmas. Forrest had the feeling that refusing her would feel the same as kicking a puppy.

Mentally swearing, he sighed. “Okay, okay. I’ll help.”

She leaped toward him and put her arms around him. “Oh, thank you. I knew you’d be perfect.”

Taken off guard by her impulsive embrace, Forrest tried not to notice how sweet her hair smelled within an inch of his nose and the way her breasts felt brushing against his chest. He glanced down at her pink lips and tried to remember the last time he’d kissed a woman.

At that forbidden thought, he quickly pulled back. “No one’s ever accused me of being perfect.”

Her gaze turned teasing. “Well, I can’t imagine why.”

That quick sexy glint in her eyes made him uneasy as hell. “Why don’t you tell me some more about the Patriots program,” he said, redirecting her attention, and hopefully his, too.

Angie gradually pulled back, but he would have to be a dead man not to notice the way her hand skimmed over his knee or the fact that she didn’t seem to mind sitting so close to him.

Forrest was torn. Was she so naive that she really didn’t know what she was asking for? Or was she trying to seduce him?

Chapter Two

After her visit with Forrest, Angie felt as if she could have flown home. Surely, she wouldn’t have needed her aging red Chevy pickup truck. Not after the way she’d teased a few grins from his serious mouth. She’d seen the way he’d stared at hers in curiosity. She just wished he’d given in to that emotion and kissed her.

She was in such a good mood when she pulled into the grocery store parking lot that she gave up a close space to another vehicle. She held the door for the elderly man behind her and returned his wink. As she wandered through the store, everything looked more vivid to her. The apples were redder, the grapes more purple. The oranges smelled delicious. Even the pork chops looked better than ever.

Angie picked up a few items and headed home. She couldn’t wait to see Forrest again. Although she didn’t enjoy housekeeping, she felt as if she needed to do something with her excess energy, so she ran the vacuum cleaner and cleaned the bathrooms. She was mopping the kitchen floor when a knock sounded at the side door.

Her brother, Austin, poked his head inside and his gaze fell to her mop. “What’s the occasion? Are you having a party?”

Laughing, she shook her head. “No. I was just in the mood to clean, so I thought I’d better go with it.”

“I’ll say,” he said, hitching his thumbs in his jean pockets. “From what I remember, the mood doesn’t strike you very often at all.”

Angie knew he was referring to how she’d often tried to get out of her chores during her teen years. “Oh, be quiet. I’ve been the main person to take care of cleaning since Haley left and you know it.”

“Yeah, I guess,” he relented. “What’s got you in such a good mood? Sugar high? Cupcakes from the bakery?”

“No, but I’ll have to say that Forrest is more delicious than a cupcake,” she said and shot him a devilish smile.

“Forrest?” he said. “Forrest who?”

“Forrest Traub. He’s an army veteran and he’s staying in Thunder Canyon while his leg heals. I met him yesterday and, Austin, he might be the one.”

“Whoa, whoa,” Austin said, lifting his hand as he gingerly stepped across the drying kitchen floor. “You just met him yesterday and you already think he’s the one? How can you know anything about him?”

“Look who’s talking. It didn’t take you long to fall for Rose.”

“That’s different. I’m older and more experienced,” he said.

“I’ve been waiting for this feeling since I was born. I’ve had a sideline seat with a great view when Haley found love and then when you did, too. I want to belong to someone, also. I just never found the right someone, and, Austin, I really think he could be the one.”

Austin touched her cheek. “Fairy girl,” he said, calling her by the nickname he and Haley had used every now and then. “Don’t rush into anything. You can’t learn everything you need to know about a man in two sessions.

“And what about him?” Austin asked. “Does he feel the same way?”

“Oh, he’s attracted to me,” she said, laughing.

“How do you know that? Did he make a move on you?”

Angie rolled her eyes. “Of course not. He’s not that kind. A woman just knows these things,” she said.

Austin looked at her as if he thought she didn’t have a clue. She had to bite her tongue to resist arguing with him further.

“I wouldn’t be a decent brother if I didn’t encourage you to take it slow. Even you have to admit that you’ve been known to lead with your heart instead of your head.”

She nodded. “You’ve done your duty,” she said. “Since you’re here, do you mind checking out the truck? It’s been making a funny noise lately.” She didn’t want any more of Austin’s brotherly advice. Especially if he was going to discourage her about Forrest.

A few days later, Forrest’s phone rang again, and this time he knew the caller’s identification. Although he’d avoided officially adding Angie to his caller list, he knew her number. “Forrest Traub,” he answered the phone.

“Angie Anderson,” she mocked him in a deep voice. The giggle that followed ruined her stern tone.

He couldn’t help grinning a little though he was glad she couldn’t see. “How are you?”

“Wonderful. And you?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t say wonderful, but not bad. What do you need?”

“Well, that’s a wide-open question,” she said in a husky voice that made his gut clench.

“I meant—”

“I know what you meant. I was hoping you and I could get together and talk some more about the projects we’re planning. We don’t have a lot of time before Christmas to get things going.”

“True,” he said. “What did you have in mind?”

“Well, I could bring over takeout tomorrow night,” she suggested.

Forrest had a hard time turning down a meal. Although he could easily join his brother and Antonia at the main house, he couldn’t help but feel he was intruding. “That would work. But this time, I pay.”

“It’s no big deal. Do you like Italian or Chinese?” she asked.

“Both when I don’t have to prepare it,” he said.

She chuckled. “Me, too. I’ll surprise you, then. Tomorrow night around six?”

“Okay. See you then,” he said and hung up the phone. Forrest couldn’t help wondering what he was getting into by sharing another meal with Angie. He second-guessed himself, wondering if he should have kept their meeting in a public place. That way, neither of them would be tempted to do something they shouldn’t. Not that he was all that tempted. Deep down, he knew that Angie was completely off-limits for him. She was a sweet, naive, young woman who had no clue just how dark his soul was. He had no intention of having her find out. In a strange way, he found her naivete precious, and he didn’t want to destroy it.

The next night, Forrest ran the vacuum and did a little extra cleaning. He told himself it wasn’t for Angie. It was because his suite needed it. Hell, it wasn’t like he was lighting candles for her.

That thought soothed him at the same time he wondered if he should have gotten a bottle of wine. He’d been very careful with alcohol since he’d come back to the States. There was a high correlation between PTSD and alcoholism and drug abuse, and he was determined not to become a statistic. So far, he’d drank a beer every now and then, but that was all.

Rubbing his jaw, he wondered why he felt so edgy. In the scheme of things, Angie was just a kid.

A knock sounded at the door, pulling him out of his reverie. He felt an involuntary kick of excitement and scowled at himself. If he was getting this worked up over Angie, maybe he just needed to get out more often.

He opened the door and she grinned at him. “Hi there,” she said holding a bag of what smelled like Chinese takeout in one hand and a tote full of papers in the other.

Forrest couldn’t resist stealing an extra moment to take in the sight of her. Her unbuttoned red peacoat suited her bright personality, and the gray and white scarf around her neck tempted his gaze to fall into the V-neck of her gray sweater that gave a glimpse of her creamy cleavage. His mind followed his gaze and he couldn’t help wondering …

Forrest jerked his gaze and thoughts away from Angie’s breasts and he reached for the Chinese food. “Come on in. Smells good. What did you get?”

“Egg rolls, fried rice, kung pao chicken, sweet and sour pork, stir-fry beef with vegetables and of course fortune cookies. Will any of that work for you?”

Forrest felt his stomach growl. “All of it,” he said. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

“Well, I’m glad I could help out with that,” she said and dumped her papers on the sofa and pulled off her coat. Feeling himself get distracted by her feminine shape again, Forrest deliberately headed for the kitchen. He began to pull out the boxes of food. “Whoa, this is enough for five soldiers,” he said.

“I figured you might enjoy the leftovers,” she said as she moved beside him. “I get the impression you don’t enjoy cooking all that much.”

“That’s true. My brother keeps inviting me up to the house to eat with him and Antonia, but I feel like a fifth wheel. They’re all goo-goo-eyed over each other, and with taking care of Clay’s son and her baby, they’ve got enough to do.”

“I don’t mind cooking,” she said. “But I don’t really like cooking for one, so I either eat out or end up eating a lot of frozen dinners on the couch.”

“It’s mostly frozen dinners for me, too, so this is a treat,” he said and put the boxes on a tray.

“Would you like some water?” she asked, pulling two glasses from the cabinet.

He nodded. “That works for me.”

She filled the glasses and smiled at him. “I guess we’re ready.”

Forrest carefully carried the tray into the den and put it on the sofa table. He tore open his chopsticks and gave her a set. “Dig in,” he said and started with the sweet and sour pork. “Good stuff,” he said, making a mental note to visit the restaurant again. After a moment, he noticed Angie was looking at him and not eating.

He paused. “Problem?”

She blinked. “Uh, no,” she said and tore the paper off her chopsticks. “I’m glad you like it.” She reached for the container of kung pao chicken and gingerly arranged the chopsticks between her fingers. Plunging the wooden instruments into the food, she finally pulled up a bite of chicken. Victory flashed across her features as she lifted the bite to her mouth. And dropped it.

Forrest couldn’t help chuckling. “I can get a fork for you,” he offered.

“No, no. I’ve always thought I should learn how to do this, but I never got around to it,” she said and tried to arrange her fingers around the chopsticks again.

Unable to resist helping her, Forrest set down his food and sticks. “Here,” he said, repositioning her fingers. “Try that.”

She successfully got a bite. “I did it,” she said with pleasure that made something inside him feel warm. It took her a long time to get even a few more bites.

“You’re doing good, but let me get you a fork. The food will be cold by the time you get to it.”

She gave a mock pout. “And I thought I was doing so well.”

“You were,” he said as he rose. “You just need to practice when you’re not hungry, so you can concentrate better.”

“When did you get so handy with those sticks?” she asked.

Forrest grabbed a fork from the kitchen and returned. “I’ve been stationed in a lot of places, and most of them have Chinese restaurants.” He picked up the sticks and clicked them together.

“That sweet and sour pork looks pretty good,” she said.

He picked up a bite with the chopsticks and held it out to her mouth. Her lips opened and she took a bite, closing her eyes. “Yum.” The expression on her face made his mind wonder how her mouth would feel against his. He couldn’t help wondering if she would be as enthusiastic in bed. He cleared his throat hoping it would also clear his mind.

“So what do you want to do next for the charity plans?”

She nodded. “Good question. Along with the holiday cards and letters, I may be able to get some small donations for gifts for the soldiers. Do you have any suggestions?”

“Phone cards and gift cards,” he said then grinned in memory. “But well-packed cookies are rarely refused.”

“Making the cookies would be a fun project. I’ll have to consult you on the packing.”

“I can do that,” he said.

“I love baking Christmas cookies. When I was a teenager, I sometimes talked my brother and sister into baking them with me in the summer. They thought I was crazy, but everyone enjoyed the results.”

Forrest was curious, again, about Angie’s parents. “Bet you were a cute kid. They indulged you.”

She shrugged. “My mom died in a car accident. Before that, my dad left just after I was born. My brother and sister tried to make up for my missing out on having a mom and dad.”

He nodded. “Sounds rough.”

“Sometimes,” she admitted. “But it could have been lots worse. We had a roof over our head. Due to my mom’s life insurance, the house was paid for. Sometimes, I feel guilty for how much my sister and brother sacrificed, but then they tell me that I helped them keep centered. They said that taking care of me helped them with their own pain.”

“But you’re not sure,” he said, sensing her uncertainty.

She bit her lip. “Guess not.”

He couldn’t help a half smile. “I’m betting you brought a lot of magic to them. You gave them smiles and happiness, but you didn’t know it at the time.”

“Think so?” she asked doubtfully.

He nodded. “Yeah.”

Angie stared at him for a long intense moment. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

“Everyone has a role,” he said.

“Did you learn that in the army?” she asked.

“I did.”

“I’ll have to think that over,” she said and her lips tilted in a sexy smile.

That smile distracted him enough that he didn’t feel hungry anymore. At least, not for food. He swallowed over a tight lump of desire in his throat. “What else do you have in mind for the letters-for-soldiers plan?”

“Just what I told you,” she said. “I like your idea of cookies. I can bake an extra dozen for you,” she offered.

His gut twisted at her sensual expression. He shouldn’t be feeling this way. Yet, he couldn’t force himself to step back from her. “Not necessary,” he managed, but he knew his tone wasn’t forceful.

“Necessary isn’t always the bottom line,” she said, holding his gaze.

He sucked in a quick breath and told himself to pull away.

She leaned toward him, and he couldn’t resist the need to feel her closer. It was primal. It rolled from deep inside him.

She drew closer and closer until her lips were a millimeter from his.

Forrest inhaled her scent. Three times. Nothing was enough. She was a mix of innocence, excitement and sensuality. And he wanted her.

Agonizing seconds passed. She pressed her mouth against his.

Forrest felt a shot of electricity race through him, and he wanted more. She was everything he’d wanted, but hadn’t had for what felt like ages. Her scent surrounded him like a delicious veil, her breath enveloped his and some sort of foreign emotion ricocheted through him.

Unable to resist her, he slid his fingers through her hair. She kissed him again, and the soft pucker of her lips made him hungrier than ever. He groaned and she slid her tongue over his. The sensual gesture sent him over the top and he took her lips in a sexual, bonding kiss. He wanted her mouth. He wanted all of her.

Forrest pulled her against him and devoured her with his mouth. She tasted delicious, sensual, irresistible. He felt his control waiver. He wanted to take her to bed and get her naked then slide inside her and …

No, he told himself. It would be wrong. She was innocent. She had no idea what she would be getting into.

Forrest forced himself to let go. His heart was pounding and he fought to catch his breath.

Angie’s breath lifted her chest, distracting the devil out of him at the same time that her gorgeous lips puckered in invitation. Forrest was learning a new level of hell.

“Why’d you stop?” she asked.

His gut twisted in arousal. “Because,” he said. “Because it was wrong.”

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Wrong? It felt pretty right to me.”

He clenched his jaw. “Trust me. We shouldn’t have done that.”