The woman she assumed was his mother-in-law answered the door and smiled a warm greeting. “Ah…is Seth available?” Reba asked.
Sharon ushered her inside. “You must be Reba.”
Feeling self-conscious, Reba nodded. “Seth isn’t expecting me…”
“He’ll be glad for the break. He’s been busy inside his study all evening. I’ll get him for you.”
“Hi, Reba.” Judd raced into the living room at full speed.
“Hi, Reba,” Jason cried, following on the wave of excitement. “Our grandma and grandpa are visiting.”
“I told Grandma all about you and how I drew your picture and that you might be our new mom, and—”
“Judd!” Seth’s stern voice cut into his son’s enthusiastic tirade, but his gaze softened as it met hers. “Hello, Reba.”
“Seth.” Her eyes pleaded with him, for what she wasn’t sure. Support, she suspected. Comfort.
He walked across the room and took her hands, gripping them firmly with his own. “What’s happened?”
The gentle concern in his voice produced tears. They filled her eyes and threatened to slip down her cheeks.
“Mom,” he said, glancing over his shoulder at Sharon, “would you be kind enough to bring us some coffee in the den?”
“Right away. Come on, kids, you can help me make up the tray.”
Judd and Jason willingly followed their grandmother.
“I shouldn’t be here,” Reba whispered. She was sorry now that she’d come, sorry to be involving Seth in her problems. She was a big girl, and this wasn’t the first time her plans had clashed with those of her sister. Nor was it uncommon for her mother to take her sister’s side.
He led her into the study and sat her down on the high-backed leather chair. Sitting on the ottoman directly in front of her, he reached forward and tenderly brushed the short curls away from her temple. His gentle touch sent shivers of awareness shooting down her spine.
“I thought you were having dinner with your mother.”
“I did, but we got into a terrible argument.” She bit down on her lower lip to keep from spilling out all the sorry details.
Seth leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her waist, scooting her forward enough to bring her into his arms.
“What happened?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“You’re shaking like a leaf,” he countered.
She didn’t want him to know that part of that was due to the thrill of being in his arms. They’d known each other such a short while, and they hadn’t been able to see much of each other, what with his work schedule and hers, visiting relatives, the church Christmas program, and the busyness of the season. Still, they talked every day, often two and three times…
“Would you mind kissing me?” she asked suddenly. It was a dangerous request with his mother-in-law due to walk in at any moment, but she didn’t want to wait.
In response, he captured her face between his hands and smiled softly as his eyes met hers. “What do you think?” He leaned forward and tenderly placed his mouth over hers.
The kiss was long and sweet. Involved. One kiss wasn’t enough for either of them, and soon the kisses deepened.
His touch was like a healing balm, a soothing astringent after the pain her mother’s words and actions had inflicted. With Seth she was safe. With Seth she was cherished. With Seth she was wanted.
He groaned, and she opened her mouth to the probing tip of his tongue. By the time Sharon knocked and proceeded into the room, carrying the tray of coffee, Reba was clinging mindlessly to Seth.
“I’ll put this down right here,” his mother-in-law announced cheerfully.
“Is Dad kissing Miss Maxwell again?” Reba heard one of the kids ask in a loud whisper.
“There’s not any mistletoe in Dad’s study, is there?” the other twin demanded. “I didn’t think he’d do it without the mistletoe, did you?” The question was apparently directed at his brother. “Right on the lips, too.” The comment was followed by a sound of disgust.
“Come along, children.”
Reba hid her face in Seth’s shoulder rather than meet the inquisitive stares of the children. “Seth, I’m sorry,” she murmured.
“I’m not. Not in the least.”
Reba remained embarrassed by how needy she’d been. She’d hurried to Seth, knowing he would lend her the comfort she needed without lengthy explanations.
His hands roved up and down her back, his touch gentle and caring. Gradually his fingers worked around to her front, capturing her breasts. Her own soft sigh of pleasure mingled with his, and his lips found hers once more for a second, even deeper exchange. Reba’s nipples hardened and tingled as she repeatedly skimmed her moist lips across his.