The Perfect Christmas - Debbie Macomber [52]
“Did his attitude change?” she asked. “Did he start to react to you in a different way?”
“Not really. Why?”
“He did with me.”
“Oh. That’s the reason you asked why he had so many wonderful things to say about you, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“So you think he’s in love with you, too?”
“I do.”
John sighed. “Seems funny, doesn’t it, that a matchmaker would have such a hard time admitting he’s in love.”
Cassie wasn’t exactly laughing. “In any other circumstances, you and I would probably have gotten along famously—and maybe even decided to marry.”
“Maybe,” he concurred. “Who’s to know.”
“Thank you for calling, John. I want nothing but the very best for you.”
“Thanks.” He paused and she could hear Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” in the background. “I guess this means you’re definitely not going out with me.”
“That’s true.”
“Okay.”
“Bye.” She started to hang up when John stopped her.
“Yes?” she said.
“Cassie, I was wondering if you’d take my phone number—in case you have a change of heart.”
“It’s in my phone, John. I have it.”
“You won’t lose it, will you?”
“No, I won’t lose it,” she promised. “Merry Christmas, now.”
Late the following day, Christmas Eve, Cassie was grateful for Mrs. Mullinex’s invitation. She hated the idea of spending the evening alone.
Although she wasn’t Catholic, she thought she might attend midnight mass at the cathedral after that. The beauty of the service and the music would lift her heart and infuse her with holiday spirit.
The small get-together at Mrs. Mullinex’s was congenial, with Harry and Phyllis exchanging fond smiles over their fruitcake and eggnog. Love seemed to be blossoming all around her. First Shawn and Angie, and now her two cantankerous neighbors.
She toasted her newfound friends and after a respectable length of time made her excuses. They all hugged and wished each other a Merry Christmas, and she did the same.
As she left she saw a male figure heading toward the elevator. From behind he resembled Simon. He was about to step through the elevator doors when she called his name.
“Simon?”
He turned abruptly, a frown darkening his face.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“Why did you turn John Fitzsimmons down?”
“I think you know,” she said calmly.
“You’re a stubborn woman.”
“You mean you’ve only noticed that now?” She unlocked her door and entered the apartment.
After a moment’s hesitation, Simon followed her inside.
Chapter 17
Simon says: The perfect Christmas is the one I spend with you.
Simon strode into Cassie’s apartment but couldn’t seem to stop moving, from door to window and back again.
Cassie wished she dared to throw her arms around him and halt his frantic pacing.
“Why wouldn’t you agree to at least meet John?” The anger seemed to radiate from him.
“Simon, you know why. I’m in love with you.”
His eyes slammed shut and he clenched his jaw. “I don’t want your love.”
“So you said.” That didn’t change the way she felt, though.
“What harm would it have done to meet John?”
“None, I suppose,” she said with a shrug. “But I felt I would’ve been doing him a disservice.”
It was as though he hadn’t heard her. “In other words, despite your assurances that you’re willing to move on with your life, you refuse to do so,” he challenged.
Cassie sat on her sofa while Simon continued pacing. She tracked his movements with her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ll date other men—when I’m ready.”
He whirled around and glared at her.
Cassie felt it was her turn to pose a few questions. “Why are you fighting this?” she asked, looking up at him. “And…why are you here at all?”
“I had to talk to you about John.” Simon shook his head. “Don’t you realize marrying me would be a disaster?”
“Really?” It didn’t escape her notice that he hadn’t denied anything—and that he’d brought up marriage. Evidently the subject had been on his mind, which was encouraging. “Why’s that?”
Simon abruptly stood still. “I suspect I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. I’m not…comfortable with emotions on a personal level.