Trading Christmas - Debbie Macomber [26]
“Oh…right.” Emily had entirely forgotten that Ray would have to catch the train.
He relaxed visibly, apparently finding a solution to his problem. “Not to worry, I’ll get a hotel room. That shouldn’t be too difficult.”
Without a reservation, she wondered if that was true. Furthermore, she hated the thought of him spending that extra money on her account. “You don’t need to do that.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your brother’s condo has two bedrooms.”
He raised his eyebrows.
“I’m sleeping in the guest room, and I’m sure your brother wouldn’t object to your taking his room.”
Ray hesitated and looked uncertain. “Are you sure you’re comfortable with that arrangement?”
“Of course.”
That was easy to say after two bottles of wine. Had Emily been completely sober, she might not have—but really, what could it hurt?
She decided that question was best left unanswered.
ELEVEN
Heather Springer wrapped her arms tightly around Elijah’s waist, the sound of the wind roaring in her ears. She laid her head against his muscular back and relished the feel of his firm body so close to her own. Three other Harleys, all with passengers, zoomed down the interstate on their way to the white sandy beaches of Florida.
Try as she might, Heather couldn’t stop thinking about the bewildered look on her mother’s face when she learned Heather had made her own plans for the Christmas holidays.
The least her mother could’ve done was let her know she was flying to Boston. It was supposed to be a big surprise—well, it definitely was that. Actually, it was more of a shock, and not a pleasant one. Heather had hoped for the proper time to tell her mother about Elijah. That opportunity, unfortunately, had been taken away from her.
Heather sighed. She was grateful when Elijah pulled into a rest area near Daytona Beach. He climbed off the Harley and removed his helmet, shaking his head to release his long hair.
Heather watched as the other motorcycles pulled into nearby spaces. Heather was proud that Elijah led the way in this adventure. Being with him during the holidays was thrilling, and she wasn’t about to let her stick-in-the-mud, old-fashioned mother ruin it.
Elijah was different from any boy Heather had ever dated. The others paled by comparison, especially Ben who was traditional and frankly boring. All he thought about was school and work and getting his law degree. For once, just once, she wanted to think about something besides grades and scholarship money. She wanted to live.
She’d met Elijah at Starbucks, and they’d struck up a conversation. That was in early October, and after meeting him everything had changed. Never before had she been in love like this. It was exciting and crazy and new. Elijah’s world was completely unlike her own, and she knew their differences were what made him so attractive. He was dark, wild, dangerous—all she’d ever craved. She wanted to share his life, share everything with him. Heather felt pleased that he was introducing her to his friends, but she’d noticed he wasn’t interested in meeting hers. That hadn’t bothered her until recently. Heather didn’t know the other bikers and their girlfriends very well, but she liked them and hoped for the chance to connect.
“Feel that sunshine,” Elijah said. He closed his eyes and tilted his face toward the sun.
Heather removed her own helmet and slid off the Harley. “It’s not as warm as I thought it would be.” She didn’t want to complain, but she’d assumed the temperature would be in the seventies; it was closer to the fifties. This wasn’t exactly swimming-in-the-ocean kind of weather.
“Once we’re in the Miami Beach area you’ll be hot enough,” Elijah promised. “Until then I’ll keep you warm.” He circled her waist with his massive arms.
She turned in his embrace, kissing him lightly.
“I thought we’d hang out here for a while,” he murmured.
“That sounds good to me.” Heather didn’t want to admit how much her backside ached, especially when the others didn’t seem