Read Online A Soldier for Christmas by Jillian Hart - Free Book Online

a girl movie, but he was here as a friend. He’d come all this way—maybe he really was lonely, just as he’d said last week, when he’d brought burgers for her dinner break.
    She was glad he’d come. “This is so much better than what we had planned. Barbecued hot dogs on our hibachi. Thanks, Mitch, for bringing the pizza.”
    “And the cheesy sticks.” Lexie chimed in as she started loading up her plate.
    “Any time, ladies.”
    Yeah, Kelly couldn’t help thinking, he was definitely one of the good guys.
     

    Nightfall darkened the dome of the sky as Kelly opened the door. “You were a good sport about the movie.”
    “It had some funny parts. It was a nice, wholesome movie. It was good for me.”
    “I doubt that, but thanks for coming. Maybe you’ll want to stop by again.”
    “If that’s an invitation, I’ll take you up on it. Say, next Saturday night. I’ll bring pizza again, if you want.”
    “My treat since you brought this time. We’re friends, remember?”
    “All right, then.” Somehow, he would survive this friendship thing. He hesitated on the top step. “Same time same place next week?”
    “I’d really like that.” She trailed him out onto the covered landing. “It’s pretty late. You have a long drive back.”
    “Don’t worry about me. I’ve only been up and going full-bore since oh-five-hundred.”
    “Your hours seem as long as mine. Except ice-climbing is sadly lacking from my daily workout regime.”
    “You don’t know what you’re missing.”
    “Seeing as I’m more of an indoor girl, I’m more than happy to pass on the glacier-climbing. You really like it?”
    “I do.” That was an understatement. He started down the steps, slowly, going backward so he could watch Kelly standing in the shower of light from inside the door. “Monday, when you notice the whitecaps on the highest mountains, think of me.”
    “I’ll send a whole bunch of no-slipping prayers your way.”
    “I’d appreciate it.” Mitch stopped at the landing, gazing up the length of steps between them. It was late, he needed to head back but the last thing he wanted to do was to go. “How’s the math class?”
    “Good, but then I haven’t looked at that homework all day. When I crack that book tomorrow, I’ll be singing a different tune.”
    “You having trouble with the class?”
    “It’s math. Math equals trouble. Wait, you love the subject, so you don’t understand delaying torture whenever possible.”
    “You just don’t have the right attitude when it comes to math. You wouldn’t happen to have a pen handy?”
    “You’re not going to look at my homework, are you?” Her brows knitted and made an adorable crinkle between her eyes. “It’s late. It’s Saturday night. I have a strict no-math policy on Saturday nights.”
    “You have a lot of strict policies. First no dating, and now no math on certain nights. I’ll be back in town tomorrow. Mom’s dragging me to church with her and Dad so she can show her friends I really do exist and I’m not a figment of her imagination.”
    “You don’t make it home much, I take it?”
    “I’ve made it home for one Christmas, and about ten days total, and that’s after boot camp. I spend ninety-nine percent of my life on a mission or waiting for one. Hey, how about I give you my cell number and my e-mail address? You can call if you want me to stop by. Or just e-mail a question.”
    “You’ve got to be kidding. You’re busy enough.”
    “Sure, but I always have time for my friends. And for the thrill of math.”
    “All right, hot shot, but don’t say I didn’t warn ya.”
    “Bring it on. I’m used to a certain amount of hardship.”
    Kelly darted inside to grab the little spiral notepad by the phone. As she scavenged around the kitchen for a pen, delicate freesias scented the air with incredible sweetness.
    “Use mine,” Lexie offered, hopping up from the couch to hand over a purple glitter-gel pen. “He’s awesome. You