Read Online Christmas on My Mind by Janet Dailey - Free Book Online

you?” He stood facing her, his gaze probing hers.
    â€œBecause you opened the door,” she said. “I needed somebody on my side who understood the truth. Somebody I could trust. Was I wrong?” Her skin was luminous, her lips as full and ripe as June strawberries. Ben had to check himself to keep from leaning down and kissing her, not because of her story but because she was an extraordinary person—and because he could imagine how she would taste.
    â€œYou’re not wrong, Jess,” he said. “As sheriff, I’ve learned to keep a confidence. Your secret is safe with me.”
    â€œI appreciate that.” She finished loading the dishwasher, added detergent and started the cycle. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be going up to bed. It’s been a long day.”
    â€œYou’re sure you don’t want to keep me company and watch the ten o’clock news? It helps me unwind.” He imagined sitting on the couch with her in the darkened living room, not quite touching, but maybe slipping an arm behind her shoulders, feeling the warmth that emanated from her sweet woman’s body.
    On second thought, it might not be a good idea.
    â€œThanks for the invitation, but I’d fall asleep for sure. You’d have to drag me up those stairs. I’d better go while I’m still on my feet.”
    â€œSleep tight, then. I’ll check on your car tomorrow and let you know when it’ll be done. Silas can deliver it, if you don’t mind driving him back to the garage. Oh, and thanks for supper.”
    â€œLike I said, don’t get used to it.” The stairs creaked lightly as she vanished from sight. Ben wandered into the living room, found the remote and switched on the antiquated TV between his mother’s corner bookshelves. As he sank into the sofa, Ben heard soft footsteps overhead and the sound of water running in the bathroom. By the time he went upstairs to bed, Jess would probably be asleep.
    As the commercials played onscreen, he went back over the details of her story. Everything she’d said had made sense and fit her reason for coming here. But he’d spent too many years as a lawman not to have questions.
    Was Jess telling the truth? He had no reason to disbelieve her. But he’d bet good money she wasn’t telling him everything. She’d married at nineteen. By now he’d guess her age at—what? Twenty-six or so? She’d glossed over those missing years. But then, why should it matter? She had shown herself to be a good person, kind, forgiving, and honest. Wasn’t that enough?
    He yawned, willing himself to stay awake until he could go upstairs without running into Jess again. She was an attractive little thing. He liked her—liked her a lot. But the suspicious side of his nature refused to lie down and be still. The woman was hiding something—and his gut instinct told him it wasn’t good. Until he knew more about her, he’d be smart to keep his guard up—and his male impulses in check.

Chapter Five
    J ess had always been an early riser, but last night she’d gone to bed exhausted. By the time she’d opened her eyes to morning, brushed her teeth, splashed her face, and pulled on her fleece jogging suit, it was nearly eight o’clock. She pattered barefoot down the stairs to find Clara seated at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and doing the newspaper’s crossword puzzle.
    Clara glanced up with a smile as Jess walked in. “Good morning,” she said. “How about some coffee?”
    â€œThat sounds great. No, please don’t bother getting up. I can get it.” Jess filled a cup from the coffeepot, then took a seat. “I didn’t mean to sleep this late, but that bed was heavenly. Thank you again for putting me up.”
    â€œNo trouble at all, dear. Know that you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. I’d have fixed you some bacon and eggs