Free Brenda's Christmas Desire by Sharon Kleve Page B

decorations? Maybe this is the year both of you can start to celebrate again. Whaddya think?”
    “I’ll think about asking her, but I’m afraid she’ll get upset,” Brenda confided.
    “She’s an adult. You don’t always have to protect her.”
    “I never told you this, but a couple years after their death, I asked Aunt Carol if we could have a tree and she broke down and cried. She took my hand and led me up into the attic where she showed me pictures taken after the wreck. I never asked where she got them, but the site was horrible. Wrapped packages with their torn colorful bows and ribbons scattered over the road. The Christmas tree shot off the roof of their car and embedded itself into the radiator of another car. She told me if they hadn’t insisted on keeping their stupid tradition, they’d still be alive.”
    “Oh, Brenda. How could she do such a thing to you? You were traumatized enough without her showing you those pictures.”
    “Aunt Carol isn’t the happiest soul on a good day. Blaming Christmas traditions seemed to be an easy leap for her, when it came to her only sister’s death.”
    “That’s not an excuse for her cruel behavior toward you and you know that.”
    The phone rang. Brenda took a deep breath, forced a smile on her face and answered.
    “Green Hornet Investigations. How may I help you?”
    “Is Corny Myers available? This is Mr. Jones.”
    “Yes, she’s available. I’ll put you right through.” Brenda put him on hold.
    “Corny, Mr. Jones is on line two.”
    “Thank you. We’re not done talking about this yet,” Corny said as she headed toward her office.
    Another line rang and Brenda answered. “Green Hornet Investigations. How may I help you?”
    “Hey, sexy. What are you wearing?” John asked in his huskiest voice.
    Her boyfriend, John Smith called almost every day to say hello. “All I’m wearing is a Santa hat. What about you, Stud?” she replied in a sultry voice.
    “Only my gun and badge, babe,” John replied.
    Brenda fanned her face and stuttered, “Well… Uh… Where are you? I can be there in a flash.”
    “Unfortunately, I have meetings all day, which I detest. I’d rather be out in the field. But I’d be happy to strip down for you tonight though.”
    “You? Naked? Now that sounds yummy.” Brenda felt heat creep up from her neck to her face. John could get her hot and wet in five seconds flat.
    “You can have all of me. See you tonight,” John said and disconnected.
    Brenda looked up when Corny walked back out and sat on the corner of her desk.
    “That must’ve been John on the phone,” Corny said with a smirk on her face.
    “Why?”
    “Let’s just say your face exhibits a warm glow after you talk to him.”
    Brenda’s emotions got the better of her and she grabbed a tissue and blotted her tears. “Corny, I think I’m in love with John. That scares me. I’ve never looked into a man’s eyes and knew I could spend the rest of my life with him.”
    “Love is scary, but absolutely wonderful. Steve and I can attest to that,” Corny said as a silly grin appeared on her face.
    “You three make the perfect couple.” Brenda grabbed another tissue and dabbed at her nose, not wanting a red, blotchy face. Pete chattered, jumped out of Corny’s arms, and ran a lap around her desk, then sat back on his haunches and chattered some more. They both laughed at him.
    “Yep. Pete makes three,” Corny agreed.
    “Did Pete run around and chatter for my benefit?”
    “Oh, of course. Pete’s a big ole’ softy who doesn’t want you to be sad,” Corny replied.
    “We wouldn’t want Pete to be upset would we?” Brenda asked and laughed.
    “You got that right.”
    Corny walked back to her office with Pete wrapped around her neck. She should get herself a pet. A puppy would be wonderful to cuddle and play with.
    ****
    Pete jumped off Corny’s shoulder and landed on her desk with a thump.
    Seriously? You think I have bad breath? Let me tell you what