Free Bound for Christmas by Sam Crescent Page A

have to keep your hands on me at all
times to stop me from falling over.”
    “Well, I never even gave that a thought.”
Leon
wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’ll make sure you stay up.”
    “You knew. You pay attention to these small,
minor details. I’ve got your number, Leon.”
    “You’ll
have more than my number before we’re done,” he said.
    “That
sounds like a threat.” She smiled at him. “Shall I run away now?”
    “You
could, but I’ll catch you no matter where you go.”
    “Is that
right?” Bernie moved closer to his lips.
Leon
smiled then closed the
distance, brushing his lips over hers.
    One touch
of her lips on his and he was gone. She was soft, warm, and everything good in
the world. He didn’t know where or how he’d gotten so lucky. He only knew he
wasn’t letting her go.
    It was
amazing how perfect a relationship could be when it had started out as simply
as theirs. A few chance meetings in a library had turned into a revelation at
the club, and now he had her in his arms. Perfection.
    There were
a few cheers from the crowd around them.
    Bernie
pulled away, her cheeks pink from the cold and embarrassment.
    “Don’t
worry about them.”
    “They were
watching.”
    “So, they saw
two people so into each other they couldn’t keep their hands to
themselves.”  
    “I’m
hungry,” she said.
    “Good, because I have the best cure.”
    “Food?”
    He
laughed, taking her hand. They began walking across the parking lot.
Leon
kept his hands on her at all times.
    The town
was covered with snow and crowds of people. He saw them all gathering their
shopping. There were visitors, like them, along with locals. The markets
advertised food and trinkets for people to buy. The scents of Christmas were in
the air. Carol singers stood in the corner by the market statue. He took Bernie
over to listen to them sing. Their tunes had a way of filling him with warmth
over the festive season.
    When they
moved away, he saw Bernie take a quick glance behind them.
    “You really
like this season, don’t you?” she asked.
    “I love
it. Why don’t you? I thought women were supposed to adore this season.”
    “My
parents didn’t really celebrate the season. We had a tree and a few gifts. They
were older than most parents. They had me later in life. Mom and dad said I was
a blessing, but I knew they regretted having me so late.”
    “How do
you know?”
    “They were
always tired. I wasn’t a handful, which I think they were thankful for. I was
never allowed any sleepovers or boyfriends.”
    “How old
were they when they died?”
    “Sixty.
Mom gave birth to me in her forties. It was hard for them. I’d like to think
they’re happy for me.”
    “I bet
they are. You didn’t celebrate Christmas when you were on your own, did you?”
he asked.
    She shook
her head.
Leon
moved her closer to the baked potato stand. He loved looking over the lake
while eating a baked potato.
    “The first
year I was on my own, I got a tiny tree that glowed and cooked myself a turkey
breast. It didn’t work out. I was too damned depressed. Christmas is fun if
you’re with family and friends, I guess.”
    “What
about Sandra?”
    “Sandra
has her own family. I never want to barge in on something like that. Christmas
should be about family.”
    Leon
stopped
at the end of the queue. “You do like baked potato?”
    “Yes, I
love mine with chilli or curry.”
    “A woman after my own heart.” He leaned down,
nuzzling her neck. “Which you already own.”
    The queue
went down slowly. The scent of baked potatoes and the various toppings made his
mouth water. His stomach growled with the need to eat. When they got closer he
looked over the board of toppings.
    “What do
you want?” he asked.
    “I’ll have
the cheese, chilli, and sour cream.”
    Leon
nodded
then waited for the lady behind the counter to serve them. “Can I have two
baked potatoes with butter, cheese, chilli and sour cream, along with two
strong