Free Red Hot Christmas by Jill Sanders

her, he put his arm around her shoulders and smiled when she settled next to him. He wished for a quiet, dark dining room instead of a loud one full of families and children, but, it would have to do...for now.
     

     
    Amber's heart skipped a beat when Luke pulled her closer. Even though they sat in a crowded room, she felt like they were the only ones there. She'd heard how his grandmother was doing from almost every person that came through the door. It seemed that everyone in Pride joined in spreading the word, especially when it was someone they all admired and cared for.
     
    She tried to make the mood light and fun. After all, what more could you do when you were wearing a hooped skirt and ponytails?
     
    She had to admit that by the time both their plates were cleared, she was wishing to be able to spend more time with Luke. He was easy to talk to and funny when the worry left his eyes. When she looked around the room and realized that it was practically empty, she knew she couldn't stall anymore. She'd seen him looking at the clock on the wall, probably worried about getting home to his grandmother.
     
    He held her umbrella over her as he walked her to her Jeep. Then she leaned up and kissed him quickly on the lips, before he had a chance to make a move. “Thanks for our first date, Luke.” She smiled and swung her skirt, holding her hands in front of her, and added. “Golly, I hope I didn't get you in too much trouble keeping you out so late.”
    He smiled. “Next time, baby,” He pulled her closer, still holding the umbrella. “Maybe we can take a drive to watch the submarine races out at Look Out Point.” He leaned down and slowly kissed her and she felt herself start to shiver as he ran his free hand over her arm and back. She leaned closer into him and felt his warmth spread into her until her skin was on fire and she was aching for more.
    On her short drive home, she kept asking herself why she always did this to herself. She knew what she was getting into. She'd convinced herself to not get involved with him and had even laid out a very sensible plan for how she would accomplish the task. So the question was, why wasn't she following her plan?
     
    When she pulled into her parking spot, Patty motioned to her through the store window. She wanted to get out of the uncomfortable outfit, but found herself heading into the store instead of upstairs to shower and change into her yoga pants.
     
    “There you are dear. I was just telling Ruth here,” Patty motioned to an older woman who nodded and smiled at Amber, “that your parents live in Portland. She thinks she might know them.”
     
    Amber felt the blood leave her face as she looked towards the older woman. Was there any chance that she knew her parents? God! She hoped not!
     
    “Regina and Ronald Kennedy?”
     
    Amber took a deep breath and relaxed a little and shook her head. “No, my parent's names are Donna and Frank Kennedy. I think I had a cousin named Ronald.” She smiled apologetically and hoped that would be the end of the conversation.
     
    “Oh, well. I know a Donna Kennedy, but she lives in Eugene instead of Portland. It couldn't be her then.” Ruth patted her silver hair.
     
    Amber's ears started ringing and she felt a panic attack slamming into her. She had to get out of the store, and soon.
    “I'm sorry, Patty, I need to get out of this dress. It was nice meeting you, Ruth.” She turned and made it up into her apartment in record time. Her breath was coming in quick gasps, and her head felt light as she slowly sat down, her back against her front door. She folded her legs up and rested her head against her knees.
     
    She'd been running from her family for too long to have them brought up in some small town. How was it possible that someone in this small town knows her mother? No doubt the news would be spread all over town by the morning that her mother was crazy and her father was a terrorist.

Chapter Eight

    W hen she