Free Island Christmas by Kimberly Rose Johnson Page A

onto the front porch.
    She strode to the door and let herself in. Chris sat on the couch, his computer by his side with Jason’s head on his lap. By the look of her son, he was sound asleep. A brace covered his left arm and an icepack sat on the ottoman. Chris’s hand rested on her son’s back.
    The television played It’s a Wonderful Life . She moved his computer aside and eased down beside him. “How’d it go?” She kept her voice low, so Jason wouldn’t wake.
    “Smooth as the delicious pumpkin silk pie you left for us.” He whispered back. “We were watching football when he fell asleep. I didn’t want to disturb him by taking him to bed. He had Tylenol at six for the pain. He’s wearing a compression bandage to help reduce swelling. You’ll want to ice his arm tomorrow, but after that use heat for short periods of time if it’s achy. The doctor also suggested elevating his arm with a pillow. He seems to be doing okay.”
    “That’s a relief. I worried about him all day.”
    “He has a bad sprain. The doctor thinks it could take three or four weeks to heal.”
    Her shoulders sagged. She’d hoped a sprain wouldn’t be such a big deal and he’d be fine by Christmas. “I imagine you’re sore from sitting there so long. I’ll carry Jason to bed and be right back.” She stood, walked around the ottoman, then hefted her son into her arms, careful to avoid bumping his arm.
    He snuggled into her. “Hi, Mom.” His eyes drooped. “We had fun, but my arm hurts.”
    “I know, kiddo. I’m sorry.” She went into his room, pulled back the covers with one hand, then placed him on the cool sheets and covered him to his chin. Before leaving the room, she clicked on his nightlight then closed the door behind her.
    Chris patted the spot beside him when she walked into the family room. “What a day.”
    She eased onto the couch and twisted to face him. “I’m really sorry about Jason.”
    “I’m the one who should apologize. He got hurt on my watch. Incidentally, I think your landlord should have the plumbing looked at. It makes some odd sounds.”
    “You’re right. Sorry about that, too.” Why was she always such a mess?
    “Don’t be sorry. It’s not your fault the plumbing here needs help. Come here, you look like you could use a shoulder rub.”
    “Anyone ever tell you you’re a nice guy?” She scooted closer and turned her back to him. His gentle fingers kneaded the tired and sore muscles in her neck and shoulders.
    “Maybe. How’s that feel?”
    “Wonderful.” She closed her eyes and allowed her head to dip forward. “You could do this for a living.”
    He chuckled.
    “I’m serious.” She turned, causing him to drop his hands. “I should be offering to rub your shoulders after the day you had.”
    He shrugged. “It really wasn’t that bad. It’s not a day I’d care to repeat, but it could have been much worse.”
    “That’s one way to look at it.” She really liked this man.
    “I should go.” He stood. “Thanks for the meal. You didn’t have to go to so much trouble.”
    Disappointment hit her. She wanted him to stay, but it was late, and he was probably as worn out as she was. “It was my way of saying thank you for watching Jason today. I’m sure you could’ve found a TV to watch the game on without having to spend several hours at the hospital and playing with my son for half the day.”
    He chuckled, the truth of her words in his eyes. “For what it’s worth, Rachel, in spite of everything, I enjoyed myself. It was nice being here, and it brought back a lot of good memories. So thank you.”
    She looked into his eyes and nodded, wishing things were different. Her heart was already entangled with his, and she wanted him to be a part of their lives on a much deeper level than just as a good friend.
    He gently touched her cheek with the palm of his hand. Her eyes widened and her breath hitched.
    “You are a very special lady, Rachel. Rest well.” He dropped his hand