Free All I Want For Christmas by Ann Roth Page A

Maggie.
    â€œAh.”
    While Maggie carefully tucked the lettuce into the kangaroo pocket of her sweater and Ryan wiped his hands on his jeans, Tina glanced around the living room.
    â€œI knew the walls wouldn’t be pink anymore.”
    â€œFirst thing I changed after we bought the place.”
    â€œWhat an improvement. I like that shade of green.”
    She pulled a spike of hair through her fingers, then fiddled with another, and Ryan could see that she was as uncomfortable as he was. For some reason, that only made him want her more.
    Neither of them spoke until Maggie pulled on Tina’s sleeve. “Don’t you want to take off your coat?”
    â€œI can’t stay long.”
    That jibed perfectly with Ryan’s plans, but he helped her out of her coat and hung it up anyway. “How’s G. G. doing?”
    â€œWe saw Dr. Dove today.” She bit on her lip again. “He says she’s doing too much and should cut back, even with the physical therapy. He also wants her to follow up with her surgeon in Seattle, too, but she refuses to go all the way back there. She got Dr. Dove to call the surgeon and ask for the name of a doctor she could see in Anacortes. As soon as he calls with the information, I’ll schedule an appointment.”
    Ryan studied his daughter, whose face had lost all traces of excitement. Not wanting her to worry, he ruffled her hair. “G. G.’ll be all right, Sunshine. Sometimes it just takes a while.”
    Tina nodded at Maggie and her face brightened.
    â€œShe’s in bed now, but she promised to call if she needs help,” Tina said. “How was your day, sweetie?”
    â€œAwesome. We bought Sam’s present. C’mon, I’ll show you. But it’s a surprise and you can’t tell, okay?”
    Tina’s mouth twitched. “Girl Scouts’ honor.”
    â€œWe’re keeping it in Daddy’s study. This way.”
    Ryan’s daughter scampered ahead, leading Tina into a small room across from the powder room. Ryan followed.
    Maggie opened the closet and took out the shopping bag. “It’s a My Little Pony purse!”
    To Tina’s credit, she managed to look impressed. “I love it.”
    His daughter broke into a grin. “Me, too. See Daddy, I told you! Girls like stuff like this. He’s gonna let me wrap it all by myself, aren’t you?”
    Ryan nodded. Time to show Tina the hamster and get her out of here. He opened his mouth, but Maggie spoke first.
    â€œLook, Daddy!” She pulled out a bag full of jawbreakers. “We bought these at the store today. We forgot!” She chose one for herself, then held out the sack. “Want one?”
    Tina shrugged. “Sure. Thanks.”
    The cellophane crinkled as she unwrapped her candy. Ryan took one, too. Sounds of pleasure issued from Tina’s throat and her mouth made soft sucking sounds. From there, it didn’t take much to imagine that mouth on him.
    Did she have any idea what she was doing to him? Fortunately, Tina’s attention was on Maggie.
    â€œLet’s go feed Eggwhite his lettuce,” Maggie said, tugging Tina’s hand. “You stay downstairs, Daddy.”
    Badly in need of space and a bit of time to corral his raging lust, Ryan didn’t argue.
    Giggling, Maggie pulled Tina toward the stairs.
    As much as Ryan loved to hear that bubbling sound, the present cause of it bothered him. He watched them climb the stairs, his gaze drawn again to Tina’s backside. She was wearing a hip-length maroon sweater and snug-fitting jeans.
    Ryan’s own jeans grew uncomfortably tight as he imagined placing his hands on her behind and pulling her against his body. Catching himself, he scowled. Enough. He headed for the sofa to read his paper.
    But as he sank onto the cushions, Maggie shrieked, sounding extremely upset. Ryan dropped the newspaper, jumped up, and ran for the stairs.

    â€œM Y HAMSTER is