Free Movie Lovers by Jean Joachim

face. “I helped out a little.”
    Grace’s mouth fell open as Grant
snickered, then said, “Very resourceful, Jake.”
    Jake’s cell rang. His family was
calling to thank him for the presents he had mailed and to reconnect. He took
the phone into the hall where he had a lively, if brief, conversation with
everyone, including his niece and nephew, before he had to dress. A heavy sigh
escaped his throat as he hung up. Never
thought I’d miss them so much.
    He leaned back against the wall for
a moment to recover his holiday cheer before rejoining the others. He wiped one
eye with the heel of his hand and pasted a smile on his face. He noticed Grace
watching him when he returned and wondered what she thought. Probably thinks I’m a wimp. A sissy because
I miss my family. Maybe I am.
    While the others cleaned up, Cara
and Jake left for the theater. After the matinée, the rest of the day seemed to
fly by. Wading through piles of discarded wrapping paper, cooking, and helping
to straighten up were always holiday activities in his house. This year he did
the same things with different people. They’re
a family just like my family.
    Grace and Cara’s obvious affection
for each other was the cement that glued them all together. While he dreaded
missing Christmas in Willow Falls, this had proved to be the next best thing.
    That evening, he and Grace roasted a
turkey and added leftover side dishes from the night before to fresh stuffing
to make a mouth-watering buffet. Sarah was so worn out she lost her temper and
had to take a time out to calm down. Grace flitted from one family member to
another, perhaps to avoid him.
    He packed up, thanked everyone, and
headed for the door at about ten o’clock. Grant and Cara were doing dishes, and
Sarah was in bed. Grace walked with him to the hall. I don’t think I made any progress with her. Disappointment
enveloped him like a gray fog. His shoulders sagged.
    “Why so down? Missing your family?”
Grace leaned against the wall.
    “Being with your family was almost
like being with mine.”
    “They’re wonderful, aren’t they? I’m
very lucky,” she beamed.
    “Yeah. I was hoping you and I…” Courage
failed him.
    “You and I what? Didn’t used to be a
‘you and I,’ but maybe there is one now?”
    Hope welled in his chest. “You
think?”
    “Maybe.”
    “Want to go out New Year’s Eve?”
    “You don’t have a date for New
Year’s?” she teased.
    “Do you?”
    “I do now.”
    “Oh. That’s too bad.” His spirits
sank to the floor.
    “With you, silly.” She chucked him
under the chin.
    “Me?”
    “Didn’t you just ask me?” She rubbed
his cheek lightly with her hand. “Ooh, I like you scruffy.”
    “So that’s yes, then?”
    “How many ways do I have to say it?
Yes. But I promised to babysit Sarah. Cara and Grant are invited to some fancy shmancy party. I said I’d stay with Sarah. You can come
over, and we can have champagne here. Would that be okay?”
    “Hell, yeah! I’d much rather stay in
than go out on New Year’s anyway.” Maybe
we can make love. “Have to be after the show.”
    “You’re performing on New Year’s?”
    “Yeah. New Year’s Eve and a matinée
on New Year’s Day.”
    “That sucks.”
    “Not if I’m with you after.” He
combed his fingers through her silky hair.
    Jake switched his hand to the back
of her neck, gently easing her toward him. He lowered his lips to hers. She
didn’t resist, but softened against him. Jake dropped his packages and scooped
her into his arms. Passion flowed through his body as he held her tight and
ravaged her mouth.
    A soft moan from her throat told him
all he needed to know. He stepped back, his gaze seeking hers. He stared into
blue eyes smoky with desire. “I wish we were somewhere more private,” he
breathed.
    The ringing of his cell ruined the
mood like a splash of cold water. It was Gunther Quill. “Merry Christmas,
Gunther. What’s up?”
    “Did you see that scathing review of