That Christmas Feeling: Silver Bells / The Perfect Holiday / Under the Christmas Tree

“Talk him into it,” Mackenzie said when the elevator stopped on Carrie’s floor.

He wished now that he hadn’t said anything. “Would you like a cup of coffee?” Carrie asked.

What he’d like was time alone with Carrie.

“Sure he would,” Mackenzie answered for him, and shoved him out of the elevator. The doors closed before he could respond.

“I guess I would,” he said, chuckling.

Carrie’s eyes shyly met his. “I was hoping you would.”

She unlocked her door and walked inside, but he stopped her from turning on the light. With his hand at her shoulder, he guided her into his arms. “I’ve been waiting for this all night,” he whispered and claimed her lips.

He meant it to be a soft, gentle kiss. One that would tell her he’d enjoyed her company, enjoyed their evening together. But the minute his mouth settled over hers he experienced a desire so strong it was all he could do to keep it in check. No woman had ever affected him like this. He wove his fingers into her hair and tilted her head to one side in order to deepen their kisses.

She groaned softly. Then again, it could be the sound of his own pleasure that rang in his ears. The hot, breathless kisses went on. And on …

“Why won’t you come to the party tomorrow night?” she asked minutes later.

The building’s Christmas party was the last thing on Philip’s mind. He led her through the darkened living room, sat down and drew her into his lap. “Let’s talk about that later, all right?” He didn’t give her time to say anything, but directed her lips back to his.

“Why later?” She nibbled the side of his neck, sending delicious shivers down his back.

“I’m not sure I trust Madame Frederick.”

She laughed and he felt her breath against his skin. “She’s completely harmless.”

“So they say.” He placed his hands on either side of her face and brought her lips down to meet his again. The kiss was long and deep, and it left him breathless.

“The people in this building are a bunch of oddballs. Half of them are candidates for the loony bin,” he said when he’d recovered sufficiently to speak.

Carrie stiffened in his arms. “You’re talking about my friends.”

“No offense,” he said. But surely she recognized the truth when she heard it.

Carrie squirmed out of his lap and stood in front of him. “I live in this apartment complex. Is that how you think about me?”

“No.” He sighed. “If it means so much to you, I’ll attend this ridiculous party.”

“No, thanks,” she muttered. “I wouldn’t want you to do me any favors.”

From her tone of voice, Philip realized he’d managed to offend her, which he regretted. Yesterday’s conversation with Gene had made him understand that she was a blessing in his life. A gift.

A gift he wanted to accept …

“Carrie, I’m sorry. I spoke out of turn.”

“Is that what you really think of us, Philip?” she asked, her voice uncertain.

He didn’t respond right away, afraid anything more he said would only make things worse.

“That’s answer enough. I’m tired… . I’d like you to leave now.”

“Carrie, for heaven’s sake, be reasonable.”

She stalked over to the door and opened it, sending a harsh shaft of light across his face. Philip squinted and did as she asked. “We’ll talk about this later, all right?”

“Sure,” she said in a sarcastic murmur.

Rather than wait for the elevator, Philip took the stairs to his apartment a floor above Carrie’s. He’d discuss this with Mackenzie, get her advice on how to handle it. Ironic that he was turning to his thirteen-year-old daughter for help with the very situation she’d engineered… .

The apartment was dark and silent when he entered. He switched on the light and walked down the hall to Mackenzie’s bedroom. Her bed was slightly mussed as if she’d sat on it.

“Mackenzie!” he called.

No response.

He checked the other rooms and found a note from her on the kitchen table.

Dad,

Mom left me a message. She said she wouldn’t be coming for me, after all, and that I couldn’t spend the holidays with her. I guess I should’ve known she’d be too busy for me. She has time for everything else but me. I need some time alone to think.

Mackenzie

Nine

Carrie didn’t understand why Philip’s comment about Madame Frederick and the others had distressed her so much. While it was true they were her friends, she couldn’t deny that they were all a bit weird. But they were also affectionate, warmhearted people and it hurt to have Philip dismiss them with such carelessness. She was still figuring out her feelings when there was a knock at the door. Whoever it was seemed impatient, because there was another knock immediately afterward.

“Just a moment,” she called out.

To her surprise it was Philip. “Have you seen Mackenzie?” he demanded.

“Not since we returned from the party.”

He exhaled and rubbed his hand along the back of his neck. “Her mother left a message for her saying she won’t be bringing Mackenzie to her place for Christmas after all,” he explained.

Carrie saw a muscle beside his jaw jerk with the effort it took to control his anger.

“She was looking forward to spending Christmas with Laura,” he continued. “It was all Mackenzie could talk about.”

Carrie knew that. She’d spent time with the girl, discussing her hairstyle and wardrobe for the impending visit. Mackenzie had wanted everything to be perfect for her mother. She’d wanted to impress Laura with how grown-up she was, how stylish. She’d wanted to make herself as attractive as possible, hoping her mother would notice and approve.

“Mackenzie wrote me a note that said she needed time alone.” He checked his watch, something Carrie knew he’d probably done every five minutes since discovering the note. “That was an hour ago. Where on earth would she go?”

“I don’t know,” Carrie whispered. Her heart constricted as she imagined the pain the girl must be suffering. These few days with Laura had meant so much to Mackenzie.

“I thought maybe she’d come to you.” He shook his head. “I’ve tried her cell, but it’s off. I’ve called her girlfriends, but none of them have heard from her. Now I don’t know where to look. Think, Carrie.”