All I Want For Christmas (15 page)

“It was late and I knew you were asleep,” she said.

“Ryan probably was sleeping, too,” Sidney said. “He gets up with Maggie every morning, and he had to work today. Whereas I've been retired for years.”

“Leave her alone, Sidney.” Rose eyed him sternly.

“Ryan was the obvious choice,” G. G. said. “He's young and strong, and Tina needed help getting me out of bed and into the car.”

Tina nodded. “That's true.” She hooked her arm through Sidney's and kissed his lined cheek. “I meant no offense.”

“None taken, honey.” He patted her arm. “I just want you to know you can count on me.”

“Of course I know, and I truly appreciate you.”

“Your flowers are just beautiful,” G. G. said gently. “They certainly brighten up the room. Thank you, Sid.”

His face reddened. “Figured you needed cheering up.”

“I love my shawl, too, Rose. Put it around my shoulders, Tina.”

Given G. G.' s discomfort, that wasn't so easy. But once Tina had managed the task, G. G. stroked the soft wool with a pleased smile. “Now I feel wrapped in friendship. Thank you so much.”

“I was saving it for your Christmas present, but I'd rather you enjoy it now. The fuchsia color is perfect with your complexion.”

Tina agreed.

Sidney pursed his lips. “When you're well—you're too pale now. I've seen you look better.”

“Sidney!” Rose gave him a dirty look. “That's not very nice.”

“But truthful,” G. G. said. “He's right, I
have
had better days.” Her face had begun to show the effects of this much conversation. “This isn't one of them. I think you'd better call the nurse, Tina.”

Alarmed, Tina pushed the call button, then prepared to hustle the visitors out. “G. G. needs her rest.”

That G. G. didn't argue only proved the point. “Thanks for traveling all this way for such a short visit,” she said weakly.

“That's okay, I was coming anyway.” Rose winked. “I'm moving my checking and savings accounts to the Halo Island Bank, and my bank here wants a signed note. So I'd planned this trip, anyway. Do you know that right now Halo Island Bank will deposit an extra twenty dollars into your savings when you open an account there? That bank has become a nicer place with Ryan running it. Won't he be surprised when I show up this afternoon?”

She looked quite pleased with herself.

Tina wondered what she'd do if she knew how Ryan really felt about the bank. He'd asked her to keep his feelings a secret, and she wasn't about to share. She would tell Ryan, though, when she saw him. Probably one last time before she left town. Her chest felt hollow, but now was no time to think about her broken heart.

“He'll be thrilled, I'm sure.” G. G. managed a smile. “Maybe I'll do the same thing, once I feel better.”

As Sidney and Rose started for the door, Rose glanced at Tina. “I meant to ask, who'll take care of G. G. when you leave?”

“She found me a full-time nurse,” G. G. said before Tina could respond.

Afraid of the disapproval she might find in Rose and Sidney's faces, Tina glanced at the floor. “I could stay a few more days,” she said.

“Nonsense.” G. G. shook her finger. “With your new job starting Monday, I wouldn't dream of keeping you here.”

“You definitely must go,” Rose said.

“I'm with them.” Sidney took Rose's arm and they moved toward the door.

“See?” G. G. said. “Everyone agrees. Besides, that nurse won't be with me for long. I'll be well in no time.”

Where did all the paperwork come from? Sitting at his desk before a mound of it during a lull in an otherwise hectic Friday afternoon, Ryan rolled his tense shoulders. Who'd have guessed the day after Thanksgiving would be so busy? As soon as he'd walked in late this morning, Jason had gone home. Flu, he said. Danielle had gone home sick, too, and Ryan and Serena were scrambling.

Which was especially bad, since Ryan didn't want to be here, either. He was exhausted and very worried about Maggie, who was at Norma's for the day.

While he and Tina had lost themselves in the best sex of his life, Maggie had screamed herself and Norma awake time and again. With Tina about to leave, Ryan had known this would happen. No telling how G. G.' s being in the hospital would affect his daughter. He supposed he'd find out tonight.

On the ferry ride from Anacortes, he'd called Dr. Dove and then Dr. Wright, the family therapist whom Dr. Dove had recommended. Lucky for him and Maggie, she was right here on the island. He'd scheduled the earliest available appointment, which was next week. First for him in the morning—Dr. Wright required that. Ryan didn't mind. He needed help and a game plan. Maggie's appointment was later the same day, after school.

Ryan yawned, so tired that his eyes watered, then sipped his coffee. If all that wasn't enough to worry about, Beale had sent a branch-wide e-mail today instead of waiting until Monday.
You Are Still Behind
, the subject line read.

Ryan had read the negative message with growing frustration. Had Beale heard one word Ryan had said to him? Apparently not, for there wasn't a single “atta boy/girl” in the whole thing, only criticism and more dire warnings. No wonder Jason and Danielle had gone home “sick.” He wouldn't be surprised if they both quit.

Not about to put up with any more of his boss's crap, Ryan had called his office, only to be told by Beale's secretary that the man wanted to see Ryan first thing Monday morning. Which sounded ominous, and since corporate offices were in Anacortes it meant an early ferry ride.

Ryan figured the man meant to fire him. Well, he just might one-up the guy and resign first.

Yeah, he'd assured his staff he'd stay. But that was before this.
Hell.
Scowling, he riffled through the papers on his desk. For two cents, he'd…

Open your own bank,
said a voice in his head.

“No sweat,” he muttered. Uh-huh. That'd sure help Maggie.

Suddenly, Rose Thorne marched into his office. “Hello, Ryan. My, the bank is busy today.”

“A couple of my staff are out sick.” He gestured her toward the chair opposite his desk. “This is a nice surprise. What brings you here?”

“Several things. Sidney and I visited G. G. this morning, apparently right after you left. Sorry we missed you.”

Ryan wasn't. This morning he'd been in no mood to see any of the neighbors.

“You should've heard G. G. and Tina talking about you. Were your ears burning?”

“What'd they say?” Ryan asked, curious about Tina.

“Only that you're a wonderful man.”

“They did, huh?” That made him feel good.

That word—
wonderful
—reminded him about other pretty amazing things. Tina naked, and their hot, mind-blowing sex. His body tightened, and he knew he'd best not stand up just now. Shifting in his chair, he wished to hell he could forget about making love with her. No point in wanting more of what was over and done with.

“Guess what else?” Rose said. “G. G.' s doctor says she can come home tomorrow. They'll be on the noon ferry. Isn't modern medicine amazing?”

“Sure is.” He stifled a yawn.

Oblivious, Rose chattered on. “Did you know Tina hired a nurse, who'll start Sunday afternoon? That way she won't have to miss any more work. Smart girl, our Tina.”

Too bad she was so damned focused on her career, because if she stayed on the island instead…The thought confused Ryan. Tina was all wrong for him, and he didn't want a relationship, anyway. Neither did she. No matter how good they were together in bed, what they'd shared was for one night, period.

Yet knowing she'd be back on the island tomorrow, and for one more night—already he looked forward to that, wondering whether he'd find a way to get her alone. He caught himself and set his jaw.
Dammit, it's over.

“Since Tina and G. G. don't have a car with them, Sidney will ferry his car over and pick them up.” Rose lowered her voice. “His feelings were hurt when Tina called you instead of him last night. That's why she asked him to drive.”

Ryan almost wished she
had
called the older man. Then he wouldn't be sitting here now, lusting after her and wanting more. Which was a damned lie. He'd lusted after her ever since he'd first met her at the potluck.

“Sidney's a nice guy,” he said.

“So are you.”

Rose was waiting for him to speak, so he nodded. Enough already. “I know you didn't stop in just to tell me about G. G.”

“You're right. I have exciting news for you.” Looking delighted, she dug into her enormous purse and pulled out a check. “I saw in the paper that Halo Island Bank is offering a twenty-dollar bonus to open a checking-and-savings account. That, and the lovely fact that you now run this bank, have convinced me. I'm moving my accounts here.”

“You don't want to do that.”

“What?”

Her jaw dropped, but she was no more surprised than Ryan. What the hell was the matter with him?

“From a financial perspective it's not a good idea, that's all,” he said. “What if you decide you don't like banking here?”

“As long as you're in charge, I'll like it fine.” She looked confused. “I've never heard of a bank manager discouraging a willing customer from transferring her account to his bank.”

“You have now. If I were you, I'd keep two accounts, one here and one at your bank in Anacortes. If, after a few months, you're happy here, then close out the other one.”

“But I already closed everything there.” Rose looked upset. “They gave me a cashier's check. I can't very well undo what's done. I just wish I'd talked to you first. Or listened to Sidney. He said I was being impulsive.” She gave Ryan a frightened look. “Do you think so?”

“Not to worry,” he soothed. “This is a reputable bank and everything will be fine. Let me grab a signature card and we'll get you started. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“No, thanks.”

Moments later, Ryan returned with the card. While Rose filled in the necessary information, he opened the new-account program on his computer. He was tired, and when he yawned Rose looked up from the paperwork.

“Norma's tired, too,” she said. “I heard about Maggie's nightmares. I'm sorry they're so bad.”

So Norma had told her. Well, his daughter's sleep problems were not exactly a secret. Ryan rubbed the knots in the back of his neck. “I'm sorry, too.”

“That child needs a mommy.”

First Tina, and now Rose. “We're doing okay, thanks.” Ryan clamped his jaw, in effect warning her to stay out of his business. “You about done with that signature card?”

“Just about.”

Rose returned the form, and Ryan thought about Tina. They were supposed to act as if nothing had happened between them. Pretend he'd never seen her naked, had never touched and tasted every inch of her body, and never watched her come apart? That wasn't going to be easy. Especially when what he wanted most was to make love with her again.

All in all, it was a bad situation.

Behind his eyes, a headache threatened. He rubbed his forehead.

Rose handed him the completed signature card. “That was real sweet of you to go with Tina and G. G. to Anacortes.” She eyed him shrewdly, making him wonder whether she knew something.

“Any neighbor would.” Not wanting to revisit the subject again, Ryan stood up. “Sit tight,” he said. “I'll be right back with a receipt and your savings and check books.”

As he headed across the lobby, he caught a whiff of coconut. His body went on red alert and he almost stumbled. But Tina was at the hospital in Anacortes. Apparently someone in the lobby used the same shampoo.

Wanting Tina was driving him nuts and making him miserable. As he neared Serena's window, several customers, unhappy waiting in a long line, frowned at him. If he'd known how to be a teller, he'd have stepped in. But that was a skill he'd never been taught.

By now, a full-scale headache pounded his temples.

The day just kept going downhill.

“W
E'RE ALMOST
home,” Sidney said as he slowed to turn onto Huckleberry Hill Road.

The hospital had released G. G. later than planned, and instead of taking the noon ferry they'd had to catch the three-fifty. Now, at five, it was dark and rainy. Cheery light glowed from the windows of most houses in the neighborhood.

Tina studiously avoided glancing at the well-lit house near the end of the cul-de-sac. Knowing Ryan was inside it, she felt oddly nervous, her stomach fluttery and her heart thudding with anticipation—all without so much as a glimpse of the man.

And for what? The things they had shared were behind them now. Which was the wisest course. Tina hated to leave G. G., yet at the same time she was anxious to get back to Seattle. Maybe then she'd be able to breathe normally again. It would be far easier than acting as if she had no feelings for Ryan.

Her certainty that once she left the island she'd eventually move beyond loving him was what was keeping her strong. She only hoped her friendship with Maggie survived.

Suddenly, the rain turned into a furious storm, pounding the roof of the car so fiercely she couldn't even hear herself think.

“Goodness me,” G. G. said. “Isn't this something?”

“I hope it lets up before we get out of the car,” Tina said.

“Doesn't look as if it will.” With the windshield wipers sweeping madly across the windshield, Sidney rolled slowly up G. G.' s driveway.

“I don't mind.” G. G. let out a happy sigh that was audible over the rain. “It's good to be home again.”

The instant Sidney braked to a stop, Tina opened her door. “You and Sidney stay where you are, while I get an umbrella.”

Pelted by rain, she dashed up the walkway. By the time she unlocked the front door, she was soaking wet.

The house still smelled like Thanksgiving, and Tina's stomach growled. She'd fix leftovers tonight. Seconds later, she opened an umbrella and hurried back to the car.

Despite what Tina had said, Sidney had the passenger door open and was already trying to help G. G. out. She wasn't as strong as she'd been before the infection had set in and she couldn't rotate her body in the seat, let alone help Sidney pull her up.

Tina handed him the umbrella and tried the same tactics she'd used previously to help G. G. out of bed. But that didn't work, either. Neither of them was strong enough to move the woman. They needed help.

“Tina, go knock on Ryan's door,” G. G. said. “And hurry up. I've got to use the bathroom. Sidney, get back in the car before you're soaked to the bone.”

Tina held the umbrella over Sidney, who closed G. G.' s door and got back into the front seat. Then, ready or not, it was time to face Ryan.

Moments later, sanding under the eaves of his big front porch, she set down the open umbrella. The porch light was off, and it was dark. With a cold, wet hand she knocked on the door, breathless from more than just rushing over. The rhythm of the rain tattooing against the roof matched the rapid beat of her heart.

Maggie's face peered through the living room curtains. She squealed, although the sound was muffled through the door. “Daddy, it's Tina! Can I let her in?”

The porch light flashed on, and shortly afterward the door swung open. Maggie stood on the threshold, Ryan behind her.

Before Tina uttered a word, the little girl hurled herself forward. Laughing, she hugged Tina's legs and buried her face against her hips. “You came back! Ew, you're cold and wet, but I don't care!”

“I certainly am.” Tina laughed, too, and her heart melted. How she adored this child. Oh, she would miss her.

Over Maggie's head, she glanced at Ryan. He looked as exhausted as she felt. The corners of his generous mouth turned downward and his eyes were dark and brooding. Because she was hugging Maggie, accepting and encouraging her love?

Tina loosened the little girl's grip, squatted down and peered soberly into her face. “I'm still leaving tomorrow, sweetie. I'll be back for Christmas, but after that, you and I won't see much of each other.”

Ryan's nod of approval assured her that she'd said the right thing. As she stood again, his gaze held hers, and for a moment she couldn't look away. Behind his concerns for Maggie, another emotion flared in his eyes and face. Sexual desire. For her.