Season for Temptation

THERE HE WAS

She’d waited so long to see James, and there he was at last. His light brown hair was shorter, his clothes finer, his build a bit leaner than the last time she had seen him. She noticed every difference even as she savored the sight of him.

She was a fool, she knew, but she was a willing one. It was just so good to see him, to have him around again. James wrapped Julia in a friendly hug, holding her so tight he actually lifted her feet off the floor.

“It’s wonderful to see you,” he said gruffly. “Happy Christmas.” My dear, she thought. Call me “my dear.”

He didn’t, of course. He never would. But held close to him, Julia’s heart pounded all the same. She felt short of breath, and not because he was holding her so tightly. He was here, and he was holding her, and just for a second, she wiped from her mind that nagging awareness that he wasn’t here for her.

Just for that precious second, she allowed herself to rest her head on his shoulder, allowed the feel of his arms to imprint her body with their heat and strength….