Page 6 of Enduring Christmas

Turning to his daughter, who looked on with the photographic memory that was exclusive to childhood, he said. "Pumpkin, take Meow into the family room."

Glaring at each other, they waited until Shiloh took her precious time picking up a visibly unhappy about the domestic relocation program feline and left the spacious bedroom.

"Can I play a game on your phone, Daddy."

"Sure, Pumpkin." Luke pulled the phone from his back pocket and handed it over without a second glance.

"Brave man," Xenobia muttered. The kids she knew from back home in Shell Cove would speed dial 911 and activate the National Guard within five seconds of access to a 5-G network.

Luke was either too trusting, very naive as to the creative genius of a five-year-old, or as distracted as she was.

The minute Shiloh's springy curls and wee red cowgirl boots disappeared from view; Luke mounted his defense.

"I would've stripped you with or without Chloe's input. You were hurt. I needed to if you had other injuries," Luke said matter of fact. Yet, a slow rise of crimson warmed the shell of his ear. "Besides I didn't see...much," he added in with a sly grin. Insufferable man. "A series of dates tatted over your heart. A t-shirt, a bra, some cute matching panties."

Xenobia released a huff. "Really, Luke? Cute panties."

"Hey, it was life or death. What if Callie needed me to describe the condition I found you in?"

She placed one hand on her hip, before rolling her eyes. "Stop before you hurt yourself."

He blew out a breath. "Thanks, ‘cause I can't unsee what I saw."

Heat flashed in his dark eyes and Xenobia felt a quiver in her belly. She wondered what he thought of her curves.

"What were you doing at the lake?"

He stood to his full height, as if distancing himself for the personal question. "When I was a kid, my dad used to go there to think."

"And you?" He hadn't exactly given a straight answer.

"It's a free country."

She kind of liked his snark, but she'd never let him know.

"Why did you bring me to your place. You could have stayed with me until I awoke."

"You know me better than that, X. It's freezing and your place is too small for my entourage. I have what you need here."

She laughed, not hiding the casual dismissal in her voice. "I don't know you at all."

"One word can remedy your situation."

"That being?"

"Yes," he offered, those dark eyes tempting her to go in search of mistletoe. "Admit you like me."

Not happening. The last man she doted over had a playhouse across town for is feminine entertainment. Inhaling she steadied her racing heart and pushed all those toasted, cozy feelings into a pretty box with a giant bow. "We don't have a situation, Luke."

"That can be fixed too if you'd stop playing stubborn."

"Who's playing," she shot back, their eyes locking in a visual battle of wills?

"Xenobia, you kissed me too."

"In your dreams."

"Yeah," he grumbled, "you been kissing me stupid there too."