SHELTER

Chapter 14

Jolie lay in her bed and stared at the ceiling. It was Christmas morning and it was cold in her room but the thoughts running  through her mind kept her plenty warm. Had it all really happened? The slightly raw feel of her lips told her the kisses hadn't just been her imagination. She flushed at the memory.

She vividly recalled being perched on the counter kissing Warren for what seemed like hours but not nearly long enough. Eventually they'd moved to the couch where they'd continued their tentative exploration of whatever this was they were venturing into.

Somewhere around midnight they had made it back to the kitchen for olive salad sandwiches. He'd stared at her the whole time, almost as if he was in awe. It made no sense to her but she couldn't help but feel flattered and beautiful.

They'd parted ways to their respective ends of the house after that. She'd seen the pained look in his eyes and understood completely the reticence to separate after so much close contact but she also understood that it was for the best that they take things slowly and feel it out.

She hadn't thought about her answer when he'd asked her if they could try to be something. Her gut and heart has spoken independent of her mind. Now in the harsh light of day she could see all the holes her heart hadn't looked into last night.

Her plan was to move on when spring came. According to all the old timers she'd spoken to at the cafe and store the weather would be good enough for her to leave as early as March. Her bike would be done and paid for long before then.

Had he taken that into consideration? Did he care or was he okay with the possibility of how short term their relationship would be?

In the back of her mind she couldn't help but think that it might be better short. She could be gone before he realized how really messed up and totally unsuitable for a relationship she was. They could cut ties before things got messy and both parties could be left with a pleasant memory.

The trick was going to be walking that line. Just the thought of his kisses left her feeling antsy and breathless. She wanted his hands on her; she wanted to get hers on him. All over him, in fact she wanted a lot more than touching to occur.

There was also the matter of his family. She absolutely loved his Aunt Barb and everyone else was pretty wonderful as well. She couldn't wait to get to their home and share the holiday with them.

Joy bubbled up inside her as she remembered that it was indeed Christmas and for the first time since her parent's death she would be celebrating it surrounded by a loving family. Not her family, but as close as she would ever get and she was grateful.

Jolie put aside her worries and fears for later contemplation. Today she would be happy, tomorrow she would return to reality. She kicked the covers back and placed her feet on the cold wood floor. Awareness shot up her legs as she stretched and thought about what she wanted to wear.

She'd bought a dress at work the other day. It was red, an A-line cut with a thin little black belt. She loved it but worried it would be too formal for a family Christmas. She gave in realizing she'd really have very few chances to wear it otherwise. In fact there was no chance it would make the cut when she pared everything down to hit the road again.

He knee high black boots and a black cardigan brought it down a little while providing warmth. She was pleased with the view in the mirror as she gave a little twirl and smoothed down the skirt again.

Time to head out.

******

Warren leaned against the counter staring into the swirl of cream drifting lazily in the mug before him. He knew her coffee order by heart by now and he also knew it couldn't come soon enough. The stirring down the hall had been his queue to brew.