Santa Wore Combat Boots Read Online Free Page A

death.” His hand rested on top of hers when he tried to take the trash bag out of her grip. For a split second a jolt of something warm surged up her arm. She studied his chiseled features, which held the same wide-eyed expression, and had a feeling he felt something too. Or was her imagination playing tricks thanks to Traci and the glass of wine?
    “You know what? I can look for it tomorrow.” Emma stood and backed away, suddenly not wanting to let Jake in on her secret. “It’s just a page from the phone book. There’s no need for you to stay out here and catch a cold.”
    “If you say so.” He stood, eyeing her curiously and handed the bag back to her. “You sure you’re okay? I can search through this if you want to go inside.”
    “I’m fine, really.” She noticed how wide and strong his hands were. “I think I over reacted because my mother ‘tidied up’ when I was ... at work.”
    “Still, I’ll look if you want me too.”
    “Thanks anyway, Jake, but you can go. I feel like a complete idiot for bringing you out here.” She pulled his sweater off her shoulders and handed it back. The crisp winter air quickly penetrating her gold blouse.
    “You’re not an idiot. Besides, this can’t be any worse than the time you made that apple pie for the church bake sale and forgot the sugar.” He smiled and she froze with the trash sack hovering over the plastic can.
    She had been pregnant with Sarah at the time and blamed her forgetfulness on hormones. She’d been so embarrassed when Father Charlie purchased the sour dessert. She and Larry vowed never to tell anyone it was hers. For the life of her, she couldn’t remember sharing that story with Jake. Then again, she felt so comfortable talking to him, she very well could have told him, and probably did. With a satisfied nod, she dropped the trash into the can and closed the lid.
    “Listen, you can borrow my phone book if you don’t find the numbers you need.” He motioned back toward his house.
    “I’ll take another look inside first. I’m sure it’s there somewhere.”
    “Do you mind me asking who you’re looking up? Maybe I know the number.”
    She opened her mouth to tell him, but then the curtain came down to stop her. Would he really understand? He didn’t know anything about Larry except what she told him over the years. Jake continued to be a neighbor and a friend and she didn’t want to risk losing that. Her lips twitched in thought and she took a deep breath before answering carefully.
    “I’ve been looking into some different agencies, that’s all.”
    “Agencies? For what? Are you looking for a nanny or some kind of help with the kids?”
    “No, no, not that kind. I mean, well...promise you won’t laugh?” She gazed up at him from under her lashes, and the concern she saw etched across his face told her all she needed to know. Jake would understand, and maybe he could even help her.
    “I promise. Before you tell me, why don’t we go inside?” Jake ushered her toward her back door. “You’re going to catch your death.”
    “Funny you should mention that,” she chuckled and leaned into him a little as they passed through the door into the kitchen. A hint of spice and something oddly familiar tickled her nose. She wasn’t sure if it was Jake or his sweater, but the scent comforted her. He closed the door with a whoosh of cold air and Emma noticed a pair of fluffy white feathers cascade delicately toward the floor.
    Where on earth had those come from?
    “So what’s going on?” Jake asked, pulling her from her puzzling thoughts.
    “My crazy cat seems to be catching birds at the feeder again.” Emma’s eyes watched the feathers land next to the table.
    “No¸ what’s really going on?” Jake’s green eyes became serious when he stopped her from picking up the feathers. Heat spread up her arm again and she moved away from his touch, not sure what to make of the feeling.
    “You’re going to think I’m crazy, but