Chapter 87

In the Jeep, he turned on the windshield wipers and turned up the heat. After putting on the snow chains, he had left the car running and the cab was warm, at least. He took it slow, but the snow had let up enough for him to see while driving. The snowplow must have already come through, forming piles of snow along the side of the road, but, luckily, the roads weren't too slick. Or maybe it was the snow chains that helped. Either way, there weren't many cars on the road and after a few turns, he was driving down the long, winding road leading to The North Pole Lodge. He parked the car and left it running, but locked the door, knowing he wouldn't be gone long.
Inside, he waved to Ms. Bennet, her white hair swaying just over her shoulders as she smiled and returned the wave. Lately, she was becoming more and more eccentric, but he knew that Liam would always have a job for her, for as long as she could still work.
Not wanting to leave the Jeep running for long, he hurried to the elevator and a few minutes later, it opened to Kiki's floor. A moment later, he knocked on her door. She opened it right away.
Kiki looked beautiful in a forest green dress that shimmered when she moved. The top fit her like a glove and the skirt was full. She had a warm winter coat and a tote bag and an overnight bag over her arm. Her long auburn hair hung in subtle waves over her shoulders.
"Wow!" Taren breathed, "You look beautiful."
"Ready?" she asked, obviously enjoying his reaction.
He nodded, reaching for her coat. "Here. Let me help you with that. It's really cold outside. I hope you brought some warm clothes to change into."
She nodded as she set down the overnight bag and tote. "They're in here."
He held her coat while she slid into it, resisting the urge to bend down and kiss her neck. But he was trying to be a gentleman.
She looked back at him, her eyes wide. For a moment, he wondered if she could read his mind. "Are you sure your mother is okay with this? With me spending the night?"
He chuckled. "More than okay. I told her that you were staying in the spare room, and she was happy that neither of us would be out in this mess again tonight."
Taren took her bags and then walked with her toward the elevator.
Kiki pushed the down button. "I hate that you came out in this- for me. You could have called and we could have postponed it to another night."
"Not on your life." He smirked as the elevator door opened and they both stepped in. "I wouldn't miss this for the world." He had been looking forward to this all day and was determined to have a great Christmas with Kiki and Abby. He didn't say it to Kiki, but he wanted to make it up to Abby for having to work over Christmas.
A moment later, the elevator door opened and they headed into the spacious foyer.
"Bye, Ms. Long." Ms. Bennet waved to her as they passed.
"Call me Kiki." Kiki gave her a small wave over her shoulder as they passed. "I really like her," she said, once they were outside.
Taren bowed his head into the wind as they headed toward his car. "She's a bit eccentric, but I like her, too. She's a great lady."
He hit a button on the jeep, unlocking the doors and the hatchback. "You go ahead and get in while I put these in the back." Normally, he would have opened the car door for her, but with the bags, he didn't want her standing out in the cold any longer than was necessary.
"Would you like me to help you with those?" Kiki asked, bouncing on her heels, already shivering.
Taren shook his head. "No. Go ahead and warm up. I'll be right there."
After stowing her bags, he slid into the driver's seat and closed the door. He looked over and Kiki was still shivering.
"You're freezing." He reached for her hands and rubbed them in his, warming them "We're going to have to get you some gloves."
"I'll get some later." A smile lit her lips as she shrugged. "Haven't had much time to shop."
He blew on her hands and looked into her eyes, resisting the urge to kiss her.
"I think I'm warm enough now." Kiki slowly pulled her hands away, and he missed her already.
Yes, he was in big trouble. "Let's go before Abby and my mom start to worry." Taren slid the car into gear. "So, what have you been up to since the last time I saw you?"
"Just getting ready." She laughed. "Mr. White really outdid himself. I was going to buy a dress, but he already had his people stock my closet with a few changes of clothes. I'd love to know how he knew my size."
Taren nodded thoughtfully. "Knowing him, he probably had someone go to the jewelry store to find out your size."
Kiki's eyes widened. "Really?" After Taren nodded, she looked out the front window. "Wow! I really do feel special." Turning her attention back to Taren, she added, "Thank you for telling him about- what happened."
He peered at her from the corner of his eye. "It was the least I could do. But let's not talk about it tonight. I want you to enjoy yourself."
She nodded. "Thanks, Taren, for asking me to come over tonight. It was very kind of you."
"I'm glad you came."
"Are you sure it won't inconvenience your mother too much?" A crease formed between her eyes in concern.
Taren laughed. "Are you kidding? My mother's really looking forward to you coming over."
"Evelyn's great," Kiki replied, her lips curling into a smile.
Taren smirked. "As long as you've known my mom, I'm surprised I didn't know you two knew each other so well."
Kiki tilted her head to the side. "I met her when I started working at the Children's Home. We hit it off right away and have been friends since."
"Well, I don't know what you did to her, but she talks very highly of you," Taren teased as they passed by the town square and the giant Christmas tree.
Kiki laughed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Taren gave her a wink. "It means that my mom really likes you."
She nodded as the light pink shade of rose returned to her cheeks. "You're mom's the best."
Soon, he guided the car down the street leading to his childhood home, and the sprawling ranch house came into view, surrounded by bare trees springing from a blanket of snow.
"Wow! This is great," Kiki marveled, taking in the land and the house. Her head snapped back to him. "You grew up here?"
He nodded, enjoying her reaction. "Yes, I did." Taren pulled the car down the long drive. "Dad ran it as a farm and ranch for years- until he passed away."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Kiki's eyes filled with concern. "I know how close you were."
Taren sighed. In high school, his father had coached him in football and had been his biggest cheerleader. He had been grooming him for a scholarship and was as proud as punch when he received one. And even after Taren turned down the scholarship and married Scarlett, his father had said that he supported him, never once reminding him of the hard work they had both endured and what he was throwing away. Taren always wondered if he had broken his heart, but he pushed the thought aside when the car came to a stop beside the house.
"Thanks," he replied as he undid his seatbelt. "Stay right there." Then he got out of the car, and walked around to the other side. Taren placed a hand to his chest as he opened her car door. "My lady."
Kiki laughed. "If I was my Emo self, I would have punched you."
Taren took her hand. "Well, it's a good thing that times have changed."
She looked at him for a minute and then took his hand, sending chills throughout his body at just one touch. "Yes, I guess you're right." When she was out of the car, she added, "And you couldn't handle me if I were still my Emo self."
"No doubt! I probably couldn't handle you now!" Taren burst out laughing, his eyes wide. "Of all the things I expected you to say, that wasn't it."
She shrugged. "I like to keep people guessing." Smiling, she took his hand and let him help her out of the car.
"I can see that." He closed her door and then opened the trunk and helped her with her things. His heart pounded at the thought of spending time with her. Somehow, he felt alive with her- for the first time in a very long time.