A Christmas Wish Read Free Page B

into a smile. “Thank you. I’m sure Roxie’s mom will appreciate this
more than we’ll ever know.”
    Jasmine
wouldn’t argue. She knew about loss, but no way would she compare her kind of
pain to what her patients’ parents must be going through, uncertain of their
children’s future.
    The
rest of their dinner went by in a flash. It wasn’t until the waiter dropped off
their check that Jasmine realized the late hour. Their conversation had carried
on from one topic to the next, surprising her each and every time at how
comfortable Ethan made her feel.
    She’d
just reached for her purse when Ethan said, “It’s my treat tonight.”
    “No.”
    “Jas.”
He quirked a brow. “It’s the least I can do. You can pay next time.”
    Her
heart jolted at his words. “There won’t be a next time.”
    Ethan
seemed to study her for a moment before he grabbed her hand and helped her to
her feet. “Come, let’s take a walk.”
    The
warmth from his hand moved up her arm, slowly sliding up and down her body
until her insides boiled. Unable to utter a word, Jasmine allowed him to lead
her along a narrow moonlit wooden path, where trees and shrubs lined their way.
A white gothic door appeared at the end of the trail, and sudden excitement
filled her chest with the need to know what stood behind it.
    Ethan
paused and looked at her, mischief dancing in his eyes. “You want to see what’s
out there?”
    “As
long as it’s not the Boogeyman, then yes.” A nervous laugh fell from her lips. Being
here with Ethan—in the dark, with no one else around, and standing in front of
a secret door—brought back memories of when she was a kid.
    His
rich laughter rippled through the air, making her pulse skitter. Ethan pulled
the door open and gestured her in.
    The
moment Jasmine crossed the threshold, she imagined being transported yet again
to another place. Moss and ivy climbed the stone walls, enclosing them. Three
wooden benches stood around a ring of limestone flooring, and a water fountain
sat in the middle. Images of Queen of the Night tulips, purple basil, and black
pansies came to mind, and she bet this walled-in garden became even more
beautiful in spring.
    “Do
you come here often?” she asked, turning in a circle, taking in every detail
her eyes came across.
    “It’s
been a while since the last time I was here.” Ethan approached her. “It’s a
beautiful place to visit, but—”
    “But
what?” Jasmine stared at him. “Afraid you’ll give women the wrong idea?” A soft
laugh escaped her, not believing what she’d asked.
    He
grasped her hands and drew her to him until her breasts made contact with the
wall of his chest. “I’d never give you the wrong idea, Jas.”
    The
muscles of her face froze in place, and her laughter soon turned into silence. “I-I
should go.”
    “You
should stay.” His arm circled her waist as he angled his head, searching her
face through lowered lashes. “I had a wonderful time tonight.”
    “I did
too. Thank you,” she said in a low voice. Her mind raced with thoughts of his
strength, his enchanting eyes, his velvety voice, and most of all, she wondered
if he’d kiss her.
    “You
feel just like I imagined.” Closing the little bit of space between them, he
continued. “But I’m still wondering how you taste.”
    His
hot breath fanned her lips one second, and the next, his mouth moved over hers.
A gasp fled her and Ethan took the opportunity to deepen their kiss. Warmth
flooded her as his scorching tongue explored her mouth. Trying to think clearly
became a difficult task. Every stroke of his tongue and the way Ethan tightened
his hold around her fogged her mind. Unable to resist his coaxing lips, she
returned his kiss with the same fervor. Since she’d already let him kiss her,
she might as well make it a good one.
    She
rose to her toes and slid her hands up his arms until reaching his shoulders. Jasmine
sucked his tongue gently into her mouth, swallowing his groan. His