The Twilight Before Christmas Read Free

of wandering. I’m ready to come home again.”
    Kate smiled. She had perfect teeth to go with her perfect skin. Matt found himself staring at her while the earth shook beneath his feet. He stood there, grinning at the thought of Kate living in their hometown permanently.
    A shadow swept across the sky, black threads swirling and boiling, a dark cauldron of clouds blotting out the sun. A seagull shrieked once. Then the entire flock of birds overhead took up the warning cry. Matt was so caught up in Kate’s smile, he didn’t realize the ground was really rolling, and it wasn’t just her amazing effect on him. The horse backed dangerously close to the road, tossing its head in fright, nearly dragging Kate from her feet. Matt swiftly reached past her and gathered the reins in one hand to steady the animal. He swept his other arm around Kate’s waist, anchoring her smaller body to his, to keep her from falling as a jagged crack opened several feet from them and spread rapidly along the ground, heading right for Kate’s feet. Matt lifted her up and away from the gaping hole, dragging her back several feet, horse in tow, away from the spreading crack. It was only a few inches wide, but it was several inches deep, very long, and ran up the side of the embankment.
    “You all right, Danny?” he called to his brother.
    “Yeah, I’m fine. That was a big one.”
    Kate clung to Matt, her small hands clutching at his shoulders. He heard the sharp intake of her breath that belied her calm demeanor, but she didn’t cry out. The ground settled, and Matt allowed her feet to touch the path but retained his hold on her. She was incredibly warm and soft and smelled of fresh flowers. He leaned over her, inhaling her fragrance, his chin brushing the top of her head. “You okay, Kate?”
    Appearing as serene as ever, Kate murmured soothingly to the horse. Nothing ruffled her. Not earthquakes and certainly not Matthew Granite. “Yes, of course, it was just a little earthquake.” She glanced up at the boiling clouds with a small frown of puzzlement.
    “It was a fairly good one. And the ground opened damn near at your feet.”
    Kate continued to pat the horse’s neck, seemingly unaware that Matt was still holding her, caging her body between his and the animal. He could see her hands tremble as she struggled to maintain composure, and it made him admire her all the more. She lifted her face to the wind. “I love the sea breeze. The minute I feel it on my face, I feel as if I’m home.”
    Matt cleared his throat. Kate had a beautiful profile. Her hair was swept up in some fancy knot, showing off her long, graceful neck. When she turned, her breasts thrust against the thin shirt, full and round and so enticing it was all he could do to keep from leaning down and putting his mouth over the clinging white fabric. He tried to move, to step away from her, but he was drawn to her. Mesmerized by her. She’d always reminded him of a ballerina, with her elegant lines and soft, feminine curves. His lungs burned for air, and there was a strange roaring in his head. It took three tries opening his mouth before a coherent word came out. “If you’re really serious about renovation, Kate, it just so happens my family’s in the construction business.”
    She turned the full power of her huge eyes on him. “I do recall all of you are builders. That’s always struck me as a wonderful occupation.” She reached out and took his hands. He had big hands, rough and callused, whereas her hands were soft and small. “I always loved your hands, Matthew. When I was a young girl I remember wishing I had your capable hands.” Her words, as much as her touch, sent little flames licking along his skin.
    Matt was certain he heard a snort and probably a snicker coming from the direction of his younger brother.
    “I think you’ve held on to her long enough, bro,” Danny called. “The ground stopped pitching a few minutes ago.”
    Matt was too much of a