Risky Christmas by Jill Sorenson

“The couple that rented it for the holidays left early.”
    Leah assumed that one of his customers owned the house, which was modern and spacious inside. There were stylish, comfortable furnishings but no framed photographs or cozy personal touches. “Did you do work here?” she asked, smoothing her palm over a sleek granite countertop.
    â€œYes, actually. I put in a new bathroom and remodeled the kitchen.”
    Leah was impressed. The kitchen was fit for a chef, with dark cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances. “Nice.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œIs that what you’re doing in the house next door?” It hadn’t occurred to her before now that Brian wasn’t a permanent resident in her neighborhood.
    He took the packed lunches from Leah and stashed them in the fridge. “I’m working on a top-to-bottom overhaul for that place. And the buyer demographic isdifferent, so I have to use less expensive materials to keep the cost down.”
    She was surprised by how knowledgeable he sounded. Maybe that talk of digging trenches had thrown her off. “Price was no object for this owner?”
    His lips curved into a smile. “I didn’t say that. He got a good deal on the labor.”
    Mandy and Alyssa pressed their faces against the sliding glass door, admiring the sparkling blue pool in the backyard. Brian led them outside, where both girls kicked off their flip-flops, giggling with excitement.
    Leah wasn’t looking forward to taking off her outerwear and slipping into the water. To her relief, she didn’t have to. While she fit Alyssa with a safety jacket, Brian tossed aside his shirt and dove in. Mandy swam well enough that she didn’t need a vest. She plugged her nose and hopped into the pool with a splash.
    When Brian resurfaced, pushing his dark hair off his forehead, he gestured for Alyssa to come to him. Leah swung her out, into his arms. Alyssa screamed in delight as he caught her, showing none of her mother’s trepidation.
    Brian entertained the girls for over an hour. They jumped off the diving board, swam like little fish and played water games. Leah watched from the sidelines, wishing she could have half as much fun in the water. By the time they broke for lunch, Mandy and Alyssa were pink-cheeked from exertion, and Leah hadn’t even gotten her feet wet.
    She wasn’t able to relax, exactly, but it was no hardship to study Brian’s rippling muscles and bronzed skin. He was also a natural with kids. His relaxed attitude and obvious lust for life made him an irresistible playmate. Some men acted clownish and overenthusiasticwith children. Others, like John, were too distracted or self-absorbed. Brian’s laid-back personality was a good fit for Mandy and Alyssa.
    Leah hadn’t been the liveliest, most energetic mom lately. It was clear by the way the girls interacted with Brian that they were starved for attention.
    They both had voracious appetites at lunch, as well. After they were finished, Alyssa looked sleepy. Deciding that the girls needed a break, Leah sat them down on the couch in front of the television.
    â€œI think there’s a kid movie in here,” Brian said, searching the DVD cabinet. “Princess and the Frog?”
    â€œThey love that one,” Leah said.
    He put it on for them, giving Leah a weighted glance. She wasn’t going to be let off the hook for the swimming lesson.
    â€œKeep an eye on your sister,” Leah told Mandy, even though she’d be able to see them from the pool. Dropping a kiss on Alyssa’s damp head, she walked back outside, following Brian across the patio.
    He did a backflip off the edge of the pool, landing with an inelegant splash.
    â€œShowoff,” Leah muttered, removing her blouse and shorts. She didn’t know what she was more nervous about, getting in the water with him or baring her skin.
    He hadn’t ogled her in front of the kids, but he