A Marine for Christmas (Hearts Ablaze: Men in Uniform) by Makenna Jameison

said, seeming unsure what exactly he meant.  And rightfully so, he thought.  It wasn’t like him to be purposefully vague.
    “Well, I’ll let you get back to it,” he said. “Thanks again!”
    “Sure thing.  Enjoy the cookies!”
    She gave a small wave before closing the door.
    Jason caught a glimpse of one of Amy’s paintings on the wall as the door closed, and inspiration suddenly struck.  He’d ask her for help buying some artwork.  God knew his place needed it.  If he were ever going to gain partial custody of Brian he needed to decorate his house—make it the least bit more lived-in and homey looking.  Hell, if he were ever even going to have company over he needed to decorate a little bit.  And who better to help him than the stunning artist/preschool teacher who lived directly across the street?

Chapter 13
     
    “You’re sure you don’t mind?” Jason politely asked over the phone.  He glanced across the street at Amy’s house, imagining her pacing around inside.  She sounded a little bit anxious, but maybe she was just surprised to hear from him or already in the middle of something.
    “Mind?   No, of course not!” Amy repeated, her voice sounding sweeter with each passing moment.  “I was just surprised to hear from you.  And I just got home, so you kind of caught me off guard.”
    “ Sorry about that,” Jason said.  “I found your number in the neighborhood contact list.  I hope that’s okay.”
    “Yes, of course, that’s fine,” she ad ded with a laugh.
    “Well, like I mentioned the other day, I have to go out of town this weekend.  But I was hoping maybe I could steal some of your time next Monday or Tuesday—maybe after work one night?”  Perfect, Jason thought.  That didn’t sound like a date at all.  He’d get to know Amy a little better, she’d be at ease helping him find the perfect painting for his home, and if that went well, then he’d suggest dinner or drinks another time.  It was tricky with the holidays coming up.  He’d be gone this weekend and then again at Thanksgiving.  He really wanted to see more of her though.
    “ Yeah, you mentioned you’d be gone.  Next Monday would be great.  We could check out that little art gallery in town.  Of course the larger stores have mass-produced artwork, if you want something like that instead.”
    “The art gallery sounds perfect.”
    “Great.  Why don’t you call me when you’re back in town, and we can set up a time?”
    “ Sounds good.  If I don’t talk to you before then, have a good week.  And weekend,” he added.
    “You too.   Have a safe trip.”
    “Thanks.  See you Monday.”
    “Bye.”
    “Bye.”
    Jason hung up the phone.  Their conversation had been short, sweet, and to the point.  He was pretty sure the rest of the week was going to drag.  He was looking forward to seeing his son this weekend, but for once, he wouldn’t be as disappointed when he flew back home.  Of course he always missed Brian, but it would be nice to have something else to look forward to for a change.
     
    ***
     
    The following week, Amy got ready to meet Jason at the art gallery.  They’d planned to drive over together, but he’d gotten stuck in bad traffic heading home from Quantico, and since she was working late finishing up some Thanksgiving projects for school, it had been easier to just arrange to meet him.
    Amy had barely had time to change as she left the classroom.  She’d switched out her casual tee shirt for a patterned blouse.  She’d forgotten a change of shoes, so she wore the flats she’d been in all day.  Glancing in the mirror, she swiped on a little bit of lip gloss.  She already had a rosy glow to her cheeks thanks to rushing around her classroom all afternoon.  Amy carried her bags out to her SUV and climbed in.  There was a chill to the air, which wasn’t unusual for mid-November.  She recalled how last Thanksgiving had been unseasonably warm though, with the kids