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

something a little more modern or abstract in mind.”
    “Hmmm,” Amy said, nodding absentmindedly.
    Jason raised his eyebrows, trying to read the expression on her face.
    “I actually have something you may like.  I hardly ever get the time to paint anymore, but I finished this piece over the summer. It’s just sitting in my studio.”
    “Studio?”
    “Spare bedroom, office, and studio all rolled into one,” she said with a laugh.  “Anyway, this is just sitting there.  I have so much art I don’t have the wall space for it.  But I’d love for you to have it.”
    “I’d love to see it,” Jason said.  “Maybe I can stop by on Saturday to take a look?”
    “Absolutely.   I’d be thrilled if someone was able to enjoy it.  I was just kind of playing around with abstract stripes, but it just might suit you.  It’s much more bold and modern than this,” she added, gesturing to the pieces in the gallery.
    Jason’s phone vibrated in his pocket, and he pulled it out, glancing down at the screen.  “Damn it, it’s work,” he said with a frown. He scanned the message and then looked back up with a regretful look in his eyes.  “I have to head back in,” he said quietly.
    “Oh,” Amy replied, her face falling.  She wasn’t sure exactly why Jason had asked for her help, aside from the fact that he knew she painted.  But she’d been looking forward to spending some time with him looking at the artwork, maybe even grabbing a cup of coffee afterward.  Now their night was over before it had even begun.
    “I’m really sorry,” Jason said, holding her gaze.  “I got stuck working late trying to wrap this project up, then I got stuck in traffic, and now I have to head back into work again.  This just isn’t my night.”
    “I guess not,” she said with a wry smile.
    “Trust me, seeing you was the one highlight,” he added with a laugh.  “Brief as though it was.  I feel terrible.”
    “Look, we all have days like that.  Just come by this weekend sometime—if you’re around .”
    “I’ll be there,” he promised.  He glanced out at the darkening sky.  “Let me walk you to your car before I go.”
    “You go ahead.  I know the owners of the gallery, so I’ll just stay and chat with them for a bit as long as I’m here.  Good luck with the work stuff.”
    “Thanks.  And I’m sorry again about this evening, Amy.”
    He made sure she met his eyes before he said goodbye and left.  Jason felt terrible that he’d changed their plans not once but twice this evening.  First he couldn’t get home on time and then he’d gotten called back to base?  “Of all the nights for something like this to happen,” he muttered to himself as he headed back toward his car.
    The wind picked up, and he rubbed his hands together, trying to stay warm.  He didn’t even have a coat on, and the weather had turned decidedly colder since the morning.  The cold blast of air made it feel more like winter than late fall, and if he didn’t know better, it almost felt like snow would be headed their way soon.  He looked up at the sky, almost expecting to see flurries.  The scent of smoke from a fireplace nearby was permeating the air, and he wished he were headed to the comforts of home and not making the drive back to base.  At least he’d see Amy this weekend, no matter if it was just for a quick visit.  He’d ask her out then, on a proper date, he decided.  Saturday couldn’t get here soon enough.

Chapter 14
     
    “So how’d the bake sale last week go?” Melissa asked on Thursday night over dinner.  She and Amy had decided to meet for a quick bite at a small local Mexican restaurant.  Melissa had spent the day taking a newlywed couple all over town looking for their first home.  The fact that other people were still getting married and she was not was like a giant punch to the gut, and she’d called Amy late in the day pleading for a dinner companion.
    “I spent all Sunday baking.