Home for the Holidays by Debbie Macomber Page B

clearly more interested in troubleshooting with Joe than discussing Cait’s dating history.
    â€œWe had a good time, didn’t we?” Joe asked Cait.
    â€œYes, very nice,” she responded stiffly.
    Joe waited until Paul was out of the room before he stepped back and dropped a kiss on her cheek. Then he announced loudly enough for everyone in the vicinity to hear, “You were incredible last night.”

Chapter Four
    â€œI thought you said nothing happened,” Lindy said, looking intently at a red-faced Cait.
    â€œNothing did happen.” Cait was furious enough to kick Joe Rockwell in the shins the way he deserved. How dared he say something so…so embarrassing in front of Lindy! And probably within earshot of Paul!
    â€œBut then why would he say something like that?”
    â€œHow should I know?” Cait snapped. “One little kiss and he makes it sound like—”
    â€œHe kissed you?” Lindy asked sharply, her eyes narrowing. “You just got done telling me there’s nothing between the two of you.”
    â€œGood grief, the kiss didn’t mean anything. It was for old times’ sake. Just a platonic little kiss.” All right, she was exaggerating a bit, but it couldn’t be helped.
    While she was speaking, Cait gathered her things and shoved them in her briefcase. Then she slammed the lid closed and reached for her coat, thrusting her arms into the sleeves, her movements abrupt and ungraceful.
    â€œHave a nice weekend,” she said tightly, not completely understanding why she felt so annoyed with Lindy. “I’ll see you Monday.” She marched through the office, but paused in front of Joe.
    â€œYou wanted something, sweetheart?’ he asked in a cajoling voice.
    â€œYou’re despicable!”
    Joe looked downright disappointed. “Not low and disgusting?”
    â€œThat, too.”
    He grinned from ear to ear just the way she knew he would. “I’m glad to hear it.”
    Cait bit back an angry retort. It wouldn’t do any good to engage in a verbal battle with Joe Rockwell. He’d have a comeback for any insult she could hurl. Seething, Cait marched to the elevator and jabbed the button impatiently.
    â€œI’ll be by later tonight, darling,” Joe called to her just as the doors were closing, effectively cutting off any protest.
    He was joking. He had to be joking. No man in his right mind could possibly expect her to invite him into her home after this latest stunt. Not even the impertinent Joe Rockwell.
    Once home, Cait took a long, soothing shower, dried her hair and changed into jeans and a sweater. Friday nights were generally quiet ones for her. She was munching on pretzels and surveying the bleak contents of her refrigerator when there was a knock on the door.
    It couldn’t possibly be Joe, she told herself.
    It was Joe, balancing a large pizza on the palm of one hand and clutching a bottle of red wine in the other.
    Cait stared at him, too dumbfounded at his audacity to speak.
    â€œI come bearing gifts,” he said, presenting the pizza to her with more than a little ceremony.
    â€œListen here, you…you fool, it’s going to take a whole lot more than pizza to make up for that stunt you pulled this afternoon.”
    â€œCome on, Cait, lighten up a little.”
    â€œLighten up! You…you…”
    â€œI believe the word you’re looking for is fool.”
    â€œYou have your nerve.” She dug her fists into her hips, knowing she should slam the door in his face. She would have, too, but the pizza smelled so good it was difficult to maintain her indignation.
    â€œOkay, I’ll admit it,” Joe said, his deep blue eyes revealing genuine contrition. “I got carried away. You’re right, I am an idiot. All I can do is ask your forgiveness.” He lifted the lid of the pizza box and Cait was confronted by the thickest, most mouthwatering masterpiece