A Father for Christmas: A Veteran’s Christmas, #1 Read online

  I take the BART to the Embarcadero station, the place Tyler had his PTSD episode. Traffic’s light on Sunday. Powerwalking past several panhandlers, I emerge from the platform and look around. A man with a guitar sits on a crate in front of an open guitar case.

  “Lady, sing you a carol? How about ‘Jingle Bell Rock?’”

  I barely glance at the big black man, except he’s wearing a beaded necklace with a Chinese coin, just like the one Tyler had on last night. He looks vaguely familiar.

  That’s it. He’s the guy who was interviewed after he stun gunned Tyler.

  Walking back, I ask, “Sir, would you happen to know Tyler Manning?”

  The man’s mouth breaks into a large smile as his eyes rove over me. Not that there’s much to see. I’m wearing jeans and an old sweatshirt, my cleaning job attire.

  “Women ask me that all the time,” the man replies. He holds out his hand. “Sawyer McGee.”

  I take his hand and give him a hefty shake. “Do you know Tyler or not?”

  “Now, now, now.” Sawyer grins and wags a finger. “I can’t be giving out information without knowing who you are, what your place of business is, and three references, preferably from little old ladies you help cross the street or retired clergymen.”

  “I don’t have time for this.” I’m pretty sure he’s a friend of Tyler’s, but if he’s going to ask me a hundred questions and butt his nose into my business, I’m out of here.

  “Tyler never mentioned you were so rude.” The man’s melodious voice drifts behind me.

  “Excuse me?” I snap my head around and head back his direction. “I asked you a simple question and you want to drag this into a social interaction. I’m going to be late for work as it is.”

  He quirks his eyebrows as if trying to figure me out. “You’re Bree’s mom, aren’t you? The one who wore him out.”

  “Yes, I am. And since you do know Tyler, kindly let him know I have his money.”

  “Money, as in moolah?” Sawyer’s mouth widens and his eyes light. “I can give it to him.”

  “No, can do. I have to work right now, but tell Tyler I’ll be outside of the Mogul Bank building at five when my shift ends.”

  “You know, lady, I don’t have to tell him anything.” Sawyer strums a jangled chord. “You’re wasting my time. I’ve got songs to sing and bills to pay.”

  Yeah, right. He wants a tip. I extract a five and drop it in his case. “You can sing ‘Santa I’ve Been Naughty’ for me. And Sawyer, I’m sorry for being rude. Please let Tyler know I’m looking for him.”

  “Sure thing. Name?”

  “Kelly.”

  “Number?” He unlocks his cell phone. “I’ll text you when I give him the message. You can call me anytime, you know. You want Tyler, I’m your man.”

  I don’t know what his game is, but he’s my only link to Tyler right now, and I’m not ready to give him up. Will I ever?

  I type my number into Sawyer’s phone. “Call me when Tyler gets the message. I don’t want to wait around forever since it gets dark early this time of year.”

  ~ Tyler ~

  Tyler said goodbye to Dylan and Carina and headed for the BART station.

  He had a job and a purpose. He’d get a salary to oversee the fundraising venues and line up speakers and events. In addition, Warspring would pay him a thousand dollars per speaking engagement and include traveling and lodging expenses. He’d even convinced Dylan that rock concerts were not conducive to gathering donations and suggested speaking to sports teams and business executives instead.

  Sawyer was at his post, sipping a soda. “Hey, my man. Get big tips today?”

  “Even better.” Tyler fist bumped him. “You’re looking at the new speaker for Warspring International. I’m going to be raising funds at charity banquets and special events.”

  “Woohoo! That’s awesome. How much are they paying?”

  “Enough for me to triple my contributions and get my own program going. Remember we talked about sports for Afghan teens?”

  “Uh, yeah. They bought it? I thought blankets and food were more important.”

  “That only feeds the body, not the soul. We need to give the youth healthy outlooks to life, optimism, and hope for the future. Sports is the answer.”

  Sawyer clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I can’t believe I’m hearing you say that. Man, this is awesome.”

  “Even better, I get extra tickets to the Donor’s Ball, and you’re coming. Maybe you can audition for the band or find a job. They’re also looking for an assistant for their finance director.”

  Actually, Kelly could use the job, but he should offer Sawyer a first shot.

  “Guitar I can play, but no spreadsheets for me.” Sawyer scratched his head. “But hey, that lady friend of yours was looking for you.”

  “Kelly? She was here?” The day kept getting better and better.

  “In the flesh. Looking hot and bothered. Kind of rude at first, all business. She wants you to meet her outside of the Mogul Bank building where she works. You know where it is?”

  “Near Mission Street Plaza in the Financial District. What time did she say she got off from work?”

  “Five. I told her you were desperate to see her, worshipping the ground she walked on, mooning over her and unable to sleep.”

  “Shut it.” Tyler shoved his friend lightly to conceal the happiness bubbling inside of him. “How about you put your guitar away and have a drink on me? I got a sign-on bonus, and we still have a couple hours to kill.”

  “Forget the drinks. Let’s go shopping. You got to look the part of Mr. Executive Speaker.”

  14

  ~ Kelly ~

  I empty my garbage can into the trash compactor and throw my rags into the washer. I’m grimy from cleaning out the refrigerator and emptying bottles of urine from the intern bullpen. I don’t know what’s with these bankers pissing in bottles instead of going to the bathroom. Maybe they didn’t want to miss a single trade. But seriously, these days they have smartphones.

  Back in my time, there was a girl who ended up with an intestinal disorder because she never went to the bathroom. She ended up lying on the floor in her office with her laptop because she was in such pain. But it was worth it. She got the return offer and is now a director.

  I tidy up my cleaning supplies and lock the janitor’s closet. Sawyer hasn’t texted me so it’s unlikely I’ll see Tyler. Which is for the better since I’m sweaty and need a nice, long shower. I tie a bandana around my hair and pull on my winter jacket.

  A cold breeze whips when I step out of the Mogul Bank building. Keeping my head down, I slide past a group of young bankers with their model playmates.

  “Kelly?” A woman’s voice calls from behind me. “I can’t believe it’s you.”

  It’s Rebecca, my college roommate. Her heels clip clop on the sidewalk at a fast pace. She’s wearing her signature Armani suit and Christian Louboutin pumps with the shiny red soles. Her blood-colored Hermès purse is easily worth fifty thousand, and her ears drip with Tiffany diamonds. She opens her arms as if to hug me.

  “So nice to see you,” she squeals. “I can’t believe you’re in San Francisco. When did they let you out of prison? It must have been horrible.”

  “Wasn’t a tea party, but it was only a few months. Judge felt sorry for me for losing all my money.” My eyes dart around, but the male interns don’t seem to notice us. They’re passing a bottle around and getting into a limo.

  “They set you up,” Rebecca said. “Whoever gave you the tip set you up and executed the opposite trade. Why didn’t you check with me? I could have told you.”

  “It’s old news now. So how’ve you been? I hear you’re doing well.”

  She smooths her multicolored auburn-red hair. “Couldn’t be better. We should have a drink sometime. How’s your little girl?”

  “She’s a gem. The only thing important in my life.”

  Rebecca flings a smile my direction, except her gaze t
ravels over my shoulder. That come hither look can’t be for me.

  “Well, hello-o there,” she says to someone behind me.

  Tyler walks over, his hands in his pockets. He’s wearing a black leather jacket over a white dress shirt and pleated black dress pants. My breath catches in my throat. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was one of the bankers strolling toward the building.

  Tyler nods to greet Rebecca, but his eyes are on me. “Kelly, are you done with work?”

  “Uh, yes,” I mumble, wishing I could disappear along with my bandana, holey jeans, and rain jacket. “I ran into a friend. Rebecca, this is Tyler. Tyler, Rebecca.”

  Rebecca holds her hand limp wristed to shake, or more likely offering it to Tyler to kiss.

  He shakes it instead. “Nice to meet you. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

  “Oh, not at all,” Rebecca says. “I was just asking Kelly about her darling Bree. Kelly, I’m glad to see you’re back on your feet. If you ever need anything, a reference or a lead, call me. Let’s do lunch sometime.”

  “Sure, anytime you’re free.” I stare at the sidewalk as Rebecca departs.

  “Sawyer says you wanted to meet me here.” Tyler takes my hand. “Shall we have dinner?”

  “No. I mean, I’m not dressed, and I have to pick up Bree and go home. I only wanted to give you the money you left at my mom’s place. Then I have church.” I’m so jittery, my words come out in a flurry.

  He takes my other hand and stares me square in the face. “I don’t need the money.”

  “But you earned it.”

  “It’s okay. I’ve got great news.” His grin beams over his face, crinkling his eyes. “I got a job.”

  “Wow! That’s wonderful.” I throw my arms around him and bounce up and down. “What will you be doing?”

  “Charity work, motivational speaking, and fundraising.”

  “I’m so happy for you. Does that mean you’ll get off the streets?”

  “Uh, no. I don’t need a place to live, but when I travel, they’ll include hotels and travel expenses.” His mood seems to dampen when I ask about him getting a place to live.

  “You should still take my mother’s money. She feels bad keeping it.” I dig into my purse and shove the wad of bills into his hand.

  “No, honestly.” He walks alongside me. “But if you insist, I’ll hail you a cab. I’m sure you had a long day at work. You look tired.”

  I stare at the money, regretting it if he’s going to waste it on a cab. I can’t afford taxis. I don’t even have a car since I borrow my mom’s. But before I can say anything, Tyler waves one over. I’m too tired to argue, and besides, my sore feet appreciate it.

  He opens the door for me and helps me into the backseat, then slides in next to me. After asking me where I’m headed, he gives the driver my mother’s address.

  Once we’re on our way, he loops his arm over my shoulder and pulls me close to him. I hope he doesn’t smell the pine cleaner on me. That would be so unromantic.

  “Depending on traffic, we’ll have some time to talk,” Tyler says. “I’d like to see you again, but I’m worried about Bree, and I don’t want her to get hurt if things don’t work out between us.”

  Score one for honesty. He took the words right out of my mouth.

  “I feel the same way. I’m hoping this father thing is a phase she’ll grow out of.”

  He runs his fingers under my bandana and loosens it, letting my hair down. “That’s better. As for Bree, do you mind telling me what the situation with her father is? I don’t want to presume.”

  “She doesn’t have one. I mean, biologically, of course she does, but I don’t know who he is.”

  Tyler’s breath draws in sharply. “You don’t?”

  “That came out wrong. I had artificial insemination.”

  “But why?” He blinks and turns to stare at my face. “I’m sure you had boyfriends.”

  “Not the same as someone you’d trust with a child. Maybe I was selfish, but I was very busy with work and had no time to date. Not that any of the men around me were prizes.”

  “Well, I’m glad.” Tyler kisses the side of my temple. “Because I have a chance to be a prize catch for you.”

  I shake my head and chuckle. “Arrogant, aren’t you? You get a job and now you’re a catch?”

  “Not as good a catch as you. Can I tell you I’m attracted to you?”

  “Even in these clothes?”

  “Well, maybe not.” He quirks his eyebrows. “Better without clothes.”

  “Tyler Manning.” I tap his chest. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

  He catches my hand and kisses it. “Make a wish. Your luck is about to change.”

  “Am I supposed to tell you?” A fit of giggles hit me, and I squirm in his arms. I mean, there’s the proper wish for world peace, and the practical one, me getting a better job, and then there’s the hunk with his arms around me, smelling like Le Male cologne, powerful, masculine, and terribly sexy.

  “Of course. I’m Father Christmas. Tell me, dear girl, what you want for Christmas.”

  “Sssh.” I motion toward the cab driver, whose eyes glance at me from the mirror.

  Tyler’s breath is in my ear. “Deep in your heart, what do you really want for Christmas?”

  You. Like that song says.

  “A job using my skills and talents.”

  “Ahhh … That’s all?” He mocks disappointment, slowly shaking his head and frowning, one hand rubbing down the side of his face. “I don’t think that’s what you really want. But, you’re in luck. The charity I got a job with is looking for an assistant to their chief financial officer. You can give me your résumé, and I’ll hand it to them. Where did you say you used to work?”

  I pull back from his side and fold my hands in my lap. “Actually, I’m not sure I should apply.”

  “Why not? If you worked on Wall Street, you’re overqualified for the position. I’m sure you’ll get it.”

  My pulse freezes. “Who told you I worked on Wall Street?”

  “Bree. Only she thinks it’s Wall-E Street where there are robots who collect trash.”

  “Oh, really? What else did she tell you?” I lighten my voice to a flirtatious chirp so he won’t suspect I’m hiding anything.

  “She talked about Central Park, the Macy’s parade, and your sister mentioned you used to take her to FAO Schwarz.”

  “I thought she was too young to notice the difference. Now you know why I want her to have a perfect Christmas. Tree, presents, even ice skating like we did back in New York.”

  He rubs my arm. “I understand too well. Christmas used to be special for me when my father lived, but after he died, we didn’t celebrate it anymore.”

  “That’s so sad. Tyler, I didn’t know.” I reach for him and tuck my hand in his.

  “I used to be bitter watching others celebrate Christmas, but since meeting you and Bree, and trimming the tree with your family, I changed my mind. I also want this to be your best Christmas ever, even better than when you had the Tiffany’s tree.”

  I snuggle into his hunky chest and inhale his stimulating scent. “Our best Christmas ever.”

  15

  ~ Kelly ~

  I step out of the cab while Tyler pays the driver.

  “Thanks for the ride.” I kiss his cheek. “I think it’s better if you don’t come up because Bree will get overly excited.”

  “I was thinking the same thing. I’d hate for her to expect too much.”

  My lips move to Tyler’s lips, and I speak into his mouth. “I still want to see you.”

  “That can be accomplished. San Francisco’s a big city to get lost in. I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

  His lips slide over mine, and I open my mouth, welcoming his deep kiss. If only things were simpler. If only I’d met Tyler before I screwed up and my life fell apart.

  “See you tomorrow night?” he asks when we break to take a breath.
r />   “Yes, tomorrow’s my day off.”

  “Can’t wait. I can’t stop thinking about you, Kelly.” His hands sweep down my side, and he holds my waist, pulling me close. “I want to be the man you dream about, the one you want and need.”

  Wow. What a difference a job makes. I like it. He’s confident, earnest, aggressive. His erection stiffens against my belly, and instead of pulling away, I surprise myself by wiggling against him.

  His lips return and lock onto mine, then his hands rove around from my waist, brushing the sides of my breasts. I slip my hands under his jacket, untucking his shirt, as a rush of desire slams me. His skin is hot over hard, firm muscles.

  My belly tightens and heat curls between my legs. I want him so badly. Not any man, but Tyler. I gasp at the intensity of my emotions. I can’t believe I’m about to undress him outside of my mother’s apartment.

  Tyler backs off, his eyes narrowed. “I’m sorry I got carried away. You’re not upset, are you?”

  I catch my breath, trying to inhale deeply. “I’m fine. Just tired. You won’t believe how many bathrooms I cleaned. I feel grungy.”

  I’m glad for the darkening evening and the fact that we’re in the shadows of my mother’s building. He can’t see the trembling of my lips, the sweat over my brow, my flushed cheeks. It isn’t like me to get so horny, so turned on. I’m the sensible, responsible type. I have a daughter.

  He tucks his shirt back into his pants. “How about dinner tomorrow evening?”

  “Yes. Tomorrow, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I wave and retreat behind the gate.

  “How will I contact you? Shall I come here?”

  “No, I’ll text Sawyer my address. I really have to go.”

  I have to sing at church tonight. And pray. Lots of prayer.

  ~ Tyler ~

  Tyler’s heart beat against his ribcage and sweat dampened his forehead. He and Kelly had met at her apartment, and he’d let her select the restaurant. This was it, his first date with her, and he couldn’t screw it up. He took a deep breath as they crossed the street.