His gaze penetrated hers. She flushed warm from her head to her toes. He knew she’d lied to him, as well. He knew she read his books to the kids. Oh, crap. “I read it to them to show them the horrendous mistakes an author can make.”
“Oh, Mom,” Trista said with a curious look on her face, “you’re so funny.”
“Yes, isn’t she?” Kyle tapped a finger against his thigh. “I’d love to sign your book.”
Steven handed it over to him, excitement shining on his face. “I can hardly wait until Mom reads this to us.”
“I figured she’d read you Dick and Jane.” Kyle Miller smiled and flicked Lexi a glance.
Oh, well. Things couldn’t get worse, could they? She might as well joke with the man. “Actually, I can hardly wait for The Snowman Murders book that you’re obviously working on now.”
“Really?” Steven asked with wide eyes.
“Your mom’s such a joker.” Kyle ignored her, and smiled at the kids. “Would you like to join me for ice cream?”
“Hey, there’s the Jared Strong guy.” A young voice called out.
Lexi looked up to see a group of excited boys moving toward the author, who glanced at his watch. “Join me at my house at seven. Otherwise, we won’t have any privacy. It’s been nice to meet you, Trista and Steven. See you later.”
He turned to greet the approaching group of boys. She was surprised he did it so graciously, as if he really cared about these kids.
Sigh. She supposed it was only snowmen who were in danger around him. But she was determined not to go inside his house again.
It wasn’t until they were in the car that Trista wailed, “But we don’t know where he lives.”
Lexi’s conscience nagged at her again, but she didn’t say a word.
* * *
Kyle glanced at his watch. Seven-fifteen.
It didn’t look as though she was going to bring her kids over. Well, it probably served him right. After all, he had destroyed her snowman, the one she’d had to fix so the camera crew could film it the following day. He still felt guilty over that--guilty enough he’d invited her and her children over. He didn’t usually do that sort of thing.
He smiled at the memory of her face when her kids had spilled the beans about her reading his books to them. He had to admit it had helped his self-esteem, too, to know the next person he’d encountered after his conversation with his brother had known who he was, after all.
Yes, he knew that in the eternal scheme of things, it didn’t matter. But in his insecure author’s heart, he needed the confirmation. Any author would feel the same.
And she had given him an absolutely wonderful idea for hiding the weapon.
He guessed he probably owed her an apology, as well. Part of him was reluctant. But another part of him, the part that had seen the kids’ faces when he’d said to come over, made him want to not disappoint them.
And, if he was totally honest with himself, there was something about the woman that intrigued him. She wasn’t the most ravishingly beautiful woman he’d ever encountered--but she made a definite vivid first impression. And second. And third.
Well, he’d just go over there. Take his ice cream and his scooper and walk right next door and knock on the door. Why not? What could she do? He already knew she read his books and loved them, and the knowledge made him smile all over again.
Yeah. He’d go over.
Chapter Six
“Okay, kids, it’s time for the angel. Help me know when she’s straight.” Lexi stepped onto the stool, and held the new white-robed tree-top angel she’d found. It was gorgeous, topped with bright red hair and holding a bouquet of tiny lights. “How do you like her?”
When Steven came back into the room from the kitchen, he tilted his head and stared at the top of the tree, his forehead wrinkled in concentration. “Why do we have Ronald McDonald on top of our tree?”
Lexi caught Trista’s eye, and they laughed together.
“What’s so funny?” Steven demanded.
“Oh, sweetie. This isn’t Ronald McDonald. It’s just an angel with red hair.”
“Maybe it’s Mom,” Trista said.
The doorbell rang. Lexi glanced at her watch. Seven-twenty. Maybe it was neighbors delivering holiday goodies. “Would you go answer that, Trista, while I finish straightening Ronald McAngel?”
Trista nodded and disappeared into the entryway. Lexi hummed along with the Christmas song on the radio--Deck the Halls--and bent one of the top branches. There. The angel stood straight now.
Lexi surveyed the tree with satisfaction.
She and the kids had decorated it with wooden candy cane shapes painted to look like little horses, candy cane ornaments they’d collected, real candy canes, and red bows, and it made a striking tree. Yup. This one worked.