Friday dawned clear and bright, although the air was still at the freezing mark. The forecast called for temperatures to climb into the forties, and Carson thought that was practically a balmy day for Chicago in the wintertime. She remained skeptical, however, of the weatherman’s predictions for warmth.

Her breath plumed and the frigid air needled deeply into her flesh as she crossed the underground garage to the elevator. She could hear the wind howl against the concrete abutment and could only imagine how much worse it would be in the open air.

Even with the frigid environment Carson walked with a bounce in her step. A small brightly wrapped package rested inside her coat pocket, and she was already looking forward to the Christmas party. It would be the first time all week that she could spend time with Erin other than the shared ale on Monday and the few minutes in her office on Wednesday.

She only hoped Erin wouldn’t be too busy to spend a little time with her. Carson noticed that Erin had kept to her curfew all week even though Carson needed to work late every day. It was late when Carson left work, and each time she noticed that Erin’s car was already gone from the parking structure.

Today Carson only had one appointment, but it would no doubt be a long one with the Department of Defense aid. It was also a critical meeting for Delphi Technologies and the contract potentially worth millions.

Out of habit she glanced over and saw Erin’s car already in its space. The attorney was notorious for getting to work early, and the sight of the vehicle solidified the feeling that all was right in the world.

The doors closed and the elevator whisked Carson up to start another productive day.

"You’ve got to be kidding me!"

Why did I even agree to take care of these arrangements, Erin wondered? She was beyond stressed and even Josette had started to avoid her.

The caterer flinched a little and said, "I assure you, ma’am, one of my people is already on the way. He’ll be here very soon."

"It’s twelve o’clock," Erin pointed out succinctly to the man dressed in a white chef’s uniform. "The party is due to start in an hour. Please, tell me how it’s possible to forget eggnog and champagne for a Christmas party!"

He cringed again and his face turned red. Obviously the caterer was holding in a hot response, but the elevator pinged and his face cleared when the doors opened.

"Ah! He’s here."

A young boy pushed a loaded cart out of the lift toward them. Erin thought he couldn’t be more than twelve and bore a striking resemblance to the caterer. Must be his son, probably a family business.

Erin wanted to make a comment about labor laws and ask if the boy was old enough to work, but bit her tongue. She let it go with a huff, just glad that everything was finally being finished. She would just be venting now and there was still too much to do.

"Let it go before you have a stroke."

Erin turned around to find that Ray Eldridge had come up behind her. It was funny that he hadn’t been around all week, but would show up an hour before the festivities were to start. Figures.

Ray was a tall, broad-shouldered man in his late fifties. He took care with his appearance, always clean-shaven and dressed in an expensive suit, and made quite an impression with his clients, especially the lady ones. Ray had been married for twenty-seven years, and as far as Erin knew had always been faithful to his wife.

Erin had started to work for him when Ray established the law firm, and was soon asked to be his partner. That was six years ago, and she never regretted that decision. But that didn’t mean she had to be happy about his untimely arrival after forcing Erin to make all of the arrangements for the party.

"Where did you come from?" she groused.

Ray grinned unrepentantly at her acerbic tone, clearly unimpressed. His brown eyes sparkled as he looked around at the festive décor and thought it had been the right decision to put Erin in charge this year. He didn’t have any artistic tendencies and generally left any such chores in the capable hands of his wife, Martha.

Ray was pleased to see his faith in Erin had been justified even if she was irritated, which he cheerfully ignored.

The long conference table had been removed to make way for smaller, circular linen covered tables against one wall. The canapés looked delicious, the champagne frosty and the eggnog gently spiked with rum. Even a large ice sculpture took center place, and every minute detail attended to. There was only one thing he could see missing.

"Where’s the mistletoe?"

Erin looked at Ray fully for the first time since he walked in the door. She hadn’t even thought about mistletoe.

"Josette!"

The young secretary turned to her with an expression of dread, and Erin realized how harsh she sounded.

"Yes, Ms. Donovan?"

Erin deliberately schooled her voice and asked calmly, "Do we have any mistletoe?"

Prepared for the worst, Erin was relieved when Josette smiled and said, "Getting ready to put it up now."

Erin relaxed for what felt like the first time in hours. "What would I do without you?"

"Probably work even longer hours than you do now."

Josette shrugged and then tapped James Evan’s, Erin’s law clerk, on the shoulder. She enlisted him to help put the final touches of mistletoe over all three entryways into the large conference room. If Erin thought they went a little overboard with the greenery, at least it hadn’t been completely forgotten.

Ten minutes before the official start of the party the room began to fill up. Erin started to check the door every few minutes for a blonde head, and started to wonder if Carson would make it.

"Looking for someone?" Ray asked curiously and handed Erin a cup of eggnog.

In what she hoped was a casual tone she said, "I was just wondering if your newest client was going to make an appearance."

"Ms. Tierney? She said she would, but I haven’t really talked with her much since Wednesday."

Erin nodded and took the cup. Maybe the rum in it would help her relax a little. She had something she wanted to give Carson, but as time passed Erin started to second-guess her decision. What if it was too soon to give Carson a Christmas present? They hadn’t known each other very long, and she didn’t want to do anything that might make Carson uncomfortable. The younger woman could be a little shy.

Erin thought it was an adorable quality.

She had called Carson a few times on her cell phone during the week with lame excuses to pass a few words between clients and appointments. Each time the call had gone to voicemail only for Carson to call her back a few moments later apologizing that her cell phone had gotten stuck in the bottom of her coat pocket. Erin thought it cute, although a little annoying, but it did help decide what to get Carson for Christmas.

Movement in the doorway caught Erin’s eye and her heart chose to relocate to her throat as their eyes met across the crowded room. A small, gentle smile graced Carson’s lips. Erin’s nerves suddenly settled, and she was sure her decision was the right one. It was just a small gift anyway.

Erin started across the room to Carson.

Carson made a beeline across the crowded room straight toward Erin. Even from a distance of ten feet Carson could feel the mutual attraction and wondered if it was as obvious to others as it was to her. That possibility disturbed Carson and she frowned a little. Erin’s professional ethics bordered on obsessive, and if she thought she was obvious in any way Carson was concerned Erin would withdraw.

Above all Carson wanted to avoid that. Even as new as she was at this she knew they had the potential for something special, and she didn’t want Erin to back away because of some perceived impropriety.

Carson forgot all about her concerns when she stood in front of Erin, and was captured by stormy blue-gray eyes. They met in the doorway of the side entrance. The party dropped away, and the sole communication between them was of the silent variety.

"Hi," Erin finally said.

"Hi, back."

Erin handed her a cup of some spiced liquid Carson assumed to be eggnog, and she took it without thought.

"Sorry I’m late. I had a meeting that went over."

"I’m just glad you’re here," Erin admitted softly, still caught in the spell between them. It was so hard to maintain the professional façade with Carson so close. "I’m not sure I could survive this party without a friendly face around."

"Don’t tell me you don’t enjoy parties?" Carson teased.

"Only the intimate variety meant for two."

She’s flirting with me in the middle of a crowded room? Carson was almost lightheaded, and felt the familiar spread of heat in her stomach that always happened when she was with Erin.

"I’ll have to see what I can do to accommodate you."

They were standing close together in the doorway. Carson’s head was bent down toward her, while Erin looked up into gently blue eyes.

"Ms. Tierney! How are you?"

The women looked up as Ray approached with the other third of the firm.

"I’m fine, Mr. Eldridge."

Erin was surprised by the sudden cold façade Carson displayed toward Ray. She had grown used to Carson’s warmth, and tenderness, and she frowned in confusion. Ray was a nice man, and Carson was a smart lady. The sudden tension didn’t make any sense, but she shrugged it off after a moment. Sometimes people just didn’t get along for whatever reason, but Erin decided to keep an eye on things so she could step in if need be.

"This is Robert White," Ray introduced and watched while the other two shook hands.

Erin noticed humor flash in Carson’s eyes when she was told Bob’s name, and cringed when Carson opened her mouth to respond.

"Bob White?" Carson asked trying not to laugh. She wondered if the man had ever wanted to strangle his parents, or were they so oblivious that they hadn’t realized they had named their child after a bird?

Fortunately Bob had a good sense of humor, and merely raised a hand to stop her. "I know, I know. But believe it or not I like my name. No one ever forgets it, and it’s a great opening for dry speeches. And please, call me Bob."

He winked and Carson laughed.

"By the way," Bob said and pointed toward the door facing. "You might want to watch your step around here. It looks like Erin got carried away with the decorations."

Erin looked up when Carson did and felt her face burn in embarrassment. They were standing right under a sprig of mistletoe. Together they stepped out of the doorway and for an awkward moment refused to look at each other. Bob and Ray laughed a little, but didn’t comment further.

"Ray tells me you’re quite the computer whiz," Bob said conversationally. "I’ll have to have you come by to look at mine. I keep getting these ads pop up and I can’t seem to get rid of them."

"Sounds like you might have some spy-ware on your hard drive. I’ll be happy to stop by some time and take a look."

"Thanks. Well, I better get back over to Mr. Morrison. He’s a new client and didn’t really want to attend. Now he’s looking a little pensive and I’m afraid he might bolt at any second. Maybe a little more champagne."

Bob walked away and Ray said, "I better get back to the party, too. Ms. Tierney, it was nice seeing you."

As soon as he was gone Erin said, "Is something wrong?"

"No, why would you ask?"

"It just seemed that there was some tension between you and Ray."

"It’s nothing," Carson assured her. "But after Wednesday’s meeting I’m just not sure that he’s the right one to protect Delphi Technologies’ interests."

That did surprise Erin. Ray was a very competent attorney, and if she ever needed anyone to protect her investments Ray would be the first one she would turn to.

Carson shook her head. "Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Eldridge is a good attorney, but he doesn’t seem to understand the intricacies of information technology as it pertains to the government."

The response was a little over Erin’s head, but she took Carson’s explanation at face value. The woman was extremely intelligent and she had the right to whatever representation she felt was appropriate.

Carson surprised Erin when she suddenly said, "Are you enjoying the party?"

"No, not really. I’m not one for crowds."

"Would you like to leave?"

Erin felt the hair stand up on her arms in reaction to the question. "What did you have in mind?"

Carson smiled and said, "I have something for you in my office."

"A Christmas present?"

Erin was delighted, and happily followed Carson to the tenth floor. It seemed that they were both on the same wavelength, and there had been no cause for concern after all. Carson closed the door and walked over to her chair. Her overcoat was draped over the chair, and Carson reached into the pocket.

"Merry Christmas!" Carson grinned and handed her a small, red package with a huge bow.

Erin felt tears sting her eyes. The wave of affection hit her without warning as she looked up at Carson. "Thank you. But I don’t want to open it just yet. I have something for you in my office, and I would like it if we could open them at the same time."

"I’d like that," Carson said softly.

Erin held the package in both hands as they took the elevator to her floor. She was very aware of Carson right behind her all the way, the heat from her body, the sweet scent of her skin. The air seemed to grow heavier as Erin walked into her office and carefully closed the door. It wasn’t more than a few minutes away from the party until she handed Carson a small, rectangular package in blue paper.

"Merry Christmas, Carson."

Erin had a definite feeling of a dream as Carson took the package. Time seemed to fade out as Carson stared at her, and then eagerly tore into the paper. Erin followed suit and unwrapped her own gift.

She opened a brown box and grinned at what she saw. The package held a stainless steel coffee mug with the words Coffeeholic engraved on the side and a small plastic square tied onto it with a red ribbon.

"A gift card for Starbucks?" Erin grinned. She thought it was the most thoughtful gift she had received in a long time. "Thank you."

Carson had opened her own present and an embarrassed smile curved her lips. "Thank you, as well. Now I don’t have any excuses for missing your calls."

The computer executive held a leather phone case that would clip to her trousers. Neither of them had spent a great deal on the gifts, but were both touched by the other’s thoughtfulness. Their choices were both personal, and practical.

Carson’s blue eyes twinkled with affection and possibly something more. Erin felt an answering expression in her own gaze and instinctively drew Carson closer. Her arms slipped around the narrow waist and then she hugged Carson warmly.

The gesture was appropriate, but Erin hadn’t considered how it would feel to hold Carson in her arms.

Carson’s shirt was warm from body heat under Erin’s fingers, and her cheek was pressed against a strong shoulder. Carson’s chin rested against her hair and her arms slowly circled Erin’s shoulders. Her hands were strong, but gentle, and Erin felt like she had fallen into an abyss. Then she felt overwhelmed by a myriad of emotions; excitement, security, and boundless happiness.

I’m falling in love with her.

The thought was so sweet and true that Erin felt tears sting the backs of her eyes. And it feels so wonderful. I know she feels something, too.

Reluctantly Erin pulled away, but she wasn’t quite able to let go just yet. Her hand lingered on Carson’s upper arm as she met her gaze again. More of the fire she was growing accustomed to passed between them, and for an instant her eyes drifted down to Carson’s lips.

She clamped down on the strong urge to pull Carson close again and kiss her. She wanted it, and she thought Carson might just want it too, but Erin wanted to do this right. She wanted things to happen when Carson was sure. Being the innocent in this situation, Carson should have the right to set the pace.

"Thank you."

She’s going to kiss me, Carson thought when she saw Erin’s eyes start to drift closed. She leaned forward instinctively toward slightly parted lips. Then Erin seemed to change her mind and pulled away slightly, and thanked her. It was hard to push her hormones back under control, but Carson steadied herself and decided she didn’t want their time together to end after the gift exchange. But what could she come up with to get Erin to stay with her?

"Are…are you finished with your Christmas shopping?"

Erin shook her head. "Not really. I still want to pick up something for my father. I know it’s going to be late, but he’s hard to shop for. If he wants something he just goes and gets it. What about you?"

"I wanted to pick something up for Jay. I thought maybe we could go to Watertower Place to do some shopping."

The mall was only a block from Erin’s apartment and Carson hoped that would entice the other woman to go with her. She couldn’t seem to take her eyes off Erin after the hug, and it was hard not to reach out to her again. It was more than a physical attraction to Erin’s quiet beauty. It was sweet, and sharp, and so much more than a childish crush.

Carson wanted to be with Erin in every way possible, and after tonight she felt that perhaps Erin wanted it too. Carson was terrified, and excited, and her frightening intelligence turned itself to the conundrum of how to court Erin.

"I’d love to," Erin said softly. "Why don’t we drop my car at The Benton, and take the SUV to the mall?"

"Sounds like a plan."

Carson followed behind Erin’s Nissan and waited for her to park in the underground structure of her apartment building. Then she fit her cell phone into the new case and clipped it to her waist while she waited for the smaller woman to get into her Lexus before she drove the short distance to the stores.

The entire time Carson had difficulty concentrating on her actions and wanted only to stare at Erin, to drink in her features and get lost in her eyes.

"Are you all right?" Erin finally asked as they parked.

Carson looked over at her gently. "I’m fine. Everything just seems a little unreal at the moment."

"How so?"

"I feel like I’m in a fairy tale and that I’ve just met Prince Charming, or in this case Princess Charming."

Erin smiled and glanced shyly away. Even in the gloom of moonlight Carson could have sworn she blushed. Carson unsnapped the seatbelt and reached over to place her fingers against Erin’s chin. She encouraged the other woman to look at her, and felt pinned in place when their eyes met.

"Am I wrong?"

"What, about me being Princess Charming?"

Erin tried to joke, but Carson could sense that she was half serious. "No, about what is between us."

Erin hesitated then shook her head. "No, I don’t think you’re wrong. Is this too much for you?"

Carson thought Erin really meant to ask if she was frightened. Erin was aware that she hadn’t been involved before, and her concern touched Carson. In a way it convinced her more than anything else that what was happening between them was the only possible outcome.

"Not too much, but I have to admit that it is a little …scary."

"I understand." Erin reached up and took Carson’s hand, and squeezed gently before she released it.

They shared another smile and then silently agreed to leave it at that. They got out of the Lexus and Carson engaged the alarm before they went into the large structure. After several stops Erin dropped into a cigar shop for her father and Carson went across the hall to pick up a gift for Jay. They agreed to meet back by the fountain in fifteen minutes.

Carson arrived at the fountain before Erin and sat on the stone bench. Her eyes were fixed on the flowing water and the shine of coins people had tossed into the basin as wishes were made. Carson felt no such need since she thought everything she could possibly wish for had been granted.

Her abusive father was no longer a factor in her life, her business was a success, and a beautiful, and intelligent woman had claimed her heart. What more was there to ask for?

"Hey there. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long."

Carson looked up and smiled at Erin. "Not at all. What did you get your father?"

"I found a humidor made of Brazilian cherry wood, and got some Cohibas and Montecristos to put in it. Do you think he’ll like it?"

Carson stood up and looked into Erin’s bag. Erin’s cheeks were flushed in excitement and her eyes sparkled like a child. It was all Carson could do not to touch her again in the midst of the last-minute holiday shoppers.

"Impressive," she answered honestly. "I think he will like it very much."

Erin smiled and they started back down the mall toward the end of the structure. There was no hurry and they shameless window-shopped as they strolled along. Erin stopped in front of a large glass display, and Carson curiously stopped beside her. She looked at the display to see what the other woman was looking at, but didn’t see anything special about it.

It was a clothing shop and two mannequins were on display wearing the latest Paris fashions. Christmas lights were strung through the display along with a small, decorated tree and brightly wrapped packages. Fake snow covered the floor and there was even a mannequin dog lying under the tree.

The male and female dummies were placed close together in the mimic of an embrace, their plastic lips scant millimeters apart, and a sprig of mistletoe hung over their heads.

"I believe you owe me a kiss," Erin said softly.

Carson looked over in surprise. Erin had a lopsided grin on her face and one eyebrow was raised in a challenging fashion.

Carson was more than happy to take up the challenge and raised her own eyebrow in response. She reached for Erin’s hand and raised it to her lips. Carson placed a tender kiss on Erin’s knuckles before she said, "I believe I do."

It was time to go and they were both more than ready. Window-shopping was forgotten in the rush to get back to the Lexus. Packages were stored in the back seat, and then Carson pulled away from the parking lot and out into traffic.

Erin’s soft hand startled her when she placed it on Carson’s leg. She jerked slightly and then looked apologetically over at Erin. "Sorry, nervous I guess."

"Backing down?"

There was still a bit of challenge there and it made Carson smile again. "Not a chance."

Carson parked next to Erin’s car and waited while she retrieved her packages. Then Carson followed Erin up to her apartment. Very little was said as both of them started to feel a little nervous. Even Erin who was more experienced seemed suddenly shy, and Carson wondered if it was too early for this. Then they were at the apartment and Erin had opened the door. She turned to look at Carson expectantly, and Carson made a sudden decision.

The whole floor was part of Erin’s apartment so there was no other traffic in the hall. Carson still wanted to kiss Erin, but if she followed the attorney into her apartment Carson was afraid she wouldn’t be able to control herself.

Erin sat her packages on the floor inside the door and turned toward her. "Are you coming in?"

Carson startled Erin when she grabbed her by both arms and pulled her close. Her lips pressed against Erin’s long enough to feel the softness, and heat. The feelings that kissing Erin generated were so much more than Carson had expected. Her lips tingled, and her stomach clinched. Finally, her nerves won out.

Carson pulled away quickly, and said, "I should go."

"Oh no you don’t."

Erin’s voice was smokier than Carson had ever heard it, and she felt shivers travel up her spine just before strong hands tangled in her hair. Erin pulled Carson toward her and into the foyer. Their lips met again and Carson’s eyes closed as she followed Erin’s lead.

Erin kicked the door closed and then pressed Carson back against it as she gentled the kiss. Carson was glad for the support behind her and thought her legs would have collapsed if she hadn’t had the structure to lean against. Then she didn’t think about anything else but the feel of Erin’s mouth.

Carson unconsciously ran her hands lightly over Erin’s back to explore the warm flesh and heated curves. The kiss was exquisite, soft and gentle at first so that Carson could hardly feel Erin’s lips. Carson thought Erin was being careful not to frighten her, but she suddenly wanted more. Her hands clasped Erin harder and communicated her need. Erin responded to Carson’s insistence as she slowly caressed the full, slightly parted lips with her tongue.

Lazily, they explored each other’s lips, tongues and teeth until the passion between them began to escalate. Carson could feel Erin shake as she tried to control her ardor and leave Carson the opportunity to stop if she wanted to, but it only made Carson want her more.

Carson became more eager, and pulled Erin’s firm body tighter against her. She whimpered as Erin’s mouth moved to her neck and nipped the smooth skin lightly, sending little shivers over her flesh. Erin tightened her hold and returned to Carson’s lips. Just when Carson thought she would pass out from lack of oxygen Erin released her and slowly drew away.

"Do you want to stay?"

Carson stiffened and then forced herself to relax. "I do want to stay. I want to be with you, but…"

"It’s too soon. I understand," Erin said gently. "Will you call me tomorrow?"

Carson could only nod wordlessly. Then she swallowed and pulled Erin against her in a tight hug. "Thank you, for understanding."

Erin turned her head and kissed Carson’s cheek gently. "There’s no rush, Carson. I’m here when you’re ready."

Reluctantly Carson let Erin go and spent a moment looking down into her loving face. "Goodnight," she finally said and walked out the door.

After the door closed Erin slumped against it and closed her eyes. She could still smell Carson’s perfume, and taste the sweetness of her lips. She remembered the soft sounds Carson made when lost in passion and her stomach clenched helplessly.

But Carson was worth it, and Erin knew she would wait as long as it took. She could only hope Carson didn’t want to wait very long.

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