She nestled beneath his arm on the squashy old sofa in his sitting room, her long dark hair cascading over his chest, her slender hand rested tantalizing on his thigh. The last few days with Rachel and Toby had been fantastic. He'd taken things slowly with Rachel, kept a tight rein on his desire and allowed himself only hugs and kisses, not wanting to rush her. She responded to him so sweetly, so honestly. He had fallen in love with this beautiful woman and Toby was a great kid. If Ian didn't screw things up, he could have something special here; he could finally have the family he longed for. If Ella were allowed to visit for Christmas, life would be almost perfect. But there was virtually no chance he'd see his daughter over the holidays. He'd been trying to arrange to bring her here to stay for months. Jane wouldn't agree because her damned husband told her not to. With his lips pressed to Rachel's temple, he breathed in the floral fragrance of her hair, and allowed her sweet presence to ease the tension that filled him whenever he thought of the situation with his daughter.
