‘Sounds nice. I’m assuming you’ll be spending Christmas Day there too?’
I nodded. ‘I’d invite you, but?—’
‘I’m the git who broke their daughter’s heart?’
‘Something like that. Sorry. Plus, I don’t want to tell them about… this… until I know what this is.’
‘Stop apologising. I’m the one who appeared out of the blue four days before Christmas. I’m the one who should be apologising. I realise my timing sucks. I was so desperate to see you again that I didn’t think about the time of year. Any chance you’re free on Boxing Day? Or the day after? Or the day after that?’
I studied Andy’s disappointed face. The glow from the moon made him appear so young and innocent… yet incredibly alluring. Why did he have to be so damned attractive? Oh, what the hell. Mum wouldn’t mind if I was a little late. ‘Pick me up at the same time tomorrow night. I can only give you an hour, absolute max.’
His face lit up. ‘You’re sure?’
‘I’m sure. Now get out of here before I change my mind.’ I pointed back up the road.
‘I’m going. But first I have to give you one of these.’
Andy reached out and gave me a hug. It felt good to be held by him, familiar and comfortable. He gave me a gentle kiss on the top of my head. That felt good too.
‘Tomorrow, then.’ He cupped my face in his hands and gave me a soft and gentle peck on the lips. ‘I’ll be counting down the hours. Goodnight, Sarah.’
Mmm, that felt good too.
But so did kissing Nick.
Christmas Eve in Seaside Blooms was crazy. Thankfully I’d enlisted Elise to help and I don’t think any of us stopped all day. She’d been so busy at school that we hadn’t even spoken for the past two weeks so she knew nothing about the Nick and Andy situations. I was desperate to get her take on it but there was no chance of conversation in the shop. We’d have to catch up later in the week.
Andy appeared at five-forty-five on the dot again, after everyone had gone, and took me to The Purple Lobster where the hour whizzed by. Surrounded by Christmas revellers, we got swept away in the festive spirit talking about Christmases we’d loved as kids, our favourite traditions and the best and worst presents we’d ever received. When Andy described his three best gifts, I blinked back the tears as I said, ‘I bought you all of those.’
‘I know. And that’s why they’re so special. Like the person who gave me them.’
The butterflies went into overdrive as I held his gaze. ‘I still have that bear you gave me for our first Christmas. I nearly wore a hole in him from hugging him after we split up.’
Andy smiled. ‘I’m glad you still have him. I thought you might have shoved him in a charity bag.’
I had done on several occasions but, each time, had been overcome with an attack of the guilts and retrieved him. I had, however, shoved him at the back of the wardrobe.
‘Wait here a second,’ I said when we reached the gate of Seashell Cottage. I ran down the path, unlocked the door and headed to the kitchen.
‘Here you are.’ I handed Andy a set of spare keys. ‘I can’t bear the thought of you spending Christmas Day alone in a hotel room. I know I won’t be here for most of the day but surely a cottage with a DVD player, a real fire, and a fridge full of lager is better than a hotel room?’
Andy beamed. ‘You lifesaver. I was dreading tomorrow.’
‘I’ll probably be back around teatime so, if you’re still here, we can spend some time together then.’
‘Sarah, you’re the best. Happy Christmas.’
He gave me another brief peck on the lips. Then another. I knew he was testing me to see if I’d respond. I didn’t pull away but I didn’tencourage him either. Normally I wouldn’t read such a big deal into a kiss but I knew that the minute I kissed Andy properly, it wouldn’t just be a kiss; it would be me saying I wanted him back too. Yet something seemed to be holding me back from taking that step, which was a little strange considering the Steven connection, the obvious chemistry, and how many years I’d fantasised about that scenario.
?? From Andy
Morning gorgeous. About to have xmas full English then going for long walk on the beach before a DVD fest at yours. Have a lovely day with your family. Can’t wait to see you later xxxxxx
?? From Auntie Kay
Happy Christmas from New York to my favourite niece. Missing you all. Are you spending today with Nick? Hope so xxx
?? From Clare
