Page 34 of Neighbors at War

‘It reminded me of you.’

‘That’s so sweet!’ She flung her arms around his neck, happy they were in the relative privacy of the shelter.

She felt Tony’s lips draw back into a smile and loved that he was enjoying himself as much as she was.

‘I could become used to this,’ he said, his voice gentle. ‘In fact, I’m already smitten.’

Her heart pounded to hear him say that. She already knew she loved him but had never shared her feelings with him, or even with her sister. The thought of any of the staff at the firm discovering their closeness sent a pang of panic through her.

‘What’s wrong?’ he asked, holding her tightly.

‘We must be careful no one sees us, remember? We both know we aren’t allowed to have relationships with other members of staff.’

‘Stupid rule,’ he whispered before kissing her again. ‘But I know you’re right. As much as I want everyone to know how we feel about each other, I’m aware the directors would insist you left if they found out about us, and that wouldn’t be fair to you. Or to the firm.’ He smiled. ‘Or to me. Seriously though, your translations are very useful, helping us stay one step ahead.’

She realised she hadn’t given him his gift and pushed her hand into her pocket. ‘I have a little something for you, too.’

She saw excitement register on his face. ‘It isn’t nearly as perfect as your present,’ she said, handing him the gift she had kept in her pocket for the past few days, waiting for the right time to give it to him.

He stared at it as if she had given him something worth hundreds of pounds. ‘A Christmas present. Thank you.’

He was so sweet. ‘You don’t know what it is yet. I’d open it first before complimenting me.’ She was teasing him and he knew it.

‘It could be an old dishcloth and I’d love it because it was from you.’

‘Who knows,’ she teased. ‘Maybe that’s what it is.’

He opened it and withdrew a white cotton handkerchief. She had spent hours over the embroidery, so that Tony’s initials in one corner, in an elaborate font, looked perfect. She hoped it was to his taste. ‘You see, it is almost an old dishcloth,’ she joked to cover her nerves.

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. ‘It’s nothing of the sort. It’s the most perfect present I’ve ever received.’ He studied her handiwork again. ‘You’re very accomplished.’

‘I’m so pleased you like it.’

‘I love it. It’s something from you that I can always carry around with me.’

She liked that idea. Then, remembering the time, she gave him a quick peck on the lips. ‘I’m afraid I have to run, otherwise Mum will be furious. Happy Christmas, Tony,’ she said. As their eyes locked, she saw something else in his expression.

‘Happy Christmas, my sweet Peggy.’ He held her tightly for a moment, wrapping his coat around her before whispering in her ear, ‘Who knows, maybe next year this nightmare will all be over, and we’ll be able to celebrate properly.’

Not wishing to tempt fate, she gave him another kiss. ‘Let’s just focus on right now and this Christmas. We’ve got each other, and I feel extremely lucky to have you in my life.’

‘And I you.’ He kissed the top of her head.

Unable to help herself, she asked him if something was wrong.

He frowned. ‘Why would you ask?’

She sensed he was keeping something from her. ‘I’m not sure. There’s something about the way you looked at me just then. I’d like to think you felt you could confide in me about anything.’

He took her by the shoulders. ‘I promise it’s nothing for you to worry about. Now, we’d better be on our way. I’ll see you after Christmas.’

Wanting to press him further, but aware she didn’t have time to do so without annoying her mother, Peggy relented. ‘Just be careful with whatever it is that’s on your mind.’

‘You know me.’ He grinned. ‘I always am.’

She hoped so. With one last quick kiss, she wished him a happy Christmas and ran back home to spend the festivities with her family.

Chapter Twenty