Page 107 of The Christmas Highland Lodge

Through the frosted pane of glass, I could make out Blake’s tall, dark frame standing there. Where had he got to?

I started to tug the handle and opened the door. ‘Well, hello you! Where have you been?! I hope the shops weren’t too hectic for you…’

My voice died. I gasped.

It was Blake. But he was minus his beard.

I couldn’t stop staring at him. His mouth cranked up endearingly at one corner. ‘So? What do you think? Come on then. Out with it! Am I a new man?’

I took in his strong, angled jaw and the irresistible dimple popping like crazy in his right cheek, which I hadn’t even known existed. He looked even more handsome. My stomach cartwheeled. ‘I hope not! I like the man you are.’ I drank in the smooth, clear planes and contours of his face. ‘But I must say that you look… you look terrific. And at least five years younger.’

‘Only five? Bloody hell! I was hoping for at least ten.’

He planted a kiss on my shocked and delighted lips. Then he enveloped me in his arms.

He never failed to surprise me. ‘So, is that where you got to? You went back to your flat to shave?’

‘Yep!’

His arms tightened around me. I felt warm and safe.

‘What made you decide to get rid of your beard?’

Blake gazed down at me, all clear-skinned and fresh-faced. ‘A new start. I’ve put my old life and disappointments behind me. After all that happened with Amy, I grew a beard and lost myself a bit. I think I retreated behind it.’

He rubbed at his strong, clean-shaven chin. ‘It probably will feel a bit weird to begin with.’ He kept his face straight. ‘Maybe you could grow one instead, so I don’t suffer from withdrawal symptoms.’

I punched him in the shoulder.

‘Argh! That hurt!’

‘Good. It was meant to.’

Blake looked thoughtful. ‘You know, this might sound stupid, but getting rid of it is a bit symbolic, I suppose.’

I raised my head and gave his delicious chin a playful tweak. It was smooth and soft. ‘It doesn’t sound stupid at all.’ My eyes widened in surprise. ‘You’ve had your beard for three years?’

‘Yes. When Amy and I first broke up, I wasn’t in a great place.’ He gestured to his freshly shaven chin.

A smile then broke out on his face. ‘Time to let it go though, as the famous song goes.’ Blake lowered his mouth closer to mine. ‘Now I don’t feel I have to hide from anything or anyone. That’s thanks to you.’

Blake continued to gaze down at me. ‘I realise that not everyone is like my mum or my ex-wife.’

He couldn’t hide a playful smile. ‘But the most important thing is that I won’t feel guilty now about kissing you and giving you beard rash.’

‘That’s a good point. See? There’s a plus side to everything.’

Blake’s arms tightened around my waist.

I brushed my mouth against his and grinned. ‘At least I can see your gorgeous face now and you no longer look like the fourth member of ZZ Top.’

Blake play frowned. ‘ZZ Top? I think that’s a bit of an exaggeration.’

‘Yes, You’re right.’ I remained straight-faced. ‘Not ZZ Top. More like Animal from the Muppets.’

He kept his face straight. ‘So, when are you going to shave off your beard?’

‘Would you like another punch on the arm?’