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“The magic?” I laugh out loud causing her to roll her eyes.
“The magic of Christmas – obviously.”
She shakes her head. “Come on, we haven’t got time to waste.”
Chuckling, I follow her out and as I flick the lock on my car, she jumps into the passenger seat and just for one moment I wish this was real and we were heading off from our cosy home to watch our children dishing out their own brand of Christmas magic.
CHAPTER31
JESSICA
To be honest, I was so glad of the alarm. What was I thinking? Once again, I lowered my guard and surrendered to the selfish part of me who wants it all. It would be so easy to give into the pleasure that is Robert Harvey, but I know what this is. He only wants me because he can’t have me and, by his own admission, he’s a player. The list of conquests and past girlfriends was so long, it took up several pages in my pocket notebook. It was embarrassing, but he didn’t appear to think anything of it. He doesn’t wantmejust the challenge and I am so on the edge of that it’s not even funny.
It takes the entire journey to school to calm my raging libido because, unlike Robert, it’s been a long time since I’ve let my guard down and allowed myself to be intimate with a guy. The last one was a fellow police officer and our relationship only lasted three months before he left me for a new recruit. It was a humiliating experience, but one that isn’t uncommon in my life. It’s easy to attract them, but not that easy to hold on to them and I have no reason to think this is any different, despite what my heart is telling me. I’m a great believer in relinquishing control to my head in matters of the heart, and it’s telling me this is a job and not to look back when the case closes.
Robert is quiet, which I’m grateful for because I need to calm down and approach things as I normally do. With cold rationality because that is what’s needed right now.
We make it to the school, and I’m amazed when we park next to a Bentley and the window rolls down and I see Sable dressed like a Russian in head-to-toe fur, wearing mirrored sunglasses.
“Hello darlings. I must say I am so excited to watch my angels.”
Robert’ expression tells me he is definitely not excited to see them and as Sable steps from the car, I stare in disbelief as her husband exits from the driver’s side, dressed in a blazer and beige chinos, looking as if he’s just stepped off his boat.
“Um, Mr Harvey, I didn’t expect you to come too.” I’m a little horrified about that and he nods, looking as if he would rather be anywhere else.
“I had nothing else to do.” He shrugs and turns to his son, leaving me with Sable, who links her arm in mine.
“I must say, it’s been years since I attended one of these. Who knows, the next one may be your own children with my son.”
“Excuse me?” My voice is faint, and she grins, a knowing twinkle in her eye.
“I know its early days, but you are the first girlfriend we have ever met. That’s how I know it’s serious.”
She appears so happy about that, I feel bad for deceiving her and merely smile nervously. “If you say so.”
“I do and darling, let me tell you it makes me so happy. Caring for your sister’s children while they enjoy a rejuvenating break tells me you are just the kind of woman I want in my son’s life. Family minded, loyal and kind. A great aunt who will be an even greater mother and I can’t wait to embark on this journey with you. First the wedding, oh how amazing that will be. Imagine the months of planning we will enjoy, with your own mother, of course. I can’t wait to meet her. Is she here?”
She glances around and my heart sinks even further as I say brightly, “Oh, she couldn’t make it; she’s currently enjoying a luxury cruise.”
“Wonderful, darling. She sounds like a woman after my own heart. I’m sure we will be the best of friends. Imagine the hours of pleasure we will enjoy. Family holidays, meals and helping you raise the most perfect children. So much to look forward to and it begins today.”
It’s as if my life is crashing down around me as she sets out a future I want more than anything. That alone surprises me, because how have I fallen so quickly for a man who irritates me most of the time? I really hope he never overheard this conversation because he would be bolting for the car never to be seen again.
I don’t miss the startled looks on the faces of the few parents that have made it here before us and as we take our seats in the second row, I conclude I should have allowed more time. Now I’ll have somebody else’s head in my video and I’m annoyed about that.
Robert sits beside me, and Sable is on my other side and it’s as if I’m caught between a rock and a hard place because my emotions are scrambled. I want this. I want what Sable wants and I even what Robert wants. I doubt his mind is set on anything other than me in his bed, and I want that, too. But I’m not stupid and it would draw an end to whatever this is that’s growing between us and I would be cast aside, dreaming of what could have been if Sable had got her wish. I must be strong and resist at all costs, but it’s hard when he is fast becoming everything I want in a man.
* * *
As the hall fills up,I turn my attention to the reason I’m here and as I peer around, I take in the slightly shabby interior of a school that needs a makeover. We are sitting on black plastic chairs set in rows and the stage has been decorated with colourful scenery and enough sparkle to resemble a fairy grotto. It reminds me of my own stint in one and I shiver when I remember the humiliation it brought with it.
Robert leans in and whispers, “Are you cold? Perhaps we should do what we practised earlier.”
“Are you kidding?” I whisper shout. “We’re in a school, for God’s sake.”
He shrugs, apparently unconcerned. “Just the arm part, unless you think it appropriate to indulge in a full-blown snog before the play starts.”
He starts to laugh and Sable leans across. “What’s the joke, darling? I must say it’s lovely seeing you so happy. That’s what the love of a good woman does for you, dear.”
