AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘You look a lot older than you do usually. And my oh my, look at that beard. I didn’t realise they grew so quickly.’
He gave her a sexy wink, which should have been wrong but somehow worked.
‘What happened to Davey?’
‘Bad back. He pulled out at the last minute and they were desperate.’ He shrugged. ‘I couldn’t let the children down, could I?’
He moved closer. Amelia felt the warmth of his breath on her neck and became conscious of others around them.
‘I’d better get back to the bar. Doris will be waiting.’ She wasnotgoing to let herself become enchanted by him. She felt her cheeks flushing.
‘Oh, I think she’s just fine. Make the most of your getaway while you can before she sends out the search party. Are you having a good time?’
‘Yes,’ she said truthfully, dropping her eyes from his penetrating gaze. ‘I am.’ She was happy and free and,Oh God, he was now holding her hand. How did that happen? Not that she was complaining but . . . ‘I never thought Santa was such a catch.’ Did she actually say those words out loud? She cringed.
‘Thanks. I should take you to my special chair and get you to sit on my knee and ask you what you want for Christmas.’
‘That would be very wrong.’ She tried to keep a straight face.
‘Yes.’ He nodded, trying to look serious. ‘You’re right.’
Once again she sensed he wanted to kiss her and she wished they weren’t standing in the middle of the street with him dressed as Santa.
Amelia waited with bated breath. How typical that they were at this potentially crucial moment, possibly on the verge of locking lips, and he had a wig and beard on. She never thought she’d be lusting after Father Christmas. Then he touched her nose. Hernose!
‘There’s some glitter.’ He blew it away.
‘Just my eyeshadow. I should have offered you some to go with your get-up.’
‘Santa in make-up. That would have got the locals talking . . .’
Tears of laughter started to stream down her face.
‘Are you laughing at me?’ he asked innocently.
‘I am, Fergus. And this ridiculous situation.’
‘Is this any better?’ He unhooked the beard.
‘Well, you still look like Santa but a much younger version. You’d better make sure none of the kids spot you or you’ll ruin their Christmas.’
‘It’s okay. Nobody can see us in this dark corner.’
‘Next you’ll be inviting me into your grotto,’ she said.
‘Don’t tempt me.’
She pulled her padded jacket around her, zipping it up.
‘I can’t see your Christmas pudding anymore.’ He flashed her a wicked grin.
‘You’re full of good chat today, Fergus.’ He wasdefinitelyflirting with her and she couldn’t meet his eyes.
‘You’re right. That sounded naff.’
Amelia, distracted by a crowd of folk who had gathered, said, ‘Oh look, here she comes. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.’
They watched as Doris led the Gay Gordons down the street.
