The Christmas Proposal

by Cheryl Wright

  * * *

  Mandy hadn’t been this nervous about a date since she was a teenager.

  But it wasn’t a date, and she needed to remind herself of that fact. This was her being kind to a colleague who was new in town.

  Breathe. Just breathe.

  She was getting herself worked up about nothing. Noah seemed like a nice guy and had been thrown in the deep end. From what she’d been told, he’d only been given a few weeks get himself organized to move here.

  Alfred Kingston, Mandy’s previous boss, had suffered a heart attack at work. It had not only traumatized the staff but left a gap in management when he decided to retire early.

  She was certain she would get the job, but so did the half dozen other people who also applied. In the end, it went to an outsider. Noah Gleeson.

  He was senior management at head office, so it made sense.

  She was sure there was a story behind him moving from the big city to here, but it was none of her business.

  She glanced up at the clock as she put the finishing touches on the table settings. Ten minutes before he arrived.

  She’d pulled out her best china for tonight’s dinner, and her favorite tablecloth.

  Her mother would be proud.

  Mandy bustled around, preparing for her dinner guest. She became more and more nervous as time went on. But why?

  Perhaps she was unconsciously trying to make a good impression on her new boss.

  As she shuffled past the hallway mirror she stopped momentarily and checked herself out. Urgh! What an almighty mess!

  She snatched another glance at her watch. He would be here any moment now!

  Mandy ran to the bedroom, with a view to changing into fresh clothes. She was rifling through her clothes when the doorbell rang.

  Her heartbeat ratched up, and she began to panic. What on earth would he think of her, hosting him for dinner wearing her work clothes?

  She sat on the edge of the bed and took a few deep breaths.

  Can’t do a thing about it. Might as well suck it up.

  With her resolve melting away, Mandy quickly ran a brush through her unruly hair, then went to the front door. She took another few calming breaths before opening it.

  An artic breeze swept through the door, and she shivered. “Come in out of that freezing cold air!” she said, grabbing his sleeve and pulling Noah inside.

  He shoved a bottle of wine into her hands, then brushed his shoes on the door mat before stepping inside. “It is rather cold,” he said. “I’m not used to this weather.”

  The moment he was inside, she slammed the door, as though blocking the world away from them.

  She looked him up and down. “You’ll have to replace that,” she said, pointing to his inadequate coat. “You’ll soon find out a trench coat doesn’t cut it out here.” She smiled, but realized it probably looked as though she was mocking him.

  He laughed. “Too late. I’ve already found out!” She helped him out of his flimsy coat and hung it on the rack near the door.

  “You’ll need a thick pullover too. At least you’ve got the gloves right.”

  She moved toward the living room, motioning for him to follow. “I have a fire going. Come in and warm up.” After the cool air pushing its way through the cottage, the warmth of the fire would be more than a little welcomed.

  “This is lovely,” he said, glancing around. “My place is way too big for one person.”

  She arched an eyebrow at him. “It’s a long story,” he said. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you about it.”

  Mandy motioned for him to sit by the fire. One of the first things she’d done when she’d brought the cottage was ensure the armchairs were close to the fire. She was certain they’d be needed in the winter, and she was right.

  He stood, uncertain of where to sit. “Please, anywhere is fine. Warm up, you look frozen to the bone.”

  “You’re not wrong, Mandy,” he said tentatively. “I appreciate your invitation for dinner. I promise not to infringe on your kindness in the future.” He looked to the ground, and she wondered why he felt so self conscious about it.

  “Honestly, Noah, it’s fine. I much prefer to cook for two than one.”

  He took his place near the fire and began to warm his hands. She sat opposite him, not saying a word. It felt a little awkward.

  “Is that,”

  Mandy listened. “Yeah, the baked potatoes are almost ready. Wine before dinner?”

  “I’ll follow your lead,” he said, and stood up. “What can I do to help?”

  She stiffened. “You’re my guest,” she said, taken aback that he’d even offered.

  He arched an eyebrow at her.

  She shrugged. “But if that’s what rocks your boat.”

  He followed her to the tiny kitchen which was off the living room. “Smells amazing,” he told her as he ducked his head to avoid hitting it on the door frame.

  She pulled two steaks out of the refrigerator and turned to him. “How do you have your steak?” She had the pan heating up and once ready, placed both steaks on the heat, searing them.

  “Medium rare. Shall I open the wine?”

  Mandy reached into an overhead cupboard to retrieve two wine glasses, but they were a little out of reach.

  “Let me.” He leaned across her, brushing her shoulder. Warmth ran through her body. It was at that point she knew she was in trouble.

  She watched as he poured the wine, taking the half full bottle to the table, and placing the two full glasses in front of each setting.

  Mandy busied herself with the steaks, then grabbed two plates out of the cupboard. She drained the green beans, added a steak to each plate, then last of all, took the baked potatoes out of the oven.

  “It looks and smells amazing, Mandy,” Noah said genuinely. “I haven’t eaten this well in months.”

  She laughed. “You haven’t tried it yet. It might be horrible.”

  Noah frowned at her. “I hope you’re joking,” he said. “You have been so kind to me, inviting me here tonight. I’m a complete stranger, and yet…” He indicated the table and all its contents. “You put on a wonderful spread like this. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

  Mandy was taken aback. His words were heartfelt, she could tell. Head office had told them nothing of their new boss except he was available to be there quickly.

  She stared at him for several moments. “You are very welcome,” she said. “But honestly, I’m not the best cook, so I really hope it’s okay.”

  She sat down, and he followed suit. He took a sip of his wine and lifted his knife and fork. He cut through the steak. “Perfect,” he said, taking a mouthful. “Absolute perfection.”

  Mandy watched him for a few moments as he ate. He seemed to savor it. She wondered how long it had been since he’d eaten a home cooked meal.

  “How long have you worked for News of the Day?” she suddenly asked, trying to break the awkward silence.

  He looked up from his food. “About ten years. Worked my way up the ranks,” he said.

  “Me too,” she said. “I guess we have that in common. Just so you know,” she said, wondering if it was the right thing to do. “I applied for your job.”

  He nodded. “I know,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

  What was he sorry for? That he was the best person for the job? Or that he thought he’d upset her by being awarded the position she had coveted for some time?

  “Don’t be,” she said quickly. “I only told you in case someone else did.”

  He finished the last bite of food and stood, walking toward the sink. “I’ll do that.” She reached for his plate, but instead brushed his hand.

  She stared into his eyes. “I,” Words eluded her. She’d never had a reaction like this before – to any man.

  Ever.

  She certainly didn’t want to feel this way about her boss. Oh my gosh. She was falling for her boss!

  “Mandy, I,” He finished rinsing his plate, then
reached for her hands. His were warm and felt comforting.

  He stepped closer. Her treacherous body moved closer to him, and he reached around to pull her close.

  She rested her head against his chest. Suddenly her head snapped up and she stepped out of his embrace. “I, we can’t do this!”

  She turned and busied herself with dessert – lemon meringue pie with double cream.

  “You are a seriously good cook,” he said, totally ignoring the fact they’d been embracing each other just moments ago.

  Mandy sliced the pie and dished some out for each of them. She carried it to the table, and Noah carried the cream.

  “This is delicious,” he announced after the first mouthful. “Where did you learn to cook like this?” He stared into her face. “And don’t tell me you bought it. This is far from a bought pie.”

  “I bought it,” she said blandly.

  He stared at her for about five seconds then a slow smile crossed his face. “No, you didn’t.”

  She grinned. “No, I didn’t. I made it. Yesterday actually. Perfect timing.”

  They returned to the living room when dinner was over. “Mandy, you have no idea what tonight has meant to me,” he said, avoiding the fact they’d embraced. They’d made a silent pact not to mention it again. Two lonely people connecting on a higher level.

  “You are welcome to come again sometime,” Mandy said. He was good company. But on second thought, tongues might start wagging at work.

  “Thank you, I appreciate it.” He stared at the fire for a few minutes before speaking again. “I’m not sure it’s such a good idea though. Especially given…”

  She nodded, knowing he was alluding to their earlier encounter. “I understand,” she whispered as he stood to leave.

  “I should go before this snow gets too heavy.”

  Mandy followed him to the front door. “Do you have far to go?”

  He pulled on his coat and gloves. “I’m about ten minutes away by foot. Maybe twenty in this weather.”

  “Promise me you’ll buy more appropriate clothing.”

  “I promise,” he said. “Thank you for a wonderful night,” He leaned forward and kissed Mandy lightly on the cheek, then turned to walk away.

  “You’re walking?” she called after him. “In this weather?”

  He turned back to stare at her. “I’ll be fine,” he promised.

  “But still, let me drive you.” He was so not used to Montana weather, that much was clear.

  “Thanks for the offer, but I’ll be perfectly fine.” He gave her a wave and was on his way.

  She closed the door then leaned against it, touching her cheek where she could still feel his kiss.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Noah tossed and turned in bed that night, any sort of decent sleep alluding him.

  He had met the most wonderful woman, and she was out of reach. Why did it always happen this way?

  He had a strong work ethic, and that included not fraternizing with his staff. It did him a lot of good in this case.

  Not.

  He’d accepted an innocent dinner invitation, but instead of just filling his belly, it sent his hormones every which way.

  That hadn’t happened to him since Abigail.

  He’d thought he was in love with her, and she’d said she loved him. But deep down, he hadn’t ever believed she did. Not really.

  Not in that heart-fluttering way he thought soul-mates should feel for each other.

  He’d never had a thrill from touching her. He did with Mandy.

  He’d never felt tingles in his hands from brushing up against her. He did with Mandy.

  And he’d never felt a warmth that invaded his entire body like he did with Mandy.

  Oh man. He had it bad. And he’d only known her for a day; what would it be like after a month or two?

  Noah ducked his head in under the covers. He did not want to go to work. He’d been there one whole day and already he wanted to disappear.

  And all because of Mandy.

  She’d felt so good when he held her in his arms. She didn’t seem too upset about being close to him either. At least in the beginning.

  But they were both lonely. He’d concluded that on the cold walk back home. There was nothing like an icy cold breeze and a face full of snow to bring you to your senses.

  So why had he tossed and turned all night?

  He glanced across at the clock. It was way to early to get up and was still dark outside. He dragged himself out of bed and wrapped the comforter around himself in an effort to keep warm.

  It wasn’t very successful.

  Noah pushed the curtains aside and stared out across the horizon. He could see the sun trying to peak out over the mountains. He’d never witnessed such beauty in Buckeye.

  He listened carefully but couldn’t hear anything. At. All.

  He’d only been here a few days, but already he was noticing changes. The hustle and bustle of the city was gone, and so were his stress levels.

  The peacefulness of Winston was amazing. As he made his way toward the bathroom, he could hear the beginnings of birds twittering.

  He’d never noticed that in the city.

  The occasional car drove down his street. Back home there would have been dozens, if not hundreds, in the same amount of time.

  He started to whistle as he turned on the faucets for the shower. He pulled himself up. What was that about?

  As he stepped into the shower cubicle, he realized it had already started.

  His new life.

  And he was really happy about it.

  * * *

  Mandy looked up from her computer as Noah came through the door.

  He strolled over to her desk. “Good morning,” he said. “Thanks again for last night.”

  Heads shot up around them, curiosity written all over the faces of the other staff.

  She was right – tongues would be wagging, and Noah had just put plenty of fuel on the fire.

  “Dinner was delicious,” he said. “I really do appreciate it. I hadn’t had a home-cooked meal for several months,” he told her as he fingered the papers on her desk.

  “Really?” What a sad situation when a man had to eat out all the time. “Maybe we can do it again sometime.” Mandy felt like pinching herself.

  One night with Noah was near torture. Not because she didn’t like him, because that certainly wasn’t the case.

  No, the problem was in the fact she did like him – way too much for her own good.

  “Perhaps you can come to my place next time.” She nodded tentatively. Not sure it was such a good idea to go to her boss’s place, any more than it was for him to go to hers.

  At least this way it was non-committal.

  “Great,” he said enthusiastically, totally misinterpreting her response. “How does Saturday week sound?”

  He must have noted her confusion. Saturday week was a long way off. “I need time to sort out the moving mess. If that’s okay,” he added quickly.

  She shrugged, then her eyes slid sideways. Their work colleagues were hanging on every word. “I’ll walk with you to your office,” Mandy said, grabbing some files off her desk. “I need to discuss this assignment with you.”

  He frowned, obviously not understanding her intent, until her eyes slid sideways once more.

  “Oh sure,” he said, and strolled casually toward his office.

  He turned on his computer as he sat behind the big redwood desk that once belonged to Alfred Kingston. He looked quite regal sitting there in his padded leather chair.

  He leaned back and put his hands behind his head, in exactly the same way Mr Kingston had done for many years.

  This helped. It really helped.

  It put things into more perspective. Suddenly she could see Noah as her boss. As her Mr Kingston instead of Noah. Sounded stupid when she thought about it, but it just might help her dilemma.

  “What did you want to discuss?” he asked innocently. “An assign
ment did you say?”

  His secretary strolled into the office. “Sorry Mr Gleeson, but I need these purchase orders approved immediately.”

  Mandy held the folders close to her chest and stared at him. That was exactly what she needed – a distraction.

  “Mandy, I…”

  “It’s fine. I’ll talk to you later.” Right at that moment, Mandy had no intention of doing any such thing.

  * * *

  “So who is he?” Her mother asked the question innocently enough. Or so it seemed, but Mandy knew better.

  Her mother was always probing, needing to know if she’d hooked up with any eligible young men of late. Not that there were many eligible men in Winston. Which often seemed like a good thing.

  No, it was only the blow-ins – like Noah – that were available.

  Mandy knew she was a disappointment to her mother in the marrying stakes. Her sisters Jenny and Allison were married, but no children yet, and her brother Thomas was engaged to be married.

  Helena saw it her duty as a mother to see her daughter married and happy with children running at her feet.

  And if it didn’t happen in the next year or so, according to her mother, Mandy would be a spinster for the rest of her life.

  She groaned inwardly.

  “Who is who?” She had no idea what Helena was on about.

  “A friend drove past your place last night, and a very tall, very handsome young man was entering your cottage.

  Mandy’s eyes opened in surprise. “Last night? Who did you send Mother?” She put her hands on her hips, her temper barely under control.

  “Send? Oh no,” Helena said quietly. “You have it all wrong. A friend happened…”

  Her brain started to tick over. “Were you spying on me, Mother? The fact your friend was there at that precise moment…”

  Helena wiped her hands on her apron. “I heard a whisper you’d be entertaining a young man.” She said the words as though that would justify spying on her.

  As much as she loved living here in Winston, she also hated the way the grapevine worked.

  “Really, Mother!” Exasperation would be an understatement when it came to Helena’s efforts to match her up. The end game being marrying her off in the quickest possible time.

  “Neither of us are interested in dating, or getting married, or anything else.” She faced her mother square on, hands on hips.