From the look on Helena’s face, she wasn’t buying it.
“We only met a week or so ago for goodness sake.” She picked up her coffee and walked briskly into the living room, snuggling up to the roaring fire.
“Who’s this young man I keep hearing about,” her father asked. Mandy was ready to flee but knew her parents had her best interests at heart.
“He’s my boss, and we’re not dating.” It was a conspiracy, she was certain of it.
“Bring him around Saturday night so we can meet him.” Her parents were relentless.
She braced herself for the backlash. “We already have plans for that night. And before you say anything,” she said, teeth gritted, “It is just dinner, it is not a date!”
She practically ran into the kitchen, dumped her cup in the sink, and headed to the back door. “Goodbye, Mother. I have to run.”
She couldn’t get out of there quick enough.
* * *
“Are we still on for Saturday night?”
It was an innocent enough question, and at least this time Noah had asked away from the flapping ears of the office staff.
Mandy continued to eat her sandwich as he slipped into the chair opposite her, waiting for a response. She covered her mouth with her hand. “Uh,”
“Great! I’m looking forward to it.” He began to stand again.
“Noah,” she said. “I…”
“Oh, I didn’t give you a time, did I?” He thought for a moment. “Is seven o’clock okay?” He didn’t wait for an answer, but instead got up and strolled out of the room, whistling.
Mandy groaned. They were already the talk of the office. And her parents. Not to mention the grapevine of Winston.
She leaned forward and banged her head gently on the lunch table.
She had royally dumped herself in this position but wasn’t convinced she would have it any other way.
Noah was great company, she was lonely, he probably was too, and they both enjoyed a good home cooked meal. What was wrong with that?
Except the fact he was her boss, and the whole town was talking about them.
Mandy shoved her chair back and cringed as it scraped along the floor. She jumped as she felt a hand on her shoulder.
Her head spun around, expecting to find Noah there, but instead she found herself face to face with Horrible Harry, a sneer on his face.
Horrible Harry, as she’d named him was one of her colleagues. He’d harassed her from the day he’d arrived some months earlier.
“Get your hands off me, Harry!” She stood and shook herself out of his grip.
Instead of taking the hint, Harry moved closer – he was trying to kiss her! Yuk.
She raised her voice and stepped back. “Get away from me!”
“What’s going on here?” Noah was there in a flash. His office was not far away, and he must have heard the altercation.
“Nothing. Everything is alright,” Harry protested.
Noah looked to Mandy. “Everything is not alright,” she said. “Harry is… He has…” She couldn’t get the words out, so she stopped talking.
Noah frowned. “Mr Simpson,” he said. “Wait for me in my office.”
After the other man had left, he turned to Mandy. “He has been what, Mandy? I need to know so I can deal with this.”
She looked to the ground and spoke quietly. “He’s been harassing me since he came to work here a few months ago. Touching me, trying to kiss me…” She fought back tears. She was not going to crumble in front of Noah. “I’ve considered leaving, but I love my job.”
He pulled out a chair and indicated for her to sit. Then he made her a fresh coffee. “You are not leaving. You’re my best reporter.” His words warmed her. “And besides, why should you leave because of someone else’s bad behavior? Stay here until I come and get you. Is that alright?” He put the mug of coffee in front of her. “Simpson and I are going to have a chat.”
“I don’t want…”
“His behavior is not okay, Mandy.” He turned and walked out of the room, leaving her to drink her coffee, and contemplate why she’d ever put up with Harry’s unwanted advances.
After all, no means no, but Harry wouldn’t listen.
* * *
“Consider this your first and last warning, Mr Simpson.” Harry sat across the desk from Noah looking glum. “I will not tolerate this sort of behavior, and if it happens again – to any of the women in the office – you will be immediately terminated. If I could do it right now, legally, I would.”
Harry glared at him.
“Do you understand me?” He kept his voice quiet and was barely under control.
Harry sat up straighter and barked out the words. “It’s only because she’s your girlfriend. Otherwise you wouldn’t care.”
Noah took a deep breath. This wasn’t happening. Only two weeks into his new job and he was dealing with idiots.
“Number one, Mandy is not my girlfriend – not that it’s your business. Number two, it wouldn’t matter who you’d targeted, the outcome would be the same. I will not allow women to be harassed. Understand? Now get out of my office!”
His temper was barely under control by this stage. The gall of the man!
“Mr Simpson,” he called after the man’s retreating back. “Go home and think about what you’ve done. I don’t want to see you again today.”
“What about my assignments?” Harry asked.
Noah sighed. “Come in at six tomorrow and catch up. Otherwise I’ll be docking your pay.”
Harry began to protest but thought better of it and quickly left.
Noah leaned back in his chair trying to calm himself down. He still had to deal with Mandy, make sure she was okay.
He stormed into the lunch room. “He’s gone,” Noah told her, taking the chair opposite.
She looked up sharply. “You didn’t sack him? Tell me you didn’t sack him!”
He frowned. It’s what the mongrel deserved. “No, I didn’t. But he’s on notice. If it happens again…” He clenched his teeth at the thought.
“I’ll tell you, I promise.”
He slid his hand across the table to cover hers. “I couldn’t bear for anything to happen to you, Mandy,” he said quietly.
She nodded, and he pulled his hand away, realizing perhaps he had overstepped the mark.
“My mother thinks we’re an item,” she said suddenly.
He laughed out loud.
“It’s not funny,” Mandy said, obviously annoyed. “She heard a whisper,” she rolled her eyes as if to say, Winston grapevine. “She got someone to drive past. They saw you go into my place.”
He sat quietly and listened. She obviously needed to talk.
“To top it off, Father invited us to dinner next Saturday night.” She pulled a face. “He wants to meet you.”
His heart started beating faster. “But we’re having dinner Saturday night.”
He looked at her eagerly. Too eagerly perhaps.
“I know. I told him. It only added fuel to the fire. Because having dinner means going on a date.” She pouted.
“Luckily I haven’t mentioned our numerous lunch dates. They’d really go to town. My family interfere to the point of distraction sometimes.” He could see she was annoyed and wanted to make it right. Especially after the Harry incident.
He stood abruptly and grabbed her hand. “Come on,” he said. “We’re going for coffee. You’re obviously stressed, so we need to leave the office for awhile.”
She glanced down at their entwined hands. He quickly let go. “Sorry,” he said. “I presumed too much.”
Mandy shook her head. “No, it’s okay. It feels good.” She hooked her hand in his again and they strolled out of the office, not caring who saw.
CHAPTER FOUR
“Two cappuccinos, and….” He turned to Mandy. “Choose a cake or muffin or something.”
She shook her head. “I’m fine, really.”
He insisted, pointing to th
e display cabinet. “I’m starving, and don’t want to eat alone. Pick one.”
They did look rather yummy, so she gave in and chose baked cheesecake with cherries.
“Cream on the side,” he added.
Ah well, it didn’t happen often.
After paying, he guided her to a table in the corner, where they’d have more privacy. “Do you want to talk about Harry?”
She shook her head again. He’d been the bane of her life since he’d arrived, but it looked like Noah was going to sort him out.
“About your parents,” he began, and she winced.
“They’re being painful. But it’s nothing new. They think I should be married with 3.5 kids by now.” She pulled a face, and Noah laughed. “Mother says if I don’t marry in the next two years, I’ll be a spinster forever.” She laughed and felt better for it.
He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. He quickly pulled it back when their order arrived.
“Thanks Sherry,” Mandy said as the waitress left them.
She turned back to Noah. “I wish they’d get off my back.” Her shoulders slumped.
His slow burning smile caught her attention. “What if you had a boyfriend? Would they leave you alone then?” He reached across the table again and squeezed her hand.
“Probably,” she answered cautiously. “What are you up to?”
“Take up their offer,” he said. “We can have dinner some other time. I want to take the pressure off you. I know the Harry situation hasn’t helped either.”
She wondered if he had an ulterior motive, but in the little time she’d known Noah, he’d been nothing but honest and upfront with her.
“We enjoy each other’s company,” he said. “I love your cooking, you’re yet to try mine, but I think my cooking is passable.” He grinned at her. “Maybe.”
She wasn’t sure what to think. Could she risk getting too close? Especially with her alarmingly handsome boss, who just happened to make her heart skip a beat whenever he was near?
“I don’t know…” she said slowly. “I, uh,”
“Mandy,” he said. “Look at me.” She’d been looking everywhere except at him. She was trying to avoid those beautiful brown eyes. They got her every time.
“What have you got to lose? Except maybe the spinster complex that’s been drummed into you?” He made her laugh. He often made her laugh, made her feel good.
She licked her lips. “Are you sure about this? My parents, I should warn you, can be relentless.”
“I like you, Mandy,” he said, reaching for his coffee. “I enjoy being with you. This pretense is not going to be any sort of hardship.”
She nodded, then lifted her coffee to her lips. “As long as you’re sure.”
“I’m absolutely sure. I want to get to know you and your family.”
Mandy nodded again but wondered if she’d survive when the pretense was over, and reality set it.
* * *
Saturday rolled around far quicker than Mandy had expected.
They’d organized that Noah should come to her house and they’d travel to her parents place together. After all, that’s what a couple would do, right?
Of course it was right. She knew it was, but it just felt a little strange. It was then she realized she’d never taken a man home to meet her parents.
Ever.
That threw her, and she began to understand the reason her parents were so excited about Noah.
Which might be a problem down the track. She didn’t want them to get too attached, since this was only a pretense to keep them off her back until after the Christmas party.
She chewed on her lip. Perhaps they were going too far with this charade.
Not that it was expected, but Mandy always liked to take something with her. To contribute in some way to the evening. Her offering this time was in the way of an apple pie. One of her favorites, and her father’s too. He loved her pie.
She wondered if Noah had a favorite dessert. They hadn’t discussed that sort of thing. When she thought about it, they knew so little of each other, but that would change over time.
If they stayed together. Which they wouldn’t, since this was only pretend.
The thought pulled her up short.
She had just pulled a warm sweater over her head when she heard a knock at the door. “Come in,” she called, checking herself out in the full-length mirror. “I’ll only be a moment.”
She leaned in and applied a perfect pink lipstick, nothing too bold, brushed her hair, and strolled into the living room.
She looked up in horror as she saw Horrible Harry standing there, confident as ever. “Nice outfit,” he said, stepping toward her.
Her heartbeat sped up. It was bad enough he harassed her at work, but to come to her home? “Get out, Harry.” Her hands were fisted by her side.
“You don’t mean that,” he said, a leer on his face. He took another step toward her.
She’d expected Noah, and stupidly assumed it was him. She was more than a little annoyed with herself. “Get out, Harry,” she said again, quietly, calmly.
She had no idea how she’d managed to keep her voice calm and steady.
He took another step forward.
“Get out, Harry!” Noah bellowed at him, and Mandy had never seen him so angry. She hadn’t even seen him arrive. “This is your notice. You are terminated. Report to human services at 8am Monday.”
Mandy stared at Noah. His back was ramrod straight, his shoulders were squared; he was ready for a fight if needed. But knowing Noah, he would keep his temper in control, and would calm down very quickly.
Harry sneered. “I’m not at work. You can’t do anything to me.”
Noah pulled out his cell phone. “I’m calling the police. If you aren’t gone in two seconds, they’ll be here to arrest you. Take your pick – losing your job or losing your job and break and enter.”
Harry scuffled out and shoved his way past Noah. “You’re lucky it’s not assault too,” Noah called after him.
“Are you alright?” Noah ran to Mandy, pulling her into an embrace. She lay her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him. Her heart rate began to slow.
“I thought it was you,” she whispered. “I called out for him to come in without thinking. I didn’t even consider it could be Horrible Harry.”
Noah looked down at her and smiled. “Horrible Harry? Is that what you call him?”
She nodded. “Yeah, because that’s what he is.”
He rubbed his hands around her back in circles. She dropped her head to his chest again. It was so comforting with his hands moving over her back. Heck, just standing here like this was comforting. She didn’t want to move away, but they had to leave soon.
She felt protected and loved whenever Noah was around. Her eyes opened wide. Where did that come from?
She dropped her hands to her sides and stepped back. “I’m okay now. Thank you.” He looked down at her and frowned. “Honestly, I am,” she said as she stared at his lips.
Mandy pulled her gaze away and went to the kitchen. Noah followed her. “Apple pie,” she said, wrapping it in a kitchen towel.
“Yum.”
She smiled for the first time since Harry had arrived. “So you do like pie? I wasn’t sure.”
“Mandy, I like anything you cook. So far anyway.” He stepped back and laughed when she pretended to punch his arm.
“Thank you. I think.” She hadn’t felt this happy in a very long time. Noah was good for her, and she was certain her parents would like him.
She glanced at her watch. “Time to go. Don’t want to be late on your first visit.”
The family homestead wasn’t far out of Winston and was only about fifteen minutes drive. The snow wasn’t at all heavy tonight, so they had a good run.
Noah was amazed at the winter spectacle surrounding them. “I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight,” he said as he continued down the long driveway to the homestead. “The snow
on the tree branches – it’s amazing.”
“Then you’ve been missing out big time.” She looked across at his profile and smiled.
Noah reached over and squeezed her hand, keeping his eyes on the road. “I’m so glad I came here,” he said quietly. “I’m especially pleased we met. If I hadn’t come…”
“Look out!”
Noah slammed on the brakes as two deer scampered across the road in front of them. “Phew. Does that happen often?”
“That you almost killed Bambi, do you mean?” She laughed, and Noah smiled. Moments ago his face was stern. Troubled. Now he was relaxed again.
Mandy put her hand to his knee. “We’re almost there. Not far to go now.”
He held the steering wheel tightly with both hands. “Relax. It’s unlikely we’ll come across more deer. Besides, we’re just minutes away.”
Driving a little more cautiously this time, Noah pulled in next to the homestead.
“You’ve got to be joking me!”
He looked across at her curiously. “Mandy?”
“See all these cars? My parents have obviously invited the whole mob.” He stared at her. “To meet you no doubt.” He continued to stare. “My sisters and brother and their partners? The whole gang is here.” She slapped her hands to her face. “Do you want to leave?” She didn’t think he’d want to stay under these circumstances.
He pulled her hands down. “Mandy,” he said, getting far too close for comfort. “Why on earth would I want to leave? Besides, I hear your mom is a really good cook!”
He laughed so much she couldn’t stay mad.
Suddenly the mood changed, and he cupped her cheeks with his hands. She stared into his eyes and swore she could see all the way to eternity.
“Noah,” she whispered.
“Mandy,” he whispered back, moments before brushing his lips across hers.
Her hands went up around his neck and she pulled him closer. “I, uh,”
She jumped at the loud tapping on the car window. It was her father. Great timing.
She sighed.
“Okay, to the lion’s den we go.”
* * *
Noah stepped through the door and wondered how the hell he’d ended up here. Mandy was right – this was not what he signed up for. But she was worth it.
The Christmas Proposal Page 3