The Christmas Holiday

by Maxine Morrey

  He straightened slowly, his eyes never leaving me, a soft smile on his face. ‘I really don’t want you to leave. So you probably should.’

  I nodded, realising he knew I was having exactly the same thoughts.

  A knock on the door made us both jump. Hunter pulled it open to find a staff member holding a ribbon-handled paper bag from Liv’s wedding boutique.

  ‘Mr Scott?’

  ‘That’s me.’

  ‘We were asked to deliver this to you.’

  ‘Right.’ Hunter relieved him of the bag. ‘Thanks.’

  Letting the door close, Hunter reached in and pulled out his perfectly pressed shirt. He leant over and flicked on the light above us. Not a hint of orange could be seen.

  ‘She was right. It’s perfect.’

  He snagged a hanger and hung up the shirt. ‘Was it me, or was she kind of terrifying?’

  I grinned.

  ‘What?’

  ‘You’re about a foot and a half taller and could pretty much put her in your pocket!’

  ‘I know. Still terrifying, though, right?’

  ‘Oh, absolutely. Without question.’

  He gave me that grin again and I knew I needed to leave. ‘Can you stop doing that?’ I said, pulling on the door.

  ‘Doing what?’

  ‘Looking at me like I’m lunch!’

  His laugh was deep and throaty and I loved the sound and the feel of him close behind me as he leaned round and kissed me on the cheek. ‘I’ve been doing my best for the last two months. You’ve got to give me a break occasionally.’

  ‘Do I now?’ I said, stepping into the hall and turning to face him, feeling the warmth of his lips on my cheek and a fair amount of warmth in a whole lot of other places.

  He closed his eyes for a moment. ‘Please could you go to your room now. You’re killing me here.’

  The undertones in his voice immediately kicked off memories I’d thought had been safely packed away for ever. Or not. I felt the flush on my neck and hesitantly met his eyes. Big mistake. Pointing to my room, I quickly took the few steps and beeped myself in.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  Liv waved from the breakfast table as I entered the dining room.

  ‘Hi!’ she said, holding her arms up for a hug as I reached her. ‘Are you OK? I was going to phone you yesterday but I didn’t know if I’d be interrupting something.’

  ‘Possibly,’ I said, taking a sip of the freshly squeezed orange juice she’d put in front of me, ‘but probably not what you think.’

  Olivia’s delicate features creased into a frown. ‘Oh?’

  ‘Hunter told me about Syria.’

  ‘Oh,’ Liv repeated, now looking slightly uncomfortable.

  I covered her hand with mine. ‘It’s fine, Liv. I know you couldn’t say anything. Hunter had to tell me when it felt right for him. We both know he’d have gone up the wall if you’d told me before.’

  ‘I said weeks ago he should tell you!’

  ‘All the time we were just work colleagues, I don’t suppose he felt it was so important for me to know. Although I’d still like to have helped if I could.’

  Liv had paused with her coffee cup halfway to her lips. She raised one eyebrow and gave me that cute little head tilt. ‘Do I infer from that that you two are now more than just work colleagues?’

  I poured my own coffee. ‘Honestly? I’m not entirely sure right now. It’s… complicated.’

  Liv gave a sigh and took a sip. ‘Isn’t it always?’

  ‘There is that.’

  ‘Do you want to be more than just work colleagues again?’

  ‘I’ve lain awake most of the night asking myself that question.’

  ‘And did you come up with an answer?’

  ‘I have arguments both for and against.’

  Liv gave me a look.

  ‘I know. That sounds quite cold and logical but it’s the best way, I find, of dealing with decisions.’

  ‘That’s all very sensible and sounds like a great idea for most decisions. It’s just that… well, you know love isn’t at all logical and isn’t always the best at fitting into nice, neat little boxes, right?’

  I balanced my elbow on the table, resting my chin on my hand. ‘It really would be so much easier if it did, though, wouldn’t it?’

  ‘Without a doubt.’

  The conversation drifted onto a different subject, swiftly followed by several more as we happily munched our way through fruit, cereal and a fried breakfast each. Liv explained that Sandeep had gone Christmas shopping and had coaxed Hunter into going along to keep him company. The plan was to meet up with them at four at The Cavendish for afternoon tea after we’d done our own Christmas shopping. Having experienced shopping with Liv a few times now, I poured another coffee. I was definitely going to need the stimulant.

  ‘You look fit to drop,’ Hunter whispered as I leaned in to place my few purchases on top of Liv and Sandeep’s in the boot of the car Sandeep had arranged to have sent from the hotel.

  ‘I don’t suppose you have another energy drink hidden away, do you?’

  He grinned. ‘No. Sorry. I needed it all myself today.’ He caught the slight look of concern on my face and flicked my plait. ‘Don’t look so worried. I didn’t really have any. I just made Sandeep stop for coffee regularly, which, between you and me, I think he was pretty happy to do.’

  ‘I’m surprised he doesn’t have someone do all this for him, to be honest. Isn’t that the point of having money? So you don’t have to do the stuff you don’t like?’

  ‘One of the benefits, I guess. But Sandy’s not like that – at least not in this instance. He’s not a fan of shopping but I don’t think he’d feel right giving gifts to people he cares about he hadn’t chosen himself. I’m sure he has someone to do all the boring, corporate and schmoozing presents.’

  ‘That sounds like a good compromise. Did you buy much?’

  ‘Half of Hamley’s for my niece and nephew.’

  I laughed. ‘They’re going to be thrilled! But isn’t it getting a bit late to post it all to South Africa?’

  ‘They’re coming here for Christmas. Going to be kind of a squash at the flat but I can’t wait. You should have heard Molly squeal when I showed her the snow from the window on Skype! I’m pretty sure I’ve lost some hearing.’

  ‘I’m assuming she’s never seen snow?’

  ‘Never. To be honest, I think her parents are almost as excited as she is.’

  ‘It sounds like it’s going to be wonderful.’ I stepped back from the boot and Hunter closed it. ‘Would it be strange for me to ask you to send them my love?’

  ‘No. Not at all. But I know they’d be more thrilled if you delivered it in person.’

  ‘Oh! Hunter, I—’

  ‘Are you two getting in?’ Sandeep’s disembodied voice bellowed out of the open car door. ‘We’re freezing our arses off in here!’

  Hunter rolled his eyes and smiled, gesturing for me to go ahead of him. We climbed in and pulled the doors closed behind us.

  ‘If you two hadn’t bought half of London, it might have been quicker.’

  ‘I have a big family,’ Sandeep quipped, grinning.

  ‘And I just really like shopping,’ Liv added, honestly. ‘Plus, it helps with my nerves.’

  ‘You must be really nervous then,’ Hunter said, glancing out of the window.

  I gave him a jab in the ribs with my elbow.

  ‘Ow! What?’

  ‘She’s getting married in two days’ time. She’s allowed to be nervous. And she’s allowed to buy up all of Oxford Street if it helps!’

  ‘Thank you, Mia!’ Liv said, before poking her tongue out at Hunter, who just grinned.

  ‘Fine. OK. To be honest, though, I don’t get what you’re nervous about. You’re going to be the most beautiful bride Mia’s ever written about. And you’re marrying him, which seems to make you incredibly happy. But I guess there’s no accounting for taste.’

  Sandeep gav
e him the finger.

  Liv smiled and snuggled in to her fiancé. ‘I know. And thank you. I suppose I’m just nervous about all the people there and what if I trip up on the bits I’m supposed to say? Or completely forget them!’

  Hunter leant forward and took her hand. ‘Liv, I highly doubt that’s going to happen. But even if it does, who cares? You just start that bit again. You wouldn’t be the first and certainly won’t be the last. And as for all the other people, forget about them. It’s your wedding day. Yours and his. You’re the only two people you should be thinking about.’ Tears were now washing Liv’s eyes and, as she pulled Hunter to her in a big hug, a few released, dripping off her chin and running down the back of his coat, chasing silvery for a moment before sinking into the dark wool. Liv sat back.

  ‘You know. You really can be rather sweet when you put your mind to it.’

  Hunter put a finger to his lips and winked. ‘Our secret.’

  ***

  The hotel ballroom had been transformed into a wash of silver, pale gold and a million tiny, twinkling fairy lights. Perfectly symmetrical Christmas trees lined the sides of the room, decorated in the same colours. Instead of a fairy or a star, each tree was topped with a little bride and groom. Normally I was tucked at the back for these things, making sure to keep out of everyone’s way, but on this occasion Liv had insisted that Hunter and I be nearer the front. I glanced sideways at him under my lashes and studied him for a moment. The cargos had been swapped for a beautifully cut suit in a light navy that matched his eyes. His skin was lightly tanned and freshly shaven, and although off duty, with an official photographer taking the strain for today, his Nikon rested on his left thigh, one hand holding it loosely. Keeping his face forward, he leaned towards me, bringing with him the scent of the light, woody aftershave he now favoured.

  ‘What?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘You’re staring at me.’

  ‘Rubbish. Not every woman stares at you, you know.’

  His mouth curved into a smile and he turned to face me, his eyes catching the light of the twinkling around us. ‘I’m not interested in every woman.’

  ‘Only some of them.’

  He held my gaze for a moment, then gave me a quick eye-roll, the smile remaining. A sudden movement at the back of the room signalled a shuffling of chairs, a rustle of fabric and a combined turning of bodies as the entrance music began and the doors to the ballroom were opened. Liv, holding on to Jeremy’s arm, entered the room and, for the first time in three years of doing this job, I cried at a wedding.

  Liv didn’t mess up her vows, and the entire ceremony was absolutely beautiful. The food was elegant, delicious and plentiful. The band was excellent and a DJ had also been hired, so there was something for everyone throughout the evening. Everywhere I looked there were smiles and people enjoying themselves. I knew from experience that, despite the joy a wedding should bring, this wasn’t always the case and quite often, especially when it came to society weddings, there could occasionally be a certain amount of other, less generous feelings that were very thinly veiled. I was relieved to see that today was different. Liv had money, beauty and privilege and sometimes it was easy to tell that most things in life had gone her way. But unlike many I’d met, she realised and appreciated that privilege, and put it to good use.

  There were several charities she was a big supporter of and, in between the adventures and the relaxation, we’d taken time out on their holiday to visit some of the projects they were involved in, Liv and Sandy taking notes about any problems they were experiencing and putting the wheels in motion for those to be sorted the moment we’d returned to the car. In India, Liv had found out where the local orphanages were and enquired as to what they were in need of, and then ensured those items were delivered the next day. I’d seen her watch those so much less fortunate than us they’d had to make their home on the street then glance at the enormous rock on her left hand, before looking back at their dusty, dark surroundings. Unlike many others we’d witnessed on our travels, she really saw everything, and didn’t just disregard it. She never forgot they were still people.

  ‘That looks like some very deep thinking going on there.’ Hunter appeared at my side, a crystal flute of champagne in each hand, one of which he held out to me.

  ‘Is that a good idea?’ I asked, taking it anyway. ‘I’ve already had one and a half this evening.’

  ‘How about if I promise to keep an eye on you?’

  ‘That’s exactly what I’m worried about.’

  ‘Damn,’ he said, taking the seat beside me and sipping from his own glass, ‘she’s seen straight through my plan.’

  I gave him a look under my lashes, unable to hide the smile and held out my glass. He tapped his lightly against it and smiled back.

  ‘Are you having a nice time?’ I asked. ‘It seems like you know an awful lot of people.’ Hunter had been busy introducing me throughout the evening until I’d eventually begged off, my feet protesting at the four-and-a-half-inch heels I’d now had them in for hours, and gone to find the seat he now found me in.

  ‘Yeah. It’s been nice.’ He gave me a quick glance. ‘I admit I’ll be ready to get out of here once Liv and Sandeep leave, though.’

  ‘And disappoint those bridesmaids? You are a callous man, Hunter Scott.’

  He gave me a don’t-be-a-smart-arse look. ‘I think the free-flowing champagne has something to do with their… attentions.’

  I’d seen them at the fitting when there had been far less champagne and their eyes had still been firmly fixed on him. Being somewhat distracted myself once his shirt came off, I could only imagine that theirs were by that point out on stalks. Understandably.

  ‘Were you thinking about going yet, or had you planned to stay on a bit longer?’ He didn’t look at me as he said it.

  ‘No, I think I’m pretty much ready to go once I’ve said goodbye to them too.’

  ‘Fancy sharing a cab back to the hotel?’

  ‘I think that sounds like a very economical idea. I mean, I know they have money but I’m not prepared to rip them off.’ I gave him a slightly haughty look as I paraphrased his comment to me that first night.

  ‘Point taken. And deserved.’

  Our attention was suddenly drawn to the MC who announced the bride and groom were now getting ready to leave. Hunter and I stood and waited as the two made their way through the large crowd of people, saying thank you and goodbye to them all. Eventually Liv spotted us and charged her way through to where we stood. She flung her arms around us both at the same time, which resulted in Hunter suddenly bending awkwardly and our heads almost meeting behind Liv’s back as she hugged us to her.

  ‘I love you two!’ Liv said, finally releasing us. ‘You made our trip the best ever. I’m so glad you came. It was just like going with friends! I mean, I know we were friends already, Hunter, but you know what I mean. Thank you so much!’

  ‘You’re welcome, Liv. It was a pleasure.’ Hunter bent again and kissed her on the cheek.

  ‘Everything she said,’ Sandeep laughed as he fought his way through the other guests. He and Hunter had a manly embrace, and then he gave me a big hug. ‘Thanks, Mia. Liv felt so comfortable with you.’ He leant forward so only the four of us could hear. ‘She said she felt she could be herself with you, and that makes me very happy.’

  ‘I did. I did say that!’ Liv added, earnestly.

  I hugged her while Sandeep released the glass of champagne she’d lifted from somewhere before it ended up down my back.

  ‘Thank you. I’m very glad you feel that way.’

  ‘When we get back from honeymoon, we should go for dinner!’

  ‘That would be lovely.’

  Liv beamed and started to walk away. ‘Oh!’ she said, turning back. ‘And don’t forget to let me know how… you know…’ She jabbed her finger in Hunter’s direction a couple of times. ‘How you get on there.’

  I smiled. ‘Will do.’

  Liv did
an excited little bounce on the spot before turning. Sandeep gave a shrug and then laughed, the love he had for his new wife evident in every expression.

  ‘OK. Good thing that wasn’t awkward or anything,’ Hunter said, tipping his head towards me and avoiding the not terribly well disguised looks of interest being thrown our way from those who had heard Liv’s request about keeping her updated.

  We said our goodbyes and made the short cab journey back to our own hotel.

  ‘It’s hardly like you to be shy,’ I said, picking up the conversation, ‘Your latest conquests are usually all over the gossip mags,’ I replied as we made our way to the lifts.

  ‘Conquests?’

  I shrugged as I pressed the call button with my knuckle. It pinged and I stepped in, followed by Hunter, the doors closing softly behind him.

  ‘For your information, I don’t make conquests.’

  ‘OK.

  ‘Forgive me, but there didn’t seem a whole lot of conviction behind that “OK”.’

  ‘It’s just a word.’

  ‘Just a word. Like gigolo?’ The smile teased at his lips.

  ‘Oh bloody hell. You’re never going to let me live that one down, are you? I told you. It just slipped out. And to be fair, you kind of are one.’

  ‘I am not! You know, you should never believe half the stuff you read in the media, Mia.’

  I shook my head at the tease and watched the numbers on the display. It was easier than watching Hunter right now. We arrived at our floor and walked slowly towards our rooms, partly because we were both tired and partly because my feet were protesting, but the shoes were so gorgeous I still didn’t want to take them off just yet.

  ‘Your shoes are killing you, are they?’

  ‘Yep.’

  ‘So take them off.’

  ‘Huh!’ I said, reaching my door and beeping the keycard. ‘I bet you say that to all the girls.’ I opened the door a little and leant against it, lifting my gaze to meet his.

  ‘Is that part of what’s bothering you? My so-called reputation these days?’

  I took a deep breath, then let it out as I contemplated the question. ‘No. I don’t think so.’