He looked back over his shoulder and said, ‘Maybe we should continue our conversation about your book.' Then grinning, walked through the doorway.
My mouth dropped open. I took a deep breath to steady myself; I was flirting with Nate Hamilton, and if I was not mistaken, unbelievably, he was flirting back. Or was he? I was seriously confused and I really needed to stop thinking about him as Nathaniel James Hamilton; movie star, and start thinking of him as Nate; my friend's brother. He may play a bad boy on the big screen but he had such a good guy reputation in real life. I had read an article where he had given a fan his umbrella because she had been waiting in the rain for three hours just to get his autograph, and he was always joking around in interviews then apologising profusely for being rude. I was almost painfully attracted to him and wanted him to think the best of me and the flirting was unexpected and amazing. A huge smile crept across my face and I bit down on my bottom lip. Nothing was going to happen between Nate and me but a girl could dream. I stood and dropped my book to the table.
I walked to the kitchen doorway and stopped to take in the sight before me; Maggie and Ella were moving pots and pans around, dishing things out onto plates, and Nate had seated himself at the kitchen table, turned slightly in his chair to chat to his mother and sister.
‘So there he was,’ Nate was saying as I walked in, ‘standing on the bar in front of about one hundred people reciting whatever Shakespeare that came to mind, he takes a step back and falls behind the bar. There is a huge gasp from the crowd until he pops up, unhurt, and asks if anyone wants a cocktail.’ Ella and Maggie laughed and I realised that it didn't seem to matter what he was saying, he put so much passion and enthusiasm into his words that everything sounded right.
'How was your afternoon?' Ella had spotted me in the doorway and smiled as I moved a little further towards her.
'Good thanks, managed to get some reading done. How about you? Where did you disappear to?' I could have been mistaken but I could have sworn that her cheeks flushed slightly.
'Oh, I just had to pop out for some things.' She didn't look right at me so I knew she was hiding something, but if there was anything I had learnt about Ella in the past few months was that if she wanted you to know something she would eventually tell you. I sent her a reassuring smile and changed the subject.
'Is there anything I can help with?' I asked, I hadn't done anything to help all day and it was making me feel idle.
‘Oh no dear,’ Maggie said, dishing out some delicious smelling chicken. ‘You just take a seat – it’s nearly ready.’
I made my way around the counter island and over to the kitchen table where Nate was smiling up at me, pulled out the chair next to him – a true gentleman – and as I lowered myself into the offered chair and smiled in thanks, he asked, 'Would you like some wine?'
'Thank you.' He lifted the bottle of white wine then poured me a generous measure. I lifted the glass to my lips and took a sip, it tasted slightly of elderflower and melon and it seemed to fill all my senses.
Maggie and Ella lifted a plate each then came over and placed one on each placemat. The smell was making my mouth water and I thought it must have been the sea air making me hungrier than I usually found myself at this time; I tucked into my dinner and settled in around this family. They were all so easy to talk to and I didn't feel out of place answering Maggie's questions about myself and my family, and I laughed along with them as they told me stories about Ella and Nate as children. By the end of the meal I was satisfied that I had made the right decision on coming and not spending Christmas alone.
As Maggie and Ella had worked so hard in preparing such a delicious meal I insisted on cleaning up but Maggie wasn't too keen, 'Oh no dear, you are a guest.'
'You cooked! The least I can do is clear things away.'
After a moment she smiled, then nodded, 'I could do with popping over to the vicarage to check on the arrangements for the carol service.' She patted me on the cheek as she passed then disappeared into the hallway.
'Yeah and as Nate didn't help with cooking he can give you a hand.' Ella reached over and playfully punched him in the arm. 'I, however, will go and plonk myself in front of the telly with the rest of this.' She stood and lifted her glass and the bottle of wine then sauntered from the room leaving me alone with Nate.
He stood when I did. 'You can leave this to me too if you like.' I reached to take Maggie's and my wine glasses.
'Nonsense, I am not going to leave you to clear all this up yourself.' He started to pile the plates up, 'How about you wash and I will dry?'
'Alright.' I took the glasses and placed them by the sink then began to run the water and while I waited for it to heat up I reached over to the windowsill and picked up the bottle of washing up liquid and squirted it into the bowl. Placing the bottle back I wondered why Maggie didn't have a dishwasher but then I suppose when you lived alone most of the time, you wouldn't really need one.
I turned to grab some of the dishes off the counter island and bumped into a solid chest. I could feel Nate's chuckle as it vibrated through him and I looked up into his eyes; in this light and from this angle they looked a little more green than blue and I could see his five o'clock shadow, my fingers itched to stroke his jaw and feel it rough against my skin.
'Sorry.' I stepped back and found myself backed against the sink. I smiled then turned quickly and shut off the water. Nate leaned around me and placed the glasses into the sink and I set about washing and trying not to think about the man who was standing next to me.
As I washed, and purposefully didn't think about Nate, the thought of my usual Christmas entered my head. On Christmas Eve we used to have take away after a few drinks down the pub, then when my sister had the kids we would go to her house and play board games; they usually ended in accusations of cheating and the only way to calm everyone down would be to insist we each open one present. I was starting to really miss them and I realised that I hadn't seen my parents in a couple of months, and my sister for a little longer.
'Are you alright? You let out a pretty heavy sigh.'
I looked up at Nate and saw the concern in his face. How could he be worried about me, he didn't know me, but I guess that it was just his nature to want everyone to be happy. 'I'm okay.'
'Are you sure? I mean you can tell me to bugger off and mind my own business but it won't stop me from worrying about you.' He gave me a little smile and I couldn't stop myself from returning it.
'I think I just realised that I'm a little homesick.' I turned and continued to wash the plate in my hand, 'This will be the first Christmas I have spent away from my family.' I lifted the plate out of the water and placed it on the draining board.
'I completely understand. It must be hard, especially at this time of year.' He dropped the tea towel to the counter then placed a hand on my shoulder and I turned to look at him. 'It is completely normal to miss them, but if you need someone to distract you from it or just someone to talk to, I'm a good listener.'
'Thank you.' It was all I could muster as a response. Images of the ways he could distract me flashed through my mind, him grabbing me and kissing me was at the forefront. It was the first time I thought that I might read too many romance novels but that didn't stop me from wanting it to happen. I turned back to the sink and we continued in comfortable silence.
Chapter Seven
Nate
I stretched my legs out in front of me, draped my arm along the back of the sofa and took in the sight around me; I loved this house and I especially loved it at Christmas. Mum's huge Christmas tree stood in one corner, it's brightly coloured lights slowly twinkling, and the ornaments she had had since both Ella and I were little dangling from the branches. Mum had also decked the mantelpiece out and there was a mass of holly and more lights sitting above the fire. Ella sat cross-legged to one side of the hearth and April was curled up in the armchair to the left. She had been sitting quietly with a happy smile on her face for most of the evening ju
st listening to Ella and I tell her stories of our childhood.
'So every so often we would find him curled up in the dog bed with the dog lying just outside it watching him.' Ella was laughing now and I sent her a stern look; that wasn't a story I really wanted sharing but when I heard April laugh, and I looked across at her, I let any anger towards my little sister go. If my odd actions as a child made her laugh like that then I would happily feel the humiliation of them.
'Thanks for that Ell, I'm sure April would be interested in hearing that you used to sit in front of the washing machine for hours at a time just watching it go round and round.'
Ella reached behind her and grabbed a cushion then launched it at my head and I heard April laugh louder. I looked back over at her and smiled. She really was incredibly attractive and I wanted to know why no one had managed to wriggle their way into her heart. I was a little grateful for the fact but also a little curious, how had she gone so long without falling in love with anyone? I'm sure men had tried, they would be idiots not to, but I wanted to know what she was waiting for, or who?
Ella let out a yawn and stretched, 'Right I'm going to bed.' She stood and I watched as she picked up her empty glass and left the room. I turned back to April and smiled, she moved in her chair and I watched as she un-tucked her legs and began to stand.
'I should probably head to bed too.' She had moved towards the door and I realised that I didn't want to say good night yet.
'How about a night cap?' The words came out of my mouth before I even thought about them.
She stopped and turned to look at me and I could see her thinking about it. 'Alright,' she said, and sent me a shy smile.
I hadn't realised I was holding my breath until she answered and a wave of relief surged through me. I would have felt so disappointed if she had said no. I gestured to the sofa and watched her move to sit right on the edge; she looked ridged and nervous and I hoped a drink would relax her a little. I moved to the drinks cabinet and pulled out a bottle of Jameson's and picked up the two whiskey glasses that stood on top. I placed the glasses on the coffee table, unscrewed the bottle cap and poured a good measure of the amber liquid into each glass, passing one to her before leaning back into the sofa with my own. April took the tumbler from me and wiggled herself towards the back of the seat; I watched as she took a sip and her eyes closed, she let out an 'mmm' noise that hit me a little south of my stomach. She leaned back into the sofa and turned her head towards me and her eyes fluttered open, a small smile on her lips.
'Hi,' I smiled back and took a sip of my own drink.
'Hi.' She let out a little laugh and took a deep breath and then slowly let it out.
'Are you feeling any better?' I realised I wanted her to feel at home and comfortable here. I wanted her to be happy.
'I am thank you. I'm hoping to give my parents a call at sometime on Christmas Eve and I have decided that I am going to enjoy my Christmas no matter what.' She grinned at me and I had the urge to lean across and kiss her.
'So are you claiming today as a good day?' I twisted in my seat so I was facing her a little more.
‘Today has been wonderful, despite the slight homesickness. Being welcomed and getting the opportunity to stay in such a beautiful house practically on one of the most stunning beaches I have had the pleasure to walk along. Good food, great company, what more could a girl ask for.’ Her smile and words were genuine.
'I'm glad that you had a good day and that you're feeling better.' I watched as she took another sip of her drink and when she lowered her glass she shifted slightly in her seat and turned more towards me and looked into my eyes. 'So tell me Miss Walters, what have you asked Santa for this Christmas?'
She giggled, 'Well, the usual; a pony, a castle, and a yacht.’ Her giggle broken in to a hearty laugh and she shook her head. 'In reality I only ever ask for the same things, books, they are my weakness after all.' She started to look a little shy again and I stayed quiet hoping she would open up to me. 'I have to say though; if I could have anything I would say your car.' I smiled. 'Well not your actual car, obviously, but a Jag F-type... in black.'
'It's a great car.'
'Oh it really is. It's a sexy car.' She blushed slightly but took another drink to try and hid the fact, 'I bet she handles like a dream.'
My smile broadened. Before I got the F-type I was driving around London in a Renault Cleo hatchback that I bought about nine years ago with one of my first decent pay cheques. It was a good car and it served me well, but as soon as I saw the F-type I fell in love. She was a beautiful, sleek, and as April said, sexy car - I had to have her. I had waited until the last 'Danger' film had wrapped so I had a little free time, and the extra cash, and I booked myself in for the test drive which was the closer for me.
'You have no idea. I have never driven a car that I would get so excited about driving. I usually come down on the train and mum would pick me up but I needed to bring her just so I could drive the three hours it takes to get here.' I saw her eyes light up at my words and I wanted her to experience how great the machine really is, 'I am going to have to take you out for a drive because everyone deserves to experience it.'
Her smile widened and she bounced a little in her seat. 'That would be amazing. Just to sit in it would be great but to go for a drive.' She grinned at me and laughed. I really liked to see her excited about something, and I realised that over the past couple of hours I had seen so many emotions from her but I still wanted to see more. 'What about you? What do you want Santa to bring you?'
I thought for a moment. 'There isn't really anything I need.' I took a sip of my drink and savoured the way it burned down my throat and warmed my stomach. When it came to physical things I tended to just buy what I needed. If it was something on the slightly more pricey side, like the car, then I would wait until I thought I had earned it, or wait and save if I needed to. Ella and I had been brought up to work for what we wanted. Money hadn't been an issue for our family; our mother came from money but also worked really hard building her own events business and our dad was a lawyer with a huge firm in London and they could have just given us things when we asked for them but then neither of us would be the people we are now. We work hard for what we want and if we don't earn enough then we didn't deserve it.
'I didn't ask what you needed, I asked what you wanted.'
I thought a moment and gazed at her. Kissing her was what I wanted right at that moment, but I thought she might be somewhat taken aback with that answer. 'How about a surprise, something I wouldn't expect.'
I saw her lean into me a little then my eyes dropped to her lips and I watched as her tongue darted out and moistened them. My God, had she read my mind? Was she about to kiss me? A second later it was as if she thought better of it and she turned away and downed the last of her drink. I let out the breath I was holding and watched her place her glass on the table in front of us and pick up the bottle of scotch and pour herself another decent measure. She turned and held the bottle towards me. I lifted my glass towards her and she poured me a measure then placed the bottle back on the table.
'So a surprise Christmas present, that would be nice.' She leaned back into the sofa and sipped her drink.
'Yeah, well I tend to just buy stuff which kind of makes it hard for me to come up with ideas for presents for me.' I looked at her, feeling kind of like a jerk for having so much. 'That makes me sound sort of... privileged, right?'
She shook her head. 'No, to be honest I tend to do the same sort of thing. If I want something I buy it, or save up to buy it. I would never expect anyone to buy me anything.' She let out a little laugh. 'That's probably why I always ask for books. They never seem like a big ask.'
I nodded in agreement, to me books were an essential item, not something huge, but essential. April ran a hand through her hair and the action fascinated me. She shifted in her seat again and I wondered if this was what she was just like, she was someone who constantly moved about or was it just if she was r
elaxing into a new environment. She smiled at me then asked, 'So what about when you were little? What was the best present you got?'
I thought about it for a moment. There had been some great presents but there was one that stood out a little more than the rest. 'When I was eight I remember waking up on Christmas morning, charging down the stairs and then opening the living room door to a massive pile of gifts. Standing right in the middle was a bright red racing bike.' I let out a sigh and closed my eyes, 'I can still picture it. My dad had tied a massive bow to the handlebars and the lights from the tree made it look like it was glowing.' I opened my eyes and looked over at April.
My heart leapt at the look in her eyes, it was warm and happy and there was something else. I watched her bite down on her bottom lip and her eyes began to squint slightly as if she was trying to work something out in her head. I shifted forward slightly putting me within inches of her and I took a breath, sending her a small smile. I reached my hand forward and lifted the ends of a lock of her hair; I rubbed it slightly between my thumb and forefinger and wondered how she got it so soft. She had stopped biting her lip and I watched as her tongue flicked out to moisten the reddened skin.
I leaned towards her and she swayed forward, her eyes fluttering closed; she wanted this too, she wanted to kiss me as much as I wanted to kiss her. We were so close and my heart was hammering in my chest and then... zzzz... zzzz.
'Shit.' I leaned back and pulled my phone out of my pocket. I watched April's eyes fly open in surprise and she quickly leaned away. I wanted to pull her back towards me but I had automatically pressed the answer button and held the phone to my ear. 'Hamilton.' It came out a little throaty and I could hear my own frustration in my voice. April stood and I looked up at her. As Ian twittered on in my ear I watched April gesture that she was going to head upstairs and I knew I would probably be on the phone for a while if Ian was calling this late so I nodded and tried to send her an apologetic smile. I watched as she walked away and out the door, I could hear my name being called from my phone and drew my attention back to it. 'Sorry Ian what was that?
An Unexpected Christmas Page 5