From Paris With Love This Christmas

by Jules Wake

  ‘Good idea,’ his voice sounded suspiciously strangled and he turned his back on her, rather abruptly as if he’d definitely finished talking to her. How rude. What was wrong with him now?

  With a sniff, she backed out of the bathroom, shutting the door with a bang, narrowly missing catching the hem of her nightie in … nom d’un chien! She looked down. She really needed to invest in some new nightwear.

  Jason took a slug of milky coffee and leaned back against the draining board. Maybe he needed to go out and get laid; it had been a while since he’d had sex but Siena wandering around in that see-through thing wasn’t helping. At this rate, living with her, he was going to burst a blood vessel or set his stomach off again. Correct that. He wasn’t living with her. Her stay was strictly temporary and he needed to find out when she was going home. She couldn’t stay here; she’d drive him insane. Only one day and two nights and already she seemed to have spread a detritus of belongings about the house. Ankle boots, sexy high-heeled fuck-me numbers, now littered the hall. OK, so two pairs, but that was still two pairs too many. A scarf draped over the banister might not be much, but it was the start of things. Like the leather jacket slung over the back of the chair opposite him. As for the bathroom, he was surprised he could still get in there. A lorry load of Clarins products had staked their claim along every available surface. He liked things tidy. In their place. He liked … the image of her exquisitely perfect body popped into his head. Only two days and he’d already seen far too much of that too. He didn’t seem to be able to dislodge the image from the loop in his head.

  ‘Morning.’

  And there she was, as if he’d conjured her up; her complexion glowing. He wasn’t prone to fancy imaginings but her skin did appear to have its own luminosity. Then again, hardly surprising given all those expensive lotions and potions upstairs.

  Deciding to be on his best behaviour and follow her civilised lead, he said ‘Morning. Would you like a coffee?’

  A smile lit up her face. Damn, it really did light it up. ‘I’d love one.’ She sank gracefully into the chair.

  She certainly was easy on the eye. Last night’s gorgeous vamp had been replaced with this daisy-fresh dewy-skinned natural beauty. No doubt the simple lavender blue T-shirt which highlighted the clear tones of her blue eyes cost a fortune but with pristine white jeans hugging long legs and skimming very neat ankles, she looked like some supermodel in from a long country walk.

  Dropping into the chair opposite he watched her take a cautious sip of coffee and wrinkle her nose. ‘Is this instant?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Oh no, really?’

  ‘Seriously? You’re complaining about my coffee?’

  ‘I wasn’t exactly complaining.’ She shrugged her shoulders.

  ‘Sounded like it to me.’

  ‘I wasn’t. Surprised, perhaps. I didn’t think people really drank instant.’

  ‘They do, but feel free to buy your own fresh coffee.’

  ‘Sorry,’ her smile faltered and he felt as if he’d drop kicked a kitten. ‘I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful. It’s a cultural thing. In France most people drink filter coffee or from a cafetière. I wasn’t complaining.’

  Jason sighed. ‘Look. I’m sorry. We got off to a bad start. I haven’t had much sleep recently and I wasn’t expecting a houseguest. When Laurie asked me to pick you up, I’d driven back from Scotland. It’s further north than Yorkshire and takes at least six hours drive.’ Siena nodded and he was glad he’d explained. Her knowledge of British geography seemed to be rather sketchy. ‘I’m happy to agree a few house rules for the next couple of days. And then if I’m around I can take you back to the airport. But I’m not here to babysit you, you get that? I picked you up as a favour to Laurie. I’m not responsible for you. You’re on your own. Not my guest. Not my lodger. A temporary visitor.’

  He needed to stress that. Temporary. Not like bloody Stacey who’d imperceptibly drifted into his flat like the whisper of a ghost, imprinting herself bit by bit, until one day she’d moved in. If he’d been more observant at the outset, he wouldn’t have had to be such a bastard at the end.

  Siena leaned one forearm on the table and took another sip of coffee. He felt his nerve endings go on alert at her studied casualness.

  ‘House rules.’ She nodded at him, her smile dazzling. It did dazzle him too. He found it difficult to concentrate when she smiled like that, all attention on you. Distracting. Even so, why did he get the impression she was hiding something? That sunny smile certainly made it hard to remember that she was a royal princess pain in the butt. He’d already lost his dinner to her, parted with seventy quid on her behalf and driven several hundred miles on five hours sleep.

  ‘Do you know I’ve never shared a house with anyone before? Well, that’s not strictly true, obviously I live with my parents and the staff.’

  ‘We’re not sharing a house,’ he bit out. ‘You are a temporary guest. Temporary. Got it—’ He stopped. ‘You have staff?’ No wonder she was so clueless.

  She stiffened. He held up his hand in apology, it had come out sounding rather judgemental. ‘Sorry, even Will’s family never had real staff. All sounds a bit Downton Abbey.’

  ‘Hardly, times have changed.’ The innocent smile belied her tart words. ‘We even give the staff holidays these days.’

  ‘Right. Back to the rules. I’m out of the house by eight most mornings. You can use the bathroom after then.’

  ‘Trop d’honneur, merci!’

  ‘I suggest you learn to knock on the bathroom door if you don’t want any more surprises. You’ve probably realised there’s no lock on the door. I don’t mind sharing my instant coffee for the next couple of days but you’ll need to pitch in and buy milk and your own food. I’m going to be away for a couple of days, so if you’re booking your flight home, I can take you to the airport before or after then. Anything you need to know?’

  ‘I was wondering when I might get some clean towels.’

  ‘About the same time you put the dirty ones in the washing machine, I guess.’

  Siena coloured and he felt like the kitten-kicker again, so he swallowed down his next comment. ‘If you bring them down, I’ll show you how the washing machine works. And the dishwasher. If you fill it up, put it on. If it’s full, empty it. All the usual.’ Was that a dumb thing to say? What was usual for her?

  She was nodding like one of those crazy dogs in cars, so he assumed she was following.

  ‘So,’ he stood up and rinsed out his coffee mug. ‘When do you think you’ll be leaving?’

  There it was again, the evasive study of her fingernails and the slight tension in her jaw.

  ‘I’m not sure.’

  ‘Are we talking not sure, tomorrow, or the end of the week?’

  Siena opened her mouth and closed it again. ‘I need to speak to Laurie.’

  It was doubtful Laurie would want her up in Yorkshire. She and Cam had the builders in big time at the moment. There was no way they’d want Siena under their feet. Jason smiled. He’d be shot of her by the end of the week.

  Siena let herself out of the front door, pocketing the front door key that Jason had handed over, after carefully sliding it onto a little Lego man key ring, so she wouldn’t lose it. When he wasn’t being grumpy, he could be quite kind. Although, that would go up in smoke if he found out what she was really planning.

  Guiltily she looked back down the street. Satisfied she was out of earshot, she pulled out her phone, dialled and then carried on walking briskly, trying to warm up. A layer of frost coated the windscreens of the parked cars lining the street. It felt cold enough for snow and the tip of her nose tingled in the freezing air.

  ‘Siena.’ Laurie’s voice rang with pleasure.

  ‘Hi Laurie.’

  ‘How are you? I am so sorry I’m not there. If you’d given me a bit more notice I could have made arrangements. It’s chaos up here, otherwise I would invite you. We only got the water back on yesterday. And I ca
n’t leave Norah.’ Laurie paused before adding. ‘Do you remember Uncle Miles’ housekeeper? She should have retired but she insists on coming to,’ there was another awkward pause, ‘to Merryview to help out.’

  Siena winced at Laurie’s careful mention of her inheritance, the house which had left their mother incandescent with affronted rage. A weaker woman might have taken to her bed. Not Maman. No, she’d called in a team of Paris’s finest legal advocates to query the veracity of her brother’s last will and testament.

  Siena swallowed. ‘It was sort of a spur of the moment thing.’ That sounded much better than a nowhere-else-to-go flight.

  ‘Next time, you idiot,’ the warmth of Laurie’s voice made the insult affectionate, ‘phone me first. I’m gutted I can’t see you. When are you heading back?’

  Siena stopped and leaned against the nearest garden wall. ‘Here’s the thing.’ She kept her tone shiny bright and upbeat. ‘You know how you said I’d always have my own room,’ she left the pause, hoping that Laurie would fill it with effusive acceptance.

  Unfortunately Laurie didn’t oblige.

  ‘Remember, you said it was mine, ‘whenever I want it’?’

  ‘Yes,’ Laurie sounded hesitant.

  ‘And you decorated it and everything. Your house is gorgeous inside by the way. I love the way you’ve done it. I can’t believe you did the bedroom for me. I’ve been dying to see it and,’ she took a breath, ‘I want to stay for a while.’

  ‘Wow. I didn’t see that coming. How long’s a while?’ Trust Laurie, Miss Practical Pants to get straight to the point.

  ‘Quite a while, like a year or two or three.’

  There was silence.

  Siena rushed on. ‘I’ve decided to do a fashion degree. In London. I need to apply. Maman won’t be too keen but I figure if I go back, all signed up, with somewhere to stay and a place, she can’t really stop me.’ She didn’t add that she hadn’t realised that Leighton Buzzard was so far from London but she’d worry about that later.

  ‘Siena, that’s great. You said that’s what you wanted to do. Good for you. I’m sure your, I mean, our mother will be fine.’

  Siena pulled a face. She wasn’t so sure.

  ‘Of course you can stay. Although what about Jason? I can’t kick him out. It’s been quite handy having him there, looking after the place.’

  ‘Oh Jason’s fine. He doesn’t mind.’ Siena looked back over her shoulder.

  ‘Really? I guess it makes sense. There’s plenty of room and the two of you can share the bills. The council tax is a killer and I’m sure he’ll be grateful to share that as well as the electricity, gas and water.’ Laurie lowered her voice. ‘Nice for him to have company too. I don’t know him that well, he’s a uni friend of Cam’s so he must be alright.’

  ‘And how is the lovely Cam?’ asked Siena grateful to change the subject.

  ‘Fine,’ said Laurie matter of factly. ‘In fact when we’re a bit straighter you must come and see us.’

  ‘Just fine?’ teased Siena. ‘Mighty fine, I seem to recall.’ She might have met him only once but as men went, he was more than fine.

  Laurie laughed. ‘He’s gorgeous, stubborn, opinionated, absolutely lovely and a pain in the arse in equal measure.’

  Once they’d wound up their conversation. Siena started walking again, a grin on her face. Looked like everything was working out perfectly.

  Electrical Assembler. What the heck was that? Experienced assembler required.

  That counted her out. Her finger scanned down the rest of the column as she leaned on the dresser, studying the back pages of the local paper.

  UK driving licence required. Perhaps they might consider a French one.

  A possible.

  Must be fully conversant with Word/Excel and have some knowledge of accountancy packages.

  No, not suitable.

  Car owner.

  ‘You’re back.’ She jumped at the sound of Jason’s voice and folded the newspaper quickly.

  ‘Yes, I popped into town,’ she said brightly as if sounding upbeat might dispel the leaden lump in her chest. ‘I’ve got your money for you.’ She handed it to him.

  ‘Thanks.’ He put the money on the side, leaving it there as he began to pull clothes from the yawning mouth of the washing machine.

  It hurt that he left the crisp bank notes so casually on the side. They represented a third of all she had access to at that moment.

  Her bank account wasn’t as flush as she’d thought. Of course there’d been the first class flight to London, the new dress and boots from Printemps and this winter’s collection new Prada handbag and the matching purse this month. Asking Maman for an advance on next month’s allowance appeared to be out of the question.

  ‘I really appreciated you lending me the money.’ She fingered the ribbing on the sleeve of her fine knit jumper not looking him in the eye.

  ‘No problem.’ He shook out a pair of jeans.

  ‘So the bills here. Are they quite expensive?’

  ‘They’re alright.’ Jason picked up the basket and hummed to himself.

  Hesitantly she watched as he started pegging out his washing on a rack besides the rather feeble radiator.

  ‘So,’ she said brightly, ‘how much do you pay?’

  He looked up from the task and glared at her. ‘If you want to know how much rent I pay your sister, spit it out and ask.’

  ‘No. I wanted to know what kind of expenses are involved in owning your own home. I’m thinking about buying an apartment in Paris.’

  ‘It’s probably different there but here, there’s council tax which is a hundred and thirty-three pounds a month,’ as he spoke, he flipped the clothes over the rack with efficient quick movements, ‘electricity is thirty-five pounds a month, gas varies but again about thirty-five pounds and water is about three hundred pounds a year, plus the telly licence which obviously you wouldn’t pay in France.’

  ‘Right.’ Her stomached flipped. ‘That’s really helpful.’

  He raised a sceptical eyebrow and she gave him a half-hearted smile. Over two hundred pounds a month, so half of that was a hundred pounds, plus food and other expenses.

  When his back was turned, she tucked the paper behind her back and slid out of the kitchen to head upstairs.

  Settling on her bed she opened the paper again and sighed. The jobs either looked terribly dull or you needed previous experience.

  ‘Wanted: door-to-door canvassers who are highly-motivated, enthusiastic and professional. With a passion to meet and exceed targets. Quality individuals needed to represent our company.

  Hello, this sounded promising.

  Whether you have previous experience or not, as long as you have a passion to succeed, we’d love to talk to you.

  This position requires excellent face-to-face communication skills with a positive and outgoing personality.

  Basic pay negotiable with fantastic commission structure in place.

  Siena sat up straighter. Oh, yes. She could feel it in her bones. This sounded like a great job. Maman thought she’d go running home, but Siena would show her.

  Chapter 5

  Monday morning and brewing day. With a yawn and a stretch, he rubbed his bristled chin. Shaving was a chore and it wasn’t like he worked in an office any more but after a few days, the stubble drove him crazy.

  He staggered through to the bathroom and then stopped dead. The shower was running.

  He knocked on the door. ‘Siena? Is that you?’

  ‘Yes, won’t be long.’

  Bloody hell. He wanted a pee, a shave and a shower. No, he needed a pee. Right now. He wanted his usual morning routine. For a minute he waited but there was no fricking sign of the water abating. Did the fact she was up so early mean she had a flight to catch?

  He’d avoided her on Saturday night by inviting himself along to the pub with Ben. That had backfired a bit because Claire had been there and had somehow ended up hip to hip with him all evening and he might
have had a drink too many and might have kissed her. But suggesting lunch on Sunday had probably been his stupidest move. He didn’t want to lead her on and he had horrible idea that he might have given her the wrong signals.

  Two full minutes later and his bladder was telling him he wasn’t a freaking camel. He could have burst in but catching Siena naked again felt wrong. Stomping downstairs, he barged into the kitchen, knocking a toe painfully against one of the wooden chairs.

  ‘For crying out loud,’ he spat through gritted teeth. Grasping the hot tap, he turned it on full and looked up at the ceiling. ‘Take that, madam.’ A second later, he heard a squeal of shock. He let the tap run for a good minute until he heard the shower door slam.

  With a satisfied wrench he switched the tap off.

  Knocking on the bathroom for a second time made no difference.

  ‘Siena, I need to get in there.’

  ‘I won’t be long.’

  ‘You already have been.’

  ‘I’ll be out in five.’

  ‘You’ve got five seconds before I go and pee in the wastepaper basket in your bedroom.’

  There was no response.

  ‘One.’

  He heard Siena sniff.

  ‘Two.’

  ‘Three.’

  He opened her bedroom door, listening with satisfaction to its loud, familiar squeak.

  ‘Don’t you dare!’ She shot out of the bathroom, her hair bundled in a towel with another wrapped around her. ‘I’m out.’ She stuck her nose in the air. ‘Honestly, some people have no patience.’

  ‘Some people are trying to get ready to go to work. Alien concept I’m sure.’

  She stopped, drew herself up and with a haughty stare looked right down her nose at him. If he hadn’t been so damn desperate for the loo, he might have found it cute. Her attempt at snotty would have worked better if she were a few inches taller but he topped her by three inches.

  ‘I’ve got a job interview, actually.’ With that she sauntered off to her bedroom.