She savored the breakfast, realizing that this was the first Christmas she hadn’t spent alone during the past two years. Ben had always called her, but they had not shared a single holiday together. They usually opened presents at New Year’s, after he returned to New York.
“Thank you for bringing me to Paris,” she said. “And I hope your headache is gone.”
“There’s still a slight pain, but it’s nothing like last night,” he admitted, before he drained the coffee. He poured a second cup and added, “The caffeine helps.”
“I’m glad you’re all right now.” She finished her crepe, and then stood up. “If you’ll wait a moment, I’ll be right back with the gifts.”
“You didn’t need to buy me anything.”
“I wanted to.” With that, she turned and left his room, hurrying back to her own. When she opened the door, she paused in front of the mirror. She looked as if she’d just returned from yoga class with her hair in a ponytail. Ugh. Not exactly her best look. But still, she couldn’t get her mind off the unexpected kiss. Alec had made her feel beautiful, almost cherished. The very memory of his mouth upon hers made her breathless.
Sarah gathered up the presents wrapped in hand towels and put them inside the hotel’s laundry bag. When she slung it over her shoulder, she rather felt like Santa Claus. She walked down the hall to his room and knocked, realizing she’d forgotten the key card he’d given her. When he opened it, she said, “Ho, ho, ho.”
His mouth twitched with a smile, and he let her inside. Sarah swung the laundry sack from her shoulder and deposited it on the rumpled bed. “I’ll go first.”
He sat down, and she handed him the square box of chocolates wrapped in the hand towel. “Enjoy.”
He took the terry cloth, and said, “Thank you. I think it’s the best Christmas present I’ve had in a long time.”
“But you haven’t opened it yet.”
His blue eyes held hers transfixed, and he said, “It’s been a long time since anyone gave me a Christmas present.”
Sarah found that hard to believe, but then again, his mother was gone. His colleagues might not have bought him any gifts because he was so wealthy. The sympathetic ache inside her deepened, but she managed a smile. “I hope you like it.”
“It doesn’t matter what’s inside,” he answered. “I already like it because you bought it for me.”
His sincerity touched her, and she managed a nod. If she didn’t push back against her traitorous heart, she would start to care about this man. And it was entirely too soon to let that happen.
Alec unfolded the hand towel to reveal the chocolate. “These look amazing.” Then he offered, “I’ll share them with you.”
“That might not be a good idea. I have a weakness for chocolate, and I lack self-control.”
“I don’t mind.” But he set aside the chocolate and passed her a large, wrapped box with a plaid bow.
“When did you have time to gift wrap this?” she asked as she tore the box open.
“I selected gift wrap options when I ordered it online during our flight.” There was a bemused expression on his face. “I can’t take credit.”
She opened the lid and found an assortment of seasonal cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and an apron. The thoughtful gift made her throat constrict with emotion. He’d remembered the cookies she’d baked and had tried to choose something she would love. “This is wonderful.” Even Ben had never given her gifts beyond the gold watch or gift cards. It made her own presents seem silly by comparison.
“And there’s something else.” He passed her a small gift bag. Inside, she found a pair of bright red gloves and a woolen hat. “In case you’re ever caught walking in a blizzard again.”
Her face softened into a smile. “I hope I won’t have to do that again. But thank you.”
Despite her inhibitions, she forced herself to give him the other two presents. They were hardly worth anything, but it was all she had to offer.
“They aren’t much,” she apologized. “Just some things I found in the gift shop.”
He unwrapped the champagne bottle and smiled. “Your gifts are meant to be shared. Those are the best kind.” When he unfolded the washcloth and revealed the deck of cards with the fluffy kitten, he started to laugh.
“You did seem to like cats,” she said. “I know it’s stupid, but I thought they might remind you of Marigold.”
He set the cards aside, and the expression on his face turned serious. “I like all the gifts, Sarah. It means a lot to me that you chose them.”
Her heart warmed at his words, but she warned herself to be careful. But when Alec came to sit beside her on the bed, her thoughts scattered. “I want to kiss you again. To say thank you and to wish you a Merry Christmas.” He reached out and tucked a loose strand of her ponytail behind one ear. “But I don’t want to push you into something you don’t want.”
His touch burned into her skin, along with the guilty realization that she did want him. She wanted to throw her good sense away and let herself fall beneath his spell. The thought of seizing a reckless moment in the arms of a gorgeous man terrified her, making her wonder what had taken control of her good sense. No. She couldn’t take that risk.
Sarah decided to be honest. “I liked kissing you, Alec. But I’m afraid it will lead to something I’m not ready for.” Her gut twisted with regret and worry, not wanting to disappoint him.
Instead, he merely let his hand slide across her cheek. “Then we should open the champagne and chocolates. We can see if there are any Christmas movies on television, since everything will be closed today. That is, if you want to stay inside.”
Her emotions flooded with such relief, she wanted to cry. It did sound like a great way to spend the day, especially if his headache was still there. “That sounds nice. But I should get dressed first.”
“If you like.” He propped several pillows against the headboard, making room for her. “I’m not going anywhere.”
She took her box of kitchen gifts with her and returned to her room. It gave her a moment to clear her head and think about what she was doing. Alec had respected her wishes and would not push her toward more…but he’d confirmed that he was interested in her.
Sarah closed her eyes and took a breath. She dressed in jeans and a sweater, before brushing her hair and slipping on flats.
The new cell phone Alec had given her buzzed, and she picked it up, wondering if he needed something. There was a new text message, and she opened it, only to see five words.
I know where you are.
Alec had just flipped the television channel when the door to his room opened, and Sarah entered. Her face was white, and she held out the cell phone he’d given her.
“How did Ben get this number?” Her hand was shaking, and she dropped the phone on the bed as if it were a poisonous snake.
Alec picked up the phone and saw the text message. Inwardly, he cursed, wondering the same thing. It was a brand-new phone, only activated yesterday.
Then he recalled that he’d emailed his assistant, Lacey, to arrange for the phone to be there when they arrived in Paris. She knew the cell number because she had ordered the line to be added to his account. Had she given the number to Ben by mistake? He couldn’t imagine why else she would have done such a thing. It wasn’t like her at all.
Damn it all.
“My assistant might have accidentally given it to him,” he admitted. “I’ll call Lacey and explain. She probably thought the phone was mine.”
Her mouth tightened, and she rested her wrists on her knees. “Why would Lacey think you had any involvement with Ben? You sent him away from your hotel. You have nothing to do with my ex-husband. Or…whatever he is.” She closed her eyes and sat down limply in a chair.
Careful. Sarah knew nothing of the business deal, and he couldn’t let her find out. She wouldn’t understand why it was so important to keep this meeting—especially when so many jobs depended on it. She would see it as a betray
al.
He’d already compartmentalized his dealings with Ben. The two men were separate in his brain. There was the businessman who could bring stability to his hotel chain. Then there was the abusive stalker that a primitive part of Alec wanted to pound into oblivion.
“Don’t answer the text,” he said. “Leave the phone here if you want.”
She took a breath and admitted, “I don’t want to ever see him again, Alec. I want him out of my life forever.”
It was clear that her mood had shifted back into fear. But he didn’t want her to dwell on it. “I’m sorry this happened.”
“Why would Ben even care where I am?” she blurted out. “He’s already married to someone else. Why would it matter if I leave him?”
“It’s about power and control. He doesn’t want you to take back your own life.” Alec stood and reached for the champagne. “But you can do whatever you want.”
He uncorked the bottle and found two wine glasses near the ice bucket. He poured a glass for her and one for himself. “Ignore the message. Let it go, and don’t let him ruin your Christmas.”
Sarah took the glass but didn’t drink. It seemed that she was considering it. Alec opened the box of chocolates she’d given him and offered her one. She chose a caramel and met his gaze. “You’re right. I won’t let Ben ruin my Christmas or anything else. I intend to do whatever I want. He has no say over my life anymore.”
He raised his glass to her. “Cheers to that.”
She clinked his glass and took a sip before she ate the chocolate. She savored the taste, and from the look of longing on her face, he offered her another one.
“No, these are yours,” she insisted. But when he continued to hold out the box, she finally chose a chocolate and lifted it to his mouth instead.
Alec froze instantly. Then he ate the confection, fully aware of his mouth against her fingertips. He imagined taking those fingers in his mouth, sucking gently, before he claimed her lips in a kiss.
Though she was fully dressed in jeans and an ice blue sweater that clung to her curves, his imagination peeled off the layers. Would her bare skin feel like silk? He pictured pressing her back into the soft duvet, her curves yielding as she surrendered. God, he wanted to pleasure this woman. He wanted to push back the darker memories and replace them with something better.
He shut the thought down. Sarah wasn’t ready and had told him as much. But she deserved more than the bastard she’d married.
The chocolate truffle melted in his mouth, and he took a sip of his champagne. The fizz blended with the chocolate, and then he chose a raspberry from the room service fruit plate. “Want one?” he asked, trying to break the spell she had set upon him.
“Please.” She held out her hand and took a raspberry, sitting back on the bed. “Did you find a movie to watch?”
“I’m torn between Rudolph and Frosty,” he said. “Or ‘A Christmas Carol.’”
“Oh, let’s watch Ebenezer Scrooge,” she said. She chose a spot beside him and propped up a pillow. Alec brought the champagne bucket between them, using it almost as a barrier. It was a physical reminder not to trespass. He filled her glass again and set the chocolates between them.
But he wasn’t watching the movie at all. He kept his face toward the screen, but he was taking in the details of Sarah’s face. The bruise had nearly healed, but every time he saw it, it brought out the desire to exact the same vengeance upon Carnell.
Her green eyes warmed as the Ghost of Christmas Past took Ebenezer Scrooge back to meet his first love. A softness stole over her face, a wistful expression of a woman who dreamed of romance. He wanted to give that to her.
She caught his gaze and asked, “What is it?”
With a smile, he adjusted his pillow. “Nothing at all.” But he nudged the cell phone off the bed and onto the floor so there was no chance of another interruption.
She returned the smile and leaned on one arm as she continued to watch the movie. Her blond hair was tousled around her face, and he decided he liked her better when she’d worn the yoga pants and T-shirt. Her natural beauty outshone all the other women he’d dated, and he liked the fact that Sarah could pull her hair into a bun and not care that she wasn’t wearing makeup.
His headache started to return, so he took a few ibuprofen pills to push it back. This time, he wanted to be fully conscious around Sarah. She was enthralled by the movie, and he was enjoying her presence.
When the movie was over, she leaned on her side. “How are you feeling now?”
“A little better. If you want to walk around the city, I could probably manage.”
Sarah brightened at the idea. “I would like that, yes.” She stood up from the bed and stretched. “Should I roll the room service cart into the hall?”
“I’ll do it,” he offered. “If you could hold the door open for me.”
She crossed the room to help him, when abruptly, his cell phone began ringing. Alec cursed and reached for it.
“Don’t answer it,” she warned.
He didn’t listen. If it was Carnell, he had a few words to say to the man. He touched the screen to answer and said, “This is Harrow.”
The woman’s voice on the other end of the line was unfamiliar. “Hello, Mr. Harrow. I’m sorry for interrupting you on Christmas Day.”
“Who is this?” he demanded, exchanging a look with Sarah. Her demeanor transformed instantly, as if she was thankful it was not Ben.
“This is Miranda Carnell. I think you know my husband.”
His mind spun off with a thousand questions, but he forced himself to answer, “Yes.”
“Are you able to talk right now?” she asked calmly.
“No.” He went to the room service cart and started to wheel it outside the door.
“All right then, I’ll call again later. But there are some things we need to discuss.” She hung up the phone, and Alec paused a moment.
Right now, he wanted to protect Sarah from the storm brewing. Ben’s wife would only want to hurt her because of her husband’s infidelity. He didn’t know what he could do to shield Sarah from what was to come.
But he intended to try.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Sarah knew Alec was hiding something, but she didn’t pry. She didn’t believe for one moment that it was a wrong number. And yet, when he’d gone to get his coat, she had checked his recent calls and it wasn’t a phone number she recognized.
If Alec’s assistant had, in fact, given the new cell phone number to Ben, it was probably for business reasons. She didn’t want to believe that Alec was arranging any deals with Ben, but she couldn’t rule out the possibility.
He had taken care of her, giving her a place to stay, a job, access to money, and even a trip to Paris. What kind of man did that unless he expected something in return? He’d kissed her this morning, and that had most definitely crossed the line of friendship. But in the back of her mind, the suspicions deepened, making her feel wary.
There weren’t many people out walking, and she tried to force her attention back to sightseeing as she and Alec continued down the street. There was chill in the air, and all the shops were closed. There were rows of white tents decorated with holiday lights, but the Christmas market had now ended.
They walked in the direction of Notre Dame Cathedral at the far end of the Seine. In the distance, she could see a Christmas tree outside, lit up for the holidays. Alec led her toward one of the bridges, and she leaned against the stone balustrade. The water below was dark with chunks of ice floating near the shore.
Inwardly, her thoughts were churning. She wanted to confront him, but her instincts warned her not to say anything. He’ll just get angry, and you’ll ruin this memory.
It doesn’t matter who called him. It’s none of your business. She pushed back the urge to demand answers. Instead, she took deep breaths, calming herself. Silence descended between them, and she forced herself to make conversation.
“Is New York your true home?” sh
e asked. “Or do you travel throughout the year?”
“It’s the closest thing I have to a home. But I do travel often.” He glanced back at the Eiffel Tower which stretched high above the landscape. “It’s not a bad life.”
“It’s lonely,” she countered. “With no family, don’t you sometimes feel like you’re missing something?”
He was quiet for a time. Then he admitted, “I do still have family. My father’s been in jail for years now.”
Sarah sobered at the revelation and the bitterness in his voice. She’d made a thoughtless remark and wished she could take it back. “I’m sorry for what happened to your mother.”
He gave a nod but said nothing else. Then his hand bumped against her fingers in a silent invitation. Wordlessly, she took his hand. She wanted him to know that he wasn’t alone just now. Although she had no idea what would happen between them, or if he had any connection at all to Ben, she did want to remain his friend. She owed him that much.
They walked for a distance along the banks of the Seine. She didn’t know what to say, but the weight of her suspicion made it hard to trust him.
“Merry Christmas, Sarah,” he said at last, stopping near the edge of a bridge. “I’m glad you’re here.” He took her other hand in his, and her heart gave a leap.
Stop it, she warned herself. You don’t need a rebound affair. Shut that down right now.
She felt too vulnerable just now, and an affair wasn’t smart—especially with a man whose intentions she was starting to doubt. Maybe the best way to handle this was to deflect him. She ventured an easy smile. “It’s good to spend Christmas with a friend. It makes it less lonely.”
He kept her palm in his. “It’s not friendship I want anymore, Sarah.” He squeezed her hands a moment before releasing them. “But we both know you’re not ready for more. I won’t ask that of you.”
Her face colored because he’d seen right through her. In the hazy afternoon light, she was caught up by his handsome face. His deep blue eyes held her mesmerized, drawing her closer. There was a faint stubble of beard on his cheeks, and she found herself wishing she weren’t so broken, that she could simply steal a moment for herself.
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