A Christmas Kiss

by Eliza J Scott

  ‘Wow! I didn’t expect to be seeing barn owls or deer when I came here. I just expected to see sheep and cows.’

  Zander loved her wide-eyed expression. ‘Well, you won’t see any cows; they’re taken into the barns over winter.’

  ‘Oh, I didn’t know that,’ she said, turning to him. ‘And I can’t believe you don’t want to live here full-time; it’s stunning.’

  He laughed. ‘Nice idea, but my practice is in Leeds and the commute would be too long, not to mention a nightmare in this weather.’

  ‘I suppose it would be.’ She was thoughtful for a moment.

  Zander took advantage of Livvie’s mind being elsewhere, his eyes drawn to her pretty features. Her cute little nose, with its sprinkling of freckles more noticeable in daylight. She met his gaze, the flecks of amber in her eyes even brighter than they were indoors. There was, without doubt, something utterly beguiling about her. His heart leapt as she smiled at him, pulling him out of his musings.

  He cleared his throat. ‘That’s Withrin Hill Farm over there.’ He pointed to a large farmstead that clung to the steep hillside. ‘That’s where Camm lives; the chap who ploughs the roads and brought you here. He’s a good bloke and his partner Molly is hilarious. She definitely calls a spade a spade. They run a campsite up there with the help of her son Ben – he has a twin who’s farming in New Zealand at the moment though there’s a rumour he’s coming back.’

  ‘New Zealand?’

  ‘Yep.’ Zander nodded. ‘Molly’s brother farms out there, has done for years, and Tom’s gone out to work with him.

  ‘Oh, right.’

  ‘If you look carefully, you can just see part of the campsite in the fields that stretch out and get flat at the side of the farmhouse. Apparently they’ve converted an old train carriage and gipsy caravan to camp in. It sounds amazing by all accounts.’

  ‘So, is that what they call diversification?’

  ‘It is.’ He nodded. ‘It’s what keeps a lot of farms in business, and they’re doing pretty well by all accounts.’

  ‘That’s good,’ she said. ‘It was really decent of Camm to guide me here. I think I’d be stuck in some hedge-back somewhere, covered in snow, if it wasn’t for him.’

  ‘Perish the thought.’

  ‘And I like the sound of Molly; she sounds fun.’

  ‘Yeah, she’s great, and so are her group of friends.’ Zander threw his sledge down. ‘You’ll have to meet them while you’re here.’

  ‘I’d like that.’

  ‘And right along there, is Danskelfe Castle.’

  ‘A castle, wow.’ Livvie’s eyes followed his finger to where the grey turrets of the ancient building were peering out from a cluster of trees. ‘Does anyone still live in it?’

  ‘They do: the Hammondeley family, they own a lot of the land around here as part of the Danskelfe estate. They’re quite big employers from what I can gather, and according to Beth, they’re branching out into big annual events.’

  ‘It’s in a lovely location, perched on the crag like that.’

  ‘It is.’ Zander found his eyes drawn to Livvie’s mouth. Oh, what I’d give to feel those plump, juicy lips on mine. He shook his thoughts away. ‘Right, race you to the bottom?’ He needed to get his mind off the intensity of his attraction to her which was starting to make mischief in his underpants, and back on the matter in hand.

  ‘You’re on.’

  It was a struggle to fit his long legs on his sledge and Zander felt like his knees were somewhere up round his ears but he didn’t care; he was enjoying the crisp fresh air and spending time in Livvie’s bubbly company. ‘Right, come on, Alfie.’ He patted the sledge and Alf jumped between his legs.

  ‘Alf sledges?’

  ‘He certainly does; he loves it, don’t you, fella?’ He ruffled Alf’s head, earning himself a sloppy lick across his cheek. ‘Ughh! What have we said about that?’

  ‘He’s so adorable,’ Livvie said, giggling.

  ‘He has his moments. Right, ready, steady, go!’ Zander pushed the sledge forwards and the pair of them shot down the field. ‘Woohoo!’

  ‘Wait up!’ Livvie followed close behind.

  ‘Woah!’ Zander and Alf ground to a halt, spinning round at the foot of the bank.

  ‘Arghh!’ Livvie shrieked as she flew over a large bump and went spinning around before tipping upside down and rolling down in a flurry of snow to where Zander had stopped.

  ‘Beat you.’ He grinned

  Livvie was giggling hard, her laugh infectious. ‘I don’t know what happened.’ She lay in the snow, her auburn hair strewn out around her. Alf shot over to her and started rolling in the snow. ‘Alf! What are you doing, you crazy boy?’

  Before they knew it, Alf had grabbed the rope of Livvie’s sledge and started bounding up the hill. ‘Hey, you rascal,’ she called. ‘Come back with that!’

  ‘I’m afraid snow makes him even more mischievous.’ Zander gave her a hand up and she dusted off the snow.

  The pair watched Alf reach the top of the hill, where he hurled himself onto the sledge and started rolling all over it, kicking snow everywhere.

  Livvie burst out laughing. ‘Oh, he’s hilarious!’

  ‘He’s certainly a character, that’s for sure.’ Happiness surged through Zander as he watched his hapless hound.

  ‘It’s just so heart-warming that he can enjoy himself like that after what happened to him.’

  Zander sighed. ‘It is; he’s an amazing little fella. Though I don’t fancy your chances of getting your sledge back now, I’m afraid. I can always get another one from the shed.’

  ‘It’s fine; I wouldn’t dream of spoiling his fun, and please don’t trouble yourself.’ Livvie watched Alf race ahead. ‘He’s hilarious; I’ve never met a dog with so much personality.’

  ‘Oh, he’s got plenty of that alright.’

  It was hard work walking up the bank in such deep snow and by the time they’d reached the top they were out of breath. Sweat prickled the back of Zander’s neck. Alf ran around them, trailing Livvie’s sledge behind him. She went to reach for it, but he ran off. ‘Told you,’ said Zander.

  ‘Ah, he’s so fast.’ Livvie laughed, turning to him. ‘But I don’t mind taking it in turns – with you, that is; I don’t fancy my chances of taking turns with Alf.’

  Zander looked down at her, her eyes were shining and her cheeks were flushed; what he’d give to kiss her right now. ‘Or we could share?’

  Livvie thought about it for a moment. ‘You mean we sit on the sledge together like you did with Alf?’

  He nodded. ‘Yep.’

  ‘Okay, sounds good, though it could be tricky with your long legs; I’m a bit bigger than Alf.’

  ‘I’m sure we’ll manage.’ There was no way he was going to give up on an opportunity to have his arms around Livvie. ‘We’ll get it on the flat bit, then if you sit on the front, I’ll climb on behind you. If you dig your heels into the snow, it’ll stop the sledge taking off before we’re ready.’

  ‘Aye, aye, captain.’ Livvie gave a salute and did as she was instructed.

  ‘Woah!’ she said as Zander sat down behind her, pushing the front of the sledge upwards and her back into his chest.

  He chuckled and put his arms around her, taking hold of the rope and stretching his legs out either side of her. ‘Sorry, did I catapult you?’

  ‘Just a bit.’ She giggled.

  ‘Ready? he asked.

  ‘Ready.’

  He pushed off and they went whizzing down the bank. Livvie hooted with laughter and he couldn’t help but join in. They may have been acquainted for less than twenty-four hours, but having her pressed close to his chest, with his arms right around her, and her hair that smelt like a summer garden brushing against his chin felt so right; it was as if they’d known each other for a life-time.

  They laughed the full way down, even more so as they approached the bottom of the hill and the sledge spun round, before slowly grinding to a halt.

>   ‘That was awesome!’ Livvie said. ‘We went so fast compared to my pathetic effort on my own. I absolutely loved it!’

  ‘Yeah, me too.’ He grinned. ‘I don’t think I’ll ever grow out of sledging.’

  Zander wished they didn’t have to get up; he was enjoying the feeling of having her in his arms and, if he was reading the signs right, she didn’t seem to mind.

  He was distracted from his thoughts by a bark from Alf that echoed round the valley. He looked up to see the Labrador tumbling down the bank with the sledge; he was heading right for them. Before they got chance to move, Alf had crashed into them, sending them flying across the snow.

  ‘Warghh!’ Livvie cried. She lay on the floor laughing so hard, tears were pouring down her face.

  ‘Hey, steady on there, Alf. Who do you think you are, Eddie the Eagle?’

  Alf leapt to his feet, his tail wagging, flicking snow everywhere. Zander laughed, stroking Alf’s head. ‘You daft lad.’

  ‘Oh, my cheeks are aching with laughing so much,’ Livvie said. ‘We so need to do that again.’

  Zander looked at her, taking in her pretty face, glowing with happiness. ‘Come on then,’ he said, offering her his hand for a pull up. ‘Good to see we haven’t scared you off.’

  ‘Not a chance. I’ll race you to the top.’

  ‘You’re on.’

  Livvie had set off before he’d had chance to grab the sledge. ‘Hey, that’s cheating.’

  ‘It’s not my fault you weren’t ready when you should’ve been,’ she called behind her.

  With Alf running about beside him, it didn’t take Zander long to gain on her. He could hear her puffing and giggling as she tried to run. Before he knew it, she’d bent down and scooped up a handful of snow and thrown it at him, catching him on the chin. He felt tiny bits of icy snow disappearing under his scarf and down his neck.

  ‘Arghh. That’s bloody freezing!’

  ‘That’s snow for you,’ she said with a grin, before haring off again.

  He made a soft snow ball in his hands and hurled it at her, but it missed and was pounced on by Alf whose retrieving instincts were confused when it fell apart.

  Zander couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun.

  They continued sledging for another hour; their final slide down the bankside ended in them flying over the bump Livvie had first encountered, parting them from the sledge and sending them tumbling down. They finished in a giggling heap with Livvie on top of Zander, his hands resting on the tops of her arms. The laughter stopped and their eyes locked. Electricity crackled in the air around them and Zander could feel the heat of something inexplicable burning in his gut. His eyes moved to her lips, the urge to press his own onto hers was too strong to resist and he put his hand around the back of her head, pulling her towards him. He could feel his heart pumping hard as lust raced around his body.

  But the moment was ruined by Alf who ran towards them and shook icy clumps of Alpine snow all over them.

  ‘Arghh! Alf!’ Livvie squealed and rolled off Zander.

  ‘Alf! Stop!’ Zander groaned inwardly. I love you to bits, but right at this moment I think you’re an annoying little shit!

  ‘Ooh, my feet are absolutely freezing; they feel like blocks of ice,’ said Livvie. Zander noticed her face was burning red.

  ‘Yeah, mine too. I think it’s time for a warm shower followed by a hot chocolate.’

  ‘Now you’re talking.’ She grinned at him, dispersing any awkwardness.

  They made their way back towards the house, neither mentioning what had just happened between them, but Zander was struggling to get the almost kiss out of his mind. Oh, Lord, what am I doing? I’m still supposed to be in a relationship with Mel and all I can think about is Livvie.

  When they reached the cottage she stopped. ‘You know what?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘This garden is just crying out for a snow man.’ She looked up at him, her eyebrows arched in a challenge.

  ‘You know what? I think you’re right, but are you sure you’re not too cold?’

  ‘After heaving myself up that bank so many times? Nope. Well, my fingers and my feet are freezing, and I’m soaking wet, but if we start straight away, we can get one built before the cold really kicks in.’

  ‘You’re on.’ Her enthusiasm was infectious; she felt bloody good to be around.

  In no time they had the body made, rolling a ball of snow around the ground until it got to a size they were both happy with. The head followed quickly after, and soon Livvie was hunting around for branches for arms.

  ‘I’ll go and grab a carrot for the nose,’ said Zander.

  ‘I don’t suppose you’ve got any coal for the eyes?’ she asked.

  ‘No, but I’ll go and see what else I can find.’

  In a flash, he was back armed with a slightly wonky carrot and a couple of fir cones. ‘Will these do?’ he asked.

  ‘Oh, perfect!’

  17

  Livvie

  ‘I can’t get my wellies off.’ Livvie said through chattering teeth. ‘My hands are so cold I can’t feel them and my socks are so soggy, they’re making it impossible.’

  ‘Here, I’ll help.’ Zander took hold of the foot of the boot and tugged, but it wouldn’t budge and just resulted in her hopping after him which made her giggle.

  ‘It might be better if I sit on the floor.’

  ‘I think you’re right.’ Zander tried again, but this time ended up dragging her across the utility room with Alf following, thinking it was a game. The pair ended up in fits of laughter, tears of mirth pouring down their cheeks.

  ‘Oh, no! They’re never going to come off. I’m going to be stuck with wellies on for the rest of the day. I’m going to be known as the “Welly Woman” of Dale View Cottage.’

  Zander laughed. ‘Don’t worry, you won’t be.’ With a bit of gentle coaxing, he managed to wiggle one boot off and then the other. ‘There, see.’

  ‘Oh, that’s better,’ she said, pulling off her drenched socks and displaying feet that were bright red with cold. ‘Where shall I put these?’ She dangled her socks at him.

  ‘Just hang them up there for now.’ He nodded towards the wooden airer.

  ‘Okay.’ She did as she was bid.

  ‘Then why don’t you go and get yourself warmed up in the shower or bath? I’ll do hot chocolates after.’

  ‘You’ve no idea how good that sounds. Mind you, two showers in one day, I’ve never been so clean.’ She headed through the door. ‘I won’t be long.’

  ‘Enjoy,’ he called after her. ‘There’s no rush, just get yourself defrosted.’

  Livvie made her way to the bathroom, fingers and toes tingling as the circulation slowly started to return.

  She set the shower away then peeled off her wet clothes. ‘Urghh!’ She was drenched right down to her knickers and her skin felt goose-bumpy and cold. Soon, steam was swirling around the room as she piled her damp hair messily on top of her head then stepped under the spray of deliciously hot water. ‘Oh, bliss.’ She basked in its soothing warmth, letting the jets pummel the muscles in her back which were aching after tearing about on the moors.

  Her mind started wandering over the events of the morning, one thought pushing its way to the forefront. We nearly kissed – again. Her conscience was getting to work. And Zander’s got a girlfriend – hasn’t he? She frowned, biting her lip. He’d told her that Mel had flitted off to London with other people, but he hadn’t actually said they’d split up, so she guessed that they were still technically together. ‘Oh, why does everything have to be so bloody complicated?’ She grabbed the shower gel and squirted a hefty blob into her hand, the scent of winter berries rising in the steam. And what would I have felt like afterwards if we had actually kissed? Guilty, that’s what; it would make me no better than Donny. Ughh! Don’t think about that loser! Oh, but to feel Zander’s lips against mine would be … sublime. I just know it would be the best kiss I’ve ever had. H
er heart started racing at the thought, setting her body off tingling for reasons other than the cold. There was nothing she wanted more at this moment than to feel his lips on hers, with the promise of something delicious to follow.

  ‘That was quick.’ Zander looked up from reading a local magazine at the kitchen table. Livvie was wearing her pre-sledging outfit of woollen tunic dress and stripy tights, her wet clothes bundled in her arms.

  ‘It’s the promise of a hot chocolate.’ She grinned at him.

  ‘Ah, I see.’ He smiled back. ‘Well, I can make you one now, or we can have one together after I’ve had a quick shower? It’s up to you.’

  ‘I don’t mind waiting,’ she said. He’d taken his wet clothes off and was just wearing a navy blue waffle dressing gown. Livvie tried not to look at the dusting of dark hair that was visible in the “v” at his chest, or at his muscular calf muscles that were on display, but it was difficult when her eyes felt like they were being drawn to him. ‘I’ll just go and put these on the airer with my socks.’ She held up her soggy clothes and tried to push the idea of what it would feel like to slip her hands inside his dressing gown and smooth them over his skin right out of her mind.

  ‘Right, and I’ll go and throw myself in the shower.’ He closed the magazine and stood up. ‘Won’t be long.’

  ‘Okay.’ It took all of her strength not to ask if he wanted her to join him. You barely know him and he’s got a girlfriend, you floozy!

  Zander was true to his word, and before long the pair were sipping hot chocolates at the kitchen table.

  ‘Mmm, this is seriously good,’ said Livvie. And you smell seriously delicious, with your citrusy sandalwood cologne. She tried to ignore the urge to press herself to him and nuzzle his neck.

  ‘We aim to please.’ Zander grinned, making her heart flip.

  ‘Though, if you don’t mind me saying, a handful of marshmallows would make it absolutely perfect.’