He cleared his throat. ‘Livvie, I just want to say that I’m truly sorry for what I did; for making you feel confused and upset over my stupid behaviour with Mel. I have no excuse and I still don’t know why I did it. You’ve no idea what I’d give to turn the clock back and change what happened.’ His heart was racing but already he was feeling a sense of relief at getting the words out.
‘You don’t have to apologise.’
What did that mean? Was she not bothered anymore? Would his apology not make any difference? He swallowed. ‘I do, I really do. And I want to tell you … need to tell you, er, what I want to say … what I’m trying to say is … oh, God, Livvie, as crazy as this may sound after only knowing you for a few days, well, I’m … I’ve fallen in love with you. Head over heels actually, and I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.’ He could feel his face flaming in the icy air.
Her lips parted slightly as she locked eyes with him. ‘It doesn’t sound crazy, Zander; not crazy at all. In fact, I, er, I feel the same.’
As his brain was computing her words, he suddenly realised that she was on her tiptoes, reaching her hands behind his head and pulling him into a kiss that was making his whole body tingle. Neither seemed to notice the huge snowflakes that were now whirling down around them or that the wind had whipped up and was racing around the village.
Seconds later Zander became aware of a stream of whoops and cheers. He and Livvie pulled apart to see their friends smiling and waving at them. Molly gave a shrill whistle.
‘About time,’ Jimby called.
Zander looked at Livvie, pulling her close as the pair laughed. ‘Well, they sound happy about it.’
‘Just a bit.’
He looked down to see Livvie glowing, her eyes shining brightly; he knew she’d been encompassed by these same powerful feelings, feelings that were way too strong to ignore.
‘Shall we join them before anything else gets shouted across?’ he asked.
‘Good idea.’
‘I hate to be a party-pooper,’ said Jimby. ‘But I think this snow is set to get quite bad; you’d probably be wise to get yourselves home, it can change pretty quickly out here.’ He gave Zander a nudge and a wink.
‘Aye, we’ve been lucky up to now, but I think the winter’s about to catch up with us,’ said Ollie.
‘Well, after my stint in the snow yesterday, I’d rather not risk it,’ Livvie said, looking up at Zander.
Zander noted the look of concern in her eyes. ‘Of course, we’ll head off. At least we caught some of the carols and the festive atmosphere.’
‘Phew, I’m relieved to be home.’ Livvie shook the snow off her hat which despite the short distance from the Jeep to the front door, was surprisingly well covered.
‘Yeah, me too.’ Zander’s heart was singing; he was glad to be home for another reason: to be alone with her, but he’d take things slowly, wouldn’t push her, he’d let Livvie set the pace.
‘Fancy a glass of wine?’ he asked.
‘Love one.’ She went to dry Alf off with his towel. ‘What do you think we should do about dinner, seeing as though we missed out on having a meal at the Sunne?’
‘Well, I think we need something warm and comforting on a night like this.’ I don’t need anything to eat; I’d just like to take you to bed and spend the evening there with you. ‘I could always rustle up a quick macaroni cheese if you fancy? We should have the ingredients in the cupboards if I remember rightly.’
‘Mmm mm. That sounds perfect; comfort food at its finest.’ She beamed at him. ‘I’ll give you a hand.’
Zander poured the wine and the pair took their glasses into the living room. He threw a log on the wood-burner and opened the spin-wheels, flames instantly springing to life, casting a warm glow around the room.
‘Oh, I love this cottage,’ said Livvie as she flopped onto the sofa. ‘I’ve never been anywhere with underfloor heating before but it’s heavenly.’
‘Yeah, it’s definitely one of the best things I’ve had done here.’ He was struggling to take his eyes off Livvie’s delicious, plump lips; he longed to feel them against his again.
She sighed contentedly and sank back. Zander didn’t know how to bring up their kiss or the words they’d spoken before it. An idea sprang into his mind and he got to his feet. ‘Livvie, would you just pop over here for a moment?’
‘What, oh, yes, what’s the matter?’ She went over to where he was standing.
‘Well, it’s just that I need to do this…’ His voice was husky as he raised his eyes to the sprig of mistletoe hanging from the beam above them.
‘Oh.’
Tenderly, he cupped her face in his hands and pressed his lips against hers. She groaned and he felt her melt into him. The feeling was intense and a wave of scorching heat surged through him. He’d never experienced the feeling of love and lust combined but it was intoxicating.
‘Wow,’ she said when they finally pulled apart. ‘You’re one amazing kisser.’
‘You’re not so bad yourself.’ His eyes dark with passion, he tried to ignore the throbbing in his groin.
‘I wasn’t expecting all of this tonight,’ she said, heading back to the sofa. ‘I feel all of a dither; I need a sit down after that.’ He followed and she patted the seat beside her.
‘Me neither.’ He sat down and threw his arm around her; she rested her head on his shoulder. Instinctively, he reached up and ran his fingers through her thick curls, enjoying their softness against his skin.
‘So where do we go from here?’ she asked.
Zander knew exactly where he’d like them to go right now, but he’d wait for Livvie to give him the signal.
43
Livvie
‘I’ve reached a decision,’ Zander said. They were curled up together on the sofa, Livvie’s head resting on his chest.
‘Oh?’
‘I know my family are based in Leeds and I work with my best mate, but I’m going to take Beth up on her offer; I’m going to join the practice at Danskelfe.’
Livvie could feel her heart begin to race. ‘So does that mean you’re going to commute or …?’ She hardly dare ask.
‘I’m going to relocate; I’m going to move in here full time.’
She sat up and faced him. Did she hear right? ‘Really?’
‘Yes.’ He nodded ‘And how about you, have you reached a decision about the job with Kitty and Vi?’
‘Yes, I was already pretty certain I was going to apply – the texts from my mum and Cheryl went some way to helping me make up my mind actually, as did Bry moving to London – but seeing the studio tonight and all of the awesome things there, just confirmed it. Plus the fact that Kitty and Violet will be totally brilliant to work with; I’d be mad not to apply.’ Excitement was thrumming through her veins; how had her life undergone such an about-turn?
‘Well, after seeing your book of sketches, I have to agree and, incidentally, you need to show them to Kitty and Violet, I think they’ll be really impressed.’
‘Really?’ She’d longed for the day someone would say that to her.
‘Of course.’
Livvie leaned back into him; she couldn’t imagine feeling any happier than she was in that moment, wrapped in the arms of a man she’d fallen head over heels for, discussing how she was going to embark on her dream job. Was it really happening? Perhaps she should pinch herself.
‘You’re welcome to stay here if you get the job at the studio.’
His suggestion hung in the air for a moment. ‘Vi said something about Jimby’s place coming up for rent. It might be a better idea if I live there, just while we’re getting to know one another. After all, I might have some horrible habits you’d find unbearable.’
‘What, worse than Alf’s?’ He laughed ‘Only joking; I doubt you’ve got any such habits, but I take your point – about us getting to know one another that is. Anyway, I’ve just realised something: I need to kiss you some more.’
‘If you insist.’
>
‘I insist.’ Zander pulled her to him, brushing his lips gently across hers before deepening the kiss, his tongue seeking hers.
Oh my days! Livvie wanted nothing more than to rip his clothes off right now and run her hands over the firm muscles she could feel beneath his shirt, but something was holding her back: she wanted him to wait, there was no way she was going to offer herself on a platter like her.
‘Right,’ Zander said. ‘I think it’s time I started work on dinner.’
As he pushed himself up, Livvie caught sight of the tell-tale bulge in his jeans. Lust was raging through both of them; how easy it would be for her to give in right now. She almost pulled him back down to her, tempted to say, “not yet”, but for now, she let her head rule her heart. ‘Good idea, I’m starving,’ she said.
The rest of the evening was spent sharing stories from their past, with a generous helping of heady kisses thrown in. Livvie couldn’t believe it was possible to feel such happiness.
‘Come and see this.’ Zander beckoned Livvie over to the back door where he’d let Alf out for his last toilet trip into the garden.
‘Wow, that’s a whole load of snow.’ A good four inches had settled since they’d got home and it was coming down in a dense flurry of fluffy snowflakes. Alf was scampering about in it, leaping up and trying to bite at the snow as it fell, making Livvie giggle.
‘It sure is; if it carries on like this, it looks like we’re going to be snowed in for Christmas day.’
‘I can’t think of anything nicer.’ She stood on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his cheek, his five o’clock shadow prickling her lips.
‘Me neither.’ He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close, the warmth of his body seeping through to hers.
‘Right, one last kiss under the mistletoe then I think I’ll hit the sack.’ Zander took Livvie by the hand and led her to the beam where it was fixed.
When they finally pulled apart, Livvie was dizzy with lust; it was taking every ounce of strength she had not to drag Zander upstairs. Get that idea right out of your head, Livvie Weatherill!
As she lay in bed, she reached her hand up to her lips, tracing where Zander’s had been only moments before. The intensity of his kisses had blown her away, the feelings they’d generated in response made her whole body tingle. She closed her eyes, trying to steady herself but it was no use, she was aching for him; she needed him.
Sex with Donny had been a perfunctory affair, with no great depth of emotion on either part, if she was completely honest. And he’d never stirred up the intense feelings inside her Zander had. Nobody had.
Before she had time to think, Livvie had flung the duvet back and marched into Zander’s room, her body pulsing with desire.
‘Livvie?’ He sat up and flicked the bedside light on. Her eyes went to his broad chest covered in dark hair. She needed to touch it, run her fingers over it, feel his warmth, inhale his masculine scent.
Unspeaking, she walked over to him and climbed into bed beside him. He rolled over and cupped her face with his hand before kissing her harder and harder. She ran her hand over his strong back, up and down the undulating muscles of his arms, her whole body aching for him. His hand reached under her pyjama top, finding her full breast. She sat up and pulled the top over her head before wriggling out of the trousers.
‘God, you’re beautiful,’ he said tracing a line of burning kisses down her neck.
‘Oh. My God.’ Livvie threw her arms above her head, a sheen of dewy sweat glistening on the surface of her skin, her heart still racing. ‘That was amazing. I’ve never felt that way before.’
‘Me neither.’ Zander gasped. ‘It was mind blowing.’ He laughed and said, ‘Did that sound as cheesy to you as it did to me?’
‘Just a bit.’ She giggled and he pulled her close to him, pressing a kiss to the waves of her hair.
‘But it was; mind-blowing, that is.’
Livvie thought her heart would burst with happiness. Was this really happening? Was she really lying in the arms of the most drop-dead gorgeous man she’d ever set eyes on, having just had the most – to pinch his expression – mind-blowing sex ever, after he’d told her he was in love with her? She squeezed her eyes shut and wiggled her toes. Yes, it’s really happening!
44
Zander
Who knew that sex with someone you’re in love with would be so intensely different, Zander mused as Livvie lay in his arms. He wasn’t going to start counting how many women there’d been in his life – he’d certainly been no monk – but tonight had been a first. Wow! That connection, that intensity of feeling, that they were so in tune with one another, had all added together and culminated in something … well, something pretty bloody fantastic.
He squeezed her close to him, pressing his face in her silky auburn waves, inhaling her delicious fragrance of summer flowers. He felt his heart flip and a twitch in his groin.
Propping himself up on his arm, he glanced down at her, running his finger down her cheek, taking in her creamy skin and the smooth undulation of her curves. ‘You’re so beautiful, Livvie.’ The ensuing blush that stained her cheeks only added to her appeal. He leaned down and kissed her. ‘Now, where were we?’
She giggled and wrapped her arms round his neck. ‘Hmm. I think I need you to remind me.’
‘Morning.’ Zander set a cup of tea down on the bedside table before kissing Livvie gently on the mouth.
‘Morning.’ Her voice was heavy with sleep. He watched with amusement as her eyes suddenly pinged open and she took in her surroundings. A slow smile spread across her pretty face as if remembering the previous evening. ‘Oh, morning! That was quite a night.’
He laughed. ‘It was. That’s one hot little minx you’re hiding under that sweet, butter-wouldn’t-melt exterior.’
She laughed and her cheeks flushed. ‘You brought it out in me; it’s all your fault.’ She threw back the duvet and arched her eyebrows, an invitation on her face.
‘I think that proves my point.’ His eyes roved greedily over her voluptuous nakedness.
Livvie grabbed hold of his T-shirt and pulled him towards her. ‘Merry Christmas, Zander.’
‘Merry Christmas, Livvie,’ he said, his lips on hers as he climbed in beside her.
‘I’ll go and make some coffee while you get your pyjamas on.’ Zander pulled his T-shirt over his head. Then we can fess up about us to Alf.’ He laughed as he headed through the door.
‘Do you think he’ll be pleased?’
‘I think he’ll be over the moon.’
Livvie wasn’t long after him. Zander glanced up from splashing milk into the jug, to see her looking cute in her huge pyjamas, the birds-nest of hair at the back a tell-tale sign of how they’d spent their night. The thought set a smile playing over his mouth.
‘Morning, Alfie; Merry Christmas.’ Livvie stroked his head. ‘He seems extra excited this morning; he’s obviously taken our news well.’
‘He was overjoyed. Though there might be another reason.’ He nodded towards the utility room.
She watched as Alf trotted to where the two sledges were propped up. He sat down beside them, his tail sweeping back and forth on the flags, wearing a look of expectation on his face. ‘Ah, that explains a lot.’
‘Well, judging by the snow, I don’t think we’ll be going far today, so I thought we could get a bit of sledging in – if you fancy it, of course.’
‘I’d love to, and I wouldn’t dream of disappointing Alf.’
Zander peered across, feeling his heart squeeze with love for his loyal friend. ‘He has way too much personality for one Labrador, that one.’
‘But you wouldn’t change him for the world,’ said Livvie.
‘Not for anything.’
Livvie
They’d sledged for a couple of hours, before the unforgiving cold became too much and the snow began to fall heavily once more. With cheeks aching from laughing so hard and fingers and toes numb with the cold, they dragged thei
r sledges back up the field and down the path to Dale View Cottage. Livvie thought how achingly pretty it looked with the lights from the Christmas trees twinkling away; this could be her home one day. Though she was too scared to linger on that thought for too long, not wanting to jinx her new-found happiness.
After a shared bath, Livvie and Zander tumbled into bed, revisiting their passion for one another. Once finally sated, they made their way downstairs where they prepared their first Christmas dinner together.
‘This has been the best Christmas Day ever,’ Livvie said later that evening as they were curled up on the sofa together, the flames from the wood-burner casting long shadows up the bumpy walls.
‘It has, I agree,’ said Zander.
‘What, even with your amazing family and your amazing childhood?’ She sat up to look at him.
‘Even with that.’
‘Wow.’
‘Because it’s the first one with you.’ Zander paused before pulling a face. ‘Sorry, more cheese; I don’t know what’s happening to me, it’s like I’ve been taking lessons in how to be a cheesy jerk.’ He reached up and touched her face. ‘But, the thing is, it’s true.’
Livvie felt her heart melt into a puddle as indescribable happiness washed over her. ‘Let’s hope they’re all like this.’
‘I’m trying desperately hard not to let an even cheesier line spill from my wayward mouth than my last comment, which is proving bloody damned hard, so I’ll keep it simple and just add that I’m sure they will be.’ They both laughed and Livvie leaned in to kiss him.
Just as things were getting steamy her phone pinged.
A Christmas Kiss Page 26