Christmas Kiss (5 page)

‘Someone said you’d defend him. Clearly you do have some sort of relationship burgeoning. Sorry I bothered you.’

‘For goodness sake, Charles. It’s nothing like that. There is no relationship. I’m not defending him. I told him my target was unreasonable and exactly why I think so.’ Charles gave a snort.

‘And where is your precious horse at present?’ She looked down. ‘Exactly. Poppy let it slip that he was looking after him. Very cosy.’

‘Charles, it means nothing. It’s only while I have this dratted plaster cast on my arm. Alex happens to have a horse of his own and plenty of space to stable a second horse. Major will be back in his paddock as soon as I can manage him again. I wouldn’t have put you down as an office gossip.’ She was angry now.

‘Okay. You needn’t explode. I’ve obviously touched a sensitive area.’ She sighed. What was the point? There was nothing she could say to change his opinion.

‘Think what you like. There is nothing going on but if you want to disbelieve me, that’s up to you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have another client due any moment.’ He left her office, a smirk on his face that she could well have enjoyed removing by physical means, quite unsuited to a lady. One thing that was for certain, she would not be going to look at pups with Alex the next day. It would be sure to get back to the office gossips who were determined to pair them off. It seemed that even if she had thought that she and Alex might become good friends, it was not going to be possible. He would be furious if he knew people were already talking about them.

‘We’re all going round to the wine bar after work,’ Poppy announced near the end of the day. ‘You will come won’t you?’

‘I’ve already told Charles I wouldn’t go out for a drink with him. So, in honesty, I really can’t.’

‘Don’t worry about him. I’ll tell him I bullied you into it.’

‘Okay then. It would be nice. I’ve hardly been out anywhere since my accident.’

‘Great. I’ll give you a shout when we’re ready.’

Sarah tidied her desk and decided she’d done enough for the day. She completed the dreaded time sheet and dropped it into the main admin office as instructed. As she was coming out, Alex bumped into her.

‘Oh, Sarah. Glad we bumped into each other. I was wondering if we might go for a quick drink before heading back to the village. Actually, I rather wanted to invite everyone to celebrate the end of my first week. What do you think?’

‘Tricky one. I’ve just agreed to go to the wine bar with them. I’m not sure who’s going. Maybe you could suggest it to the others. If it comes from me, it would look bad. As if we had something between us.’

‘And we don’t?

‘I don’t think so.’

‘Pity. I thought we were getting on rather well.’

‘Outside the office maybe there is something. But you’ve hardly been Mr Popular here at work and positively cool to me.’

‘Then an invitation to free drinks all round might be just the thing. Who’s the best one to speak to?’

‘You could try Poppy, but don’t let her think I put you up to it.’ He gave her hand a quick squeeze and said thanks. She slipped back to her own office unnoticed, overhearing him inviting everyone to join him for a drink.

‘Thanks,’ she heard Poppy’s voice. ‘We’re going to the Jug and Bottle. Join us there.’

‘Right. Half an hour?’

‘Fine.’ There was a buzz of conversation as he left. Undoubtedly, the others were scolding Poppy for letting him join them.

‘He is the enemy, after all,’ Charles was mouthing off.

‘Well, it’s a free drink and maybe he’ll stop being the enemy if we socialise a bit.’

Out of the office, Alex turned out to be quite a hit. He relaxed completely and was entertaining, charming and quite the perfect host. He bought several bottles of wine and wouldn’t let any of the staff pay for their share. Sarah watched him carefully and saw that he didn’t drink more than one small glass himself, knowing he had to drive home. She was relieved to see it. Charles on the other hand, was drinking rather excessively and she knew he had a car parked back at the office.

‘I hope you don’t plan to drive home,’ she muttered to him as discreetly as possible.

‘Course not. I shall take a taxi,’ he replied rather too loudly. ‘Perhaps someone would like to share my cab with me? We could have a bite to eat first and make a night of it. Any takers?’ There was a sudden silence and people began to collect things together to leave, mumbling that they needed to get home.

Alex touched her shoulder and she swung round. She had been sitting at the opposite side of the table, trying to ensure nobody would make any comments.

‘I might as well drop you off on my way past. It seems silly for you to order a cab.’

‘Well, yes. Thank you. That would be very kind.’

‘I’ll meet you back in the office car park. Better to be discreet.’

‘Okay. Thanks. We don’t want anyone thinking we might be friends, do we?’ There was a hint of sarcasm in her tone. He glared at her and then smiled. She said her goodbyes to the others and watched as they made their ways home. Charles was still standing on the pavement.

‘Won’t you change your mind and come for something to eat? There’s that nice Italian just round the corner. I shall be sober once I’ve eaten and I can drive you home.’

‘No thanks Charles. Like I said, I need to get back home. I have a taxi coming for me at the office. See you on Monday. Have a good weekend.’

‘Thanks, you too,’ he muttered and wandered down the road. When she was sure he was out of sight, she went round the back of the offices and met Alex, sitting in his car, waiting for her.

‘Sorry. Charles was being Charles and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I fibbed and said I had a taxi waiting.’

‘That’s all right. I don’t mind waiting this end of the day. Are you implying that people are gossiping about us?’

‘Well, yes. The fact you’ve been driving me into work and you also have my horse in your stables. I’m afraid Poppy overheard us making the arrangements. I can assure you, I have said nothing to encourage this office chatter. In fact I have denied everything. Not that it was difficult. You’re not exactly friendly at work.’

‘I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be unfriendly. I just get swept along with the tasks in hand. I rarely allow myself time to chat.’

‘Perhaps you should. You’d get a feel for what’s going on.’ He slowed down and looked at her. He gave a sigh.

‘It’s Friday night. The week is over. It’s been a heavy time for me. I need to relax now and forget about work. What are you doing about supper this evening?’

‘Haven’t really thought. Warm something up from the freezer I expect.’

‘Doesn’t sound too exciting. What’s the village pub like? We could grab something quick.’ She considered the idea.

‘It’s pretty basic. I’m not sure it’s up to your gourmet standards.’ Without saying another word, he drove into the car park and switched off the engine. Sarah gave him a small grin and tried to unfasten her seat belt, reaching round awkwardly with her good arm. He leaned over at the same moment and their heads were close.

‘Here, let me.’ For one mad moment, she thought he was going to kiss her but it passed and he unfastened his own belt. Her heart had begun to beat rather rapidly and she realised she felt slightly disappointed. She quickly got out of the car and shivered in the chilly night air. He opened the door of the Lounge Bar and ushered her in.

The landlord greeted them and they ordered drinks and sat down with the menu.

‘Chips with everything, it seems.’

‘I like chips,’ Sarah retorted. ‘Don’t eat them often but they are particularly good here. I’ll go for fish and chips, I think. Nice and indulgent for a Friday night.’

‘I’ll have the same. I assume it’s fresh fish not frozen catering company fish?’ She shook her head. It was usually delicious with a homemade batter and a rare treat for her. They avoided all talk of work and she learned a little more about his background. His mother lived alone, having been widowed several years earlier. She sounded quite a demanding lady. ‘We always called her the Duchess.’

‘We?’

‘Dad and me. I’m an only child. My late uncle, who left me the money had no children of his own. Seems our family don’t go in for many children. If ever I manage to find anyone who’ll be willing to marry me, I want lots of kids. I’d like to experience proper family life.’

‘Hence the gorgeous Darnley Manor. That would make a fabulous family home.’

‘I hope so. My mother’s the only problem. Once it’s all finished, I have a horrible feeling she’s going to expect to come and live with me. We’d drive each other mad in no time flat. I say, this fish is excellent. Anyway, are you still willing to come and look at puppies with me tomorrow? I need to take Moonlight out in the morning but thought we could set off in the afternoon. They’re in a little village somewhere in mid Cornwall.’

‘I’m not sure it’s a good idea if we see too much of each other. Makes our working relationship a bit tricky.’ She bit her lip as she spoke. She didn’t mean a word of it but knew how anxious he was to keep things separate.

‘I can handle it if you can. I’d be very disappointed if you dropped out. I was looking forward to your company. And your expert eye on black labs. You said you had one as a child so you must know a bit about what to look for.’

‘Well, yes. I can’t do much in the way of entertaining myself. I’d love to come but you know what I said about the gossips. They’ve already asked me to have a private word with you about the wretched targets. Seem to think I can persuade you to reconsider.’

‘If they want to complain, I expect them to come to me direct. Not use you as a go-between. I expect Charles was the ringleader in that little rebellion. I’m right aren’t I?’ She looked unhappy. Whatever she thought of Charles, he was a colleague and she had a strong sense of loyalty. ‘I don’t like that young man. He’s devious and I suspect, not averse to certain malpractices. But I’m only guessing and I don’t expect you to break any confidences. That’s enough of that. Work is banned when we’re out together. Now, about tomorrow?’

‘Okay. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to come over and see Major at some point. I’ll see if someone will give me a lift during the morning. You don’t need to wait for me. Go for your ride and I’ll spend some time with Major and see you after lunch.’

‘Fine. We could have a snack if you want to wait for me. Then you’ll only need one lift. Now, can I tempt you to some pudding?’

‘I don’t think so. I’d like to get back now. I’m feeling shattered. It’s been a long day. One-armed working seems much more tiring.’

Sarah sat down to watch the news on television. It seemed a very long time since she had set out that morning. It had been an interesting day. She pulled a notepad towards her and wrote left-handedly,

Contact
Mrs
Knowles’
solicitor
first
thing
Monday
. She could barely read it but hopefully, it was enough to jog her memory.

Chapter Five

Major was as delighted to see Sarah as she was to see him the next morning. Joe, her friend who had rescued her after the accident, had given her a lift over. He had been impressed that she was actually visiting Darnley Manor and even more so when he heard Major was stabled there. She had a pocket full of apples for her beloved horse and they stood together, communing as only a horse and its rider can. He hung his great head over her shoulder and nuzzled her. She patted him with her good arm and fed him yet another apple.

‘You’re a totally cupboard loving animal,’ she told him fondly. ‘Stomach driven, aren’t you?’ He whinnied and looked round. She saw Alex and Moonlight riding past the hedge and Major started to move towards them. Clearly the stallion was already besotted with the mare. He ignored Sarah and went to stand by the gate, waiting for Alex to unsaddle his horse and brush her down. She should have brought her own grooming kit and worked on Major. But then, he was still wearing his horse rug so she couldn’t possibly have managed it one handed.

‘Had a good ride?’ Sarah asked as she leaned over the yard gate.

‘Not bad. I shall look forward to us being able to ride together. There’s a nice bridle path round the edge of the land and a couple of gallops at the far end. Is there a way down to the beach anywhere?’

‘Yes, if you go along the road for a little way. Seems Major has already formed an attachment for Moonlight. He was welcoming you back when he saw you. Totally forgot about me.’

‘I heard him. Moonlight’s pretty keen too. She’s most anxious to get back into the paddock. There you go girl.’ He fastened the straps on the rug and led her back towards the gate. Sarah opened it and followed him back to the paddock. Major was waiting by the gate and the pair galloped round the field together, enjoying the autumn sunshine. ‘Shall we go and get something to eat?’

‘Thanks. We seem to spend all our time eating when we’re together.’

‘I like social eating. Food always tastes better in company. Once you’ve got your arm back, you can cook for me.’

‘Oh dear. I’m no cook. Your Mrs Harper puts me to shame. I blame my mother. She’s a first rate cook and never let me do any when I was a kid. Always shoved me out of the kitchen to do my homework. I was considered the clever one and as such, shouldn’t waste my time on boring chores. I never minded of course, but I do realise she wasn’t really doing me any favours. Beth, my sister, is also a good cook. She was allowed to help in the kitchen.’

‘But she didn’t have a career.’

‘No, but she’s a terrific mum. Think I’d be pretty useless.’

‘You’ll have to marry a wealthy man who can provide you with a cook and a nanny.’

‘Doubt I’d find anyone like that in this part of the world. And besides, I couldn’t bear to leave Cornwall so it would have to be someone close to here.’ Alex remained silent and she blushed. What on earth was she thinking of, speaking so personally to her boss? But, he wasn’t her boss outside work, was he? She hoped that he didn’t think she was hinting in any way.

‘I’ve got some fresh bread, cheese and paté. And some salad. Hope that will do for you.’

‘Excellent. So, tell me about these puppies. How old are they?’

‘Eight weeks. So they are really ready to leave the mother. I didn’t plan to bring it home today as I’m not really prepared for it. I thought they’d agree to keep it for me for another week to give me time to get everything set up here. There is an enclosed yard at the back and if the pup lives in the scullery during the time I’m not here, it should be fine.’

‘You do work rather long hours for having a dog. They need company as well as a warm place. They are easily bored if they’re not exercised regularly.’

‘Mrs Harper is willing to take charge.’

‘What a treasure is Mrs Harper,’ Sarah said unkindly.

‘You know if I knew you better I might think you’re jealous of Mrs Harper. She’s a kindly soul who needs the wages I pay her.’

‘I’m sorry. I s’pose she just makes me feel inadequate. She’s good with horses and dogs. A superb cook and keeps the house beautifully. Altogether, she’s everything I’m not.’

‘Good job I’m not paying you to look after the house then, isn’t it?’

They stacked the dishwasher and set off to find the kennels. It was an hour’s drive and right in the middle of the country. The owner was a rather hearty lady who insisted on asking endless questions to make sure her pup was going to the right home. Alex was beginning to think he should have brought his CV and a dozen references. When asked if he worked away from home, and she discovered that he and Sarah weren’t married, they began to think they were being sent packing. Sarah got a fit of the giggles and had to turn away.

‘Do you think we could actually see the pups?’ Alex asked. The woman sniffed and led them through a kitchen, into a scullery that smelt very strongly of puppies and dog, a mixture that wasn’t entirely pleasant. The yapping was intense as the puppies all clambered up the fence that separated them from the main part of the room.

‘Oh they are gorgeous,’ Sarah exclaimed. She leaned over the barrier and petted them. She felt sharp little puppy teeth lacerate her hand and pulled it back quickly. She didn’t need two unusable arms. Alex bent and picked up a tiny squirming bundle. The bitch looked at him and made no protest at her pups being lifted. He handed the pup to Sarah who cuddled it close, making small comfort noises to it. It settled with her quickly and snuggled into the crook of her arm.

‘It likes you,’ Alex said with a grin. The one he had picked up was wriggling madly.

‘I should put her down quickly,’ the breeder said. Alex did as he was told and puppy instantly did what dogs do, luckily onto the newspaper in the pen.

‘Narrow escape,’ he laughed.

‘You may not always be so lucky,’ Sarah told him.

‘I think it may be a good idea to have two of them. There’s plenty of room and they’ll be company for each other. I could have a bitch and a dog, what do you think?’

‘Not a good plan unless you get them both spayed. I’d go for two bitches. They are less likely to fight and they’ll soon come into season at the same time.’ Sarah’s experience of their own two dogs was proving useful to Alex. She asked a lot of questions about their history and the parents’ medical records, all of which were answered satisfactorily. They met the father too, who looked a fine specimen and greeted them with enthusiasm but wasn’t unpleasantly energetic.

‘Can I have two bitches then?’ he asked the breeder, once Sarah seemed happy with the information she had gleaned.

‘You could but I can’t say exactly which two you can have. I have already given someone options on one of them. There are four dogs left and three bitches.’

‘How on earth can you tell them apart?’ He was puzzled. The entire litter looked identical and he wasn’t even sure how you could see which were which at so young an age.

‘They all have their own little characters. Now, if you really want two, I shall need a deposit from you. In case you change your mind and I have then missed another sale.’

‘Fair enough.’ He drew out a cheque book. ‘How much are they?’ She named the price and he gasped slightly.

‘They are thoroughbreds. I’ll show you the pedigree. And they are wormed and fully inoculated. Are you sure you’re aware of what you’re doing? I don’t want to let my babies go to somewhere where they won’t be looked after properly.’

‘They’ll be fine. I promise, I’ll read everything I can find on what to do with pups. And Sarah and Mrs Harper between them will keep me fully in line, I’m sure.’ The woman sniffed and looked at his cheque. It seemed that the promise of a sale was slightly the winner. ‘Great. I’ll be back next Saturday morning to collect them, complete with dog carrier. By then, I’ll be fully ready to house them properly.’

As they drove back, both of them laughed about their experience.

‘You should have asked for a bulk discount,’ Sarah chuckled. ‘I noticed her precious babies were less precious when she thought you might drop out of the deal.’

‘You think I’ve been silly? Paying over the odds?’

‘Not really. They are dear little things and the mother and father both seemed to have a good temperament. I’m sure you’ll be pleased with them, Besides, once you mentioned Darnley Manor as their potential home, she was positively purring.’

‘Snob! She doesn’t know the state of it. Which reminds me, I’d like your thoughts on decorations for the lounge at home. Any ideas?’

‘Me? I’m not exactly up on interior design.’ She felt flattered that he would even consider asking her. ‘I’d like to see it in daylight, I must admit. It’s such a gorgeous room.’

‘That’s why I asked you. You seemed keen on it and I thought you might make some suggestions. That’s my next project. Why don’t you come over tomorrow?’

‘You must have other things to do. I’m sure you must have seen enough of me this week.’

‘I’m sorry. I realise you must have other things to do. I’ve been taking up too much of your time. Sorry. I just get carried away with my own enthusiasms and forget that people have lives of their own. I’m afraid you’ll find I’m a bit like that where work is concerned. You must tell me when I’m imposing on you.’

‘Would that be in or out of work?’ He said nothing and the corners of his mouth twitched as he tried to stifle a grin.

‘I’ll leave you to your own devices this evening. Thanks very much for your company this afternoon. I hope I haven’t imposed too much. And if you do decide you’d like to visit Major tomorrow, I shall be cooking a roast at lunchtime. You could take a look at my interior design problems at the same time. But this is not a command. Come only if you’d like to.’ He stopped outside her cottage and she climbed out of his car. She didn’t give him an answer about the following day. Of course she wanted to spend the day with this gorgeous man but she sensed it wasn’t a good idea and simply thanked him for the outing and lunch.

Sarah watched him drive away and raised her good arm to wave. She would never know that he was watching her. She could not know that he was looking in his rear view mirror, cursing himself for being too pushy. In his own bull in a china shop way, he’d scared her off. Someone, he felt, who could be so right for him. Easily an intellectual equal, she shared everything he held dear. He must somehow back off and not rush her. Stop trying to thrust her into something she needed time to acknowledge. All the same, he hoped she might come over to look at her beloved horse the next morning. She did not.

Alex might have been consoled if he had known that she was pacing up and down her little garden, desperately wondering what to do. She wanted to go over to the gorgeous house and see Major. Alex was also a huge draw to her. But she had to work with him all week. He had ideas that professionally, she did not like nor agree to follow. It could only lead to conflict in the workplace and that, she would hate. She loved her work and found pleasure in helping people, often desperate people, to come to some sort of solution in their lives. Ken had understood. He would always recognise that she would try to mediate rather than insist on her clients taking the often expensive route to litigation. She would talk to them, advise them and try to show them they might find a solution. She spent longer than the time they were entitled to and charged them the lowest fees possible. It may not be good for business and the practice, but she was dealing with people’s lives. That was surely more important than making already well paid lawyers even better off? She could see trouble ahead and needed time to sort out her own thoughts before becoming too involved with her ambitious new boss. All the same, Alex Weston had done something to her own emotional stability. Roast dinner with Alex ... or a lonely omelette? No contest really but she chose the omelette, totally based on political reasons. Towards evening, she realised they had made no arrangements for Alex to collect her for work the next day so she called him. There was no reply. She left a message and hoped he would find it.

Rather nervously the next morning, Sarah looked through her window, hoping to see Alex’s car coming along the road. At five past eight, she decided she must call a for a taxi. She was on the point of dialling when she heard his car stop. She put down the phone and rushed out.

‘Shouldn’t you lock your door?’ Alex asked,

‘It’s Okay. Locks automatically. Thanks for stopping. I wasn’t sure if you’d got my message.’

‘Of course. Sorry ... I should have called back. I was out with the horses. It turned rather cold last night so I thought I should make sure they had plenty of straw.’

‘Thanks. I appreciate your efforts.’

They made slightly polite, stilted conversation throughout the journey. The easy closeness of Saturday had gone. Sarah cursed herself inwardly. She had spent a miserable day yesterday, almost as if she was punishing herself for allowing her guard to slip and tell him too many personal things. She had missed out on his company and possibly spoilt any chance of a good future friendship or even more. He parked the car and commented,

‘Another week at the grindstone. Have a good day.’

They saw little of each other during the week. Sarah saw him pass her office door a few times during the days and he collected her promptly each morning. He said nothing more about seeing her outside work and by Friday, she decided that any chance that something might have progressed between them was totally lost. There was no suggestion of drinks after work on Friday and Sarah phoned for a taxi at the end of the day. If she had been hoping to go with him to collect the puppies the next day, she was to be disappointed. No mention of it had been made. A long boring weekend lay ahead. Maybe she should go and see her parents. But getting there was just too complicated. She would have to do a one-handed clean round the cottage and shop in the village. Very exciting.