Page 37 of No Strings Christmas

‘Am I?’ I bat my lashes.

‘As you’re fully aware.’

I laugh, reclining against the back of the bath, just my face filling the screen. ‘How was your day?’

‘It got better about two minutes ago.’

I smile.

‘You do realise I’m going to have to print and frame that photo.’

I pull a face.

‘Or have it turned into a coffee cup so I can look at you every morning.’

I laugh. ‘I think I could get you a better picture.’

‘No such thing.’

I roll my eyes. ‘Your flattery is not necessary, Zachary. You’ve already got me into bed.’

‘Mmm...’ A gruff noise. ‘So tell me about shopping.’

‘What do you want to know?’

‘Whatever you want to tell me.’

My heart skips. He’s being sweet. He knows I was a little anxious about it and he’s giving me a chance to vent. I take a sip of champagne, focussing on the screen. ‘Like I said

, it was better than I expected. I actually really like spending time with Jemima and Mum, when it’s just the three of us. We’re all very different but we’re family.’ I lean forward a little, inadvertently angling the screen lower. His grin alerts me to the fact he can see a fair amount of my body.

‘Eyes up, mister.’

He holds his free hand up in a silent plea. ‘That was way too tempting.’

‘I’ll be more careful.’

‘Don’t.’

I laugh.

‘What do you do for Christmas?’

He frowns, surprised by the question. ‘Me?’

‘No, the guy behind you,’ I tease. ‘Yeah, you. We were talking about it today, our traditions and what we do, what we’ll eat. I know you’re not particularly a fan but you must have some plans?’

‘Not really.’

‘Do you see your mum? Your brother?’

‘This year will be a bit different, given my brother’s just got married. I’m not really sure.’

‘What about your mum?’

‘She’s in Sydney.’

‘Alone?’

---