Page 37 of A Festive Surprise

‘For being with me last night. For putting up with some strange woman and accepting me for the weirdo I am.’

‘You’re not weird, jamilati. You’re you and I like you as you are.’

‘Oh, Jesus, Farid, everything you say is so beautiful. Every bloody time.’

‘I’m happy you think so.’ He held her close, pressing his cheek to hers, imbibing her spirit and vitality, drowning in a sea of desire. ‘Should we test the sea?’

Holly pulled back and gaped. ‘Do you mean swim? There’s no way on this planet I’d go in there in this weather, even if those aliens invade. I’d rather go with them.’

‘Come on, where’s that – what do you call it? – the get up and go.’

‘It’s got up and gone.’

He laughed and held both her hands. ‘Just feet. We bathe the feet.’

‘Paddle, you mean?’

‘I might.’ He winked. The nuances of the English language were strange. Learning them would take time and maybe it was time he had. Years ago, he’d learned the language of computers and could work magic with them. But if his words could touch the soul of a real living being, then so much the better. Archie had given him books. Some of them were so difficult but the challenge made up for the day job. Dissing the forestry work wasn’t his intent but it didn’t stimulate his brain enough or in the right way.

Letting go of Holly’s hands, he dropped to the ground and untied his shoes. His socks came off next and his feet sank into the ice-cold sand. ‘Oof.’ His toes spasmed. ‘This is so cold and I haven’t got near the water.’

‘I don’t know if you’re brave or crazy.’

He rolled up his jeans. ‘Maybe both. But, ya’ni, after this year, it can’t be worse.’ The sand tingled in his toes, he flexed his feet and jumped up. Throwing his arms wide, he looked heavenward and inhaled the fresh air. ‘All I need now is snow. Come on, let me have it. Throw down your snow, do your worst.’

‘Better watch a seagull doesn’t answer you.’

He smirked and strode towards the sea, still holding out his arms. ‘Let it snow, bring me this winter wonderland that the songs promise.’

The edge of the sea lapped on his toes, biting like a shard of ice.

‘Snow is totally overrated. It’s an absolute pain in the neck and causes havoc on the roads. It’s hideous to clear and a nightmare to walk in.’

‘Holly.’ Farid waggled his finger. ‘You’re spoiling the image.’

‘Just telling it like it is.’ She folded her arms, wearing her staunch I hate Christmas face. A wicked idea seized Farid and he ran towards her. She stepped back, her eyes widening.

‘I won’t let you spoil it. You’ll be on the naughty list again.’ He ducked down, pushed his head under her arm and hoisted her into a fireman’s lift.

She screamed. ‘What are you doing? Put me down.’

He ran into the sea. The water stung his feet and he slowed, wading in ankle deep, laughing. ‘Put you down, huh?’

‘No, don’t you dare put me down. Get me out of here.’

‘You better be good or I’ll drop you.’

‘Don’t you bloody dare, just don’t.’

He hunched over and lowered her down. She wasn’t heavy but she was tall. Before her feet got too close to the water, she wrapped her long legs around his waist, her arms around his neck, and clung to him. He held her, suddenly aware of himself, of her, of how close they were. Every sensitive part of him was touching her. Her eyes found his and her lip curled slowly up. Her tense body relaxed in his arms and her face inched closer. His gaze fixed on her; he couldn’t move a muscle.

Then she tilted her head, leaned forward and tugged his neck. His lips were drawn to hers and they snapped together. Fire roared through his veins. The touch shocked him and he pulled back, but Holly had him rooted and pinned. She let out a moan as she gently sucked on his lip, begging for a response. He rose to the bait, parted his lips and surrendered to the most natural action in the world. Sparks stung as Holly shuffled in his arms, drawing herself so close even an atom couldn’t slip between them. She moaned again and he mimicked her without meaning to, but the sensory overload was stoking an inferno within. He focused on the touch of her lips, so soft, yet so sure. She knew what she wanted and she was taking it. His tongue brushed against hers. A jolt of electricity struck deep. He almost let go, but a secondary surge pushed his muscles tight, keeping her close. Closer. He shut his eyes, languishing in the kiss. His first. So beautiful. So precious.

Holly pulled back softly. She gasped for air but Farid kept his eyes closed, resting his forehead on hers. Awareness kicked in. His arms ached from holding her; his feet were numb in the lapping water.

‘Oh god,’ said Holly.

He opened his eyes and swallowed. Taking a few steps, he claimed the sand and let Holly down. She considered him, sucking in her lips.

---