Page 41 of A Festive Surprise

Chapter Thirteen

Farid

After the encounter on the beach, Farid wanted to scrub himself from head to foot. He’d dreamed of Holly for days, imagining their first encounter as something immaculate, then blown it completely and been caught by a stranger having a grope on a beach.

‘Argghhh.’ He unleashed a silent yell at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. What an embarrassment. Could he make this right? Make it special? For whom? Her or him? She seemed to have enjoyed it. But for her, he was just another partner. A date for the short term. He’d loved every second… Until getting caught. That sullied it and made it feel unclean.

Holly was fixing hot chocolates next door and waiting for him. The idea of cuddling close to her as they sipped together warmed him deep within. But would it be the same? Had he ruined the magic with a moment of madness? Or should he shrug it off and move on?

The rain had unleashed a Mull torrent on the way back from the beach – so much for the snow he’d hoped for. Dressed in jogging bottoms and a casual long-sleeved top, he chucked his soaked jeans into the washing machine. With a deep breath, he headed round to Holly’s side of the cottage. His hand hovered at the door. Knock or walk in? A compromise – he knocked, then opened the door. ‘Can I come in?’

‘Of course. Are you dry now?’

‘Yes. All good.’ He strolled into the living area, frisking up his damp hair.

Holly raised her chin and her nose twitched. ‘You always smell divine.’ Picking up two glass coffee mugs, she ported them to the coffee table. The warm chocolate aroma floated through the room with her.

‘Thanks.’ He flopped down and adjusted the reindeer cushion at his back.

‘This is one of Georgia’s bizarre flavours of instant chocolate from that selection she left me. I don’t have cream, marshmallows, whisky or whatever else people put in them to fancy them up, but I did find these cool glasses in the cupboard.’

‘It looks gorgeous, like you.’

‘Seriously.’ She slapped his knee as she sat. ‘You’re such a charmer.’

He cradled his glass, heat oozing into his veins. His jumbled brain wanted to think and breathe. But if he left Holly now, all he’d want would be to come back to her. Should he confess his inexperience? Would that scare her away completely? He’d stolen his first kiss but now he was in some weird kind of limbo.

‘Farid.’ She raised her hand to his face and stroked his cheek. ‘Are we still ok?’

‘Yes. I’m always ok with you. I’m just not sure what to make of what happened.’

She rested her head on his shoulder. ‘Chalk it up as an experience, I guess.’ A knock on the front door made her sit up. ‘Is that my door or yours?’

‘Yours. Too bad if it’s mine. I’m not in.’

Holly chuckled as she got up. Farid cradled his glass, staring into the fire until the flames mesmerised him. Chatter wafted in from the hall. Farid tuned in to Georgia’s voice. He downed his remaining chocolate and stood. Time to go. He couldn’t stay here. Being with Holly was important. But he had to think. Getting caught by a stranger was one thing, Georgia another. She knew they were dating. Dating. Hell. What did that mean for them exactly? How would it play out? So many questions.

‘Marhaba, Georgia.’ He shuffled into his shoes in the hall. ‘Holly, I’m heading back now. I must sort things for work tomorrow. I see you soon.’

‘Sure.’ Her brow creased in the middle.

‘I’m going too,’ said Georgia. ‘If that’s ok with you, I’ll let Robyn know ASAP.’

‘Yeah, it’s fine,’ said Holly. Farid edged past her, aware she was eyeing him directly while talking to Georgia.

He made for the gate, not looking back, and heard the door close.

Georgia caught up with him on the path. ‘I’m so glad you two are getting on so well.’ She patted him on the back.

‘She’s a beautiful neighbour.’

‘Aw.’ Georgia tilted her head. ‘That’s so sweet.’

He gave a little smile, but his eyes strayed to the window. Hopefully, Holly would understand. Putting space between them for breathing time was ok, yes? Or would she think he’d abandoned her cold? His stomach twisted.

‘I know you don’t celebrate Christmas, but would you like some lights or a tree? I can get you anything you like,’ said Georgia.

‘Ay, na’am. Some nice lights for out here. That would be beautiful.’

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