Page 57 of A Festive Surprise

‘What is it?’

His chest rose and fell slowly. ‘I had no other women before you.’

She glanced up but, in the darkened room, couldn’t make out much of him.

‘You were my first kiss, my first everything. That’s why I was embarrassed on the beach. I messed up.’

‘Oh, Farid.’ She traced a heart shape on his taut pecs. ‘I wouldn’t have known. I kind of expected you wouldn’t have been with anyone for a while.’ It had been a while for her too. ‘I mean, after what you’ve been through, it wouldn’t have been surprising.’

‘I don’t want to disappoint you.

‘You haven’t. You’re amazing and I don’t just mean in bed. You’re a great guy. Even the Christmas stuff is growing on me. It’s like Farid’s Christmas fun house.’

‘I like that.’ He stroked her hair. ‘When I talked to my family, it took me back and made me wonder if I did the right thing. I just… I’m still finding my place and I don’t want to hurt anyone or do wrong.’

‘You’ve done nothing wrong.’

‘I bet that woman on the beach thinks different.’

‘Yeah, well. Never mind her. Busybody.’

He let out a laugh.

‘But…’ She huffed a sigh. ‘Will being with me hurt your family? Don’t they approve?’

‘They know in their hearts I won’t be back for a long time. Mama wants me to be happy; that’s why she says you’re beautiful and intelligent. She wants to like you. But Baba is not so sure. He’s traditional about many things and he has an old way of thinking about women. I worry for my sisters. I hope one day they can have the freedom you have but I fear my father won’t allow it.’

‘Maybe he’ll change.’ Silly comment – like suggesting her own father would change his lifelong political views.

‘I wanted to tell you. I owe you the truth.’

‘Thank you.’ She planted a soft kiss on his cheek and he turned his head to join in. His jaw worked under her hand as they kissed long and deep, stirring Holly to the core, not with lust but a profound sense of happiness and comfort.

When they broke off, she slowly circled his back with her palm as he held her close. His breathing slowed and deepened, and his grip slackened.

‘Sleep well.’ Her eyes wouldn’t close; they stayed pinned open in the darkness. Normally, she’d go out like a light, especially after a sexy time like this. But her brain wouldn’t shut down.

Farid’s chest moved steadily and his warmth surrounded her in the silent night. Everything was still and serene. His confession was sweet. How hard must it be to confess to something like that? Especially to someone like me. A woman who’d had a few partners over the years. Everyone had to start somewhere, and after the life he’d had, it wasn’t surprising. What was surprising was how good he was. But then, her own lust had played a part. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to ask or show him. Maybe that had helped.

‘Oh, god.’ She stroked his shoulder and his strong upper arm. ‘I hope I didn’t force you into anything.’

No, he’d been as willing as her but another niggly thought popped up like a glaring orange streetlight amid a perfect starry night.

If she was Farid’s first, then this was dangerous. He’d introduced her to his parents, and hoped his mum might meet her in the flesh one day. He had nothing to measure her against. Did he think the first woman who’d shown him attention must be the one and only? She couldn’t have that. This wasn’t meant to be serious. This was a fling. She didn’t do long-term. Not now. Once she’d wanted nothing else but the Gavin fiasco had made up her mind for her. Now she was happy on her own. How could she make that clear without hurting Farid?

---