Page 59 of A Festive Surprise

‘Now, make a wish, but don’t say what it is. If you tell it doesn’t work.’ He closed his eyes, resting his chin on her shoulder and inhaling the sweet scent of her conditioner. Wishes flooded his brain. His family’s safety, peace in his country and love. ‘Bahebek,jamilati.’ He planted a kiss on her cheek. And I wish you would stay with me forever.

‘Merry Christmas,’ she muttered.

‘Let’s get this in the tin, then we can bake it. It takes four hours.’

‘Oh, well. Plenty of time to do something else then.’

‘Exactly.’

‘First up, I need to shower. I’m covered in flour. Coming?’ She arched her eyebrow.

‘Are you kidding?’ Was she? She was one hundred per cent attractive and scorched his blood with her talk, but she was also terrifying.

‘Not kidding. You look like you need a good scrub to me.’

How could he refuse? He set the cake to bake and followed her towards the bathroom.

An hour later, Farid was well washed after the hottest shower in heaven or hell. He had nothing to compare her with but this had to be the most intense initiation a man could have – no complaints.

Holly strolled into the living area, sweeping her long hair into a ponytail, and smiled from ear to ear. Farid leaned his head on his hand on the sofa arm. ‘So much for a relaxing weekend. You tire me out.’

‘I don’t believe a word of it. I mean, what age are you? Twenty-nine? Thirty?’

‘Ha. No. Twenty-six.’

‘Twenty-six?’ Holly gaped, still holding her hands behind her head as she fixed her hair.

‘Yup. Why?’

‘Because I’m thirty-two.’

He fiddled with the cuff of his sweater. ‘Does it matter? My father is seven years older than my mother.’

‘Yeah, it never seems quite so bad when it’s the man who’s older.’

‘Holly, Holly, I never thought I’d hear you saying something like that. If I said it, you’d string me up or cut my bits off.’

She laughed. ‘True. And it’s not like…’ Her gaze dropped and she looked away. ‘Well, you know.’

‘No. What do you mean?’

‘Nothing. Listen, I need to go to Tobermory. I haven’t bought food for over a week. I’ve been so distracted with work and you.’

‘Sorry.’

‘I don’t mind. It’s just I need supplies. I won’t be too long hopefully. Will you stay and mind the cake?’

‘Of course, jamilati, I do anything for you. You know that.’

‘Thanks, gorgeous.’

He got to his feet and opened his arms.

She hugged him.

‘Take care.’

‘I will.’ She planted a chaste kiss on his cheek before she left.

---