Page 18 of Saved By Love at Christmas
I let out a short, bitter laugh. “No need to. I’ve blocked Jamie and taken down most of my social media accounts. I only have Facebook now, but all settings are private, and you’re one of the few friends I have on there.”
He murmured his approval. “Good thing you’ve done that. At least you don’t have to see anything to do with that awful man.”
“That’s what I think too. I’d rather move on and leave the past behind me. Not a place I ever want to revisit.”
He plonked his mug back on the coffee table with a thud. “I know it’s only the first week of November, but how do you feel about sorting through the Christmas decorations? Also, I need to check that all the lights work.”
Grandad loved his lights. He even decorated the trees and large hedges in the back garden, but they were always tastefully done.
I laughed. “You know how much I adore Christmas. It’s never too early to see if we need any new lights or ornaments. After all, most towns and shops will have their decorations up already. We can take a trip to Notcutts.”
Since I was a child, I’d loved going to Notcutts. It was a local garden centre, and they always had part of the shop set up specifically for Christmas gifts and decorations. I usually ended up spending a fortune in there. After looking at all the goodies on sale, we went into the onsite café for a scone and a mug of hot chocolate. Yet another of the James’s family traditions.
“Great. Shall we make a start now? And yes, a trip to Notcutts is a must.” He stood up with an eager grin on his face.
“Okay. I’m beginning to think this is more for your benefit than mine,” I teased. “You can hold the stepladder, and I’ll get up in the loft. Deal?” I held up my hand for a high-five.
“Deal.” His hand slapped against mine.
I fetched the ladder from the cupboard under the stairs and headed for the landing.
“Phew!” I gasped as I climbed up the ladder and sat on the edge of the loft hatch. “There are loads of boxes up here. Are you sure you’re not turning into a hoarder, Grandad?”
“No. Everything up there is to be loved and treasured. All the Christmas boxes will be close by, as they always have been, and next to the hatch. They’re labelled with a big C on the side of each box.”
“I know, I remember. Hey, I was here last Christmas, you know.”
He chuckled. “I know, love. Sorry. I’m getting a little excited.”
I caught hold of the first one. Grandad was halfway up the ladder. After handing it to him, I went to retrieve another. The front doorbell chimed, and I wondered who that could be.
“Hang on, love. I’d better answer that.”
I could hear men’s voices. One was Grandad’s, but I didn’t quite catch who the other one belonged to. Being the impatient person that I am, I grabbed hold of the box and proceeded to back down the step ladder. My foot slipped because I was only wearing socks. I dropped the box and the ladder wobbled. Grabbing hold of the edge of the loft hatch, I clung on for dear life. The ladder swayed and fell over, leaving me swinging precariously.
“Help, Grandad!” I cried out.
I heard two pairs of footsteps running up the stairs. My fingers started to slip. If I wasn’t rescued in a minute, I imagined a trip to A&E at Ipswich Hospital was on the cards for me. My grip loosened further. I shrieked as I started to fall. Two strong arms caught me about the waist, saving me from God knows what injuries.
“Gotcha, like I always have. Hi, Rubes. Need rescuing, I see.”
Ben had saved me yet again.
“Hi, Ben. This seems to be a regular thing now.”
“What’s that?” he asked as his lips twitched.
“Coming to save me.”
“Well, I always like to help a damsel in distress.”
My lips twitched too. “Yeah, I can just see you in a cape with your pants on over a pair of lycra leggings.”
He laughed. “And all the ladies will be batting their eyelashes at me. All in love with the caped crusader that is Ben Driscoll.”
I put my hand up. “Okay, now you’re getting carried away.”
Ben still had his hands on my waist and mine rested on his shoulders. My eyes wandered up his body slowly. Firm chest, lightly stubbled strong jaw, full lips curved into his trademark teasing smile. Short, dark brown wavy hair, and those deep blue eyes that always held a twinkle of cheekiness. My best friend. My knight in shining armour.
