Page 26 of Saved By Love at Christmas
Ruby followed me out into the hall while Tom put Fred’s food and water bowls down.
“I hope your day goes by quickly. I guess Grandad invited you to dinner.”
“Yes. I’m looking forward to it already. Fred should be happy to wander around your garden. If you could take him out about four for a walk, that would be good. But promise me you’ll take Tom with you too. I’ll feel happier knowing he’s with you.”
“I will. It’ll make me feel happier too, especially as it will be getting dark by then. Look forward to seeing you later.” Much to my surprise, she put her arms around me and kissed my cheek.
I was tempted to turn my lips to meet hers but held back.
I kissed the top of her head instead and turned to her just before I left. “I look forward to seeing you too. Take care.”
* * *
RUBY
The way Ben looked at me when I came downstairs had my pulse racing. I must have looked a mess in my PJs and rocking bed hair. But his eyes gave away how he felt. He studied me like he wanted to kiss me. Did I want him to? Yes and no. Even though it could be good, what happened afterwards? Would kissing put our friendship at risk? After just coming out of a disastrous relationship, I didn’t want to risk my heart. Even with Ben, at least not for the moment.
“Do you want breakfast now, love?”
Grandad was stroking Fred’s head, watching me intently. He leaned against the doorframe leading to the kitchen.
“No. I’ll have a shower first.”
When I came downstairs, Grandad beckoned me to the front room. Fred was curled up in his basket close to the fire, snoring his head off. We both chuckled.
“Looks like someone’s settled in.”
“Yes,” Grandad replied. “It didn’t take him long.”
“I’d love a cat.”
“If you really want one, I wouldn’t mind.”
I knew he wouldn’t because we’d had cats while I was growing up.
“Let’s speak to Ben later. He may know where we can find one.”
After breakfast, we cleared the dishes away, and I helped Grandad to prepare our evening meal.
“What have you got planned today?”
“Is it okay for me to take the car? I’d like to get a new phone. One that Jamie won’t be able to contact me on. My contract’s up, so I’m due an upgrade.”
“I’ll come with you. I need to get a couple of things you can’t get from the local shops.”
Half an hour later, we headed out. I went straight to the phone shop in the supermarket whilst Grandad did a little shopping. After getting my new phone and changing the number, I felt happier. I wouldn’t jump each time the phone rang, wondering if it was Jamie again. At least he wouldn’t be able to get to me now. We reached the car and Grandad let out a shocked gasp.
“What’s wrong?”
He pointed to the passenger side door, which had long scratches on it.
“Oh, for goodness’ sake. Whoever did this hasn’t even left their details.” It made me so cross that the person didn’t even have the decency to leave their contact information.
“I know, love. This seems to be a common thing for supermarket car parks. Never mind. I know someone who can fix this.”
When we got home, Grandad headed for the kitchen to start on his sticky toffee pudding mix. I let Fred out for a little wander around the back garden. I was drawn back to the scratches on the car. Something about them didn’t seem right. The height and the way the scratches had been made looked more like an act of vandalism than an accident. Like someone had used a sharp implement to deliberately do this. What if it was Jamie? I shook my head. Now I was becoming paranoid. But in the back of my mind, I couldn’t shake off the idea that it could be him.
CHAPTER9
