Page 75 of Only for Christmas

She let him, for a number of reasons. It was a cold night and she was grateful for his warmth. She needed the comfort to steady her nerves. They were on a ‘date’ so it was necessary to keep up the illusion they were a couple, and… well… because she wanted to.

The last reason was the real kicker. She’d stopped fighting her attraction towards Lucas – as demonstrated last night when she’d kissed him. Maybe her aversion to men, like her aversion to Christmas, was finally lifting. More likely, the security of knowing he was leaving on Tuesday had enabled her barriers to lower temporarily. Nothing could develop between them, so it was safe to indulge in a brief moment of pleasure.

She glanced over, to find him watching her.

He gently caressed her hand. ‘Do you want to talk about last night?’

‘Absolutely not.’ What was he, a sadist?

‘Fair enough. You’re okay, though? We’re all good?’

She nodded. ‘We’re fine.’

‘That’s all I need to know.’

She was far from fine, but she had no idea what fine even was these days. Her quiet, carefully controlled life that she’d crafted for herself had been blown sky-high these last few weeks. First Fred had bundled into her life, then Stephen, and then Lucas. And people wondered why she avoided men.

The journey through London was quiet, with them both seemingly content to hold hands and watch the sights blur past as they headed into town. Feeling Lucas’s body next to hers no longer felt strange. His warmth and scent were a familiar comfort. Her body had stopped stiffening at his touch. She now welcomed his presence. A little too much at times, as demonstrated last night when she couldn’t get enough of him. Kissing Lucas had been like discovering water after forty nights in the desert. She’d been left craving more… a lot more.

The taxi pulled up behind a line of other taxis snaking along Cromwell Road dropping off their fares for the event. Scores of dressed-to-impress people swarmed the pavements, chattering and making their way towards the grand entrance.

Lucas exited the taxi. ‘So, this is the famous Victoria and Albert Museum?’

‘Wait until you see inside; you’ll be blown away.’

He took her hand. ‘Game face on.’

‘Let’s do this.’ She straightened her shoulders. ‘And what I really mean is: let’s get this over and done with.’

‘Focus on the positives,’ he said, as they entered the huge lobby. ‘Like that tree.’ He nodded to the giant Christmas tree standing centre-stage, glistening with baby-pink lights, glass ornaments and ribbons. ‘And that ceiling?’ His eyes grew wide as he took in the tall marble-white domed ceiling, with leaded skylights leading down to a series of carved sculptures on huge plinths. ‘This is incredible.’

His awe at the place helped to distract her, and she tried to look at the place anew. He was right, it was an impressive venue.

Depositing Sarah’s coat in the cloakroom, they were directed through to the courtyard, where a giant marquee had been erected. Sparkling chandeliers hung down from the ceiling, interspersed with large spinning glitter balls, casting the space in flickering light.

Tables filled the outer areas, each one decorated with gold tablecloths and elaborate centrepieces. A wooden floor filled the middle, creating a dancefloor, and a stage had been erected where a quartet of musicians played. Behind the musicians was a disco set up ready for when the evening switched from formal and classy to drunken and raucous.

Hundreds of people were gathered, a wash of long sparkling dresses and formal evening attire. Some people had opted for Christmas-themed outfits and were dressed in Santa-red and elf-green. Others had embraced the excuse to gown up, like Georgia, who raced towards Sarah, who was wearing a full-length silver foil dress, so tight she had to lift the hem off the ground so she could walk properly.

‘Sarah! You’re here!’ Georgia’s hug was so forceful Sarah was knocked backwards. ‘And with the lovely Doctor Moore too.’ Her eyes darted between them. ‘So, is it official? Are you back on the horse? Or should I say, back on the cowboy? I hope you’re riding him good.’ Georgia’s loud laughter caused heads to turn.

‘Honestly, Georgia. Have some discretion.’ Sarah gave Lucas an apologetic look. He didn’t seem bothered. In fact, he smiled and put his arm around her.

‘Oh my God! You are soooo hooking up.’ In Georgia’s exuberance, she bumped into Jafrina, who had just arrived with Tyler.

‘What have I missed?’ Jafrina looked unbelievably elegant in her red and gold salwar kameez with her dark hair tied into a sleek bun and large hoop earrings.

‘It’s official, Sarah has bagged herself Doctor Moreish. They’re dating,’ she said, loud enough to turn heads. Georgia flicked Sarah’s dangly earring. ‘You lucked out, girl.’

As cringey as it was to be the subject of such scrutiny, Sarah also knew a public declaration of their ‘relationship’ was necessary if they were to permanently deter Stephen’s advances.

Lucas gave her a loving look. ‘I’m the lucky one.’

Jafrina sighed. ‘That’s so romantic. I’m delighted for you both.’

Tyler was grinning. He looked very dashing in his dinner suit, his dreadlocks tied into a plait down his back. ‘We missed you at work this week. Have you had a good break?’

Knowing it wasn’t the time or place to mention her issues with Stephen, she nodded. ‘I’ve had a lovely week, thanks. Lucas and I have been sightseeing.’

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