Page 20 of Only for Christmas

There was a challenge in his expression, as though he was daring her to reject him again.

It was then that she realised Lucas Moore was watching her, a questioning expression on his face. Her distress must have been visible, because his gaze switched between her and Stephen, and then he mouthed, ‘Are you okay?’

Her instinct was to reassure him she was fine. Resisting assistance of any kind was her default setting these days. She’d vowed never to rely on another man again. But that was when she was fully in control of a situation, and not feeling increasingly unnerved by Stephen’s unwanted attentions. Common sense told her she needed an ally.

So when Lucas tilted his head, waiting for her response, instead of batting away his offer of help like she’d normally do, she shook her head, indicating that she was not okay.

He nodded in understanding, although quite what he was going to do, she had no idea.

‘I’ll get my secretary to arrange something for next week,’ Stephen said, oblivious to the distress he was causing her. ‘Think of it as a working lunch, a networking opportunity, appeasing the boss to ensure your career stays on track.’

Was he threatening her? She tried to step away, but someone blocked her escape.

‘And accept my friend request, okay? You don’t want to offend the boss.’ There was an edge to his voice.

Thankfully, Lucas appeared in that moment, almost shoving Stephen to one side so he could step between them. ‘Ah, here you are!’ He rested his warm hand on her arm. ‘Sorry I was so long; I got caught chatting with some guy from paediatrics. You okay, honey?’

Honey? Sarah felt her eyes grow wide.

Lucas turned to Stephen. ‘Hey there, Stephen. Good seeing you again. Great party. This is some venue.’ His grin was big and open and totally beguiling. She could feel several sets of eyes turning in their direction. ‘You’ll have to excuse me if I steal my girl away, only I haven’t seen her all day.’

When Lucas’s large hand slid into hers, she was so alarmed she audibly whimpered.

‘You have a good night, sir.’ Lucas gently pulled Sarah with him as he moved away. ‘Thanks again for the invite. It’s real sociable of you.’

Sarah wasn’t sure whose expression was more shocked, hers or Stephen’s. Shock that switched to annoyance as Stephen watched her being whisked away by Lucas, his expression darkening by the second.

‘I’d prefer to handle Stephen myself,’ she hissed, allowing herself to be led through the crowded bar – even though she hadn’t been handling the man at all. That was beside the point.

Lucas kept hold of her hand. ‘I get that you’re mad with me for pretending we’re involved, but—’

‘I’m not mad,’ she admitted, causing him to abruptly stop.

He turned to her, one eyebrow raised. ‘You’re not?’

She screwed up her nose. ‘Well, maybe a bit.’

He grinned. ‘I figured as much. Sorry, but it was all I could think of to get you away from him.’

‘I realise that. And honestly, I’m more grateful than mad,’ she admitted, trying to hide her disgruntlement. He’d rescued her, after all. ‘Despite my best efforts, Stephen wasn’t taking no for an answer, so thank you for coming to my aid and getting me out of a very uncomfortable situation. I really appreciate it.’

Lucas’s expression softened. ‘No worries.’ He eased her into a space near the exit. ‘I’m guessing you’ve had enough for tonight?’

She nodded. ‘More than enough.’

‘Then let’s get out of here.’ He collected their jackets from the stand and angled her towards the door.

‘Is he following us?’ she asked, joining Lucas outside.

He glanced back. ‘Not sure. A bunch of people are looking out the window. How convincing do you want this to look?’

She blinked up at him. ‘How do you mean?’

‘Being involved. Making Stephen believe we’re an item. A hug might seal the deal.’

‘A hug?’

‘Only if you’re comfortable with that?’ He waited, not pressurising, letting her make the decision.

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