Christmas Hero Read online

  “We’ll be home in a week or so,” she said, ignoring the point he was making, and fanning his coldness into anger.

  “Take your time, Mona, but Elizabeth is only working a week. Then she’s going to take some time off and spend it with me. We’ll close the store until you come back.”

  “Elizabeth? Who on the earth is Elizabeth?”

  “Elizabeth. You know, your sister-in-law. The one who’s looking after the store for you.”

  “Oh, you mean Betty. She’s working the store right up until the day we come back.”

  “No, Mona. She’s not. And don’t call her Betty again. Ever.”

  “I always call her Betty. That’s her name.”

  “Not anymore it isn’t. She doesn’t like it.”

  “And what do you mean close the store?” Mona asked in a shrill voice. “You can’t shut the bookstore down—”

  “You didn’t ask her if she wanted to look after the store, did you? You just told her, as if she didn’t have a choice.”

  “I don’t remember it like that. And anyway, she doesn’t have a proper job, she works from home. The store is more important—”

  Andy hung up before Mona could finish. “Good news,” he told Elizabeth. “You only have to work one week. Then we close down.”

  Her eyes widened. “She actually agreed to that?”

  He looked around the store then smirked at her. “Did you agree to any of this?”

  “No. No, I didn’t.”

  He raised an eyebrow. He could see that she was beginning to follow his meaning. “So?”

  “So I guess,” she answered slowly, “that makes Mona and I even, doesn’t it?”

  “I guess it does.”

  Elizabeth threw her arms around him, hugging him close, filling Andy with more happiness than he could have imagined.

  Seven

  Elizabeth

  Elizabeth’s mood lifted and by the time she went home that evening her face was aching from the permanent smiled pasted on it. She knew why. Having Andy in her corner defending her and looking out for her best interests made every little thing seem so much easier than it had when she was doing things alone.

  He worked alongside her in the bookstore, from the time she opened in the morning until the moment she locked up the store at night. And he wasn’t sitting at the table by the window all day researching his trip, although she would have been happy for him to do that. The two of them had settled into a routine. While she opened the store he walked down to The Daily Grind and grabbed hot chocolates for them. Then they’d stand at the counter chatting while they drank their morning beverage. As soon as the hot chocolate was finished her and Andy would get stuck into work. She’d check in the new arrivals that had been delivered the previous afternoon then she’d call the customers waiting on them, while Andy would work on the new Christmas display.

  When he finally finished, they both stopped to admire his handiwork.

  “You’ve got a gift for this,” she told him, admiring the Christmas color-matched books nestled amongst silver and gold tinsel and a small fake fir tree adorned with glass baubles. “I bet we’ll sell loads of books this week.”

  “Not just a handsome face,” he answered with not the slightest hint of arrogance, but he was right. He was one of the best-looking men she’d met, and along with that, he was smart, adaptable and kind. It was amazing he wasn’t married or at least had a partner, but she guessed it was pretty hard to meet someone when enlisted in the army. And thank goodness for that, otherwise she wouldn’t be here having such a fun time in Mona’s store.

  “No, not just a handsome face. You really are the whole package, aren’t you?”

  “Why thank you, ma’am. That might just get you an extra large hot chocolate with marshmallows tomorrow.” He turned back to his display. “I’ll do a different one at the end of the week as well. If Mona’s back, awesome. But if she’s not, I swear I’d better not catch you coming in here to work,” he warned.

  “What’ll you do?” she asked coyly.

  He turned back to her and his eyes glinted sexily. “I’ll kidnap you. Carry you out of here. You’ll never know what hit you.” A cheeky grin shadowed the corner of his lips.

  “And then what?” A flutter of excitement shot through her. Being taken somewhere by Andy was a prospect that she relished.

  “Oh, you know. I’ll teach you how to have fun.” He moved a step closer to her and as her heart thudded he brushed a few stray hairs from her face. His fingertips were light and she tried not to show how much his touch affected her. “Maybe I’ll do that anyway. What do you think about that?”

  Was he going to kiss her? She hoped so, but first she needed to answer his question. “Learning to have fun sounds like…well, fun.” While she loved Lewiston, she’d lived here so long that she no longer could see the magic of Christmas in her hometown. Her less than perfect view of Lewiston was a shame, because the town was a beautiful little place with a solid sense of community but despite that she no longer felt happy. Something was missing from her life and she had no idea how to change things for the better. But her view of her circumstances would change—and definitely improve—if Andy kissed her. She licked her lips, hoping that kiss was going to happen.

  Instead he took a step away and rubbed his hands together. “We’ve got to make some plans. You know the big concert is coming up,” he reminded her. “Everyone will be there. We should go.”

  She’d always gone to the Christmas concert. In fact, she’d always volunteered for it but wasn’t sure she wanted to this year. Volunteering was a lot of work and given how jaded she felt she didn’t know if she could be bothered. Maybe attending the concert would be fun with Andy. She tilted her head in his direction. “I’d like that.”

  “And they have the Christmas Festival starting soon. I remember it from when I was a kid, and there are so many cool things to do. Maybe we could pick up an ornament or two for the tree.” He frowned. “I haven’t seen a tree at your house now that I think of it. Do you have a fake one packed away somewhere?”

  She shook her head. “No. I don’t. I never have a tree. It seems like too much work to do for just me.”

  He moved back into her personal space, took her by the shoulders and shook her lightly. “You have to have a tree. I mean, it’s not Christmas without a tree. I’ll help you choose one. And we can have a big Christmas dinner with all the traditional trimmings. And eggnog…we can drink eggnog.” He took his hands from her shoulders then paced back and forth, spouting off ideas for all the things they could do.

  A smile spread across her face and to her surprise enthusiasm bubbled through her. She had some Christmas decorations somewhere, maybe in the garage. She hadn’t unpacked them for years, but could remember them clearly. How nice would it be to unwrap them from the tissue paper they were protected in and remember Christmas’ gone past…from her childhood.

  “Yes, I have some decorations. I can’t wait to get home and search for them.”

  “Tonight I have other plans for you.”

  That tingle of anticipation ran through her again. Doing anything with Andy was nice, but what exactly were his plans? Hopefully they involved physical contact of some description…the closer the better. “What plans?”

  “I’m taking you skating.”

  Her excitement fizzled out. “Like ice skating? I thought we were talking about Christmas?”

  “It’s all the same thing, isn’t it? Both happen in the winter, and we’re here, in the winter. It will get you in the mood, Elizabeth. You know how to skate, right?”

  Deflated, she tried to think of an excuse. She hadn’t done it in years because she was never a good skater and now that she was older, she feared falling and breaking her leg. Elizabeth was about to say no, but his brown eyes shone and his face was painted pink with excitement. For Andy, she’d make an exception, so she nodded. “Sure, that sounds fun.”

  He grabbed her hands in his own and squeezed them. “I haven’t
skated for years. I can’t wait.”

  The feel of his hands on hers was something she wanted more of. Okay, so skating might not be her thing but it gave them an excuse to be close to each other. As she imagined them skating round, holding hands and laughing together, Elizabeth smiled. “I can’t wait either.”

  Eight

  Andy

  “Shall we walk or drive?” Andy asked Elizabeth when they were both ready to set off for skating. They were wrapped up warm. She wore a black puffer jacket and jeans, and he was in jeans and a thick black jersey.

  “Let’s walk,” she replied. “We’re already dressed for the cold weather.” She lifted her hands to show off her gloves. “And the rink is only a few blocks away. Have you any gloves?”

  “Yes, and my scarf and beanie, like you told me I had to wear. You’d make a good mother.” She flashed a smile at him and his heart constricted. He’d had a sense earlier today when he’d first told her he was taking her skating that maybe she didn’t want to go, but she seemed enthusiastic now. “Loop your arm through mine,” he told her as they left the house and walked down her front path. “You don’t want to slip on the sidewalk. They don’t maintain them any better than they used to when I was a kid.”

  “It’s not like this in the richer parts of town. The sidewalks on Lakeshore Drive are perfect. And yet we all pay our town taxes.”

  “This is a lawsuit waiting to happen,” he mumbled as she slipped and he put his hand under her elbow to help steady her. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.” She didn’t seem to mind the state of the sidewalk and he hoped her happy mood and lack of concern had something—or maybe everything—to do with him.

  “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?” she stopped for a moment, lifting her gaze to the dark but clear sky, and something swelled in his chest as he took in her profile. Her features were fine and elfin, and with her long dark hair and luscious lips, he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and kiss her.

  “You’re—” Beautiful he’d been about to say, but she slipped and grabbed his arm, screeching with laugher, effectively breaking the moment.

  “I’m not going to be much good on skates if I can’t even walk without falling over.”

  “You’re not, but I’ll be there to rescue you on the rink as well.”

  They walked along in silence for a couple of minutes then turned a corner. “Here were are.” She opened her purse as they walked into the rink.

  “No you don’t. Put that away. This is on me. ” He took out his wallet, and paid for the entrance fee and skate hire. The attendant helped them choose skates then they found a seat beside the rink. “Let me help you get yours on.” He knelt in front of Elizabeth, pulled her boots off and laced up the white figure skates tightly. “Stand up and let’s see if I need to adjust the laces.”

  “No, I can do it. You don’t need to get all wet kneeling there.”

  He smiled up at her, admiring the beauty in her heart shaped face, clear skin and green eyes, framed by her long, dark hair and maroon beret. “In the army I had to suffer far worse situations than a damp knee. This is nothing.”

  She lifted her eyebrows, making him melt. “You’re my hero, Andy. Not just the military stint, but also for coming here to Lewiston and rescuing my holiday.” She coughed softly and looked down towards the ground. “You know…I thought you were going to ruin my Christmas…and now I feel so guilty about that. Now I feel as if I owe Mona big time…because if she hadn’t pushed me into looking after her store, I wouldn’t be spending the holiday with you. And this is shaping up to be the best Christmas I can remember.”

  “The same for me.” He finished tightening up her laces, and pulled her to her feet. “Ready for a whip around the rink, princess?”

  He led her on to the ice, loving the way she didn’t let go of his hand. She stumbled across the slippery surface, holding her shoulders taut, her legs locked at the knees. He was dying to race across the ice but held back, not wanting her to lose what little confidence she had.

  “I’ll be alright,” she told him as if she could read his mind. “You go ahead and I’ll catch up in a minute. Really.”

  He let go of her hand and pushed against his blades, skimming across the ice with a surge of power. He'd loved skating when he was younger but hadn’t been on the ice for years. Skating was like riding a bicycle though, and his feet remembered what to do. Within a minute he’d circled the rink and was back with Elizabeth, who was now holding the barrier.

  “You skate really well. You’re graceful.”

  He took a small bow. “How are you going?”

  “Slow. I’m nervous of falling over. I broke my leg a few years back and lost my confidence.”

  “Come on, take my hand.”

  She put her small, gloved hand into his and they made their way around the rink, laughing and joking as they slid across the ice. Around and around they went, and on the fourth lap Andy let go of her hand. She didn’t notice and glided along alone, then when she realized he no longer had hold of her she reached out for his hand. Her fingers twined around his, but before she could anchor herself to him properly, she fell, bringing him down with her.

  He tried to stop himself falling on top of her, but heard her wince as he crashed down on her. They both settled on the ice, followed by slow movement as they tested their limbs. He was okay, but was she? His eyes swept her pain-pinched face then her body to make sure no bones were sticking out at awkward angles. He sighed with relief. She was in one piece. He moved again, got up carefully, and bent over, extending his hand to hers. “Grab hold, and I’ll get you up.”

  She took his outstretched hand gratefully but he could see the fear in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Andy.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Are you?”

  “Yes, I think I am. It just gave me a shock.” Her color was returning and within two minutes she was standing beside him.

  “Ready for another lap?”

  She grinned at him. “Why not? But slowly, please. And don’t let go of my hand.”

  Nothing would make him happier. They started around the rink again, Elizabeth clutching his hand with a pressure he enjoyed. He loved being in charge but at the same time he wanted her confidence to return. Should he let go and let her try her independence again? She didn’t seem inclined to let go, so neither did he.

  “You hungry?” she asked finally.

  “Starving. Time to go?”

  “Yeah, I’m getting hungry and cold.”

  He helped her with her skates, and they left the rink. “Did you enjoy that?”

  “I had so much fun, apart from the fall. I felt like a kid again. You know what, though? My regular shoes feel odd now. I feel as if I’m wearing slippers.”

  “At least you won’t fall over in them. But ah, I might be wrong, given the state of the sidewalks. And your lack of balance.” She gave him a playful punch in the arm and he caught her hand, holding it until they reached the main street. “Takeout?” he asked, gesturing to the small diner on the corner.

  They went in and ordered cheeseburgers and fries, then when they were ready they picked up a bottle of red wine from the liquor store across the road. Minutes later they were back at her place.

  Inside, she walked straight to the kitchen, opened the cupboard and pulled out two plates. Before she could open the food, Andy took the plates from her hands and placed them back in the cupboard. “Let’s have a picnic.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He picked up the bags of food, carried them to her coffee table in the living room, and sat down cross-legged in front of it.

  “Great idea. I love a picnic, and there won’t be dirty dishes. There is one thing I can’t do without.” She dived back into the kitchen and a moment later came back with two glasses of wine.

  She got on the floor beside him, and Andy raised his glass and clinked it against hers. “To Christmas. I can tell it’s going to be a good one.”


  Nine

  Elizabeth

  Elizabeth woke early, her mind alert. She lay in bed, warm and cozy under her winter duvet, looking forward to the hours ahead. Her life had become an exciting adventure, and she sent out thanks to the universe that things in her life had changed so dramatically. She stretched then poked her toe out from under the covers. It was cool in her room but that didn’t stop her catapulting out of bed and within minutes endorphins were rushing around her body.

  A warm shower energized and refreshed her, and minutes later she emerged to dress, anticipating what the day might bring, but one thing was certain: Andy would join her at the shop as he now did each morning. He’d enthusiastically help her with whatever needed doing: unpacking or packing books, putting new acquisitions on the shelves; changing the displays; and serving customers.

  He was great with the public, pleasant, friendly and helpful, and everyone loved him. If the store was quiet and there wasn’t enough to do sometimes he’d read, other times he’d run to get them food, but most importantly, every day began with the delicious hot chocolate they both loved.

  She dressed quickly, pulling on blue jeans, a thick cream sweater, and a black fake fur coat. The she pulled on boots and left the house, skipping breakfast in her haste to get to the store. Andy had left before her this morning, calling out to say he was going to take a long walk to work. She couldn’t wait to join him for their morning routine.

  “Guess what I got today?” he asked when he entered the bookstore fifteen minutes after she’d opened up. He was upbeat from his walk, his skin glowing and healthy, his eyes sparkling.

  “Hot chocolate?” she asked playfully, gesturing at the takeaway cups.

  “Of course, but there’s more.” He held the cup tantalizingly to her nose and a delicious rich, creamy aroma tickled her senses.