Crystal clinks, ricocheting around the table. ‘To the most fabulous Christmas ever.’ I tap my glass against hers and pray she’s right. ‘Thank you all for being here with us. For making this possible.’
Jayden slides his phone from his pocket, glancing at the screen with a frown, before cancelling whoever is on the other end. It lights up again before he can slide it into his pocket. I arch a questioning eyebrow in his direction, but he shakes his head in response. When I continue to stare, he mouths the name I’ve been dreading.Dad.
He’s persistent this time and it’s not sitting easy with me. Neither is the fact that no matter how fabulous this Christmas may be – even if I end up engaged to the woman of my dreams – the second it’s over, we’ll have to get down to the nitty gritty details of who will live where, and how the hell we’re going to manage a long distance relationship. If only we could pause the moment and stay in this castle forever. It’s so much nicer than the real world.
My own words from earlier come back to bite me.
Nice doesn’t sell records.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE
SASHA
22ndDecember
‘So, what are you getting lover-boy for Christmas?’ Chloe leans over my desk, snatching away the plans for the new extension Ryan suggested. When we have the builders here, and the funds, it seems like the perfect time to upgrade the spa, install some state-of-the-art Jacuzzis and a twenty-five metre swimming pool.
‘That is a good question. I have no idea.’ Stretching back in my chair, I gaze out the window at the torrential rain.
I haven’t given it much thought. I’ve been so snowed under with the building work, the last-minute ball preparations and sorting out Christmas presents for Victoria and Chloe. I can’t wait to see their faces on Christmas morning.
I bought Megan a miniature Louis Vuitton handbag, I know she’s going to love it. Conor got aftershave and a new shirt, the same as every year. But Ryan… I can’t think of anything significant to buy him. I want it to be memorable, epic, but the man has everything he could possibly ever want.
At least I think he does. He’s been preoccupied the past few days. Last night was the first he didn’t initiate sex since we got back together.
‘Hello? Who are you? And where is my super organised, estate micro-managing sister? You’re cutting it fine, sis.’ Chloe flicks her glossy hair from her shoulder, her bright blue eyes boring into mine. ‘It’s not like you.’
‘I know, it’s just been a month like no other.’
‘How’s your afternoon looking? Perhaps we could head into the city?’ She shoots me a pleading look, as if I’m the grown-up she wants me to bring her to the playground. ‘I’m dying to soak up some of the atmosphere. I’m getting cabin fever in this place. I’ve even begun working on preparations for the motocross event I have scheduled for the end of January, even though I swore to myself I was taking a break. It is a big deal though. The sheikh himself is attending. It has to be phenomenal.’
‘Honestly, Chloe, you’ll work yourself into an early grave.’ I give her the big sister warning glare. Why does she do it to herself? I know for a fact she doesn’t need the money and she employs a big enough team to do most of the hard work.
‘I can’t help myself. I love the thrill of landing a new contract. It just does things to me.’ She shrugs, her irises glinting predatorily.
‘I’m pretty sure Jayden Cooper would do things to you, given half the chance.’ My face cracks into a rare widespread grin.
‘Urgh. I’d bet my life that man only does things that benefit himself, in and out of the bedroom.’
‘I don’t know, if he’s anything like his brother it might be worth adding him to your ever growing list of breakfast dates. Mind you, on second thoughts, it’s probably best if you don’t. I’d hate things to get awkward between us all. There’s a chance he could be my brother-in-law one day.’
‘A chance?’ Chloe scoffs. ‘I’d say it’s written in stone at this stage.’
This time last week I’d have wholeheartedly agreed with her, but since Jayden’s arrived, I have a niggling vibe something’s not quite right, like the balance of things has shifted.
It could be nothing. I have a tendency to over analyse.
Maybe an afternoon out with my sister is exactly what the doctor ordered.
It’s been forever since I was on Grafton Street. Brown Thomas is calling to me. Plus, I really need to buy Ryan a gift. But what do you buy the man who has everything?
‘Ok, get your coat. You’ve pulled.’ I stick my tongue out at her.
Chloe fist-pumps the air. ‘Thank god! That’s the best offer I’ve had since I got here.’
Two hours later we’re strolling arm in arm through Grafton Street. Carol singers line the streets crooning all the classics, creating magical memories for everyone passing. A shiver ripples over my spine as I gaze up at the streets, dazzling Christmas decorations anchored from lamppost to lamppost, illuminating the way to our favourite shops.
It’s been so long since I had a girly afternoon out, I forgot what it was like. I make a mental note to do more of it with Megan and Victoria. It’s so easy to say no to everything, to put work before pleasure every single time, but don’t I know more than anyone how precious time truly is?
