Page 60 of The Christmas Star

Dropping my gift to him, Theo cupped my face and as our lips met, I couldn’t seem to get enough of the man. Taking off my sweater, I grabbed the bottom of his and while he pulled it upward and over his head, I frantically grappled with his jeans belt and zip.

Taking off his T-shirt, Theo paused. ‘Are you sure about this?’

In all my fifty years I’d never been so sure about anything. ‘Most definitely.’ I let out a squeal as Theo swiftly lifted me off my feet and laid me against the pillows.

With his face inches from mine, he looked into my eyes.

I smiled in anticipation. ‘What are we waiting for?’ I asked.

CHAPTER 38

Both of us freshly showered, I couldn’t stop smiling as Theo and I loaded our bags into the Smart car. Sex was a fantastic stress reliever and for the first time in a long time, my body and mind felt content.

‘Erin, Theo,’ Sophia raced over from the manor house, with Lucas close behind. ‘For you.’ She handed me the basket she carried. ‘In case you get hungry.’

I peeked inside. A flask, baguettes, charcuterie and fruit were just some of the goodies she’d put together. ‘Thank you. This is very kind.’ Appreciating yet more of her generosity, I didn’t have the heart to explain we had food in the boot from the previous day’s shopping trip.

‘It’s nothing.’ As she waved a dismissive hand, her smile turned coy and she suddenly eyed me.

‘Is everything okay?’ I asked.

‘I don’t know. You tell me. You look…’ She appeared to be searching for the right word. ‘Different.’

‘Do I?’ I put a hand up to my hair, suddenly self-conscious about what Theo and I had just been up to. ‘I can’t think why.’ I indicated the basket. ‘I’ll just pop this in the front.’

‘If you find yourselves in the area again,’ Lucas said. ‘You must come and visit.’

‘Likewise, if you’re ever in the UK,’ Theo said.

It was hugs all round as we said our goodbyes and as Lucas put his arm around his wife’s shoulder, we climbed into the car to begin the last leg of our journey.

Back on the road, we settled into a comfortable quietness. My body still tingled from our bedroom escapade and Theo drove with a smile on his face. Watching him, I wondered if things would be awkward once his body’s dopamine hit wore off. Whether he’d see our connection as just great sex. Nothing more, nothing less. And just as important, would I?

With the roads clear and our progress good, I stared out of the window as we clocked up the miles. Watching the world go by, I thought about work and how I’d always loved my job; helping buyers find their forever homes, getting the right price for vendors, being the lynchpin that keeps the process moving and everyone happy. But sitting there in that Smart car, it felt like something had shifted. As if it wasn’t just Mum’s adventure coming to an end, but mine too.

For the first time since forever, I didn’t look forward to getting back in the office. Not because of Callum and Rory. They could run and jump as far as I was concerned. The issue was going back to a life lived on repeat. Up, shower, work, bed. My very own Groundhog Day.

Wondering when my world had become so small, I silently scoffed. It was a rhetorical question. Looking back, I knew exactly when.

It was the week after my thirtieth birthday party. Thanks to some unexpected work trip, Andy hadn’t been able to attend the jamboree itself, and to make up for his absence was taking me out for a belated celebration. I hadn’t a clue what he’d planned. All Andy had said was that it would be a night I’d never forget.

Naturally, I’d wanted to look my best and spent hours getting ready. Bathing, shampooing, conditioning, shaving, plucking, trying on a gazillion outfits followed by goodness knows how many accessories, Andy was worth the effort. I was still painting my nails, when much to my surprise the flat’s intercom buzzed signalling his arrival.

‘You’re early,’ I said as I swung my flat door open. My smile faltered and taking in the heavily pregnant woman stood before me, I crossed my dressing gown over my chest.

The poor woman looked tired, as if she hadn’t slept in days.

‘Can I help you?’ I asked.

‘Erin Gordon?’

Confused as to how she knew my name, my gaze went from her to the toddler holding her hand. Unable to deny his paternity, my heart broke in an instant. The little boy was the absolute image of his dad.

From that point on I’d never truly trusted anyone. I’d focused on work and until I met Hattie and Joyce, kept myself to myself. Even opening up to them didn’t come easy.

I felt Theo’s hand on my knee, and I turned to look at him.

‘Everything okay?’ he asked.