A Curvy Christmas by Harmony Raines Read Free Book Online Page B

back against it, listening for him to leave.
    “See you in a couple of hours,” he shouted.
    “I can’t wait,” she called back. But was that true?
    “What is wrong with you?” Her voice choked with tears.
    Pushing herself away from the door she made herself turn the shower on, and when the water was steaming hot she stepped under the hard jet, hoping it would drum some sense into her stupid brain.
    What was she so afraid of? A question she knew the answer to, but hated to admit. The problem was if she was serious about Greg, she would have to own up to her past. All the sordid bits no one else knew, not even Max. It was what had driven her to Hawaii, her need to escape. It was the thing that had driven her into the arms of Carl. Carefree, handsome Carl. A man she knew would expect nothing more than sex, because she had known then that she was no good for anyone worthwhile.
    The rest of her relationships had also been based on those same metrics. She had gone out of her way to choose men who had no intention of having a long term relationship, she could see that now. Being with Greg had highlighted how bad her choices were, the worst thing is they had always been subconscious choices. If she could spend so long hiding from herself, how would she cope with laying herself bare for a man she barely knew.
    However, she couldn’t lose her heart to a man who might be turned off by her past. He was such a good man, and she was so tainted.
    Turning her face upwards she let the water splash on to her face, hoping it would wash her clean, but knowing there were some things that stained you forever.
    ***
     
    Baking had always been her release. Today was not going to be an exception. Opening the cupboards she fetched flour, sugar and anything else she could turn into something delicious. Chocolate, cream and lots of different flavours and fillings. For the next two hours she worked until she forgot everything apart from how perfect her sponge turned out and how well risen her bread was.
    When Greg knocked on the door he was confronted with a feast, rich warm smells assaulting his senses.
    “I have missed your cooking.”
    “I don’t remember baking for you.”
    “Yes, a couple of months ago, you came around to see me. I confess I had planned it as a date, but then chickened out. Do you remember you turned up with two platefuls of scones, home-made jam ... delicious.”
    “Greg. I thought it was me who had misinterpreted you. I swear you’ve driven me to the brink of insanity.”
    “Sorry,” he said, pinching a profiterole.
    “You will be. You’re not leaving here until all this is eaten.”
    “Oh, my god. That is wonderful.” He licked his lips, and his fingers as he finished. “Why don’t you do this for a living?”
    “Because I don’t think I could stand being told what to cook.” She offered him another, which he took. “Last one until after lunch.”
    “You mean we’re not going to just eat cakes? It’s Christmas you know.”
    “No. We have a healthy lunch first. While I’m finishing up here you can tell me how you got on with Carl.”
    “I found him asleep in the foyer. He had persuaded the doorman to let him in, and then he had crashed. I had to give the doorman an extra bottle of brandy as a Christmas gift to stop him complaining about the rules of the building being broken to me.”
    “Did he have to help you carry him to your apartment?”
    “No. Luckily he wasn’t too hung over. I don’t think his evening worked out as he planned, he looked exhausted. So I’ve left him sleeping it off. I’ve told him to order in what he needs.”
    “Expensive.”
    “Yes, but it means I can stay here with you,” he said, coming to her and putting his arms around her waist.
    She tilted her head back and smiled at him, in return he kissed her cheek. “I’m glad.”
    “So am I. Now, what do you need me to do?”
    “If you can get the knives and forks. I’ve grabbed what Christmas stuff I could find,