Christmas Kiss by Chrissie Loveday Read Free Book Online Page B

Who’s the best one to speak to?’
    ‘You could try Poppy, but don’t let her think I put you up to it.’ He gave her hand a quick squeeze and said thanks. She slipped back to her own office unnoticed, overhearing him inviting everyone to join him for a drink.
    ‘Thanks,’ she heard Poppy’s voice. ‘We’re going to the Jug and Bottle. Join us there.’
    ‘Right. Half an hour?’
    ‘Fine.’ There was a buzz of conversation as he left. Undoubtedly, the others were scolding Poppy for letting him join them.
    ‘He is the enemy, after all,’ Charles was mouthing off.
    ‘Well, it’s a free drink and maybe he’ll stop being the enemy if we socialise a bit.’
    Out of the office, Alex turned out to be quite a hit. He relaxed completely and was entertaining, charming and quite the perfect host. He bought several bottles of wine and wouldn’t let any of the staff pay for their share. Sarah watched him carefully and saw that he didn’t drink more than one small glass himself, knowing he had to drive home. She was relieved to see it. Charles on the other hand, was drinking rather excessively and she knew he had a car parked back at the office.
    ‘I hope you don’t plan to drive home,’ she muttered to him as discreetly as possible.
    ‘Course not. I shall take a taxi,’ he replied rather too loudly. ‘Perhaps someone would like to share my cab with me? We could have a bite to eat first and make a night of it. Any takers?’ There was a sudden silence and people began to collect things together to leave, mumbling that they needed to get home.
    Alex touched her shoulder and she swung round. She had been sitting at the opposite side of the table, trying to ensure nobody would make any comments.
    ‘I might as well drop you off on my way past. It seems silly for you to order a cab.’
    ‘Well, yes. Thank you. That would be very kind.’
    ‘I’ll meet you back in the office car park. Better to be discreet.’
    ‘Okay. Thanks. We don’t want anyone thinking we might be friends, do we?’ There was a hint of sarcasm in her tone. He glared at her and then smiled. She said her goodbyes to the others and watched as they made their ways home. Charles was still standing on the pavement.
    ‘Won’t you change your mind and come for something to eat? There’s that nice Italian just round the corner. I shall be sober once I’ve eaten and I can drive you home.’
    ‘No thanks Charles. Like I said, I need to get back home. I have a taxi coming for me at the office. See you on Monday. Have a good weekend.’
    ‘Thanks, you too,’ he muttered and wandered down the road. When she was sure he was out of sight, she went round the back of the offices and met Alex, sitting in his car, waiting for her.
    ‘Sorry. Charles was being Charles and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I fibbed and said I had a taxi waiting.’
    ‘That’s all right. I don’t mind waiting this end of the day. Are you implying that people are gossiping about us?’
    ‘Well, yes. The fact you’ve been driving me into work and you also have my horse in your stables. I’m afraid Poppy overheard us making the arrangements. I can assure you, I have said nothing to encourage this office chatter. In fact I have denied everything. Not that it was difficult. You’re not exactly friendly at work.’
    ‘I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be unfriendly. I just get swept along with the tasks in hand. I rarely allow myself time to chat.’
    ‘Perhaps you should. You’d get a feel for what’s going on.’ He slowed down and looked at her. He gave a sigh.
    ‘It’s Friday night. The week is over. It’s been a heavy time for me. I need to relax now and forget about work. What are you doing about supper this evening?’
    ‘Haven’t really thought. Warm something up from the freezer I expect.’
    ‘Doesn’t sound too exciting. What’s the village pub like? We could grab something quick.’ She considered the idea.
    ‘It’s pretty basic. I’m not sure it’s