Coming Home to Me This Christmas by Chris Ward

Author:Chris Ward [Ward, CP]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AMMFA Publishing

19

Confrontation

Nathaniel Trower’s house had three storeys from what Emily could see as she made her way down the driveway with a bag slung over her shoulder. It looked like a cross between a farmhouse and a gothic mansion, stone walls topped with little ornamental parapets and fake battlements. There was even a tower room, from which she imagined the views were impressive.

The driveway swung around to the left, ending in a wide turning circle. The door was in a gloomy covered porch, giving the impression of walking into a cave. Emily knocked on the door then stepped back until she was standing outside on the drive, as though afraid the door might open to reveal a portal sucking her into a maelstrom of darkness.

It was an age before anyone answered. There was no sign of the dogs Nathan had mentioned, and Emily was about to give up when an intercom beside the door, which she hadn’t even noticed, gave a tired, flat-battery beep, and a crackly voice said, ‘What is it?’

‘It’s Emily Wilson. I’m staying in your property just up the road? I just brought you round a present. Can I come in?’

‘I’m busy right now.’

She gave her sweetest smile, aware that a camera was probably hidden in the gloom. ‘It’ll only be a minute. I’ve brought you a cake, but I wanted to explain the best way to eat it.’

‘Thanks. Can’t you just leave it on the step?’

Emily shook her head. ‘I saw something in your garden. I think it might have been a rat or a squirrel. They’re pretty hungry at this time of the year. If you’re busy I don’t mind waiting.’

She pulled out her phone and pretended to browse the internet, making it clear she was going nowhere until the door opened.

‘All right. Just wait a minute.’

He made her wait. Despite his looks, Emily could understand why he was single. He clearly had no idea how to treat a girl, but perhaps in his profession and with his wealth, that hadn’t mattered.

The door finally opened and Nathan stepped out. Emily’s knees immediately weakened, and she wished her heart would pay more attention to her head. He was hopelessly attractive in a black roll-neck sweater and blue jeans, both hugging a figure which was lean and powerful. His jaw jutted like the prow of an icebreaker, his eyes the turquoise of a radioactive lake.

‘What do you want? I was in the middle of something.’

Emily held up the box. ‘I did some cooking the other day and I brought you something to say thank you for your hospitality. I’m having a lovely time. I’m so glad you forgot to take your properties off the website.’

Nathan looked taken aback. He blinked, then gave a slight shake of his head. ‘Oh, well, that’s good I suppose.’

‘Cottonwood is just delightful, and the locals are so friendly. I really wish I lived around here.’ Emily stopped herself before she could vomit up a bunch of spiel about Christmas spirit, afraid of overdoing it.

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