The House-Sitter's Christmas by Jean Joachim

Author:Jean Joachim
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fairy tale, Christmas romance, Holiday romance, Holiday Fairy Tale, Christmas Fairy Tale
Publisher: Moonlight Books
Published: 2017-09-27T00:00:00+00:00

Episode Sixteen

MARSEILLE

Craig and George unpacked their bags in the luxurious Le Petit Nice on the rue de Braves in Marseille.

“I hear the food here is excellent,” George said.

Craig settled on a modern sofa facing a huge window with a view of the sea. The rooms were spare but luxurious and attractive. The bathroom was sinful, with a tub large enough for two, giving Craig ideas.

“Such a romantic hotel you picked, George. It’s kind of depressing to be here with you. No offense.”

“None taken. I get your point. Might be a tad more exciting if Miss Laura Fleming was here.”

At the mention of her name, Craig picked up his phone.

“Haven’t checked on her today?” George cocked an eyebrow.

“No, I haven’t. And after she had that girl in yesterday.”

“But only for a few minutes.”

“Yes, but that was the third time she broke that rule.”

“May I?” George asked, sitting down.

“Of course.”

The men perused the house, but there was no activity. When Craig moved to her room, they could see the outline of calves and feet under the covers in her bed.

“She’s still asleep,” George observed.

“Let’s look around. See what mess she’s created,” Craig said.

George shot his boss a dirty look.

“Okay, okay. The house is hers for now. It won’t matter.” Still the younger man moved around, going from room to room.

“Wait. Stop,” George said. “Are those presents under the tree in the living room?”

“Yes. She leaves stuff there every year.”

“She leaves presents for you?” The older man’s eyebrows shot up.

“She thinks I’m C.W. She leaves stuff for him. Old man stuff.”

“Like what?”

“A scarf. I think she knit it herself.”

“You mean that charcoal gray one you wear all the time?”

Craig sensed heat in his face. “Yeah.”

“And what do you do?”

“I have Maeve leave stuff. She cooks and leaves a few things in the freezer so Miss Fleming can eat if she arrives late. We leave the fridge stocked with milk, eggs, beer, wine, and chocolates.”

“You do?”

Craig nodded. “Didn’t at first. But when I saw the things she left for me, well, I talked to Maeve and she suggested those things.”

“Nice idea. Makes her feel welcome.”

“I suppose.”

“I’d guess you look forward to unwrapping her gifts, too?”

Craig stared at his hands for a moment. He looked sheepish. “I suppose it’s silly, but I do.”

“Those are the only presents you get this time of year, aren’t they?”

The younger man nodded. “C.W. and I stopped exchanging gifts when he moved to Denver.”

“Such a shame,” George said, shaking his head.

“A few trifles. So what?”

“It’s not about the stuff. It’s about the time. Someone thinking about you.”

“Her molasses cookies are the best.”

“She leaves cookies?”

“A nice tin, filled.”

“My, you are a lucky man.”

Craig turned his gaze to the sea. There was a knock on the door and a pot of hot chocolate and two cups arrived, along with a basket of fresh croissants. As the men sipped their refreshment, Craig’s thoughts turned to Laura.

“Her cookies would be perfect right now.”

“Too bad she’s not here,” George replied.

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