The Best Little Christmas Shop. Maxine Morrey

we crunched over the gravelled circular driveway of the house.

      I faltered a little as we approached the door, losing my nerve. But I was here now. What if Cal happened to see me and I just left? That wouldn’t be awkward at all … I knocked on the door quickly before I had too much more time to overthink. There was no answer and I hesitated for a moment, shifting my weight from foot to foot as Apollo sat beside me patiently, his bottom out to the side in a slouchy puppy sit.

      ‘What do you think, boy?’ I asked him in a whisper, ‘Do I knock again or shall we just go?’

      Apollo looked up at me and tilted his head.

      ‘Good idea. I totally agree. Come on then.’

      As I made to turn away, I heard the lock on the solid wood door thrown and it was pulled open. Dressed in blue checked pyjama bottoms and a white T-shirt, Cal looked absolutely shattered, not to mention way too sexy in a rumpled, just-got-out-of-bed way, for this time on a Sunday morning.

      ‘Lexi! Come in.’

      I waved a hand. ‘No, it’s fine. I’m so sorry, Cal. I didn’t mean to wake you. We were out for a walk and thought I’d just pop in and see how George was feeling.’

      Cal rubbed a hand over his face and gave me a sleepy smile that I responded to in more ways than I’m sure he’d planned for – and certainly more than I’d planned for.

      ‘Better, thanks. I’m sorry, maybe it wasn’t just too much Christmas food. He really went down with it a little while after we left you and he’s had a pretty rough night but seems to be over the worst now, thank goodness. He’s got a little colour back and he’s managed a bit of porridge so I think once he’s caught up on his sleep, he’ll be fine. I hope he didn’t manage to pass it on to you or anyone else.’ Cal looked sheepish.

      Lexi shook her head. ‘I’m fine. And what about you?’

      Cal looked confused for a moment. ‘Me?’

      I smiled. ‘Yes. You.’

      ‘I’m … OK. Thanks.’ He gave me a half-smile that did little to disguise his apparent surprise at him being asked after.

      ‘Right. Because you look dreadful.’ As soon as the words were out, I was aware how different they’d sounded in my head. Cal was just looking at me. And then he was laughing, really laughing in a way that couldn’t fail to make a woman smile – even if she had just made an idiot of herself. Again.

      ‘Thanks.’

      ‘That sort of came out wrong.’

      ‘Did it?’

      ‘Yes.’

      ‘So I don’t look dreadful?’ One eyebrow raised over still-sleepy eyes. Being auntie to a small hoard, I knew mischief when I saw it.

      ‘No, you do but … oh crap. OK. I’m just going to stop talking now and let you get back to bed and rest.’

      Cal threw me a half-smile. ‘I wish. I’ve got a car to go and see. Martha should be here shortly to look after George and then I need to head off. It’s a long drive anyway.’

      I took in the utter exhaustion on his face, and the way he was using the door to hold himself up.

      ‘Are you sure that’s a good idea? You look absolutely exhausted. Can you not put it off until tomorrow or something?’

      He shook his head, stifling a yawn as he did so. ‘Unfortunately, not. This guy already told me he’s had offers from other people. If it’s as good as it sounds, I’ll be laughing at auction. But they won’t wait. They’re moving and are just trying to clear stuff out as soon as possible. I can’t afford to miss out on this.’ The last word disappeared on a yawn and I shook my head.

      ‘OK. Then let me drive you.’

      ‘What?’

      ‘If you really must go today, then let me come with you and drive. That way you can at least get some rest in the car.’

      ‘You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.’

      ‘Don’t take this the wrong way – but you look far from fine. And if you won’t do it for yourself, then think of George.’

      Cal tilted his head down at me. ‘Low blow.’

      I screwed up my face. ‘Did it work?’

      ‘Yes. Are you sure?’

      ‘Positive. It’ll be nice for me to do something different too. Plus it’ll give me a chance to connect with cars in some small way again.’

      ‘You miss it.’ It was a statement rather than a question.

      I nodded. ‘I do.’

      He gave one quick nod in response before his gaze dropped to the dog. ‘Is Apollo coming for a ride?’

      ‘No, I think he’d probably rather be sprawled out by the Aga for the afternoon.’

      ‘Smart dog. Do you want me to pick you up or do you want to wait? I’ve just got to jump in the shower quickly.’

      ‘I can wait, if you don’t mind the dog coming in too? We can just stay by the door.’

      ‘Don’t be daft,’ Cal said, ushering us both inside. ‘I’ve got an old towel here somewhere …’ He stuck his head in a cupboard in the hallway and pulled out a towel, ‘Here.’ He tossed it to me and I gave Apollo a quick rub over and then carefully dried his feet one by one as the dog gently laid each paw in my lap, ready for the familiar procedure.

      ‘Wow. He’s really good at that.’

      ‘Practice,’ I replied, glancing up at Cal as I stood. ‘There. All dried.’ I kicked off my own boots and wiggled my toes. ‘But we’ll stay here anyway.’

      ‘No, you won’t. I need coffee. Want one?’

      It did sound good. ‘OK. Yes, thanks.’ We all shuffled off towards the kitchen and Cal made himself busy with the fancy coffee machine on his worktop. I could strip a car engine practically with my eyes closed but the coffee machine looked far more complicated than it needed to be for such a simple task. All I generally needed was a spoon.

      ‘That looks fancy,’ I said, eyeing the equipment.

      ‘Yeah. I had a moment. Although I do have to say, it makes really good coffee. But then again it should.’ He pulled a face.

      I shrugged. ‘You should enjoy the indulgence. If you work hard, it’s good to reward yourself sometimes. You shouldn’t feel guilty about it.’

      Cal gave me a maybe yes, maybe no face. ‘I know you’re right but …’

      ‘You have trouble believing you’re worthy of it?’

      He shot me a look and I could see the faintest blush on his cheeks.

      ‘Sorry. Mum tells me I can be a bit blunt sometimes. I didn’t mean to –’

      ‘No. It’s fine. I like blunt. I know where I stand with blunt. And yes, I think you’re right. No one has ever put it like that before. Or at least they haven’t told me to my face.’

      This time it was my turn to blush.

      ‘I promise I’ll just drive. I won’t say anything else.’ I made a zipping motion with my fingers across my mouth, and mimed tossing away a key.

      Cal gave that deep laugh. It was one of those that surrounded you and made you smile from somewhere deep inside. ‘I really hope not. That would make what was shaping up to be an enjoyable day far more dull.’

      I pulled my mouth to the side, unsure. Cal stepped closer to me and touched my fingertips with his own.

      ‘I like your honesty, Lexi. Like I say, I know where I stand with you. It’s … not always been the case.’ His thumb brushed the