Page 32 of Escape for Christmas

‘Jesus Christ …’ He ran a hand through his hair.

Louise’s eyes narrowed in confusion, then she said smoothly, ‘I expect she just wanted to surprise you, so I said I’d come and find you. I thought you’d be over the moon to see your fiancée. I’ll see you back at the house.’

Sophie felt as if she’d been knocked to the floor by an invisible force; like in one of those dreams where you’re paralysed and are helpless to stop a truck bowling towards you, or you’re falling slowly but inevitably to Earth.

Disbelief, shock, numbness: all these feelings had landed on her at once. Almost exactly the same feelings that had crushed her when she’d caught Ben and Naomi together. And Brody was the last person she thought would make her feel like this.

‘I – I didn’t know you w-were engaged.’ The words sputtered out.

Brody couldn’t even look at her. ‘Not many people do,’ he murmured.

‘And that makes itbetter?’

‘No. I’m sorry for inviting you here. To the house. To the stable.’

‘No. It’s me who should be sorry, for letting things get this far. I would never,everbe part of cheating on a woman – on anyone in fact. I know how it feels!’

‘Nor me. It’s why I couldn’t – can’t – be anything more than your friend. I am so sorry, Sophie.’

This time, when Brody shoved both hands despairingly through his hair, Sophie didn’t find it charming any longer. Every gesture, every self-deprecating look or comment was just one more thread in the web of deceit he’d spun her. She was such a fool for falling for it. Doubly foolish, after the last time, when she swore she wouldn’t be so naive again.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Brody’s world fell away from under him. All his worst nightmares had come true and it was all his own fault.

‘I can—’ he began.

‘Explain?’ Sophie cut him off, her tone dripping in disdain, and curled her lip in disgust. She was looking at him as if he was a particularly revolting insect that she’d found in her bed.

‘No. Notexplainexactly. Not right now. Look, it’s – complicated.’

‘Oh, really? It looks pretty straightforward to me. Your fiancée, who you failed to mention during any of the conversations we’ve had, has travelled up here specially to surprise you.’

‘I never wanted to hurt you or Tegan. Or anyone. I was enjoying your company. I really do value your friendship …’

Immediately Brody realised he’d flung fuel on a fire that was already out of control.

‘Ivaluedyour friendship too,’ Sophie said bitterly. ‘But I think any connection between us has to end now. I need to leave.’

She marched off, but Brody caught up with her. ‘Sophie, please,’ he pleaded, reaching out for her arm to stop her.

She pushed his hand away. ‘No, I’m going home. And I’m sorry, but I’ll be finding another vet after Christmas.’

The sound of her boots ringing out on the cobbles made his head throb. Brody leaned against the stable wall. He wanted to bang his head against it, for how stupid he’d been. Even though he had feelings for Sophie, he thought he’d done well to hide them, so he wasn’t leading her on. And now, after what she’d told him tonight, he felt like an even bigger idiot for breaking her trust and losing her friendship.

When he turned round, Gabriel was chewing a piece of hay and watching him from accusing eyes.

‘Yeah, I know. I fucked up royally, Gabe!’

With that, Brody marched out of the stable, already knowing there’d no be sign of Sophie and that he’d have to face the music inside the house. He’d have to clear up the glass later.

Why was Tegan even here? Why now, of all times? Immediately he realised it really didn’t matter when she turned up. He shouldn’t have asked Sophie to the party, or for a drink in the stable. It had felt like an innocent gesture – the chance to know her better. He just hadn’t expected that his feelings of friendship towards her would start turning into something else.

‘Isn’t this a wonderful surprise!’ his mother gushed the moment he walked into the drawing room.

Tegan looked like a snow-queen, in a long cream coat,white jeans and a fluffy sweater. Her hair was drawn back from her face in an updo that made her look otherworldly.

‘And she looks beautiful!’ Brody’s Uncle Trevor declared. ‘Fit for the top of the Christmas tree.’

---