Page 70 of A Cosy Christmas with the Village Vet

Brogan flicked the switch of the fairy lights, their warm glow filling the room. The heart-warming sight sent a wave of contentment rushing over her.

‘I think we’ve done a grand job.’ Nick hugged her close, kissing her hair.

‘I think we have,’ she said, smiling.

Revisiting her memories of Christmas Tree Sunday hadn’t been anywhere near as painful as Brogan had expected. And, even better, she found she’d made some new ones that filled her heart with happiness – Nick’s comment about the “comb-over angel” would tickle her for years to come. And maybe next year she’d feel able to keep the ones she’d made wrapped up in the box; even add some new – bought! – ones of her own. But for now she was content with how her first ever Christmas tree with Nick looked.

Her feelings for him were growing stronger by the day, and she hoped with all her heart it would be their first Christmas Tree Sunday of many.

42

NICK

Nick was tucking into a sandwich in the staff room with Vonnie, Chris and Brogan. They were being entertained by Jules who was sharing details of her family trip to the pantomime and how the dame had got her husband up on stage.

‘Honestly, Brad was absolutely mortified but the kids thought it was hilarious. Mind, so did I, much to his…’ Her words tailed off as her attention switched to the doorway. ‘Can I help?’ she asked, her smile falling.

The others followed her gaze to where a glamorous-looking woman with a pinched face was standing. She exuded impatience with a smidge of discomfort thrown in. Behind her, Becky the vet nurse was peering over her shoulder her, an apologetic look on her face.

‘Loretta!’ Nick could hardly believe his eyes to see her there, bold as brass. His heart sank, his body tensing.What the bloody hell is she doing here?

‘Sorry, Nick, I tried to explain you were having your lunch.’ A flash of annoyance flitted across Becky’s face.

‘I’m not a client. We know each other,’ Loretta said sharply. She turned back to Nick. ‘I need to talk to you. In private.’ Her gaze flicked to Brogan, her eyes narrowing.

Maudie raised her head, giving Loretta a look of pure disdain.

‘Right, well, now’s not a good time, I’m afraid.’ He wasn’t going to let her march in here and lay down the law. And he didn’t like the frosty look she’d just given Brogan.

‘You’re hardly busy.’

A low growl emanated from Maudie. Nick sighed and got to his feet, ushering Loretta out of the room, the scent of her perfume irritating his nose.

He stopped in the empty waiting area and turned to face her, arms folded. ‘What’s so urgent?’ he asked coolly.

‘I told you, I need to talk to you. Not here though.’ She gave a saccharine sweet smile.

‘You need to talk?’ He didn’t think they had anything left to say, not that he’d vocalise that here, with the risk she could kick off.

‘Yes.’

He paused, studying her face, taking in the petulant tilt of her chin. She put him in mind of a spoilt child who was using tried and tested ways to get what she wanted. It dawned on him that it was an expression she’d regularly worn when they were together. She’d been high maintenance, only he hadn’t realised it at the time.

‘Why are you looking at me like that?’ she asked, a line appearing between her brows. ‘Don’t worry, I haven’t come to give you a hard time about your stuff.’

‘My stuff?’

‘You were supposed to collect it yesterday. Remember?’

He hit his forehead with the heel of his hand. With all the excitement, he’d clean forgotten. ‘Look, I’m sorry, there’s been a lot going on; I forgot.’

‘And it’s not about my shoes either. I’ve forgiven you for ruining them.’

Ughh! The shoes.Nick had forgotten about those too.

‘So, are you going to let me know when you’ll be free to talk?’ She placed her hand on her hip.

‘Tonight, after I finish here.’ His voice remained cool, though she didn’t appear to notice.

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