Page 70 of A Billionaire for Christmas
Molly looked at him. It was the pot calling the kettle black. When Freda was out of earshot she tilted her head at Lucca. ‘Toby might have an unrequited crush on Freda, but how long have you been harbouring a crush on Toby?’
Lucca’s face fell a thousand feet.
‘Don’t worry. I’d never tell.’
‘Thanks, Molly. Is it that obvious?’
‘No. I’m surprised your family don’t know though?’
Lucca forced a laugh. ‘They wouldn’t care if I banged every female skiing instructor from here to Aspen, but if they knew my tastes lay elsewhere… I’m not sure they could handle it.’ He gave her a pained look. ‘Please don’t tell anyone.’
Molly’s heart went out to him.
21
LAST CHRISTMAS, I GAVE YOU MY TART
Molly lit the candles and switched on the twinkling lights while Lucca and Freda went to get changed into what would pass as waiters’ uniforms. Molly was dressed in full chef’s whites.
‘Why is this table over here in the alcove and so out of the way?’ Levi said, crossing the room, his laptop under one arm. ‘There are only two place settings.’
‘Yes,’ said Molly, clearing her throat. ‘I’ll bring your meal to your room as requested.’
Levi inspected the table setting, the candles, the plates and glasses for two. ‘It all looks incredibly romantic. And whose idea was this?’
‘Lucca’s.’
‘My brother has ordered a romantic meal for two? How unsurprising.’ Levi looked her over. ‘Unless this is a bucket list thing. I suppose you’ll be joining him?’
Molly gasped in surprise. ‘Absolutely not.’ She was growing tired of his leaping to conclusions. ‘I know you have a very low opinion of me but come on, really?’
Levi didn’t answer, his mouth set in a determined line.
She thought there was something odd in the way he was glaring at her. ‘Wait. Are you jealous?’
Levi shook his head too quickly. ‘No. Of course not. I have no idea what to make of you, that’s all. I have no idea what you’re up to in this house, with me, with my family. I just know that you’re not being entirely truthful.’ He slowly placed his laptop down, his eyes not leaving her face. ‘Despite what you think, I read people for a living. I make business deals every day with people who have hidden agendas.’ He was leaning closer to her. Molly was frozen to the spot.
She opened her mouth to retaliate but Freda came rushing towards them. ‘They’re coming! Quiet or you’ll spoil the surprise.’
Lucca darted into the kitchen after her. They were both dressed in smart black clothes.
‘What’s going on? Why does the kitchen look like a science lab?’ Levi whispered back. He looked at what they were wearing. ‘Did someone die?’
‘Maybe, if we don’t get our parents talking to each other,’ whispered Freda. ‘They’re thinking of getting a divorce.’
‘What? Impossible,’ Levi said, frowning.
Lucca slung his arm around Levi, smiling. ‘It’s true. We’ll be from a broken home. We’ll end up as latchkey kids. Shunted from one house to another. Parents trying to buy our love.’
Levi shrugged his arm off. ‘What are you talking about? They’re a perfectly happy, solid couple.’
Freda coughed. ‘Are you kidding me? Since when?’
Molly wondered whether to tell them about Valerie’s suspicions and her own concerns over Armand’s health when a familiar click-clacking rang through the lodge. ‘They’re here. Places, everyone. Levi, if you’re staying, make yourself useful.’ She threw a white chef’s overcoat at him and hoped he would join in. After a second’s hesitation, he flicked her an intense look. Despite her annoyance at him, it sent her pulse racing.
‘We’re trying to save a marriage. Come on, bro,’ pleaded Lucca.
‘I could use the help,’ said Molly, trying desperately not to blush. Levi was wearing close-fitting jogging pants that barely left anything to the imagination. And her imagination was hellbent on making the most of it.
