Page 50 of Christmas in Mistletoe
“I didn’t know you then.”
“You didn’t give me a chance.”
Ruby knew she was right. She held out a hand.
Fran took it.
“Let me make it up to you with some hot chocolate. If you ask nicely, I’ll lace it with rum.” Ruby paused. “I was thinking the barn office? It has heating, a hot chocolate machine and booze. Plus, it’s away from all of our families.”
Fran gulped. “I like the sound of all those.” She dropped her gaze, staring at their joined hands.
Ruby squeezed it tight. “In that case, let’s go.” She turned her head. “See you tomorrow, Shantelle.” Then she pulled Fran towards the barn.
* * *
Ruby ignoredthe heavy thud of her heart as she flicked on the office lights and shut the door. She switched on the radiators, quickly followed by the Nespresso machine. Then she grabbed a couple of hot chocolate pods from the stash in the drawer beneath, ignoring the slight shake in her hand.
Fran took in the space, before coming to a stop at the wall of Christmas tree photos. “These trees are so pretty.” She reached out a hand to touch one. “Are these the photoshoot trees you were talking about?”
Ruby nodded. “Yep. Those are the nine-foot trees. We import them from Denmark or Newcastle when they’re three years old, then we grow them for seven to ten years. We used to name them when we were younger, but we stopped after a while because we got upset when we had to say goodbye. It turns out, you can get attached to trees. I said goodbye to one I really loved earlier in the year. Nettie. She was 12.”
“She had a great life here. Also, Nettie is a great name. You have good taste.”
Ruby raised an eyebrow at Fran. “I’d say I’ve still got it now.” Ruby gulped, then turned her attention back to the drinks. “I’m doing two hot chocolates, unless you prefer a coffee?” She caught Fran’s gaze and every hair on Ruby’s body stood to attention.
“Hot chocolate would be perfect,” Fran replied.
Ruby tried not to focus on the lips that had uttered that.
Focus on the hot chocolate.
Not Fran’s lips.
Hot chocolate.
Fran’s lips.
Ruby took off her outer layers and made the drinks. Then she grabbed the rum from Dad’s desk drawer. “My dad keeps this here so he can pretend he’s in one of those old cop shows on TV, where they always kept booze in their desk drawers.” Ruby paused, undoing the cap. “Can I tempt you?” She held up the bottle of Brugal.
“Tempt away.” Fran took off her hat, gloves and coat, then sat on the sofa. She held out a hand to accept her hot drink as Ruby sat beside her.
Fran took a sip, and a sound escaped her mouth that did nothing for Ruby’s heightened senses. “Just what the doctor ordered.”
“I’m fully qualified in hot chocolate and rum therapy.” Ruby’s gaze collided with Fran’s, and Ruby’s confidence stuttered. She took a sip of her drink to keep her hands and mouth busy.
“Have you brought many women to this office?” Fran’s stare was uncertain.
Ruby shook her head. “Just like Friday night, you’re the first.” She crossed her heart with her hand. “Not many good-looking, available lesbians travel through Mistletoe Farm, believe it or not.”
Fran’s shoulders relaxed as she laughed. “Okay, I do believe that part.”
“As well as the field, this is where I come to escape the family. I love coming home in December, but living with your parents, as we know, can get a bit intense. Especially when you’re used to your own space.” She tapped the sofa beneath them. “This is even a sofa bed when needed.” She pointed towards the door on the opposite wall. “Behind that wall is a shower room with a loo. Plus there’s a duvet, sheets and pillows in the cupboard. You could live in this office.”
Fran looked up at the massive windows that went from ceiling to waist-height, open to the barn. “It’d be a little like living in a goldfish bowl.”
Ruby got up and dropped the blinds. When she turned to Fran, Ruby could tell she was thinking the same thing.
They had privacy now.
