Page 59 of Christmas Romance Galore!
Gaining wolf whistles as she walked through the lounge and deposited the vase on the counter, Holly took the flowers from me, filled the vase and arranged them. Then she stood back to admire her handy work.
“Pretty good?” she asked.
“You’re a natural,” I told her.
She put the flowers on the window sill, then came back to my side, snaking an arm around my waist.
“I’m here to stay this time,” Holly said. “I haven’t seen you in ages,” she told Jasmine, touching her arm.
“Far too long,” Jasmine said. “And now look at you — you’ve got a brand new girlfriend and you’ve raided Austin Powers’ wardrobe.”
Holly let out a bark of indignation. “Austin Powers? I think I look a little cooler than that.” She gave us a twirl before looking at me. “I was going for something Christmassy, I’m not sure what. Maybe one of Santa’s taller, sexier, slightly butch helpers?”
I put my arm around Holly’s waist this time. “You look hot, whatever you are.”
“How are things with you guys?” Holly asked.
Jasmine and Daisy radiated matching grins.
“Perfect,” Jasmine said. “We’re hosting Boxing Day for mine and Daisy’s families, so that’ll be interesting. Fifteen adults and four kids in our flat — did we think this through?”
Daisy elbowed her girlfriend. “It’s going to be fine and if it’s not, we’ll just get them drunk.”
“Sounds like a perfect plan,” Holly said. “Talking of which, can I top up your drinks?”
We all agreed and Holly turned towards the kitchen.
The evening went off with a festive bang, the mince pie martinis going down a storm. Once they’d run out, we moved on to wine, beer and Prosecco, cranking up the Christmas tunes to get everyone in the party mood. Our friends didn’t need much persuasion. Plus, with our newly purchased patio heater roaring into action, our balcony was suddenly a destination, with train passengers waving at us as they passed. Christmas fever is infectious, my dad taught me that.
Around midnight, we toasted in Christmas Eve and Holly put on Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ — she knew it was my all-time favourite Christmas tune. We danced around our lounge pointing and singing at each other with the rest of our friends, but my eyes were only ever on Holly. This Christmas, she was all I wanted and all my dreams had come true. Turns out, Mariah was prophetic.
The last guest cleared out around 3am, and we took a couple of glasses of Prosecco out on to the balcony to stare at the stars. Well, that was the plan, but the light pollution in London spoilt the intention. We could see a few sparkling lights in the inky canvas overhead, but whether they were planes, drones or stars, we weren’t sure.
A few moments later, Holly clicked her fingers together. “I almost forgot.” She dipped into the pocket of her red jacket and produced a sprig of mistletoe.
I grinned at her. “You old smoothie.”
She winked, before holding it over our heads and kissing me softly.
I melted on the spot. Holly’s lips were so warm and inviting, I was happy to pull up a chair and stay all night. Eventually though, she pulled away.
“Happy Christmas Eve, beautiful,” she said. “And happy anniversary!” Holly held up her glass to cheers.
I clinked mine to hers. “It’s our anniversary?”
She nodded. “One week today.” She paused. “And what a week it’s been.” She shot me her lopsided smile. “Thanks for getting everything ready for today too, I really do appreciate it.”
“The least I could do for my new girlfriend,” I said. Then I held my breath. Shit. I hadn’t meant that to just slip out. I flicked my gaze up to Holly who was grinning.
“Girlfriend? You don’t mess around, do you?”
“It just came out — we don’t have to be yet if you’re not ready. I won’t be upset.” I wanted to lower my eyebrows, but they were stuck in an alarmed position on my face.
“You won’t?” Holly stepped forward and gathered me in her arms, looking down into my eyes.
I swallowed and shook my head. “Just an expression, I didn’t mean it seriously.”
The corners of Holly’s mouth tugged upwards. “Tori, I’ve been your girlfriend since we kissed on the kitchen floor. I’m not going anywhere. So just relax, okay?”
