Page 45 of The Naughty Or Nice Clause

“I suppose after having so many Christmases here, celebrating it out in the real world wouldn’t be as fun.” She leant back in the chair as he walked to the other side of the desk.

“Comfortable?” he asked, raising his eyebrows as she rocked back and forth.

“It does feel good to take your seat for a change.” She grinned, and he concealed his own by rubbing his jaw.

“You can sit at my deskanytime.”

She rolled her eyes. “Flirting with me to avoid my questions – that’s a new tactic. Though I think I prefer it to being scolded,” she said, resting her elbows on the desk.If he wants to play the flirting game, so be it.

He walked around the desk and turned the chair so she was facing him. “If it’s what you prefer, I’d be more than happy to oblige,” he drawled, placing his hands on the armrests on either side of her.

She leaned forwards, daring him to meet her halfway.

“Since when are you so generous?” she teased, staring at his lips, so close to her own.

He moved closer. “Fight with you, flirt with you – I’ll do whatever you want if it keeps you close.”

His bold words surprised her. He reached for her, tilting her chin up so she was forced to meet his mischievous gaze. She searched it for answers.Does he truly want me? Or is this a game?Her breath caught as he traced a thumb over her cheek, before slipping his hand beneath her curls to the back of her neck.

She remembered the last time he had dared to flirt. He had been drunk; this time he was stone-cold sober. He had barely touched her, but the thought of more made her breath quicken.

There was a knock on the door, and Mason straightened up as a woman with thick-rimmed glasses walked in holding a box of presents.

“Mace, your mum asked me to drop these off for the gala raffle. Could you make sure she gets…?” The woman looked between them. Lyla pushed out of the chair and away from Mason. They hadn’t been doing anything, but they didn’t look innocent either.

Even if she thought they were up to something, the older woman didn’t give anything away. She put the box down on the couch before extending her arms towards Lyla and embracing her tightly. “This must be Lyla! I’ve heard all about you. I didn’t think we would get a chance to meet before the gala!”

The hug was tight enough to cut off her air supply, but Lyla didn’t mind.

“Don’t suffocate the poor woman,” Mason said, already looking through the wrapped presents. “Anything worth bidding on this year?”

“Plenty,” she scowled, slapping his hands away. Lyla took a relieved breath. The contagious happiness in Yule could be a little overwhelming, but she couldn’t help liking it. “I’m June– I run a bakery in the village. You should stop by. I can make you anything you like,” she beamed.

Lyla could never say no to a pastry; she had the curves to prove it.

“I can never turn down coffee and cake,” she said eagerly, returning the woman’s smile. She guessed June must be as old as or older than Mrs Klaus. That she had managed to carry the heavy box of presents up the flight of stairs was impressive.

“I’ll dash, but we’ll see you at the lights festival tonight, and the gala in a few days? It’s tradition – to mark the beginning of the end to the season with a grand celebration. Mason’s return has brightened up the village,” June said in a flurry.

Lyla didn’t know what to say. “I’m sure I’ll talk to you then,” she offered.

June looked at Mason, who was still poking through the box. Lyla got the impression he’d been one of those kids who liked to peek at his presents before Christmas Day.

“Your arrival gave us all something to focus on,” June whispered. “Oh, goodness – you arrived so late! What are you wearing for the gala? You’ll need to be fast before the dresses are all gone. With only a few days to go, it’s too late to book the dressmaker now, but I’m sure we can find you something.” She clasped her hands under her chin.

Lyla felt the pressure of the lies she’d told start to crawl up the back of her neck, bringing with it an instant headache. She was meeting so many people; knowing how much her arrival meant to them only made her feel worse. She thought of their failed dress shopping and wished she had bought the red dress.

“Don’t worry too much. I have everything under control,” Mason said, joining them. Lyla wondered if that was another one of his lies.

“Glad to hear it!” June said.

“It wouldn’t be a party without my fiancée,” he added, and she forced a smile as he kissed the side of her head.

“Then we’ll see you there. Make sure to bring your dancing shoes!” June grinned, disappearing out the door.

“You need to stop telling people we’re getting married. Constantly reminding them we’re engaged only builds on the lies,” Lyla said. She hated the thought of such happy people being disappointed when she disappeared back home.

“Worried they might miss you?” Mason asked, releasing her.

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