Page 54 of The Naughty Or Nice Clause

“I don’t think that’s possible. I say he had it made,” Mrs Klaus said.

“I thoughtthatwasn’t possible in such a short time.”

“The dressmaker can be bribed easily with an extra helping of gold dust.” Mrs Klaus winked.

“That’s not against the law, is it? I don’t want you to get in trouble,” Lyla said, worried they would be putting themselves at risk.

“No – simply frowned upon. But there’s nothing wrong with a bit of extra luck,” Lou said, putting her at ease.

She held the dress against herself, the fabric silky against her fingertips. She didn’t know how she was going to thank him, but she was sure she could think of something they would both enjoy.

Chapter Twenty One

ARGYLE, DRESSED IN a three-piece suit, was waiting in the sleigh outside the house. The rest of the family had already gone ahead in another sleigh; Lyla had been delayed finishing off the details of Mrs Klaus’s and Lou’s make-up and hairstyles. After hours of small talk and a glass of champagne, she felt like she now had a mother and a sister, which both thrilled and terrified her.

Lyla caught sight of Mason out on the porch; he stared at her for a moment, his mouth agape.

“I'm almost ready,” she called to him. He nodded, before returning his attention to Argyle. Lyla could just about hear their conversation as she put in her earring, looking in the mirror by the door.

“Any luck on the ring? I was hoping to return it to her tonight.”

Lyla’s guilt returned. She hadn’t meant to lose it, but it was sweet he was trying to return it to her.

“I checked. Nothing was handed in to the jewellers, and those who cleaned up after the competition said they didn’t see anything,” Argyle said, deflated.

“Pity. I was so sure someone would have turned it in,” Mason said, “but we tried.”

“Since I couldn’t help with the ring I thought a special drive would make up for it,” Argyle said, and Lyla peered out to see the twinkling lights and tinsel decorating the sleigh.

“I noticed you’ve gone all out – I appreciate the effort. I want Lyla to have a good time. After what happened at the gingerbread competition, I think we owe her that,” Mason told the old man, and Lyla turned back to the mirror before he noticed her watching. The kindness in his voice made her want to drag him inside and lock the door.

“Not every year we get a new Klaus. You and the missus have to arrive in style!” Argyle agreed.

She couldn’t delay any longer; she removed her glasses. She’d have to settle for less than perfect sight tonight.

She stepped out and waited at the door. Mason was facing the sleigh, but Argyle cleared his throat and he glanced over his shoulder. Lyla pulled her dark curls to one side and laughed at his awed expression.

I can’t wait for him to discover how little I’m wearing beneath it.She couldn’t wear a bra, since the back was a series of tiny straps; luckily, she had more hips than bust.

“You’re perfect. I didn’t have your measurements, so I went off the size of the other dress,” he said in a flurry. She didn’t think she would ever get used to his compliments.

“I love it. I can’t believe you had it done in green,” she said, and his shoulders relaxed. Seeing him lose his composure was the best Christmas gift he could have given her.

“It’s your favourite. I thought, since this isn’t the Christmas you expected, I could give you something you’d love,” he said, taking her hand and leading her towards the sleigh. She watched him, amazed at how open he was being. She knew in that moment that he had given her more than one thing to love.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile in a suit. You should do it more often,” she said, admiring the black suit he wore.

“I’ll take note,” he said, closing the gap between them. She noticed his gingerbread bowtie was slightly crooked.

“The bowtie is the perfect finish,” she said, straightening it. She needed to do something so she wouldn’t crumble under his uncompromising gaze.

“You both look wonderful. Now, we have a gala to get to,” Argyle said, jumping into the driver’s seat.

“Sorry – didn’t mean to keep you waiting,” Lyla said, flustered, and Argyle laughed.

“Or if you’d prefer, I can leave you both here?” he asked, and Mason scowled at him.

“We’re going now,” Mason assured him, and Lyla couldn’t meet his eye.

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