Free Christmas Kiss by Chrissie Loveday Page B

in a little while. I just called in to sort the mail and make sure everything is all right. I shall be in for a bit tomorrow but maybe we could go for a ride later?’
    ‘Fine. I was hoping to see Major but if you think it’s best, I’ll wait.’
    ‘It’s been a difficult time over Christmas. I hope yours was good?’
    ‘Not bad. The usual strings of over-indulgence. We’ll speak tomorrow. Call me with a time.’ Damn, she swore after they hung up. She could have stayed a bit longer with her parents. Still, she didn’t want to cause any friction between Alex and his mother. Clearly things hadn’t gone quite as he’d hoped. His mother sounded a bit of a dragon, she thought uncharitably.
    It was almost midday before Alex called on the following day.
    ‘Nothing wrong at the office was there?’Sarah asked.
    ‘No, I haven’t even been in. My mother lingered. She seemed quite unwilling to leave but I finally got her to go, suggesting she needed to be home before dark. So, do you want to out this afternoon? Or as early as you like. I was force fed an enormous breakfast so I’m not planning to eat another thing till this evening.’
    ‘I’ll be over right away. After my mother’s usual Christmas binge, I’m ready for an intensive diet. See you soon.’
    It was cold and crisp and the thin winter sun provided little warmth. It was perfect for a gallop over the beach. It was low tide and Sarah’s favourite cove was deserted. It was just long enough for a good gallop over the smooth sand and they raced each other back and forth, laughing and delighted in the freedom and open space.
    ‘Just what I needed,’ Alex said as the trotted back to the stable.
    ‘Me too. And I think these horses did too. I don’t suppose you went out over the holiday.’
    ‘I did go on Christmas morning. Just had to get away for an hour. I left mother watching some service on television which seemed to please her. I’m a rotten son, I know. By the way, I’ve been invited for drinks with Ken and the other senior partners on New Year’s day. I suppose you wouldn’t like to come with me?’
    ‘Is that a good idea? Breaks all the rules, doesn’t it?’
    ‘I guess. Oh well, another day lost to riding. I thought you might make it bearable but it would certainly set tongues wagging. Forget it. I wondered if he might have invited anyone else but evidently not. I thought this might have been his gesture in lieu of the Christmas party we didn’t have.’
    ‘I assumed that was because of the infernal credit crunch. But the rest of us, well we’re thinking of having a meal out one night in early January. Office staff and junior people such as myself. Just an every one pay for themselves sort of do. I’m sure you’re invited if you can bear it.’
    ‘I’d love to, if you think I won’t cramp anyone’s style. I’m in a difficult position really. When Ken fully retires, he wants to appoint me as head of practice but there are some staff who won’ like that. He’ll remain on the board of course and act as consultant from time to time. But, I’m very much a hands on person. I need to be a part of the day to day workings. Oh dear, I’m doing it again. Right. From m now on, all work related subjects are banned. Let’s go and have a cup of tea. What are you doing for a meal this evening? Wondered if you’d like to go to the pub?’
    ‘’Why not?’
    The pattern continued into the early spring. Busy times at work, where they virtually ignored each other and weekends mostly spent together, riding and sharing meals. Though Sarah was still paying her rent on the paddock and stable near her home, Major was staying at Darnley Manor. Alex refused all her offers to contribute to his keep, something she felt awkward about.
    ‘You are giving endless advice about my re-decorating. And you’ve spent time shopping for furnishings with me. That’s more than enough compensation,’ he insisted.
    The lounge was almost finished and they were