Free The Holiday From Hell by Demelza Carlton Page B

stupid holiday idea and take her to Heaven where she'd be safe.
    "Is it all right if we have dinner here instead of a restaurant? Pick up something from the freezer section of the shops in town and we can cook it in the kitchen here. I'll help when I wake up, I promise." Mel yawned so wide her hand barely covered her open mouth. "Sorry, Luce. I hope you didn't plan too much for this evening."
    He forced a smile. "As long as I get to spend the evening with you, everything's going according to plan." The smile faded as fast as it had appeared. "Are you sure you'll be okay here without me?"
    Mel had managed to strip off down to her knickers and a t-shirt and she was halfway through burrowing under the quilt. "I'll be fine. Fast asleep, probably. Wake me when you return. The way you know I like it."
    A kiss, the rousing sort normally reserved for princesses in fairy tales. "I wouldn't have it any other way." Luce leaned down to kiss her gently – more goodbye than good morning, but at least he got one. "You just rest, all right?" Mel nodded and settled deeper into the pillow. Luce stretched an arm out to snag the curtain, pulling it shut across the section of window closest to the bed. It wasn't a night-time gloom, but it might help her sleep.
    He took the stairs two at a time, surprising a group of wine tasters who were just leaving the cellar door. He recognised some of them as the people who'd gaped as he carried Mel up the stairs twenty minutes earlier. Luce managed a grin and a wink as he said, "Just heading into town for some supplies."
    One of the women sniggered and whispered something to the man next to her.
    Luce climbed into his car and sped away before he wasted any more time. The little town nearby didn't have much in the way of groceries, so for a decent dinner it was an hour round trip, plus however long he'd be in the shop. Mel would definitely have time for her afternoon nap before he returned.
    Ninety-three minutes later, he decelerated for the little gravel driveway that would return him to Mel. He made his way silently up the steps and into the darkened loft without waking her, so he tried to fill the fridge and freezer with his purchases as quietly as possible. Surveying the packed freezer, he figured he had more little dim sum morsels that could be baked, fried and steamed than Mel could eat in a week, with enough sauces for the things to swim in, but he figured it'd be better to give her a choice than risk giving her something she wouldn't eat. There wasn't an oyster in sight.
    He poured two glasses of wine and tasted a mouthful of his. Pretty decent, considering. With the berries, tannins and whatever else still lingering on his tongue, Luce stepped into the bedroom. He knelt beside the bed and took Mel in his arms. Luce started with a light kiss, then drove deeper as Mel's lips parted to emit a contented sigh. His tongue stroked hers, coaxing her to wake, until he felt her respond fully. Her fingers crept into his hair as one hand circled the back of his neck.
    "Mmmm," she sighed, pressing her cotton-clad breasts against his chest.
    He held her so tight he thought he might crush her, kissing her as if she could be taken away from him at any moment. She could – she could! But right now, she was in his arms. "Melody. Oh, Melody. I want…I want…"
    She laid a warm finger against his lips. "I know, my love. So do I. How about after dinner?"
    Luce grinned. "You'll be the sweetest dessert ever." He helped her out of bed and watched wistfully as she wrapped herself in a bathrobe. He made a mental note to switch the heating on when he got a moment, so she'd shed the bathrobe when the apartment was warm enough. The cold crept in quickly of an evening out here.
    Together, they decided to cook a selection from each of the frozen food boxes, so they'd know what was best. Luce loaded an oven tray while Mel boiled water for the steamer. Mel set the sauces out in saucers on the table and Luce caught sight of her