Free Their Christmas Vows by MARGARET MCDONAGH Page B

needs, but several years ago they opened a new wing as a children's hospice,' he informed her, hopping out and moving round to the back to take out some supplies. `I help out with the decorations each Christmas if I can. The children love it.'
    Moved to discover yet another side to Frazer, she helped him carry the things to the front door, Hamish bouncing eagerly ahead of them. Their welcome was warm, and the interior of the home bore no similarity to the bland and depressing places she had been made to live in as an abandoned child. Everywhere was bright and clean, the staff were caring and friendly, and it was clear, as she met one child after another, that all their needs were catered for, and each was treated as an individual with respect and kindness.
    It was a joyful few hours. Aside from helping put up decorations and strands of coloured lights in the public rooms and the children's bedrooms they sang songs-Frazer surprising her anew with his talent playing the piano-and then they went outside with the more mobile children to build a snowman and indulge in a snowball fight, Hamish running excitedly around them. Cold and breathless, they trooped back inside to be warmed with cups of tea and piping hot homemade mince pies.
    The final task was to move a huge tree into place yin the common room. `The children decorate it themselves on Christmas Eve. I just climb the ladder to get the angel on the top,' Frazer explained, stepping back from ensuring the tree was fully secure, before casting a last, satisfied gaze over their efforts.
    `It looks great.' Callie couldn't believe how quickly the time had passed, nor how much she had enjoyed herself. Turning round, finding herself looking into Frazer's eyes, she swallowed, feeling vulnerable. `Thanks for inviting me. I've had a good time.'
    `I'm glad. You've been wonderful...and I enjoy your company,' he added, eyes darkening as he took a step closer.
    Oh, help! Rattled, horribly aware of him, she took a step backwards. `Frazer, I-'
    Her words were cut off as several of the older children giggled and then a chant began, increasing in volume as more of the room's occupants joined in. `Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss!'
    Confused, Callie glanced around, then followed Frazer's gaze upwards, realising they had inadvertently come to a halt under a generous sprig of mistletoe. Her breath lodged in her lungs and her heart started hammering as Frazer smiled, raising one hand to cup her face, his touch igniting a flame of fearful anticipation as leaned towards her.
    `Wouldn't want to disappoint them,' he murmured seconds before his lips settled on hers.
    This was no brief, casual peck. A tremor rippled through her at the feel of Frazer's mouth claiming hers for the first time. Shocked, she found herself re turning the kiss, savouring his warm male taste as the tip of his tongue teased the seam of her lips, encouraging them to part before dipping boldly inside. Her hands clenched in his jumper and she swayed against him. Everything around them faded away-the chanting, the laughter, the cheeky continents. Nothing mattered but this unexpectedly erotic stolen moment. Almost as soon as it had begun Frazer was pulling back, regret and searing need in his eyes as he looked at her.
    `Next time we won't have an audience, and we'll do this properly,' he whispered huskily.
    Callie felt helpless, laid bare, scared witless. Shaking, sensitised from his kiss, she wanted to tell him there couldn't be a next time, that it was impossible, but words refused to come. They stared at each other for endless moments, then Frazer turned aside, and she realised he was sheltering her from the rest of the room, giving her time to get herself back together.
    Her emotions were in a whirl. This should never have happened. She had tasted forbidden fruit and now she wanted more, wanted everything, and she wouldn't have it. A shiver ran down her spine...regret, fear, anger, disappointment all bringing a chill to her mood and