My Christmas Boyfriend Read online

  He sees me staring and just for a second his mouth twitches and he holds the flask out towards me.

  ‘Here, you look as if you could use this as much as me.’

  I squeak. ‘What do you mean?’

  He smiles and for some reason my heart rate increases. Now the angry face has gone, it has been replaced by an extremely handsome one. Come to think of it, this man is gorgeous. How did I not notice that before?

  He has short, slightly spiky dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He has a shadow of stubble on his face and his clothes are what I would describe as urban chic. Smart jeans and T-shirt with a casual jacket. He is also wearing those man bracelets and has a leather necklace slung casually around his neck. All in all he looks cool and edgy and spells trouble on every level.

  Tentatively, I reach out and take the flask. Raising it to my lips, I take a deep breath first. Brandy, if I'm not mistaken. He stares at me with interest as I take the smallest sip known to man. Not because I want the drink, but perversely because I want my lips where his have just been.

  Damn Fifty Shades - why didn't I bring Hello Magazine instead? I hand it back and he looks at me with interest.

  ‘So, tell me, what's your story?’

  I look around me feeling uncomfortable. Doesn't he know it's against the law to engage with strangers on a British train?

  I shrug. ‘Just heading home for Christmas. What about you?’

  He looks irritated again.

  ‘A wedding for my sins. Tried everything to get out of it, but they dragged me into it in the end.’

  I smile and he holds the flask out to me again.

  ‘Here, have some more. You look as fed up as I am. Maybe we can help each other pass the time, on this tedious train to Hell.’

  I take a sip and feel the burning liquid racing down my throat, leaving a warm feeling inside. Maybe I should chat with this sexy, gorgeous stranger. The fact that he may be trying to get me drunk, before murdering me is of no consequence.

  I smile as I hand back the flask. ‘Weddings are supposed to be fun.’

  He pulls a face. ‘Not this one. Unfortunately.’

  Now I'm interested. After all, what can be so bad about going to a wedding?

  I watch as he takes a large slug of brandy and then leans back in his seat, sighing heavily. He nods towards the ruined lens in his bag.

  ‘I'm a photographer for my sins. Not your usual wedding one, more fashion. The wedding is my cousin Charlotte's and the man she is marrying is one of the vilest men I have ever met. She can't see what an idiot he is and the last thing I want is anything to do with the whole thing.’

  I hand him the flask back after taking a larger gulp than usual. As the liquid burns within me, I feel all warm inside. I absolutely must get me one of these. Everything seems so much better now than it did five minutes ago.

  I smile and lean forward on the table.

  ‘We all make strange choices in life, me too as it happens. Sometimes we discover our mistake quickly, other times it takes a while. If he's as wrong as you say, then she will find out. Or it could be you know nothing about their relationship at all. He may be the sweetest guy in the world to your cousin and you should trust her judgement. I mean, what woman in her right mind would marry a total pig?’

  He laughs and then leans forward. Suddenly, his face is just inches from mine and I can smell the intoxicating smell of his aftershave, mingled with the rich tones of the brandy. He whispers, ‘Tell me about Tosser. Was he a mistake?’

  I laugh and grab the flask from him and take a long, deep, slug. Suddenly, my inhibitions have completely left the building and I lean further forward and whisper.

  ‘Last seen very much inside some girl at his office party, copulating in the stationery cupboard. I think I've had a lucky escape, don't you?’

  He grins. ‘Sounds a keeper.’

  I lean back and break the spell. This man is starting to affect me and what with the effects of the alcohol, I'm liable to totally embarrass myself at any minute. Time to get a grip.

  ‘So, what will you do about the wedding photographs? I’ve ruined your camera. Maybe it will be your excuse?’

  He also leans back and shrugs dismissively.

  ‘I've got others. No, my main problem isn't the photography.’

  ‘What is it then?’

  He looks irritated. ‘It's the fact that the place will be riddled with my family and other animals. A whole weekend with them and I'll need several more of these just to make it to Christmas.’

  I nod in agreement. ‘Tell me about it. I also feel your pain. The fact that I’m heading home at all shows you how desperate I am. My family are complete nut jobs and I must have been temporarily without my sanity when I rang them and told them I was coming home for Christmas. I should have just stayed in my flat and wallowed in self-pity while watching Christmas TV. It would be much more fun than Christmas in Dorset.’

  He laughs. ‘Tell me about your family.’

  I grin. ‘I'll give you the edited, stranger version. Mum and Dad run a holiday let business on the outskirts of Dorchester. I have one sister, Gina, who as we speak is making her way there with her latest boyfriend. He's a detective, and she works as a Scene of Crimes officer. Apparently, it was love at first sight over a mutilated murder victim. Subsequently, my mum is getting very excited that he may be, 'The one.' My gran is also booked in, which scares me the most. Totally unconventional and poles apart from my mother. Sometimes, I think mum was adopted because two more different people you couldn’t wish to find. My Auntie Rose is coming with her six-year-old twin boys. Her husband is away at sea on the oil rigs, or at least that's what he tells her.’

  He smiles. ‘They don't sound so bad.’

  I laugh loudly and notice the strange looks of our fellow passengers. Oops, I forgot the don't draw attention to yourself rule.

  ‘I told you, I gave you the stranger version. The reason I'm dreading it so much is that my mum will fawn over the new boyfriend and Gina will take every opportunity to rub in the fact that she has found love and once again I have not. I am always the one on my own and she teases me with tales of my imaginary boyfriends.’

  He raises his eyes. ‘Imaginary boyfriends?’

  I laugh, a little more quietly this time.

  ‘When we were young I used to have imaginary friends. In fact, I had a whole gang of them just to annoy her. Gina was popular at school and had many friends. I never did, so I made them up. Then we progressed to boys, and it was no different. Once again, I made them up and nobody ever saw them—obviously. I thought my luck had changed when I met Tosser. He was good-looking and funny and appeared to really like me. Finally, I could brag about someone real and boy did I.

  Now I'm heading home to more jokes about my imaginary boyfriend while being presented with my sister's latest conquest. I will probably have to spend the whole time walking the dog and entertaining the children.’

  He looks interested and I can see his mind working. Just for a few minutes we sit in silence. The brandy is starting to take effect and my eyes start to close as the movement of the train and the heat in the carriage set to work.

  I must fall asleep or pass out because the next thing I know I wake up face down on the Formica table. As the carriage swims into view, I look around me bleary-eyed and notice the disapproving stares of the other passengers. Looking over to my stranger danger I see him looking totally sober and looking at me with amusement.

  ‘Nice sleep?’

  Wiping some dribble from my mouth, I sink back into my seat with embarrassment and laugh softly.

  ‘Sorry - was I snoring?’

  He laughs. ‘No, you looked quite cute really. I think your bag's been buzzing though.’

  I start rifling through my bag and pull out my phone. Twenty missed calls from Tosser and five texts. Two from my mum and three from Gail.

  Noticing the display, he grins.

  ‘Popular, aren't you? You may want to keep those notifications
to prove they're not from imaginary friends.’

  I thrust the phone back in my bag and sigh.

  ‘The trouble is, except for my friend Gail, I have no interest in any of them.’

  Suddenly, he leans forward and whispers.

  ‘Listen, while you were sleeping I had an idea. I mean, say no if you want to, I would completely understand, but how about you and I helping each other out?’

  I look at him in confusion.

  ‘What are you talking about?’

  He smiles wickedly. ‘You need a boyfriend and I need a girlfriend. You help me out and I you, no strings attached. It will make Christmas a lot more fun for us both and get one over on our families at the same time. We will know the real situation, but they won't. What do you say, are you up for a game of deception this Christmas?’

  Just for a second, I stare at him in total shock. Then I pinch myself—I mean, really, I do. I shake my head slowly.

  ‘I'm sorry, but did I wake up? I think you just propositioned me after trying to get me drunk. You could be a murderer or a rapist and I should pull the alarm cord immediately while screaming for help.’

  He just laughs and fixes me with his gorgeous eyes.

  ‘So, what do you say, you up for a laugh?’

  I grin slowly. ‘Of course, I am. It will be fun—boyfriend!’

  Chapter Seven

  By the time the train arrives we have our story straight. My new boyfriend is called Liam Goodwin and as he said is a photographer. We met in London at Divas and have been inseparable ever since. We decided to stick as close to the truth as possible to prevent me from slipping up.

  We've been dating for two months and it's getting serious. I must accompany him to the wedding as his girlfriend, which will give him the perfect excuse to spend as little time with his family as possible.

  Then we will head back to my parents, where he will play the perfect boyfriend before being called back to London. There you go, a few days of madness and a lot of 'I told you so's.' Dignity intact and face very much saved.

  He didn't object when I took a photo of him on my iPhone and forwarded it to Gail, for security's sake. After all, he may really be a murderer or something.

  So, here I am in a taxi speeding away from Dorchester railway station towards the country home that is the wedding venue. Luckily, I have my Christmas dress in my luggage so will be good to go.

  Liam has promised that I can have his room and he will bunk in with a friend. So, all is well and I will be spared one more arduous day with my family.

  Liam and I chatted happily all the way and by the time we get there we are the best of friends.

  As soon as we reach Kingsley Manor my mouth drops open in awe. Wow! This place is gorgeous.

  Liam has grown quiet and I smile at him reassuringly.

  ‘Come on, let's do this. We'll make it fun; they won't know what's hit them.’

  He smiles, but I can feel his anxiety. Gosh, what can be so bad about this? It certainly beats the weddings I've ever been to at the village hall.

  As he retrieves the bags from the boot of the car and pays the taxi driver, I look around me with appreciation. There is a grand entrance flanked by two large potted trees, that are covered with fairy lights. A beautiful wreath sits proudly on a huge wooden door and the place screams wealth. Both Liam and I look a little scruffy if I'm honest after our journey, so I hope we don't meet anyone before I've had a chance to scrub up.

  As we head inside across the polished tiled floor, I take in the opulence of the place.

  A fire burns in the grate of a huge impressive fireplace, around which are placed several comfortable settees. Beautiful flower arrangements are strategically placed on large tables, which groan under the weight of them.

  A long reception desk is at one end, which we head over to.

  The receptionist smiles at us politely. ‘Good afternoon. Welcome to Kingsley Manor. Are you booked to stay with us?’

  Liam smiles and I watch as she falls under his spell. ‘Yes, Mr. Goodwin and Miss.….’

  I interrupt. ‘Anderson.’

  The receptionist looks down at a sheaf of papers and then pushes one across the desk.

  ‘If you'll sign in, I will get your key.’

  She is soon back and presents him with a huge key tied to a long red ribbon.

  ‘You are in the Master's suite. Top floor, to the right of the lift. It's the last one at the end of the corridor. Will you be requiring a wake-up call in the morning?’

  He shakes his head. ‘No thank you, we'll be fine.’

  Suddenly, we hear somebody bellow loudly, ‘Liam! I thought that was you.’

  As we turn, I see an older version of Liam heading towards us positively beaming. Closely followed by a regal-looking lady who is smiling happily.

  Liam smiles and taking my hand pulls me close to his side.

  ‘Dad, mum, it's great to see you. Let me introduce you to Annie, my girlfriend.’

  I don't miss the surprise in his parent's eyes as they take in the messy, unruly sight of me. I have tangled hair and minimal makeup. My clothes are crumpled and I look completely out of place here. I register the flash of disapproval in his mother's eyes and my heart sinks.

  She holds out her hand and says politely. ‘I'm pleased to meet you.’

  She turns to Liam and holds out her arms and he kisses her on both cheeks.

  ‘Mum you look great.’

  She sniffs. ‘Flatterer. I'm sure I look anything but. This wedding has been exhausting already.’

  His father appraises me, and somehow I feel as if I don't quite measure up to their expectations. As if he senses it, Liam lifts my hand to his lips and stares into my eyes.

  ‘Listen, mum, dad, we've had a long tiring journey and need to freshen up. How about we meet in the bar in an hour? We can catch up then.’

  His parents nod politely and watch as Liam drags me behind him to the lift.

  Once safely inside, he lets out a deep breath.

  ‘Sorry about my parents. They aren't usually so cold. Mum had hoped that I'd marry my last girlfriend. She was everything they liked and were disappointed when I ended it.’

  I look at him with interest. ‘What happened?’

  He pulls a face. ‘She turned out to be a complete bitch. No personality and no morals either. I found out she'd been seeing some other guy when she was away on a shoot. Although she was beautiful, she had zero personality and after a while I got bored. It may be looks that first attract, but personality is the sticking factor.’

  Before I can reply, we reach our floor and suddenly the enormity of what I've agreed to sinks in. I must be mad. I have met a sexy stranger on a train and agreed to spend the night with him. Oh, ok not in the same room, but what if he had other ideas all along? Suddenly, I feel a panic attack coming on and say weakly. ‘Have you got any brandy left?’

  Liam laughs softly. ‘No, but I'll stock it up from the mini bar. Don't worry, you're safe with me, I promise.’

  I follow him down the carpeted hallway, past several impressive wooden doors to the door at the end.

  'The Master's Suite,' is emblazoned in gold lettering on the door and I watch with interest as Liam unlocks it with the huge key.

  As he holds the door open, I walk into paradise!

  Chapter Eight

  ‘Liam, this place is amazing!’

  He laughs and sets the bags down onto the floor. ‘Yes, I wonder why we've been given such a great room?’

  I nod. Great room indeed. It appears to be made up of a group of rooms, one of which is a small sitting area overlooking the beautiful grounds. I walk through a door into a massive bedroom where a fabulous four-poster bed dominates the centre. Flower arrangements are everywhere and the décor is modern and tasteful.

  Excitedly, I open a door in the corner which leads into a modern bathroom with the largest shower I’ve ever seen. White fluffy towels hug the heated rail and two large comfy robes hang on the back of the door. Even the co
mplimentary toiletries are Jo Malone. Wow! and Wow! I may not leave this room at all.

  I walk back into the sitting area and watch as Liam pours us a couple of large brandy's from a cut-glass decanter on the table.

  He holds one out to me and grins. ‘More Dutch courage for the troops.’

  I take the glass and sink onto the sumptuous settee.

  ‘This place is impressive. You can leave me here if you like.’

  He laughs softly.

  ‘Can't do that I'm afraid. A deal's a deal. You’re going to keep me protected from the wildlife. I’ll need you with me at all times if I’m to make it out alive.’

  I snort and then cough to cover it up. How embarrassing! ‘So, what's the plan?’

  He sighs and sinks down next to me. ‘We'll get changed and head off to meet the others. I'll take a few photographs of the happy couple and their guests, after which, we all sit down to an excruciating night with the family. Hopefully, we can make our escape quite early, citing exhaustion from the journey. We can come back here and watch a film or something and then you have the bed and I'll take this couch. You'll be perfectly safe because you can lock your door. Tomorrow after breakfast, I’ll take some more photos and then we attend the ceremony. Hopefully, we’ll be kept busy and not have to interact with the natives for too long. Then we can crash here again before heading off to phase two of our operation.’

  I smile, once again bathed in a brandy glow. Gosh, I really should stop drinking this stuff. The AA initials that I have will take on a much more sinister meaning if I succumb to this heady, demon drink.

  ‘Sounds good to me. Do you want the shower first, or can I?’

  Liam smiles. ‘You go. I'll just unpack and polish my lens.’

  He winks, as I head off to bathroom paradise.

  Soon, I'm ready and grateful that I packed my reliable little black dress. Despite the bad memories of the last time I wore it, it's all I have and I don't have any money for a new one given my sorry circumstances.

  I went all out to make myself look as presentable as I can. Seeing Liam's parent's reactions to me earlier hit a nerve. I don't want anyone to wonder why on earth he is with me, after all, who likes that sort of humiliation.