My Christmas Boyfriend Page 7

  The room has been styled like a scene from a film.

  We sit on silk-covered chairs with huge red satin bows fastened behind them. Candles are everywhere and burn brightly in the subdued lighting. Soft romantic music fills the air and the flower arrangements rise in splendour on every available surface.

  The colour scheme is red and white with lots of glitter and silver. This is the most beautiful Christmas wedding that I have ever been to. It's magical and takes my breath away. Fairy lights twinkle like stars on the ceiling and cream roses merge with deep red poinsettias and crimson roses.

  All around me sit the elite. The clothes and jewellery on the women must add up to a small fortune. The men look stylish and smart and I feel very much out of place.

  I look at the groom and it strikes me how handsome he looks in his black tuxedo with matching red cummerbund.

  He looks excited and happy and is laughing and joking with what appears to be his best man beside him.

  Then the music starts and fills the room. There is a breathless anticipation as the doors open and the groom takes his place at the front before the registrar.

  I notice Liam making his way down the side of the room to the front and he catches my eye and smiles. Just for a second my heart flutters. I must be more affected by this wedding than I thought because at this moment in time, I really wish I was his girlfriend more than anything I have ever wanted in my life before.

  Then we are told to stand, and the fanfare begins.

  All eyes turn to the back of the room as the bridal party makes its way inside.

  Two gorgeous little flower girls, dressed in white princess dresses, carry little baskets containing rose petals. They scatter handfuls of petals before them to cries of aah and how sweet.

  Then come the grown-up bridesmaids. All looking beautiful and smiling around them in excitement.

  Then there's an audible gasp as Charlotte comes into view. A vision of elegance and poise and looking like an Angel.

  Tears fill my eyes as I see the proud look on her father's face. He stands rigid and proud, guiding his precious cargo to the waiting arms of another. His little girl no longer, all grown up and fleeing the nest.

  My heart swells as I see the emotion in his face. Charlotte gazes around her like a startled fawn. Her lip trembles and her eyes are bright with unshed tears. She grips her father's arm like a lifeline as she stares ahead of her at the man who has captured her heart and is her ultimate destiny.

  I can't believe how moved I am by the whole spectacle. I can't look away as I watch the scene unfold. This is a beautiful moment that I will cherish forever. The lady beside me gasps as they pass.

  ‘Oh, my goodness, she is so beautiful.’

  I must agree. Move aside April Loveday, there's a new supermodel in town. There is not a woman on earth that can outshine this bride in her moment of glory.

  I watch as Eric's face reflects the emotions inside him. He gazes at his bride with sheer disbelief. His eyes are ablaze with love for her and I watch him battle with his emotions as she approaches. This man would lay down his life for the woman before him at this moment in time. My heart swells as I witness the love between these two people. Liam is wrong about Eric, I just know in my heart he is.

  Soon, I am swept away by the pure romance of the ceremony. The music is soulful and the vows moving. There is not a dry eye in the room as the bride and groom declare their devotion before their witnesses.

  All too soon it is over and they are declared man and wife. Cheering breaks out and the music peals out, declaring the happy moment for all to see.

  As they walk down the aisle as man and wife, the woman beside me whispers, ‘I give it two years, tops.’

  Once the bridal party is safely outside having their photographs taken, I join the long line of people vacating the room. I hear somebody calling my name and see Melissa waving me over.

  ‘Hey, Annie, over here.’

  I head over towards them gratefully and she grins. ‘Sorry. I had saved you a seat but didn't notice you until it was too late. Here grab a drink and relax. The worst is over and now we can eat, drink and be merry.’

  I smile at her happily. ‘That was such a lovely ceremony. I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful couple. They obviously love each other very much.’

  Cindy snorts. ‘Well, appearances can be deceptive.’

  I look at her in astonishment. ‘What do you mean?’

  Melissa throws her a warning look and then smiles thinly.

  ‘Let's just say, Charlotte absolutely adores Eric and has realised her dream come true today. Eric, on the other hand, has got what he wanted most, a trophy wife who turns the occasional blind eye. Don't be fooled by this fairy-tale wedding, Annie, this was a business transaction that both have walked into, very much with their eyes open.’

  Before I can comment, I feel a hand slip into mine and I look up into Liam's incredibly sexy eyes.

  ‘Hey gorgeous, I missed you.’

  I smile at him and flutter my eyelashes - for appearances only of course.

  ‘Hey, boyfriend, are you now officially free to party?’

  He rolls his eyes. ‘I wish. Just a few more shots and I should be. How about you, are these guys looking after you ok?’

  I smile happily. ‘Yes, of course, I'm fine. Don't worry about me, it's all getting interesting.’

  The girls look at Liam innocently as he frowns.

  ‘I don't think I want to know. Anyway, is there any alcohol around here? I need something to get me through the meal ordeal ahead.’

  I laugh and grab him a glass of champagne from a nearby tray.

  ‘Here you go, it's not brandy but it will have to do.’

  He grins and looks at the others. ‘If Annie even hints that she wants a brandy, move away. This girl is not to be trusted around that particular drink.’

  I laugh at their shocked expressions and roll my eyes.

  ‘Don't believe a word of it ladies. If it wasn't for Liam, I wouldn't have ever touched a drop. He forced it on me to get me to agree to be his girlfriend. He's now worried that once I am out of the influence, I will sober up long enough to realise what a mess I have got myself into.’

  He laughs along with the others and Melissa grins.

  ‘Sounds like a match made in Heaven. You appear very well suited.’

  One of Liam's friends comes over and grins wickedly at him.

  ‘Hey, Liam. I just heard that Victoria Craven is coming tonight. You'll need a few more of those before she arrives if I'm not mistaken.’

  They all laugh as Liam pulls a face.

  ‘Ugh. I just hope you've all got my back, otherwise Annie and I are leaving right now.’

  His friend laughs and Melissa turns to the guy.

  ‘Where did you hear that? I thought she fell out with Charlotte months ago.’

  He grins. ‘It would appear they made up. Anyway darling, are you going to escort me to the line-up? I believe it's feeding time at the Zoo.’

  Melissa rolls her eyes and takes his arm.

  ‘Come on then, Mark. Just keep your hands off my food and other items close to my heart and we'll be fine.’

  He laughs and kisses her neck.

  ‘Can't promise to keep my hands of you, Mel, you're just too tempting.’

  Liam rolls his eyes at me and takes my hand. ‘Come on, Annie, breakfast seems like ages ago. You up for another feast?’

  I grin. ‘Wouldn't miss it for the world.’

  Chapter Fourteen

  Ok, I am now officially stuffed. The meal was amazing, like everything else at this wedding. I sat with Liam and his friends and had a really good time. They are all great fun and for the first time since coming here I relaxed.

  I enjoyed watching Liam with his friends. It's obvious they all have a strong bond, and they kept me in stitches throughout the meal.

  Even the speeches were good. Once again, I had tears in my eyes as I heard them. They must all be wrong because the love
that Eric and Charlotte have for each other was plain for everyone to see. Nobody could fake true love - surely? I vow to ask Liam why he hates Eric. It must be something bad because Liam appears to like nearly everyone else here.

  Soon it's time to head outside while they get ready for the evening party. Liam's mother stops by our table and frowns at him.

  ‘You're needed again, Liam. I'm sure Annie will be fine with your friends while you take some more photos.’

  Liam smiles ruefully and turns to me and whispers.

  ‘She's probably right. You would be better off with the guys. I won't be long though, I promise.’

  I just smile at him reassuringly. ‘Look I'll be fine. You go and do what you have to. I'll catch you later.’

  He leans over and whispers. ‘Thanks, Annie. I mean it, for everything. Having you here is making this all a lot more bearable. Has anyone ever told you, you make the hottest girlfriend?’

  I smile at him sexily. ‘How much have you had to drink already, Liam? You've obviously had more than I thought.’

  To my surprise, he just kisses me on the cheek and whispers. ‘I mean every word.’

  Then he follows his mother, leaving me feeling a little thrown if I'm honest. There was a sincerity to his look that didn't fit with the gentle teasing that we usually do. Why does my heart now beat a little faster and my brain buzz with excitement? What is happening to me?

  Feeling a little wrong-footed I look at Cindy who is next to me and stutter. ‘I'm just heading to the ladies. Will you be here, or are you moving outside?’

  She looks at the others. ‘If we're not here then meet us in the bar. You know, the one we met at earlier. We'll grab you a drink if you like. They may be a while setting up, so we may as well make ourselves comfortable.’

  I smile. ‘Thanks, I won't be long.’

  I make my way to the ladies and take a moment to collect my thoughts. For the first time since I met Liam, I am thinking about what I agreed to. I must have been mad to head off with a stranger that I just met to a wedding of strangers. The fact they nearly all hate me was unexpected and I can't say I'm enjoying that part of it.

  I am enjoying Liam's company though. He is great fun and mild-mannered. We have fallen into an easy relationship as friends, which is why I shouldn't read any more into it. He has just split from a supermodel and I am keeping the wannabees away. Then why do I suddenly want more?

  This wedding has well and truly messed with my head. Thank goodness there's just tonight and then we can get the hell out of here. At least I'll never have to face his mother again!

  As I sit on my porcelain throne pondering my situation, I hear voices outside the cubicle.

  ‘Have you seen Liam's new girlfriend? Gosh, talk about lowering your standards.’

  Someone giggles. ‘Well, April is a huge act to follow. It's doubtful there's a girl on the planet who could fill her shoes.’

  ‘I'd like to give it a try though.’ Her friend laughs.

  ‘Shame he's turned up with her replacement so soon. I wonder if she thinks he'll stay with her past this weekend?’ More laughter.

  ‘If she does she's going to get a shock. From the look of her she should be counting her lucky stars that she's made it this far. I mean, I guess she's ok looking, but well out of Liam's league.’

  Ok, that's it. I've had enough. How dare they talk about me as if I'm a second-class citizen and second best to some beautiful, rich, successful supermodel? I'm an Accountant for Gods' sake - enough said!

  I explode from my solitude like a bullet from a gun and note with satisfaction their surprised and slightly worried expressions.

  Fixing them both with my most deadly look, I snarl angrily.

  ‘Just for the record, ladies, Liam is with me purely for the sex. As it happens, I provide him with everything that April couldn't. Appearance doesn't matter when you're blindfolded, gagged and tied up face down on the bed. You see, it takes a special kind of woman to please a man like Liam and I am happy to report I'm very much up to the job. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd better be getting back before he spanks me stupid for taking too long. Enjoy your night, ladies and your boring sex lives because I am living the dream.’

  I flick my hair back in pure diva style and then come face to face with the horrified faces of Liam's mum and Aunt Kim.

  Oh, double Hell!!

  There is silence as we all just look at each other in shock. I hear the giggles behind me and want to disappear into a pool of water. Kim's mouth twitches, and she says softly.

  ‘There you are, Annie. Liam's looking for you. Off you go, we'll catch up later.’

  I smile at her thankfully and nod to Liam's mum, who just stares at me with a stony expression.

  Quickly, I edge past them and almost run out of the room.

  Me and my big mouth. Now I've ruined everything.

  I decide not to return to the wedding. This is all too much and I need to get away. So instead, I do what every coward does when faced with the enemy, I retreat and head off as quickly as I can to our room.

  It's only when I'm face down on the bed—fully clothed I might add—that the floodgates open. Suddenly, I'm crying and can't appear to stop.

  Finally, it has all caught up with me and I let it all out. The job, Gary, and now the abuse I have received since coming here. I am now officially a complete wreck and that is exactly as Liam finds me.

  Suddenly, I find myself being pulled towards a hard, comforting, chest. He strokes my hair and kisses me on the top of my head.

  ‘It's ok, Annie, let it all out.’

  I sob uncontrollably in Liam's arms and I can't stop. Liam, as it turns out, is a true hero.

  He pulls me back against the headboard and just holds me while I let it all out. No words are spoken, just one friend comforting another.

  It must be a good ten minutes later that the sobs subside. As he hands me a tissue, he smiles and raises his eyes.

  ‘So, beautiful, are you going to tell me what's wrong?’

  I sniff and blow my nose loudly into the tissue. ‘Sorry, Liam. It's just all caught up with me. I heard some girls talking about me in the ladies and it made me see red. I'm afraid I said some awful things and then your mum and Aunt came in and heard them. Now they hate me even more, because they think I'm a sexed crazed hooker, who has corrupted their son and nephew. I now officially want to die and to never see any of them, ever again. The fact that I must go home to the mad house tomorrow is sending me over the edge. Not to mention that I'm jobless, loveless and soon to be homeless. I think that's all for now.’

  Liam looks at me incredulously and then laughs. ‘What did you say to them?’

  I grin and look at him shamefaced. ‘That we were into all sorts of kinky sex and that's the reason you went out with me.’

  I have to laugh at the shock on his face before I cry again.

  Suddenly, he grins and then laughs with me. ‘I would have paid to see my mother's face, not to mention the rest of them. You obviously read more of that Fifty Shades book than I thought on the train.’

  I laugh, sheepishly. ‘It was the first thing that came into my head. So, you see I had to come up here. I must never be seen in decent company again.’

  Liam pulls me up from the bed. ‘You're joking aren't you. I wouldn't miss this for the world. I know, let's really get them talking.’

  I look at him in surprise. 'Why, what do you have in mind?’

  He grins. ‘Ever had a Chinese burn, Annie?’

  I laugh. ‘I see where you're going with this. Do you worst, Master!’

  He grins wickedly and I hold out my arms. He grabs hold of one of them and twists my wrist until I cry out. I study the red mark that has appeared proudly.

  ‘Good job, now the other one.’

  He does the other one and we laugh as we see the red marks on my wrists.

  He then reaches up and ruffles my hair a bit more. ‘There you go, nice and ravished. Let's go down and reap the rewards of our deception.
It's time I enjoyed myself at this wedding.’

  Giggling, I follow him from the room. What a great guy!

  Chapter Fifteen

  I admire my reflection in the mirror as we travel down in the lift. Liam is grinning at me and I meet his eyes in the reflection.

  ‘Are you sure about this, Liam? I mean, I could just tell them the truth. Nobody would think badly of you then. You could say we are just friends and your mother would be happy and leave you alone. Why are you causing problems for yourself?’

  Just for a moment his eyes darken and he looks angry. There's my angry man.

  He shrugs. ‘Because they need teaching a lesson. When I went out with April, I saw a side to my mother that I didn't like. She became a total bitch, only concerned with appearance and status. She revelled in my relationship and became popular amongst her crowd of loser friends. She dined out on her newfound popularity and saw a life she had only ever dreamed of. The fact that I was unhappy didn't matter. The only thing she cared about was that I was dating the most beautiful girl on the planet. What she didn't see was how ugly she was inside.’

  I look interested and smile at him as I take his hand.

  ‘What happened, Liam? What did she do to make you hate her so much?’

  Before he can reply the lift stops and the door opens. He squeezes my hand.

  ‘I'll tell you later. But now we must get this party started. No more photography for me, I am officially off duty and partying with my gorgeous girlfriend. You are gorgeous by the way; I'm not just saying that either. You have what April severely lacks - a good heart. You are also incredibly beautiful, funny and kind. That all adds up to the complete package and don’t let anyone tell you any differently.’

  He pulls me after him and my mind works hard to comprehend his words. Beautiful…. me? He has had more to drink than I thought.

  The evening party is underway and more guests have arrived. There is loud music coming from the room where we ate and the lights flash, lighting up the dance floor as the guests get down to it.