CHAPTER Sixteen
Nellie
Setting my screensaver to a picture of Christopher feels like a big deal. The date at the farm went so well, and every time we’ve met up after has felt like more than just sex. Tonight, Anisley and I have invited him over for dinner. Together we’ve made toad in the hole, which is one of our favourites.
I pour boiling water onto the gravy granules, watching the steam rise out of the jug. We don’t have a dining room, only a coffee table in the living room, so we put the food onto it. Ainsley gets plates while I fill the gravy boat with newly made stock.
The doorbell rings as we’re finishing up our preparations. “I’ll get it,” Ainsley says, dusting her hands off and running to the door in the hall.
I find the cutlery and finish setting everything up. Laughter echoes through the house as they come into the living room and sit on the sofa.
“I’ve never ridden a horse, never mind entering a race,” Ainsley says to Christopher.
“You’ll have to come visit the stables at my family farm.”
“Can I?” Ainsley asks, turning to me.
A warm sensation fills my chest as a vision of what my future could look like comes to mind. I like that he’s discussing his interests with my sister. “Of course. If you want to, we could go up to the farm. There are some beautiful animals and views of the countryside.”
“Do you think I could be good at horse riding?” Ainsley has that curious look in her eye she sometimes gets when thinking of trying something new.
“Absolutely, and your gymnastic skills will probably help. Learning to balance on the horse will help you go faster.” Christopher has a devilish smirk like he’s looking forward to horse riding with her.
I leave them chatting while I get us some drinks, then I serve the food. The Yorkshire pudding mix is just the right kind of crispy and it melts in my mouth when I take a bite.
“Did you always want to be a farmer or was it your family that forced your hand?” Ainsley says.
“That was a little rude. You don’t have to answer that,” I say, giving my sister a stern look and an apologetic smile to Christopher.
“Don’t worry, she can ask me anything. I’ve always known I’d work for my family business, but honestly, I love it.”
“I hope I can find something I want to do too. My sister loves working at Sweet Cocktails, but I don’t want to follow in her footsteps.” She glances at her row of trophies on the windowsill.
“Sweet Cocktails is my reality, not my dream job.” If I’d had a normal upbringing without the responsibility of caring for my sister, maybe I’d have gone to university, but there’s no point in dwelling on the what-ifs.
“If you could have any career, what would it be?” Christopher asks me.
“Oh, that’s a hard question. I’d love to make a sophisticated cocktail or something.”
“Like a drinks taster for a big brand?”
“No. I’d like to help with the science behind the taste.” I’ve always liked creating unique cocktails for themed parties.
“You never know. One day it could happen.” Ainsley has a dreamy look in her eyes. I’m glad she hasn’t got the weight of the world on her shoulders like I did at her age. She doesn’t have to worry about me disappearing because I’d never do that to her.
I smile tightly. “You’re right. The future isn’t set in stone. Anything is possible.”
“I totally agree. I’d buy anything you made.” Christopher gives me a playful wink. Maybe I’ll make a whiskey too.
After the food, we watch TV and play Charades.
When it’s time for Christopher, to leave, Ainsley hugs him goodbye before I walk him to the door. What a great evening it’s been. I’ve loved how well they’ve gotten along.
“Thanks for a wonderful evening,” he says, leaning in for a kiss.
“Any time. I think you’ve even won my sister over.”
“The feeling’s mutual. You’re both great women.”
“Aw. Are you getting all mushy on me?”
“Maybe.” He gives me a beaming smile before kissing me again.
We step outside and I watch him climb into his car. My heart flutters with strong feelings for this gorgeous man.
We wave goodbye before he speeds off down the street.
I’m about to turn back into the house when I hear a rustle in a nearby bush. As I take a closer look, I see a man. “Mr Lightwood? Why are you hiding outside my house? Should I be calling the police?”
“There’s no need to do that,” he says, coming out into the open.
I move closer to my house, ready to shut the door if I need to. “What are you doing?”
“I’ve been trying to find your mum.”
“So you’re outside my house at nine p.m. This has gone too far to be just about some gymnastics club. I think I should call for help, or maybe it’s you that needs someone to check your mental health. This, what you’re doing right now, is stalking.”
He holds his hands up in surrender. “Wait. I’m sorry this has got out of hand, but I’m willing to explain. Your mum promised your sister to me.”
My eyebrows shoot up. What the hell does that mean and when did he talk to her, or is he lying? “You’re disturbing. I won’t let you anywhere near her.”
“For the gymnastics club. I paid good money for her to join Berry Hill Gymnastics Club. She’s going to be a star and earn the club some awards.”
“When did my mum set this up with you?” I squeeze my hand tightly into a fist. Is he the reason my mum disappeared? Did she take the money and run off?
“A few months ago, and then she stopped taking my calls. I’ve not seen her at any gymnastic classes or any of her usual places.”
“I don’t know what she promised you exactly, but my sister is a person and she’s not for sale. She told me she wasn’t interested in your club and that’s the end of it.” I step inside and get ready to shut the door.
“I won’t let this go. I’m owed money or a gymnast.”
“Get off my property or I’m calling the police.”
“This is your mother’s house, right?”
“Yes, but she’s not home and I’ve asked you to leave.” I push the door closed and call Christopher. It would be an understatement to say I’m a little freaked out. My heart feels like it’s trying to get out of my chest.
“Missing me already?” he says when he answers.
My words come out stuttery as I try to catch my breath. “Mr Lightwood was here.”
“What? I’m turning the car around.” There’s a tyre screech, and I’m guessing he’s already changing direction.
“You don’t have to do that.” I want him to come check Mr Lightwood has gone, but maybe I’m overreacting. I’m not used to having someone to lean on.
“Already done. Don’t go outside until I let you know I’m here.”
“Okay.” I peer through the curtains but don’t see anyone out in the dark.
Only a few minutes pass before I hear a car pull up and someone getting out. “Let me in,” Christopher says when he returns. My heart is still racing as I open the door. He pulls me into a tight hug and relief fills my chest. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Just a bit shaken up that he was at our house.”
“What did he say?” He looks deep into my eyes like he’s checking I’m really okay.
“He was looking for my mum and said they’d made some kind of deal.” Normally, I’d try to cover up anything bad my mum has done, but I can’t do that. Not with Christopher and this situation.
“I won’t let anything happen to you. If I see him again, I won’t be holding back.” Usually, I’d tell him I can take care of myself, but now I’m realising Mr Lightwood might be more than I can handle.
“Okay.” We hug again.
“Stay here while I have a look around outside.”
I nod. He goes outside and reappears a few minutes later. “All clear,” he says.
“Back already?” My sister says with a smile when she comes to see what’s going on. I don’t want to scare her so I try to act normal.
“He can’t help himself,” I say.
He takes a second to catch on to what I’m doing before plastering a wide smile on his face. “Who could resist this gorgeous woman?”
He kisses me and Ainsley covers her eyes. “Okay. I’ll leave you guys to it.”
When she’s gone, Christopher says, “He must’ve left, but I think you should come stay with me tonight.”
“I can’t. What about Ainsley?”
“I mean both of you.”
I don’t want to spook my sister and it looks like Mr Lightwood has gone now. “No. We’ll be okay.” He has to be up early and doesn’t need us messing up his sleep.
“Well, I’m not leaving, then.” He caresses my side. If I tell him no, he’ll leave, but honestly, I don’t have the strength to turn him away.
“I thought you had to get up early for the farm?”
“I do, but I’ll make it work.”
“Thank you.” I’m grateful he’s willing to protect me, even if it means he’ll lose sleep. Christopher is so much more than I ever expected him to be.
Ainsley doesn’t notice anything is wrong when we sit and watch a little more TV. We don’t stay up too late, though. As we snuggle in bed, I feel at peace knowing we’re safe with Christopher here. Luckily, I don’t see Mr Lightwood at the house again.