Snowbound at the Manor

‘And when you say we’re going to watch the movie...’

‘I’m open to distractions. When you’re ready, if you’re ready.’

His hands came up to cup her behind, pulling her down more firmly on top of him, tipping her forward until her forehead rested against his.

‘But first, let’s eat,’ he said, pulling the blanket over her legs. And dropping a last kiss on her lips before he left through the door to the kitchen.

* * *

Thank God Jess’s hesitation earlier had forced him to slow down. Because if they hadn’t agreed to this breather, this chance to let the anticipation grow, he was pretty sure he would have lost his mind by now. But it was only a stay of execution; he didn’t think for a minute that they were both going to keep a lid on their self-control for much longer.

And he didn’t need to examine his feelings. They had both agreed that they weren’t letting feelings into whatever it was they were going to share while they were here.

He boiled some water for pasta. He’d stocked the freezer with a rich ragu sauce that would be perfect with tagliatelle and a grating of fresh parmesan.

Was he carb-loading them before a long night? All right, well, that wasn’t the worst idea he’d ever had. He’d had a lot of ideas, and had no intention of getting any sleep.

Jess wandered through to the kitchen and leaned against the doorframe. ‘That smells delicious. You were right. I absolutely need you to feed me.’

‘See. You should trust me.’

‘I do,’ she said, her voice losing its playful tone. ‘I trust you.’

He crossed the kitchen, throwing the tea towel he’d been using over his shoulder. Cupping both of her cheeks in his hands, he kissed her slowly, sinking them both against the doorframe.

‘Good. I’d never hurt you.’

‘I know.’ She hesitated though, and he knew there was more to that sentence.

‘But...’ he prompted.

‘No buts,’ Jess said. ‘These few days are what they are. It’s what we agreed. What we both want.’

‘If you’ve changed your mind—’ he started, before Jess interrupted.

‘I haven’t. Not about what I want. Not what about what I don’t want. I’m not sure what’s making me feel melancholy.’

‘Christmas blues? Are you missing your family? I know you said Christmas is hard with your parents. But sometimes the hard thing is still better than the...alternative thing.’

She rested her forehead against his chest and he threaded one hand into her hair, pulling the other tight around her waist.

‘I do miss them. It doesn’t make sense to be sad about it.’

‘What’s sense got to do with anything?’ he said into Jess’s hair. ‘If you’re sad, you’re sad. There’s nothing wrong with that.’

She looked up at him from under her fringe.

‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘You’re sweet.’

‘Hmm. Don’t tell anyone.’

She grinned.

‘Who would I tell?’

A timer went off behind them and Jess turned towards the noise. ‘Tell me I can eat whatever it is that smells so amazing.’

He smiled. ‘Why don’t you pour some wine?’ He gestured to where he’d left two glasses and a bottle on the table ‘And I’ll serve up.’